MMORPG
Ongoing coverage on MMORPG.
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Black Desert adds new barter updates on PC, opens a test server for mobile, and hypes July’s Calpheon Ball
Black Desert on PC has received updates including new barter routes, UI improvements, and Altar of Blood revamps. Black Desert Mobile launched a test server for class remastering and introduced changes to its ranking and Ancient Anvil systems. Console versions also received parity updates with PC, and Pearl Abyss is hyping the upcoming Heidel Ball event.
Final Fantasy 14 gets a major update announced in Trail to the Heavens, bringing new story quests, raids, and job
Square Enix announced major additions for Final Fantasy XIV's upcoming 7.5 patch, titled Trail to the Heavens. The update will introduce new main scenario quests, an alliance raid called Echoes of Vana'diel, Part 3, and a new limited job, Beastmaster. It also includes new dungeons, trials, PvP updates, housing enhancements, and more, all while the game continues its life alongside the Dawntrail expansion.
Secret Forest World is an MMORPG promising a world of adventure, but it hasn’t had an update since last year
Secret Forest World, an upcoming MMORPG from Zelcar Games, is facing scrutiny due to a lack of recent development updates and concerns about its marketing practices. Despite promises of extensive customization and diverse gameplay, the game's dev blogs have not been updated since last year, and its other title, FeraPet, links to a non-functioning website. Founder's packs are currently being sold for the unreleased game, while community members report that alpha testing concluded last year with minimal communication from the developers.
Soulframe brings a swashbuckling quest and a rapier weapon to its Preludes 14 release
Soulframe's Preludes 14 update introduces a new rapier weapon and a swashbuckling quest line involving shipwrecks and duels. This update also adds new weapons, armor sets, the ability to upgrade Orlick's sanctuary, and a new siege event, alongside various other system updates.
MMO Week in Review: Gorgon’s drama, TurtleWoW’s demise, Ashes’ docs
This week in the MMORPG genre saw significant drama and updates across various titles. Ashes of Creation's former boss released legal documents, Project Gorgon faced community backlash over bans, and TurtleWoW announced its closure following a lawsuit. Additionally, Book of Travels is transitioning to a solo offline game, while new content and updates arrived for games like Guild Wars 2, Final Fantasy XIV, and Elder Scrolls Online.
LOTRO Legendarium: One change I’d make for each of LOTRO’s classes
This article discusses potential changes and improvements for each of the 12 classes in The Lord of the Rings Online. The author suggests specific enhancements for classes like Beorning, Brawler, and Warden, focusing on aspects such as visual variety, new specializations, and combat mechanics to enhance gameplay and class fantasy.
A Matrix Online fan tracks down the ‘untold story’ of why the cult SOE MMO died
A fan has investigated the reasons behind the downfall of the cult MMORPG The Matrix Online, which ran from 2005 to 2009. The investigation involved tracking down and interviewing individuals who pitched the game to the Wachowskis and those involved in its development until its closure.
The Daily Grind: What’s the most ‘no duh’ moment you can think of from an MMO developer?
The article discusses the "no duh" moments in MMORPG development, using Dune Awakening's announcement that players prefer PvE over PvP as an example. It questions how developers might overlook obvious player preferences and invites readers to share their own examples of surprising developer discoveries.
EverQuest Legends provides a primer for its item merging system
EverQuest Legends has released a video detailing its item merging system, where players can combine items of the same type to enhance a chosen piece of gear. Each armor piece can be leveled up to 10 times, improving its armor class and stats. The guide showcases the process in a starter area, noting that while it takes significant effort, maxing out an item through merging is technically feasible.
The Ashes of Creation debacle, explained
Ashes of Creation, an MMORPG developed by Intrepid Studios, has faced significant controversy and ultimately shut down shortly after its early access launch. Allegations of severe mismanagement of funds, including the alleged misuse of Kickstarter money for personal luxuries by co-founder Steven Sharif, have surfaced. Sharif has defended himself, claiming a hostile takeover attempt by the board of directors, though reports suggest he was the sole board member.
