A Funny Guide to RIFT for People Who Have No Idea What It Is

So, you’ve never heard of RIFT. Let me guess, you’re imagining something involving time travel or maybe a trendy new tech gadget. Well, prepare to have your expectations mildly shattered! RIFT is an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game), which basically means it's a game where you join a bunch of other people online to save a fantasy world from total destruction. Think of it like a giant team project… except instead of boring spreadsheets, you're fighting dragons and closing magical portals. Exciting, right?

But don’t worry, you don’t have to be a veteran of these types of games to get the gist. Let me break it down for you in the simplest, funniest way possible.

What Is RIFT and Why Should You Care?

Launched in 2011 by Trion Worlds, RIFT was one of many MMORPGs that popped up during the post-World of Warcraft era. But RIFT had a trick up its sleeve (or, you know, in its inventory): it offered dynamic content with rifts (surprise, surprise) opening up across the world of Telara. These rifts are magical tears in the fabric of reality that spill out monsters, loot, and the occasional existential crisis. Your job, as a hero, is to close these rifts before they destroy everything. No pressure.

If you're new to MMORPGs, here's a translation: You run around a giant world with other players, fight bad guys that emerge from these rifts, level up your character, and collect cool gear to become more powerful. It’s like being a superhero, except your cape is a +10 to Stamina cloak, and your sidekick is probably some guy named "xX_DragonSlaya_Xx" you met online.

The Setting: Welcome to Telara

The world of RIFT takes place in Telara, a magical land with the same amount of problems as your average soap opera. The planet is under siege by different elemental planes (like fire, earth, water, etc.), and rifts to these planes open up at random, causing chaos. Imagine you're just trying to enjoy a lovely stroll through the forest, and suddenly, a fiery portal opens in front of you and dumps a bunch of lava monsters onto the trail. Classic Telara, right?

Telara is divided into zones, each with its own quests, dungeons, and inevitable rift invasions. Whether you're wandering through deserts, icy tundras, or lush forests, there's always some rift trying to ruin your peaceful hike.

The Factions: Guardians vs. Defiants

Before you can start closing rifts and saving the world, you have to pick a side. That’s right, RIFT has two main factions: the Guardians and the Defiants. It’s kind of like choosing between two political parties, but with fewer debates and more spells.

• The Guardians: These guys are the chosen heroes of the gods, summoned to protect Telara from all the bad stuff coming through the rifts. They’re the goody-two-shoes faction, devoted to religion, righteousness, and the occasional heroic monologue. If you’ve ever wanted to role-play as a virtuous paladin or a pious cleric, this is the faction for you.

• The Defiants: On the flip side, the Defiants are a bit more rebellious. They don’t trust the gods and instead rely on technology and magic to save the world. Think of them as the cool kids who skipped the religious sermons to build robots in their garage. If you like steampunk vibes, magic tech, and sticking it to the man (or god), you’ll fit right in with the Defiants.

No matter which faction you choose, the goal is the same: stop the elemental invasions, close those pesky rifts, and look good while doing it.

The Classes: So Many Choices, So Little Time

RIFT prides itself on its soul system, which offers players tons of customization options for their characters. In simpler terms, there are so many ways to mix and match skills that your character can be as unique as your coffee order (half-warrior, half-mage, with a splash of rogue). Let’s break down the basic callings:

• Warrior: For those who like to get up close and personal, Warriors are your typical sword-swinging, axe-wielding, armor-clad heroes. They can take a hit and dish out plenty of damage. Think of them as the tanks of the game, both literally and metaphorically. Perfect for players who enjoy saying, "Come at me, bro!" to a mob of angry enemies.

• Mage: Do you enjoy turning enemies into ash from a safe distance? The Mage is the class for you. They use powerful spells to rain down fire, lightning, or whatever other magical element happens to be handy. Mages are great for players who enjoy shouting, "Feel the power of my intellect!" before evaporating their foes.

• Rogue: For the sneaky, stabby types, Rogues are masters of stealth and precision. They can either be long-range archers or deadly assassins, depending on how you build them. If you like disappearing into the shadows and then reappearing behind your enemies with a dagger, Rogues are your jam.

• Cleric: Healing, smashing things with hammers, and occasionally shouting divine verses—that’s what Clerics do best. They can act as healers, damage dealers, or even tanks, depending on their specialization. Clerics are great if you want to save your friends' lives while occasionally smiting things.

