Lineage 2 Classic brings back old-time MMOing in October

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The old-time MMO scene will grow a little larger next month with the launch of Lineage 2 Classic, "a return to those days when 'hardcore' truly meant something," as publisher NCsoft put it. So that would be, let's see here... 2004.

Not exactly the Stone Age, then, but things were definitely different, and while I wouldn't necessarily say they were "better," the ongoing interest in World of Warcraft Classic and Old School Runescape shows that there's clearly an audience for that kind of throwback gaming. Dungeons will not be instanced, and open-world PvP means that you'll need to keep your guard up, because you'll be penalized experience points if you die.

It's not a complete reversion to the good old days, however. Lineage 2 Classic will remain free to play, with a new shop that will offer cosmetics, experience-boosting buffs, and other handy in-game items. Ahead of release, NCsoft is also offering a couple of Classic Launch Packs, one for $10 and the other for $30, with XP buffs, healing potions, and other useful and attractive in-game loot.

Lineage 2 Classic will open its doors on October 3. NCsoft will hold a preview livestream (and give away some launch packs, naturally) at 11 am PT/2 pm ET on September 28.

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.