Angeling and Deviling Plushies

I sewed these plushies based on the adorable monsters from Ragnarok Online.

Ragnarok Online

Ragnarok Online is a classic multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Gravity Co., Ltd., a South Korean game company. Released in 2002, it became one of the most iconic online games of its era, especially in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe. Inspired by Norse mythology and based on the Korean manhwa Ragnarok by Lee Myung-jin, the game offered players a fantasy world filled with charming characters, expansive environments, and deep class-based progression systems.

The setting of Ragnarok Online is the world of Rune Midgard, a land filled with monsters, mythical creatures, ancient ruins, and bustling cities. The game was designed using 2D character sprites over 3D backgrounds, which gave it a distinct and visually appealing look. This stylistic approach allowed the game to run smoothly on a variety of hardware, making it accessible to many players during its early years.

Players begin their journey as a novice character, learning the basics of combat, item usage, and movement. After reaching a certain level, players can choose one of several first-tier job classes, including Swordsman, Archer, Mage, Thief, Acolyte, or Merchant. Each class has its own strengths, skill tree, and progression path. As players gain experience and level up, they eventually reach higher job classes, such as Knight, Wizard, Assassin, Priest, and Blacksmith. Later game updates expanded these options further with second and third job classes, transcendent classes, and more.

One of the defining features of Ragnarok Online is its job system, which emphasizes player customization and character development. The freedom to select and master a class, then evolve into more advanced versions, provides a sense of long-term progression. Each class has unique abilities that contribute to various playstyles, whether a player prefers solo exploration, party-based combat, or competitive gameplay.

Combat in Ragnarok Online takes place in real time, with players using both melee and magical attacks against monsters found across various maps and dungeons. Many areas are filled with aggressive monsters and boss creatures, encouraging players to party together for more effective hunting. Equipment, weapons, and stat allocation all play a role in combat effectiveness. Players earn items and zeny, the in-game currency, which can be used to buy better gear, healing items, or even trade with other players.

The game world is rich and varied, consisting of cities like Prontera, Geffen, Payon, and Morroc, each with its own culture and architecture. From peaceful meadows to icy fields and fiery caves, the diverse regions keep exploration fresh and rewarding. Quests and storylines add narrative depth, while repeatable missions give players reasons to return to favorite areas. The music, composed by SoundTeMP, contributes greatly to the immersive atmosphere and is widely celebrated by fans for its memorable melodies.

A major part of the game’s appeal lies in its social systems. Ragnarok Online places strong emphasis on player interaction through parties, guilds, and in-game communities. Partying is essential for progressing through difficult dungeons or leveling efficiently. Guilds serve not only as social hubs but also as strategic groups in War of Emperium, a competitive guild-versus-guild siege battle that takes place at scheduled times each week.

War of Emperium is one of the most notable features of Ragnarok Online, where guilds compete for control over castles located in specific regions. Each guild works together to defend or attack castles, using teamwork and coordination. Castle ownership grants access to special dungeons, resources, and prestige, making this system an integral part of endgame content.

Economy also plays a significant role in the game. Players can open shops, craft equipment, and trade items. The Merchant class is unique in its ability to buy and sell items more efficiently, as well as forge weapons or vend rare items in player-run markets. Over time, the in-game economy became its own ecosystem, with player-driven supply and demand determining item values.

Throughout its history, Ragnarok Online received numerous updates and expansions. New continents, job classes, dungeons, and monsters kept the game fresh. Events held during holidays or special occasions brought unique quests, limited-time items, and seasonal content to players. These updates ensured that long-time players continued to have new challenges and goals.

The community of Ragnarok Online has always been one of its strongest aspects. Fans have created art, guides, fan fiction, and videos inspired by the game. Many players recall the friendships and memories they formed while playing. Whether it was teaming up for a dungeon raid, chatting in a guild hall, or defending a castle, the social experiences offered by the game created lasting impressions.

Over the years, various official servers were launched in countries around the world, each with its own regional management and events. The game also inspired numerous spin-offs and sequels, including mobile adaptations like Ragnarok M: Eternal Love and Ragnarok Origin, as well as offline games and an animated series. These titles built upon the original game’s legacy while introducing new elements for different audiences.

In summary, Ragnarok Online remains a beloved title in the history of online games. Its blend of character progression, world-building, social interaction, and creative visual style helped it become a defining MMORPG for a generation of players. Even years after its release, it continues to be played and remembered fondly by fans around the world, standing as a testament to the enduring charm and impact of early online gaming.

*ChatGPT helped write this post.