Ragnarok Online – 5 Amazing Versions

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Ragnarok Online in an unusual MMORPG when looking at the graphics style. It is not so different to that of Ultima Online or the more modern Final Fantasy IX.   Its nothing like EverQuest or World of WarCraft and with this game it could be considered a good thing. If it had not been for the 3D world and your 2D character that then moves around a note quite 3D looking map, it may not have been as successful as it has been.

Ragnarok choose to keep a tried and tested method stemming back to the Gauntlet days and build a colourful and amazing world.

The story behind Ragnarok is that of an old story based in a land called Midgurd about a peaceful but fragile land that is then ravaged by demons.  Stories are being told of evil forces coming back to life, story’s of which humans rid themselves of hundreds of years previously.

Ragnarok Online was removed from the Ragnarok Steam Download  Site and is now only available direct from the respected versions website.   I have never been a fan of it being removed from Steam as the platform gives the player that confidence that your account will be secure and your game saves are backed up via the steam platform. Maybe it was due to the game now having multiple platforms to play on or the lack of GDPR regulator in Korea…

Versions of Ragnarok

Classic and Pre-Renewal usually refer to the same type of server. These are servers focused on Ragnarok Online as it was before the sweeping 2008 Renewal changes, which altered the game’s direction and changed several core mechanics

Renewal refers to servers that did apply the mechanical changes of 2008. All official servers have applied these changes.

Revo-Classic is a newer style of server whose intention is to start with Renewal mechanics from the very beginning, rather than having it applied after Classic matured.

Zero is currently only available in Korea. Just like Revo-Classic, the base mechanics are Renewal but the server opens at an early episode with only 2nd jobs available, and the intention is to slowly add in each episode with new features over time.

Transcendence is iRO’s take on Zero. So far the intention appears to copy  this idea and provide additional changes, much like how their current Renewal servers work.

For the full explanation of the servers and a great guide read here:   r/RagnarokOnline

Ragnarok Online – Free to Download and Play

What ever Ragnarok version you decide to play they are all Free. But is this really free?  It means it is free to install and play but if you want the extra bells and whistles then your gunna have to spend some $$$. Once in the game portal there are options to purchase in-game credits to buy additional items to help you on your quests and adventures

Ragnarok comes in a few flavours and i am not including Ragnarok 2 in this list. This is the original Ragnarok 1 Versions we’re covering here. There are several version you can play depending on your geographic location. Please comment below if i have not got these correct, i would love to here from a staff member at Gravity to confirm my findings.

There are 3 official versions of the game running, the first based out of Korea and does not pass GDPR regulations for EU, another based out of the US and one based in Russia for the EU players.

The Official Ragnarok sites don’t have a SSL certificate installed on them (no HHTPS, just HTTP) and so you might be presented with security warnings when you arrive.  I would have expected to see SSL certs on such a big site, Hopefully its safe  /shrug

 

Ragnarok Online – Innova European (EU) Version

Ragnarok Online EU

Reviewing the licence agreement with Innova it would seem you can only play this version in the EU, please review section 4, part 2.9.  I am unsure if they have any site blocking in place so please comment below with any  additional findings.

http://www.ragnarokeurope.com  forwards to https://eu.4game.com  This site is hosted in Russia but has a Luxembourg address listed as its offices.

This is the first release of the game and so classed as the original.  In 2010 it had an update released that was entitled “Renewal” This had various updates in stats, gear and XP and also introduced a 3rd Job Class.

The Innova version is available to download Ragnarok Online.  Download RagnarokOnline-eu-Setup.exe from the Install button in the top right. I like to keep my games tidy and in one place so i download to here: D:\Games\RagnarokOnline-EU  but yours maybe on the C drive. Its an 8Mb download and then requires a further  1.74GB download and hard drive space to install.

You need a valid email address to use for sign up as you will be sent a authentication email with a personal link to prove its you. Once logged into the 4game portal you can select one of the games to play, select Ragnarok! You will now see news, patch updates and the shop with items up-to 74.99 Euro.

You can purchase a lot of in-game goodies to help you in your adventures but i would recommend you try the game for at least a month before parting with your hard earned cash.

 

Ragnarok Origin  – Korean WarpPortal Version

Ragnarok Online Korea

First thing to mention here for those of you in the EU, Warpportal.com is blocked for you due to GRPR data protection reasons. This version of Ragnarok is covered by the following websites

All these server are using Gravity’s own DNS servers and are registered to Gravity Co.,Ltd. so i would feel safe using them as legit servers to download your game from.

Unfortunately  you can NOT reach any of the Ragnarok  servers from EU, UK or Turkey. However you can use a VPN tunnel to give the illusion your in another country (like Korea) and then you can connect.  If your in the EU and want to start playing as a new player then start on the US or EU servers that currently have no restriction.

For old school returning players that still have accounts on the Korean servers then I would recommend you use Nord VPN .  You may need to try a few end point locations before you find the best one for you.

