
During the 2000s, Lan Houses became true meeting points for an entire generation of Brazilian players. More than simple spaces to access the internet, they were places where friendships were born, rivalries emerged and the passion for games strengthened.
It was at this time that some titles won a special place in the memory of those who lived this phase. The main highlights include first-person shooting games like Counter-Strike. These titles turned local competitions into real events, attracting even those who only passed to watch.
Another genre that shone in the Lan Houses was online RPGs, such as Ragnarok Online and Mu Online, which took hours and more hours of dedication to evolving characters. In addition to them, Gunbound and Grand Chase have become a fever, bringing together players of all ages in fun and strategy matches.
Counter-Strike 1.6

The ease of finding servers, combined with his simple but tactical gameplay, attracted attention of thousands of Brazilian players. Sometimes it was almost impossible to find a place on a machine without anyone waiting for the end of the match.
What makes CS so special is the combination of adrenaline and cooperation. You needed to trust team partners to cover the important points. The homesick rivalry was also a separate spectacle, and Lan House became a stage of makeshift fans, especially during the owl.
Ragnarok Online
Ragnarok online mixes a cute look in pixel art with a vast world full of classes. The Brazilian community embraced the game with fervor. Gameplay was perfect for Lan Houses, where players formed guilds and planned strategies.
Colorful aesthetics and captivating soundtrack attracted players of all ages. The game was also one of the first MMORPGs to receive location in Portuguese, thanks to Level Up Games. Ragnarok still exists today with a very faithful base of players.
Mu Online
With his exotic class system and character evolution, Mu Online has won a legion of fans. As soon as you entered the initial map, it was bombarded by information about resets, set upgrades and that iconic PK mode. In Lan Houses, the players formed groups to upload.
With simple-and-click gameplay, but accurate, Mu bets high on the multiplayer and PVP factor. Customing servers were common in LAN Houses, offering unique experiences. To this day, Mu Online survives with private and officers.
Lineage II
Lineage II is a MMORPG that stood out for its vast world and battles between factions. In Brazil, the game attracted players with its third -person gameplay and clan system. With millions of monthly users globally, Lineage II was a popular choice in Brazilian Lan Houses.
The 3D look, for the time, was breathtaking, and many migrated from Ragnarok to Lineage II precisely by the darker and realistic setting. Clan wars, known as Castle Siege, involved strategy, diplomacy and sacrifice, all happening in the face of curious glances of those who passed through Lan House.
GunBound
Gunbound is a Worms -like shift battle game, but with unique vehicles and mechanics, such as wind -affected shots. In Brazilian Lan Houses, the game was popular for its accessible and fun gameplay, attracting players of all ages.
The combination of strategy, cute aesthetics and welcoming community made Gunbound an undisputed classic. Even without major updates, his memory remains alive in those who have already aligned that right shot at Lan House.
Cabal
Cabal Online brought a quick and combat style style that won those looking for real time action. Unlike the most cadence of other MMOs, in Cabal you clicked less and pressed more keys, the special blows came out in key sequences, creating an almost fighting game inside an RPG.
In addition to PVE, Cabal had PVP battles that became meeting points. When they announced a “TG”, the whole Lan House prepared for the confrontation between Procyon vs. Capella, the two great nations that are part of the game universe.
Defense of the Ancients (DotA)
Dota, who was born from a Warcraft III Mod, revolutionized the Moba genre. In Brazilian Houses, groups of friends gathered for 5 × 5 strategic battles, controlling unique heroes with different skills. The need for coordination and strategy made each match intense, with players discussing tactics and celebrating epic victories.
Dota’s success led to the creation of Dota 2 by Valve, which became a pillar of eSports with official tournaments around the world. More than gameplay, he forged friendships and rivalries that extended beyond Lan House. Players exchanged contacts for MSN, created Chans at IRC and even organized neighborhood championships.
Age of Empires II
Few franchises portray the story as engagingly as Age of Empires II. Civilizations, distinct units and campaigns based on real events have guaranteed the game a prominent place in the Lan Houses. Lan House’s environment amplified the fun.
The game left a mark in the Brazilian gamer culture, with many remembering the long sessions in Lan Houses. Its influence is seen in modern strategy games, and the active community keeps the title alive. Despite being released in 1999, AOE II won several editions.
Tibia
Launched in 1997, Tibia is one of the oldest MMORPGs still active. Graphic simplicity hid a world full of secrets and deadly dangers, and in Lan House there was no shortage of stories. The community was united, although the game was simple 2D.
The Brazilian community of Tibia was vibrant, with epic stories of PVP battles and rivalries between guilds. The game required patience and dedication, characteristics that were perfectly aligned with the Lan Houses environment, where time seemed unlimited. Graphic simplicity allowed Tibia to rose in virtually any computer, making it accessible throughout the country.
StarCraft
In a strategy -lover country, Starcraft arrived and anchored in the heart of the Lan Houses. The game required strategic planning and quick reflexes. In Brazil, Starcraft attracted players who liked tactical challenges. Even though it is a 1998 game, his scene remained alive for years, partly thanks to the passion of the community.
Starcraft’s influence exceeded borders: players teams traveled to international championships, and the Lan Houses became makeshift headquarters. For many Brazilians, this was the first serious contact with the concept of high level game, and the legacy to this day echoes in RTS competitions.
Need for Speed: Underground 2
The mood of street culture and tuned cars made NFs: Underground 2 An icon in the Lan Houses. The game allowed us to customize cars with neon, spoilers and paintings, competing in night running. The soundtrack was another factor that made the game so popular in Brazil.
In the Lan Houses, players displayed their personalized cars and competed in exciting races. The accessible gameplay and the focus on customization attracted both fans of races and casual players. The game was perfect for modest computers, ensuring their presence across the country.
Grand Chase
Grand Chase combines Side -SCOLL action with RPG elements. The charismatic characters and the quick combos system made each mission fun and challenging. The anime look and the neat voice acts made the players impressed.
With each update, new characters and episodes expanded the story, ensuring no one gets out anytime soon. Today, Grand Chase still exists, but it is in the memory of the Lan Houses that he really shone, with legendary matches and more.
Did you miss any classic of the Lan Houses that was part of your story? Share your suggestion!
Source: https://www.gamevicio.com/noticias/2025/07/12-jogos-que-marcaram-a-era-de-ouro-das-lan-houses-brasileiras/