Six MMORPGs You Can Try Out During Steam Next Fest

Once again, the Steam Next Fest is back, offering players a chance to check out the games that haven’t come out yet. While there aren’t many, this does include some MMOs. At this point, we can’t be certain about the monetization of each participating game. We do know that some are free-to-play, but with others, we likely won’t know until closer to launch what the monetization will be.

As we’ve already reported on Nexon’s Embers of the Crown participating in this Steam Next Fest, the game is not part of today’s list. Instead, we have five other MMOs for you to check out. There’s a little sci-fi, a pixel-art MMORPG, an idleMMO, some old-school vibes, and a really cute one.

Nova Era: Atom

Nova Era: Atom combines sci-fi with Chinese mythology. It also allows players to craft their own spaceships and use them to explore a universe known as the String Realm. Of course, it’s not just exploring. Players will also mine and manufacture, build tech, and create strongholds. All the while, they’ll be dealing with enemy factions and aliens. Not everything will need to be built from scratch. The universe is filled with resources, including things like abandoned megastructures that might make for good starting points.

We’re not sure if Nova Era: Atom will be free-to-play. But, since the official site does have a place for players to pre-register and mentions rewards, it doesn’t seem unlikely.

Soulbound

Spiderware’s Soulbound is a pixel-art action roguelite and an MMORPG. Players will spend a lot of time running bullet-heaven-style dungeons, either on their own or with two other players. They’ll also be spending time dealing with raid bosses, crafting, and building a base.

Of course, there is a story, one in which players deal with entities called “The Anima”. The good news is that if a player goes too far and nears death, they’ll be aided by a robot who will bring them back to their base. That said, don’t rely on the robot too much. It’s still your job to gear up properly.

Scapewatch

If you’re looking for something a bit more hands-off, you can try Puzzle Drop Studio’s Scapewatch. Players train skills by queuing tasks and leaving them to run. The character will do all the grindy stuff for you and be stronger when you come back. The game features several different skills, ranging from combat to gathering and crafting, all of which can be leveled by idling.

Of course, players don’t have to idle the whole game. When they want to engage in combat, they can. The game also allows for the creation of clans and features 5-player raids.

Arcany

Those looking for something more old-school might like to try Arcany. This game, which we know will be free-to-play, is a story-based MMORPG that the developers describe as having an “old soul”. It definitely looks the part, with the pixel design. Players explore a realm created by a failed experiment. Because of this, time and oxygen… yes, oxygen… don’t work as they do in the real world, and players will need to plan how long they will remain in the Arcane zones as part of their survival tactics.

As mentioned, the game is free-to-play, in a way. Those who want access to everything in the game will need to pay for the membership. That includes specific skills, access to the whole map, and other features.

SpiritVale

And now we come to the cute MMO. SpiritVale is an action MMO inspired by the classics. The game features over 230 monsters and 20 World Bosses spread out across 30 maps. Choose from 7 base classes and unlock their advanced specializations.

Players can customize their characters with cosmetic options. When not killing things, crafting, gathering, and the market are all available. And yes, it’s the old-school market that requires you to go and click on characters to go shopping. Of course, the game features PvP combat for those who enjoy them.