Neverwinter

An MMO with fast, satisfying combat and a great example of a free-to-play model. Some minor performance problems pop up, but overall it's a very fun gaming experience solo or with others.

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Neverwinter is a fantasy role-playing game that offers a variety of gameplay options. Players can choose to experience the game in single-player mode or party up with others for co-op or multi-player adventures. The game also features PvP modes and is regularly updated with new content, providing a vast and dynamic world to explore. Drawing from the rich lore of the Dungeons & Dragons franchise, Neverwinter delivers action-packed combat and epic quests in a stunning online world.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

72%

Audience ScoreBased on 232 reviews

story11 positive mentions

graphics6 negative mentions

Engaging combat system that is fast-paced and satisfying, making it fun to play solo or with friends.
Constant updates and a wealth of content, including dungeons, bosses, and character customization options.
Strong D&D lore and a vibrant world that keeps players invested in the storyline and gameplay.

Heavy pay-to-win elements that can ruin the endgame experience, especially in PvP.
Technical issues such as high latency, crashes, and poor optimization that hinder gameplay.
Repetitive questing and a steep learning curve for newcomers, making it less accessible for new players.

story
31 mentions
35 % positive mentions
55 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The story in the game is generally regarded as engaging and entertaining, with deep plot lines and a vibrant world enriched by D&D lore, making it enjoyable for players who immerse themselves in the quests. However, some users express disappointment with user-generated quests and the removal of rewards from foundry quests, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, the game is praised for its fun quests and the ability to connect with friends and guilds, enhancing the storytelling experience.
- “If you actually get into the storyline during your adventures, find friends or a guild, and this game will deliver the D&D experience.”
- “Neverwinter is the game that will always be remembered by its impressive game mechanics and interesting story plots.”
- “Always entertaining storyline.”
- “The user-generated quests got me excited only to be majorly let down by the game and by the support team that is supposed to cover it.”
- “The foundry quests are pointless as they took away all of the rewards, which is sad because those are some of the best quests in the game.”
- “The story didn't do anything for me.”
gameplay
16 mentions
25 % positive mentions
56 % neutral mentions
19 % negative mentions
Gameplay in Neverwinter is characterized by engaging combat mechanics that allow for diverse class roles in group settings, though opinions vary on the overall experience. While some players appreciate the innovative mechanics designed to balance gameplay, others criticize the game's reliance on grinding, time-gating, and low drop rates, leading to a perception of diminished playability over time. Additionally, the graphics and gameplay have drawn negative comparisons to other titles, suggesting a disconnect from traditional D&D experiences.
- “Great combat mechanics: most classes are fun to learn and have a real role in group situations.”
- “Neverwinter is the game that will always be remembered by its impressive game mechanics and interesting story plots.”
- “A disclaimer - it's a game set in the Forgotten Realms universe, but don't expect D&D-like gameplay.”
- “After some years, this game is much less playable than before. If you are from Europe, it's a waste of time to even download it. Better to spend time on alternative games that care about gameplay quality.”
- “A ton of currencies, broken mechanics, lots of farming, and incredibly low drop rates.”
- “It's a game set in the Forgotten Realms universe, but don't expect D&D-like gameplay.”
graphics
15 mentions
20 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
40 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players noting that they are above average while others criticize them as outdated and poorly optimized, reminiscent of earlier titles. Many users express disappointment in the visual quality, describing it as seedy and lacking polish, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite these criticisms, a few players appreciate the graphics, suggesting that they are decent but not groundbreaking.
- “Graphics are above average.”
- “Nice graphics.”
- “Graphics are above average.”
- “The game graphics-wise is a little seedy, and the questing and content may be a little mediocre, but it makes up for it with the combat system.”
- “- Outdated graphics - we're in 2017, yet graphics sometimes feel like a 2012 game.”
- “[Graphically underwhelming, technical hiccups]”
optimization
13 mentions
15 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
46 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with many users labeling it as one of the worst in recent memory, particularly noting severe performance issues and crashes. Despite some minor performance problems, the overall experience remains enjoyable for players.
- “I'd been having serious performance issues with this game since I upgraded my video card.”
- “Some minor performance problems pop up, but overall it's a very fun gaming experience solo or with others.”
- “The optimization of this game will go down in history as the worst; the Final Fantasy PC ports run better than this game and they weren't even meant for the PC.”
- “Unfortunately, now it's just an unoptimized turd in the punch bowl.”
- “No real reason for it aside from poor optimization.”
grinding
13 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is heavily criticized, with players noting that it becomes excessively repetitive and time-consuming, often requiring significant financial investment to progress effectively. Many feel that the grind for endgame gear is daunting, with low drop rates and a reliance on various currencies, making it a frustrating experience for those not willing to invest hundreds of hours or dollars. Overall, while the game is enjoyable initially, the grind can diminish its appeal over time.
- “It's pretty fun to play, altogether solo friendly if you prefer that, but forget endgame if you're not willing to spend hundreds to thousands of dollars, or even more hours on arcane farming and grinding strategies to get endgame gear.”
- “A ton of currencies, broken mechanics, lots of farming, and incredibly low drop rates.”
- “I loved this game a lot but over time it gets so grindy and not worth it. Everything is just zen/astral diamond based; if you don't have any of these, you'll be doing the same stuff over and over again until you get some AD and then gain a few stat increases on your gear. The same cycle repeats endlessly. I would rather play Elder Scrolls Online. Just a tip for someone who was about to start playing Neverwinter: just don't... it's a pure waste of time.”
music
8 mentions
38 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
38 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with players appreciating the pleasant background tracks that enhance the experience without being intrusive. However, there are mixed feelings about the trailer's music, which some users found to be disappointing. Overall, while music may not be a central feature in this MMO, it contributes positively to the atmosphere.
- “Whether you're in the heart of Neverwinter, traversing the Underdark, or purging the Dread Ring of the undead, you'll always be accompanied by really nice tunes.”
- “The tracks playing in the background do not disturb you, which is a nice touch for an MMO.”
- “Good music enhances the overall experience.”
- “What's with the awful music for that trailer?”
- “It's an MMO, so obviously music does not play that big of a role, but the tracks playing in the background do not disturb you.”
- “The music is forgettable and fails to enhance the overall experience.”
monetization
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
The monetization model is heavily criticized for being predatory, with players needing to spend exorbitant amounts—up to $1500—to remain competitive in PvP. Many users feel the game has devolved into a cash grab, making it unappealing for new players.
- “The microtransactions have become genuinely predatory and the game is no longer worth trying to get into.”
- “Now a total cash grab; don't expect to be in a great PvP setting without spending at least $1500 on gems, artifacts, and the whole lot to be anywhere near top tier!”
- “Now a total cash grab; don't expect to be in a great PvP setting without spending at least $1500 on gems, artifacts, and the whole lot to be anywhere near top tier!”
character development
4 mentions
50 % positive mentions
25 % neutral mentions
25 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is praised for its quality and depth, providing a well-crafted experience. However, some players note that the boons from campaigns can complicate character growth, presenting both advantages and disadvantages.
- “Character development is really well made.”
- “Character development is really well made.”
- “- character development (sad part) - boons from campaigns are a double-edged sword.”
atmosphere
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is generally appreciated for its appealing qualities, though players note a somewhat clunky experience while navigating through the city.
- “The game has a captivating atmosphere that draws you in, even if the riding mechanics feel a bit clunky in the city.”