GuildWars.com news/Archives/200610

The following lists the October 2006 news from the official GuildWars.com site.

October 31st, 2006

 * Double Dye Weekend

This weekend, you will have double the chance of scoring a dye drop in Elona. Come to the land of Nightfall and stock up on dyes for all your new characters. The event starts at Noon PST on Friday, November 3rd, and runs through 11:59 p.m. PST on Sunday, November 5th. Truly, this is an event to dye for.


 * Halloween Event: Final Day

The final day of the Halloween Event is also the most exciting, as Mad King Thorn visits Tyria and Elona, offsetting his trademark bad jokes with seasonal gifts for all his loyal subjects. Stop by Kamadan and Lion&#146;s Arch for his final appearances, at Noon, 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and Midnight (all times Pacific Standard Time). See you at the party!


 * Autumn Season Analysis

With the conclusion of the Guild Wars Autumn Ladder Season, we've put together an extensive analysis of the season and the concepts that it introduced to the tournament system. Read about how the season was organized and what impact this trial may have on future seasons in the article, Experiments in Guild Wars GvG.


 * Guild of the Week: Ttgr

This week's feature article takes a look at Thousend Tigers Apund Ur Head, a guild that stands out from the pack not only for an uncommon name, but for choosing some uncommon strategic twists, as well. Read about Ttgr here.

October 30th, 2006

 * State of the Game: Team Interview

This week's State of the Game article takes an up-close and personal look at Team Quitter, a guild that is currently one of the topmost teams on the Guild Wars Ladder. Get the team's insights about builds, the recent tournament, and the future of competitive play in the SotG interview.

October 27th, 2006

 * Nightfall has Come

Nightfall has come, and perhaps a bit earlier than expected. The servers were put live more than an hour before the expected launch time, and players flooded both Chabek Village and Kamadan, the primary city of the starting island of Elona. Join us now, and start your Nightfall experience!


 * Nightfall Dev Signing Today

Don't forget this afternoon's Nightfall Launch Day Signing. Many members of the development team will be at the EB Games in Redmond Town Center from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. today. The first 100 attendees will receive a free official Guild Wars Nightfall poster. The address is 16475 NE 74th Street Suite E-225, Redmond, Washington 98052. See you there!

October 26th, 2006

 * Nightfall Ships!

Read today's ArenaNet/NCsoft press release for the formal shipping announcement of Guild Wars Nightfall. As the announcement states, Nightfall will be on shelves tomorrow, and the servers will go live tomorrow, as well, as players are able to join the game at 12:01 a.m. PDT Friday, October 27th.


 * The Scribe #20

In the newest missive from our monastery correspondent, The Scribe shares the latest news from Elona, updates everyone about the Halloween Event that begins very soon, as shares words of approbation to several commendable citizens. Find it here.


 * Return of the (Mad) King

Get ready for fun! The Guild Wars Halloween 2006 Event will be beginning in just a few days, and the towns are being decorated now to get in the spirit of the occasion. This event will be a multi-day affair witch begins with unsettling events on Saturday and culminates in a return visit by a certain well-loved (and semi-feared) maniacal monarch on Halloween itself. Break out the Squash Serum, prepare your Ghosts-in-the-Box, and treat yourself to a few tantalizing event details on the Halloween Page.

October 25th, 2006

 * Nightfall Trailer #3

With the release of the third campaign in the Guild Wars saga just a few days away, we debut the third and final pre-release trailer for Nightfall. This movie features custom music written by Guild Wars composer Jeremy Soule. You can download the trailer here.


 * PvP Primer: Random Arenas

Having finished the two-part series on Zaishen Combat earlier this week, we now move to the topic of Random Arenas. Today, you can check out a new PvP Primer article on the Boon Prot and Hammer Warrior builds for Random Arenas.


 * Winterfest 2006 Ladder Season Announced

After wrapping up the Autumn Season playoffs last weekend, we're moving directly into another fun season&mdash;one that offers really unique rewards! The Guild Wars Ladder will be unfrozen on Saturday, October 28th, with the start of the Winterfest 2006 Season. Find out more on the rules page.


 * Mad Monarch Memorialized

This week&#146;s wallpaper offers a seasonal decorative flair, with a reflection on the past and a look towards the future in the visage of that well-loved annual visitor, Mad King Thorn. Decorate your desktop, boys and ghouls, by clicking here.


