Overview
Original EverQuest Desktop IconEverQuest is primarily a fantasy-based massively multiplayer role-playing game franchise. The original game, EverQuest, was released on March 16, 1999 for PC and set the standard for the genre. For over twenty-four years, the original game has continued to be supported by players thanks in part to twenty-eight separate expansion packs.
A PlayStation 2 version, EverQuest Online Adventures was released in 2003, which takes place in the same world of Norrath, but 500 years in prior to the events of the PC game.
In 2004, a true sequel was released, which takes place 500 years after the events of the original. EverQuest II has since seen fourteen of its own expansion packs.
The franchise has also seen several spin-off games including a pair of hack-n-slash RPG's for PlayStation 2, an RTS title for PC, an online CCG, and several pocket PC games. A third proper EverQuest game, known as EverQuest Next, was announced in August 2010 but was cancelled before release.
EverQuest
March 16, 1999
The original game pioneered the MMORPG genre in terms of 3D persistent worlds and subscription based play. Ultima Online came before it, but it was EverQuest that brought the pay-to-play concept to the mainstream. The game featured forteen playable classes, twelve playable races, and over one hundred unique zones to explore in the fantasy world of Norrath. Many of the concepts introduced in the game have become standard in almost every MMO released afterward.
April 25, 2000
The first expansion pack to EverQuest was met with rave reviews both critically and from the players. Among the highlights were the increase of the level cap from 50 to 60, the introduction of a new playable race with the Iksar, and a new continent (Kunark) to explore including over twenty new zones. Arguably the most popular addition though was the class-based epic weapon quests. To complete these multi-step quests, a player had to invest large amounts of time, and seek out extensive assistance from other players.
December 5, 2000
The second expansion to EverQuest was intended almost exclusively for high level players. It introduced a new continent, Velious, including nineteen new zones to explore. Also included were all-new armor designs that gave most of the equipment found in the expansion a unique look. The gameplay revolved around the players and guilds making a choice between three different factions (Dwarves, Giants, or Dragons) to join in an ongoing war for domination of the icy continent.
December 4, 2001
The third expansion to EverQuest brought new content to players of all levels. Travel to Luclin, one of two moons that revolve around Norrath, introduced twenty four new zones to explore. It also introduced a new playable race (Vah Shir), a new playable class (Beastlords), and player-owned horses. To entice level 60 players to keep grinding, Luclin introduced Alternate Advancement abilities which allowed players to toggle to a separate experience pool that would earn them points towards purchasing new skills. The most notable change to the game was a completely overhauled graphics engine that included all new character models for all of the playable races.
October 29, 2002
The fourth expansion for EverQuest took players to the realms of the gods. Although players had already experienced encounters with several of the game's gods, this expansion introduced over twenty new planar zones. More so than any previous expansions, PoP had an overarching story that unfolded as players advanced through the different tiers of planes by defeating certain deities. The most notable, or infamous, addition was a zone called the Plane of Knowledge, which included portals to every city in the game, making travel throughout Norrath virtually trivial. The level cap also increased from 60 to 65.
February 25, 2003
The fifth expansion to EverQuest was smaller than the previous four, but added several new features that had long been requested by the player base. A handful of new zones were added to the game in the way of the Broken Skull islands off the southern coast of Antonica. Frogloks, a race of frog-like people, were added as a playable race. Players who purchased the expansion also received an increased size in their bank space by double, the ability to purchase armor dye, and a new armor slot for Charms. A new guild management system and a cartography feature that allowed players to have in-game maps for the first time were also implemented.
September 9, 2003
The sixth expansion to EverQuest introduced the concept of instanced zones, which meant that each group entering a given dungeon would have their own instance of that dungeon to themselves rather than battling for content with other groups. Five different dungeons were added, including forty eight different variations. Players were even able to select the difficulty of the mission they selected, which would also determine the rewards for completing the mission. Augments were also introduced, making virtually every piece of equipment in the game customizable.
