Ragnarok Online, a game that emerged two decades ago, still holds a special place in the hearts of players worldwide. Its timeless appeal transcends generations, drawing gamers into its immersive world. In September 2023, a new chapter in the Ragnarok saga unfolded with the launch of Ragnarok Landverse.
Ragnarok Landverse, a Web3 version of the game, has emerged, breathing new life into this iconic title. Developed by Gravity and Maxion, this innovative Web3 version of the beloved classic has garnered both excitement and skepticism within the gaming community. Ragnarok Landverse introduces exciting prospects while raising questions about the game’s core identity
Ragnarok’s Everlasting Charm
A timeless favorite, the original Ragnarok Online’s enduring appeal lies in its captivating world and tight-knit community. For many, it represents a nostalgic journey back to their gaming roots, where memories of epic battles and memorable encounters still resonate.
On the other hand, Ragnarok Landverse is the result of a collaboration between Gravity and Maxion. Gravity’s claim to fame rests on its creation of the original Ragnarok Online, a title that continues to resonate with players. The company has also produced other popular games like Requiem and Dragonica. Maxion, on the other hand, is pushing the boundaries of blockchain integration in the gaming industry. Not only does Maxion develop games with blockchain technology seamlessly interwoven, but it also operates an NFT marketplace and exchange services for in-game currencies.
Ragnarok Landverse launched back in September 2023 with Hela Server and also just opened a new server— Freya Server, a month later.
Mixed Reactions to Ragnarok Landverse
With the launch of Ragnarok Landverse, veterans of the original game find themselves in a mix of excitement and skepticism. Some are thrilled by the prospect of Ragnarok’s revival and the potential to earn real-world money while playing. The game introduces a controlled economy and NFT elements, allowing players to trade in-game tokens for fiat currency. It’s an enticing proposition for those looking to monetize their gaming skills.
However, not all veterans are on board with these changes. Some worry that the focus on “playing to earn” could compromise the core essence of the game, which has always been about having fun and forging lasting friendships. The introduction of a controlled economy, while promising in some aspects, raises concerns about the potential for pay-to-win scenarios.
Even with the skepticism, Ragnarok Landverse enjoys a large player population count. Having been developed by Gravity itself might have contributed to the popularity of the game.
Differences Between Ragnarok Landverse and the Original
The contrasts between Ragnarok Landverse and the original Ragnarok Online are striking. In Landverse, instead of monsters dropping items and equipment at random, they now drop Monster Loot Boxes. These boxes contain various rewards and can be opened using Stamina. The contents are adjusted based on the monster’s level. MVP monsters, however, still drop items as they did in the original game.
The introduction of an NFT marketplace and the VIP system further distinguishes Landverse from the original. In-game trading is now restricted to zeny, consumables, and miscellaneous items. To trade equipment and monster cards, players must use the NFT marketplace, and VIP membership is required to mint these items into the marketplace.
The VIP system offers premium benefits, including increased Exp/Job gains, higher drop rates, Kafra Teleport and Storage service discounts, and double zeny from loot boxes. This system aligns with Landverse’s focus on a player-driven economy and the trading of in-game assets.
Ragnarok Landverse’s new features extend to hybrid Player Killing (PK) maps, mining, land NFTs, and a new Guild system. These additions offer players new avenues for exploration and engagement.
Final Thoughts
Ragnarok Landverse represents a bold attempt by Gravity and Maxion to reinvigorate a gaming classic with modern technology. Ragnarok Online remains one of the most popular MMORPGs in gaming history, and its Web3 evolution introduces exciting prospects while raising questions about the game’s core identity.
For more information about Ragnarok Landverse, you can visit their website or follow them on Twitter for the latest announcements.