 * Guild Wars Nightfall Launch Day Signing

Join members of the Guild Wars Development Team at the EB Games in Redmond Town Center for an in-store event on Friday, October 27th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Members of the design team and ArenaNet staff will be on hand to meet fans and autograph copies of Guild Wars Nightfall. The first 100 attendees will also receive a free official Guild Wars Nightfall poster. The address is 16475 NE 74th Street Suite E-225, Redmond, Washington 98052. See you there!

October 24th, 2006

 * Tips for Players

We have a short list of key points to help players&#151;new and veteran&#151;keep their accounts safe and sound. Why should you never hint about your hint? What's wrong with using a fake name for your master account? Get the answers, and several other helpful tips, here.

October 25th, 2006

 * Autumn Season Playoffs Review

You can read a summary of the playoffs of the recently-concluded Guild Wars Autumn Season in our Competitive Season. Our writer takes a look at the participants, the format, and the maps, too.

October 24th, 2006

 * Autumn Season Match Report

We have a match report of the finals of the recently-concluded Guild Wars Autumn Season. The face-off between Idiots Savant and Team Quitter was the culmination of a weekend of play involving Swiss-style tournament action. You can read about the winning team builds and strategies in today&#146;s article.


 * Guild of the Week: TRUE

This week's guild is Veritas Invictus, a PvE-oriented guild founded 15 months ago by a group of friends who came together on a popular Guild Wars fansite. Meet the guild members and enjoy the TRUE story.


 * Introducing the Guild Wars PvP Editions

Here's great news for the PvP community: Starting today, you can purchase special competitive editions of our games through the Official Guild Wars Store! You'll find the Guild Wars PvP Edition, which offers access to six professions and every skill in Guild Wars Prophecies as well as the Guild Wars Factions PvP Edition, which offers eight professions and all Factions-only and core skills. Find out more about the new Guild Wars PvP Editions on our product page.

October 23rd, 2006

 * PvP Primer: Zaishen Combat Part 2

This week's PvP Primer article is about the Boon Prot Template versus the Zaishen. Get all the tips for victory or survival here.


 * State of the Game: Elementalists

You can read a profile of the Elementalist in this week's State of the Game article. The article provides a general overview of the current play preferences and offers a few predictions about the profession's future in Nightfall.

October 22nd, 2006

 * Idiot Savants Win Autumn Season

Congratulations to Idiot Savants [iQ], winners of the Guild Wars Autumn Season! Each iQ guild member who took place in the playoffs will win an access key for Guild Wars Nightfall, 4 sets of skill/item unlock codes, and permanent gold cape trim for the guild. Their opponent, Team Quitter [QQ], which took second place in the season, will receive 3 sets of skill/item unlock codes and silver trim for their guild. See the full rules and prize list for other info, and check out the match results for the placement of all 16 competing teams.

October 20th, 2006

 * PvP Primer: Zaishen Combat Part 1

Kicking off a two-part course in our PvP Primer series, we have an article today on the Frenzy Theory Template versus the Zaishen. Find it in the Competitive Section and check back next Wednesday when we bring you Part 2.


 * Gaming Site Nightfall Previews

Following a visit to the ArenaNet studios to see the latest developments in Guild Wars Nightfall, two gaming sites have published their latest previews:
 * IGN: Guild Wars: Nightfall Hands-On
 * Gamespot: Guild Wars Nightfall Hands-On - Playing With Heroes, the New Classes, and Controlling a Giant Worm


 * Pics Pack Posted

Another group of new Nightfall screenshots can be found in our updated Gallery. The images offer different views of the game world, the characters, and the creatures that inhabit Nightfall.

October 19th, 2006

 * The Scribe Issue #19

The Scribe has gotten into the holiday spirit this time, with two of three articles involving a Halloween theme. The Scribe begins with a review of last year's Halloween Event, then moves on to speculate about this year's affair, after which he reminds all would-be entrants about the Halloween Art Contest. He also gives a call out to a notable guild and several remarkable players. Find Issue #20 here.


 * Autumn Season Schedule

The playoff schedule for the Autumn Season is now available, and you can head over there to check out the first round matches. The action begins at 11:00 a.m. PDT (18:00 GMT) on Saturday, October 21, and successive matches begin over the next three hours. The semi-finals and finals will take place on Sunday, October 22. We'll update the brackets frequently over the course of the weekend. Check the Autumn Season Page for more details.

October 18th, 2006

 * Wednesday's Wallpaper

For your desktop decorating pleasure, this week we offer a view of the Paragon in resplendent winged form. You can nab this image in various resolutions and ratios, in the Wallpaper Gallery.

