The King and Queen’s Horrorween returns to Guild Wars 2, and it’s the 20th Anniversary — the oldest community event in the free-to-play MMORPG’s franchise. Hosted by Daniel Frozenwind and Mad Queen Malafide, it honors the legacy of Halloween festivities that began in Guild Wars 1. The celebration takes place October 24 in Guild Wars 1’s Lion’s Arch and October 25 in Guild Wars 2’s Black Citadel and Lion’s Arch, with coordination through a dedicated Discord channel.
This year’s story, “Back to the Ball,” follows the discovery of a mysterious Ascalonian relic known as the Rift Jockey — an artifact capable of traveling through The Mists. When the Lunatic Court attempts to use it to free Mad King Thorn, players must join the royal hosts in a five-act adventure that includes haunted excavations, masquerade balls, and a finale that resets the Horrorween cycle across time.
ArenaNet is sponsoring the anniversary with over 40,000 Gems, community chests, and player-donated Legendary weapons and gold. Fan-favorite events return, including a live concert, roller beetle racing, the Moa Derby, the Grand Masquerade Ball costume contest, and a grand fireworks finale. One lucky participant will even earn the legendary greatsword Eternity.