I have been playing Arctic since 1994 and, while I have tried many other muds, this is the only mud worth anything. As long, that is, as you are not adverse to a text mud on principle. A mud doesn't reach this age by stinking after all.

This mud is absolutely huge and most of the zones are well-written with rich rewards waiting for those willing to take the time to accumulate knowledge through exploration. What really sets this mud apart are three things: 1) the classes are well balanced and well diffentiated; 2) the combat and player 'relations' system; and 3) the staff. Players are left by and large to solve their disputes on their own which makes for the most realistic player environment I have found.

This is a Darwinian mud and the mud's history is littered with the carcasses of lesser mudders- this mud is designed for the elite mudder. You need three things to succeed here: friends, ample mud-time, and zone knowledge. The pwipes every year or two help level the playing field and lead to a fun free-for-all as players jockey for position.

The volunteer staff on Arctic, while not suffering fools gladly, are reasonably helpful and professional while maintaining a hands off policy.

The code is well-maintained, the player-base is international, improvement is constant and enough new stuff is brought in to keep the game fresh. Come join us at arctic.