Gaming is on the rise in the India, with more and more players being introduced to online gaming with PUBG Mobile and the likes, it has reached an unprecedented level of popularity. Consequently, a greater number of people are now exploring gaming on other platforms as well. Well, if you’re one of the people who are just starting off with PC or console gaming, you should definitely consider checking out some of the best MMORPGs.
MMORPG, which stands for Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (sometimes erroneously referred to as MMORPG games), are an entire genre of games that, much like other role-playing games, give players the opportunity to traverse virtual worlds in a completely customizable avatar along with a number of other players, take down massive mobs of enemies together in PvE modes and duke it our against each other in intense PvP battles. If just reading about that excites you then you should definitely take a look at our list of these 15 best MMORPGs and try some of them out. You might just find your new favorite pastime.
15 Best MMORPGs You Should Try
1. World of Warcraft
Right at the top of our list is World of Warcraft, a game which is now synonymous with the MMORPG genre. Warcraft is often the first MMORPG title people new to the genre try and it is definitely the reason I love the genre so much. Ever since its inception around 2004, the game has dominated the MMO segment, and has become one of the most successful and influential games in the genre.
Developer Blizzard has done a fine job of introducing new content for the game over the years, keeping the game fresh for veteran players, while also attracting a ton of new players. The game covers all elements of an MMORPG, giving players the opportunity to customize their characters according to their play style, explore an immense open world, follow an engrossing storyline, take down massive raid bosses alongside their fellow faction members, and take on the enemy faction in a variety of PvP modes.
Supported platforms: Windows, macOS
Payment structure: Free for the first 20 levels with a monthly subscription thereafter
2. Elder Scrolls Online
In case you’ve played any Elder Scrolls game (Skyrim?) before, you’d probably be familiar with the premise of this one. For those of you who haven’t, allow me to give you a brief introduction. Elder Scrolls Online is an epic MMORPG journey based within the Elder Scrolls universe where players can create their own characters from a variety of races and classes and embark on quests either alone or with other players online.
Other than following the main story line, the game gives players the opportunity to explore a variety of PvP and PvE elements or try their hand at the extensive crafting/trading mechanic which has its own benefits. In essence, the game feels a lot like World of Warcraft, but it offers better graphics and a more detailed world, which makes playing the game a rather immersive experience. On top of that, I can tell you by experience that this game has a very helpful community which helps new players get the hang of the game, so you should definitely try it out even if you’re a complete newbie.
Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation
Payment structure: Rs. 1,599 for The Elder Scrolls Online base game and The Morrowind Chapter; Also features a monthly subscription model
Download The Elder Scrolls Online
3. Guild Wars 2
Set in the fantasy world of Tyria, Guild Wars 2 is another great MMORPG which has a unique story line that evolves depending on the individual choices players make, a mechanic that you won’t find in the aforementioned titles. Other than that, the game has the same quintessential features that you’ll find in an RPG, including character customization, an expansive crafting system, along with PvE and PvP elements.
The game has a massive persistent virtual world which you can explore and a number of instanced environments in which the main story line progresses. Thanks to the dynamic action-based mechanic, leveling up in Guild Wars 2 feels more like an adventure and less like the grind you’ll experience in Warcraft. The game is a must try for players who don’t like the monotony of leveling up in other MMORPGs.
Supported platforms: Windows, macOS
Payment structure: Free-to-play with in-game purchases and paid DLCs
4. Maple Story 2
Next up we have Maple Story 2, an MMORPG which is quite unlike any other game on this list while still being pretty much the same. The game has a very low-poly look to it, somewhat reminiscent of Minecraft, which is persistent across a ton of colorful environments that players can explore with their completely customized characters.
What’s really unique about Maple Story 2, however, is that the game allows players to participate in a number of mini-games, some of which are developed by other players using the in-game editor. Other than that, there’s a main story line which will take you on epic boss battles, a variety of side missions which will help you level up and a crafting system which is crucial to your progress in the game.
Supported platforms: Windows
Payment structure: Free-to-play with in-game purchases
5. The Lord of the Rings Online
If you’re a fan of JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings universe then The Lord of the Rings Online should be right up your alley. Based in the same universe, the game allows players to go on an epic adventure across Middle earth, fight alongside familiar characters and explore locations popularized by the movies.
Gameplay wise, LOTR Online is much like any other MMORPG with a minor exception. All characters in the game are on the same side, which means that there isn’t any large scale PvP action. Instead, the game has a Monster Play mode in which will let players create a monster at level ten and battle other players in the Ettenmoor region.
Supported platforms: Widnows, macOS
Payments structure: Free-to-play with in-game purchases and a VIP subscription model
Download Lords of the Rings Online
6. Runescape
Probably the oldest game on this list, Runescape is an evergreen MMORPG which is also one of the most updated and popular games on the planet. The game has over 250 million accounts and recently received a non-browser version which breathed new life into the title. Much like every other game on this list, Runescape offers players an opportunity to indulge in all aspects of an RPG, but with a unique twist.
Runescape has a very open-ended approach to the traditional questing model you’ll find in other MMOs which means that instead of having a linear story line, the game gives players the freedom to choose their own path to progress. The game also allows players to specialize in skills which means that everyone has the opportunity to find something they like and play in accordance to their particular skill progression.
Supported platforms: Android, iOS, Browser, Java, Windows, Linux, macOS
Payment structure: Free-to-play with a subscription model for access to more content
7. Rift
Rift is another great MMORPG that brings with it all the elements on a successful RPG, adding just enough to give them a unique twist. Leveling skills in game for instance has been divided into three skill trees or souls with players having the option to choose which skill they want to level up and specialize in.