October 17th, 2006

 * Shing Jea Boardwalk Reopens!

This weekend, visit Shing Jea Monastery and follow the crowds to the Boardwalk, that popular venue for fun activities and games of chance. The Boardwalk will be open all weekend long, beginning on Friday, the 20th, at Noon PDT and ending on Sunday at 11:59 p.m. PDT. During the weekend, you can also enjoy exciting PvP action in the popular Dragon Arena. Simply speak to the NPC in Shing Jea Monastery to join the fun!


 * Guild of the Week: MATH

Our guild feature this week offers a MATH lesson. That is, the article provides an introduction to Your Math Teacher, a guild that specializes in Heroes' Ascent gaming. Find out about them here.


 * Seasonal Treats

With Halloween just around the corner, you might be giving some thought to holiday d&#233;cor. How about a Guild Wars theme for your Jack O'Lantern? Our talented friend, The Pumpkin Lady, has created a new batch of Guild Wars Guild Emblems to add to the set she created last year. You now can choose from more than 40 different Guild Wars pumpkin patterns. Check here for the patterns and handy "how to" carving info! Also, creative souls should keep in mind: Only six days remain to enter the 2nd Guild Wars Annual Halloween Contest.

October 16th, 2006

 * Ladder Frozen; Playoffs This Weekend

As announced in the Autumn Season rules, the Guild Wars Ladder was frozen this morning. The top 16 eligible guilds on the Ladder will take part in 4 rounds of Swiss play on Saturday. On Sunday, the 4 guilds that scored highest in the elimination rounds will move to Single Elimination play to determine the seasonal winner. A schedule of the first match-ups will be posted this Wednesday. We encourage you to drop into Observer Mode this weekend to watch the action!


 * State of the Game: Embracing Your Inner Monk

A critical role on any winning competitive team is fulfilled by those who play the Monk. The profession is given careful scrutiny and assessment at both an individual and team level in this week's competitive editorial.

October 13th, 2006

 * Series of Splendid Screenshots

As the release of Nightfall approaches, feast you eyes on a plentiful number of images taken from within the game world of Elona. We have a new batch in our Gallery today, and will be posting more next week, as well.


 * Nightfall: Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question about the upcoming Guild Wars title? Well, we probably have an answer for you in the Nightfall FAQ, published today. This helpful document will tell you quite a few of the who's, what's, and when's concerning Nightfall, so be sure to check it out.


 * Meet the Heroes

One of the key features of Nightfall is the Heroes System, which drew rave reviews from the hundreds of thousand of players who tried it out during the World Preview Event last month. We&#146;d like you to get to know the various Nightfall Heroes&mdash;up close and personal. You will find images and a brief bio of each on our Heroes Page.

October 12th, 2006

 * The Scribe #18

The Scribe brings us more news from Tyria and Cantha, and a bonus article, to boot! You can catch some story-based details on the Triple-Drop Weekend, learn of players caught in the act of doing good, review the citizen response to 6v6 in Heroes' Ascent, and find out exciting news of an upcoming (and surely unexpected!) event. Find it in The Scribe #19.

October 11th, 2006

 * PvP Primer: Team Trials

Players who have been reading the PvP Primer articles&mdash;and it&#146;s never too late to start!&mdash;may now be ready for some gameplay in the PvP environment. Many players prefer to test the waters of PvP in a controlled setting, and that&#146;s what the Master of Paths offers on the Isle of the Nameless. Learn the basics and get some tips in this week&#146;s PvP Primer article.


 * Creature Feature Posted

Head over to IGN today to read about the monsters of Guild Wars Nightfall. From Hekets to Centaurs to Skree Harpies, we think you'll really enjoy the monstrous skale of this article!


 * Heroic Wallpaper

A new desktop image featuring the Dervish and a few of her Hero comrades is this week&#146;s Wallpaper of the Week. Find you choice of serveral different sizes and shapes, here.


 * Super Fans Selected

From an enormous batch of entries in a contest that drew submissions from all over the world, we've formed a guest list for the Nightfall Release Party. More than two dozen fans and their guests will be attending the party next Tuesday, October 17th, and we're sure they'll have much to share with you after the event. Congratulations to the winners - we look forward to meeting you soon!

