When EverQuest was released in 1999, it went on to become one of the most influential games ever made. The popular MMO has endured over the decades in its original form, but fans and newcomers can enjoy a newly modernized version called EverQuest Legends.
Developed by Daybreak Games and independent studio Game Jawn, EverQuest Legends is billed as a “fan-driven collaboration designed to give players a new way to experience classic EverQuest.” Legends channels the nostalgia for EverQuest’s early years, featuring the original graphics, music, zones, spell effects, and loot. However, it also boasts “countless” modern improvements and quality-of-life features like a streamlined UI, and upgraded spell and ability management.
Gameplay has also been tweaked. Characters can now have up to three classes at once, meaning they boast the combined abilities, spells, and stats of those classes. Gear can be upgraded up to +10, and players can swap and combine different focus, click, and proc effects on gear. “With 15 available races and 560 possible class combinations, the possibilities for forging the ultimate character are virtually endless,” reads a press release.
EverQuest Legends is designed to allow players to better explore at their own pace. While still an MMO, players can form small groups of four or participate in raids with up to eight allies. The game also allows a solo player to become strong enough to tackle the game’s most difficult challenges and earn the best gear on their own.
“EverQuest Legends is a passion project for me,” David Youssefi says , executive producer of EverQuest Legends at Daybreak Games, in a press release. “I’ve dreamt of a solo/casual version of EQ for over 20 years. The opportunity to bring that dream to life in collaboration with a group of our biggest and most passionate fans is truly epic. We’ve put a lot of love and hard work into making a game that honors the legacy of EQ while forging new experiences for players of all stripes to enjoy. We hope old school fans and new adventurers alike will enjoy the magic and wonder of Norrath in EverQuest Legends!”
EverQuest Legends is slated to launch this July on PC. Players can sign up for a closed beta taking place in April on the game’s website (you’ll need to make a Daybreak account if you don’t have one).
