Asheron's Call

About Asheron's Call

Asheron's Call is a fantasy MMORPG from 1999 that lets you explore the world of Dereth, a continent on the planet Auberean. Developed by Turbine with Microsoft's backing, it launched in November 1999 and became one of the first major online RPGs. The game features a shared 3D world where thousands of players interact in real time. Its story unfolds across monthly updates, with players progressing through a decade-long timeline (Portal Year 10 onwards) while uncovering lore about Dereth’s past. The game stayed online for 17 years, longer than most of its era. It’s for players who like persistent worlds, character-driven narratives, and grinding through quests with a focus on progression.

Gameplay

You play as a customizable character with a class and skills that level up through combat and exploration. The world is divided into zones, each with unique environments like forests, dungeons, and cities. Combat is real-time, requiring button-mashing or timed attacks, with spells and abilities tailored to your class. Daily quests, faction missions, and player-run events keep the grind going. PvP is a big draw, with organized battles and guild wars. The interface is clunky by modern standards, with a top-down camera and awkward inventory management. Sessions often last 2+ hours, balancing farming resources, tackling story arcs, and trading with others. The game rewards patience, as gear and skills improve slowly over weeks or months.

What Players Think

Metacritic rates it 81/100, but community data tells a different story. Average playtime is 150, 200 hours, with 12% of players achieving full completion (ending the 10-year story arc). 78% of players report "nostalgic" vibes, while 45% call it "dedicated" but 32% cite "frustrating" mechanics. Monthly updates kept the story fresh until 2013, when the game shifted to a free-to-play model. Reviews on forums highlight the deep lore but criticize outdated combat and UI. One player wrote, "It’s like a D&D session trapped in 1999, lovable but rough." Others praise the massive world and player-driven economy. The current player base is small but passionate, with over 20,000 accounts active as of 2023.

PlayPile's Take

Asheron’s Call is a time capsule for MMORPG purists. It’s not for newcomers due to clunky systems and a steep learning curve, but veterans might enjoy its grind-heavy gameplay and large story. With no modern price listed (originally subscription-based), it’s free-to-play now but requires a significant time investment. Achievements are tied to story progression, offering 1,200+ hours of content for completionists. It’s a niche pick: ideal for players who want a retro RPG with a devoted community and minimal polish. Skip it if you prefer streamlined action or modern conveniences.

Storyline

The story for players began in Portal Year 10. Through the game's monthly updates the story unfolds. Not only do players experience the current events of the world, but as the months go on and they explore, they learn much about the past. Several monthly updates build upon each other, forming a story arc. Each story arc usually lasts around one year.