Massively multiplayer got their start in the ’90s and exploded in popularity over the following decade. While they aren’t as popular as they used to be, there are still millions of gamers who enjoy logging into MMOs every single day.
So we decided to round up our favorite MMORPGs that you can jump in and enjoy right now. From Lord of the Rings to Star Wars, there are a lot to choose from!
Lord of the Rings Online
The 2007 MMORPG Lord of the Rings Online is set in J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-Earth, taking place during the time of The Lord of the Rings novel. It continues to receive updates and is free to play. Players can play as characters of four racers and nine classes. It’s a must-play for fans.
Black Desert Online
Black Desert Online is a 2014 sandbox-oriented fantasy MMORPG. Sure, it’s got fast-paced combat. But what sets it apart is its focus on building civilizations and empires. It’s free-to-play in some parts of the world. However, for English-language editions, it’s a buy-to-play model. Nonetheless, the one-time cost of a little over eleven bucks is worth it.
Elder Scrolls Online
Elder Scrolls Online was released in 2018. It delivers both an excellent MMO and single-player experience (online only). It’s non-linear, allowing free-roaming of its open world. It has been rebranded as The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited and transitioned to a buy-to-play model with microtransactions and an optional subscription.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Storytelling is what makes 2008’s MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic shine. The focus is on relationship building, whether that is loyalty, cooperation, betrayal, or murder. Many say this is one of the best Star Wars games out there. The game continues to receive updates and uses a hybrid free-to-play model with a subscription option.
Guild Wars 2
Set in the fantasy world of Tyria, 2012’s Guild Wars 2 is a free-to-play MMORPG. What sets it apart from traditional MMOs is more emphasis on live events, rather than structured quests. Events are dynamically generated allowing you to stumble across and hop into battles alongside other players. Unlike many MMOs, Guild Wars 2 only sells you the game and expansions rather than tacking on a monthly fee.
Runescape
The fantasy game RuneScape from 2001 had over 300 million accounts when recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest and most updated free MMORPG. There’s plenty to do, with a wealth of skills characters can develop. The quests are varied, inventive, and engaging. It’s a hybrid of free-to-play content and subscription that unlocks more.
Eve Online
The space-based persistent world MMORPG Eve Online was released in 2003, adding a limited free-to-play version in 2016. Players can visit 7,800 star systems. It’s one of the deepest, most complex games you will ever experience. It’s set amid war, betrayal, and espionage. Players can participate in numerous professions. Combat can occur versus the environment or other players.
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World of Warcraft
Even non-gamers know of 2004 juggernaut World of Warcraft (WoW). It’s nearly frictionless to play, delivering one of the most beautiful worlds to explore you’ll find. From interacting with NPCs to co-op play, to PvP combat – WoW has it all. It’s considered one of the greatest games of all time. We recommend checking out Season of Discovery for some classic WoW vibes.
Final Fantasy XIV
With a slow start, 2013’s Final Fantasy XIV begins like other MMOs. However, its persistent world becomes increasingly diverse over time with more activities to do. With one character, you can bounce between different classes (jobs) and evolve into more complex roles and secondary jobs. Expansions have made the game even better.
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