25 years later, this forgotten sci-fi MMORPG pioneer is stuck in limbo and has no plans to leave

The MMORPG genre has seen many changes and new franchises over the years. One of the most notable developers in the genre, however, is Funcom. The Norwegian developer has been creating games in a variety of genres for over 30 years, with its most recent MMORPG being from last year. Tibba: Awakening. Bringing Frank Herbert's sci-fi world to life is no easy task, however Tibba: Awakening Proved to be one of the biggest online games of 2025. However, there is another Funcom title that still lives on after 25 years: Chaos Online.

Chaos Online It was released by Funcom back in the summer of 2001, and it made a name for itself as the first game in the genre to center around a true sci-fi setting. Fast-forward 25 years, and the MMORPG is still somehow afloat in a gaming sea that often sees online servers shut down after a few years. Chaos Online History may have been made by being the world's first true sci-fi MMORPG, but it's also a good example of how some games can survive, even if it's “survival” in terms of that. It is still active, it has not changed significantly or added new content in a long time.

25 years later, Anarchy Online is stuck in a limbo that will likely never end

For those unfamiliar with the game, Chaos Online Ruby-Kako takes place on a desert planet, therefore Tibba: Awakening and Conan exile Definitely not Funcom's first time crafting desert biomes. Thrive in ruby-ka can seem as terrifying as living in it Tibba: AwakeningThe Arrakis desert, but the former has its own identity. This is one of the main reasons why the player continues to keep after so many years without any updates.

A brief rundown of everything Anarchy Online has to offer

• 14 character classes to choose from

• Contract based missions

• Battles for territory and resources

• A huge variety of biomes to explore

• Unique vehicle

• base building

Chaos Online It boasts all the ingredients a strong MMORPG needs, and it has its community sticking with it. Whether you're a die-hard fan who's been playing since day one or a newcomer looking to experience an old-school MMORPG, Chaos Online A special game for many people. It may not boast Tibba: AwakeningThe player count, but the player base is still quite active on the Internet. There is also an official Reddit page with players asking for tips and tricks on the game's legacy.

Image via Funcom

Anarchy Online is a nostalgia-filled MMORPG that represents the genre in its purest form.

As one of the longest running MMORPGs, Chaos OnlineThe views are far away Tibba: AwakeningThe graphics, but honestly makes it very attractive. Date aesthetics of Chaos Online It's as much a part of the game's identity as its mechanics. Beyond the visuals, though, some of the main reasons the sci-fi MMORPG has survived for so long is its complexity and content-rich world. Character customization is still on par with modern RPGs, and newcomers who are eager to try the game have hours upon hours of exploration and missions to experience before running out of new things to discover. It is difficult to make a few years ago for many online games, but Chaos Online It was protected from closure. What's most surprising is that the game has lasted this long while still having a monthly subscription attached to it.

Anarchy Online has both a free-to-play and a paid version

For many, the free-to-play option is enough to get many hours out of the game. However, there are players who are so invested that they want the premium content that Funcom offers. The paid version unlocks access to all game expansions, monthly points and rewards, has no character restrictions, and allows max-leveling to level 220. This is definitely a controversial move on Funcom's part, but there are players who continue to subscribe. Over the years, not every Funcom game has managed such longevity, which makes Chaos Online That's pretty impressive. .

• LEGO Minifigures Online (2015)

• Hide and Shriek (2016)

• Secret World Legends (2017)

• Conan the Exile (2018)

• Tibba: Awakening (2025)

It seems like the last decade for Funcom, and three out of five games are adaptations of major franchises. LEGO Minifigures Online Funcom was shut down in 2016 after failing to hit financial targets. Hide and scream Was a decently fun co-op horror game, though Secret World Legends Another was the free-to-play reboot of the beloved Funcom MMORPG, secret world. While Secret World Legends' The servers are active, the game does not have the same draw Chaos OnlineAnd the reworked gameplay that lowered the learning curve alienated many of the original players. Conan exile Still one of the best fantasy MMORPGs around, and it has maintained a consistent and strong fan base. Tibba: Awakening However, at the moment Funcom is the golden child.

What Funcom has planned after Dune: The Awakening is a big mystery

Funcom already confirmed it Tibba: Awakening Updates are scheduled for 2026. However the developer is very vague about the details. The general plan is more DLC and free updates, so it will be interesting to see what the rest of the year has in store for Arrakis.

It is very likely Chaos Online It will remain in a state of limbo until Funcom decides to pull the plug. However, nothing is impossible. There is still a slight chance that another update from Funcom could be on the cards. Tibba: Awakening Might be one of the best co-op games of 2025, though Chaos Online MMORPG has held its place as royalty for over two decades.