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Meridian 59: A classic MMO

Meridian 59 was the first 3D massively multiplayer game, released in 1996. It's back, and it's free to play!

What makes Meridian fun is the small community of players you'll meet every time you log in. Build up your character by fighting monsters and working together with others to solve puzzles. But watch your back: Meridian has a well-balanced player-versus-player combat system that will keep you coming back for more long after you've mastered the game world.

Download and install Meridian for free. See why people have considered it the best player-versus-player MMO for 15 years!

If you installed the game via Steam, you do not need to download the installer.

Game Screenshots

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meridian news layoutMERIDIAN 59 NEWSmeridian news layout
  • June 25, 2022
    The Meridian 59 soundtrack is now available on Spotify and Amazon Music!
  • January 21, 2022
    Ancient Worlds: Interview with Meridian 59 Creators, Andrew and Chris Kirmse. Watch now on YouTube.
  • August 28, 2018
    Meridian launches on Steam.
  • August 19, 2017
    How the World's Oldest 3D MMO Keeps Cheating Death - read the article here
  • February 27, 2016
    The Game Archaeologist revisits Meridian 59 with a look at it's history, development and continuing life. Read the full article here!
  • November 27, 2014
    A few months ago Andrew Kirmse was interviewed for the BBC Radio program "Digital Human", talking about the online game Meridian 59 he made with his brother in 1996. The part about Meridian starts near 13:00.
    The New Yorker release 'The Last Survivors of Meridian 59' article.     Click here to read in full.
  • March 24, 2013
    Today we launch our second player-generated update! Click here for more details.
  • The Making of Meridian 59! At the 2012 Game Developer's Conference, Damion "Zjiria" Schubert, former Lead Designer of "Meridian 59", gave a presentation to various members of the video game industry about the history of the game. Watch as "Zjiria" goes over the game's creation, features, triumphs, tragedies and lessons learned. Enjoy!
  • February 12, 2013
    Meridian 59 enters the MMO Hall of Fame! Click here for the press release.
  • September 15, 2012
    Meridian 59 is now available as open source here! The two production servers are still up and running. We're happy to incorporate player changes to the game.
  • July 24, 2011
    Meridian 59 will be at PAX 2011 (August 26-28)
    We still need some more donations to cover the cost of entry. Please click donate on the right!
  • Feb. 19, 2011
    Download Meridian 59's original music, and modern remixes.
  • Feb. 10, 2011
    Meridian 59 is #7 in the "online games through the years" list
  • Dec. 28, 2010
    Meet and greet at Shoreline Billiards in Mountain View, CA at 7:30pm
  • Oct. 24, 2010
    New website goes live. Account management tools are currently under development.
  • Jan. 2010
    Meridian 59 comes home to its original creators.
  • Dec. 2009
    Near Death Studios ceases operations.
  • Nov. 2001
    Near Death Studios acquires rights to Meridian 59 from The 3DO Company.
  • Sep. 1996
    The 3DO Company acquires Archtype Interactive and launches Meridian 59.
  • Dec. 1995
    The alpha version goes live to the public.
  • Jun. 1994
    Andrew and Chris Kirmse begin development of Meridian 59.

Access Information

Join the fun, because Meridian 59 servers are as active and passionate as ever! And now, there is an even more exciting reason to join in.. access to Meridian 59 online is free! Follow the steps below to request access.

Create a free account now!

There are two servers available: 101 is very active and filled with expert players who love to fight. 102 is less populated, but the players are friendlier and more likely to help out new players. Next, download the client software and install it on your Windows PC. You'll need to use this client when you receive your activation information.

Access to Meridian 59 is free. If you would like to help support the project, please use the "donate" button below.

Meridian 59 is now open source!

 Meridian 59 is free to play
Please help Support Meridian 59!
If you donate at least $20 we will tag your character of your choice as a donor to the game (put the character name in the Paypal notes field).

Check it out!

Meridian 59 Twitter
  Meridian 59 is a Registered Trademark