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First major Guild Wars 2 content patch is Shadow of the Mad King

Coming 22nd October and themed around Halloween.

What's he mooning about?

Guild Wars 2's first major content patch is nearly ready. It's the Halloween-themed Shadow of the Mad King and it's due out on 22nd October.

Players of Guild Wars 1 will know ArenaNet likes to go a wee bit overboard for Halloween.

"Halloween has a long history in Tyria, and in times past was always marked by the spirit of Mad King Thorn cavorting among the people unleashing his own brand of insanity," wrote ArenaNet. "However, it's been over 250 years since he was last seen, and for most people he is merely a figure of folklore. Despite this, rumours persist among the populace that something wicked this way comes."

For a week, Tyria will be transformed with Halloween decorations, new mini-games and dynamic events. It's also "the time when barriers between realms are weakest", teased ArenaNet. "Be prepared for an epic adventure in four acts starting 22nd October and running until 31st October."

Judging by a screenshot of a Halloween-decorated town/city, you're in a for a visual feast.

Evon Gnashblade of the Black Lion Trading Company will be stocking Halloween costumes and transforms that will allow you to play Costume Brawl with each other.

The Shadow of the Mad King patch will also bring paid structured PVP tournaments, which we covered in a separate post, as well as general new events, jumping puzzles, bosses, mini-dungeons and achievements.

That broad overview is all that's available so far.