Age of Conan
Setting: Fantasy | Developer: Funcom | Release Date: May 23, 2008 | Shut Down: Still running and getting updates occasionally | Payment Model: Pay2Play, Free2Play since 2011
What is this MMORPG like? Age of Conan takes place in the harsh world of Conan, the Barbarian. It has an age restriction of 18, as it features nudity and blood. The game’s setting is dark, rough, brutal, and very different from WoW.
A key feature is the combat system, which places great emphasis on combos and action. You have the choice of 12 different classes. Moreover, there are options for sprinting and climbing walls.
Why was it considered a WoW-killer? Age of Conan was often described as the “adult WoW.” The MMORPG made a strong graphical impression at the time and was considered prettier than the genre’s leader.
The success initially justified Age of Conan, with over one million subscriptions sold in the first five weeks (via Hemscott). It was released at a good time, as Burning Crusade had been out for a long time, and Wrath of the Lich King would not release for another six months.
What “killed” the MMORPG? Like many MMORPGs, Age of Conan struggled with a lack of endgame content and insufficient content updates. There were also noticeably more bugs than players were used to from WoW. Fans still recall the infamous “Bug Pyramid,” a dungeon where virtually nothing worked as it should.
In the long run, however, the game could not compete with WoW. With the release of WOTLK, many returned to WoW (via Eurogamer). In 2011, after several unsuccessful months, Age of Conan switched to a limited Free2Play system with the subtitle “Unchained.”
Nevertheless, Age of Conan is still receiving updates today. In April 2020, the “Onslaught” update was released, bringing a new area, new quests, and a new game mode where waves of enemies attack that continuously get stronger. Regular events are also held, such as the 12th birthday in May 2021 or double experience points for several days.
If you’re also looking for another MMO in the world of Conan, the Barbarian, check out Conan Exiles, which is one of the best survival MMOs of 2020.
