Alternative to EQ?

[765]

I grew up with EQ1 and 2, but once the player bases shrunk so much that only the very latest endgame remained populated, I couldn't bring myself to play it anymore because I love roaming all levels and areas.

Since then I have not been able to find another MMORPG that scratches my Western style MMORPG itch.
I have tried a few Asian ones like FF14 and BDO, but I simply don't enjoy them. The flashy combat, the even more over-the-top armor designs and many other things.




I know there is Ashes of Creation supposed to come out who knows when, even recently announced.
But does anyone know of a good EQ alternative playable (and populated) now?

[Kiss My Ax]

Originally posted by RuneGuard:

I grew up with EQ1 and 2, but once the player bases shrunk so much that only the very latest endgame remained populated, I couldn't bring myself to play it anymore because I love roaming all levels and areas.

Since then I have not been able to find another MMORPG that scratches my Western style MMORPG itch.
I have tried a few Asian ones like FF14 and BDO, but I simply don't enjoy them. The flashy combat, the even more over-the-top armor designs and many other things.




I know there is Ashes of Creation supposed to come out who knows when, even recently announced.
But does anyone know of a good EQ alternative playable (and populated) now?

Final Fantasy Online you can play to level 40 for free

[765]

I totally forgot about ESO!

I was going to stay away from anything Bethesda for obvious reasons, but that game always seemed so magical and underrated, especially for fans of old-school games like Everquest because it has some old mechanics like faction standings, guards chasing you, sneaking around, lock picking and pick pocketing...

I guess it's time to give it another try!

[Darq]

Rift blows all the same.
Top heavy and pretty much dead.
Grind to 65 is alwful, but that's just the 1st part. 65 to 70 a month with patron exp bonus.
A month of boring grind.

ESO is also... well ... the first 50 levels are alright. Then it starts getting old. Especially some group oriented expansions.
You know how people are nowadays.
Either you're in a guild or have fun sucking solo.

The MMORPG genre is dead.

[Cody]

Play Final Fantasy Xi

[Kiss My Ax]

F.F.XIV Online,WOW.

[765]

I spent years in EQ1 and EQ2.
EQ1 was my first big MMORPG love after dabbling in UO.


I tried lots of great MMORPGs like SWTOR, DDO, Neverwinter, STO...
...but the true successor to those experiences is now ESO for me.

[krishpi]

WoW for sure. Play in a private server (i.e. Tauri or Apollo) if you don't want to pay.

[Kiss My Ax]

Originally posted by krishpi:

WoW for sure. Play in a private server (i.e. Tauri or Apollo) if you don't want to pay.

Which we all know private server is like stealing but im sure none of you would like it if someone stole from you now would you?

[Harry]

I have exactly the same issue as myself Runeguard. I used to play on that server myself way back when the first expansion came out. Recently I have been trying to find something that would give me that same feeling and immersion that I had playing EQ2. To be honest, I don't think there is much choice out there. Perhaps the model for mmorpg's is not commercially viable anymore, or too risky for companies to take the massive, financial gamble. You could check out ESO. It seems polished enough, and there are some great quests that actually make you feel as though you are in the game world, rather than just a wall of text telling you to fetch stuff or kill stuff. People often complain about end game, etc. However, perhaps if an MMO had a gripping story then the content would be enough! Anyway, I don't see anything around atm, but if you do find something, then please let me know

[Gaming Inpatient]

If it ever gets released, Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen will be very similar to EQ2 with a massive graphics upgrade. It was created by the late and great Brad McQuaid, who was largely responsible for creating the original EQ.

It's been in development for a long time though so who knows if it will ever even see the light of day. I have a feeling now that Brad has passed away (RIP bro!), the development will be sped up, but the game will be changed somewhat from his vision.

https://www.pantheonmmo.com/

[Harry]

Originally posted by gloken40k:

If it ever gets released, Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen will be very similar to EQ2 with a massive graphics upgrade. It was created by the late and great Brad McQuaid, who was largely responsible for creating the original EQ.

It's been in development for a long time though so who knows if it will ever even see the light of day. I have a feeling now that Brad has passed away (RIP bro!), the development will be sped up, but the game will be changed somewhat from his vision.

https://www.pantheonmmo.com/

Thanks for the link gloken40k. This does look like something I would like to try, but I have a couple of reservations. Mostly the length of time this game has been in beta. Also, do you have to pledge a minimum of 50 dollars in order to play the beta? Not sure what that is in UK pounds, but it seems a bit pricey. If it was less expensive I would definitely try it out.

Is there nothing else out there?

[Oldcrow]

Nope. Before WOW, mmo's took risks and did unique things. After WOW, every mmo that came out tried to copy it. Pantheon looks promising, if it ever releases. I think its going on 7 years of development or something with not even a beta coming soon. Eq2 soon after release copied the WOW model as well. Its a subpar themepark because of that. EQ1 is still awesome, and if you get on a TLP, such as Aradune, there are tons of people and groups.

[DiceWrangler]

Why did "Vanguard" fail? It was closer to EQ1 than EQ2, went Free-to-Play near the end of its lifetime (2012) but, in 2014, the "plug was pulled." Note that Brad McQuaid, an early designer and executive producer of "Vanguard", is the same "Aradune" from (original) "Everquest" and who the server is named after.

[NetSage]

Pantheon will probably be the best replacement when it comes out but it's far off. FFXI is probably a decent option.

If you're ok with rough edges Project Gorgon is an old school type of game.

[☆AkaAkoVT☆]

I'd been going to bring up FF14 when I saw the title... but it looks like you already looked into it a bit. Definitely has a different style, but some of the mechanics and downtime stuff gave me an EQ2 vibe. I've heard good stuff about ESO too... and as weird as it sounds, it could be worth trying Runescape(which does still exist and have a decent population!~ :D).