EverQuest II

It is my second favorite MMORPG of all times following Star Wars: Galaxies from the same original publisher. This game was never as popular as World of Warcraft, but it was better from the very beginning.

So have played this game off and on since its release.
It really depends on what you are looking for on if I would recommend this game to others.
For me, I really enjoy all of the different quests that I can work on as I level up(solo with a mercenary).
I also enjoy relaxingly harvesting materials and coming back to make a few spell upgrades, or some furniture for my house!
End game/group or raid play: I have no idea! If your into this you will need to read other reviews for the game. I grouped a lot wayyy back in the day, but havnt done any meaniful grouping outside of public quests in a long time(or when I catch an old buddy on we will do some duoing).
Solo Play: I thoroughly enjoy going back to old dungeons or zones I havn't played in years and working through them for fun. I have been able to solo most characters I have picked up playing with a mercenary. The only class I have gone pure crafting and abadoned soloing had been my old defiler. Fun class but the soloing speed is so darn slow I find it laborous.
I also have no idea on player population on Maj'Dul server(all my original toons are on this server, so always play here) but when I ask a question in general chat on game changes or advice I always get a meaningful response and everyone seems nice, which is refreshing!
If your looking for something to fiddle with that is deep with quests and character development, you may enjoy older EQ2, I have been :)

In its hayday, EQ2 was a great game, and amazingly, still is. I found it to be a great way to socialize with people who had similar interests and enjoyed gaming as much if not more than I did. Be careful, though! It might just take over your life and ruin your marriage and some of your friendships as well. That said, with moderation, it is a great way to spend time with like-minded people and have fun doing things you like to do.

As long as you don't subscribe to their -- now -- VERY predatory monetization and get put-off by the -- now -- PTW aspects, there's A LOT to enjoy here... if you just relax and play it at your own terms.

There are some things old-school MMOs do better than new ones, but there is a definite audience for such things as more skills and options for builds, slower combat, longer buffs so you don't have to have high actions per minute, and other similar aspects that most modern games eschew in favor of streamlining, being action-packed and overstimulating, constantly changing things, and maximizing profits even at the cost of integrity (some companies).

I am so happy with how chill it feels to play, and how positive and mature the community feels compared to newer, popular MMOs.

It's an old favorite... Play it. It's great. You don't even have to grind fast the way most people do.
Just play the game. Listen to the dialogue. Have an adventure.

The hours showing here are just since I have switched to playing on Steam.

This game has been a major part of my life for almost 20 years. Back in the day I was a top raider, clocking up over 20 hours per week, (as well as working full-time shift-work.) Although many of my old friends have died or moved on, it still feels like home. I spent many years travelling the world living in a suitcase, and EQ2 became my home, because that was where all my friends and family were, as well as my virtual homes. From opposite sides of the planet, we could connect and participate in community events. As a guild leader I developed my managerial and leadership skills which were invaluable in my professional life.

I am addicted to decorating and have built many unique homes and guild halls. This allows the expression of artistic talent and creative energy, which has not been realised in any other game.

Although an old game, it has so much depth to it and endless hours of entertainment, whether questing or leveling, raiding or decorating, crafting or harvesting or just kidding around with friends. I have not played another game with anywhere near as much content as EQ2.

There has never been another game to match it and I cannot recommend it highly enough.