Eight Striking Places You'll Come Across In MMOs

One of the appealing things about video games is that, like books and movies, they can take you to so many places. Of course, the big difference is that in games, you’re able to interact with those worlds, albeit through an avatar. You get to decide whether to go left or right, whether to climb to the top of the hill or wander into a valley. When you see something in games like MMOs for the first time, you see it that way because you chose that path or chose to interact with some specific thing. You’re not being shown them like you are in a movie or TV show, and you’re not conjuring them in your own mind like you would with a book.

Because of this, seeing something for the first time in a game can be an almost awe-inspiring experience. The first time you round a bend and see that city, mountain, ocean, or whatever else you come across can feel like a huge discovery. In the time I’ve played video games, this has happened to me on many occasions, and I’ve seen some striking scenery. That’s not to say that all of it is stunning in the “this is so pretty” way. Let’s face it, some game worlds aren’t pretty at all. That said, there can still be places in them that just draw you in for one reason or another, and it’s those places that really stand out that we’re celebrating today.

Rivendell – Lord of the Rings Online

There are certain things I remember about playing Lord of the Rings Online when it first launched. One of them is the falling cow at the crossroads outside of Bree. Another is my first glimpse at Rivendell as I made my way there. It was just one of those things. You’re on the road and suddenly, there it is, in all its glory, and I was amazed. It’s obviously the closest I’d ever get to actually visiting the place.

Yssgard – Marvel Rivals

I’m pretty sure we all know I’m not out here playing Marvel Rivals. However, when the trailer showing off the Yggsgard map dropped, I considered it for a hot minute. It’s just eye-catching. It’s just too bad I’m not a team shooter player.

Jueyun Karst – Genshin Impact

To be fair, there are a lot of places in Genshin Impact that are impressive to look at. It’s just that Jueyun Karst is one of my favorites, due in part to the fact that it’s based on a real-world location. A part of the nation of Liyue, which is effectively the game’s version of China, Jueyun Karst is inspired by the Wulingyuan Scenic Area in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It’s one of those places that if you didn’t know it really existed, you’d simply believe the dev team pulled the idea from a fantasy novel. It’s also somewhere most of us living outside of China will never get to see in person, so it’s nice that HoYo kind of brought it to us for us to explore.

Asmodian Starting Area – Aion Online

I would have used Mike’s First Look from 13 years ago for this, except he apparently chose the other side. But those of us who chose to be Asmodian had a lovely starting area. It was a forest with mood lighting and foliage that looked like gems. As you wandered the forest, the light would filter through the trees, and you’d come across lovely little lakes and ponds. The more I think about it, the more I miss it.

Seoul – Secret World Legends

As we all know, I love Secret World Legends. Some of you might even know that I was a member of the Dragon faction. For those who don’t know the game itself, the three factions were based in cities that existed in the real world: London, England, New York City, and Seoul, Korea. Seoul was where the Dragons were based. Your first introduction to the city is when you’re dropped off in front of a hotel, and you’re in this neighborhood with winding streets, hidden courtyards, and secret alleyways.

Kerning City – MapleStory

Sometimes, there’s just something about a city. In a game filled with fantasy locations, something like MapleStory’s Kerning City really stands out. It’s also made more interesting by the fact that it’s built into a 2D environment, and yet boasts all the personality of a proper city, down to the cranes on building roofs and sewers draining into lower levels. For players of the game, it also gives them a huge nostalgia boost. So listening to them talk about it can be fun.

Studzianki – World of Tanks

This is another one of those, “I don’t play these games, but when I see the environments I wish I did,” things. As we know, locations in World of Tanks are all based on real-world places. In this case, the map in question is the Polish countryside, and it’s very well done. Friends also tell me it’s a favorite because it’s so well balanced. But that’s not quite the metric we’re using here. As it’s required

Fortuna – Warframe

When you first see the We All Lift Together video, you’re just hit with the whole vibe. You’re struck by this run-down mining area with modified people. Digital Extremes really did make it feel like a living, breathing space. And then they went and added that song. I don’t think most people who have seen Fortuna, either in-game or in this video, have fully forgotten it.