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{{Short description|South Korean MMORPG}}
{{Infobox CVG
{{more citations needed|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Ragnarok Online
|title = Ragnarok Online
|image = RO icon file.png
|image = [[Image:LOGO ragnarok.jpg|300px|Ragnarok Online logo]]
|developer = [[Gravity Corp.]]
|developer = [[Gravity (Korean company)|Gravity]]
|publisher = [[Gravity Corp.]]
|publisher = Gravity
|designer = Kim Hakkyu
|distributor =
|artist = [[Lee Myung-jin]]
|designer =
|writer = Lee Myung-jin
|engine =
|version =
|engine = AEGIS
|series =
|released = <small><sup>'''[[Korea|KOR]]'''</sup></small> [[August 31]], [[2002 in video gaming|2002]]</br><small><sup>'''[[Japan|JPN]]'''</sup></small>[[December 1]], [[2002 in video gaming|2002]]</br><small><sup>'''[[International|INT]]/[[North America|NA]]'''</sup></small>[[June 1]], [[2003 in video gaming|2003]]</br>December, 2004 ([[Oceania]])<br />April, 2006 ([[Spain]]-[[South America]])
|released = {{Plainlist|
|genre = [[MMORPG]]
* {{vgrelease|KOR|August 31, 2002<ref>{{cite web|author=Gamespot|title=Technical Info|date=3 January 2013 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/ragnarokonline/tech_info.html}}</ref>
|modes = [[Multiplayer]]
*|NA|June 1, 2003
|ratings = [[Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]]: Teen (T)
*|EU|April 15, 2004
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
*|AUS|December, 2004}}
|media = [[Download]]/[[Compact Disc|CD]]
|requirements = [[Intel Pentium]] 500 MHz equiv. [[Central processing unit|CPU]], 128MB [[Random Access Memory|RAM]], [[Internet]] access, [[DirectX]] 8, 8MB [[graphics card]], [[sound card]], 1GB+ [[hard drive]] space
|input = [[Computer keyboard|Keyboard]], [[computer mouse|mouse]]
}}
}}
|genre = [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing game|Massively multiplayer online role-playing]]
|modes = [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]]
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]
}}
'''''Ragnarok Online''''' ({{langx|ko|라그나로크 온라인}}, ''Rageunarokeu Onrain'' marketed as '''''Ragnarök''''', and alternatively subtitled '''''The Final Destiny of the Gods''''') is a [[massive multiplayer online role-playing game]] (MMORPG) created by [[Gravity (Korean company)|Gravity]] based on the [[manhwa]] ''[[Ragnarok (manhwa)|Ragnarok]]'' by [[Lee Myung-jin]]. It was released in South Korea on 31 August 2002 for [[Microsoft Windows]]. The game has spawned an animated series, ''[[Ragnarok the Animation]]'', and a sequel game, ''[[Ragnarok Online 2: Legend of the Second]]''. The player's characters exist in a world with a player environment that includes NPC's (non-playable characters) that can be interacted with, and creatures spawning in maps that need to be defeated to level-up and to acquire items.


==Gameplay==
'''''Ragnarok Online''''' ([[Korean language|Korean]]: 라그나로크 온라인, abbreviated '''RO''') is an [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing game|MMORPG]] created by [[Gravity Corp.]] of [[South Korea]] and powered by [[AEGIS (Ragnarok Online)|Aegis]]. Much of the background of the game is based on the [[manhwa]] ''[[Ragnarok (manhwa)|Ragnarok]]'' by [[Lee Myung-Jin]]. The soundtrack is provided by [[SoundTeMP]]. An [[anime]] was created, [[Ragnarok The Animation]], which is based on the game. Most of the game's mythos is based on [[Norse mythology]], but contains many references to other cultures, such as that of [[Japanese culture|Japan]] and [[African culture|Africa]]. A sequel is currently in development, ''[[Ragnarok Online 2: The Gate of the World]]''.
The gameplay is heavily based around Norse mythology, wherein the characters are taken from the stories around Ragnarök. Player characters interact in a 3D environment but are represented by 2D character sprites for front, back, side and diagonal facings. The major types of server-supported gameplay are [[PvE|Player vs Environment]], Guild vs Guild, [[PvP|Player vs Player]]. Also supported by the game server are Group vs Group, Arena Combat, Player vs Monster, Player vs All, and various other specific scenarios at designated [[Instance dungeon|instance]] locations in the game world. Non-player character-run challenges and contests are also available with prizes, awards, and/or in a specific hall of fame listing.


Players can sign up for quests and submit them for rewards as well as access storage and teleport services for a small fee. Every town will have the usual stores and shops where players can purchase and sell their items. The stores differ from city to city because each city is affiliated with a different job that players can choose from; therefore, the goods each sell are relatively for that particular job that the city is affiliated with. Quests usually provide a unique reward such as learning a new skill or receiving a rare item.
==Versions==
Currently, there are official versions of the game in [[Korean language|Korean]] (often known as ''kRO''), [[Japanese language|Japanese]] (''jRO''), [[English language|English]] (''International RO'' or ''iRO''), [[Thai language|Thai]] (''tRO''), [[Chinese language|Chinese]] (''cRO''), [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]] (''idRO''), [[Filipino language|Filipino]] (''pRO''), [[Brazilian Portuguese]] (''bRO''), [[Vietnamese]] (''vnRO''), and [[Bahasa Melayu]] (''mRO''). There are also versions for players in [[Russia]] (''rRO''), [[India]] (''RO India''), [[Oceania]] (''oRO''), [[Germany]], [[Italy]], [[Austria]], [[Turkey]], [[France]], [[United Kingdom]] and [[Switzerland]] (''European RO'' or ''euRO''), as well as a recently released Hispanic version (ROh). The game is continually being revised and revamped, having new features added periodically. Most official licensed versions are now [[Pay to Play|pay-to-play]].


