Throne & Liberty
News, coverage and analysis tracking Throne & Liberty across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Choose My Adventure: Aion 2 might not be remarkable, but it is much more enjoyable than you’d think
This article offers a first impression of Aion 2, suggesting it is more enjoyable than anticipated despite not being remarkable. The author found the leveling experience and minigames to be average but fun, with decent rewards. While not groundbreaking, the game is deemed acceptable for a free-to-play experience, with potential for growth.
Throne and Liberty’s latest patch preps for the transition away from Amazon with a smaller patch
Throne and Liberty is preparing for a transition in game operations on November 10th, with a recent patch implementing changes to minimize disruption. This update will reset certain player customizations like HUD layouts and Favorites, and adjusts server times for the end of Daylight Saving Time. Additionally, numerous weapon skills have been altered for balance, and further changes to skill cores are planned.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 583: I’ve got my Aion 2 of you
The Massively OP Podcast episode 583 covers various MMO topics including Halloween events, the launch of Aion 2, World of Warcraft Forever's promotional efforts and level cap, and the return of Throne and Liberty to NCSoft. The episode also features an MMO Spotlight on The Secret World.
MMO Week in Review: RuneScape 4, Aion 2
This week's MMO news includes Jagex announcing RuneScape 4, which will operate alongside existing titles. Aion 2 officially launched globally, while Lord of the Rings Online delayed its fall expansion. New World's fate was lamented, and Throne and Liberty confirmed its transition back to NCsoft in November.
The MOP Up: A RuneScape animated show is in the works
Jagex is developing a RuneScape animated series in partnership with creator Charlie White and Lyrical Media. The article also rounds up other recent MMO news, including updates for Sea of Thieves, MapleStory Classic World, and Riders Republic, as well as a new client for The Elder Scrolls Online on Apple Silicon and a delay for Forza Horizon 6 on PlayStation 5.
Throne and Liberty transitions service from Amazon Games to NCsoft on November 10
Throne and Liberty will transition its service from Amazon Games to NCsoft on November 10th. Players are advised that the auction house and cash shop purchases will be suspended on October 26th, with character data, items, and progression carrying over. Cross-platform play will remain supported.
Throne and Liberty promises updates to hit chance, skill cores, and ‘the fun of farming’ in November
Throne and Liberty developers are addressing player feedback regarding recent MMORPG updates, particularly concerning farming and item drops. Upcoming patches in November will increase high-level gear drop rates and introduce new skill cores to improve build diversity. Adjustments to hit chance and dagger synergy are also planned, alongside difficulty reductions and schedule changes for the Vegamor colossus fight.
Throne and Liberty adds a new colossus to fight and new upgrades for heroic weapons
Throne and Liberty has received a new update that introduces 10 Eye of Chaos crafting recipes to upgrade heroic weapons. The update also adds a new boss, the Vegamor colossus, which can be fought in Peace and Guild events. Several balance tweaks to weapon skills, gear adjustments, and bug fixes are also included.
Throne and Liberty adds new field bosses, armor sets, and crafting recipes with its latest patch
Throne and Liberty's latest patch introduces two new field bosses, Grimturg and Exodus, to the Nix region. The update also adds 14 new armor pieces, three new armor sets, 20 accessories, and new crafting recipes, alongside improvements to equipment growth rates and item level caps.
Perfect Ten: MMORPGs that rebranded along the way
This article explores ten Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) that underwent name changes between their development and official release. It details the original titles and the reasons for rebranding, including Lord of the Rings Online (formerly Middle-earth Online) and TERA (formerly The Exiled Realm of Arborea).
MMOs Have “Stagnated,” Guild Wars 3 Studio Head Says
ArenaNet studio head Colin Johanson believes the MMO genre has stagnated, with many players still engaging with games over a decade old. He aims for Guild Wars 3 to introduce "wild, crazy ideas" to revitalize the genre by addressing approachability and respecting players' time, offering a less demanding experience than traditional MMOs.
MMO Week in Review: Gamescom, Asura, and Ascension
Gamescom was the dominant event this week, bringing news for numerous MMOs including launch dates for Aion 2 and Path of Exile 2, and trailers for Dune Awakening, Sea of Remnants, and Cinder City. Star Citizen's Squadron 42 received another delay into 2027, while Guild Wars 3 revealed its Asura, and Blizzard shut down another World of Warcraft private server. Other news included updates for Throne and Liberty, Ultima Online, and The Division 2, alongside discussions on game design, AI training lawsuits, and the shutdown of the Project Ascension World of Warcraft emulator.
Throne and Liberty’s abbreviated August update adds Snowsoul Weapons and new achievements in Nix
Throne and Liberty's latest August update introduces Snowsoul Weapons, a new tier of equipment above Ascended Archboss Weapons, and new achievements within the Nix region. While the major Colossus Vegamor update has been delayed to September due to Amazon's publishing arm restructuring, this interim patch also removes some older Nix achievements as it modifies the area's mechanics.
Massively OP Podcast Episode 576: Peering into the future of MMOs
The Massively OP Podcast episode 576 features hosts Justin and Bree discussing the future of MMORPGs, including Star Wars: The Old Republic's update plans, World of Warcraft's latest patch, and delays for Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty due to Amazon's exit from publishing. They also cover Q2 MMO financials and introduce a new 'spotlight of the week' segment.
MMO Week in Review: Lost Ark and Throne & Liberty are going home
Amazon has announced it will cease publishing duties for the MMORPGs Lost Ark and Throne & Liberty, returning them to their respective studios, Smilegate and NCsoft. The article also touches on updates and developments for other MMOs including EverQuest Legends, World of Warcraft, Ashes of Creation, and Star Wars The Old Republic.
Throne & Liberty delays the Colossus Vegamor update into September ahead of the transition back to NCsoft
Throne & Liberty's Colossus Vegamor update, originally planned for August, has been delayed to September to ensure a smooth transition of publishing duties from Amazon back to NCsoft. This delay aims to allow both teams to focus on the service transition while also delivering a more polished experience for the world boss update.
Vague Patch Notes: How Amazon blew up money unnecessarily and left online games unceremoniously
This analysis critiques Amazon's approach to online game publishing, citing the premature cancellation of Crucible and the relinquishing of publishing rights for Blue Protocol and Throne and Liberty back to developers Bandai Namco and NCsoft, respectively. The author argues that Amazon's strategy involved excessive spending and a focus on potential hits rather than fostering the development of its games, contrasting it with the successful turnaround of Final Fantasy XIV.
Throne & Liberty buffs party play and player housing in today’s 4.7.0 update
Amazon has released the 4.7.0 update for Throne & Liberty, which focuses on enhancing party play features with new tools like ready checks and map icon sharing, alongside improved co-op rewards and boss drops. The update also includes quality-of-life improvements from NCsoft, such as better inventory management and expanded player housing options, including the ability to own more homes and visit others. Additionally, the patch introduces weapon balance adjustments for all classes.
Amazon’s MMO run will be coming to end sooner than thought
Amazon Game Studios is ending its Western publishing operations for the MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty. Smilegate will take over Lost Ark in early 2027, while FirstSpark Games/NCSoft will manage Throne and Liberty starting in Q4 2026. This marks a significant shift for Amazon's ambitions in the MMO publishing market, following the shutdown of New World and the cancellation of other projects.
Amazon is severing ties with two other MMOs
Amazon is transferring publishing rights for the MMOs Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty to other companies. This move indicates a shift in Amazon's strategy for its involvement in the massively multiplayer online game market.