The forefather of MMORPGs is now doing what made WoW Classic a success

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Last weekend, a beta test for the new legacy server of Ultima Online took place. Fans of the 27-year-old MMORPG can expect more than just a nostalgic trip to the original Britannia.

When is the Ultima Online legacy server coming? Four years ago, the Broadsword developers announced that they wanted to provide a kind of classic realm for the forefather of MMORPGs (Meridian 59 was earlier, but it was Richard Garriott who coined the MMORPG term with UO).

Only now, over the past few weekends, have the first beta tests taken place (via uo.com). According to the official newsletter (via mailchi.mp), the final launch will take place in time for the 27th anniversary, probably sometime in September 2024.

Here you can watch the new gameplay trailer for the Ultima Online Legacy server:

Ultima Online: Trailer introduces new legacy server of the cult MMORPG

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Ultima Online: Ultimate Edition

What’s in the Ultima Online Legacy Server? The basic promise behind the Legacy project is to let you experience the fundamental roots of the MMORPG with a new server shard, but with certain extras – similar to a “Classic Plus” for World of Warcraft.

  • You can expect the original map of Britannia and the core RPG experience of Classic UO. However, the legacy version is not intended to be a 1:1 replica of a classic Ultima Online server in year X.
  • On the contrary, the developers are adapting various core gameplay systems. On the one hand, they want to use today’s knowledge to specifically improve things that didn’t work well in retrospect. On the other hand, you are no longer limited by the technical limitations of 1997, which means you no longer have to adhere to various restrictions from back then.
  • Specifically, the developers want to make areas such as the game world, skill and equipment progression, resource gathering, item crafting, PvP, and social interaction more intuitive and engaging.
  • The new Legacy server relies on seasons that always end with a cataclysmic event. After that, the next opportunity to build a legacy in Britannia begins.
  • To play on a legacy server, interested parties need an Endless Journey account or an ongoing subscription.

    • Trend towards the Classic Server: Ultima Online is not the only MMORPG that wants to attract old and new fans with a nostalgic server experience. Old School RuneScape has been doing this since 2013. Blizzard has been enjoying great success in this area with WoW Classic for almost five years now, and two legendary worlds have just gone live again for Lord of the Rings Online.

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