Each calling has multiple “souls,” which are basically specializations you can mix and match to create your ideal character. Want a mage who can heal? Done. Want a rogue who can tank? Sure, why not? The customization is half the fun and all the confusion for new players.

The Rifts: Not Just Pretty Portals

So, what makes RIFT stand out from the ocean of other MMORPGs? Well, you guessed it—the rifts. Rifts are these gigantic, elemental tears in the world that spawn waves of enemies. As a player, you join others in defeating these monsters and sealing the rift, saving Telara from utter destruction… or at least delaying it until the next rift pops up.

Closing rifts is a community event, meaning you’ll often see a bunch of random players running toward an open rift like it’s Black Friday and the monsters are discounted flat-screen TVs. It’s chaotic, it’s frantic, and it’s one of the most exciting features of the game. Plus, the more rifts you close, the better loot you get, so there’s plenty of incentive to join the fray.

PvP and Raids: Because Cooperation Is Overrated

If beating up monsters with strangers isn’t your style, don’t worry—RIFT has plenty of player-versus-player (PvP) action. You can battle players from the opposing faction in designated warfronts, which are like organized team fights with goals (and way fewer rules than your average soccer game).

And for those who love the challenge of working together with others (without the threat of someone stabbing you in the back), RIFT offers group dungeons and raids. These are large-scale challenges where players team up to tackle tough bosses and collect even shinier loot. It’s like team-building at the office, except with more dragons and less awkward trust falls.

Why Play RIFT?

So, why should you care about RIFT? Here are a few reasons why it’s still worth checking out, even if you’ve never heard of it before:

1. Dynamic Gameplay: The rifts add a layer of unpredictability that keeps the game exciting. You never know when one will open up, and they force you to work together with other players, whether you planned on it or not.

2. Customization: With the soul system, you can truly tailor your character to fit your playstyle. There’s no such thing as a cookie-cutter hero in RIFT.

3. Community: RIFT still has a dedicated player base that’s welcoming to new players. Whether you’re into PvP, PvE, or just hanging out and crafting, there’s a place for you in Telara.

Should You Give RIFT a Try?

If you enjoy fantasy worlds, dynamic events, and a wide range of customization options for your character, RIFT could be your next MMORPG obsession. Plus, who can resist the fun of closing giant magical rifts that threaten to destroy reality? That’s some solid weekend entertainment right there.

So, grab your sword, staff, or whatever weapon you fancy, pick a side, and dive into the chaotic, rift-filled world of Telara. Just watch out for those elemental invasions—they tend to ruin a perfectly good quest.

 

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Analyzing the potential future of cryptocurrencies in RIFT and other MMOs

One potential future for cryptocurrencies in RIFT and other MMOs is their wider adoption as a legitimate form of currency within virtual economies. Currently, many MMOs have their own in-game currencies, which are typically purchased with real money and used to buy virtual items or services. However, the use of cryptocurrencies could allow for greater transparency and security in these transactions, as well as potentially lower fees for players and developers.

Additionally, the adoption of cryptocurrencies in MMOs could lead to the creation of decentralized virtual economies, where players can directly buy and sell items and services with each other using cryptocurrencies. This could give players more control over their virtual assets and potentially create new opportunities for entrepreneurs within the game.

Another potential future for cryptocurrencies in MMOs is their use in other aspects of online gaming, such as for purchasing in-game items or services, or for betting on e-sports tournaments. The use of cryptocurrencies in these areas could provide a more secure and transparent system for transactions, as well as potentially lower fees for players.

Overall, the wider adoption of cryptocurrencies in RIFT and other MMOs could have significant impacts on the gaming industry as a whole. It could lead to the creation of more decentralized and player-controlled virtual economies, as well as potentially lower fees and increased security for transactions within the industry. However, it is also important to consider the potential risks and challenges that could arise with the wider adoption of cryptocurrencies, such as the potential for fraud or market volatility.

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Examining the impact of cryptocurrencies on player behavior in RIFT

 

In the virtual world of RIFT, the introduction of cryptocurrencies has had a significant impact on player behavior. The use of cryptocurrencies has changed the way players interact with each other and the game's economy, as well as introduced potential negative consequences such as fraud and exploitation. IF you are out of the loop, you can learn more by reading these crypto guides.

