Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen Early Access Review

Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen, released into early access on Steam in late 2024, has managed to capture the hearts of many old-school MMO players and quite possibly a few new ones, earning a “Very Positive” reception on the platform.

As someone who has followed the game since its initial announcement in 2014, I had high hopes for Pantheon, but over the years, skepticism crept in. The passing of visionary Brad McQuaid and the game’s prolonged development cycle, coupled with a graphical update in 2024 that seemed to push progress backward, made me doubt the future of the game.

However, after diving into the early access version, I’m pleased to say that Pantheon has largely redeemed itself and stands as a spiritual successor to EverQuest, and, surprisingly as a game that might appeal to players outside of the EverQuest community as well.

A Niche Game with Strong Appeal

Despite being a niche title in early access, Pantheon has attracted a dedicated player base, with concurrent player numbers reaching over 6,000 on Steam—impressive for a game developed by a small team and comparable to more mainstream MMOs and titles from much larger studios.

The game’s old-school MMORPG design, reminiscent of EverQuest, has resonated with players who crave a slower, more community-driven experience. While the game is still barebones and lacks polish in some areas, the core gameplay loop is addictive, and the community is thriving.

Even if the game is designed with EverQuest veterans in mind, I think the game might also appeal to Classic WoW players, RPG enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a more deliberate, group-focused MMO experience that embraces RPG elements. In recent years there has been a strong trend not just in MMOs but in RPGs, in general, to move away from RPG elements and towards more action-centered gameplay because that is what developers and the higher-ups in gaming studios thought the players wanted, Baldur’s Gate 3 proved that theory wrong, and it is nice to see MMOs like Pantheon also with a focus on RPG elements.

Gameplay: A Return to Classic MMORPG Roots

Pantheon’s gameplay is a love letter to EverQuest, with many systems directly inspired by the iconic MMORPG. Just like in EQ, you won’t see a mob’s level, instead, you press the “C” button to consider a mob and a text will tell you how dangerous the mob is and if it is aggressive. The look and feel of the world in general is also very reminiscent of EverQuest including the races, classes, items, and skills. Similarities can also be drawn to Vanguard: Saga of Heroes which was also Brad McQuaids brainchild.

The lack of hand-holding is refreshing—there’s no map, which makes the world feel vast and dangerous. Movement is satisfying, with a limited sprint mechanic and a unique climbing system that encourages exploration and rewards players with hidden areas and loot. The death penalty, while harsh, strikes a good balance: you lose XP, can delevel, and must retrieve your inventory (though you keep equipped gear). Thankfully, summoners and necromancers can assist with corpse retrieval, making it possible to skip the longest and most difficult corpse runs.

Combat in Pantheon is surprisingly fun, with a tab-targeting system that feels both rewarding and strategic. It’s faster-paced and more reactive compared to classic EverQuest, but slow enough so that you can make strategic choices and plan your attacks. Skills are impactful, and resource management and timing are crucial, even when playing solo.

Mobs are dangerous, especially in groups, and careless play will lead to frequent wipes. You will have to plan out your skill setup and react to enemy attacks and situations even when playing solo, but even more so in groups, where you will most likely wipe often unless you have a well-prepared group.

Class identity is strong, with each class feeling unique and leveling up providing meaningful new abilities that enhance gameplay.

One of Pantheon’s greatest strengths is its emphasis on community. Unlike modern MMOs that rely on dungeon finders and impersonal group mechanics, Pantheon encourages players to interact and form meaningful connections. The group-focused nature of the game fosters a sense of camaraderie, and even solo play is viable, though slower and grindier than many modern players might be used to. The leveling process is enjoyable in its own right as it feels like a part of the game, rather than being a rushed means to reach endgame content. The addition of more quests and lore in the future promises to enhance the leveling experience even further, making the game seem like a great adventure as you grind on your own, delve into dungeons with your friends, or complete epic quests.

World and Immersion

The world of Pantheon is intriguing to explore, though it feels empty in places—a common issue for early-access titles. Some areas, like the human starting village, appear unfinished, while others are visually stunning. The graphics, which I hated when starting out, grew on me a bit, though I wish the art style leaned more toward realism than its current slightly cartoonish look.

Where Pantheon truly shines is in its sound design and music, which are among the most immersive I’ve experienced in any MMO.

Final Thoughts

As with most early-access titles, Pantheon feels incomplete. Crafting and gathering systems are underdeveloped, and key features like the perception system are largely missing. The world lacks depth in terms of lore and NPCs, which can make it feel empty at times. However, these shortcomings don’t break the game, and the core experience is strong enough to keep players engaged. Also, there are very few game-breaking bugs and performance has been great so far. If you prefer a more polished and complete game, it might be worth waiting for the full release or at least beta. That said, I’ve enjoyed my time in Pantheon enough to continue playing in early access, which is rare for me.

Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen is a promising MMORPG that successfully captures the spirit of EverQuest while introducing modern improvements. Its early access state means it’s not without flaws, but the foundation is solid, and the potential for greatness is evident. With a dedicated team and a passionate community, Pantheon could become a standout MMO in a year or two, especially as the world is fleshed out with more content, NPCs, and lore. For now, it’s a fantastic choice for players seeking a slower, more immersive RPG experience with a strong sense of community. If you’re willing to embrace its early access limitations, Pantheon is well worth your time.