Shadow of the Mad King 2026 Arrives in Guild Wars 2, Running Until November 3

Shadow of the Mad King has returned to Guild Wars 2 for 2026, bringing eerie rewards and seasonal decorations. Players can earn the Primeval King's Wrappings headpiece and a choice of the Fog Machine weapon by completing the annual Halloween Rituals meta-achievement. Guild and housing decorations are also available from Deft Lahar in Lion's Arch, and the gem store has added autumn-themed items as well.

Entry to the Mad Realm starts with an Invitation to the Mad Realm, which arrives by in-game mail from Magister Tassi. Lion's Arch is the festival's main hub, reachable through portals in major cities for level 35+ characters or owners of a Guild Wars 2 expansion. Other players can use haunted doors in places like Shaemoor, Smokestead, Kessex Hills, and Gendarran Fields, where Lunatic Boatmasters can ferry them to the Mad Realm.

The festival offers a range of activities, from Mad King Thorn's timed commands in Lion's Arch to dungeon battles, a returning clock tower jumping puzzle, mounted races, and minigames. The event ends November 3, so there is still time to join in.