The job system initially consisted of 13 classes, which has increased to over 50 via several updates. Each class specializes in certain skills corresponding to archetypes in a role-playing game. Additionally, numerous equipment are exclusive to particular classes. The greatness of the equipment depends on the character attribute status.
==Basics==
[[Image:Umstairs.jpg|thumb|left|280px|A female Super Novice in the Umbala rainforest.]]


Once a player reaches player level 99 and job level 50, they can 'rebirth' their character (not applicable to expansion classes and Super Novices). Rebirthing brings a character back to level 1 for both player level and job level. Reborn characters generally work the same as regular characters up until the second class. Instead of a second class, characters that are born can transcend to a new second job, different from those of a character that has not been reborn. These transcended job types have more skills and a larger number of 'stat points' to allocate to characters compared to second classes. The experience curve for transcendent jobs is significantly higher. Players are given the option to advance onto their third classes which provide an additional set of skills as well as allowing with player to break through the traditional level cap of 99.
The [[MMORPG]] is set in the world of Rune-Midgard. For the most part, the game lacks a plotline, but there are small side-quests or events set up by the administrators of the game sporadically to add depth and maintain interest.


==Setting==
The game's tutorial does mention that there is a war between man and monsters, an accurate observation given the fact that experience is given to the player when they kill monsters. However, warring is not limited to man versus monster combat, as ingame guilds can fight against each other in the '''War of Emperium''' (abbreviated ''WoE''), a battle between several [[guild]]s for [[castle]]s in town, which give them access to [[dungeon]]s and [[treasure]]s that are not accessible to people who are not in the residing guild.
''Ragnarok Online'' is divided into a series of maps on two major continents, each of which has its own terrain and native monsters, though many monsters are present in multiple regions. Transportation between maps requires loading the new map and monsters are unable to travel from one map to another unless directly associated with the player such as a pet, mount, or hireling. Areas from Norse mythology are included.


== History ==
The currency of the game is "zeny", which may be obtained by the selling of items recovered from defeating monsters. The economy in Ragnarok Online is driven heavily by rare items that are not sold in stores and there is a very large difference in wealth between players, for the most part and in part with the effects of the players and discounted items as well as competitive pricing as with most games. The Merchant class offers vending of items to other players, overcharging of items, and even discounts.
The official ''Ragnarok Online'' [[Game server|servers]] underwent massive game system changes in 2010, which has been titled "Renewal", which revamped game mechanics, changed the behavior and interaction of stats, gears, and modifiers in the stat system, changed the way and amount of character experience, and introduced the 3rd Job Classes. There are various other changes that come with "Renewal", including [[User interface|interface]] and [[hotkey]] alterations, as well as skill changes.


On May 25, 2018 (the date of implementation of European [[General Data Protection Regulation]] rules), the servers of ''Ragnarok Online'' and ''Ragnarok Online 2'' were shut down in most of Europe, excluding [[Commonwealth of Independent States|CIS countries]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-04-25 |title=Ragnarok Online servers to shut down in most of Europe |url=https://www.rpgsite.net/news/7102-ragnarok-online-servers-to-shut-down-in-most-of-europe |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=rpgsite.net}}</ref> The Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines (MSP) servers of ''Ragnarok Online'' were shut down on November 28, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-13 |title=Ragnarok Online MSP Server Slated to be Shut Down over the Next Couple of Months |url=https://pinoygamer.ph/threads/ragnarok-online-msp-server-slated-to-be-shut-down-over-the-next-couple-of-months.15128/ |access-date=2023-05-10 |website=pinoygamer.ph}}</ref>
There are eight equipment slots - three for headgear (top, middle and bottom), two for accessories, and one of each for shields, weapons, body armor, cloaks and footgear. Currently, only the 3 head pieces show significant external graphic variety. Weapon and shield are the only other items that can be seen externally, but are significantly more limited in variety.


==Reception==
Each character has an HP bar and an SP bar. The HP (Hit Points) bar represents the character's health. When HP is reduced to 0, the character "dies" and is returned to the city that the character had set their save point to. This also results in an experience reduction of 1%, though this does not apply for the Novice class. Skill Points (SP) are needed to use many job-related skills. A character with 0 SP may not use any skills that require SP. Both HP and SP regenerate on their own when the character is at rest (not moving), and at twice the speed if the character is sitting down. However, if the character holds more than 50% of their total weight capacity, they cannot automatically regain HP/SP. The regeneration speed of HP and SP depends on the Vitality and Intelligence attributes, respectively.
{{Expand section|date=May 2023}}
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 84%<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/561051-ragnarok-online/index.html |title=Ragnarok Online for PC |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=June 6, 2018}}</ref>
| MC = 79/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/ragnarok-online/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Ragnarok Online for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=June 6, 2018}}</ref>
| IGN = 9.1/10
| PCG = 79%
| JXV = 14/20
| RPG = 5/10
}}


Overall, ''Ragnarok Online'' has been critically acclaimed and commercially successful, especially in Korea during the mid 2000s.
The game is very open-ended; after completing novice training, players are free to roam the map at their leisure, with the only restriction being the ferocity of the monsters in a given area. Low-leveled players generally have to stay close to towns, lest the enemies become too powerful for them to handle.


