MMOs have been around since the early 90s, and they are still currently one of the most popular game genres around, with millions of daily players.
What is an MMO or MMORPG?
Ever since the first single player RPG came out, developers were clearly starting to have an inkling that adding multiplayer to this genre could be amazing. And they were right since MMORPGs took the world by storm during the 90s and became one of the biggest genres throughout the 2000s. With classic games like Ultima Online and Everquest paving the way for titles like WoW or Guild Wars, the MMO genre is still chugging along nowadays with plenty of exciting titles. Here are some of the best MMORPGs you can play right now.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Taking inspiration for the core gameplay from WoW, The Old Republic did a few interesting things. It focused a lot on the story and character development, offering players plenty of choices to shape their characters and the world around them. Gameplay was the usual MMORPG recipe of targeting enemies and then using abilities against them. The game also features some great PvP game modes which are very fun when playing with a group.
With plenty of expansions having come out over the years, the game still attracts plenty of Star Wars nerds to their servers daily. So if the prospect of becoming a Sith that can Force Lightning his way across the Star Wars universe, you should definitely give Star Wars: The Old Republic a try.
Release Date: December 20, 2011
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Final Fantasy XIV
Another MMO with a storied past, FFXIV was a disaster upon launch. It suffered from plenty of game-breaking issues, forcing most players to go looking for greener pastures. But the developers at Square Enix never gave up and slowly but surely turned the game around. It is currently one of the biggest MMOs around, especially in the Asian market.
Gameplay is what you would expect from an MMO, with a clear emphasis on story development. The best way to level in FFXIV is to follow the main story campaign since it gives the most XP and unlocks new parts of the game as you advance. With plenty of dungeons and raids to keep you busy, FFXIV is a grinding paradise.
Release Date: August 23, 2013
Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, macOS
New World
One of the first titles launched by Amazon Games, New World promised to revolutionize the MMO world with unique gameplay and a very engaging setting. While the setting is interesting with a mix of fantasy and steampunk, the gameplay side of the game kind of dropped the ball. While combat is very fun, letting go of the old method of targeting enemies for a more action-focused style, other parts of the gameplay are very lackluster.
Plenty of bugs and issues with certain skills not working or working in mysterious ways led to plenty of outrage from players. Most of these issues were fixed over the coming months, and currently, the game is seeing a huge resurgence in player numbers. So if you’re looking for something a bit different, New World awaits.
Release Date: September 28, 2021
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Runescape
Even though it came out way back in 2001, Runescape is still chugging along with millions of players that are still hooked. The combination of simplistic graphics and an easy-to-learn but hard-to-master system of skills and trades have made Runescape a mainstay in the MMORPG world. With expansions constantly coming out for the game, it looks like Runescape still has a bright future ahead of itself.
Release Date: January 4, 2001
Platforms: Microsoft Windows,
The Elder Scrolls: Online
Step foot into the world of Tamriel you’ve grown accustomed to from the single-player TES games. Set 1000 years before the action of the TES series, TES:O offers fans of the series a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the realm of Tamriel fully. Gameplay is very similar to single-player games, with the added bonus of each class having unique skills and abilities. Developers are constantly coming out with new expansions all the time, slowly making it one of the biggest MMOs around. If you grew up playing Morrowind you owe it to yourself to at least give this game a try.
Release Date: April 4, 2014
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
EVE Online
EVE Online is one of the most unique MMOs out there, a Sci-Fi nerds’ paradise. The game might seem brutal at first since it just throws you into the emptiness of space with no idea of what you can or should do. But the helpful tutorial will slowly put you on the path to success. The game features a ton of options, ranging from PvE missions all the way to extremely punishing PvP. The universe of EVE Online is dangerous, with each system having its own security level ranging from 1.0 to 0.0. Go anywhere below 0.5, and your chances of getting blown up by a merry gang of players increase exponentially.
But what is truly amazing about EVE Online is that it has managed to create a completely player-driven economy and industry that works. Every single ship, module or miscellaneous object you can buy from the market was created by a player. There are no NPCs that have infinite stocks of items. A shortage of resources due to a war breaking out in a corner of the universe will affect systems light-years away. And that is just one of the many aspects that make EVE Online such an engaging title.
Release Date: May 6, 2003
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Guild Wars 2
Following the success of the first Guild Wars game, GW 2 brought the game to a whole new level. It took a lot of risks with its gameplay, deciding to forego the normal style of questing with a more random style. Quests are randomized and will pop up all across the map, allowing you to pick them up on the go. The developers have kept the game alive throughout the years by constantly adding new episodic content that kept players coming back for more.
Even though it started off with a subscription-based model, the game eventually became free to play. Nowadays, you can easily get it on Steam and start enjoying the intricate PvE dungeons and raids or the PvP-focused arenas.
Release Date: August 28, 2012
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
World of Warcraft
No MMO list would truly be complete without World of Warcraft. What is there to say besides the obvious that WoW is clearly one of the most successful MMOs in the history of gaming, and that trend continues to this day? While it doesn’t have the huge player base it once did, millions of players still log in daily. And with WoW Classic bringing back plenty of nostalgia to the game, it looks like WoW will never truly end.
Release Date: November 23, 2004
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS
Lost Ark
Even though it also leans into the ARPG genre, Lost Ark still does a lot of things very similar to an MMO. This includes large boss fights that can be truly breathtaking to see. Camera positioning can quickly expand a combat arena into a huge landscape filled with huge monstrosities that are trying to tear your party to shreds. Another aspect borrowed straight from the MMO genre is the varied amount of intricate systems that allow you to grind for various upgrades to your character. So if you’re a fan of grinding, Lost Ark has definitely got you covered.
Release Date: December 4, 2019
Platforms: Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now
Fallout 76
Another title that mixes genres together, Fallout 76 took the basic gameplay of Fallout 4 and turned it into a multiplayer-only experience. With a party of friends or absolute strangers, you can take on the post-apocalyptic wasteland filled with a wide assortment of irradiated baddies. Even though the game struggled with a horrendous launch, it has gained some popularity over the years giving it a decent pool of players that are still playing. While it did a lot of things wrong at first, if you’re itching to explore the world of Fallout with a friend, Fallout 76 now offers a more than decent experience.
Release Date: October 23, 2018
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
The future of MMOs?
Even though the golden age of MMOs is pretty much over, there are still millions of players all across the globe who love this genre. And with new titles constantly coming out that are trying out new things, it seems like the genre still has plenty to prove in the gaming world. Whether you’re a fan of the social aspects or love the grind, MMOs are definitely here to stay and offer thousands of hours of entertainment to fans all over the globe.
P.S. Before heading into your favorite arena, make sure to gear up and pick one of the best MMO mouse. Binding macros is a MUST when playing MMOs, a feat these mice do very easily.
