An independent magazine about online role-playing games. We publish no server announcements or ratings, run no ads and sell nothing; we are not connected with the former site on this domain.
Mechanics
Every online world has an invisible framework: the rules by which your character grows, items wear out, and money appears and disappears. Until you notice it, the game feels like a string of accidents: one day you can't afford repairs, the next your clan suddenly loses its fortress, and yesterday's loot is suddenly worthless. Once the framework becomes visible, decisions come more calmly. This section covers the core mechanics of the long game and tips on not tiring of it too soon.
Mechanics aren't an enemy to outsmart but the house rules of a shared home. You can learn them, work with them wisely and even grow fond of them.
How this section works: we describe mechanics found in most online role-playing games in general terms, without tying them to specific worlds. Formulas, values and tables differ from game to game, so for exact details check the help pages and official developer posts.
Six systems that make up a character's everyday life.
The higher your level, the slower your character grows: the game stretches the road on purpose so goals never run out. That's why racing in the first weeks settles little, and a steady pace almost always pays off better than bursts.
Weapons and armor lose durability, need repairs and upgrades, and sometimes break on a failed enhancement attempt. Wear is the world's way of pulling money out of circulation, so it's worth planning for in your budget.
Gathering materials and making items turn your character into part of the economy. Crafting is slow but reliable: a good crafter is always needed, whichever class happens to be considered strong right now.
Prices between players come from supply and demand and can swing sharply after updates. When everyone piles up currency faster than they spend it, items get more expensive: that is what in-game inflation looks like.
Fortresses, castles, guild halls and territory give a community a goal and shared expenses. Owning them is an honor, but holding them is constant work: taxes, defense, scheduling and the patience of many people at once.
Holidays, limited-time challenges and special rewards come and go on a calendar. They refresh the world but easily turn into a chore: you don't have to claim everything on offer to have a good time.
Goals change: first you want to grow, then to socialize, then to build. If your usual activities no longer bring joy, maybe it's time to change your goal rather than force yourself.
Daily quests, clan meetups and events easily add up to a schedule that feels like a second job. Keep as mandatory only what truly matters to you or your team.
Decide when you'll stop and let your group know ahead of time. Logging off on time isn't weakness; it's how you come back tomorrow eager to play.
A week or a month away from the game won't ruin your character. The world will wait, and true clanmates will understand.
There will always be someone stronger, richer and faster. Compare yourself with who you were a month ago: progress looks more honest that way and is far less frustrating.
Walks, get-togethers and other hobbies aren't rivals of the long game but its foundation. The richer your life outside the game, the calmer and more interesting your play.
Guides to the key crossroads of the long game: role, clan, budget, big battles, returning after a break and account protection. Plus our article catalogue.
A catalogue of online world types (classic, seasonal, clan-driven, trade-focused and peaceful) and the questions that help you pick yours.
A plain-language dictionary of online role-playing games: terms about your character, your clan and the game-world economy.
Answers about the magazine, clan life, game fatigue, sharing accounts, phishing and the risks of unofficial servers.
We write about the general principles of life in online role-playing worlds. Every game has its own rules, menus and mechanics, and they often change with updates, so check the exact wording against your game's terms of service and help pages.