Another interesting tactic introduced in the game is the death of NPCs and quest-givers, which is also found in some areas in Warcraft, that has a substantial impact on the way players play the game and how the story line progresses
Supported platforms: Windows
Payment structure: Free-to-play with in-game purchases and a subscription model
8. Star Wars: The Old Republic
Based in the expansive Star Wars universe, Star Wars: The Old Republic is a great MMO which will definitely appeal to all Star Wars fans out there. The game has a strong player-choice driven progression and a social gameplay factor that brings players from all over the world together.
The game’s puzzle-like combat mechanism is also quite different from other MMOs and the constant addition of content will keep you hooked to the game for a long time. Players also have the option to experience the game entirely as a single-player quest, which is great for people don’t want to depend on other players to progress in game.
Supported platforms: Windows
Payment structure: Free-to-play with in game purchases and a subscription model
Download Star Wars: The Old Republic
9. DC Universe Online
Being the only superhero MMO on this list, DC Universe Online gives players the opportunity to create their own superhero, with custom abilities, and play alongside other legendary heroes such as Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman.
Another thing that differentiates DC Universe Online from other MMOs on this list is its tab-targeting based action combat which feels more at home in the DC universe. On top of that, the game has a rather interesting story line, cool gear that you can collect, and leveling options so that players can choose how to progress in game. DC Universe Online is a must try for all comic book fans.
Supported platforms: Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Payment structure: Free-to-play with paid DLCs
10. Dungeons and Dragons Online
Dungeons and Dragons, the game that is often credited for giving birth to the RPG genre, is also available in a modern MMORPG form for fans. Players can create their characters from scratch based on the revised rule-set fashion introduced by Dungeons and Dragons 3.5. However, unlike the table-top version of the game, which has a turn-based combat system, Dungeons and Dragons Online has a real-time combat engine with a couple of other changes.
The game follows a progression system which is quite like other MMORPGs on this list, allowing players to embark on quests to level up and skill their characters. The healing mechanic in Dungeons and Dragons Online is also a bit different from other MMORPGs because of which players have to visit specific locations to heal their characters, instead of their characters automatically healing over time.
Supported platforms: Windows, macOS
Payment structure: Free-to-play with in-game purchases
Download Dungeons and Dragons Online
11. Final Fantasy XIV Online
While the original Final Fantasy XIV was a major disappointments for fans of the franchise, Final Fantasy XIV Online is a different story altogether. The game was well received by both fans and critics upon launch and it has improved quite a bit ever since, bringing more content to keep players interested.
The game does of a great job of encapsulating the MMORPG experience with its detailed story line, intricate progression and a universe of epic proportions. The game will appeal to players who like a restrictive combat mechanic which is easy to pick up, but might discourage others who’d like to play their game creatively as it doesn’t give you many options to do so. Also, the grind to get decent gear might feel repetitive and monotonous, which might discourage a lot of players.
Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3
Payment structure: Rs. 719 for Final Fantasy XIV Starter Edition with paid DLCs
Download Final Fantasy XIV Online
12. Neverwinter
Neverwinter is another game which derives its inspiration from Dungeons and Dragon, with the game based in the fictional Forgotten Realms city of Neverwinter. The game allows players to choose from one of eight Dungeons and Dragons character classes with the rules of the game based on a modified version of the 4th edition rules set.
What’s unique about the game is its Foundry feature which allows players to create their own stories and quests in the game. Additionally, the game doesn’t have any zones with a large number of people playing together, instead it has a story-based progression which doesn’t bring players together as often as you would find in other MMOs. Which is why it’s one of the only games on this list which might appeal to players who don’t enjoy traditional MMORPGs.
Supported platforms: Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Payment structure: Free-to-play with in-game purchases
13. Black Desert Online
Black Desert Online is another decent MMORPG that differentiates itself from other games in the genre by giving players quite a snappy combat mechanic along with the ability to purchase and control in-game property.
Players and guilds can acquire property in game and set up different functions for each property they purchase. This allows players to gain control over entire cities, which adds a unique aspect to the overall game play. Other MMO elements remain pretty much the same, giving players the versatility to play the game as they desire.
Supported platforms: Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Payment structure: One-time purchase with additional paid DLCs
14. Eve Online
Don’t like medieval fantasy settings? Tired of the same fantasy monsters and magic discourse? Then you can try out Eve Online, a stunning MMORPG based in a futuristic space age setting. Players get to choose from between four playable races and design their characters from the ground up with Eve’s in-depth body and head sculpting character creator.
However, Eve Online is a slow game that requires players to devote a lot of time to the game, which might turn away many players who’re accustomed to instant gratification. Mining and crafting in game are painfully slow, so unless you’re prepared to invest a lot of time, I’d suggest you to stay away. In case you do manage to persist, the game will reward you with some epic space battles that you won’t be able to forget.
Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Payment structure: Free-to-play with a monthly subscription model
15. Star Trek Online
Based on the epic television and film series, Star Trek Online is also a great MMO to begin your MMO journey thanks to its unique and varied game play. The game inculcates elements from third-person shooters and space exploration simulators to the MMO experience, adding up to some fun game play.
Fans of the TV and film series will have a ton of fun playing because of the variety of familiar elements they can encounter and explore in the game. On top of that, the developers keep adding new content to keep the player base hooked to the game. Star Trek Online is definitely a must-try for all gamers who’re looking for an MMO experience that doesn’t just limit itself to the tenets of the genre.
Supported platforms: Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Payment structure: Free-to-play with in-game purchases
Best MMORPGs You Should Try
Well, that rounds up our list of the MMORPGs you should try. Did any of the listed games pique your interest? Which game(s) have you already tried out and which ones do you plan on trying out in the near future? Let us know in the comments section below and make sure to let us know if we’ve missed out on any games that you might want to see on this list.
