https://massivelyop.com MMORPG news and opinions Wed, 26 Apr 2023 15:53:03 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/medieval-fantasy-mmo-past-fate-beefs-up-early-game-and-optimization/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/medieval-fantasy-mmo-past-fate-beefs-up-early-game-and-optimization/#respond Wed, 26 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436830 As it heads toward early access later this year, the freedom-happy medieval fantasy MMO Past Fate is keeping things spicy with both increased promotion and new patches in the closed alpha. In fact, Patch 0.4.3 released last week with improvements to the early game and the brand-new Blackfang Keep open-world dungeon. “Early zones have had […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/medieval-fantasy-mmo-past-fate-beefs-up-early-game-and-optimization/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/monsters-memories-has-a-public-stress-test-coming-this-weekend/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/monsters-memories-has-a-public-stress-test-coming-this-weekend/#comments Wed, 26 Apr 2023 19:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437254 Ready to get your first hands-on look with a charming little indie MMO that’s seeking to evoke the olden days of both MMOs and tabletop gaming? Monsters and Memories is running a public stress test this Friday and Saturday, and you are invited. That’s what “public” means. This is a very early pre-alpha test that’s […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/monsters-memories-has-a-public-stress-test-coming-this-weekend/feed/ 4 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/perfect-ten-25-text-based-mmos-and-muds-that-are-worth-playing-in-2023/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/perfect-ten-25-text-based-mmos-and-muds-that-are-worth-playing-in-2023/#comments Wed, 26 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435150 Wanderlust hits even the most content MMO adventurer from time to time, and while there are worlds a-plenty to visit, sometimes it is easy to feel that one has “seen it all.” When those times arise and you’re feeling a little bit stale with current offerings, there’s always a different type of massively multiplayer title […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/perfect-ten-25-text-based-mmos-and-muds-that-are-worth-playing-in-2023/feed/ 8 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-tries-to-fix-all-the-stuff-the-avatar-update-done-broke/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-tries-to-fix-all-the-stuff-the-avatar-update-done-broke/#comments Wed, 26 Apr 2023 14:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437189 If you hadn’t noticed, Lord of the Rings Online’s Update 35.1 last week ushered in numerous bugs and weird quirks with the expanded avatar options for the human race. After suffering through the indignities of these for several days, players should have some relief with Wednesday’s patch. Update 35.1.1 promised to address several avatar bugs, […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-tries-to-fix-all-the-stuff-the-avatar-update-done-broke/feed/ 4 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/the-daily-grind-is-the-age-of-superhero-mmos-past/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/the-daily-grind-is-the-age-of-superhero-mmos-past/#comments Wed, 26 Apr 2023 12:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436833 Is it just me, or does it seem like nobody is that hot to trot for superhero MMORPGs these days? A few years ago, it felt as though there was a lot more enthusiasm for plugging into the City of Heroes rogue server or lapping up any details of upcoming projects. Even DCUO was (and […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/26/the-daily-grind-is-the-age-of-superhero-mmos-past/feed/ 20 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/massively-op-podcast-episode-419-dining-at-the-mmo-news-buffet/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/massively-op-podcast-episode-419-dining-at-the-mmo-news-buffet/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436859 Justin and Bree discuss Tarisland, NetEase, Throne and Liberty, Mad World, DCUO, and EVE Anywhere, with adventures in LOTRO and Fallout 76, plus mailbag topics on accessibility and special podcast guests.]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/massively-op-podcast-episode-419-dining-at-the-mmo-news-buffet/feed/ 7 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/diablo-immortal-cranks-out-three-events-36-legendary-items-and-a-softer-hell-mode/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/diablo-immortal-cranks-out-three-events-36-legendary-items-and-a-softer-hell-mode/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437020 Why are you moping around because Diablo IV isn’t here yet? After all, there are plenty of other ARPGs — not to mention other Diablos on the table. Like… um… hey, what about this? Diablo Immortal, it’s called. Looks like a scrappy little beast, and it’s even running some new events and content to keep […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/diablo-immortal-cranks-out-three-events-36-legendary-items-and-a-softer-hell-mode/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/casually-classic-eight-legacy-mmos-to-satisfy-that-old-school-craving/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/casually-classic-eight-legacy-mmos-to-satisfy-that-old-school-craving/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436839 