October 10th, 2006

 * Green Drop Weekend

This weekend, every Canthan boss monster that you slay will be three times as likely to drop a special, or "green," item. The start of this event will be Noon PDT on Friday and the greens will continue to drop at triple the normal rate through 11:59 p.m. PDT on Sunday. Good hunting!


 * Guild of the Week

We're taking a look this week at The Spearmen, an American guild that doesn't seek to be Number 1 in either GvG or Heroes' Ascent, but instead focuses on creating innovative builds and testing them in PvP. Find out about the guild in this week's GotW.

October 9th, 2006

 * Privacy Policy Email

Some of you will be receiving, or may already have received, an email from us asking you to update your Guild Wars account privacy settings. We are preparing the inaugural issue of the Guild Wars Insider newsletter, and since many of you created your Guild Wars account prior to the addition of privacy settings, we would like to make sure that your preference is up-to-date before we send the newsletter. Look for the first issue of Guild Wars Insider, including an exclusive first look at the new Guild Wars Nightfall Hero Battles feature, within the next few weeks!


 * State of the Game: Observer Mode 101

If you'd like to make the most of your Observer Mode experience, be sure to read this week's State of the Game Article. The article features profession-specific tips offered by "observing professionals," and gives great advice on how to turn your time in OM into a learning experience that will benefit your PvP play.

October 6th, 2006

 * Halloween Art Contest

Our partner, Ideazon (creators of the Zboard Gaming Keyboard) has offered exceptional prize support for a Halloween Art Contest. This North American competition will begin immediately and will run through October 23, 2006. Find all the details on the contest page.


 * Nightfall Launch Party Contest

Tomorrow is the deadline to submit your entry for the chance to win an invitation to the Nightfall Launch Party! Are you local or can you get yourself to Seattle on October 17th? Do you consider Guild Wars more than a game, but perhaps a way of life? Hey, you might just be a Super Fan! If so, read this page and consider tossing your hat into the ring for an invitation to the Nightfall Launch Party!

October 5th, 2006

 * The Scribe #17

This week, our traveling transcriber has brought us news from Elona and from other lands as well. Read interview comments with winners of the Guild Emblem contest, learn about the latest in the Sunspear recruitment drive, and catch up on gracious and giving acts from the citizenry here.


 * Post-Event Press Release

If you&#146;d like to get some inside info about the recent Nightfall World Preview Event, head over and read today&#146;s press release, which will tell you about attendees, hours played, and the developer reaction to the event as well.

October 4th, 2006

 * PvP Primer: Isle of the Nameless

In the second article in our PvP Primer Series, we offer a look at the island selected by the Zaishen specifically for combat training. A detailed analysis of the Nameless Masters Quest is offered, and you&#146;ll gain insight into that and many other PvP learning opportunities in Isle of the Nameless Training.


 * New Desktop Image Offered

If it&#146;s Wednesday, it must be time for a new wallpaper! This week&#146;s image presents a close-up of the Paragon, that backfield commander and guardian angel of the Elonian people. A choice of resolutions and ratios is yours, here.

October 3rd, 2006

 * Changes to Heroes' Ascent

In lieu of the previously announced special weekend, we've decided to postpone the "Green Drop Weekend" until next week. This week's big news is the conversion of Heroes' Ascent into a 6v6 map. Yes, one of the most popular events will become a permanent element of the PvP game, along with a lot of exciting map changes, too. This will all go live sometime Friday, so stop on by and check it out. Check back next week for news about the "Green Drop Weekend" (which now promises to be even better)!


 * Guild of the Week: HRK

The featured guild this week is Heaven's Royal Knights, a group that first formed in 2005. Meet a few of the 61 members, and find some of their PvP strategy tips, in this week's GotW.

October 2nd, 2006

 * Notable Guilds Immortalized

On a new page in our Community Section, we recognize many Guild Wars guilds that have attained one or several noteworthy achievements. The Notable Guilds page cites championship rankings of various guilds, and also records recognition in a Guild of the Week or magazine article, a call out in The Scribe, or a few other unique accomplishments.


 * State of the Game: Necromancer Study

This week&#146;s article on competitive play takes an in-depth look at the Necromancer in GvG play. The editorial considers the past and looks towards the Necromancer&#146;s future with the coming of Nightfall.


 * Nightfall Press Previews

Head over to GameSpot to read their new preview of Nightfall, based on a post-World Preview Event interview with Jeff Strain. Catch their impressions of Heroes, quests, and the game world itself right here. In addition, you can read another preview of Nightfall in Game Daily&#146;s Impressions article.