Phantasy Star Online is a multiplayer online action RPG developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega for the Dreamcast. It was released in 2001 and later ported to other platforms. Players create a character from nine possible class-proportions templates, pick a name (which determines a color badge), and descend to the surface of the planet Ragol to investigate the disappearance of the Pioneer 1 colony. The game features real-time combat, three distinct classes with unique weapon specializations, and a customizable companion called a MAG that boosts stats and can unleash powerful photon blasts. Up to four players can team up online to tackle quests, though the game also supports a full offline single-player campaign. The visual style is a clean, colorful anime-inspired sci-fi, and the soundtrack features atmospheric electronic compositions. PSO is widely regarded as a landmark title in console online gaming, introducing many players to the concept of cooperative dungeon crawling with friends over the internet.
The Vault · 2001
Phantasy Star Online
The Dreamcast game that made the future feel real.
Phantasy StarDreamcastOnline RPGRPG
Screenshots
In the News
Jul 92012
Phantasy Star Online 2 Coming to North America and Europe
SEGA confirms its free-to-play action MMORPG Phantasy Star Online 2 is coming to North America and Europe in 2013, a decade after the Dreamcast original.
ReleaseHow to Play TodayYour options for running this game in 2026
Original Hardware
Original Dreamcast discs are common and usually sell for $15–25. You will need a Dreamcast console, a broadband adapter (rare and expensive, often $100+), and a Dreamcast keyboard to chat comfortably. Online servers are shut down but private servers exist.
Emulation / Other Options
Dreamcast emulators like nullDC and Demul run PSO well, but online functionality requires specific builds and server configuration. Offline single-player is fully functional.