Throne and Liberty (on PC and Console) is a newly released MMORPG that’s making waves in the gaming community. With stunning visuals and a flexible class system, it’s a game designed to stand out. After spending 2-3 hours in the game on release day, I can confidently say that it offers a refreshing experience, especially for those who have spent time in other MMOs like Lost Ark, Black Desert, or Aion Classic.
I’ve been smashing along the coastline with my staff, spells and good vibes, all the while there are literally hundreds of players stacking up and falling over each other to blast a crab or two. The population in some areas is quite astounding, it runs quite well at times too. Although, I have some reservations I best share with you before you make the decision to join the fracas.
What I Like So Far
- Stunning Graphics: The visual quality of Throne and Liberty is immediately impressive. Running on Unreal Engine 4 with some Unreal Engine 5 enhancements, the game looks even more beautiful than Black Desert, which is known for its graphics. Every landscape and character model feels meticulously crafted, making the world a joy to explore.
- Unique Class System: Instead of the typical fixed class choices, Throne and Liberty allows players to switch between roles by changing weapons. This adds a layer of flexibility that many MMOs lack. While the range of available weapons is currently somewhat limited, the system shows promise, and I hope more variety will be introduced over time.
- Character Creation: The character editor is impressively detailed, rivalling Black Desert in terms of customisation. It offers a range of options, allowing players to truly personalise their avatars. This is a big plus for anyone who enjoys spending time fine-tuning their character’s appearance.
- Great for Groups and Guilds: From what I’ve seen so far, the game is well-suited for players who enjoy teaming up with friends or guildmates. The cooperative focus means there’s plenty of content designed to be tackled with others, which adds to the social aspect of the game.
What I’ve Read About and Seen from Others
- Beautiful Dungeons: The open-world and co-op dungeons are stunningly designed. They feel immersive and fresh, offering some of the best visual experiences I’ve seen in any MMO. The level of detail makes them a highlight of the game, and I’m looking forward to seeing more as I progress further.
- Challenging World Bosses: The game has launched with a good number of world bosses, all with unique mechanics. Some are more challenging than others, but this variety makes each encounter feel distinct. It’s clear that these fights will require strategy and coordination, which is always a welcome challenge.
What Could Be Improved
- Difficult for Solo Players: One downside I’ve noticed early on is that Throne and Liberty doesn’t seem particularly solo-friendly. Much of the content feels geared towards group play, and if you prefer to play alone, you might find yourself missing out on a lot of the game’s core experiences.
- Frustrating Co-op Dungeons: While co-op dungeons are visually stunning, they can be frustrating if you’re randomly paired with players who don’t understand the mechanics. This can lead to a lot of trial and error, or worse, players dropping out mid-run. It’s a little reminiscent of Lost Ark, where successful runs often depend on having a solid, knowledgeable group.
- Server Issues: Unfortunately, the servers on release day are struggling. I experienced several crashes, and it seems that some players even lost progress as a result. This is definitely something that needs addressing, as it can be very frustrating, especially during crucial moments in the game. That being said, at times, for the sheer number of players on screen, sometimes the servers seem to keep hold quite impressively – until a point that is.
- More Server Issues: Unfortunately – again – I created my character on five separate occasions. Not because I enjoyed the process (although the process is actually quite satisfying), but because I was mid-intro when the server decided to disconnect me. This pushed me back to pre-intro and once again I found myself faffing with the shade of eye, the point of a nose and style of my sweet cut… After the fourth time, this was starting to get infuriating. Be warned, servers, they be packed on launch day.
- Clunky Combat: While the combat system offers more action than traditional tab-target MMOs, it still feels a bit clunky to me. It’s not as fluid as I’d hoped, though it’s an improvement over the typical systems in many older MMOs. This is more of a personal gripe, but the game could benefit from further refinements to make combat feel smoother.
Is it Worth your Time?
I mean, it’s free – so what do you have to lose?
Overall, after just a few hours in Throne and Liberty, I’m optimistic about its potential. The graphics are stunning, the world is immersive, and the game introduces some interesting new ideas, particularly with its flexible class system and group-oriented content. However, solo players may find themselves a bit isolated, and there are certainly some early teething issues with the servers and combat.
If you’ve been waiting for a new MMO to invest your time in, Throne and Liberty is definitely worth a try—especially if you enjoy playing in a group or guild. While there are some rough edges, the game’s positives shine through, and I’m excited to see how it evolves in the coming weeks and months.
I may have purchased the Battle Pass, so that tells you all you need to know, really.