==Related media==
In addition, players have complete control over their [[#Stats|Stats]] (Strength, Agility, Vitality, Intelligence, Dexterity, and Luck) and Skills (class-based) to create the type of character they want to play.
{{Update section|date=May 2023}}
[[Gravity (Korean company)|Gravity]] partnered with SkyZone Entertainment to release a series of standalone mobile phone games that supplement ''Ragnarok Online''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/skyzone-brings-ragnarok-mmog-to-mobile-phones | title=SkyZone brings Ragnarok MMOG to mobile phones | date=13 December 2005}}</ref> There were 5 games, each one based on one of the 6 original first classes, thus leaving Acolyte excluded. The sole release in the North American market, ''Ragnarok: Mobile Mage'', features the playable mage class. Players are given the ability to transfer earned zeny (the in-game currency) to their ''Ragnarok Online'' game account.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/mobile/q-a-bob-shireman-chief-publishing-officer-skyzone | title=Q&A: Bob Shireman, Chief Publishing Officer, SkyZone | date=3 May 2007}}</ref>


==Story==
== See also ==
* [[Ragnarok (manhwa)]]
[[Image:Ragnarok_comodo_city.JPG|thumb|right|280px|A female Mage resting in Comodo.]]
* ''[[Ragnarok Battle Offline]]''
{{spoiler}}
* ''[[Ragnarok Online 2: The Gate of the World]]''
"... A long and grueling holy war waged on for many years.
* ''[[Ragnarok DS]]''
* ''[[Ragnarok Online 2: Legend of the Second]]''


==References==
The war between the gods, the humans, and the demons caused a great deal of damage to everyone involved. After the war, human beings entered into a truce with the gods and the demons.
{{Reflist}}
<!-- dates from GameRankings -->
* {{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050318144357/http://www.gamedaily.com/pc/review/?game_id=2779&articleid=424&guidesrc=&source=00001 |archive-date=18 March 2005 |url-status=dead |date=1 August 2004 |first=Kat |last=Hunter |website=GameDaily |title=Ragnarok Online Review |url=http://www.gamedaily.com:80/pc/review/?game_id=2779&articleid=424&guidesrc=&source=00001 |access-date=30 September 2020}}
* {{cite web |url=https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/other/pc/ragnarok/reviews/ragnarokstrev1.html |website=RPGamer |title=Ragnarok Online - Review |first=James |last=Enright |date=11 November 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106173741/https://archive.rpgamer.com/games/other/pc/ragnarok/reviews/ragnarokstrev1.html |archive-date=6 January 2019 |url-status=live}}


<!-- Aegis being leaked -->
This uneasy period of peace would last a thousand years. In the times of peace, in the world of Midgard, the humans would eventually forget about the miseries and hardships of war. They became conceited and selfish with little knowledge of their part in the war of the past.
* {{Cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ragnarok-online-gets-hacked-in-japan/1100-6023547/|title=Ragnarok Online gets hacked in Japan |last=Niizumi |first=Hirohiko |date=2003-03-21 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US |access-date=2019-01-06 |df=dmy}}

* {{Cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/06/saving-old-software-from-extinction-in-the-age-of-cloud-computing/ |title=Saving old software from extinction in the age of cloud computing |last=Amadeo |first=Ron |date=2014-06-18 |website=Ars Technica |language=en-us |access-date=2019-01-06 |df=dmy}}
Bizarre occurrences begin to break the balance of peace in several places of Midgard. A roaring sound that blocks the gods, humans, and demons suddenly appears. Unprovoked attacks from wild animals along with earthquakes and tidal waves devastate the people of Midgard.

As the peace begins to break down, legends of the mysterious demons begin to be told by various adventurers. Stories of Ymir, which has been responsible for maintaining the peace for so long, begin to circulate as well.

Excited adventurers begin to search for these pieces. Some search for wealth, others to make a name for themselves and some for their own twisted goals. The search begins without anyone knowing the true essence of the pieces of Ymir...."

===Tristan Kingdom===
''Rune Midgard'' lives under the King Tristan's reign since humans defeated monsters in the last holy war. The castle is located in [[Prontera]] where Tristan lives and organizes the War of Emperium, giving the possibility to the warriors to govern parts of the kingdom and its sub-castles located in Prontera, Geffen, Al De Baran, and Payon.

===The Emperium===
The Emperium stone is the most powerful piece of Midgard's lands. This mineral gives humans (or monsters) the power of conquest, hegemony and authority. The ''War of Emperium'' consists of conquering a castle and breaking the Emperium in training for the REAL Holy War against monsters and evil forces that threaten Rune Midgard.

===Munak, Bongun, and Hyegun===
{{cleanup-date|August 2006}}
Munak was a girl that lived in Comodo 30 years ago, and during an attack by evil forces was kidnapped and killed. Her spirit was replicated and used by monsters to attack humans in the Payon dungeons. Munak's life history is very mystical and rumored. Some people say she always had strange behaviors, others say that she was always a sweet girl. Some monsters have an appearance similar to that of Munak: Bongun, which many say to be always close to Munak; Hyegun/Yao Jun, a very powerful creature that lives in Louyang.

