Ankama’s Free MMORPG Trilogy: Dofus, Wakfu, and Waven Deserve More Love

Let’s delve into the world of Ankama Studio and their captivating turn-based MMORPG trilogy: Dofus, Wakfu, and Waven. These free-to-play titles are brimming with charm and offer surprising depth. However, despite their undeniable qualities, they haven’t quite broken into the mainstream gaming consciousness.

Dofus, the pioneer, launched in 2004. Built entirely with Flash, it featured a unique turn-based combat system reminiscent of classic tactical RPGs like Final Fantasy Tactics. This grid-based strategic gameplay was quite unconventional for an MMO at the time. However, the game’s endearing qualities were the colorful 2D art style, and its quirky sense of humor. Every zone, creature, and spell felt lovingly hand-painted. The game’s progression was also tied to the collection of magical dragon eggs, providing players with satisfying long-term objectives beyond simply leveling up. It gained popularity in France – the studio’s home – and parts of South America, but Dofus never quite achieved global domination.

Wakfu, the sequel, significantly expanded upon its predecessor in almost every way imaginable. Released in 2012, it refined the tactical combat system, introduced deeper political and ecological systems, and empowered the player community to actively shape the game world. Players could run for government, set taxes, influence the environment, and even engage in reforestation efforts or manage wildlife populations. The world felt dynamic and reactive. Furthermore, the game’s visuals received a significant upgrade with improved animations and more expressive character designs. The soundtrack is also phenomenal. And, of course, we can’t forget the fantastic Wakfu animated series.

Waven arrived in 2024, representing Ankama’s attempt to modernize its core formula while staying true to its soul. The game replaces the isometric pixel art with more vibrant 3D cel-shading. It also reimagines combat as a faster, more streamlined tactical experience. Instead of controlling a full party of characters, you customize a hero with spells and companions. While still turn-based, the gameplay is designed for shorter, more accessible play sessions. Cross-platform accessibility is also a key feature, allowing you to play seamlessly on mobile, PC, and browser, with your progress synced across all devices.

Despite all of this innovation and polish, these games remain relatively niche. Most genre fans may have at least heard of Dofus, perhaps Wakfu, but Waven is likely unknown to many. The reasons for this limited recognition are complex. Ankama’s strongest audience has consistently been in France and Latin America, where local marketing and language support provided a significant boost. However, Western audiences often prioritize action-oriented combat, cinematic storylines, and realistic graphics. While the cartoonish visuals might be acceptable, the turn-based combat can be a major deterrent for many players. This is unfortunate, as the games’ humor and classic-style progression seem like they would resonate strongly with the current popularity of games like Old School RuneScape.

However, those who take the plunge and try Dofus, Wakfu, or Waven might be pleasantly surprised. The humor is quirky and endearing. The combat rewards strategic thinking and planning over twitch reflexes. The art style is warm, inviting, and vibrant. All three titles feel distinctly handmade, and they are interconnected through shared lore for players who wish to explore the universe in depth.

In conclusion, these games deserve greater recognition. They are free-to-play MMORPGs that offer a unique blend of charm and depth. While it might be too late for Dofus and Wakfu to achieve mainstream success, perhaps Waven has a chance to grow its player base. Or maybe Ankama is secretly developing a fourth entry that will finally propel their games into the spotlight.