One of the major impacts of cryptocurrencies on player behavior in RIFT is the increased level of interactivity and collaboration between players. With the ability to use cryptocurrencies to purchase in-game items and services, players are more likely to engage in trading and commerce with each other. This has led to a more active and dynamic in-game economy, as players are motivated to seek out valuable items and services to sell for profit.

However, the use of cryptocurrencies in RIFT has also introduced the potential for fraud and exploitation. Some players have been known to use fake or stolen cryptocurrencies to scam other players out of their hard-earned in-game assets. This can be especially damaging for inexperienced players who may not be aware of the risks associated with using cryptocurrencies in the game.

Despite these potential negative consequences, the use of cryptocurrencies in RIFT has largely been a positive development. It has facilitated a more vibrant and interactive in-game economy, allowing players to engage in meaningful trading and commerce with each other. However, it is important for players to be aware of the risks associated with using cryptocurrencies, and to take precautions to protect themselves from fraud and exploitation. Overall, the impact of cryptocurrencies on player behavior in RIFT has been significant, and will likely continue to shape the way players interact with each other and the game's economy for years to come.

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Comparing RIFT's use of virtual currencies to other MMOs and online games

 

In the online gaming world, virtual currencies have become a common feature in many massively multiplayer online (MMO) games and other online games. These virtual currencies, often referred to as in-game currency or virtual currency, are used as a means for players to purchase items, services, and other in-game content. One MMO game that utilizes virtual currencies is RIFT, a fantasy-themed game developed by Trion Worlds.

RIFT's use of virtual currencies is fairly standard compared to other MMOs, with players able to purchase the game's primary virtual currency, Platinum, using real money. Platinum can then be used to purchase a variety of items, such as gear, mounts, and pets, as well as to unlock certain features and services, such as character and account-wide boosts.

One way in which RIFT differs from other MMOs in terms of virtual currency use is that it also has a secondary virtual currency, called Credits. Credits are earned through various in-game activities, such as completing quests and defeating enemies, and can be used to purchase items from vendors or other players through the game's auction house. This dual currency system allows for players who may not want to spend real money on virtual currency to still have the option to purchase in-game items through the use of Credits.

One potential advantage of using virtual currencies in online games, such as RIFT, is that it provides players with the ability to customize their gaming experience. By purchasing items or unlocking features with virtual currency, players can tailor their character's appearance, abilities, and overall gameplay to their liking. This can be especially appealing to players who want to stand out in the game or who want to have access to certain content that may not be available to all players.

However, there are also potential disadvantages to using virtual currencies in online games. One concern is that players who are willing to spend real money on virtual currency may have an unfair advantage over players who do not. This can create a pay-to-win dynamic, where players who have access to more virtual currency are able to progress faster or have a stronger in-game presence. This can lead to a feeling of imbalance among players, which can ultimately impact the overall player experience.

In conclusion, RIFT's use of virtual currencies is similar to that of other MMOs, with players able to purchase the primary virtual currency, Platinum, using real money and earning the secondary currency, Credits, through in-game activities. While virtual currencies can provide players with the ability to customize their gaming experience, there is also the potential for an unfair advantage among players who are willing to spend real money on virtual currency. Overall, the use of virtual currencies in online games, such as RIFT, can be both an advantage and disadvantage depending on how they are implemented and utilized by players.

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Exploring the role of cryptocurrencies in the in-game economy of RIFT

Cryptocurrencies have become increasingly popular in recent years, and their use has extended beyond just traditional financial markets. In the virtual world of RIFT, a popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), players have begun using cryptocurrencies to buy and sell in-game items. This trend has sparked a debate about the role of cryptocurrencies in the in-game economy of RIFT, and how the game's developers should respond to it.

One of the main benefits of using cryptocurrencies in RIFT is that they offer a fast and secure way for players to buy and sell in-game items. Transactions using cryptocurrencies can be completed almost instantly, and they are secured using advanced encryption technology. This makes them much safer than traditional methods of payment, which can be vulnerable to fraud and identity theft.

Another advantage of using cryptocurrencies in RIFT is that they offer players a degree of anonymity. Unlike traditional payment methods, which require players to provide personal information, cryptocurrencies can be used anonymously. This is especially appealing to players who value their privacy and want to keep their personal information out of the hands of others.

