Mabinogi is a fantasy MMORPG that is unique in its use of real time to affect characters. Characters age every week, gaining experience points that can be used to upgrade abilities up until age 25, when no more points are awarded.

The game's rebirth system is used in order to bring characters back to level 1 with all skills intact, thereby allowing repeated aging. There are many aspects of the game that draw from real life such as an internal clock to measure in-game days, real seasons, and a weather system that changes constantly.

Other features include fully integrated music system where players can compose and play tracks, a part-time job system, as well as crafting and farming. Mabinogi has an overarching storyline that has veeb updated several times through free "campaigns". The game itself is free to play, with certain upgrades available in the item shop