19 gruodžio, 2025
With the holiday season upon us, the studio is preparing to take a short break to recharge, spend time with our loved ones, and of course, complete our annual Wintersday achievements. Before we log off for the season, we want to take a moment to reflect on the year we’ve shared and express our gratitude for the incredible Guild Wars 2® community.
Another Landmark Year
We have a lot to be thankful for this year, and the release of Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity™, our sixth expansion, stands as one of the accomplishments we’re most proud of as a studio. The team poured their hearts into this release, and it’s been gratifying to see how strongly the community has responded to the changes and improvements we introduced with this expansion.
At this point in its release cycle, Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity has already outperformed Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds™ from a sales perspective, and the momentum from the expansion’s release has helped grow the game, generally speaking. In recent months, we’ve seen periods where more new players joined us than at any point since our 2022 Steam debut (which itself was a high-water mark). Veteran players have been returning in droves, and overall player activity is higher now than it has been in years. It’s been energizing to see momentum like this, and it’s exceeded our expectations in nearly every way.
This year also marked two big anniversaries for us—the 25th anniversary of ArenaNet and the 20th anniversary of the original Guild Wars®. Reaching those milestones while Guild Wars 2 itself is thriving feels especially significant. In celebration, we released a studio retrospective documentary in partnership with Second Wind, tracing our journey from the earliest days of ArenaNet to the world we build together today, a reminder of where we began and how far we’ve come. If you haven’t had a chance to watch it, you can check it out here.
At the same time, we announced Guild Wars Reforged, a renewed commitment to supporting the original Guild Wars game with a bundle that includes all three classic campaigns in a refreshed package with updated UI, modern platform support, and improved accessibility for returning and new players alike. It’s our way of honoring the legacy of the franchise and welcoming both veterans and fresh faces back to the world that started it all. You can learn more about Guild Wars Reforged here.
This year, we also explored new, bolder ways to introduce Guild Wars 2 to a wider audience. In June, we partnered with Summer Games Fest to showcase the game on one of the biggest stages in the industry, and just last week we premiered a new trailer during the preshow of The Game Awards, the premiere event in global gaming, reaching millions of viewers around the world. It was a proud moment for all of us and a wonderful opportunity to showcase Tyria on a truly global stage. If you missed it, you can watch the new trailer below:
Having those anniversaries, the documentary, and Guild Wars Reforged land during a year of resurgence, driven by Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity, makes this one of the most meaningful chapters in Guild Wars history. It reminds us: our story isn’t just about today, but about a legacy that continues to evolve.
To everyone experiencing Guild Wars Reforged or Guild Wars 2 for the first time, returning after time away, or continuing your long journey with us: thank you for making this world and this community feel so vibrant.
Looking Ahead to Early 2026
The team is hard at work on the upcoming quarterly releases for Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity, and we’ll be sharing more details, and our next quarterly roadmap, around the release of Quarterly Release 1 early next year. In the meantime, here are some key dates to look forward to:
- December 9–January 2: Wintersday Festival
- January 13: Skills and Balance Update
- January 13–20: Fractal Rush
- January 20–27: WvW Rush
- February 3: Guild Wars 2: Visions of Eternity Quarterly Release 1
- New Raid Encounter
- Raid/Strike System Unification with Quickplay
- Fashion Templates
- Wizard’s Vault Update
- New Legendary Ring
Speaking of the new legendary ring, here’s a little tease of the visuals that come with wearing it:
Thank you for an incredible 2025. See you in the new year, and happy Wintersday!
—Josh Davis, Game Director, Guild Wars 2
GuildWars2.com
11 gruodžio, 2025
What better way to close out one year and celebrate the next than with an epic adventure? Our Year-End Sale features price reductions on past Guild Wars 2® expansions, plus the Complete Collection that bundles them together:
- Expansion 5—Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds™ (Standard & Deluxe Editions)—20% Off
- Expansion 4—Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure™ (Standard & Deluxe Editions)—30% Off
- Expansion 3—Guild Wars 2: End of Dragons® (Standard & Deluxe Editions)—40% Off
- Expansions 1 and 2—Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns® and Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire®—60% Off
- Guild Wars 2—The Elder Dragon Saga Complete Collection (Complete, Deluxe & Standard Editions)—50% Off
The sale will be available through the Guild Wars 2 store and third-party retailers from December 11 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific (UTC-8) until December 18 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific (UTC-8). It will also be available on the Epic Games Store from December 11 at 8 a.m. Pacific (UTC-8) until January 8, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific (UTC-8).