 

Ragnarok Online – US Gravity Interactive Version

This version of Ragnarok seems to be the US based version of the game.  Gravity Interactive Ltd also own WarpPortal and so they have 3 official versions of the game running, the first based out of Korea another based out of the US and one based in Russia for the EU players.  The US servers have 2 versions of Ragnarok running, both accessible from EU and registered to USA, New York office. Both have different downloads so select carefully.

Ragnarok Online US Transcendence

The Transcendence is a updated version of the South Korea’s Ragnarok Online: Zero service. This was an updated version of the original Korean Ragnarok Online game.

In the “Renewal” version of Ragnarok we see an updated UI, rules are tweaked for balancing, new pets and a slightly different story line as you travel across Rune of Midgard.

These server are using Gravity’s own DNS servers and are registered to Gravity Co.,Ltd. so i would feel safe using them as legit servers to download your game from.

You first need to download the game download client, RagnarokTranscendence-DLM.exe or Ragnarok-DLM.exe for Renewal.  Save this somewhere easy to locate on your PC.  Now run your chosen Ragnarok.exe, this asks you where you would like to install Ragnarok too, select your newly created folder and download and install the game.

The initial download size for Ragnarok Online is 2.8 Gb (2,810 Mb).  It uses a peer to peer down-loader with some options to throttle bandwidth up and down if you are on a slow connection. You need a valid email address to use for sign up as you will be sent a authentication email with a personal link to prove its you.

Ragnarok Online – Zero

Ragnarok Online Korea ZeroZero is not available outside of Korea, it was specialy targeting at this audience. This version of the game focuses on Renewal but only have 2nd Jobs with a 3rd Job not being available. New episode will be available over time.

 

 

Ragnarok Online – Private Server

Private server are game instances that are setup and configured by the fan base. These are not licences servers and often are run on home servers are cheep hosting.  All though some servers often offer some great additions to the game like update story line, special events and new mobs please remember as they are not official servers.  There is no one to turn too if your server suddenly is not there anymore and you will have lost your character and progress.

Ragnarok Online – Controls and Commands Lists

While this is not a guide on how to play but more of a reference guide. Here is information that I had to look up from time to time to help me progress through the game.

Ragnarok Online – Camera Controls

Ragnarok Online – Emoticons

Ragnarok Online – Shortcut Keys

Ragnarok Online – Slash Commands

If you feel we need to add any additional information please leave a comment

Planetside 2 – Epic Planetary Carnage

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Planetside 2 is all out 3-way planetary carnage on a continental scale.  It was formally, like EverQuest, owned by SOE but now run by Daybreak Game Company. The carnage is truly on an epic scale with 3 different factions battling it out for continent domination. You get to play as infantry, with an array of weapons and armour to select from.  land vehicles such as transport, fast attack or tank style and air vehicles with transport or attach options. All three factions have a different version in each of these areas but at the same time balanced as not to over power the other. One faction may gain some armour but less attack or vice versa. In all the teams are pretty balanced.

In 2020 Planetside 2 received a huge update and so for any players that have not played in a while its worth another look.  They introduced Bastions, these are basically a base for your platoon and can call in orbital strikes and a whole bunch of other goodies.

Planetside 2 – Free to Play

You can download Planetside 2 direct from Daybreak but i like to keep my games central and utilise the account backup feature by downloading Planetside 2 via steam This way all my game saves are on my Steam Account.

While this is not a guide on how to play but more of a reference guide. Here is information that I had to look up from time to time to help me progress through the game.

Planetside 2 – Chat and General Commands

Planetside 2 – Commander Outfit Platoon and Squad Management

 

If you feel we need to add any additional information please leave a comment

 

Lineage 2 – Lineage II Classic

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Lineage 2 was a huge improvement over Linage 1 where we see a complete change in the game style while still keeping the core elements and Lore of the franchise in tact. It is actually a prequel and is set 150 years before Lineage 1 in the realm of Aden. There has been a number of updates since the release in 2003 and you cant really notice this when you look back on old YouTube videos comparing this MMORPG over the years.  It has a massive amount of content and a huge world to explore, the map is pretty vast The player base are friendly and is helpful towards new players joining the realm and i often found someone offering to lend a hand or just give me stuff.

The game starts off in the traditional MMORPG way of character creation.  Once you have selected your character then you are cast into your world to start questing, there is a lot of story threads that result in some great gear with the best requiring multiple players to defeat scripted challenges or dungeons.

Around mid 2018 Lineage 2 released some classic servers, this means you can start again from the beginning of the expansions packs and enjoy the content as a newbie along with everyone else.  This is the best place to start for a new player to Lineage 2 as everyone is back to basics and has no advantage like the older servers. The older servers that started in 2003 have a kind of strange hyper inflated economy as players have injected a lot of real money so items have increased into the millions of Adena.

There is a PVP element of the game but it seems that only the top level players are in this space, there is no low level PVP. As a new player to Lineage 2 that wants to get into PVP your going to have to part with some $$ as you have a lot of catching up to do. Lineage 2 has a in game coin that can be purchases with real world money and so if you are willing to spend real $$ you can get some great items to help you battle.

Just like EverQuest has Project 99 and other player based servers, Lineage 2 also has private servers. These are custom servers run by the fans and are open for most people to join. Some will be close to the classic game but others are heavily customised. The customisation’s are absolutely amazing and do real credit to the game play, and some are just too much and are just great fun.

