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Even games that have been around for years can still be well worth starting today if they continue to receive steady updates, offer room for both new and returning users, and keep long-standing memories and present-day fun alive at the same time.

On PEAK, many Picos also shared their thoughts on the theme of “long-running games worth playing these days” through the [Nexon PEAK Post Challenge].

In this article, we have rounded up long-running games that Picos directly mentioned in their posts as titles still worth trying now.

Take a look at why Picos still consider these games worth playing today, and which points stood out as especially appealing for new and returning users.

[At a Glance] The BEST 4 Long-Running Games Picos Say Are Worth Playing Right Now

Game	What Picos Highlighted
MapleStory	A long-running RPG with ongoing character growth, customization, and updates
League of Legends	A competitive game where every match feels different thanks to changing champions and meta
FC Online	A game that continually reflects real-world football trends and squad changes
Mabinogi	A game where you can settle in your own way, from combat and life skills to music and trade

1. MapleStory — An MMORPG That Brings Together Nostalgia and the Fun of Steady Growth

MapleStory was the game mentioned most often in PEAK posts as a long-running title worth playing these days. Picos pointed to its strengths as an older game that still consistently delivers character progression, customization, bosses, and regular updates.

MapleStory’s appeal does not seem to rest on leveling alone. Players grow attached to the characters they raise, can clearly feel themselves getting stronger step by step, and find new goals as additional regions and bosses are introduced, which gives them plenty of reason to keep playing over time.

Its signature dot graphics and 2D side-scrolling style also help define its identity as a long-running game. The familiar visuals and controls remain enjoyable even after many years, and when growth support events for new and returning users are added on top of that, the barrier to starting now or coming back appears to feel lower.

💬 "I think this is also why MapleStory has been loved for so long. It is not simply a game where you only raise your level; you naturally become attached to the character you have built, and the fun of growing one step at a time is very clear." — 꽤돼, MapleStory, Sudden Attack, and LoL: 3 Long-Running Games I Still Recommend

💬 "MapleStory’s signature dot graphics and 2D side-scrolling format continue to show a unique charm that never grows old, even over time." — 블링티, Why 20-Year-Old MapleStory Is Still Loved | Peak

2. League of Legends — A MOBA Loved Over Time for Its Match-by-Match Strategic Variety

League of Legends has been in service for a long time, but Picos mentioned it as a long-running game because no two matches play out the same way. They explained that the flow of each game changes depending on champions, items, and team compositions, so it stays engaging even after long-term play.

Part of the appeal of the MOBA genre is that even on the same map, every match demands different choices and different responses. Depending on which champion is picked, what the opposing composition looks like, and how teammates move, the match can unfold in a completely different way.

When regular balance patches and major updates continue to arrive, even a familiar game can feel fresh again. From the way Picos described it, League of Legends has endured because evolving strategy and meta keep building on top of its long-established systems.

💬 "LoL is a game where players select a single champion and engage in a strategic battle, and it consistently receives weekly balance patches for its roughly 170 champions in line with the meta." — 유이무, 2 Top Game Recommendations Loved by Everyone for a Long Time!

💬 "League of Legends is a game that does not become boring easily even if you play for a long time, because every match plays out differently depending on champions, items, and team compositions." — 꽤돼, MapleStory, Sudden Attack, and LoL: 3 Long-Running Games I Still Recommend

3. FC Online — A Sports Game That Keeps Evolving Alongside Real-World Football

FC Online was highlighted as a long-running game whose appeal comes from changing continuously in step with real-world football. Picos noted that as seasons change, new player classes are added, and current football trends are reflected, the game naturally encourages players to try new squads and tactics.

Even when built around the same match rules, sports games can feel very different depending on player composition and tactical choices. FC Online appears to be the kind of game where the direction of play changes based on which players you sign, which formation you use, and how you choose to run your team.

Settlement rewards for new and returning users, along with seasonal changes, were also mentioned as reasons it is worth starting now. Although it is an older game, Picos found it notable that each season can feel like a fresh reset, making it relatively easy to set goals even for players joining later.

💬 "The biggest reason FC Online continues to receive lasting love without becoming stale over time is its perfect synchronization with the real football market." — 키멘즌, FC Online: The Strength of a Long-Running Football Game That Lets Both New and Returning Users Come Back to the Pitch Without Burden

💬 "Because the structure resets the field every time the season changes, you can absolutely catch up even if you start now." — 드록바원툴, The Secret to FC Online’s Longevity: Squads Change with New Players Every Season

4. Mabinogi — A Fantasy World You Can Enjoy in Your Own Way

Mabinogi was mentioned as a long-running game defined by both lasting memories and a high degree of freedom. Picos described it as a game that does not simply end with building a strong character, but one that is closer to spending time in whatever way you personally enjoy most.

