Guild Wars login announcements/Archive

This is an archive of older in-game announcements for this year. See the main announcement page for the current ones, and the 2007 and 2008 archives for older announcements.

One Week Only 50% Off Bonus Mission Pack
Our six-week anniversary sale continues with 50% off the Bonus Mission Pack until May 19. A new item(s) goes on sale each Thursday at noon Pacific until June 9, 2011.

One Week Only 50% Off Storage Panes
Our six-week anniversary sale continues with 50% off Storage Panes until May 12. A new item(s) goes on sale each Thursday at noon Pacific until June 9, 2011.

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.

Eye of the North Reputation Weekend &mdash; 6 May 2011
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 (-8 GMT) on Sunday.

Happy 6th Anniversary, Guild Wars! &mdash; 28 April 2011
To celebrate the sixth anniversary of Guild wars, we will be holding a special weekend event from Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Thursday, April 28 through Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Friday, May 6. For more information on the festivities, check out the official website http://www.guildwars.com/.

Codex Arena Bonus Weekend &mdash; 15 April 2011
Enter the Codex Arena this weekend and earn double Balthazar faction points! You also gain double honor points for consecutive victories! The Codex Arena bonus weekend begins at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Friday and runs until Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT).

Double XP for elite captures and double green item drop rate &mdash; 1 April 2011
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 odds of receiving green items from bosses. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.

Register for Guild Wars Guru Tourney!
Registration for Guild Wars Guru's 2011 GvG Championship Series is open until April 4! Head to the Guild Wars Guru forums for more information on how to participate!

Double Sunspear and 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 on Friday (25 March) through 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday (27 March).

Double faction in competitive missions &mdash; 4 March 2011
Starting at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) this Friday, players who own Factions will receive double Kurzick and Luxon Faction for competing in the Jade Quarry and Fort Aspenwood competitive missions. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday.


 * Guild Wiki note: ANet originally (and mistakenly) announced the event as an EotN reputation weekend; the text was corrected on Friday, 4 March.

Double Luxon and Kurzick title points &mdash; 23 February 2011
Starting at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) this Friday, you will receive double points for exchanging 5,000 faction for Jadeite or Amber, for exchanging 3,000 faction for an alliance skill, and for transferring 5,000 faction to raise your alliance's reputation. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday.

Heroes' Ascent Bonus Weekend &mdash; 18 February 2011
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.

Codex Arena Bonus Weekend &mdash; 11 February 2011
Enter the Codex Arena this weekend and earn double Balthazar faction points! You also gain double honor points for consecutive victories! The Codex Arena bonus weekend begins at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) on Friday and runs until Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT).

Canthan New Year! &mdash; 3 February 2011
The Canthan New Year is here! Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit in Shing Jea Monastery from Feb 3 to Feb 7.

Triple key/lockpick drops AND double your luck points &mdash; 28 January 2011
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.

Alliance Battles Bonus Weekend &mdash; 21 January 2011
Starting at Noon Pacific this Friday, you will earn double faction for participating in Alliance Battles. This boost will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday.

Eye of the North Reputation Weekend &mdash; 14 January 2011
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 (-8 GMT) on Sunday.

Wintersday is Coming! &mdash; 16 December 2010
Beginning at 2 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Thursday, December 16, you can enjoy lots of Wintersday Festival fun, including special quests and activities, seasonal items, the Snowball Arena, and more. Get details on www.guildwars.com and join the event through January 4!

Double faction in competitive missions &mdash; 1 December 2010
Starting at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) this Friday, players who own Factions will receive double Kurzick and Luxon Faction for competing in the Jade Quarry and Fort Aspenwood competitive missions. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday.

Special Treats Weekend &mdash; 24 November 2010

 * This holiday weekend, from Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) this Wednesday until 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday, November 28, you will find Slices of Pumpkin Pie and Hard Apple Cider as random drops throughout all the lands of Tyria!

Heroes' Ascent Bonus Weekend &mdash; 19 November 2010
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.

Double XP for elite captures and double green item drop rate &mdash; 13 November 2010
Starting at Noon Pacific (-8 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 odds of receiving green items from bosses. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday.

Codex Arena Bonus Weekend &mdash; 5 November 2010
Enter the Codex Arena this weekend and earn double Balthazar faction points! You also gain double honor points for consecutive victories! The Codex Arena bonus weekend begins at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Friday and runs until Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT).

Halloween 2010 &mdash; 21 October 2010
Starting Thursday, October 21, at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) the celebration begins with creepy consumable items, brand-new quests, the annual Costume Brawl, and an appearance by Mad King Thorn himself on October 31st! The fun doesn't end until November 2! For more information, visit www.guildwars.com.

Alliance Battles Bonus Weekend &mdash; 15 October 2010
Starting at Noon Pacific this Friday, you will earn double faction for participating in Alliance Battles. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday.

