MUME: Multi-Users in Middle-earth
Multi-Users in Middle-earth is a multiplayer text-based online game based upon J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth during the epic war between the forces of the Dark Lord and the armies of the Free peoples. MUME is completely at no cost to play and has been continuously running, expanded, and remastered by a community of volunteers since 1991.
MUME is a MUD, or retro MMORPG, that has been built both for intense player versus player combat environment and for role-play as players live in this meticulously crafted world exploring the conflict leading into the War of the Ring during the late Third Age. The action takes place nearly 100 years prior to The Hobbit, but long after the loss of the One Ring by Sauron. The key to Erebor has just been found by Gandalf in Dol Guldur and all the epic tales narrated in The Lord of the Rings may take place.
Create your own hero: a Man, Hobbit, Elf, Dwarf, Orc, or Troll. Explore the Shire, Bree, Rivendell, the Grey Havens, the dark halls of Moria, the ruins of Ost-in-Edhil, and many other places. Join the battle between Good and Evil!
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Gigantic world to explore and a very deep character system that allows a lot of flexibility to perfect your build.
If you haven't tried a text-based game before this is definitely the one to try. Bonus if you enjoy Lord of the Rings!
MUME: A Timeless Classic
I've been immersed in MUME (Multi-users in Middle Earth) since the early 90s. Now, as someone who has been the evolution of online gaming over the decades -- and played many MMOs -- I can confidently say that MUME remains unmatched in its depth, challenge, and adherence to J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth.
Immersive and Detailed World
What sets MUME apart from modern MMOs (despite being a MUD, I place MUME solidly in the MMO category) is its incredibly detailed and immersive world. Unlike modern graphical games, MUME relies on rich descriptive text to paint the landscapes of Middle-earth. Each location is meticulously crafted (and periodically updated), capturing the essence of Tolkien's lore with an authenticity few games can rival.
Truly Challenging
The learning curve is steep, but the administration has gone to great lengths to guide new (and returning) players through the game's complexity. Combat is intense and unforgiving, requiring players to master command inputs and develop a keen understanding of not only their capabilities but the capabilities of their adversaries and the world more generally. Player vs. player combat is a deep-seated aspect of MUME, and with full inventory loss, the potential for death adds a layer of tension and excitement that makes every encounter feel meaningful -- and dire.
Community
One of the most significant aspects of MUME is its tight-knit and passionate community. Though smaller than most modern MMOs, the player base is incredibly dedicated and knowledgeable. Newcomers are welcomed with open arms and happily guided by veterans eager to share their wisdom.
Perfect for Tolkien Purists
For true lovers of J.R.R. Tolkien, MUME is nothing short of a treasure. The game stays remarkably faithful to the lore, drawing heavily from the entire corpus of Tolkien's work. Quests and storylines are complex and exciting.
Conclusion
MUME is not just a game -- it's a journey back in time to the golden age of online role-playing. It offers a level of detail, challenge, and community that most MMOs lack. If you are a dedicated fan of Middle-earth and crave an experience that captures the spirit of Tolkien's work, then MUME is the perfect world to explore.
Mae govannen and welcome, friends!
This is one of the oldest games on the internet and a very fun text-based RPG! MUME is more than 30 years old and is still being actively developed, with new features and zones frequently added and a dedicated player base.
If you love Lord of the Rings, this is the closest you can get to an interactive version of the books, and has a massive world for you to explore full of familiar places like the Shire, Rivendell, Moria, Mirkwood and the Misty Mountains.