Fallen Earth
Post-apocalyptic MMO set in the Grand Canyon wasteland.
Fallen Earth is a free-to-play massively multiplayer online role-playing game developed by Icarus Studios and published by Fallen Earth LLC. Set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland around the American Grand Canyon, the game blends first-person shooter and role-playing elements within a zone-based world with loading screens between areas. It was released on September 22, 2009, and later acquired by GamersFirst and then Little Orbit, with its servers restored in 2021.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Icarus Studios, Fallen Earth
- Publisher
- K2 Network
- Released
- September 22, 2009
- Genre
- Massively multiplayer online role playing
- Modes
- Multiplayer
- Platforms
- Windows
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The story of Fallen Earth begins in the 21st century with natural disasters striking the United States. Investment tycoon Brenhauer gains control of GlobalTech, moving its headquarters to the Grand Canyon Province, which becomes a self-sufficient mini-state. Meanwhile, the Shiva virus emerges in India and Pakistan, causing dance-like convulsions, leading to political paranoia and nuclear war. The devastation leaves less than one percent of Earth's population alive, with the Hoover Dam Garrison and Grand Canyon Province as the only known outposts of civilization. Players encounter ruins, genetically altered creatures, strange technology, and six warring factions.
Reader's Guide
Fallen Earth is significant as an early example of a free-to-play MMO that combined shooter mechanics with deep crafting and skill-based character development. Its classless system allowed players to customize skills and attributes, while the real-time crafting system included vehicles and improvised equipment. The game's world, based on real topographical maps of the Grand Canyon, spanned over 1000 square kilometers of usable terrain. Despite criticism for low-quality animation and bugs, it earned recognition as Best New MMO of 2009 runner-up and Best Online-Only Game of 2009. Its legacy includes multiple ownership changes and a server revival in 2021, demonstrating enduring interest in its post-apocalyptic setting.
Did You Know?
- The game world is based on real-world topographical maps of the Grand Canyon.
- Fallen Earth was released on September 22, 2009, and became free-to-play in October 2011.
- The Shiva virus in the game's lore is named for the dance-like convulsions it caused in victims.
- The game's servers were brought back online on October 28, 2021, after a two-year shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fallen Earth?
Fallen Earth is a free-to-play MMO that merges first-person shooting with role-playing progression in a zone-based world. Players explore a post-apocalyptic wasteland centered on the American Grand Canyon, with loading screens separating each area.
Who developed and currently publishes Fallen Earth?
Icarus Studios built the game, and it was originally published under the Fallen Earth LLC banner. The title later passed to GamersFirst, and its rights were eventually acquired by Little Orbit, which brought the servers back online in 2021.
When did Fallen Earth launch?
The game went live on September 22, 2009, offering a free-to-play experience that blended FPS-style combat with RPG mechanics such as skill trees and gear progression.
What is the setting of Fallen Earth?
The world is a post-apocalyptic wasteland built around the Grand Canyon region of the American Southwest. Rather than a seamless open map, the environment is divided into discrete zones connected by loading screens.
Is Fallen Earth still playable today?
Yes. After the original servers were shut down, Little Orbit acquired the rights directly from GamersFirst's parent company and restored the game in 2021, keeping it available as a free-to-play title.
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