It was just five years ago in 2018 that MassivelyOP formally recognized an interesting and heartening trend in the MMO space: the rise of legacy MMOs and progression servers. Oh sure, they’d always existed, but we were rightly excited to see a huge uptick of studios work to deliver players a classic experience that rewound […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/casually-classic-eight-legacy-mmos-to-satisfy-that-old-school-craving/feed/ 13 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/diablo-iv-promises-a-level-of-agency-never-previously-offered/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/diablo-iv-promises-a-level-of-agency-never-previously-offered/#comments Tue, 25 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=437013 Diablo IV may not be serving up Burger King’s Whoppers, but it too is promising that you can have it your way. Blizzard’s upcoming online ARPG behemoth includes “a level of agency never previously offered” in regard to player character builds and growth. This assertion comes from a new developer blog and video in which […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/25/diablo-iv-promises-a-level-of-agency-never-previously-offered/feed/ 16 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/fallout-76-begins-testing-its-summer-cryptid-patch/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/fallout-76-begins-testing-its-summer-cryptid-patch/#respond Mon, 24 Apr 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436825 First of all, I think it’s important for us to agree that “Summer Cryptids” would make a great name for a new garage band, so who’s on board to form it with me? But even if you’re not rocking out with us, you can still check out a couple of mysterious new critters on Fallout […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/24/fallout-76-begins-testing-its-summer-cryptid-patch/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/the-mop-up-champions-online-ups-the-ante-on-monster-island/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/the-mop-up-champions-online-ups-the-ante-on-monster-island/#comments Sun, 23 Apr 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436044 With a name like “Monster Island,” you wouldn’t expect this Champions Online locale to be a walk in the park. And in fact, this region’s open mission just got an upgrade with new rewards. “For some time now, you’ve been able to travel to New Gornyj and defend it from attacking Manimals. That much is still […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/the-mop-up-champions-online-ups-the-ante-on-monster-island/feed/ 2 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/battle-bards-episode-224-a-return-to-the-music-of-everquest-ii/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/battle-bards-episode-224-a-return-to-the-music-of-everquest-ii/#comments Sun, 23 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436191 It’s been an almost egregiously long time since the Battle Bards turned their attention to the EverQuest II soundtrack — but now that wait is over. Join Syp and Syl as they comb through the expansions for all sorts of delightful musical morsels to enjoy! Battle Bards is the world’s first, best, and only MMO music […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/battle-bards-episode-224-a-return-to-the-music-of-everquest-ii/feed/ 3 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/lord-of-the-rings-onlines-newest-raid-delayed-and-punted-back-to-the-test-realm/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/lord-of-the-rings-onlines-newest-raid-delayed-and-punted-back-to-the-test-realm/#comments Sun, 23 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436710 It’s been a very long wait indeed for cutting-edge players in Lord of the Rings Online as they’ve bided time for new endgame content. Now it looks like they’ll have no choice but to exercise even more patience, as SSG announced that it was sending its newest raid back to the drawing, er, testing board. […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/lord-of-the-rings-onlines-newest-raid-delayed-and-punted-back-to-the-test-realm/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/one-shots-the-spice-must-flow/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/one-shots-the-spice-must-flow/#comments Sun, 23 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436564 Feeling antsy because Funcom’s Dune Awakening isn’t here yet? Utakata has a decent substitute for you in Tower of Fantasy, apparently. Nothing like a leisurely stroll across a sandy wasteland, avoiding underground worms while geeking out on futuristic tech! Let’s keep this going, because after all… the screenshots must flow. “I have nine homes in […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/23/one-shots-the-spice-must-flow/feed/ 10 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/guild-wars-2-previews-next-weeks-outliers-balance-update/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/guild-wars-2-previews-next-weeks-outliers-balance-update/#comments Sat, 22 Apr 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436705 Lock up your kids and your spouses because Guild Wars 2 is moseying into town for another class balance