MapleStory, Ragnarok Online, Mabinogi Fans, You Gotta Check Out This New Free-To-Play MMORPG

Soul’s Remnant is currently holding a month-long public playtest as part of Steam Next Fest. This free-to-play indie 2D side-scrolling platformer MMORPG draws inspiration from MapleStory, Ragnarok Online, and Mabinogi. Developed by Chaomoon over nearly a decade, it blends nostalgic design with modern systems and an authentic love for classic online worlds.

At its core, the game is about exploration, freedom, and community. Its gorgeous pixel art and soothing soundtrack create a world that feels alive, inviting players to wander, gather, and connect. Every element — from the handcrafted environments to the gentle sound design — invokes the same feeling of wonder that defined early MMOs.

One of the game’s main features is its classless progression system. Players are not locked into archetypes like Warrior, Mage, Priest, Archer, or Rogue. Instead, they earn stat and skill points as they level up and can freely allocate them across four main skill trees: Melee, Ranged, Magic, and Faith. This flexibility allows for hybrid playstyles, like a sword-swinging brute who hurls fireballs and heals their allies on the side. Stats such as Strength, Vitality, Spirit, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Luck all contribute to how your character develops, ensuring every build feels personal and unique.

Because Soul’s Remnant is a true MMO, multiplayer content is plentiful. Players can form parties, trade with others, or establish guilds complete with custom emblems, shared banks, and passive buffs. The game’s economy is entirely player-driven too, meaning you will rely on crafting, farming, and trading instead of purchasing equipment from NPCs. Gathering materials from monsters and the environment allows you to forge weapons, armor, and accessories — or upgrade the ones you already own. Life skills such as Fishing, Cooking, Blacksmithing, Alchemy, Herbalism, and Mining round out the experience, offering relaxing alternatives to combat and encouraging slower, more chill gameplay.

Speaking of combat, it is both fast and fluid, with controls that feel responsive and impactful. The grappling hook system adds a surprising layer of depth as well, letting players swing, climb, and dash across maps using momentum-based physics. It transforms exploration into something kinetic and fun, making each area feel like a playground. The variety of available combat styles — from close-quarters melee to ranged magic— keeps encounters dynamic, especially when teaming up with friends for boss fights or dungeon runs.

Visually, Soul’s Remnant balances nostalgia with polish. The pixel art is richly detailed, giving every biome — from dense forests to glowing waterways — a strong sense of identity. Lighting and particle effects add atmosphere, while the soundtrack shifts seamlessly between cozy and adventurous tones. The game captures the beauty of 2D worlds without feeling dated.

Equally important is the game’s business model. Soul’s Remnant will be entirely free-to-play at launch, with developers promising no pay-to-win systems. The in-game shop will focus solely on cosmetics and small quality-of-life conveniences, such as auto-loot.

Also, if you are interested in the current playtest, know that it is not just a brief demo. This is an invitation to help shape the future of the game. Players are encouraged to share feedback, report bugs, and suggest improvements directly to the developers via Discord. With a full month to explore, there is plenty of time to experiment with builds, craft unique gear, and immerse yourself in the community. Progress will reset afterward, but the memories and connections made will carry forward.

Will I see you in-game? I hope so!