Let’s once again travel back in time, to where it all began—where memories take on colors and shapes that remind us how much has changed over the years. In the fourth edition of “The Time Machine,” I invite you on a journey through the corners of Rookgaard—places you may know well, or perhaps overlooked—and show how they have evolved over time.

We begin this edition with what is closest to every Rookstayer—the very heart of the island: the town, and within it, the well-known (though not always friendly) NPCs. They play a huge role in players’ daily lives: they sell, buy, advise, and sometimes… do so in rather unusual ways.

One such character is Al Dee. He is the one who scattered his signs across Rookgaard’s caves, offering ropes to lost travelers, and he also holds a monopoly on pickaxes, available exclusively in his shop. You have to admit—for a small merchant from the beginners’ island, he operates in quite an unconventional way.

Moreover, his shop has undergone noticeable changes over the years. Al Dee has taken care of the interior’s appearance—today, he displays far more items behind the counter: alongside a fishing rod, you’ll find a rope or a shovel. On the opposite wall, he reduced the clutter of multiple signs, replacing them with a single, more readable one. A small detail, but it shows how even NPCs evolve alongside the game world.
We also cannot forget the two brothers—Willie and Billy—who run the mill. One of them, Willie, is available to FACC players, while Billy is for PACC players.

Willie tries to diversify his services—he’s working on a new recipe using bananas, and he’s also a character tied to one of the quests on Rookgaard. The mill itself, where he lives with his brother, is a unique place: a large building with an upper floor where you can see two beds—one for each brother. The ground floor is the heart of the mill, filled with barrels, containers, and the characteristic mill wheel.
It’s worth paying attention to the details that emphasize the atmosphere of this place: on both the FACC and PACC sides, you’ll find ovens that give the whole place a more homely feel. It’s an example of how even the simplest locations on Rookgaard carry a sense of history and atmosphere.
Now we leave the town to show something you asked for in the comments under previous articles—the raft in the eastern part of Rookgaard. The raft, once belonging to Amber, shows how much the island has changed.

In the past, the raft looked very modest—it seemed to rest on roots, and there was only a single chest with a flag on it. Today, we see a completely different picture: more chests, better-organized details, and even a pole used to push off the water. The raft itself has significantly improved visually. Additionally, in newer versions, a bridge has been added connecting the raft to the island.
From the east, we now move to the western part of the island, where the swamps stretch out. This area has never been among the most popular with players, but that makes it perfect for observing changes.

The swamps best showcase how Rookgaard’s nature has evolved—from simple, raw elements of the past to today’s richer and more diverse environment. Vegetation has gained more detail, rocks and stones have become more distinct, and the overall composition looks far more natural.

This is where you can truly see the game’s graphical progress. Changes are no longer just about adding new objects, but about building the entire atmosphere of the surroundings. The swamps, though rarely visited, are an excellent example of how Tibia has transformed over the years, giving old places new life.
To conclude our journey through the western part of Rookgaard, it’s worth mentioning a major change that still sparks mixed opinions among Rookstayers.

In the past, there was only a small tower here, surrounded by empty space. Occasionally, you could even encounter a lone Orc Spearman, which at the time was quite an attraction.

Today, however, the landscape looks completely different. A large part of the island’s western edge is now occupied by the massive Orc Fortress. Unfortunately, this vast area remains inaccessible to players who have not completed the Rookie Guard Quest. It’s a pity, as it would certainly make the experience more engaging for those who spend long hours on the island and often complain about monotony.

Nevertheless, even after all these years, you can still spot elements that remain—bridges between the old atmosphere of Rookgaard and its modern version.
At the very end of our journey, we descend into the underground of Rookgaard—specifically to the location of the Captain Iglues Treasure Quest. This is a place that doesn’t enjoy much popularity among players.

At first glance, it’s clear that time hasn’t stood still here either. The most noticeable change is the floor design—distinctive panels give this location a unique character rarely found elsewhere on the island. Such SQMs are uncommon on Rookgaard, which makes Captain Iglues’ underground stand out even more.

This place serves as a perfect summary of the fourth edition of “The Time Machine”—showing that even the less-traveled corners of the island can hold great charm and reflect Tibia’s graphical evolution.
The fourth edition of “The Time Machine” has shown us just how much Rookgaard has changed over the years—from the town and its characteristic NPCs, through the mill of Willie and Billy, Amber’s raft, the swamps of the western part of the island, to the monumental Orc Fortress and the atmospheric underground of Captain Iglues Treasure Quest.

Each of these places is a piece of Tibia’s history that has evolved along with the game and its community. Sometimes the changes were subtle, like adding new details to Al Dee’s shop or improving the flooring in the underground. Other times, they were massive and emotional—like the introduction of the Orc Fortress.

Rookgaard remains a unique place: for some, it’s just a short stop on the way to the mainland; for others, it’s a true home filled with the magic of old times. Thanks to these comparisons, we can better see how the game has developed without forgetting its roots.

Best regards,
Rookie Team