Welcome to our comprehensive GW2 Wintersday Guide! Dive into the magical winter wonderland of Guild Wars 2 and discover everything you need to know to make the most of this beloved seasonal event. Get excited as we explore the origins of Wintersday, pinpoint key locations and noteworthy NPCs, and detail all the festive activities you can indulge in. Learn how to earn exclusive event-specific rewards and take in the beautiful seasonal decorations scattered throughout Tyria. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, this guide has something merry for everyone. Let’s celebrate Wintersday in style!

Understanding the Event’s Origins#

Hey there, Tyrian adventurer! If you’ve been playing Guild Wars 2 for a while, you’ve probably encountered some of the seasonal events that pop up throughout the year. One of the most beloved and festive events is Wintersday. But have you ever wondered where this delightful holiday tradition came from? Let’s dive into the origins of Wintersday and see what makes it so special.

The Lore Behind The Snow#

Wintersday isn’t just an arbitrary holiday—it’s steeped in the lore of Tyria, celebrated by Tyrians across the land. The event is dedicated to Dwayna, the goddess of healing, air, and life, who is known to bless the world with warmth and light during the coldest days of winter.

For the citizens of Tyria, Wintersday is a time to honor the gods and come together in the spirit of warmth and giving. Folks decorate their homes with festive ornaments, exchange gifts, and partake in joyous activities like snowball fights and festive competitions.

Dwayna vs. Grenth#

One of the most interesting aspects of Wintersday is the ongoing rivalry between Dwayna and Grenth, the god of death and ice. According to Tyrian lore, Dwayna seeks to bring light and warmth to the world, while Grenth embraces the cold and darkness of winter. This cosmic tug-of-war is represented in many of the activities and decorations you’ll see around Tyria during the event.

When you participate in Wintersday events, you’re essentially choosing a side in this playful divine rivalry. Whether you’re drinking hot cider by a roaring fire in honor of Dwayna or sculpting an ice statue to please Grenth, your actions add to this rich tapestry of lore.

Festivities Galore#

The origins of Wintersday also explain why the event is packed with so many fun activities. Tyrians believe that the best way to honor the gods during this season is through merriment and community spirit. Hence, you’ll find tons of mini-games and activities, from the Snowball Mayhem to the Infinirarium jumping puzzle. Each of these games is designed to bring the community together, reflecting the real-world inspiration of holiday festivities.

For instance:

• Snowball Mayhem: A friendly snowball fight representing the playful rivalry between Dwayna and Grenth.
• Bell Choir: Musical mini-games that pay homage to Dwayna’s harmonious influence.
• Toypocalypse: Cooperative defense against waves of malfunctioning toys, a nod to the creative and unpredictable holiday spirit.

Real-World Inspirations#

Wintersday draws a lot of inspiration from real-world winter holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Yule. The spirit of giving, joyful decorations, and the focus on community are all themes that carry over from our world’s winter celebrations. ArenaNet has done a fantastic job of blending these elements with the unique lore and setting of Tyria, creating a holiday event that feels both familiar and distinctly Tyrian.

Wrapping It Up#

Understanding the origins of Wintersday adds an extra layer of magic to the event. It’s not just about the cute outfits and the shiny rewards—though those are awesome too! It’s about celebrating the rich culture and lore of Tyria, coming together with friends and strangers alike to spread joy and warmth in a world that can sometimes feel pretty chilly. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned veteran, immersing yourself in the spirit of Wintersday makes each snowflake and every festive light feel truly special.

So grab your scarves and mittens, and dive into the fun—Dwayna and Grenth are waiting!

Happy Wintersday!

Key Locations and NPCs#

Wintersday in Guild Wars 2 is more than just a festive time; it’s also packed with activities, fun quests, and unique NPCs (non-player characters). Let’s break down the main places you should visit and the important characters you’ll meet during this holiday event.

Divinity’s Reach: The Heart of Wintersday#

Divinity’s Reach is the central hub of Wintersday festivities. As soon as you enter the city, you’ll see snow, holiday decorations, and festive music that set the mood. Head to Crown Pavilion in the center of Divinity’s Reach, where most of the action happens.

Crown Pavilion is where you’ll find:

1. Tixx’s Infinirarium: A giant airship where Tixx the Toymaker and his golem Toxx host various mini-games and activities.
2. Snowball Mayhem: A fun PvP snowball fight mode where teams battle to gather and protect presents.
3. Bell Choir: A rhythm game where you play holiday-themed songs with fellow players.
4. Winter Wonderland: An intricate jumping puzzle covered in ice and snow.