This sale is not currently available on Steam, but check back soon—Steam discounts begin December 18 at 10:00 a.m. Pacific (UTC-8).
Third-Party Retailers
Our expansion sales are also available from the following third-party retailers:
Americas:
Europe:
GuildWars2.com
9 gruodžio, 2025
Gingerbread Homestead Package
Get ready to celebrate the coziest holiday in the Tyrian calendar by building your very own gingerbread house. Your guests can enjoy the sweet aroma of Wintersday’s baked goods and maybe indulge in taking a bite. The Gingerbread Homestead Package includes one of each decoration and will unlock crafting recipes for all the items. This bundle is available for 800 gems and contains the following decorative pieces:
- Gingerbread Wall
- Gingerbread Roof
- Gingerbread Gable
- Gingerbread Window
- Gingerbread Doorway
- Gingerbread Door
- Gingerbread Friend
- Gingerbread Candy Bush
- Gingerbread Frosting Trim
Introducing the Guild Wars 2® Starter Pack
Put some spring into your step with this collection of unlocks and upgrades! Unlock the basic raptor mount and gliding functionality; plus, open up more inventory and storage space. A Total Makeover Kit rounds out the package, allowing you to change your character’s gender and appearance once.
The Guild Wars 2 Starter Pack is available now for $19.99 / €19.99 / £17.99 and includes the following items:
- Raptor Mount Unlock
- Basic Gliding Unlock
- Bank Tab Expansion*
- Upgraded Bag Slot Expansion
- Total Makeover Kit
*Please note: The Bank Tab Expansion does not increase the account’s bank slot limit. The Guild Wars 2 Starter Pack is nonrefundable and only one code can be redeemed per account.
Purchasing the Guild Wars 2 Starter Pack also converts free accounts to core Guild Wars 2 accounts with additional benefits.
Black Lion Chest Update: Steam Reflections Chest
Inside each chest, you’re guaranteed to find a redeemable Black Lion Statuette, the Evon Gnashblade Wintersday Gift, and two common items. You also have a chance to find something rarer in the fifth slot, including special items, glyphs, and skins from the Reflective Koi Weapon Collection and the Fox Fire Weapon Collection.
Exclusive Item: Steam-Powered Legwear Package
The best Tyrian prosthetists created this intricate design. The steam engines and elegant style are eye-catching, making it a gorgeous, practical item, fitting for both the battlefield and your dance classes. The Steam-powered Legwear Package includes the Steam-Powered Legwear (Left) Skin and Steam-Powered Legwear (Right) Skin and is a new, exclusive drop from Black Lion Chests.
What’s in Stock
Let’s get ready for another in-stock shuffling! Starting Friday, December 12, our lovely outfits will be 20% off until December 26. Make sure to check out some of our favorite skins: Fox Fire Outfit, Astral Scholar Outfit, Winter Monarch Outfit, Dynamics Exo-Suit Outfit, and Magical Outfit.
Returning This Week
Discounts this week contain a multitude of different items to expand your account! From today until December 16, Material Storage Expanders, Recharging Teleport to Friend, Black Lion Expedition contract boards, and Black Lion Garden Plot Deeds are available at a 20% discount.
Available Now in the Gem Store!
Log into Guild Wars 2 and press ‘O’ to access the Black Lion Trading Company for these great offers and more!
GuildWars2.com
9 gruodžio, 2025
“Wintersday, O Wintersday
Time to give some gifts away!
Let’s all have a snowball fight—
We’ll laugh and play ’til late at night
Jump ‘cross candy, race down streets,
Find some kids to give a treat,
Ring the bells and fix the toys—
Revel in each of Wintersday’s joys!”
