Atys is a planet unlike any other. It has lived and grown as an autonomous tree-like ecosphere since time began, bereft of nurturing soil; a synthesis of matter floating in the cosmic depths of space. Ma-Duk, the Life Giver, breathed upon this extraordinary planet, creating life as it is known; from wild creatures to the four cultures of intelligent homin. Towards the planet’s core, roots intertwined to create a cavernous network of caves and across its fertile surface sprung deserts of chipped bark and lush lakes. The year is now 2525 and the time has come to unravel the mysterious nature of Ma-Duk, the Life Giver, and Jena, goddess of the technology-driven Karavan.

The Saga of Ryzom is a MMORPG featuring an ever-changing, ever-evolving game world and a beefy AI which allows, for instance, Atys’ diverse wildlife to migrate, travel and even hunt in packs. Five complete ecosystems span, and are in harmony with, Atys, each homin race with their own history and way of life. Four of these races are playable, while the fifth, the Kitin, are a violent NPC insectoid race. The Saga of Ryzom MMOG also features changing seasons (each lasting four real-time days) and dynamic wather effects including rain, snow, and wind. The migration of wildlife and locations of harvestable materials are tied to these season and weather changes.

Unlike most MMOs, players of The Saga of Ryzom are awarded ten skill points per level. These skill points can be spent on skill blocks called “stanzas”. The player can then combine certain stanzas to perform unique actions such as elaborate, stunning attacks. This MMOG uses an exclusive “RAID” engine which allows hundreds of players and mobs to attack in the same area of multiple areas throughout Atys. A free expansion has been released, called the Ryzom Ring, which makes The Saga of Ryzom the first MMO to actively allow players to create content and instanced areas themselves. This expansion was made available in response to the game’s lack of pre-made content.