TL;DR
- Shadow of the Mad King returns October 17, 2017 with Halloween festivities throughout Tyria
- Master the Mad King’s Labyrinth trick-or-treating and Lunatic Inquisition PvP mode
- Defeat King Oswald Thorn in his challenging boss encounter with unique mechanics
- Conquer the notoriously difficult Clock Tower jumping puzzle for exclusive rewards
- Collect new armor skins, weapon skins, and seasonal items available only during the event
Shadow of the Mad King, Guild Wars 2’s signature Halloween celebration, makes its annual return filled with macabre adventures, spine-chilling combat encounters, and seasonal merriment. As a dedicated GW2 Gold provider, MmoGah offers comprehensive insights for Guild Wars 2 enthusiasts seeking to maximize their festive experience.
Beginning October 17, 2017
Join fellow adventurers and residents of Lion’s Arch as they embrace another season of deceptive pranks, delicious confections, and cringe-worthy punchlines. The event typically runs for approximately three weeks, giving players ample time to experience all content. Plan your gaming sessions accordingly to ensure you don’t miss limited-time activities.

Do you possess the courage to venture into the treacherous Mad King’s Labyrinth for traditional trick-or-treating? Approach the ominous haunted portals cautiously, but remain vigilant against the gruesome creatures stalking the corridors. When the Labyrinth’s infinite minions fail to satisfy your combat appetite, engage in competitive player-versus-player action through Lunatic Inquisition.
Pro Tip: Always move in groups through the labyrinth’s central areas where monster density peaks. Solo players should stick to perimeter paths during peak hours. The Lunatic Inquisition mode functions similarly to classic infection games – as a monk, use environmental awareness to evade pursuers; as an inquisitor, coordinate with teammates to corner targets.

Venture deep into the Mad King’s inner sanctum for a direct confrontation with the monarch himself, King Oswald Thorn. Maintain constant vigilance—the cunning sovereign conceals lethal surprises within his repertoire. Accommodate the ruler’s unpredictable fancies, and you might emerge victorious from the encounter.
Advanced Strategy: The boss battle incorporates phase transitions where Thorn employs different attack patterns. During his comedy phase, avoid standing in designated joke areas; in his tragedy phase, watch for telegraphed area-of-effect attacks. Successful completion grants access to exclusive weapon skins and achievement points.

The Mad King’s Clock Tower
Compete against the relentless clock within the Mad King’s Clock Tower, renowned as Tyria’s most ghost-ridden platforming challenge! Traverse the disintegrating remains of the timepiece structure, but maintain perfect footing—a single misstep could plunge you into the ascending surge of terror. Can you overcome its merciless design?
Common Mistake: Many players rush through the puzzle and miss crucial timing windows. The key is rhythmic movement rather than speed. Practice the initial sections repeatedly until muscle memory develops. Average completion time for first-time successful attempts ranges from 15-30 minutes.

Lion’s Arch Festivities
Immerse yourself in the eerie ambiance of Lion’s Arch, but exercise moderation with candy corn consumption to avoid illness. The monarch in person—accompanied by his dreadful comedic timing—will maintain his customary emergence to host Mad King Says.
What Halloween celebration would be complete without corresponding gifts accompanying the deceptions? Acquire terrifying new armor appearances, weapon cosmetics, and additional prizes to sustain the seasonal enthusiasm throughout the entire calendar.
Reward Optimization: Focus on completing daily achievements for maximum currency acquisition. The Mad King Says event occurs hourly and provides substantial rewards for attentive participants. Seasonal weapon skins typically require extensive farming or trading – consider our Weapons Unlock guide for efficient collection strategies.


Action Checklist
- Complete Mad King’s Labyrinth daily for trick-or-treat bags and experience
- Participate in Lunatic Inquisition PvP matches for additional rewards
- Defeat King Oswald Thorn in his boss encounter
- Master the Clock Tower jumping puzzle through repeated practice
- Collect all seasonal armor and weapon skins before event conclusion
No reproduction without permission:OnLineGames Guides » Guild Wars 2: Shadow of the Mad King is Live Complete guide to Guild Wars 2's Shadow of the Mad King Halloween event with strategies, rewards, and expert tips