It’s the coziest time in the Tyrian calendar—Wintersday has come again! From now until January 2, players of any level can enjoy partaking in traditional Wintersday games and entertainments while earning seasonal rewards. Check out the full release notes for all the details, and head to Divinity’s Reach in the game when you’re ready to experience the magic for yourself.
Festive Rewards
Wintersday activities award Wintersday gifts containing an assortment of holiday treats and surprises. Festival currency includes snowflakes, snow diamonds, and karma, which you can exchange for minis, new Wintersday-themed guild hall decorations, recipes, tonics, and more. New to the reward lineup this year is the chillingly cute Plush Jorms Backpack and the Mini Plush Tiger.
Winter Snow Goggles await all those who finish off the festival meta-achievement, and you can complete the refreshed annual meta-achievement or weekly achievements to earn your choice of a Sugardrift weapon.
The Wizard’s Vault also has new special objectives directing you toward all sorts of Wintersday activities. Earn that astral acclaim and collect your rewards!
Getting Started
A letter from Toymaker Tixx should already be in your in-game mailbox, offering a handy invitation that will teleport you straight to Divinity’s Reach. Portals in major cities like Lion’s Arch and Hoelbrak also lead to the bustling heart of the festival.
Visit locations marked by peppermint candies on your map to participate in Wintersday activities. Don’t forget to visit Wintersday trees and Toymaker Tixx himself each day to collect gifts.
You’ll also receive a letter from Orphan Laine, who needs your help with a scavenger hunt. The hunt will require you to travel to some areas intended for level-80 players, but once you’ve unlocked it, you can complete it at any time, even after Wintersday ends.
And for adventurers roaming Central Tyria, keep an eye out for enormous, mysterious presents that hide holiday surprises—and sometimes mischievous skritt!
Festive Traditions
Bell Choir Ensemble
Join the Bell Maestro in the enchanted snow globe for a collaborative rhythm game! Play iconic songs alongside fellow Tyrians to earn karma, Wintersday gifts, and more. Speak to the Bell Maestro near the Royal Terrace in Divinity’s Reach and enter the enchanted snow globe to take part!
Donation Drive
Speak with the Charity Corps Seraph in the Crown Pavilion to purchase rolls of wrapping paper. These rolls can be combined with various items earned from Wintersday activities to create wrapped gifts. Give these gifts to orphans throughout Divinity’s Reach and get some well-earned karma for your good deeds.
Mount Racing
Speed through the snowy streets of Divinity’s Reach in the mount race! Even if you don’t own a mount, you can rent a raptor for just 10 silver.
Snowball Mayhem
Enter a snow-covered battlefield for a capture-the-flag-style brawl. Choose your role—supporter, heavy gunner, or scout—and help your team collect Wintersday gifts to claim victory. Speak with the festive Lionguard near the Royal Terrace in Divinity’s Reach to enter and choose your role!
Strike Mission: Secret Lair of the Snowmen
Assemble a squad and enter the portal southwest of the Crown Pavilion to take on Freezie himself! Heal his frozen heart in this epic Strike Mission, available to players at level 80.
Tixx’s Infinirarium
Help Toymaker Tixx keep his workshop running smoothly in this dynamic dungeon. Team up and work together to tackle malfunctioning toys and haywire machinery. Enter Toymaker Tixx’s airship from the candy cane portal just west of the Crown Pavilion to assist the asura craftsman.
Toypocalypse
Team up with friends to defend Tixx’s gift dolyaks from waves of mischievous malfunctioning toys in this tower defense-style challenge. Speak to the toy captain just south of the Crown Pavilion in Divinity’s Reach to enter this game mode.
Winter Wonderland
For jumping puzzle enthusiasts, Winter Wonderland offers a frosty challenge. Choose one of three paths, dodge exploding presents, and leap across melting snowflakes to claim your reward! Speak to the festive youth at the Crown Pavilion to enter.
Warm Wishes
As the nights grow longer and the temperatures drop, we have even more reason to be grateful for the things in our lives that bring us light and warmth. We remain deeply appreciative of the Guild Wars 2 community and all the joy you bring to us and to the world. May your time in Tyria ever feel like home, and may you make memories here that you cherish.
GuildWars2.com
Gwynn