Arena Bonus Weekend &mdash; 8 October 2010
Starting at Noon (-7 GMT) Pacific time this Friday, you can earn double faction and double Gladiator Points within Random Arena. [sic] These double rewards extend through Sunday at 11:59 PM (-7 GMT) Pacific.

Double Gold, Scrolls and XP for Vanquishing &mdash; 1 October 2010
Starting at Noon Pacific (-7 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 (-7 GMT).


 * GWiki Note: Although not mentioned in the announcement, you will earn double faction/reputation after vanquishing relevant areas during this event.

GvG Double-Reward Weekend &mdash; 24 September 2010
GvG's the thing this weekend, when you can earn double GvG Faction and Double [sic] Champion Points starting Friday at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) through Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific.

Talk Like a Pirate Event &mdash; 17 September 2010
Avast! Starting at noon Pacific (-7 GMT) this Friday, NPCs in Lion's Arch and Kamadan will talk like salty sea dogs. The Talk Like a Pirate Event will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Tuesday. Arrh!

Double Sunspear & Lightbringer Points &mdash; 10 September 2010
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 on Friday through 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday.

Double faction in competitive missions &mdash; 3 September 2010
Starting at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) this Friday, players who own Factions will receive double Kurzick and Luxon Faction for competing in the Jade Quarry and Fort Aspenwood competitive missions. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.

Triple key/lockpick drops AND double your luck points &mdash; 27 August 2010
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.

Heroes' Ascent Bonus Weekend &mdash; 20 August 2010
Compete in Heroes' Ascent this weekend to earn double fame and double Faction (Balthazar), plus double chest loot for victories in the 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.

Double Luxon and Kurzick Title Points &mdash; 13 August 2010
Starting at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) this Friday, you will receive double points for exchanging 5,000 faction for Jadeite or Amber, for exchanging 3,000 faction for an alliance skill, and for transferring 5,000 faction to raise your alliance's reputation. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.

Eye of the North Reputation Weekend &mdash; 30 July 2010
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 11:59PM Pacific(-7 GMT) on Sunday.

Alliance Battles Bonus Weekend &mdash; 23 July 2010
Starting at Noon Pacific this Friday, you will earn double faction for participating in Alliance Battles. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday.

Wintersday in July &mdash; 16 July 2010
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 18.

Arena Bonus Weekend &mdash; 9 July 2010
Starting at Noon (-7GMT) Pacific time this Friday, you can earn double faction and Gladiator Points within Random Arena. These double rewards extend through Sunday at 11:59 PM (-7 GMT) Pacific.

Cantha Commemorates the Dragon Festival &mdash; 1 July 2010
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 the Shing Jea Monastery starting at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Thursday, July 1 and it wraps up at 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday July 4.

War in Kryta! &mdash; 6 April 2010 – 19 July 2010
Keep track of the conflict between the Shining Blade and White Mantle at our War in Kryta page, which features information about each faction in their own words and daily reports from the war zone. http://guildwars.com/warinkryta

Double faction in competitive missions &mdash; 5 March 2010
Starting at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) this Friday, players who own Factions will receive double Kurzick and Luxon Faction for competing in the Jade Quarry and Fort Aspenwood competitive missions. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday.

Eye of the North Reputation Weekend &mdash; 15 January 2010
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 11:59PM Pacific(-8 GMT) on Sunday.

Arena Bonus Weekend &mdash; 8 January 2010
Starting at Noon (-8 GMT) Pacific time this Friday, you can earn double faction and double Gladiator points within Random Arena. These double rewards extend through Sunday at 11:59 PM (-8 GMT) Pacific.

Wintersday is Coming! &mdash; 18 December 2009 - 4 January 2010
Beginning at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) on Friday, December 18, you can enjoy lots of Wintersday Festival fun, including quests and activities, seasonal items, the Snowball Arena, and more. Get details on www.guildwars.com, and join the event through January 4.

GvG Double-Reward Weekend &mdash; 11 December 2009
GvG's the thing this weekend, when you can earn double GvG Faction and Double Champion Points starting Friday at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) through Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific.

Special Treats Weekend &mdash; 25 Nov 2009 - 30 Nov 2009
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 the lands of Tyria!

Heroes' Ascent Bonus Weekend &mdash; 20 November 2009
Compete in Heroes' Ascent this weekend to earn double fame and double Balthazar faction, plus double chest loot for victories in Hall of Heroes. The fun starts at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) on Friday, and ends at 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday.

Double XP for elite captures and double green item drop rate &mdash; 13 November 2009
Starting at Noon Pacific (-8 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 19:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT) on Sunday.

