Choosing a Version
What each RF episode actually contains - level cap, maps, units and systems - so you can pick one before you go looking for a client.
They Are Not Upgrades of Each Other
RF Online changed across its life in ways that make each episode its own game rather than a patch of the previous one. You pick one, get the client for it, and run the server for it. Mixing does not work and does not half-work.
The setup is identical whichever you pick: same archive layout, same config file, same launcher. Only the client differs.
At a Glance
| Giga 4 Ep2 | Red Army 2.1.5 | Holystone 2.1.6 | Golden Age 2.2.3.2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level Cap | 55 | 55 | 55 | 65 |
| Late-Game Maps | Novus core | + Beast Mountain, Outcast Land | + Kartella Bio Lab | + Bio Lab 2nd Basement |
| Race Units | MAU, Siege Kit | + Red MAU, Red Siege Kit | + Blue MAU, Blue Siege Kit | full line |
| Endgame Dungeon | Hora Darkhole | Dark Hall | Dark Hall | three Battle Dungeons |
| Notable System | Chip war, Archon | Archon powers, guild reform | PvP points, Superior armour | Gold Points |
The Versions
Giga 4 Episode 2
The last version of RF Online before the cash shop arrived. Three races at war over one mine: Bellato mechs, Cora magic and Accretia gunmetal, with the chip war on a timer and an Archon elected to run each race. Level cap 55.
This is the one we host, so it is the only RF version you can play without setting anything up.
Red Army (Episode 2.1.5)
Adds Beast Mountain and Outcast Land as level 49+ and 51+ zones, the Dark Hall dungeon with its level 50 relic and Leon weapons, and the race-exclusive Red MAU, Red ISIS and Red Siege Kit at the cap.
The bigger change is political. The Archon gains real authority over a race: tax collection, deputies and a council, and the ability to call in a nuclear strike. Guilds were reformed at the same time, with the member ceiling cut from 150 to 50 and honour badges added.
Secret of Holystone (Episode 2.1.6)
Red Army’s direct successor. Adds the Blue MAU and Blue Siege Kit alongside the Red line, Kartella Bio Lab as a third late zone, and the Superior armour line built by converting HolyStone into Crystal Talic. Animus summons go up to level 55 and follow new summoning rules.
It also adds a PvP point system with temporary and permanent points, a last-hitter bonus in the chip war worth 30% attack and defence, and a quest journal that holds 20 quests at once.
Golden Age (Episode 2.2.3.2)
The episode most people mean when they say RF Online, and the largest content set here. Level cap 65, with the Bio Lab second basement opening at 61 through Cartella Gate.
Its headline system is Gold Points: a currency you earn from hunting and from Gold Boxes during the chip war, spent at faction NPCs on high-tier weapons, accessories and armour coupons. It also adds three Battle Dungeons across levels 45 to 65, and new skills for the warrior and ranger lines at 40+.
If You Just Want to Play
Take Giga 4 Episode 2 on rf.oldschoolops.com. It is running right now and needs nothing but the client.
To host one yourself, pick the episode you want, then follow installing a server.