While we’re all familiar with MMORPGs, Dofus is a game which has skirted the mainstream in the anglophone world. Making it a game you’ve either sunk many, many hours into, or have never played at all!
Let’s take a look at the state of the game today, and run down the key reasons why millions still jump into the World of Twelve daily.
Wait… Is What Worth Playing?
Back in 2004, Dofus launched in France. Developed by Ankama Games, throughout the 2000s it was propelled to the forefront of MMORPGs, garnering it a plethora of awards alongside a strong and dedicated player base.
The game is a turn-based MMORPG, focusing on methodical PvE and PvP revolving around a plethora of colourful classes, set in a world supplemented by joyous off-beat humour, bold colours and a strong aesthetic.
By 2013, an animated series was fashioned around the game’s now much-loved lore. In turn bringing in new and returning players. The world of Dofus has also been further expanded in various books, board-games and other games. Creating plenty of points of entry into the series.
However, Dofus has always been a bit of an oddball outside of French-speaking countries. With translations only coming years after release, and much of its media coverage remaining firmly within the French language. So, if you’ve only come across this 17-year-old game recently, you know why.
Dedicated, Strong Player Count
Despite its age, Dofus still holds an active player base. Keeping the world alive for newcomers and returning players alike. As of early 2022, the daily player counts average around 20,000. While this may be well below big hitters like WoW, EVE and RuneScape, thanks to its gameplay style, this is still more than enough players to make the world feel full. Not to mention that due to a reduction in server numbers in recent years, the servers that do exist are packed.
Moreover, as many players have stuck with the game for years (if not decades), you’re joining a troop of die-hard fans who will be more than happy to show you around.
Differentiating Gameplay
As a tactical turn-based MMORPG, Dofus is an incredibly unique title. This gameplay differentiates it from the crowd of real-time fantasy games which fill much of the MMO market. So, if you’re a fan of massively multiplayer online games but are looking for something fresh, Dofus is sure to be a breath of fresh air.
The Lore
Dofus’ gameplay may be a unique draw for many players, the lore is what many stay for.
If the wealth of supplementary materials that have been created within the game’s universe don’t speak for themselves, you’ll surely be sold on the character of Dofus within minutes of immersing yourself into the world.
From rich narrative and background lore to colourful design and sharp, guiding wit, Dofus is one of the few MMORPGs where you’ll want to read the dialogue and keep up with the narrative. And that’s definitely saying something.
Tried and Tested
It goes without saying, that if a game as old as this is still drawing in large player counts, there’s a good reason. This is testament to the core tenets of Dofus’ gameplay and design which set it apart from the competition.
But more than that, Dofus has most certainly evolved over the years. With its systems being honed into a fine point.
That said, many players lamented the promotion of upholding many characters at the release of the update dubbed “Dofus 2.0”. Fortunately, focusing on just one character is more than enough to get your fill of Dofus.
Welcome to the Old School
With Dofus housing players over the last 17 years, it is impossible to miss the fact that this is an older game. And with that come some sentiments of dated mechanics.
Fortunately for Dofus, it’s strong aesthetic, narrative wit and tactical turn-based gameplay help to hide its age. Meaning the game has aged far better than MMOs of the same generation, such as Guild Wars.
But thanks to the love and care brought to the Dofus IP over the years by Ankama Games and the community, the game is most certainly still worth playing in 2022. Especially if you are looking for a unique flavour of MMORPG paired with strong character, memorable moments and a strong community.
However, if you are jumping into Dofus for the first time, chances are you might feel behind. Thus it might be worth getting your hands on some extra Dofus Kamas, which you can acquire from ElDorado with ease!