Guild Wars login announcements/Archive/2008

Wintersday 2008
Wintersday is coming to the Eye of the North. Festivities begin at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) on Friday, December 19. In addition to all the Wintersday fun to be had in Lion's Arch, Kamadan, and the snowball arena, this year the celebration comes to the Eye of the North with brand new quests and items. Go to www.guildwars.com for full details. Enjoy the fun through Noon Pacific on Monday, January 5th!
 * ''19 December 2008 - 5 January 2009

Special Treats Weekend
This holiday weekend, from Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) this Wednesday until 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday, November 30, you will find Slices of Pumpkin Pie and Hard Apple Cider as random drops throughout all the lands of Tyria!
 * 26 November - 30 November 2008

Heroes' Ascent Bonus Weekend
Compete in Heroes' Ascent this weekend to earn double fame and double Balthazar faction, plus double chest loot for victories in the Hall of Heroes. The fun starts at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) on Friday, and ends at 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday.
 * 21 November - 23 November 2008

Double Gold, Scrolls and XP for Vanquishing
Starting at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) this Friday, receive double the gold and experience rewards when you successfully vanquish certain areas in Hard Mode. In addition, we've doubled the drop rate of scrolls, and scroll effects will last twice as long as normal. These bonuses last through Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT).
 * 14 November - 16 November 2008

Alliance Battles Bonus Weekend
Starting at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) this Friday, you will earn double faction for participating in Alliance Battles. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday.
 * 7 November - 9 November 2008

Halloween Is Back
We're resurrecting Halloween! Beginning after the update on Thursday, November 6th, you can enjoy Halloween fun again with special items, collectors and the Costume Brawl. Even though Mad King Thorn will not be making a comeback, everything else will run until 11:59 Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday, November 9th.
 * 6 November - 9 November 2008

Halloween 2008
Our Halloween fun begins on Friday, October 24, Noon Pacific (-7 GMT). Keep your eyes open, if you dare, for a horde of special event collectors and monsters dropping trick-or-treat bags. Bring out your spookiness for the Costume Brawl. And, on Halloween, October 31, watch for Mad King Thorn, who'll be making a series of appearances! The fun doesn't end until November 2nd! For more information, visit www.guildwars.com.
 * 24 October - 2 November 2008

Hero Battles Offer Double Rewards
Hop into Hero Battles this weekend to earn double Balthazar faction and double commander title points. The double rewards will be offered from Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Friday, and last through Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT).
 * 17 October - 19 October 2008

Arena Bonus Weekend
Starting at noon (-7 GMT) Pacific Time this Friday, you can earn double faction and double Gladiator points within Team Arenas and Random Arenas. These double rewards extend through Sunday at 11:59 PM (-7 GMT) Pacific.
 * 3 October 2008 - 5 October 2008

Eye of the North Reputation Weekend Begins
Complete quests and defeat foes while under the effect of a shrine bonus this weekend to earn double Asura, Deldrimor, Ebon Vanguard, and Norn reputation points. Points for completed books are unaffected. This boost will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.
 * 26 September 2008 - 28 September 2008

Triple key/lockpick drops AND double your luck points
This weekend through Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT), you'll find plenty of keys and lockpicks with the triple drop rate. Plus, you'll get double lucky/unlucky points for using lockpicks on chests!
 * 29 August 2008 - 31 August 2008

Double XP for elite captures and double green item drop rate
Starting at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) this Friday, players will receive double experience for capturing elite skills. Instead of gaining 250 times their level in experience, players will receive 500 times their level in experience. Players will also have double the odds of receiving green items from bosses. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.
 * 15 August 2008 - 17 August 2008

Alliance Battle Bonus Weekend
Starting at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) this Friday, you will earn double faction for participating in Alliance Battles. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.

