MMORPGs have attracted millions of players to their vibrant and deep worlds over the past three decades of gaming. From early titles to classics to modern MMOs, many of these titles are still up and running, available for you to jump back in.
But which are worth your time? Let’s take a look at 7 MMORPGs to play this year.
Top MMORPGs to Play This Year
Here is a summary of the top 7 MMORPGs you can dive into this year!
1. Final Fantasy XIV
Square Enix’s beloved franchise is most well known for its excellent story-rich, single-player RPGs. However, Final Fantasy XIV decided to transform that glory into a vast MMORPG, connecting Final Fantasy and MMO fans within the franchise’s familiar universe.
The game offers a powerful narrative, alongside a unique class system which would suit any lover of the franchise.
2. Throne and Liberty
NCsoft tried something new with Throne and Liberty. This MMO brings many of the true RPG standards into a multiplayer setting—from complex environments and weather systems to active combat and deep gameplay. It also learns from games like Breath of the Wild and Genshin Impact incorporating shape-shifting forms equivalent to gliders, jet skis, and the like. To get the best skins you’ll want to get your hands on some Throne and Liberty Lucent (gold)! Throne and Liberty is also very new; so if you’re looking for the cutting edge of MMOs, this is it.
3. World of Warcraft
Despite being over two decades old, World of Warcraft (WoW) is still the most well-known MMO to date. Explore the vast world of Azeroth, uncovering a now immensely huge narrative with all the depth you could ever ask for. Whether you’re a veteran player or a newcomer, WoW still has tonnes to offer.
4. Black Desert Online
This action MMORPG has always stood out from the competition for one reason: its graphics. The visuals offered up by Pearl Abyss are still astounding today, years after release. The game also offers diverse gameplay beyond traditional combat. Making it well worth a try, if you’re playing from a mid-to-high powered PC.
5. Lost Ark
Blending the genres of action RPG and MMO, Amazon Game Studio’s Lost Ark has carved out a significant niche in Western markets. Think of it like Diablo crossed with MMO systems and action gameplay. The game features incredibly diverse classes and, thanks to its relatively recent release, still sees very frequent updates.
6. Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls Online was always a dream concept for lovers of the single-player franchise. While ESO didn’t deliver the exact fantasy players wanted upon release, Zenimax has worked tirelessly to expand and update ESO, turning it into a true force to be reckoned with.
7. New World
Active combat in an interesting setting, New World is Amazon’s second MMO on this list. The game features tonnes of interesting mechanics including territory control and highly active combat, crafting out a new form for the genre which many see as WoW-likes. While New World received mixed reviews on launch, it has since seen major improvements making it well worth your time if you’re looking for an MMO to sink your teeth into.
The Future of MMORPGs
MMO fans are acutely aware of one thing: MMORPGs are few and far between. This is for good reason. MMOs are amongst the most complicated and expensive games to develop—let alone develop well. However, the past 5 years have seen a handful of new, innovative releases and major updates to older titles. Showing that the MMO genre isn’t going to disappear any time soon.
