The Looking Stone

The Looking Stone

Released Sep 2021

A revolutionary open world MMORPG with world PvP events & lots of dungeons to explore. Customize your character & enter the world of Sylvenus. Go on quests, find treasure, & party with friends. The sky is the limit.

55% positive · 236 reviews
Not yet
Released, active development but status unclear
Low confidence
Active Development
Development Uncertain
Not yet
Released, active development but status unclear
Low confidence
Active Development
Development Uncertain

Where to get it

Free on Steam

Evaluation

The Looking Stone (also known as "Nightmare") launched on September 6, 2021 as a free-to-play MMORPG from Magework Studios. Following launch, the developer maintained an active update cadence: a major Pets Update shipped on September 21, 2021, a large Overhaul Update went live on February 9, 2022, and an Intro Revamp / Night-Time Open PvP / Instances Update released on June 6, 2022. Alongside these, the team published multiple feature patches, bug fixes, and community announcements throughout 2021–2022. The last official communication from the developer was on September 3, 2022, when Magework Studios announced the closure of the live game server. At that time, they stated they were working toward a re-release that would include new content — Factions, Guild PvP, Myyrdok Tower, and a new story line — but gave no specific date. Since then, there have been no further posts, patch notes, or announcements of any kind. This is a concerning situation: the developer explicitly took the live server offline in preparation for a re-launch they promised was coming, but that re-launch never arrived publicly, and all communication stopped on September 3, 2022. The game remains purchasable and listed on Steam, but the status of the promised content and whether development is actively continuing is entirely unknown. Anyone interested in this game should be aware that the developer went silent over three years ago after announcing the server closure, and the current playable state of the game is unclear.
Evidence
Developer announced closure of the live server pending a re-release, with plans to add Factions, Guild PvP, Myyrdok Tower, and a new story line. No release date given. This is the last official communication from the developer.
news post · Sep 3, 2022 source content planned
high
Major update shipped: Intro Revamp, Night-Time Open PvP, and instanced maps — described as part of a re-launch effort.
news post · Jun 6, 2022 source content shipped
high

Media

Details

Publisher
Magework Studios
Achievements
21
Platform
Windows, Linux
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Multiplayer · Co-op · PvP

About this game



Many ages ago a primitive race of frog-like creatures called Anura decided they did not want to labor tirelessly in the heat of the sun anymore. But, to ease their labor they knew they would need help. So, using powerful magic imbued into orbs they formed the first humans from the elements. Some of these humans would serve the Anura with the utmost devotion, even venerating the Anura as gods in some localities, while others chose to decide their own fate and formed their own villages & cities throughout Sylvenus.

When the Dracon from the moon Fengari saw the power the Anura had to create life, they decided to come to Earth & learn from this magic from them. Eventually, the Anura & Dracon became close allies and together they would set up kingdoms in Sylvenus. These kingdoms are known collectively to this day as the Sylvenian Empire.

The Empire would be ruled over by the Archon, who carried genes from both humans & the Dracon - created by powerful Draconian arcanists after learning the ancient magic of the Anura. Their servants would be the humans who, in return for gifts, would mine gold & collect other rare resources for the Archon. Because of their affinity for the arcane arts, the Anura became priests & priestesses of The Moon Cult who seek to preserve ancient knowledge & uphold the power of the Empire.

After many years of service to the Archon a war broke out between some of the humans & the Archon rulers. All those rebels who rose up against their power were sentenced to exile or made guardians of the Archons' homelands. A high-ranking member of The Moon Cult called The Oracle placed a powerful curse on the rebels, turning them into creatures who transform at night: Vampire, Werewolf, Salamander & Cyclops. Humans living within the Empire's borders are taught to shun these creatures, and they are generally considered outcasts by most - living in exile or as refugees.

Your journey begins in Castle Odium where you have been recruited for the Empire. You have no knowledge of what happened before, only that your duty is to help the King and the Royal Court. Discover your past & forge your destiny as the story unfolds in the mystical lands of Sylvenus.



Travel through the world of Sylvenus defeating enemies & leveling your character. There is a main story quest and numerous side quests your character may engage in. However, Nightmare is an open world game & you may do these quests at your own leisure.

Tradeskills allow your character to both harvest better resources & craft more powerful items. You can go mining, fishing, become a blacksmith, & even cut gems to be used in crafting. There are 14 tradeskills in total.

Once you join a a faction side, either the Imperial Alliance or The Oracle's Hand, you have the ability to engage in world PvP - either solo or with your company allies. There are different PvP events that reward players for their performance.

You can buy a house & decorate to your liking. Other players in the world may visit your house, as well.

The world of Sylvenus is an evolving world. We already have planned expansion content, including whole continents, which will add to the lore & overall experience of the game.



Feature Overview:
A fully immersive 2D MMO with a large world to explore.
Character customization with hundreds of style combinations.
A rich main story with interwoven quests.
8 unique classes for different game-play styles.
Discover which clan you belong to starting at level 30.
Dungeon puzzles & Magichests containing rare items.
Special items to gain access to previously inaccessible locations.
Collect Guardians from all across the land that battle alongside your character.
Enter into raid battles for a chance at powerful & rare items.
Create a company & join in base sieges with your allies.
Last evaluated Jun 23, 2026
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