Hero Battles Offer Double Rewards
Hop into Hero Battles this weekend to earn double Balthazar faction and double commander title points. The double rewards will be offered from Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Friday, and last through Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT).
 * 25 July 2008 - 27 July 2008

Wintersday in July
This weekend, Wintersday Priests will open access to the Snowball Arena from Lion's Arch, Droknar's Forge, Ascalon City, Kamadan, and the Great Temple of Balthazar. For those who choose to stay out adventuring instead, there will also be special Wintersday-themed item drops from monsters across the land. Wintersday in July will begin at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) this Friday and last until 11:59PM Pacific on Sunday, July 20.
 * 18 July 2008 - 20 July 2008

Arena Bonus Weekend
Starting at noon (-7 GMT) Pacific Time this Friday, you can earn double faction and double Gladiator points within Team Arenas and Random Arenas. These double rewards extend through Sunday at 11:59 PM (-7 GMT) Pacific.
 * 11 July 2008 - 13 July 2008

Player Account Safety
We've noted a rise in attempted game account thefts. Account theft often results from risky account behavior (purchasing gold online, sharing accounts, using third-party programs, answering bogus emails, or having weak passwords). To protect yourself, use a complex password and change it regularly.
 * ? - ~11 July 2008

Cantha Commemorates the Dragon Festival
This weekend, Canthans celebrate the historic Dragon Festival. Enjoy quests and games and prizes, oh my! Visit the Boardwalk, jump into the Dragon Arena, score cool prizes, too. The event takes place in Shing Jea Monastery starting at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Thursday, July 3 and it wraps up at 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday, July 6.

GvG Double-Reward Weekend
GvG's the thing this weekend, when you can earn double GvG Faction and Double Champion Points starting Friday at Noon Pacific (-7GMT) through Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific.
 * 27 June 2008 - 29 June 2008

Account Security
Beware of a new scam where individuals or companies offer to place trades, sales, or contest prizes directly into a player's account. Remember: once someone has your username and password, your account is no longer secure. Do not share account info with anyone.
 * 25 June 2008

Eye of the North Reputation Weekend
Starting at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Friday, you will earn double Asura, Deldrimor, Ebon Vanguard, and Norn reputation points for completing quests and defeating foes while under the effects of a shrine bonus. Points for completed books are unaffected. This boost will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.
 * 20 June 2008 - 22 June 2008

Reminder About Purchasing Gold Online
As a reminder, buying and selling gold or items for cash is prohibited. If you purchase in-game gold or items, your account will be suspended and the gold or items you purchased will be removed from your account. Please read our policy on real-money transactions for more details. www.guildwars.com/support/rmt/rmt-en.php
 * 17 June 2008

Double Tournament Reward Points
Starting at 12:01 Pacific Time (-7 GMT) on Friday, you will earn double Tournament Reward Points for GvG and 1v1. This lasts until 11:59 PM (-7 GMT) on Sunday.
 * 13 June 2008 - 15 June 2008

Double faction in competitive missions
Starting at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) this Friday, players who own Factions will receive double Kurzick and Luxon Factions for competing in the Jade Quarry and Fort Aspenwood competitive missions. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.
 * 6 June 2008 - 8 June 2008

Reminder About Purchasing Gold Online
As a reminder, buying and selling gold or items for cash is prohibited. If you purchase in-game gold or items, your account will be suspended and the gold or items you purchased will be removed from your account. Please read our policy on real-money transactions for more details. www.guildwars.com/support/rmt/rmt-en.php


 * 15 April 2008 - 4th June 2008

Heroes' Ascent Bonus Weekend
Compete in Heroes' Ascent this weekend to earn double fame and double Balthazar faction, plus double chest loot for victories in the Hall of Heroes. The fun starts at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Friday, and ends at 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.
 * 30 May - 1st June 2008

Triple key/lockpick drops AND double lucky/unlucky points
This weekend through Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific (-7GMT), you'll find plenty of keys and lockpicks with the triple drop rate. Plus, you'll get double lucky/unlucky points for using lockpicks on chests!
 * 23 - 25 May 2008

Alliance Battle Bonus Weekend
Starting at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) this Friday, you will earn double faction for participating in Alliance Battles. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM (-7 GMT) Pacific time on Sunday.
 * 16 - 18 May 2008

Double XP for Elite Captures
This weekend you will receive double XP for each Elite Skill that you capture. This experience boost will start at Noon (-7 GMT) Pacific time this Friday, and will extend through 11:59 PM (-7 GMT) Pacific Time on Sunday.
 * 9 - 11 May 2008

Hero Battles Offer Double Rewards
Hop into Hero Battles this weekend to earn double Balthazar faction and double commander title points. The double rewards will be offered through 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.
 * 2 - 4 May 2008

Happy 3rd Anniversary, Guild Wars!
To celebrate the third anniversary of Guild Wars, we will be holding a special weekend event from Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Friday, April 25th through Noon Pacific on Tuesday, April 29th. Enjoy Rollerbeetle Racing, the Dragon Arena, and the Shing Jea Boardwalk, as well as in-game drops of birthday cupcakes. And for those with characters turning three, watch for your special Birthday Present, too!
 * 24 - 29 April 2008

Arena Bonuses this Weekend
You can earn double faction and double Gladiator Points within Team and Random Arenas this weekend. The double rewards last through Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific.


