When you think of long-running MMORPGs, your mind likely jumps to World of Warcraft and Runescape, two staples that have been on the go for over two decades. Tibia is a lesser-known free MMO that predates both, and it’s making a bold leap forward by introducing a new class for the first time in nearly 30 years.
First launching in 1997, Tibia is an MMORPG of a particular vintage. The anomalously mythological setting is rendered in slightly crude 2D tiles. Much of the gameplay and interactions are performed through text in a windowed UI. Not a whole lot has changed in the years since for the free PC game, where a dedicated community continues to enjoy developer CipSoft’s work regularly.
However, ripples are about to be sent through the fantasy game, as an all-new class is coming, the Monk. Since 1997, Tibia has had four classes: the Knight and the Paladin for short-range and long-range combat, respectively, and the Druid and the Sorcerer for healing and offensive magic, respectively. They each tackle a particular RPG archetype, underpinning a long-running internal balance.
The Monk presents a blend of magic and physical strength, boasting martial arts and some mystical abilities. The magical components of his skill sheet include abilities that work to both attack enemies and support allies, opening up all manner of strategic opportunities.
For a multiplayer game where change comes slow – the advent of sound arrived just a few years ago in 2022 – another class is seen internally as a chance to alter the dynamic and make the experience feel fresh, for players and devs. “We see the addition of a new vocation as an opportunity to rekindle the sense of discovery that was always part of Tibia,” product manager ‘Niadus’ says in a statement. “A chance to learn the intricacies of a new vocation, experiment with new strategies, and adapt to new team compositions.”
There’ll be a public playtest period for the Monk soon, and the team is hopeful for a general release in the second quarter of 2025, but it all depends on feedback and what issues emerge.
Tibia’s playtests for the Monk kick off on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. Our lists of the best dragon games and best open-world games will give you plenty more might and magic in the meantime.
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