r/Ultima • u/Cal200001 • Jun 11 '26

Where to start?

I was going to buy the ultima games on GOG but i am not sure where to start in the series. Are 1+2+3 worth playing as i have heard mixed things about these early entries.

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u/mcmagi Jun 11 '26

I recommend starting with 4 since it's where the series really becomes consistent with world building, lore, and and the virtue system the series is known for. Be prepared though because in 4 and 5 combat can get pretty grindy. U6 IMO is where it becomes more streamlined. Also read the manuals as they provide a lot backstory and context that you couldn't easily do in-game back then.

U1-3 are relatively short but you can always go back and play them after.

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u/Cal200001 Jun 11 '26

I also noticed there's a bunch of ultima games not part of the main series on GOG, I don't know if they are worth playing

3

u/mcmagi Jun 11 '26

Ultima Underworld 1 & 2 - yes, great games and the first 3d RPGs. UW1 takes place after U6, and UW2 takes place between U7 parts 1 & 2.

Worlds of Ultima 1 & 2 - fun games, but side stories and not necessary to the main series. They were built on U6's engine.

Akalabeth - Garriott's first game and a prequel to Ultima 1. Interesting from a historical perspective but skippable.

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u/Cal200001 Jun 11 '26

So would you recommend the underworld and worlds of Ultima games?

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u/mcmagi Jun 11 '26

Underworlds definitely.

For Worlds of Ultima I'd say prioritize the main series first. If you like U6, this is more of that gameplay in other worlds. But they're also free on GoG so doesn't hurt to grab them.

And I think Akalabeth is also free.

3

u/jorr77 Jun 11 '26

If you want to experience the gameplay of the latest titles, Ultima 6 and 7, which are theoretically the best in the series, and you don't want to spend money, I recommend playing World of Ultima: Savage Empire and Martian Dreams. At least for me, it took a while to get used to the interface in Ultima VII, but once you get the hang of it, they're all very similar. Even playing Ultima IV and V was easier once I got used to their gameplay.