showdown — and there’s no telling who’s going to come out of this unscathed and who’s going to be transformed into an abnormal mutant that’s barely recognized from its former self. Actually, it doesn’t sound as […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/guild-wars-2-previews-next-weeks-outliers-balance-update/feed/ 17 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/lotro-legendarium-making-sense-of-lotros-virtue-system/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/lotro-legendarium-making-sense-of-lotros-virtue-system/#comments Sat, 22 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436507 If you look at how your character gains power and progression in Lord of the Rings Online, you’ll see four major categories. There are levels, which automatically bestow stats upon you. Then there’s the acquisition of gear (including legendary items and essences) to bolster those stats. We can look to talents for additional ways to […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/lotro-legendarium-making-sense-of-lotros-virtue-system/feed/ 5 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/tencents-world-of-warcraft-clone-tarisland-plans-global-rollout/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/tencents-world-of-warcraft-clone-tarisland-plans-global-rollout/#comments Sat, 22 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436716 The vacuum created by World of Warcraft’s closure in China back in January created an opportunity for a new title to fill that void: Tarisland by Tencent. With dragonriding, stylized visuals, and about 75% of WoW’s class line-up, this is the most blatant of clones — and a clear play for the affections of abandoned […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/tencents-world-of-warcraft-clone-tarisland-plans-global-rollout/feed/ 26 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/the-daily-grind-does-cel-shading-help-or-hurt-an-mmos-appeal-and-reputation/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/the-daily-grind-does-cel-shading-help-or-hurt-an-mmos-appeal-and-reputation/#comments Sat, 22 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435788 With titles like Tower of Fantasy on the market and Blue Protocol on its way for later this year, I thought it would be a good time to talk about cel shading as a graphical design choice. It’s a style that I’ve seen pop up in as widely diverse titles like Zelda, Borderlands, and even […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/22/the-daily-grind-does-cel-shading-help-or-hurt-an-mmos-appeal-and-reputation/feed/ 22 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/black-desert-revamps-the-trading-lifeskill-for-its-console-edition/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/black-desert-revamps-the-trading-lifeskill-for-its-console-edition/#comments Fri, 21 Apr 2023 21:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436371 The virtual economy is the lifeblood of sandboxes like Black Desert, so when Pearl Abyss puts a trading skill revamp front and center in a console patch, we can assume that the change will ripple out to affect the game entire. With the patch, players now can only buy and sell at certain designated places […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/black-desert-revamps-the-trading-lifeskill-for-its-console-edition/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/ship-of-heroes-bright-and-positive-setting-masks-mysteries-to-uncover/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/ship-of-heroes-bright-and-positive-setting-masks-mysteries-to-uncover/#respond Fri, 21 Apr 2023 17:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436575 While most people seem fixated on the fact that Ship of Heroes is an unapologetic spiritual successor to City of Heroes, what tends to be forgotten is how bonkers of a setting this superhero MMO has. To refresh your memory, Heroic Games posted a new dev blog that gives an overview of life on the […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/ship-of-heroes-bright-and-positive-setting-masks-mysteries-to-uncover/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/global-chat-black-desert-is-the-mmo-sandbox-to-beat/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/global-chat-black-desert-is-the-mmo-sandbox-to-beat/#comments Fri, 21 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435791 Those who wrote off or skipped by Black Desert on the way to other MMOs may be missing one of the best sandboxes on the market today. If you need some good word-of-mouth convincing, check out Mailvatar’s overview of a wide spread of personal in-game activities. “Since I first picked up the game in earnest […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/global-chat-black-desert-is-the-mmo-sandbox-to-beat/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/warcraft-arclight-rumble-devs-talk-xp-level-curve-and-exaggerated-animations/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/warcraft-arclight-rumble-devs-talk-xp-level-curve-and-exaggerated-animations/#respond Fri, 21 Apr 2023 13:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436551 While most of the eyes in the Blizzard universe are looking forward to WoW’s 10.1 or some floofy Diablo sequel, there are a few of us that are still excited to (hopefully) one day receive Warcraft Arclight Rumble on our mobile devices. And for those