Despite these benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to using cryptocurrencies in RIFT. One concern is that they can be highly volatile, with the value of a cryptocurrency fluctuating rapidly over time. This means that players who buy in-game items using cryptocurrencies may end up paying more or less than they would have using a stable currency like the US dollar.

Another concern is that the use of cryptocurrencies in RIFT could lead to fraud and other illicit activity. For example, players could potentially use cryptocurrencies to buy and sell stolen in-game items, or to launder money. This could create significant risks for both the players and the game's developers.

So far, the developers of RIFT have taken a cautious approach to the use of cryptocurrencies in their game. They have not officially endorsed the use of cryptocurrencies, and they have not implemented any specific mechanisms to support their use. However, they have also not taken any steps to prohibit the use of cryptocurrencies, and they have not publicly expressed any concerns about their potential impact on the in-game economy.

Overall, the use of cryptocurrencies in the in-game economy of RIFT is a complex and controversial issue. While they offer some clear benefits, including fast and secure transactions and a degree of anonymity, they also carry some significant risks. Ultimately, the decision about whether or not to use cryptocurrencies in RIFT will depend on the preferences and priorities of individual players, and the stance of the game's developers.

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Medieval Armor in Video Games: Sinners and Saints

The medieval (and medieval-inspired fantasy) has always been an enormously rich source of inspiration for game designers and digital artists. Some high-fantasy games – like the Final Fantasy series – draw from a wide variety of time periods and styles, mixing them together with little regard for accuracy or function in order to create a gorgeous magical style. Others, such as the Chivalry games, tout themselves as a true-to-life recreation of medieval armor, faithfully reproducing both the form and function of armor. RIFT’s designers have made a pretty good stab at combining medieval styles with fantasy flare, and the armor styles in the game are (thankfully) free of many of the major pitfalls that depictions of fantasy armor fall into. Here we’ll have a look at some of the saints, and sinners, of the world of medieval armor in gaming.

The Saints

Obviously, some games set out to be a highly realistic simulation of the medieval era, and, if the game makers have done their homework, they’re bound to get most things right. Kingdom Come: Deliverance is an excellent example of this. Although it was plagued with issues upon release, it has been significantly tidied up by developer Warhorse since launch. Its setting of medieval Bohemia at the opening of the 15th-century is a rare choice, and their spectacularly broad sandbox-style world is filled with meticulously researched equipment and armor. Broadly, the armor styles are absolutely excellent. Armor pieces become scuffed and bent over time, losing effectiveness and requiring repair – a wealthy medieval knight would have had an armorer in their retinue to maintain their armor. As well, the game allows you to ‘layer’ your armor with multiple slots on each part of the body. This allows you to wear a padded jacket (a ‘gambeson’ or arming doublet), under a chainmail hauberk, under a steel breastplate, under a colorful tabard. This closely matches the multi-layered armor outfits that men-at-arms in this era would have worn.

Another game that makes a really good stab at portraying medieval armor accurately is multiplayer medieval brawler Mordhau. You get the impression that developer Triternion have a genuine respect for the form and function of medieval armor, rather than including different styles just for the aesthetic. It is easy to miss, for example, that 15th century medieval armor is frequently asymmetric, designed with thicker and heavier armor on the left, where a knight would expect to receive a blow from a mounted enemy – or that Gothic armor gauntlets from the 14th century (before the invention of sliding rivets and complex armor articulation) frequently had extremely wide flared cuffs to permit the full range of motion. Yet Mordhau painstakingly recreates these details and many more besides. They’ve even reproduced some real artifacts from the medieval era to wear in-game, like the von Pranckh funeral helmet, complete with its spectacular painted leather winged horns!

The Sinners

Frustratingly, a lot of the most gratingly inaccurate armor in video games is often to be seen on women characters. The notorious phenomenon of ‘female armor’ does an enormous disservice to women gamers, and to female medieval warriors. Some of the worst offenders in this category include Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (Shahdee’s armor is not only functionally useless, but also appears to be made from solid, unarticulated metal!), Enclave (the exposed skin of Lady von Buckethead’s ‘armor’ would be useless against any standard medieval ranged weaponry, and also definitely cuts off circulation in several places) and Lineage 2 (can you spell ‘fan service’?). Even the beloved Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is not immune from the curse of ‘female armor’ – the Forsworn appear to have a penchant for animal-fur bikinis, despite living in the mountainous tundra of the Reach!