February 10, 2004
The seventh expansion to EverQuest added yet another accessible continent to the world of Norrath. Taelosia added twenty new zones for players to explore, half of which were instanced. A new playable class, the Berserkers were also introduced. New Alternative Advancement abilities based on leadership (groups and/or raids) gave players more on-screen info and statistics than ever before. And the tradeskill system was completely overhauled with a brand new interface.
September 14, 2004
The eighth expansion to EverQuest took players to completely different world known as Kuua. For the first time since the Ruins of Kunark, players could embark on epic weapon quests specific to their class. A new task system was implemented in order to provide bite-sized quests for solo players to do when not in a group. Players could also select titles for their character based on feats they'd accomplished either in battle or in their tradeskill profession. The level cap was also increased from 65 to 70.
February 15, 2005
The ninth expansion to EverQuest introduced many new zones to the continent of Antonica and gave players the option of entering an instanced version or non-instanced version of many of them. New features included a new Guild Hall, which was an instanced zone for a player's guild that featured a bank, vendors, and portals to many places throughout the game world. Changes to the user interface included a bandolier that allowed players to quickly swap out weapon sets, a potion belt to quickly access ailments, and a mail system that allowed players to send messages and items to others who were on or offline.
September 13, 2005
The tenth expansion to EverQuest began a storyline involving one the most mythical characters in the game's history, Mayong Mistmoore. This storyline lasted for the next several expansions. New features to the game included Monster Missions, which allowed players to temporarily take the role of creatures; Spirit Shrouds, which allowed players to temporarily lower their level to join lower level players; and items and equipment that earned experience and evolved.
February 21, 2006
The eleventh expansion to EverQuest took players through time to learn the secrets required to battle Mayong Mistmoore. New features to the game included player-set traps, buff filters that allowed players to permanently block buffs they do not need, destructible objects such as walls, and increased bank space. Also, Freeport and the surrounding areas (Commonlands and Desert of Ro) were given a complete revamp with new graphics.
September 19, 2006
The twelfth expansion to EverQuest led players into a previously undiscovered portion of Antonica and introduced a new race, the Drakkin. The Drakkin are a hybrid race of Humans or Elves infused with dragon blood. Also, the level cap was increased from 70 to 75. Other notable features included a new regen system that limited down time between combat, a new Corruption resistance stat, and a new tag on items related to quests.
February 13, 2007
The thirteenth expansion to EverQuest brought about the conclusion of the Mayong Mistmoore storyline. One of the key new features to the game were Guild Banners, which were fully customizable and allowed players to members to teleport directly to their guildmates from the Guild Hall. Another new feature was Fellowships, which allowed members of a guild to create cliques of up to nine people. A new equipment slot was also added for power sources that would increase the effectiveness of certain items.
November 14, 2007
The forteenth expansion to EverQuest took players to an ancient, unexplored region of Faydwer to do battle with the maniacal gnome necromancer, Meldrath, as well as discover what became of Kerafyrm (The Sleeper) after his escape from Velious. Among the changes to the game were an increased level cap from 75 to 80 and around 250 new alternate advancement abilities per class. A whole new attributes system was implemented as well, known as Heroic Stats, which enhanced players' base stats of strength, stamina, dexterity, intelligence, wisdom, and charisma.
October 21, 2008
The fifteenth expansion to EverQuest took players on a journey through time and space to save the world once again from an invasion from the realm of Discord. Twenty new zones were added that spanned the history of Norrath during the pivotal events that could greatly affect the future. The level cap once again increased, now to 85, and players could now hire mercenaries (tanks or healers) to accompany them in soloing or to fill an open group spot.
December 15, 2009
The sixteenth expansion to EverQuest opened up the realm of Brell Serilis, which had long-been rumored to be behind the gate at the bottom of The Hole. The biggest new feature to the game was an Expansion Progression window, which worked very similar to achievements. A new focus targetting system was added making it easier for players to monitor multiple targets simultaneously. And dozens of new weapon models were added, which gave most of the equipment found in Underfoot a unique look.