faithful, the studio posted a couple of new interviews with […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/warcraft-arclight-rumble-devs-talk-xp-level-curve-and-exaggerated-animations/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/lord-of-the-rings-online-celebrates-16-years-of-adventure-with-a-fireworks-goat-mount/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/lord-of-the-rings-online-celebrates-16-years-of-adventure-with-a-fireworks-goat-mount/#comments Fri, 21 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436501 Raise a pint of ale, for Lord of the Rings Online is 16 years old! Or rather, it will be as of Monday! The Middle-earth MMORPG kicked off its anniversary celebrations a little bit early yesterday, bringing back the regular stable of activities as well as a few new rewards for the diligent. In addition […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/21/lord-of-the-rings-online-celebrates-16-years-of-adventure-with-a-fireworks-goat-mount/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/20/the-day-before-studio-still-claims-its-working-on-beta-and-steam-reinstatement/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/20/the-day-before-studio-still-claims-its-working-on-beta-and-steam-reinstatement/#comments Thu, 20 Apr 2023 16:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436363 It’s hard to say whether Dark and Darker or The Day Before is going to come away with the coveted trophy for “Biggest Slow-Motion Trainwreck of 2023,” presuming that we’ll be having that as a category this December. Until the voting season arrives, we will have to ride things out on both fronts to see […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/20/the-day-before-studio-still-claims-its-working-on-beta-and-steam-reinstatement/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/20/world-of-warcraft-prepares-more-ui-improvements-and-diablo-iv-events/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/20/world-of-warcraft-prepares-more-ui-improvements-and-diablo-iv-events/#comments Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436401 There’s a whole lot coming with World of Warcraft’s Update 10.1 early next month, but buried under all of the big ticket items will be smaller — but no less welcome — quality-of-life improvements. Some of these include continued work on the user interface, which Blizzard greatly overhauled with the Dragonflight pre-patch last year. The […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/20/world-of-warcraft-prepares-more-ui-improvements-and-diablo-iv-events/feed/ 6 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/stardew-valley-has-another-big-update-left-in-its-future/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/stardew-valley-has-another-big-update-left-in-its-future/#comments Wed, 19 Apr 2023 17:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436184 Just because developer Concerned Ape is hard at work on his next title, Haunted Chocolatier, doesn’t mean that Stardew Valley is being put to rest. On the contrary, he tweeted that there’s at least one more big update in store for the popular multiplayer farming sim. “There is going to be a Stardew 1.6 update,” […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/stardew-valley-has-another-big-update-left-in-its-future/feed/ 4 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/temtem-says-its-lfg-tool-is-back-from-the-dead/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/temtem-says-its-lfg-tool-is-back-from-the-dead/#respond Wed, 19 Apr 2023 16:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435944 Who wants a rez? No, not you, generic discount Pikachu; we’re asking Temtem features that got left by the wayside a while back. And look at that, it’s the LFG tool raising its hand for another go. Good enough. Welcome back to the fold, LFG! The creature-collecting MMO didn’t stop with that, however. Patch 1.3.1 […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/temtem-says-its-lfg-tool-is-back-from-the-dead/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/minecraft-legends-launches-with-plenty-of-blocky-multiplayer-battle-strategy/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/minecraft-legends-launches-with-plenty-of-blocky-multiplayer-battle-strategy/#respond Wed, 19 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436141 If you were to go back to the year 2000 and tell everyone that a game primarily made of boxes would absolutely dominate the market, you’d be locked up for rumor-mongering. Today, it’s simply accepted that the Minecraft juggernaut is unstoppable and will eventually be in every sub-genre there is. Chalk up another release for […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/minecraft-legends-launches-with-plenty-of-blocky-multiplayer-battle-strategy/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/lord-of-the-rings-online-update-35-1-releases-with-anniversary-event-new-avatar-options-and-raid-prep/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/lord-of-the-rings-online-update-35-1-releases-with-anniversary-event-new-avatar-options-and-raid-prep/#comments Wed, 19 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=436135 Lord of the Rings Online’s next semi-big patch is here today — but all of Update 35.1’s bounty won’t be available at once. What is available immediately, however, is a ton of new avatar options for