Important NPCs#

Throughout Divinity’s Reach and other key locations, you’ll come across several important NPCs who play vital roles in Wintersday. Here are a few you should look out for:

Tixx the Toymaker#

• Location: Infinirarium (Crown Pavilion)
• Role: Tixx is a central figure during Wintersday. He offers a range of activities aboard his airship, like fighting malfunctioning toys or building festive golems.

Toxx#

• Location: Infinirarium (Crown Pavilion)
• Role: Tixx’s sarcastic golem assistant. Toxx helps players navigate the Infinirarium and gives tips for the mini-games.

Ho-Ho-Tron#

• Location: Crown Pavilion
• Role: A jolly, festive golem who serves as the Wintersday vendor. Ho-Ho-Tron sells special holiday items, gifts, and rewards in exchange for Snowflakes and Wintersday gifts.

Orphans#

• Location: Various spots in Divinity’s Reach
• Role: During Wintersday, you can find orphans around the city who ask for help in finding presents. Completing their quests rewards you with Wintersday gifts and helps spread holiday cheer.

Captain Thackeray#

• Location: Crown Pavilion
• Role: The Captain of the Seraph in Divinity’s Reach. During Wintersday, he occasionally gives out special missions and helps keep the peace amidst the festivities.

Allied NPCs in Activities#

Within Wintersday mini-games, you’ll team up with various NPCs who’ll aid you:

• In Snowball Mayhem: You’ll find Seraph troops and festive citizens joining your team to battle it out in snowball fights.
• During the Winter Wonderland: Watch for Wintersday guides who provide tips and tricks for tackling the jumping puzzle safely.

How to Get There#

To participate in Wintersday in Divinity’s Reach:

1. Waypoints: Use your map to fast travel to the Divinity’s Reach Waypoint and make your way to the Crown Pavilion.
2. Portal Scrolls: If you have a Portal Scroll to Divinity’s Reach, use it to teleport directly to the city.
3. Asura Gates: Located in major cities like Lion’s Arch, these gates can instantly transport you to Divinity’s Reach.

Final Tips#

• Keep an eye out for dynamic events that pop up around the Crown Pavilion. These can give extra rewards and are a great way to earn more holiday goodies.
• Participate in daily activities for the best rewards. Completing daily Wintersday tasks will net you special rewards and currencies exclusive to the event.
• Don’t forget to trade your valuable Snowflakes and Wintersday Gifts at Ho-Ho-Tron for unique and festive items.

Enjoy the winter festivities, and don’t forget to help spread the cheer for special rewards!

Participating in Festive Activities#

It’s that time of the year in Tyria! The air is crisp, the atmosphere’s decked out in sparkling lights, and bells are ringing - Wintersday is here! If you’re looking to join the party and rack up some sweet rewards, here’s your guide to all the fantastic festive activities you can dive into.

Toypocalypse: Defend Those Gift Dolyaks#

Feeling like a hero? Jump into Toypocalypse mode! In this event, you and your team need to defend a group of helpless Gift Dolyaks from an onslaught of crazed toys. These critters may look cute, but don’t be fooled - they’re determined to ruin Wintersday.

• Teamwork is key: This event is best tackled with a full party. Divide roles - some players build defenses while others focus on taking down the toys.
• Gather sweets: Pick up Candy Cane shards dropped by defeated enemies. Use these to craft traps and turrets.
• Repair often: Keep an eye on your defenses and patch them up when they take damage. Letting a wall go down can spell disaster!

Complete all waves, and you’ll snag some awesome rewards like Wintersday Gifts, which contain everything from festive mini-pets to valuable crafting materials.

Bell Choir Ensemble: Hit the Right Notes#

If you’ve got a musical streak, the Bell Choir Ensemble is the place to shine. You’ll step onto a giant bell pad and hit notes as they come your way. Think Guitar Hero, but with jingle bells!

• Follow the notes: Notes will stream towards you, and you need to press the corresponding key at the right time.
• Stay in rhythm: Focus on the timing. It’s easy to get caught up in hitting all the notes but staying on beat is crucial for a high score.
• Practice makes perfect: Don’t be discouraged if you miss a few notes at first. The more you play, the better you’ll get, and the juicier the rewards!

Successful performances earn you Wintersday Joy, which can be exchanged for various goodies like musical weapons and rare crafting materials.