October 12, 2010
The seventeenth expansion to EverQuest brought players back to the original god encounter of the game, Cazic-Thule the Faceless. Along with over a dozen new zones and yet another level cap increase, from 85 to 90, there were several other additions to the game. Player housing allowed players to have their own personal homes with the ability to display trophies, decorations, and achievements.
November 15, 2011
The eighteenth expansion to EverQuest introduced new features such as a mail system for sending items and money to players whether online or not, improvements to the UI including hotbars, and more highly customizable guild halls. Guilds could also assign new ranks to members other than just leader and officer. Of course there were also twelve new zones, thirteen new raid targets, over 100 new quests, over 500 new spells, and 800 new AA abilities.
November 28, 2012
The nineteenth expansion to EverQuest sent players all around Norrath to encounter old foes who had gained new powers thanks to the magical shards that had rained down around the world. The level cap increased to 100 and a new aggro meter was implemented that allowed players to directly see if they were gaining attention in battles. A new system was implemented to earn visible titles on player names. And, after a decade, players could now sell their wares in The Bazaar without having to leave their character online.
October 8, 2013
The twentieth expansion to EverQuest took players to an alternate reality after a rift opened the Western Plains of Karana. New mercenary abilities and gear were added to better allow for soloing content. Heroic Adventures were created as repeatable missions with randomly generated experiences and loot. And shared bank slots increased allowing players more options to transfer items between characters on their account.
October 28, 2014
The twenty-first expansion to EverQuest sends adventurers back to The Buried Sea to assist Firiona Vie in a new battle with Lanys T'Vyl in an attempt to save the Combine Empire's leader, Tsaph Katta. The level cap was raised once again to 105 and a new keyring was implemented for mounts, which allowed players more easily deploy mounts without taking up extra inventory slots.
November 19, 2015
The twenty-second expansion to EverQuest sends adventurers back to the planes of the gods to battle one of the pantheons newest members, Anashti Sul, who is attempting to claim The Plane of Health. New features included level scaling raids that allowed players to return to the original two planes in the game; Plane of Hate and Plane of Fear. Players were given yet another new keyring, this time for illusion items such as masks and hoods.
November 16, 2016
The twenty-third expansion to EverQuest had players returning to the continent of Kunark as the Combine Empire's leader, Tsaph Katta, survived the collapse of Katta Castrum beneath the sea and has now found a new home in Kunark. He plans to unite all the races of Norrath and has begun with the Sarnaks of Chardok. Seven new zones were added to the continent, the AA level cap was increased to double the previous amount, and a new keyring for casters' familiars.
December 12, 2017
The twenty-fourth expansion to EverQuest continued the story that began in Empires of Kunark by adding another six new zones to the western side of continent, some of which were new areas of familiar locales. The level cap was increased once again, this time to 110. The expansion also introduced a massive update to crafting items as well as the usual amount of new spells and AA abilities.
December 11, 2018
The twenty-fifth expansion to EverQuest has players returning to the elemental Planes of Power as the djinn of Eryslai, the Kingdom of Wind and the efreeti of Doomfire, the Burning Lands have gone to war. New features include a Luck stat that affects currency loot, crafting success rates, critical hit damage, and other factors, but not item drops. Also added was a Faction Window that allowed players to easily see their standing with many of the world's cities, guilds, and other groups.
December 18, 2019
The twenty-sixth expansion to EverQuest sends players back to the icy continent of Velious to investigate a mysterious plague that seems to be rising up from below the tundra that turns any living being it touches into frost-covered zombies. The level cap was increased again to 115. All seven new zones here are updated versions of ones found in The Scars of Velious, but with new creatures, quests, and loot suitable for max level players as well as nine new raids.