RIFT sometimes veers perilously close to this pitfall with exposed skin on otherwise heavily armored female sets, but manages to avoid it by offering a good selection of armor for female characters that looks like, well, normal armor. There were a number of historical medieval women that we know certainly wore armor in the field: the 11th century noblewoman Matilda of Canossa, for example, frequently took to the field in armor to lead her troops against Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV in northern Italy. Although we have no surviving contemporary images of Matilda, nor surviving armor that we can attribute to her, we know that she wasn’t dressed like Lady von Buckethead, because she wasn’t killed by the first arrow that came near her.

Heaven and Hell

The Medieval era is more than just a time when people made cool armor. It was a very different time, characterized by a radically different kind of society, built on honor and feudal bonds rather than commerce and globalization. The best medieval-inspired game engage with how this society made its armor rather than just sprinkling in some shiny steel objects. RIFT’s own magical economy is well-reflected in its armor – and mercifully, it provides a much more woman-friendly armor environment. Top marks.

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Through a Game Junkie’s Eyes: The Discovery of RIFT

We want to share this blog by Eiahn of the Gaiscioch Family – it’s great to read about RIFT through the experience of a new player!



“I had never played an MMO before and barely even paid attention to them. To be honest, I was convinced they were not for me and that I would not enjoy playing them.

Oh, how I was wrong… I was so wrong…”

Welcome to Telara, Eiahn – we hope you stay with us for many years to come!

Check out the blog here on the Gaiscioch site!

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What We’d Like to See From Rift’s Next Expansion

"Silverwoods" (CC BY-ND 2.0) by HiP 1

More than five years since it was originally launched, Rift continues to be popular with a huge number of gamers. Indeed, according to recent research by analytics firm SuperData, it remains within the top 15 highest grossing pay-to-play MMO games in the world.

Last year’s well-received expansion Starfall Prophecy breathed some new life into the world created by developers Trion Worlds, giving gamers five new zones to explore and a host of other challenges to get stuck into. However, the release of the next chapter in Starfall Prophecy, Forged in Flame, has made us think about whether there are new ways for Trion to develop the world of Rift and perhaps even attract more players to it.

With gaming technology evolving at a rapid rate, there could be a few matters for the developers to consider as they continue to create new content for Rift.

"Renau at level 25" (CC BY-ND 2.0) by Mellicious

New ways to pay
Subscription fee requirements for Rift ended in 2013 and the game took on the now widely recognised free-to-play format, which means players can purchase items and unlock new content through in-game purchases.

However, rather than just offering these options in traditional currency, should the game now start allowing people to use alternative means to pay such as bitcoin? While it originally launched in 2009, bitcoin is currently big news and recently reached record values. There are more and more instances of people being paid in the currency, and sites like VegasCasino.io are even offering gamers the chance to gamble with it in casino and sports betting games.

If Trion Worlds wants Rift to be ahead of the curve, it could do a lot worse than introduce bitcoin and other alternative payment options to the game.

An augmented experience
Pokémon Go was undoubtedly the biggest gaming success story of last year, with research suggesting it was downloaded more than 75 million times globally within days of its launch.

The game was, of course, a showcase for the huge potential offered to gaming by augmented reality technology, a concept which allows digital content and imagery to be added to real-world settings. With Pokémon Go leading the way, more games and apps are expected to embrace the huge potential of AR to create new, innovative and exciting experiences for the general public.
It would be fascinating to see what Trion Worlds could do with the technology to create exciting new features on Rift.

A whole new reality

"G4C14 Awards Showcase: SoundSelf" (CC BY-ND 2.0) by Games for Change

Of course, the flipside to AR would be Trion Worlds using virtual reality to create a fully immersive experience which transports players deep into the world of Telara.

Improvements in the technology mean that VR is back with a real bang, with sales of headsets expected to grow 800 percent by 2021. Furthermore, a host of games based on major properties are being released, including content based on Ghostbusters and the upcoming Alien Covenant film.
Wouldn’t it be fascinating to see how Rift could be adapted into virtual reality – whether by developing exciting and immersive landscapes or even allowing you to see the action from your character’s point of view?

Host of options
The ideas above are just a few of the range of options that we think could be considered for Rift and fans will be able to come up with many more, too.


While the popularity of Rift shows no signs of abating just yet, there remains a huge opportunity for Trion Worlds to take advantage of recent innovations and push this much-loved MMO gaming experience to a whole new level.

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