If you use a Linux-based operating system like Ubuntu, you may have noticed that most free-to-play MMORPGs are designed for Windows! A free-to-play MMORPG called The Mana World is in the Ubuntu Software Centre, and if you’ve gone to the Ubuntu Forums for recommendations you may have been linked to Eternal Lands or Vendetta Online. But none of these are exactly first-tier MMOs, and VO’s only free for the first eight hours. Seriously.
Are there any top-tier free MMORPGs for Linux? As it turns out, there are at least three. Let’s start with the one everyone knows already …
Runescape
Runescape is the number 2 MMORPG in the world behind World of Warcraft, and seemingly every public library has kids playing it after school. That’s because Runescape runs in a Java applet, using a web browser plugin sort of like Flash, which means almost any computer can play it.
Runescape’s a like-it-or-hate-it kind of free MMORPG — not everyone goes for its repetitive, click-based gameplay, or its semi-literate player base. The quests are well-written, though, with plenty of British humour, and Runescape’s world is vast and imaginative. Plus, its seasonal events involve story-based quests, and give fun and unique items.
Installation tip: If the Sun Java plugin doesn’t work for you, try uninstalling it and installing the open-source “Icedtea” Java plugin instead.
Dofus
Dofus is another popular free MMORPG, and it’s unusual for at least two reasons: Its turn-based, tactics-style gameplay, like Suidoken or Final Fantasy Tactics, and the fact that it runs on Adobe AIR! AIR is essentially desktop Flash, and while Flash on Linux means quirks and performance issues it does still mean that it runs.
Dofus’ anime art style is very richly detailed, and the fanbase seems huge and supportive. I only installed it to test it out, but every now and then I consider playing this free Linux MMORPG in earnest. Give it a try at dofus.com!
Installation tip: Click on “Linux” on Dofus’ download page. Then scroll down past the instructions in French, to read the English instructions for how to install Dofus.
Second Life
Second Life bills itself as a “virtual world,” as opposed to a free-to-play MMO. A player I overheard in its Luskwood “sim” called it a chat room with an amazing 3d modeling feature, and that’s basically what it is … the biggest activities in Second Life are chatting, exploring, building new objects and outfits, and shopping for things for your avatar.
The difference between Second Life and most “cash shop” free-to-play MMOs is that in Second Life, the players create all the things that you’ll buy! Second Life has a thriving in-game economy, and your “Lindens” can be exchanged for real-world money (or vice-versa). Some people are making a living from SL, or supplementing their incomes.
Second Life’s interface is extremely complex, but recent iterations of the “viewer” have made it into more of a social hub crossed with a web browser window. This free-to-play Linux MMORPG may not be for you, but if the price is right it may be fun to check out.
Installation tip: If the beta version of the Linux viewer doesn’t work for you, or has a poor framerate, try one of the open-source viewers like Snowglobe.
The Upshot
If you absolutely need your free-to-play MMORPG fix, Linux may not be the best choice. You may have to boot into Windows, to play most popular games.
Some Windows games work in Wine, though, and your favorite MMORPG might, too. Or, who knows? Maybe they’ll port your favorite game to Linux … or maybe you’ll find that one of these three free-to-play Linux MMORPGs is your new favorite!
Either way, and whatever free-to-play MMORPG you’re involved with, I hope you have fun with it!