December 8, 2020
The twenty-seventh expansion to EverQuest continues the story that began in Torment of Velious. After defeating Velketor the Sorcerer, adventurers continue the search for the source of the undead plague by journeying deep into the Western Wastes to confront the most ancient dragons of Norrath once again. New features included the Dragon's Hoard, which was an expanded bank space that allowed players to store items in a sortable list rather than simply in individual containers.
December 7, 2021
The twenty-eighth expansion to EverQuest sent players to one of Norrath's moons, Luclin, once again as rumors that the elusive Mayong Mistmoore had been seen hiding in the shadows possibly aligning himself with the Akehvans and maybe even Luclin herself. The level cap was increased once more to 120 and players were given yet another keyring, this time for teleportation items.
December 6, 2022
The twenty-ninth expansion to EverQuest continues the story. Now, the moon is being ravaged by devastating earthquakes. Shadow Haven has collapsed and the Vah Shir are on the verge of losing their home city, Shar Vahl. The big new convenience feature was the Tradeskill Depot, which is a bank storage addition specifically for materials that can stack items up to 250, is shared among all characters on an the account (per server), and allows access to the items from any tradeskill vessel (i.e. Kiln, Sewing Kit, Jeweler's Kit, Pottery Wheel, etc.).
Laurion's Song
December 5, 2023
The thirtieth expansion to EverQuest.
EverQuest II
November 8, 2004
Announced in 2002, the full-fledged sequel to EverQuest obviously carried a lot of hype and curiosity. The game takes place five centuries after the events of the original EverQuest soon after a cataclysmic event that results in the destruction of Luclin, one of two moons that revolves around Norrath. The massive pieces of the moon rained down and destroyed much of the known world. Norrath had been changed forever and several continents were assumed lost.
September 12, 2005
February 21, 2006
November 14, 2006
November 13, 2007
November 18, 2008
February 16, 2010
February 8, 2011
December 6, 2011
November 13, 2012
November 12, 2013
November 11, 2014
November 17, 2015
November 15, 2016
November 28, 2017
November 13, 2018
December 17, 2019
December 15, 2020
December 1, 2021
November 30, 2022
November 28, 2023
The twentieth expansion for EverQuest II increases the level cap to 135 and features a storyline focused on the Plane of Sky.
EverQuest Next
Release Date: Canceled
Announced at the 2010 Las Vegas Fan Faire, EverQuest Next was to become the third installment of the main EverQuest franchise. It was officially canceled in March 2016.
EverQuest Online Adventures
February 11, 2003
The franchise once again was a pioneer in the MMORPG space; this time in for consoles. The game takes place five hundred years prior to the events of the PC game. The known world of Norrath in the game consists only of Tunaria (later known as Antonica) and features ten playable races.
November 18, 2003
Spin Offs
February 10, 2004
Developed by Snowblind Studios for the PlayStation 2, this hack 'n slash RPG features five playable race/class combinations and the ability to play cooperatively locally or online.
February 7, 2005
Released one year after the original game, this sequel takes place almost immediately following the events of the first. The game introduces two new playable race/class combinations with the Iksar Shaman and the Vah Shir Berserker. Players can also import characters from the original game and continue the story.
September 5, 2007
Legends of Norrath was an online Collectible Card Game (CCG) developed by Sony Online Entertainment's Denver studio. While completely a completely separate game, cards could unlock bonuses or items within EverQuest or EverQuest II.
The game was shut down on August 17, 2016.
December 1, 2003
Lords of EverQuest is a real-time strategy game set within Norrath. It was developed by Rapid Eye Entertainment and released exclusively for PC.
Mobile Games
EverQuest Pocket PC: Episode 1
January 30, 2003
EverQuest Pocket PC: Attack on Qeynos
February 4, 2003
EverQuest Pocket PC: War on Faydwer
April 30, 2003
EverQuest: Hero's Call
July 2, 2003
July 31, 2013
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