Welcome back to another roundup of MMOs and MMO-adjacent multiplayer games you’ve never heard of! Today, we’ve got some mostly old school-styled offerings for curious genre fans to check out, and each one offering open worlds to explore. And in at least one case, very likely die in.
Ultiro
We’ll begin with that gankbox-y one, Ultiro, a 2-D browser MMORPG where full loot is the default, though engaging PvP requires a button and murderers pay an unspecified penalty. Should characters fall over dead anywhere, inventory items in their bag that have not been blessed are open for anyone to collect for 15 whole minutes, though the first six in-game hours in the first zone are protected. Assuming that doesn’t bother you, there are bosses to fight, hunts to take on, and a classless character growth system. The game is in open testing now.
Rise of the Pirates
If you’re looking for something perhaps a bit less hard-bitten, then perhaps Rise of the Pirates is up your alley. This pixel art open world MMO lets players grow stronger through mastery of weapons, join parties and crews to take on PvE enemies, or enter into PvP against others, though the more notorious PKers can find themselves as wanted bounties for law-abiding players to collect. This one aims to hit early access in the first quarter of this year.
Estium Online
Last on this list is Estium Online, another old school-styled MMORPG that aims to bring the early aughts of the genre back. Players share a single open world, with no class progression and the ability for characters to learn every skill if they so wish. There’s many of the usual (and primarily) PvE sandbox trappings on offer here, including group content, exploration, and crafting, along with the ability for players to manage NPC-filled towns or take part in friendly PvP duels. Early access is plotted sometime soon, but there is a playtest on offer now for those who want to try it out. (Thanks to Mark for the tip on this one!)