Codex Arena Bonus Weekend &mdash; 6 November 2009
Enter the Codex Arena this weekend and earn double Balthazar faction points! You also gain double honor points for consecutive victories! The Codex Arena bonus weekend begins at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) on Friday and runs until Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 GMT).

Halloween 2009 &mdash; 23 October 2009
Starting Friday, October 23rd, at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) the celebration begins with creepy consumable items, brand-new quests, the annual Costume Brawl, and an appearance by Mad King Thorn himself on October 31st! The fun doesn't end until November 2nd!

Alliance Battles Bonus Weekend &mdash; 16 October 2009
Starting at Noon Pacific this Friday, you will earn double faction for participating in Alliance Battles. This bonus will last through 11.59 PM Pacific on Sunday.

GvG Double-Reward Weekend &mdash; 25 September 2009
GvG's the thing this weekend, when you can earn double GvG Faction and Double Champion Points starting Friday at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) through Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific.

Talk Like a Pirate Event &mdash; 18 September 2009
Avast! Starting at noon Pacific (-7 GMT) this Friday, NPCs in Lion's Arch and Kamadan will talk like salty sea dogs. The International Talk Like a Pirate Event will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Tuesday. Arrh! (18–22 September 2009)

Double Sunspear and 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 on Friday (11 September) through 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday (13 September).

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

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.

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.

Double Luxon and Kurzick Title Points
Starting at Noon Pacific (-8 GMT) this Friday, you will receive double points for exchanging 5,000 Faction for Jadeite or Amber, for exchanging 3,000 Faction for an alliance skill, and for transferring 5,000 Faction to raise your alliance's reputation. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 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).

Eye of the North Reputation Weekend
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 11:59PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.

Alliance Battles Bonus Weekend
Starting at Noon Pacific this Friday, you will earn double Faction for participating in Alliance Battles. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday.

Reset Your Character Display
If you log into the game after our latest update, your characters will not display like they used to. Don't panic, once you log in, they will display normally. You will need to do this for each character on the account.

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 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday, July 19.

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

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 2 and it wraps up at 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday, July 5.

Claim your free storage!
As part of the birthday celebrations, we have a special offer for you a special free storage. for further information on how to obtain this free pane of storage, please visit http://www.guildwars.com/products/extras/storage/free_storage_pane.php

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 on Friday through 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday.

Eye of the North Reputation Weekend
Complete quests and defeat foes while under the effects 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 11:59PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.

Free Pane Promotion Issues
The NCsoft website is experiencing unusually high traffic. Due to site performance issues we ask that players please try redeeming their storage later in the week. Players have until May 31 to redeem, so there's plenty of time! We apologize for any inconvenience.

Happy 4th Anniversary, Guild Wars!
To celebrate the fourth anniversary of Guild Wars, we will be holding a special weekend event from Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) on Friday, April 24th through Noon Pacific on Wednesday, 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 four, watch for your special Birthday Present, too!

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).

Arena Bonus Weekend
Starting at Noon (-7 GMT) Pacific time this Friday, you can earn double faction and double Gladiator Points within Team and Random Arenas. These double rewards extend through Sunday at 11:59 PM (-7 GMT) Pacific.

Double faction in competitive missions
Starting at Noon Pacific (-7 GMT) this Friday, players who own Factions will receive double Kurzick and Luxon Faction for competing in the Jade Quarry and Fort Aspenwood competitive missions. This bonus will last through 11:59 PM Pacific (-7 GMT) on Sunday.
 * Note: Balthazar Faction is also doubled for kills in these missions.

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).

Special Items This Weekend
Through 11:59 PM pacific (-7 GMT) on Tuesday, March 17, you will be able to gather Shamrock Ale and Four-Leaf Clovers as random drops throughout all the lands of Tyria. Enjoy the weekend, and remember: think green!

Double Tournament Reward Points
Starting at 12:01 PM Pacific Time (-8 GMT) on Friday, you will earn double Tournament Reward Points for GvG and 1v1. This lasts until 11:59 PM (-8 GMT) on Sunday.

Triple key/lockpick drops AND double your luck points
This weekend through Sunday at 11:59 PM Pacific (-8 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!

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 PM Pacific (-8 GMT).

Maintenance Notification 01/20/2009
Guild Wars will be down for scheduled security maintenance on Tuesday 01/20/2009 from 12:00 am PST to 04:00 am PST. During this time you will not be able to connect to the game. Thank you for your patience and understanding. See the Network News page for details: http://www.guildwars.com/support/networknews.

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 on Friday through 11:59 PM Pacific on Sunday.

Arena Bonus Weekend
Starting at Noon (-8 GMT) Pacific time this Friday, you can earn double faction and double Gladiator Points within Team and Random Arenas. These double rewards extend through Sunday at 11:59 PM (-8 GMT) Pacific.

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