human characters, a lot of Warden tweaks, and the expected re-nerfing of monster health and mitigations. And then tomorrow, […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/lord-of-the-rings-online-update-35-1-releases-with-anniversary-event-new-avatar-options-and-raid-prep/feed/ 7 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/the-daily-grind-do-you-stop-to-watch-player-performances/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/the-daily-grind-do-you-stop-to-watch-player-performances/#comments Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435627 Especially when you have limited time to game, it’s hard to ignore that “go go go!” voice in your head that urges you to make every minute count toward your player progression. Yet it’s also important to stop and smell the roses (1/10 smelled) when the opportunity presents. I try to do this anytime I […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/19/the-daily-grind-do-you-stop-to-watch-player-performances/feed/ 13 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/war-thunder-blasts-two-new-soundtrack-albums-at-our-defenseless-eardrums/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/war-thunder-blasts-two-new-soundtrack-albums-at-our-defenseless-eardrums/#comments Tue, 18 Apr 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435877 You know what online game has a vastly underrated soundtrack? War Thunder. And I’m not even joking here. Just give “Advance Australia,” “Angels of Vengeance,” or “Beyond the Precipice” if you don’t believe me. Some really good stuff in this score. And for those of us who appreciate the sweeping military soundtrack of this game, […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/war-thunder-blasts-two-new-soundtrack-albums-at-our-defenseless-eardrums/feed/ 3 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/massively-op-podcast-episode-418-big-numbers-inc/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/massively-op-podcast-episode-418-big-numbers-inc/#comments Tue, 18 Apr 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435723 Justin and Bree discuss Mortal Exodus, Wayfinder, LOTRO, Elder Scrolls Online, Path of Exile, and Albion Online, with adventures in Fallout 76, City of Heroes, and LOTRO, plus a mailbag topic playing the hero vs. not in MMOs.]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/massively-op-podcast-episode-418-big-numbers-inc/feed/ 13 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/dark-and-darkers-alpha-playtest-slammed-by-sophisticated-ddos-attack/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/dark-and-darkers-alpha-playtest-slammed-by-sophisticated-ddos-attack/#comments Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435975 Remember how, just last month, Ironmace studios urged fans “not to worry” about Dark and Darker’s future? So… it might be time to start showing a mite bit of concern. On top of the game being smacked off of Steam and subject to a lawsuit over alleged stolen code, Dark and Darker now is contending […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/dark-and-darkers-alpha-playtest-slammed-by-sophisticated-ddos-attack/feed/ 8 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/elder-scrolls-online-begins-testing-green-flavored-necrom-chapter/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/elder-scrolls-online-begins-testing-green-flavored-necrom-chapter/#respond Tue, 18 Apr 2023 13:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435937 As any kid who’s choosing a summer popsicle stick knows, green is always a solid pick. Elder Scrolls Online hopes that the magic of this life-affirming shade will rub off on its upcoming Necrom expansion, as it is green to the max. It’s also being publicly tested to the max, as the upcoming chapter went […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/18/elder-scrolls-online-begins-testing-green-flavored-necrom-chapter/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/17/lord-of-the-rings-online-shows-off-avatar-improvements-and-new-raid/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/17/lord-of-the-rings-online-shows-off-avatar-improvements-and-new-raid/#comments Mon, 17 Apr 2023 16:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435655 It’s been a very busy week for Lord of the Rings Online’s testing and development, making for a lively dev livestream this past Friday. A big talking point on the stream was the expanded character creator for human characters that’s on the test server, the first wave of expected improvements to character looks. Another feature […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/17/lord-of-the-rings-online-shows-off-avatar-improvements-and-new-raid/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/17/mmo-legend-richard-bartle-reviews-the-highs-and-lows-of-new-world/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/17/mmo-legend-richard-bartle-reviews-the-highs-and-lows-of-new-world/#comments Mon, 17 Apr 2023 14:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435775 When one of the founding legends of MMORPGs spends 360 hours in your game, chances are that he has Opinions about how you did stuff. And so the New World team best be listening to Dr. Richard Bartle, the co-creator of MUD1 and researcher upon whose work the Bartle test was devised, who delivered his opinions […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/17/mmo-legend-richard-bartle-reviews-the-highs-and-lows-of-new-world/feed/ 6 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/16/the-mop-up-elder-scrolls-online-wises-up/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/16/the-mop-up-elder-scrolls-online-wises-up/#comments Sun, 16 Apr 2023 20:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435051 As the Necrom expansion looms in Elder Scrolls Online’s future, there are several new NPCs for players to anticipating meeting. One of these is Leramil the Wise: “If you intend to learn more about Hermaeus Mora, the Prince of Fate, you will undoubtedly cross paths with Leramil the Wise during your adventures in the Telvanni […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/16/the-mop-up-elder-scrolls-online-wises-up/feed/ 1 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/16/one-shots-martial-yoga/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/16/one-shots-martial-yoga/#comments Sun, 16 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435553 It’s not a very well-known fact that the most successful armies in fantasy worlds are the ones that take the time to limber up before a bout. Combining yoga and weapon posing is perhaps the most shrewd decision by military generals since the shield wall formation. And you best know that elite players like Vincent […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/16/one-shots-martial-yoga/feed/ 12 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/15/dungeon-crawler-dark-and-darker-goes-to-plan-z-by-releasing-its-playtest-via-torrent/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/15/dungeon-crawler-dark-and-darker-goes-to-plan-z-by-releasing-its-playtest-via-torrent/#comments Sat, 15 Apr 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435663 The incredibly odd and unfortunate saga of multiplayer dungeon crawler Dark and Darker continues to vie for weirdest story of 2023. After getting the boot from Steam and legally tussling with Nexon over allegations of stolen code, the game’s studio announced that it was going to “Plan Z” for testing by releasing its fifth alpha […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/15/dungeon-crawler-dark-and-darker-goes-to-plan-z-by-releasing-its-playtest-via-torrent/feed/ 2 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/15/lotro-legendarium-is-the-burglar-lotros-least-loved-class/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/15/lotro-legendarium-is-the-burglar-lotros-least-loved-class/#comments Sat, 15 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435300 In most MMOs that I play, I confess a certain attraction — if not affinity — for seeking out the least-played and -loved class that title has to offer. It can be a lot of fun walking down the path less traveled, especially if it’s with a role that is underrated by most folks. For […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/15/lotro-legendarium-is-the-burglar-lotros-least-loved-class/feed/ 15 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/15/world-of-warcrafts-new-underground-zone-comes-with-two-new-factions-and-dragonriding-additions/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/15/world-of-warcrafts-new-underground-zone-comes-with-two-new-factions-and-dragonriding-additions/#comments Sat, 15 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435659 We are just a couple of weeks away from the arrival of World of Warcraft’s Update 10.1 — and with it a brand-new zone in the Dragon Isles. Or, more accurately, a brand-new zone under the isles. The studio gave a preview of Zaralek Cavern, the expansive underground realm that’ll be added with the Embers […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/15/world-of-warcrafts-new-underground-zone-comes-with-two-new-factions-and-dragonriding-additions/feed/ 12 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/15/the-daily-grind-are-you-a-half-hearted-mmo-crafter/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/15/the-daily-grind-are-you-a-half-hearted-mmo-crafter/#comments Sat, 15 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=434882 Whenever we talk about crafting, I feel that we’re too quick to divide all players into “crafters” and “non-crafters” without considering that there might be a third category. Call them the “half-hearted crafters,” the ones who dabble with the best of intentions but don’t usually go the distance because of the effort and difficulty involved. […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/15/the-daily-grind-are-you-a-half-hearted-mmo-crafter/feed/ 30 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/14/fallout-76-prepares-two-strange-new-cryptids-for-this-summers-update/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/14/fallout-76-prepares-two-strange-new-cryptids-for-this-summers-update/#comments Fri, 14 Apr 2023 19:05:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435527 The strange, weird world of Fallout 76’s post-apocalypse isn’t getting any more sane. If anything, it’s becoming even zanier with the addition of two new cryptids with this summer’s big content update. Bethesda is working on the Once in a Blue Moon update, which goes into public testing on April 20th. This patch adds a […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/14/fallout-76-prepares-two-strange-new-cryptids-for-this-summers-update/feed/ 2 