It’s summertime, and Dragon Bash is still going strong! While you’re watching the fireworks and snacking on zhaitaffy, here’s a glimpse at what’s coming to Tyria in the weeks ahead.

Updates from the Guild Wars 2 Development Team

Living World
The next episode of The Icebrood Saga arrives at the end of July. If you’re feeling an unseasonable chill in the air, it may mean a trailer is on the way next week…

Like the previous episode, “No Quarter,” the upcoming episode will initially be released without voice acting. We plan to record and implement voice acting for any episodes impacted by COVID-19 precautions once it’s safe for our employees and voice talent to gather for recording sessions.

Festivals
Festival of the Four Winds is planned for the first half of August. Kick back and relax in the beautiful Labyrinthine Cliffs if you need to cool down—or heat things up with battles in the Crown Pavilion. No matter what you choose to do on your summer vacation, the festival will feature traditional activities, annual achievements, and new rewards.

Anniversary
It’s nearly time to celebrate the eighth anniversary of Guild Wars 2‘s release! Every character receives an annual present on their birthday—the day they were created—packed with valuable and unique items. The oldest Guild Wars 2 characters were created during the launch’s early access period in 2012, and they will begin receiving their eighth birthday gifts on 25 August.

Of course, not all gifts can be neatly wrapped and delivered to your inbox by your favorite mail carrier, and we’ve got some surprises in store as well! Here’s a hint: maybe you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but one of your mounts is harboring an undiscovered talent…

New Mountain Fractal
Dust off your best mountain-climbing boots for a journey to beautiful and treacherous heights. A new fractal is on the way in September—keep an eye out for more information as the release date draws closer!