Winter Wonderland: Jump For Joy#

Fancy yourself a bit of a parkour expert? The Winter Wonderland jumping puzzle is here to test your skills. This one is all about precision and timing as you navigate slippery ice platforms, snowflakes suspended in mid-air, and hot cocoa streams.

• Choose a path: There are three different routes - easy, medium, and hard. If you’re new to jumping puzzles, start with the easier path and work your way up.
• Watch your step: The platforms are icy, and one wrong move can send you sliding off. Take your time to judge each jump.
• Avoid the red circles: Occasionally, red circles indicating falling snowflakes will appear. These knock you down, so steer clear!

Reaching the end rewards you with generous Wintersday Gifts, and the satisfaction of mastering those pesky jumps.

Tixx’s Infinirarium: Repair the Toyvent Calendar#

Step into Tixx’s Infinirarium, where you’ll assist the toymaker Tixx in fixing his malfunctioning Toyvent Calendar. This instance combines combat with a bit of puzzle-solving.

• Fight and fix: Battle against rogue toys while solving small puzzles to restore the Toyvent Calendar.
• Dodge and dash: Be ready to dodge explosive presents and firecrackers to avoid getting overwhelmed.
• Team coordination: Work together to clear waves efficiently and solve puzzles quickly for the best rewards.

Successfully restoring the Toyvent Calendar rewards you with Tixx’s special Wintersday Gift, loaded with rare crafting materials and exclusive mini-pets.

Snowball Mayhem: Frosty Frenzy#

If you’re more into PvP action, Snowball Mayhem is calling your name. In this hilarious free-for-all arena, you’ll frantically hurl snowballs at other players.

• Pick your role: Choose between Supporter, Heavy Hitter, or Scout. Each comes with unique skills, so pick the one that fits your playstyle.
• Throw and dodge: Aim for the head! Landing direct hits with snowballs yields more points. But don’t forget to dodge incoming snowballs to maintain your health.
• Capture and hold: Hold key positions on the map to score bonuses for your team.

Winning rounds bags you Wintersday Gifts and the jolly sense of having bested your fellow players in a snowy skirmish.

Wrapping Up the Fun#

That wraps up the main activities for Wintersday in Guild Wars 2. Whether you’re battling rogue toys, performing in a bell choir, or just trying not to slip off a snowflake while jumping around, there’s plenty of festive fun to be had. Dive into each event and collect your rewards - who knows, you might just find your next favorite seasonal activity. Have fun and happy Wintersday!

Earning Event-Specific Rewards#

If you’re diving into Guild Wars 2 during its many festive events, like Wintersday, you’re probably eyeing those shiny, limited-time rewards. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on how to hoard those holiday goodies like a pro.

Participate in Festival Activities#

The heart of earning event-specific rewards is active participation. Events like Wintersday are packed with mini-games, missions, and activities that shower you with unique items. Here are some top activities you shouldn’t miss:

• Toypocalypse: Gather your friends and defend against waves of malfunctioning toys. The longer you survive, the better your rewards.
• Winter Wonderland Jumping Puzzle: If platforming is your thing, this one’s a must. It might be tricky, but at the end of the icy path lies a chest filled with exclusive items.
• Bell Choir: Engage in a rhythm mini-game where nailing those notes will score you Wintersday gifts and other goodies.

Each activity has its own set of rewards, so engaging in a variety of them increases your chances of collecting diverse items.

Farm Wintersday Presents#

During Wintersday, Wintersday presents are scattered everywhere. Open-world events in Divinity’s Reach and various Wintersday instances drop them generously. These presents contain a mix of crafting materials, special currency, and event-specific items. Here are some tips on farming these presents:

• Daily Quest Rotation: Complete your dailies. Each day, the game offers fresh quests that will snag you extra presents.
• Open-World Bosses: Certain bosses drop event-specific rewards during festival periods, so make sure you’re tackling the right ones.

Understand the Currency#

Most events, including Wintersday, feature special currencies, like Snowflakes or Wintersday Gifts, which can be traded for exclusive rewards. Knowing how to efficiently earn and spend these currencies is key:

• Snowflakes: Earn these through various activities and trade them for unique rewards with event vendors. You can find these vendors in major cities like Divinity’s Reach.
• Mystic Forge: Don’t forget about the Mystic Forge! Combining certain event items can sometimes net you even rarer rewards.

Crafting Exclusive Items#

Wintersday isn’t just about gifts; it’s also prime crafting season. Some rare and beautiful cosmetic items can only be crafted during these events. Collect recipes from various NPCs and gather ingredients from your Wintersday rewards to craft:

• Wintersday-themed weapons and armor with special effects.
• Mini pets that can only be obtained from event-specific recipes.
• Exclusive decorations for your home instance or guild hall.