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/14/lotro-and-ddo-are-almost-ready-to-debut-new-forums/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/14/lotro-and-ddo-are-almost-ready-to-debut-new-forums/#comments Fri, 14 Apr 2023 13:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435522 Great news for Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons and Dragons Online players who are tired of the eye strain of reading the MMO’s antiquated forum, as Standing Stone Games said that it’s “almost ready” to trot out the new and improved forum tech for the official sites. “This has been a long time […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/14/lotro-and-ddo-are-almost-ready-to-debut-new-forums/feed/ 2 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/13/camelot-unchained-improves-valkyrie-race-says-10-year-old-project-is-gaining-momentum/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/13/camelot-unchained-improves-valkyrie-race-says-10-year-old-project-is-gaining-momentum/#comments Thu, 13 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435295 Winged warriors are at the forefront of Camelot Unchained’s latest newsletter. The RvR MMO spent the month shaping up its Valkyrie race to look at fearsome as they act in healer, bard, and magic roles. The studio gave the race a huge visual pass and talked about its basic stats and various racial traits. “Though […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/13/camelot-unchained-improves-valkyrie-race-says-10-year-old-project-is-gaining-momentum/feed/ 26 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/diablo-immortal-welcomes-season-12-and-works-on-battleground-matchmaking/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/diablo-immortal-welcomes-season-12-and-works-on-battleground-matchmaking/#comments Thu, 13 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435288 It’s a busy week for Diablo Immortal, starting off with the debut of its Season 12 battle pass. The Heroes of Unification-themed pass contains 40 ranks that must be completed by May 11th before all of its rewards go away. While that’s happening, players can also take part of the limited-time Into the Dark Wood […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/diablo-immortal-welcomes-season-12-and-works-on-battleground-matchmaking/feed/ 8 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/perfect-ten-10-reasons-new-world-deserves-a-second-look/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/perfect-ten-10-reasons-new-world-deserves-a-second-look/#comments Wed, 12 Apr 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=432588 If you were one of the many, many players who skipped off New World after giving it an initial try, well, we don’t blame you. The launch was a bit of a mess, the subsequent months were a morass of unsteady development, the population plummeted, and an aura of uncertainty seemed to hover over Amazon’s […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/perfect-ten-10-reasons-new-world-deserves-a-second-look/feed/ 42 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/dc-universe-onlines-shock-to-the-system-author-on-shifting-from-comics-to-video-games/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/dc-universe-onlines-shock-to-the-system-author-on-shifting-from-comics-to-video-games/#respond Wed, 12 Apr 2023 15:30:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435114 Yes, we’ve quite the anticipatory jitters for this week’s DC Universe Online game update, especially as it adds a couple of iconic characters to the MMO. And if you hadn’t heard, Episode 45: Shock to the System is being written by comic book author Leon Chills, who sat down for an interview about the update […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/dc-universe-onlines-shock-to-the-system-author-on-shifting-from-comics-to-video-games/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/hearthstone-festival-of-legends-hits-the-stage-with-145-new-cards/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/hearthstone-festival-of-legends-hits-the-stage-with-145-new-cards/#respond Wed, 12 Apr 2023 14:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=435121 Sound the trumpet, blast the confetti, and crank up the volume: Hearthstone’s latest expansion is here, and boy is it a boisterous one. Festival of Legends went live last night with 145 new cards and a lot of musical flourishes. Some of these additional cards include legendary musicians and their own hit songs, instrument-themed weapons, […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/hearthstone-festival-of-legends-hits-the-stage-with-145-new-cards/feed/ 0 https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/the-daily-grind-what-isnt-explained-well-enough-in-your-mmo/ https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/the-daily-grind-what-isnt-explained-well-enough-in-your-mmo/#comments Wed, 12 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000 https://massivelyop.com/?p=433988 Your MMO can have the best, most flexible systems and the most robust options — but if nobody but your devs and elite players can understand them, then they do few people any good. All too often in our online games there are features and parts of the game that simply aren’t explained very well […]]]> https://massivelyop.com/2023/04/12/the-daily-grind-what-isnt-explained-well-enough-in-your-mmo/feed/ 25