Ragnarok Online is one of the MMORPGs that managed to build a passionate fan base years before World of Warcraft. Now, the genre classic is celebrating an exciting comeback.
What kind of comeback is it? Ragnarok Online Zero has now entered open beta. Until May 27, 2026, interested players can download and play the re-release of the MMORPG classic from 2002 on the official website. The final release of the game is set to occur on a global server in the second half of the year. However, it will be offered with a subscription model.
Unfortunately, there is still no proper gameplay trailer for Ragnarok Online Zero, but the pre-registration trailer from March gets you ready for the re-release:
A classic in a modernized form
What makes Ragnarok Online Zero special? Over the past decades, there have been several sequels and re-releases of Ragnarok Online. However, these often struggled with their complicated payment models, poorly designed features, or a significant grind factor. Ragnarok Online Zero aims to improve on this:
- The mandatory subscription model is intended to avoid aggressive monetization with pay-to-win elements.
- Ragnarok Online Zero is only being released for PC, with no mobile version that could negatively impact the interface or gameplay experience.
- They aim to reduce the grind and make loot more exciting through a new affix system.
- While the classic jobs and classes await you, Ragnarok Online Zero will also offer many new content elements, such as quests and story episodes that do not exist in the original.
Why play a re-release of RO? My colleague Benedict Grothaus regularly raves about his time in the original Ragnarok Online. Especially the class system of the MMORPG receives a lot of praise, as it possesses a highly motivating element through the jobs. These can be leveled up and developed in various directions – a thief will eventually become, for example, an assassin or a rogue.
Additionally, the jobs not only affect battles. Merchants can actually open shops and sell items to other players. Expressing yourself individually through this class system provided a significant part of the appeal of Ragnarok Online for Benedict.
Since there is no system of this kind and quality in any other MMORPG, Ragnarok Online Zero could be a great opportunity to experience it again or for the first time. These days, there is also a playtest for another online role-playing game that might interest you: We have played the biggest new MMORPG from 2026 for over 30 hours and introduce you to Honor of Kings: World in the video
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