Patch 11.0.5 Now Live
Major balance changes to all classes, new dungeon difficulty, and holiday events are now available. Check out the full patch notes for details.
Ultima Online (1997-1998): The Dawn of MMORPGs Ultima Online (UO), released in September 1997 by Origin Systems (later acquired by EA), is widely regarded as the first commercially successful massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). The 1998 period was particularly significant as the game evolved rapidly with updates, expansions, and a growing player base. Key Features of Ultima Online (1997-1998) Open-World Sandbox: - Players could explore the vast world of Britannia, engaging in activities like combat, crafting, trading, and socializing. - No strict class systemskills improved through use (skill-based progression). Player-Driven Economy: - A fully player-run economy where resources were gathered, crafted, and sold. - Rare items (like VANQ weapons) became status symbols. PvP & Full-Loot: - Open PvP with full-loot mechanics, meaning players could lose everything upon death. - Infamous Player Killers (PKs) and Anti-PK groups shaped server politics. Housing & Land Rush: - Players could place houses in the open world, leading to land grabs and creative home designs. - Scarcity of land made prime spots highly valuable. Early Expansions & Updates: - The Second Age (T2A) (1998) introduced new lands (Lost Lands), dungeons, and PvP-focused systems like Factions. - New creatures, items, and mechanics (e.g., Taming became a major skill). Community & Roleplaying: - Many players engaged in deep roleplaying, forming guilds, towns, and even judicial systems. - UO was one of the first games to feature emergent storytelling. Legacy of Ultima Online (1997-1998) Pioneered MMORPG Mechanics: UO laid the groundwork for future games like EverQuest, World of Warcraft, and EVE Online. Unmatched Freedom: Few games since have matched UOs level of player agency and consequence. Private Servers & Clones: Many free shards (private servers) exist today, preserving the classic UO experience. Playing Ultima Online Today Official Servers: UO is still running under Broadsword Online Games (with mixed reception). Classic Emulations: - UO Outlands A popular custom UO shard with modernized mechanics. - UO Renaissance A faithful T2A-era* recreation. Would you like details on specific mechanics, stories, or how to get started today?
Ultima Online (1997-1998): The Dawn of MMORPGs Ultima Online (UO), released in September 1997 by Origin Systems (later a...
Venture into the depths of Azeroth itself in this groundbreaking expansion. Face new threats emerging from the planet's core, explore mysterious underground realms, and uncover secrets that will reshape your understanding of the Warcraft universe forever.
The War Within brings so much fresh content to WoW. The new zones are absolutely stunning and the storyline is engaging. Been playing for 15 years and this expansion reignited my passion for the game.
The new raid content is fantastic with challenging mechanics. However, there are still some bugs that need to be ironed out. Overall a solid expansion that keeps me coming back for more.
Major balance changes to all classes, new dungeon difficulty, and holiday events are now available. Check out the full patch notes for details.
Celebrate the season with special quests, unique rewards, and festive activities throughout Azeroth. Event runs until January 2nd.