There is a greater rumor that says Munak was loved by both Bongun and Hyegun/Yao Jun. This is proven by both Bongun and Hyegun/Yao Jun's card, Munak is present in them. In Bongun's card, he is looking very nervous when Munak, in the background, is crying about her diary which seems to be lost — in addition, a girl's diary, referred to as "Her Heart," is used to tame Bongun as pets. In Hyegun/Yao Jun's card, he and his Munak doll are sharing a table (much like a Chinese tea ceremony) and he is pouring tea for the doll and himself.
As mentioned earlier, Munak and Bongun are close, which explains why they fight together in the Payon dungeons. Hyegun/Yao Jun resides in Louyang (as well as away from Munak, whom he loves), which explains his card. Bongun may have a greater approach towards Munak while Hyegun/Yao Jun has a crush. Another proof that Bongun and Hyegun/Yao Jun admire Munak is from their drops which are often Munak items. In many item's descriptions, Munak is referred to as a "young girl" or simply as a "girl." Also, when the Bongun is captured as a Cute Pet and reaches the "loyal" status, he will often talk about missing Munak, and as one of his "performance" actions, he cries over a portrait of her, which is also one of the items dropped by the Bongun monster when killed. The paper talisman attached to his hat, animating Bongun, is also torn in half, possibly suggesting he attempted [[suicide]] in depression; removing the talisman would return him to his being a corpse. Bongun's Pet Armor, the Grave Keeper's Sword, also has a Munak doll attached to it. The story among these three creatures are hard to determine but most believe that it is a love triangle.

As a Mother's Day 2006 special, an event was held to obtain Bongun's Pet Armor, the Grave Keeper's Sword. Throughout the event, the story of the love triangle between Munak, Bongun, and Hyegun/Yao Jun was revealed in full.

===Glast Heim===
The ruins of Glast Heim are of a former Rune Midgard city that was defeated, destroyed and totally taken by evil forces; many believe all of Rune Midgard will be overtaken if no action is taken. A complete castle, church and chivalry exists in ruins with very powerful monsters around. The ruins are located near Geffen. Glast Heim was planned and built by Al de Baran. Al de Baran was trying to make Glast Heim known as the "Heaven of Earth". Unfortunately, the war with Titans brought this beautiful city to abandonment and for many years it has been haunted by the Dark Lord. There are still many mysteries that lies in this isolated city. One of the real points proving it was built by Al de Baran is outside the clock tower with Bell Tower Keeper A.

===The Yggdrasil Tree===
[[Yggdrasil]] is the source and symbol of life and vitality among the humans of Rune Midgard. Its fruit, leaves, and seeds are items in the game and are used to resurrect players and heal them greatly.

Yggdrasil is found near Umbala, and directly connected to Nifleheim, the city of death.

===Niflheim===
The place for where all the deceased go; a spiritual plane of sorts. There is a phantom village filled with humans, spirits, and the undead, and a field cursed by immoral humans and dark spirits.

There is a path from Niflheim to the Tree of Life, Yggdrasil.

==Cities==
:''Main article: [[List of Ragnarok Online locations]]''

There are many major cities in Rune-Midgard, the world of Ragnarok Online. Players may visit them by paying the Kafra service to warp them, taking the airship from [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Yuno|Yuno]] or train from [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Einbroch|Einbroch]] and [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Einbech|Einbech]], being teleported by a priest with the appropriate warp point, or by walking through the maps in between.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Al de Baran|Al de Baran]] (most commonly in-game as Aldebaran, but officially "Al de Baran") : Due north of Prontera, with its large clock tower dungeon, Al de Baran is the only path to Lutie: via Santa Claus. The Alchemist guild can be found here. It is a popular gathering spot for many high level characters, lending an aura of conceit to its community.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Alberta|Alberta]] : A port city to the east of Payon, and home of the Merchant class. Alberta's port is the only means of accessing Sunken Ship, Turtle Island, Amatsu, Gonryun, Ayothaya, and Louyang, excluding teleportation.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Amatsu|Amatsu]] : Styled after [[History of Japan#Ancient/Classical Japan|Ancient Japan]], here the pink-white blossoms of the cherry ([[sakura]]) trees are always in bloom. One of the city's major attractions is the Tatami Maze. Amatsu was the first product of the ''Global Project'', in which new cities with themes based on countries with licensed RO servers were added in rapid succession. Added to iRO in September 2004.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Ayothaya|Ayothaya]] : Like Gonryun, designed in [[History of Thailand#Ancient history|Ancient Thai]] style. It features the atmosphere of the former Thai capital in Ayutthaya period. It is home to the Ayothaya Dungeon which is the home of the local monster which is a supposedly a [[shapeshifter]]. Ayothaya is the fourth and last city of the Global Project. Added to iRO in April 2005.

