Honey’s verdict
Honey, an old best-games list can send you straight toward a game you cannot buy anymore. For a PC player interested in raids and character builds, Lost Ark is my Amazing candidate to try. Throne and Liberty is Good if playing across PC and consoles matters more. New World is Mid only as a limited farewell for existing owners—and a skip for a new purchase. This comparison weighs fit and current service status, not hours of personal gameplay.
Research-based editorial comparison, checked September 9, 2026. Verdicts describe the stated use case; they are not hands-on performance ratings. Availability, terms and prices can change.
| Verdict and choice | Best fit | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Amazing candidate for PC raids: Lost Ark | PC players interested in classes, combat builds and raids | Western operations moving to Smilegate in early 2027 |
| Good for a PC-and-console group: Throne and Liberty | Friends using Steam, PlayStation or Xbox | Western service handover planned for Q4 2026 |
| Mid for an existing owner’s farewell; skip buying: New World: Aeternum | People who already own it and want a final visit | Delisted; servers close January 31, 2027 |
Amazing candidate for PC raids: Lost Ark
Lost Ark’s official overview describes a free-to-play action MMORPG with customizable classes, group raids, dungeons and PvP. That combination makes it a relevant starting point if your idea of a good evening involves improving a character and learning encounters. Watch the official gameplay overview before downloading; a feature list cannot tell you whether its combat rhythm suits you.
The important 2026 update is operational: Amazon says Smilegate will take over in early 2027. The announced plan preserves characters, progression and Steam access unless a player opts out. It also advises against buying new long-term subscriptions while remaining prepaid-time handling is finalized. Read the official transition FAQ. My advice is to try the game before committing money or a long schedule.
Good for a PC-and-console group: Throne and Liberty
For friends spread across PC and consoles, platform access can matter more than any review score. The official transition FAQ names Steam, PlayStation and Xbox, and says the existing cross-play status will continue through the transfer. Check your group’s actual platform and server arrangements before choosing where to start.
Amazon plans to hand Western live operations to FirstSpark Games / NC in Q4 2026. The announcement says characters and progression continue unless a player opts out, with new terms and any required activation steps after the transition. That is a service handover, not the shutdown announced for New World. Good here reflects the platform fit; I am not claiming that the transition will be interruption-free.
Check Throne and Liberty details
Mid for an existing owner’s farewell; skip buying: New World: Aeternum
Amazon’s official notice says New World was delisted on January 15, 2026, with all platforms going offline on January 31, 2027. Existing owners can reinstall and play until then. In-game purchasing was scheduled to stop July 20, 2026, and no new content is planned.
That changes the recommendation completely. If you already have characters and friends there, a farewell visit may mean something to you. If you are looking for a new long-term MMO, choose elsewhere. Do not interpret a surviving retail page, old guide or third-party code offer as proof that starting a new account is a sensible purchase.
Check New World: Aeternum details
Does Amazon leaving a game mean it is closing?
No. Lost Ark and Throne and Liberty have announced operator transitions; New World has an announced closure. Read the notice for the particular game instead of treating those headlines as interchangeable. Dates and account instructions deserve another check immediately before you act.
Before choosing, agree with your friends on platform, region and how much time you want to spend. Try available gameplay before buying extras. For existing accounts, follow the official transition notices and understand the consequences of opting out; do not make account decisions based on an old shopping roundup.
My shortlist is Lost Ark for PC raids and Throne and Liberty for a group spread across platforms. New World belongs in an existing player’s farewell plans, not a new-shopping basket. The links above go to official game information because retail buy buttons would misrepresent these choices.
Love,
Honey
Honey, Be Honest 
Leave a comment