Feeling like World of Warcraft with extra stress and better stakes, this fantasy extraction “mini MMO” simply hit 1.0

We have by no means actually seen an precise World of Warcraft killer. We have seen rival MMOs come and go, with the likes of Ultimate Fantasy 14, Outdated College Runescape, and Guild Wars 2 pushing their method to the entrance of the chasing pack, however by no means fairly managing to topple Blizzard’s age-old goliath. However, in 2025 alone we noticed varied new WoW-inspired options seem. Fellowship is maybe probably the most distinguished, adopted by Eldegarde, beforehand generally known as Legacy: Metal and Sorcery. Infamous Studios’ extraction-based MMO had a number of promise, however struggled to stay the early entry touchdown. However that was over a yr in the past, and with a snazzy new title and a number of fine-tuning, Eldegarde has formally launched in 1.0.

I found Eldegarde again in October 2024 throughout Steam Subsequent Fest, lured in by its World of Warcraft aesthetic and spectacular ambition. Whereas it struggled a bit with efficiency – I do vividly keep in mind being was a wand then getting booted out of the sport – I used to be impressed by the staff’s aim of making a fantasy expertise fairly not like some other.

Regardless of a considerably tough early entry launch, Eldegarde has clawed its approach up the Steam charts into the inexperienced, sitting at 71% constructive lifetime evaluations. Now, it is lastly prepared for 1.0, and with the Wizard and Paladin lastly within the sport, I am excited for take it for a spin another time.

However what precisely is Eldegarde? Nicely, it is a mix of World of Warcraft’s MMO mechanics and the type of extraction gameplay you’d discover in Arc Raiders or Escape From Tarkov. You drop right into a sprawling fantasy world, acquire a great deal of shiny loot, and try to zip again to the security of your base, able to do all of it once more the subsequent run. As somebody who shies away from the realism and sharp intention of extraction shooters, it is the proper mixture of each worlds.

With six courses to select from (and a seventh on the best way), you’ll be able to drop in solo or squad up with a pal. There are 5 completely different maps to discover, 17 mainline marketing campaign quests to finish, and over 110 every day and weekly challenges to maintain you busy. As you progress, you will earn the admiration of varied distributors and, in flip, get higher gear. You may even construct out your personal distinctive homestead, and let’s be actual, we MMO demons love a very good housing system.

You may tailor your playstyle, too. For those who’re an avid Mythic+ raider, the PvE Expeditions are probably extra your velocity, however when you love the stress of shooters like EFT and Arc Raiders, then the normal PvPvE Extraction mode is for you. It is excessive fantasy, excessive stakes: die and you will lose all the things.

Eldegarde’s 1.0 launch has lastly arrived, and you’ll check out all the newest content material over on Steam. Priced at $24.99 / £21.99, you’ll be able to seize it proper right here.

Whereas I like the sheer measurement of video games like World of Warcraft and Ultimate Fantasy, maintaining with them usually seems like a chore. I’ve discovered myself getting misplaced in these smaller, extra streamlined fantasy worlds, leaping in for a fast run on my lunch break with out the worry that I will be lacking some main loot drop. I am actually excited to attempt the fully-fledged Eldegarde; Priest mains stand up! Simply ensure you do not get was a wand. That does not finish nicely, belief me.