Frequently Asked Questions
What is a MUD, MUSH, or MOO?
Section titled “What is a MUD, MUSH, or MOO?”A MUD (Multi-User Dungeon), MUSH (Multi-User Shared Hallucination), and MOO (MUD, Object-Oriented) are types of text-based multiplayer online games. MUDs typically focus on combat and exploration, while MUSHes and MOOs emphasize collaborative storytelling and roleplay. Each has its own community and gameplay style.
Where can I find a MUD to play?
Section titled “Where can I find a MUD to play?”There are many directories and listings on the Playing page, such as AresCentral, MUDStats, and MUDVault. Grapevine is also a great starting point for beginners.
What’s the best MUD client for beginners?
Section titled “What’s the best MUD client for beginners?”Mudlet is a highly configurable client for Linux, macOS, and Windows, and is beginner-friendly with strong accessibility features. For macOS users, Atlantis is another good option with an active community. MUSHclient is also quite popular and has an easy-to-use built-in mapper.
Can I play MUDs on my phone?
Section titled “Can I play MUDs on my phone?”Yes, though there are fewer mobile clients available these days. Mudlet does install on mobile devices, and browser clients like LociTerm can be run from any modern browser.
What are some resources for learning to code or build MUDs?
Section titled “What are some resources for learning to code or build MUDs?”If you’re interested in coding, check out the codebases on the Developing page, such as Evennia (Python-based) and AresMUSH (Ruby-based). You can also explore The Builder Academy to learn how to build your own MUD world.
How do I market my MUD to attract players?
Section titled “How do I market my MUD to attract players?”Andruid’s tips on marketing your game, retaining players, and improving your help systems are valuable starting points. These strategies can help you grow a sustainable, active player community.
What if I need help with accessibility in my game?
Section titled “What if I need help with accessibility in my game?”There are accessibility tips from experienced MUD creators on the Building & Marketing page, including advice from Niamh (Alter Epoch), Klor (Legends of the Jedi), and Khufu (EmpireMUD).
Are there free hosting options for my MUD?
Section titled “Are there free hosting options for my MUD?”Yes - Vineyard.haus offers free or pay-what-you-can hosting. For more robust options, see the paid services and cloud providers listed on the Building & Marketing page.
Can I contribute to open source MUD projects?
Section titled “Can I contribute to open source MUD projects?”Absolutely. Many open source MUD projects, like ArchaicQuest and AwakeMUD, welcome community contributions. Check out their GitHub repositories for ways to get involved. If the idea of a bounty intrigues you, Mudlet (the popular MUD client) often has opportunities available.
How do I stay connected with the MUD community?
Section titled “How do I stay connected with the MUD community?”You can join discussions in the MUD Coder’s Guild on Slack, the MUD Community Discord, or follow conversations on r/MUD.