 * 18 - 20 April 2008

GvG Double-Reward Weekend
Head over to your guild hall and kick off a GvG match to earn double GvG Faction and Double Champion Points through Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT).


 * 11 - 13 April 2008

Players: Protect Your Account
Avoid account theft! Do not purchase or sell used Guild Wars accounts, do not allow others to access your account, and do not download third-party programs.
 * This is the old and shorter version of the warning which was replaced on 9 April 2008.

Bon Voyage, Gaile!
To recognize her many years of devoted service to Guild Wars and the Guild Wars community, we're inviting fans to an in-game farewell party for our community relations manager, Gaile Gray. Starting at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Saturday and concluding at Noon Pacific on Monday, The Frog, will make an appearance every three hours in the three festival cities. Get more details on www.guildwars.com, see you at the party!
 * 4 - 7 April 2008

Heroes' Ascent Bonus Weekend
Compete in Heroes' Ascent this weekend to earn double fame and double Balthazar Faction, plus double chest loot for victories in the Hall of Heroes. The fun starts at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Friday and ends at 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.
 * 28 - 30 March 2008

Sweet Treat Weekend
This weekend, from noon (-7 GMT) this Friday until 11:59 PM Pacific on sunday March 23, you will get a double dose of springtime goodness with random drops of Chocolate Bunnies and Golden Eggs in all of the lands of Tyria.
 * 21 - 23 March 2008

Special Items This Weekend
This weekend, from Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) this Friday until 11:59 PM Pacific Monday, March 17, you will find Shamrock Ale and Four-Leaf Clovers as random drops throughout all the lands of Tyria. Enjoy the weekend, and remember: think green!
 * 14 - 17 March 2008

Double Tournament Reward Points
Starting at 12:01 Pacific Time (-8 GMT) on Friday, you will receive double Tournament Reward Points for participating in Automated Tournaments for both GvG and 1v1. This increase will last until 11:59 PM (-8 GMT) on Sunday.
 * 7 - 9 March 2008

Eye of the North Reputation Weekend
Starting at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) this Friday, you will earn double Asura, Deldrimor, Ebon Vanguard, and Norn reputation points for completing quests and defeating foes while under the effects of a shrine bonus. Points for completing books are unaffected. This boost will last through 11:59 Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday.
 * 29 February - 2 March 2008

Alliance Battles Bonus Weekend
Starting at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) this Friday, you will earn double faction for participating in Alliance Battles. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday.
 * 22 - 24 February 2008

Hero Battles Offer Double Rewards
Hop into Hero Battles this weekend to earn double Balthazar faction and double commander title points. The double rewards will be offered from Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) on Friday, and last through Sunday at 11:59 Pacific (-8 GMT).
 * 12 - 17 February 2008

Canthan New Year Coming!
Join us in Cantha this weekend to celebrate the Canthan New Year Festival. Decorations will be placed in Lion's Arch, Kamadan, and Shing Jea Monastery tomorrow. The event will start in Shing Jea Monastery at Noon Pacific time (-8 GMT) on Friday, February 8, and will conclude at Noon on Monday, February 11.
 * 4 - 11 February 2008

Canthan New Year!
Join us this weekend as we celebrate the Canthan New Year Festival. Decorations will be hung in Lion's Arch, Kamadan, and Shing Jea Monastery. The event will start in Shing Jea Monastery at Noon Pacific time (-8 GMT) on Friday, January 30, and will conclude at Noon on Monday, February 2.

Double Gold and XP for Vanquishing
Starting at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) this Friday, you will receive double gold and experience rewards for successfully vanquishing an explorable areasbad grammar [sic] while in Hard Mode. This bonus will last through Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT).
 * 1 - 3 February 2008

Double Sunspear & Lightbringer Points
This weekend, get double Sunspear and Lightbringer points in both Hard Mode and regular gameplay. Obtain the bounty from a res shrine NPC and double your reward from Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) on Friday through 11:59 PM (-8 GMT) Pacific on Sunday.
 * 18 - 20 January 2008