First up, create an account on the Free Realms web site. Once you've done that you'll probably start looking for the game's download -- but don't bother. Free Realms streams to your computer as you play, so there's just a tiny browser plug-in to install. As soon as the friendly green "Play Now" button appears, you're ready to create your character and start exploring.
Character Creation
One of the most important differences between Free Realms and other online games is that there's no need to choose a class when you create your character. Although you'll begin as a generic "Adventurer" without any particular skills, you'll start leveling up new classes (or "jobs") straight away and you can switch back and forth between different jobs as often as you like. So there's no need to choose between being a wizard, a ninja, a chef, or a miner -- you can do them all.
Before you can start a new job, however, you'll need to track down the job's corresponding trainer. Some are easy to find and some are harder, but if you're really struggling to find one, either ask another player or check the mouse-over text on that job's space in the select screen. Most trainers will send you to complete a quest or two before letting you get your hands on the good stuff, so be ready to work for your new status. Some of the more specialized jobs, like medics or blacksmithing, are only available to paid accounts, too.
Uniforms
Free Realms' jobs divide neatly into two categories: combat jobs and non-combat jobs. The combat jobs, like brawler, warrior, ninja, and wizard, level up and gain in skills as you fight; you can use experience stars you earn in combat or by completing quests to improve your proficiency in various types of attack. Non-combat jobs level up too, but involve mini-game activities like matching tiles or cooking rather than fighting, and don't have specific skills that require development.
Weapons
If you've played online games like World of Warcraft, you'll already be familiar with swapping out your equipment as you find new, more powerful weapons, armor, and tools. Free Realms does the same thing, but with a new twist: each job has its own accompanying set of equipment. That applies to non-combat jobs just as much as combat-oriented ones; as a katana is to a ninja, so too is a spatula to a chef or a pick to a miner. There are also increasingly snazzy uniforms (which come with their own stat boosts) for those who reach the higher levels of non-combat jobs. Just remember: each job has its own kit, so if you tackle all the jobs (and there's no reason not to) you'll have upwards of 20 sets to manage. Call it the price of success.
Free Realms Image Gallery
Posted: 24 Apr 2009
