Illarion, an Open Source Classic MMORPG, Launches May Update

Illarion launched their May update earlier this month which introduced several new features like new magic runes and housing features.

This is a game few have heard about. It's originally from 1999 and lives on today as an open-source free to play MMORPG. While the older visuals may be a turn off for many, fans of classic MMOs may find it interesting.

Here's how the game describes itself:

Illarion is an Open Source free-to-play MMORPG that immerses players in a richly developed fantasy world where roleplay is not just encouraged but enforced. This unique aspect sets Illarion apart from many other online games, as it prioritizes storytelling and character immersion over traditional gameplay mechanics and combat. Players are invited to step into the shoes of their chosen character, complete with backgrounds, motivations, and personal narratives, fostering a vibrant community that thrives on interaction, creativity, and collaborative storytelling.

Reminiscent of Runescape, You're free to dabble in any skill, but your character's attributes play a crucial role in how quickly you gain proficiency and the ultimate quality of your work. A perceptive character, for instance, might excel at archery and cooking, while a strong one might master blacksmithing and melee combat. This semi-classless system encourages experimentation and allows for truly unique character builds. Combat is a strategic dance of Rock, Paper, Scissors, executed with simple point-and-click mechanics. Beyond combat lies a deep and intricate crafting system, with alchemy standing out as particularly complex. Finally, stake your claim in the world by building your own home. From humble cottages to sprawling castles and luxurious mansions, the choice is yours.

May update:

• Four new magic runes and puzzles.
• House restrictions loosened, some becoming estates.
• New rooms at the Hemp Necktie Inn added to housing.
• Attribute trainer costs decrease with roleplaying.
• Quills can copy text from parchments/books.
• Drinks boost RP points from interactions, with rarity affecting duration.
• Drink and vessel rarities affect RP boost duration and reusability.
• Estates can now have farming fields (except Cadomyr).
• Estates can have static tools/depots built with high cost and realm-specific options.
• Craft/gathering skills now use two attributes, detailed in character creation.
• Quest creator can now display a character name instead of the name.

Further reading: Official Website