Trading Post and Black Lion Chest#

For those who love a good gamble, you can try your luck with the Trading Post and Black Lion Chests. Players often put up event items for sale, though prices can vary based on rarity and demand. Black Lion Chests are another route, especially if you’ve collected some keys:

• Scan the Trading Post regularly for deals on event items.
• Open Black Lion Chests during event periods, as they frequently offer event-specific rewards.

Final Tips#

Last but not least, remember to have fun. Guild Wars 2 events are designed to be enjoyable seasonal content. Gather your guildmates, join in on the festivities, and don’t stress too much if you don’t snag every reward. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Participate in various activities (Toypocalypse, Jumping Puzzle, Bell Choir).
• Complete daily quests for additional loot.
• Farm Wintersday Presents in open-world events.
• Trade event currency smartly.
• Craft unique items using event-specific recipes.
• Check the Trading Post and open Black Lion Chests for extra rewards.

By following these strategies, you’ll not only earn a trove of rare and exclusive items but also make the most out of Guild Wars 2’s festive events. Enjoy hoarding those rewards and showing off your new shinies!

Exploring Seasonal Decorations#

Guild Wars 2 has a knack for bringing the festive spirit to Tyria throughout the year, and Wintersday is no different. When the snow starts falling, Divinity’s Reach transforms into a winter wonderland. Here’s what you need to know about exploring the seasonal decorations and getting the most out of this festive extravaganza.

The Grand Plaza#

The heart of Wintersday is the Crown Pavilion in Divinity’s Reach, where most of the action happens. As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice the enormous Tixx’s Infinirarium airship hovering above, covered with bright holiday lights. The grandeur doesn’t stop there:

1. Giant Christmas Trees: Scattered around, you’ll find towering Christmas trees covered in twinkling lights and shiny ornaments.
2. Snowy Landscapes: Pathways are lined with snowbanks, and snowmen pop up everywhere. Don’t forget to check out the fully decorated pavilions.
3. Festive NPCs: characters dressed as Santa Claus and other holiday figures are ready to greet you with a cheerful “Happy Wintersday!“.

Activities and Fun#

Exploring the decorations isn’t just about looking; it’s also about doing! Here are some of the activities you can find amid the decorations.

Snowball Mayhem#

Right in the middle of the city, you can dive into the Snowball Mayhem arena. This activity involves:

• Picking up snowballs
• Aiming at other players
• Dodging incoming throws

It’s a blast and a good way to get into the festive spirit. Winning gets you some neat festive rewards.

The Bell Choir#

Just a short walk from the central plaza, the Bell Choir Mini-game offers a challenge for your musical and rhythmic skills. Step onto one of the musical pads and try to hit the correct notes as they come down the screen. It’s like a holiday version of Guitar Hero, and nailing the tune can earn you Wintersday gifts and goodies.

Hidden Gems#

Among the obvious attractions, there are several hidden gems:

• Mysterious Snowmen: Some snowmen might give you buffs or even offer small quests when interacted with.
• Warming Fires: Perfect for a group photo with your guildmates or just to take a break.
• Hidden Presents: Keep an eye out for gifts hidden in nooks and crannies. They can contain anything from a bit of gold to rare crafting materials.

Taking the Festive Spirit Home#

The fun doesn’t have to stay in Divinity’s Reach. Some of the seasonal decorations can be brought back to your home instance. Collecting Winter’s Gifts and Festive Favors can be exchanged for:

• Miniature Versions: Tiny Christmas trees, festive wreaths, and other ornaments to beautify your home.
• Snow Piles: These allow you to bring a piece of the snowy festivities home, great for fun or to chill with friends.
• Toy Plushies: Adorable plushies that can be placed around your home instance for a cozy feel.

Pro Tips for Explorers#

• Look Up: Some of the most breathtaking decorations are above head level, like the Enchanted Snowmen.
• Night Time: The decorations are breathtaking at night when the lights really stand out.

Closing Thoughts#

Exploring the seasonal decorations in Guild Wars 2’s Wintersday event is truly a feast for the senses. Whether you’re a long-time player or a newbie, take a stroll through Divinity’s Reach during this time, and soak in the festive cheer. And remember, the true magic of Wintersday lies not just in the decorations but in the community spirit that thrives during this joyful celebration.

So, gather your guildmates, grab some hot cocoa (virtually, of course), and dive into the heart of Wintersday—you won’t regret it!