Project Gorgon’s Miraverre server has erupted in drama over player pop and moderation
Drama has erupted within the Project Gorgon MMORPG community, specifically concerning the Miraverre server's player population and moderation practices. A Reddit thread detailing a conflict between a player and moderator Jackencola, who allegedly told players to play Ashes of Creation if they were unhappy, has escalated. Elder Game developers Eric Heimburg and Lemons have addressed the situation, stating that only two players were banned for 180 days and several others temporarily gagged, disputing claims of mass bans.
After 23 years, CCP is about to do the unthinkable: add a non-PvP zone to EVE Online
CCP Games is introducing a new non-PvP zone called Exordium to EVE Online in an upcoming expansion. This systemic change aims to reduce player anxiety and better introduce new players to the game's mechanics and opportunities. The developer believes this will benefit the entire EVE Online community by increasing the player base.
WRUP: The cooking rice with liquid mercury song
This week's 'What Are You Playing' roundup features community and staff discussing their weekend gaming plans. Titles mentioned include Palia, Guild Wars 2, Wayfinder, Red Dead Online, Final Fantasy XIV, City of Heroes: Homecoming, Warframe, Death Howl, World of Warcraft, and Overwatch. A bonus question asks about default restaurant orders for testing new establishments.
The Daily Grind: What’s your favorite double-weapon MMO combo?
This article asks MMORPG players about their favorite dual-weapon combinations in the genre. It highlights various in-game dual-wielding options, from daggers to pistols and shotguns, and encourages community discussion on satisfying weapon pairings.
What we've been playing - "I started with maple trees behind the bank"
Several individuals share their recent gaming experiences across various titles. Connor details a deep grind in Old School RuneScape, Victoria discusses a 25th-anniversary item in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Bertie recounts a successful run in Slay the Spire 2 on a Steam Deck, and Kelsey describes the chaotic start of their island in Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.
FFXIV Fan Fest 2026 Twitch Chat Badges Revealed
Square Enix revealed six Twitch chat badges that will be available during Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest 2026 events. Viewers can earn these badges by watching official Square Enix streams or participating streams for an hour during the North American, European, and Japanese festivals. Final Fantasy XIV is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Kickstarted throwback MMORPG Pantheon showcases its upcoming mail system
Visionary Realms has showcased the upcoming mail system for their kickstarted MMORPG, Pantheon. The system allows players to send and receive text messages through the game's menu, while attached items and coin require interaction with Mail Courier NPCs or kiosks. The developers also noted ongoing work on combat mechanics and class revamps.
Albion Online previews the cross-progression and controller perks coming with its Xbox X|S launch next week
Sandbox Interactive is launching Albion Online on Xbox Series X on April 21st, extending its cross-platform capabilities to consoles. The game will feature full cross-progression with PC and mobile versions, allowing players to use the same accounts and characters across all platforms. Enhancements for controller support have also been implemented for console and PC/mobile players.
RuneScape’s October ‘biggest and best’ RuneFest starts selling tickets this month
Jagex has announced that RuneFest, the annual community gathering for RuneScape, will take place on October 3rd and 4th. The company promises it will be the "biggest and best" yet, featuring roadmap reveals, game discussions, and in-person skilling activities. Tickets will go on sale April 30th, with prices ranging from £210 for standard entry to £375 for gold tier access.
Fight or Kite: Kakele Online is a fast-paced MMO drawing inspiration from 16-bit RPGs of old
Kakele Online is a free-to-play 2D MMORPG inspired by 16-bit RPGs, featuring classic MMO elements like combat, gathering, and housing, alongside a hardcore PvP server. While the game offers extensive character customization and smooth movement, its combat can feel janky and unpolished, a common issue in pixel art MMOs. Despite these drawbacks, the active player base and accessibility on PC and mobile make it a potential option for fans of the genre.