; '''[[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Comodo|Comodo]]''' : Gambling capital of the southwest, Comodo is a cross between [[Hawaii]] and [[Las Vegas]]. Night is eternal in the city, as it lies in a cave, and fireworks can be seen in the sky at all times. Comodo's main attraction is the infamous Seal Beach, and its casino. The Bard and Dancer classes can be accessed here. Added to iRO in August 2003.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Einbech|Einbech]] : A small mining town reached only by foot or train, and satellite city to Einbroch. In the game's history, Einbech was settled first, and Einbroch was annexed as a factory site. However, Einbroch quickly outgrew Einbech, and lives off of its profits, leaving it a poor mining town. The Einbech Mine Dungeon is located here. Added to iRO October 2005, as a set with Einbroch.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Einbroch|Einbroch]] : A city made from steel, supposedly one of the first cities in the Schwartzvald Republic to go through an industrial revolution. Einbroch is heavily polluted, and lives mainly off of the profit from work in Einbech. Added to iRO October 2005.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Geffen|Geffen]] : Northwest of Prontera, and home of the Magician, Wizard, and Blacksmith classes. Geffen Tower, located in the center of town, holds a small dungeon that once was ideal for low-leveled vitality-based characters until populated with Hunter Flies. Glast Heim to the north is occasionally considered a dungeon of Geffen, as it is nearby and not particularly difficult to reach.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Gonryun|Gonryun]]/Kunlun : Designed in Ancient Taiwanese style, and known as Kunlun outside of iRO. In October 2004, Gonryun became the second city in the Global Project to be added to iRO.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Hugel|Hugel]] : A small 'Garden City' town that currently serves an entrance to the Odin Dungeon as well as holding the Hunter class. It was added on January 2006 to kRO, but has not yet been implemented in iRO. Located near the Hugel Fields on the Destin's Glorious Kingdom.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Jawaii|Jawaii]] : Commonly nicknamed the "Honeymoon Island." Most married couples go here to celebrate their marriage; ''only'' married players are allowed here. Single players may only reach Jawaii's pub for a drink. Added to iRO in March 2005.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Juno|Juno]] (commonly in-game as "Yuno," but officially Juno) : A large city north of Al de Baran, and the capital of the Schwartzvald Republic, a kingdom separate from Rune-Midgard. The Sage class can be accessed here. In the northwest corner of the city, characters may rebirth and become Transcendant Classes. Added to iRO in May 2004.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Lighthalzen|Lighthalzen]] : A city of commerce and research with a surprisingly dark history, Lighthalzen is the home of the Rekenber Corporation, which owns the Bio Labs. Lighthalzen also has a section of slums, in contrast to the rest of the wealthy city. Added in June 2005 to kRO, and implemented in iRO as of March 21st, 2006.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Louyang|Louyang]] : Designed in [[History of China#Ancient history|Ancient Chinese]] style. Added to iRO in March 2005, as the third city in the Global Project.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Lutie|Lutie]] : Also known as [[Christmas]] Town, Lutie is the home of [[Santa Claus]] and contains the Toy Factory. As suggested by its name, it snows constantly and many Christmas-themed enemies and items are found here.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Morroc|Morroc]] : A desert-themed city southwest of Prontera, themed after Eygpt. Novices can become Thieves in the Pyramids just northwest of Morroc, and Assassins or Rogues in the temples and dunes south of the city.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Nifflheim|Nifflheim]] : City of the dead. There are many kinds of powerful Undead and Demon monsters here, and the city may only be reached through Umbala's Yggdrasil Tree. Added to iRO in December 2004.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Payon|Payon]] : The village of the Taekwon class, often disliked since its remodeling. This city is an allusion to [[Culture of Korea|ancient Korean culture]] and located southeast of Prontera and west of Alberta.

*;[[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Archer Village|Archer Village]] : A small village connected to Payon, where one can become an Archer. It can also be called the satellite city of [[Payon (Ragnarok Online)|Payon]]. The Payon Caves located here are a popular choice to level first class characters.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Prontera|Prontera]] : The capital city of Rune-Midgard, located approximately in the center of the world. It is a center of player commerce, as well as home to the Acolyte, Knight, Priest, and Crusader classes. Prontera contains the only official church in the game, and is the place to become married. It is the easiest place for many novices to start, due to the abundance of low-level creatures, and most characters automatically enter Rune-Midgard through here.

*;[[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Izlude|Izlude]] : The satellite of Prontera, Izlude is the official home of the Swordman class. Izlude's port is also the only method through which one can reach Byalan Island and Jawaii, the latter of which is also known as the Honeymoon Island.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Rael|Rael]] : Added on 30/05/06 kRO Patch, it is the main city of the Arunafeltz religious country. It appears to be a desert town based on Arabian culture, possibly Turkey. It is surrounded by the desert-scened Arunafeltz Fields. Not far is the illusive Ice Dungeon, with monsters that fit the environment. It has now been implemented completely to kRO on July 10, 2006 (July 11 Korea) as the capital of the country Arunafeltz.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#St. Capitolina Abbey|St. Capitolina Abbey]] : A small, solemn collection of shrines east by northeast of Prontera, where the Monk class may be found.

; [[List of Ragnarok Online locations#Umbala|Umbala]] : A lost village located to the north of Comodo. Home of the self-denominated Utan tribe, and the Yggdrasil Tree, the only path to Nifflheim without a teleport. Added to iRO in November 2004.

==Music==
The background music of ''Ragnarok Online'' currently consists of 95 individual tracks, composed and arranged by Lee Seock-Jin, Kwon Goo-Hee, Kwok Dong-Il, Jang Seong-Woon, Park Jin-Bae, and Park Soo-Il of Sound TeMP; and recorded and mixed by Kwon Goo-Hee, Hong Seong-Ho, also of Sound TeMP, and Park Chang-Su of Hankook Recording Studio. Similarly to the game itself, the game's music spans a wide variety of [[genre]]s and musical styles, including trance, techno, jazz, rock, and orchestral. New tracks are added as new areas are added to the game. Although the track numbers currently go up to 98, track 32 does not seem to exist.

