Meridian 59: A classic MMO Meridian 59 was the first 3D massively multiplayer game, released in 1996. It's back, and it's free to play!



What makes Meridian fun is the small community of players you'll meet every time you log in. Build up your character by fighting monsters and working together with others to solve puzzles. But watch your back: Meridian has a well-balanced player-versus-player combat system that will keep you coming back for more long after you've mastered the game world.



Download and install Meridian for free. See why people have considered it the best player-versus-player MMO for 15 years!



If you installed the game via Steam, you do not need to download the installer. Game Screenshots



MERIDIAN 59 NEWS August 28, 2018

Meridian launches on Steam.

Meridian launches on Steam. August 19, 2017

How the World's Oldest 3D MMO Keeps Cheating Death - read the article here

How the World's Oldest 3D MMO Keeps Cheating Death - read the article here February 27, 2016

The Game Archaeologist revisits Meridian 59 with a look at it's history, development and continuing life. Read the full article here!

The Game Archaeologist revisits Meridian 59 with a look at it's history, development and continuing life. Read the full article here! November 27, 2014

A few months ago Andrew Kirmse was interviewed for the BBC Radio program "Digital Human", talking about the online game Meridian 59 he made with his brother in 1996. The part about Meridian starts near 13:00. Click here to listen now

A few months ago Andrew Kirmse was interviewed for the BBC Radio program "Digital Human", talking about the online game Meridian 59 he made with his brother in 1996. The part about Meridian starts near 13:00. Click here to listen now May 15, 2014

The New Yorker release 'The Last Survivors of Meridian 59' article. Click here to read in full.

The New Yorker release 'The Last Survivors of Meridian 59' article. Click here to read in full. March 24, 2013

Today we launch our second player-generated update! Click here for more details.

Today we launch our second player-generated update! Click here for more details. The Making of Meridian 59! At the 2012 Game Developer's Conference, Damion "Zjiria" Schubert, former Lead Designer of "Meridian 59", gave a presentation to various members of the video game industry about the history of the game. Watch as "Zjiria" goes over the game's creation, features, triumphs, tragedies and lessons learned. Enjoy!

February 12, 2013

Meridian 59 enters the MMO Hall of Fame! Click here for the press release.

Meridian 59 enters the MMO Hall of Fame! Click here for the press release. September 15, 2012

Meridian 59 is now available as open source here! The two production servers are still up and running. We're happy to incorporate player changes to the game.

Meridian 59 is now available as open source here! The two production servers are still up and running. We're happy to incorporate player changes to the game. July 24, 2011

Meridian 59 will be at PAX 2011 (August 26-28)

We still need some more donations to cover the cost of entry. Please click donate on the right!

Meridian 59 will be at PAX 2011 (August 26-28) We still need some more donations to cover the cost of entry. Please click donate on the right! Feb. 19, 2011

Download Meridian 59's original music, and modern remixes.

Download Meridian 59's original music, and modern remixes. Feb. 10, 2011

Meridian 59 is #7 in the "online games through the years" list

Meridian 59 is #7 in the "online games through the years" list Dec. 28, 2010

Meet and greet at Shoreline Billiards in Mountain View, CA at 7:30pm

Meet and greet at Shoreline Billiards in Mountain View, CA at 7:30pm Oct. 24, 2010

New website goes live. Account management tools are currently under development.

New website goes live. Account management tools are currently under development. Jan. 2010

Meridian 59 comes home to its original creators.

Meridian 59 comes home to its original creators. Dec. 2009

Near Death Studios ceases operations.

Near Death Studios ceases operations. Nov. 2001

Near Death Studios acquires rights to Meridian 59 from The 3DO Company.

Near Death Studios acquires rights to Meridian 59 from The 3DO Company. Sep. 1996

The 3DO Company acquires Archtype Interactive and launches Meridian 59.

The 3DO Company acquires Archtype Interactive and launches Meridian 59. Dec. 1995

The alpha version goes live to the public.

The alpha version goes live to the public. Jun. 1994

Andrew and Chris Kirmse begin development of Meridian 59.