Dofus
A French tactical turn-based MMORPG with over 40 million players.
Dofus is a tactical, turn-based MMORPG created by the French company Ankama Games. It first launched exclusively in French before being translated into numerous other languages. The game offers two account types: a free-to-play version with restricted content and a paid subscription that unlocks the full experience. Its popularity spawned various spin-offs, including books, art, comics, and a 2016 film, as well as two follow-up titles: *Dofus Arena* (a tournament-focused variant released in early 2006) and *Wakfu* (a direct sequel). With over 40 million players globally, the game enjoys particular renown in France.
The story unfolds in the World of Twelve, a high-fantasy setting where players search for six primordial Dofus—dragon eggs that grant immense power. The open world encourages player autonomy, allowing them to engage in player-versus-player combat, player-versus-environment battles, or participate in the economy by trading items.
This game was Ankama’s first product set in the transmedia Krosmoz universe. Its success led to derivative works, including the video games *Arena* (2011) and *Wakfu* (2012), a TV show (*Wakfu*, *Dofus: Aux trésors de Kerubim*), and the film *Dofus, Book 1: Julith*. The first spin-off was the manfra *Dofus*, whose initial volume released on October 10, 2005, written by co-creator Tot and illustrated by Ancestral Z.
Players control a 2D avatar from one of 19 character classes, viewed from a third-person perspective. Each class has unique spells unavailable to others. Like most MMORPGs, characters gain experience by defeating monsters and completing quests, earning points each level to improve stats and spells. New spells and equipment become accessible as levels increase. At level 100, players receive a special aura, with a different aura at the maximum level of 200. Players can also take up professions, often team up for dungeons, and join guilds for coordination. Quests provide experience and other rewards.
Combat, though set in real-time, functions as a turn-based strategy game. Each participant takes turns making moves and attacks within a time limit. When attacking monsters, players are transported to a copy map for the fight, which no other player can join once started. Spells (unique to each class) can attack, heal, buff, or drain Action Points (AP) or Movement Points (MP). All combat actions consume AP, and move
- field
- Video game (MMORPG)
- nationality
- French
- known_for
- Tactical turn-based combat, over 40 million players, spawning the Krosmoz transmedia universe
- developer
- Ankama Games
- player_count
- Over 40 million worldwide
Lore & Background
Dofus takes place in the World of Twelve, a High fantasy universe. Players must find the six primordial Dofus, dragon eggs that confer great power on their bearer, which are scattered across the world. The game features an open world that allows for a high level of player autonomy. Players can choose to engage in Player versus player combat, Player versus environment combat, or participate in the game's economy by obtaining and/or trading in-game items. Dofus is the first Ankama product to take place in the transmedia world of the Krosmoz. From this first success will appear many derivative products, including two other video games, Arena in 2011 then Wakfu the following year, a television show (Wakfu, Dofus: Aux trésors de Kerubim) and a movie (Dofus, book 1: Julith). The first derivative work is the manfra Dofus, the first volume of which was released on October 10, 2005. It is written by Tot, co-creator of the game, and drawn by Ancestral Z.
Reader's Guide
Dofus is significant as the foundational work of the Krosmoz transmedia universe, establishing a high-fantasy setting that spawned multiple spin-offs including other video games, a television show, and a movie. Its tactical turn-based combat system, set within a real-time world, distinguishes it from many other MMORPGs. The game's free-to-play and pay-to-play model allowed broad access while monetizing full content, contributing to its over 40 million players worldwide, with particular popularity in France. The game's class system, featuring 19 unique character classes with distinct spells and weapon specializations, offers deep strategic variety. The economy, centered on the Kamas currency and player-driven trade, alongside professions for gathering and crafting, adds layers of gameplay beyond combat. Dofus's legacy includes influencing later Ankama titles like Wakfu and Dofus Arena, and it remains a notable example of a successful French-developed MMORPG that expanded into a multimedia franchise.
Did You Know?
- Dofus is the first Ankama product to take place in the transmedia world of the Krosmoz.
- The game includes both pay-to-play accounts offering the full experience and free-to-play accounts offering a more limited amount of content.
- Players receive a special 'aura' when they reach level 100, and gain a different aura at 200, the maximum level.
- The first derivative work is the manfra Dofus, written by Tot, co-creator of the game, and drawn by Ancestral Z.
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