===''The memory of RAGNAROK''===
{{main|The memory of RAGNAROK}}
A limited edition physical two-disc original soundtrack album titled ''"The memory of RAGNAROK" Ragnarok Online Original Sound Track'' has been released. The album also features vocal arrangements of certain pieces, performed by Lee Seung-Yeon, Lee Jeong-Hee, and Seo Ji-Hae. The album's booklet features text in Korean, Chinese, English, and Japanese.

[http://iro.ragnarokonline.com/ro_ost/ost_index.asp The album's page] is currently taking orders. A site account is required to reserve a copy. Along with purchase, a player's account will be allowed to obtain the special "Note Headgear," which resembles oversized headphones. Additionally, drawings will be held to give away the Ghostring, Devilring, and Evil Snake Lord Cards.

==Conduct==
The official rules of conduct is posted on various RO's websites. The rules of conduct for iRO can be found at [http://iro.ragnarokonline.com/support/operationrule.asp official website].
* Shorthand messages like "heal plz", "Buff plz" and requests for rare items, cash, adoptions or "tanks" are common, but are disliked by many players.

* [[Internet bot|Bot]]s are against the rules of most servers. A bot is a computer program that effectively plays the game for the player. Therefore, the bot enables a character to obtain levels and items without the player even being at the computer. Certain companies running officially licensed servers appear to ignore the use of bots, allegedly in order to maintain their steady income. Many players despise the use of bots and will actively try to find bots and report them to the GameMasters. In most versions of Ragnarok Online, getting caught botting will result in a permanent ban on all known accounts immediately.

* Third-party programs that allow for a rapid succession of item or skill use are called '''macros'''. These are sometimes plugins for bot programs, and are illegal but are nevertheless used by many players, especially those looking for a cheap advantage in War of Emperium. Another example are so-called "speed hacks" and "packeting".
* Kill-stealing of common monsters or mini-bosses is against the rules and will result in suspension of an account. Kill-stealing is defined as attacking monsters that are already engaged with another player. The same applies to looting, where one player takes all the dropped items from another player's kill. Neither of these rules apply to any monsters marked as MVP (Monster Versus Player), which are boss monsters. In many places with a high, disorientating concentration of enemies, such as Orc Dungeon, kill-stealing is common and usually pardoned.

* Private servers are, in the end, illegal in many countries. Some use pirated copies of Gravity's server software, [[AEGIS (Ragnarok Online)|AEGIS]]. Most private servers use [[reverse engineering|reverse engineered]] server [[emulator]]s such as Vidar, Athena (jAthena varients; most popularly eAthena), Prometheus SVN, Freya, and its many variants. These emulators, just as is the case with [[AEGIS (Ragnarok Online)|AEGIS]], are not legal as they are products of reverse engineering and theft of intellectual property as well as blatant copyright infringement including but not limited to packet structure and utilizing Gravity's game client. Regardless of legal issues, many private servers have well over 1,000 users playing at any given time, often advertising features such as control panel websites, higher drop rates or Base and Job experience than pay-to-play servers, and spend a great deal of money to maintain them, and are often largely member-supported. Because the Korean version of Ragnarok Online is in a more advanced state of development than the other versions, due to its company being based in Korea, Gravity KR has blocked non Korean IP's from downloading from their official website. Unfortunately for them, many private server players bypass this block by using South Korean proxies to download from the site. Gravity also has not blocked IP's from downloading patches for kRO and Sakray, leaving private server players free to continue playing.
* Game account [[hacking]] - This is easily done by installing stealth [[keystroke logging|key loggers]] on the player's computer. Beware of playing in [[internet cafe|internet cafés]], as the risk that the [[Computer workstation|workstations]] might be infected by these [[computer software|software]] is relatively high. Remote installation of [[keystroke logging|key loggers]] can also be easily done by including a [[Trojan horse (computing)|Trojan Horse]] in a package such as a [[ZIP (file format)|*.ZIP]] or [[RAR (file format)|*.RAR]] file disguised as utilities like bots and speed-hacks. There are other ways to steal accounts on private servers, as users are often not very cautious or conservative of their account information.

==Cheating==
Cheating in Ragnarok Online servers is actually very common outside servers managed by Gravity (licensees tend to be much more lenient to botters or cheaters).

===Serious offenses===
Methods of serious cheating includes.
*The usage of bots to level or collect items.
*Using an MVP (boss) detector to hunt boss characters.
*Using a speed hack to speed up the character's attack.
*Hexing the game's client to allow the player to open 2 RO program at the same time. Usually referred to as "multi-clienting," this allows players to log into two different accounts at once, although many people use this to utilize all their accounts simultaneously without buying another computer. (Not against the rules in many private servers.)
*Hexing the game's client to allow damage to be shown in guild wars, or to detect characters using the skills Hide, Cloaking, or Chase Walk.
*Impersonating a GameMaster or Gravity official, or even creating a character with any letters, or words related to the GM staff, such as iRO_ RO_ GM_.

