Ghostly greetings to all! Shadow of the Mad King begins today, and with it three whole fang-tastic weeks of trick-or-treating. New to Guild Wars 2? Forgotten how to navigate the labyrinth? We’ve got your spine…err…back! The guide below has everything you need to know.
Where to Go
First, check your in-game mail for a letter from Magister Tassi containing an Invitation to the Mad Realm. Use this item to travel back and forth between Tyria and the Mad King’s Labyrinth.
Lion’s Arch is Tyria’s Halloween celebration headquarters. Asura gate portals to Lion’s Arch are available in major cities and can be used by any player who has purchased a Guild Wars 2 expansion or is at least level 35.
Players without access to Lion’s Arch can travel to the Mad Realm from the Village of Shaemoor in Queensdale, the Village of Smokestead in the Plains of Ashford, Snowlord’s Gate in the Wayfarer Foothills, the Village of Astorea in Caledon Forest, and Soren Draa in Metrica Province. These locations are outside each starting city’s main gate. Run to the candy corn icon on your map and speak to a Lunatic Boatmaster guarding a haunted door, and they’ll whisk you away to your choice of eerie activities.
Haunted doors will also appear in Kessex Hills and Gendarran Fields throughout the event. Interact with the doors to trick-or-treat!
What to Do
During Halloween, King Oswald Thorn’s capricious spirit can manifest in Tyria—and Tyria’s citizens can cross into Thorn’s Mad Realm.
Lion’s Arch
The city of Lion’s Arch is transformed with scary decorations and a gloomy autumn glow! Every two hours, Mad King Thorn will gather his “subjects” (anyone within shouting distance) to play a game. Perform the emotes he commands you to—but only if he calls out, “Your Mad King says.” If you do well, you’ll receive keys to unlock the Mad King’s Chest.
The Grand Piazza also features seasonal vendors and doors to Shadow of the Mad King activities.
The Mad Realm
Mad King’s Labyrinth
Battle hordes of Halloween creatures, race your mounts, and trick-or-treat at haunted doors through the twists and turns of a macabre maze. It’s a great way to gain experience for your characters and Trick-or-Treat Bags full of goodies, especially if you team up with other players to explore. Stay on your toes, though—powerful enemies like the Grand High Viscount of Candy Corn, the legendary Skeletal Lich, and the Labyrinthine Horror will make nougat of the unwary.
Mad King’s Clock Tower
Hop to the top of a vicious timed jumping puzzle before the deadly miasma below makes its way to you.
Ascent to Madness
Face Mad King Thorn himself! This dungeon encounter is intended for players of all skill levels and can be entered from Lion’s Arch.
Mad King’s Raceway
Take your mounts out for a spin in time trials and races against other players. Springer, jackal, and roller beetle rentals are available if you need a steed.
Minigames
Speak to a Lunatic Boatmaster to participate in Reaper’s Rumble or Lunatic Inquisition.
Rewards
Become the spookiest ghoul in the Labyrinth…or die trying. Hahaha-HA! (It’s okay, you can just waypoint.) Shadow of the Mad King activities award Trick-or-Treat Bags containing a vast selection of Halloween goods. The primary currency is candy corn, which can be traded to special vendors for minis, armor skins, recipes, and more.
Many unique rewards are obtained by completing achievements. You’ll find information on the Shadow of the Mad King achievements and their rewards in your Hero panel under the Daily and Festivals categories.
New Equipment Skins
Weapons heavy with rattling chains, clawed gloves emerging from the darkness—this year, we’ve got everything. Complete the annual Halloween Rituals achievement to obtain them.
- Chained Chest (Tier 1)
- Clawing Shadow Gloves Box (Tier 2)
Clear your way with a terrifyingly beautiful candlestick or become the headless gourmet chef of wild pumpkins. New exotic weapons can be found in the Courtly Weapon Chest or purchased with Candy Corn Cobs from Sparking Stone in Lion’s Arch.
- Nightmare Splitter Axe
- Harvester’s Grin Staff
- Pale Light’s Companion Torch
Candy Corn Exchange
What’s Halloween without a candy corn extravaganza, right? Use your delicious treats to get new miniatures, traditional Halloween rewards, and more!
- Mini Fluffy Black Cat
- Mini Black Labrador
Happy Haunting, Tyrians!