On days when you want combat, you can progress through dungeons or the mainstream story, while on days when you want a more relaxed pace, you can turn to life skills, music, trade, or part-time jobs instead. That kind of freedom is an important reason long-running games continue to be loved.

It was also notable that returning users felt less pressure to catch up quickly. When familiar places and NPCs such as Dunbarton Square or Tir Chonaill are still there, coming back after a break can feel less like starting over and more like returning to a place that is still your own.

💬 "Mabinogi is not a game that ends simply with building a strong character, but is closer to a game where I spend time in the way I like." — 폭풍같은주황호랑이31281

💬 "There was no pressure to catch up quickly from the very first day of returning. Mabinogi was not the kind of game where taking a short break meant losing all the memories built in it as well." — 폭풍같은주황호랑이31281, The Game Where I Stayed Longer Shearing Wool Than Hunting: Mabinogi

[Why Picos Look for Long-Running Games Worth Playing These Days]

Picos look for long-running games worth playing these days because these titles have years of accumulated content behind them, while still offering an environment that can be enjoyable for players who are just starting now or returning after a break.

• They offer a deep backlog of content: Long-running games often provide plenty to enjoy, including character growth, bosses, life content, customization, and competitive content.

• Regular updates keep them current: When new regions, seasons, balance patches, and events continue to arrive, even older games have clear reasons to be played now.

• They include support for new and returning users: Growth support, settlement rewards, and return events can ease the burden of starting late.

• They have a solid user base and community: Games that have been loved for a long time tend to build up guides, information, and community culture that help players adjust.

• They can be enjoyed in different ways: When there are many options, such as combat, competition, life content, customization, and story, players can stay with the game in a way that suits their own preferences.

[FAQ] Curious About Long-Running Games Worth Playing These Days?

Q1. What kind of long-running games are worth playing these days?

These are games that have been running for a long time but still receive updates and events, while remaining reasonably approachable for new and returning users. In other words, they are not simply old games, but games that still offer clear reasons to play right now.

In PEAK posts, MapleStory, Mabinogi Mobile, League of Legends, FC Online, and Mabinogi PC were mentioned as long-running games worth playing these days. MapleStory stood out for growth and customization, Mabinogi Mobile for mobile fantasy life, League of Legends for strategic variation, FC Online for reflecting real-world football, and Mabinogi PC for its free-form life content.

Q2. Is it okay to start an old game now?

It depends on the game, but if there is growth support or settlement rewards for new and returning users, the burden of starting now can be reduced. In particular, a season change or major update can create new goals, which often makes it a good time to jump in.

Q3. How should I evaluate the entry barrier of a long-running game?

It is a good idea to first check whether the game offers new or return events, whether early growth guides are well structured, and whether enough community guides are available. It can also help to see whether the game focuses only on content that requires competing against long-time users, or whether it also offers content that can be enjoyed solo or at a lighter pace.

Q4. Why do long-running games continue to be loved for so long?

Based on what Picos shared, steady updates, communication with users, a solid player base, varied content, and each game’s own distinctive atmosphere were all mentioned as reasons behind their longevity. When long-held memories and present-day fun remain together, these games become titles that players continue to return to.

Q5. What kind of long-running games are a good fit for returning users?

For returning users, games that create less pressure to catch up, bring back a familiar atmosphere, and still offer new content can be an especially good fit. Games like Mabinogi, where familiar locations and play styles remain even after a break, or games like FC Online, which offer seasonal changes and settlement rewards, can help make that return feel more manageable.

Looking across the long-running games Picos said are worth playing these days, it becomes clear that each enduring title has its own reason for continuing to be loved. Some keep players engaged through character growth and customization, some through strategies that shift every match, and others through steadily accumulating enjoyment rooted in real-world football or fantasy life.

From MapleStory’s growth and dot-graphic charm to League of Legends’ shifting strategy, FC Online’s connection to real-world football, and Mabinogi’s free-form life content, the stories shared by Picos suggest that long-running games are not simply old games, but games that still offer real reasons to come back even now.

What long-running game do you think is worth playing these days? Share the game you would like to revisit on PEAK, or the one you have been enjoying for a long time, and explore recommendations from other Picos as well.

※ This content was compiled based on mentions found in Nexon PEAK Post Challenge participation posts on PEAK as of August 11, 2026. The status of game content and event operations may change.

※ The images used in this post were created to support understanding of the content and do not directly depict actual in-game screens or in-game content.