These offenders are usually punished with a ban, especially in iRO and by other licences. As an example, the company that holds the franchise for pRO in the Philippines, Level Up! Games, Inc., had difficulties in trying to stop "botting", real-life currency to virtual item trading, scamming, hacking, impersonation of GM's and other forms of cheating since the rules set up for the game were too general, and it was hard to predict player reaction and activity due to the fact that the game is online. There have also been allegations of "inside-jobs" amidst several Game Master resignations and/or AWOLs, although the company has consistently denied this. As the company, game and community grew, rules were revised and more stringent policies and sanctions were implemented. To date, players caught and proven to be violating the rules will have their account either banned for a certain period of time, items wiped out or character leveled down, or account deleted- depending on the gravity and seriousness of the case. However, despite these efforts, various game violations are still rampant due to the difficulty of monitoring activities taking place outside the game.

In order to improve the game and lessen the occurrence of these violations, licensees like Level Up! try to make changes to the game every now and then (in the form of patches)- either by changing the game server's addresses so that it would be more difficult for bot clients to access the games, and other activities like in-game or live events wherein players can either trade their used game cards, and answer trivia questions and complete quests administered by GM's, to win merchandise and in-game items instead of purchasing them through real-life currencies. [http://levelupgames.ph/news_detail.php?id=318] But it must also be noted that the offenders continually set up countermeasures to deter the new policies of the licensees.

As for hacking, most online games these days now implement the "no-hack compensation" policy, wherein gamers are now given responsibility for their own accounts. When online games started, players used to be compensated either with the character, lost item or zeny being given back. However, due to the proven fact that it would be very difficult to prove and disprove that a player was indeed hacked, most licensees left the case of hacking to the authorities, since most often, the act is in violation of a certain country/area's government laws as well.

===Minor offenses===
Minor offenses include:
*Attacking a monster (either a mini-boss or normal monster) already engaged in combat with a player, known as '''kill-stealing''' even if the monster is not killed. KS-ing an MVP (boss monster) is usually considered acceptable.
*Leading a multitude of monsters to another player, followed by rapidly leaving the area (e.g. by Teleporting or using a Butterfly Wing) or causing the monsters to stop targeting the perpetrator (e.g. by Hiding or Cloaking); the victim will most likely be surprised, overwhelmed and killed; this is known as '''luring'''.
*Use of vulgar language
*Harassing another player

==Server types==
===Sakray===
Sakray is a term most commonly used to distinguish between the various [[Korea]]n Ragnarok Online computer [[Server (computing)|server]]s. The Sakray server is a "test" server, where new features, content, and [[computer bug|bug]]-fixes are tested on a large scale with thousands of users before being placed into a package suitable for [[licensing]] to other companies. While the Sakray game servers are mostly stable, it is accepted that the entire virtual world housed within them may change at any time based solely upon the whim of the [[Gravity Corp.]] development team.

===Urdr===
Urdr is the name of the [[player-killing]] enabled server created on kRO. Several other licensed versions of the game now also feature an Urdr server.

==Parodies==
[[VG Cats]] has several comic strips dedicated to RO, namely '''"Working On Your Knees"''', '''"Cat's Got Your...Oh Wait..."''', '''"Helm, The Other White Meat"''' and "'''Magic Beans"''' (strips [http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=60 66] and [http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=70 76], respectively.)

==See also==
*''[[Ragnarok The Animation]]'', an [[Anime]] based on the game
*[[Ragnarok Flash Animation]], a cartoon by [[Gameflier]]
*[[Gravity Corp.]]
*[[Level Up! Games]]
*''[[Ragnarok (manhwa)|Ragnarok]]'', a [[Manhwa]] that served as basis for the game
*[[Poring]]
*''[[Ragnarok Online 2]],'' a sequel to the game
*''[[Ragnarok Battle Offline]],'' a [[doujin]] brawler


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.ragnarokonline.com/ Ragnarok Online global portal]
* {{Official website|http://www.ragnarokonline.com/}} original version in Korea (Korean language)
* {{Official website|http://renewal.playragnarok.com/}} international version located in the US (English language)
* [http://www.roempire.com RO Empire] Largest officially endorsed international fan site
* {{MobyGames|id=/ragnark-online}}
* [http://www.ragnainfo.net RagnaInfo.net] Largest international community portal
* [http://www.rocards.de RoCards] #1 iRO Fansite in a voting by the iRO Community, large community site
* [http://www.ro-guardians.com ro-guardians.com] Ragnarok style portal, large community boards


{{Ragnarok franchise}}
===Game archive and review sites===
{{Authority control}}
*{{moby game|id=/windows/ragnarok-online|name=''Ragnarok Online''}}
*{{GameFAQs|type=/computer/doswin|num=561051|name=''Ragnarok Online''}}
*[http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/ragnarokonline ''Ragnarok Online''] at [[Metacritic]]


[[Category:2002 computer and video games]]
[[Category:Ragnarok Online| ]]
[[Category:Computer and video games developed in Korea]]
[[Category:2002 video games]]
[[Category:Active massively multiplayer online games]]
[[Category:Free-to-play video games]]
[[Category:GungHo Online Entertainment franchises]]
[[Category:Massively multiplayer online role-playing games]]
[[Category:Massively multiplayer online role-playing games]]
[[Category:Ragnarok Online| ]]
[[Category:Video games based on Norse mythology]]
[[Category:Video games developed in South Korea]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Windows-only games]]

[[Category:Gravity (Korean company) video games]]
[[ca:Ragnarok Online]]
[[da:Ragnarok Online]]
[[de:Ragnarök Online]]
[[es:Ragnarok Online]]
[[fr:Ragnarok Online]]
[[ko:라그나로크 온라인]]
[[id:Ragnarok Online]]
[[it:Ragnarok Online]]
[[ja:ラグナロクオンライン]]
[[pl:Ragnarok Online]]
[[pt:Ragnarök Online]]
[[ru:Ragnarok Online]]
[[fi:Ragnarok Online]]
[[sv:Ragnarok Online]]
[[th:แร็กนาร็อก ออนไลน์]]
[[zh:仙境传说]]