Lineage 2 – Lineage II Classic – Free to Play

Lineage 2 is Free to play but with payable options from the in-game store. You will need to buy some Adena outside of the game and have it credited to your character that you wish to spend the money on. Once your character has some newly purchased Adena you can navigate to the L2 Store in the game menu and browse whats on offer. It starts off pretty basic with some basic buffs and cosmetic items but as the game unfolds more items become available. I think this is a good idea to have this slow release of items as it doesn’t unbalance the game too much from those that do not want to pay and would like to keep it free.

You can download Lineage 2 from the games main home page and is available once you have created your game account

While this is not a guide on how to play but more of a reference guide. Here is information that I had to look up from time to time to help me progress through the game.

 

Lineage 2 – Chat Commands

Lineage 2 – Macro’s & Macro Commands

Lineage 2 – Short Cut Hot Keys

Lineage 2 – Slash Commands

Lineage 2 – Socials & Emotes

 

Drop a comment if you know anymore commands that need to be added.

Guild Wars 2 – Free to Play and Still looking Good

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Guild Wars 2 as the imaginative title would suggest is the successor to Guild Wars. This next instalment takes this franchise of MMORPG to the next level with updated sound and graphics engines over the last episode.  The engine is nothing but amazing, the zone creative, the creatures well animated and the backdrops in the distance fabulous. For the age of this game it truly is fantastic, it makes me want to look round every corner and explore every dungeon.

Guild Wars 2 was released Aug 2012 and it still going strong today.

The character creation process is nice with lot of options on body style, face shape, hair, eyes, facial hair etc etc     Lots of back story options to select from along with deity, this actually affects your story as you progress through the game and progress quests dedicated for your character.  Once character creation is completed it then has a great opening scenes that explains your back story from the choices you just made, this is very much worth watching. There are also some more cut scenes later in the game.

The combat system is very active and differs greatly from EQ or WOW. When casting spells you can actuality run around still, unlike EQ or WOW, this actuality took me a while to get used too.  You still have the normal MMORPG play style when it comes to GUI layout, macros, slash commands and short cut keys.  The GUI has a good lay out and doesn’t look to cluttered and you actual get a mini map with compass with the standard GUI.

The PVP element that Guild Wars 2 is known for is actually Server V Server V Server. So 3 servers battling it out for points and award for your server. When you enter PVP your character will auto level up to MAX if too low and join the fight with a appropriate set of gear and skills for that level. The PvP battles seem much more even compared with EQ or WOW that are very much gear based. With Guild Wars i feel much more ownership has been places on character movement and placement and timing of ability’s rather then your equipment.

Guild Wars 2 releases new content from time to time an interestingly these updates are free for the first 2 months of release before becoming chargeable. So, if you have a break from Guild Wars its best to login once a week to pull down new updates and qualify for the new free content before it becomes chargeable.

 

Is Guild Wars 2 Free to play?

You can play the entire core game free of charge, with some restrictions, so you can really find out if you like it or not totally free. When you decide you want to stay these restrictions are lifted, they include character slots, bag slots, some Guild and communication options and the daily bonuses.

A full list can be found here Guild Wars 2 Free Account (Features)

Guild Wars 2 is only available for download from the official site

Like the other games i post on my site this is not meant to be a guide on how to play Guild Wars but a comprehensive list of the commands you will need to navigate the world.

Guild Wars 2 – Emotes

Guild Wars 2 – Slash Commands

 

If you feel we need to add any additional information please leave a comment

Guild Wars – Another Great from 2005

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Guild Wars is another great title from back in the day and so has a good deal of content to keep you entertained.   It has a slightly different agenda to the other MMORPG and some would say this is not really a MMORPG but something different. With the early focus on PVP and not PVE it shifts the need to that of skilled player hardened in combat rather then what of what Guild has the best loot and who can take down the biggest Boss Mob.

The game then introduced more of the traditional PVE elements from other games of its time and you can now enjoy the “grind” of levelling and indeed the occasional “Hell level” that everyone always enjoys.

There are only 3 campaigns for Guild Wars and 1 expansion but there has been a few content updates and many events.

 

Guild Wars Costs

Available from either a Guild Wars Download from Steam or direct from the official website Guildwars.com.  Both offer different packages and prices and sometimes have deals on so check out both before you buy.  It has 3 main expansions but a huge list of additional add-ons to select. Just based on the title, Guild Wars, you would think its PVP out the box but you need to buy the PVP add-on if you would like to do battle with more than the PvE element.

Guild Wars does not have a Free to Play option but at the same time does not have a monthly subscription. Its a one time purchase for unlimited play, until a new pack comes out and then there is a fee for this. The additional add-ons are also a one time deal with no ongoing costs. This does make long term play much cheaper option than some of the otter big MMORPGs

Like the other games i post on my site this is not meant to be a guide on how to play Guild Wars but a comprehensive list of the commands you will need to navigate the world.

 

Guild Wars – Slash Commands

Guild Wars – Emotes

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