Latest revision as of 01:47, 8 November 2024

Ragnarok Online
Developer(s)Gravity
Publisher(s)Gravity
Designer(s)Kim Hakkyu
Artist(s)Lee Myung-jin
Writer(s)Lee Myung-jin
EngineAEGIS
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
Release
    • KOR: August 31, 2002[1]
    • NA: June 1, 2003
    • EU: April 15, 2004
    • AU: December, 2004
Genre(s)Massively multiplayer online role-playing
Mode(s)Multiplayer

Ragnarok Online (Korean: 라그나로크 온라인, Rageunarokeu Onrain marketed as Ragnarök, and alternatively subtitled The Final Destiny of the Gods) is a massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) created by Gravity based on the manhwa Ragnarok by Lee Myung-jin. It was released in South Korea on 31 August 2002 for Microsoft Windows. The game has spawned an animated series, Ragnarok the Animation, and a sequel game, Ragnarok Online 2: Legend of the Second. The player's characters exist in a world with a player environment that includes NPC's (non-playable characters) that can be interacted with, and creatures spawning in maps that need to be defeated to level-up and to acquire items.

Gameplay

[edit]

The gameplay is heavily based around Norse mythology, wherein the characters are taken from the stories around Ragnarök. Player characters interact in a 3D environment but are represented by 2D character sprites for front, back, side and diagonal facings. The major types of server-supported gameplay are Player vs Environment, Guild vs Guild, Player vs Player. Also supported by the game server are Group vs Group, Arena Combat, Player vs Monster, Player vs All, and various other specific scenarios at designated instance locations in the game world. Non-player character-run challenges and contests are also available with prizes, awards, and/or in a specific hall of fame listing.

Players can sign up for quests and submit them for rewards as well as access storage and teleport services for a small fee. Every town will have the usual stores and shops where players can purchase and sell their items. The stores differ from city to city because each city is affiliated with a different job that players can choose from; therefore, the goods each sell are relatively for that particular job that the city is affiliated with. Quests usually provide a unique reward such as learning a new skill or receiving a rare item.

The job system initially consisted of 13 classes, which has increased to over 50 via several updates. Each class specializes in certain skills corresponding to archetypes in a role-playing game. Additionally, numerous equipment are exclusive to particular classes. The greatness of the equipment depends on the character attribute status.

Once a player reaches player level 99 and job level 50, they can 'rebirth' their character (not applicable to expansion classes and Super Novices). Rebirthing brings a character back to level 1 for both player level and job level. Reborn characters generally work the same as regular characters up until the second class. Instead of a second class, characters that are born can transcend to a new second job, different from those of a character that has not been reborn. These transcended job types have more skills and a larger number of 'stat points' to allocate to characters compared to second classes. The experience curve for transcendent jobs is significantly higher. Players are given the option to advance onto their third classes which provide an additional set of skills as well as allowing with player to break through the traditional level cap of 99.

Setting

[edit]

Ragnarok Online is divided into a series of maps on two major continents, each of which has its own terrain and native monsters, though many monsters are present in multiple regions. Transportation between maps requires loading the new map and monsters are unable to travel from one map to another unless directly associated with the player such as a pet, mount, or hireling. Areas from Norse mythology are included.

History

[edit]

The official Ragnarok Online servers underwent massive game system changes in 2010, which has been titled "Renewal", which revamped game mechanics, changed the behavior and interaction of stats, gears, and modifiers in the stat system, changed the way and amount of character experience, and introduced the 3rd Job Classes. There are various other changes that come with "Renewal", including interface and hotkey alterations, as well as skill changes.

On May 25, 2018 (the date of implementation of European General Data Protection Regulation rules), the servers of Ragnarok Online and Ragnarok Online 2 were shut down in most of Europe, excluding CIS countries.[2] The Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines (MSP) servers of Ragnarok Online were shut down on November 28, 2021.[3]

Reception

[edit]

Overall, Ragnarok Online has been critically acclaimed and commercially successful, especially in Korea during the mid 2000s.

[edit]

Gravity partnered with SkyZone Entertainment to release a series of standalone mobile phone games that supplement Ragnarok Online.[6] There were 5 games, each one based on one of the 6 original first classes, thus leaving Acolyte excluded. The sole release in the North American market, Ragnarok: Mobile Mage, features the playable mage class. Players are given the ability to transfer earned zeny (the in-game currency) to their Ragnarok Online game account.[7]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Gamespot (3 January 2013). "Technical Info".
  2. ^ "Ragnarok Online servers to shut down in most of Europe". rpgsite.net. 2018-04-25. Retrieved 2023-05-10.
  3. ^ "Ragnarok Online MSP Server Slated to be Shut Down over the Next Couple of Months". pinoygamer.ph. 2021-10-13. Retrieved 2023-05-10.
  4. ^ "Ragnarok Online for PC". GameRankings. CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
  5. ^ "Ragnarok Online for PC Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
  6. ^ "SkyZone brings Ragnarok MMOG to mobile phones". 13 December 2005.
  7. ^ "Q&A: Bob Shireman, Chief Publishing Officer, SkyZone". 3 May 2007.
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