Online RPG adventures aren’t dead just yet – here are some of the top MMO games!
You’d think that even the best MMO games wouldn’t be as popular as they were a few years ago. Of course, with ever-changing trends, it’s hard to stay relevant. However, plenty of games like World of Warcraft manage to do so long after their release date. But how would you define the genre, and what’s its appeal? What titles should you look out for? You’ll find all the answers in this article!
Updated on March 22, 2024. We’ve adjusted the text to provide the most accurate data on MMOs.
What is an MMORPG?
MMORPG (Massively multiplayer online role-playing game) is a subgenre of role-playing games that allows numerous players to play together in a virtual world simultaneously. Its origins date back to 1978 when the first text-based MUD (Multi-User Dungeon) title running on a private server was created.
The gameplay was based on issuing commands that let players interact with the environment. Text games dominated the market for almost 20 years, as it was only in 1996 when 3DO launched the first MMO role-playing game with a global reach – Meridian 59.
Ultima Online was released in the same year and is considered the ancestor of modern productions. Another significant event took place on January 7, 1997. It was when the iconic Tibia appeared on the market. We also got Lineage 2 and many other major titles along the way.
However, the real boom for online games did not start until 2004, with the launch of World of Warcraft, which is deemed the most groundbreaking and best MMORPG in history. For many years, the world hasn’t seen a title that could end the hegemony of WoW. With that being said, the times have changed, and there has been plenty of competition in the gaming industry.
What are the most popular MMOs in 2024?
We’ve gathered the five most popular MMORPG games in 2024, according to MMO Population. Blizzard’s bestseller is not officially a leader anymore, but the sum of the Wow and WoW Classic players indicates otherwise:
- Old School Runescape – 1,346,569 daily players
- World of Warcraft – 1,305,536 daily players
- World of Warcraft Classic – 1,223,789 daily players
- Warframe – 1,057,939 daily players
- FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn – 994,758 daily players
What are the top MMORPG games in 2024?
Don’t worry if you haven’t seen your favorite one in the previous ranking. In this section, we’ll be discussing the top MMORPG in 2024, in our humble opinion.
Black Desert Online
The debut of the Korean studio Pearl Abyss offered the graphic design refined to the most minor details right from the release day. The complex locations and animations of the heroes’ skills were especially impressive. For a long time, Black Desert has been referred to as the most beautiful titles on the market.
The duels here are very dynamic and require players to have excellent reflexes, which play a much greater role than the character stats themselves. Unfortunately, for this reason, the newcomers will have to be prepared for a rough start. The entry threshold is very high, but it’s still one of the best MMOs in 2024 that’s at least worth a try—especially considering how affordable it is.
Albion Online
A medieval-inspired fantasy realm awaits gamers who decide to try Albion Online, a massive sandbox where almost all items are created by players. If you have strong business acumen, you may be able to start a prosperous virtual business thanks to this user-driven economy system.
Other than buying, crafting, and selling various items, the game is very much focused on the PVP experience. The combat system is not class-based; your usefulness in battles depends on the equipped items. Side activities, such as fishing, are also pretty engaging, making Albion Online stand out as one of the best free MMORPGs on PC.
Final Fantasy XIV Online
Final Fantasy XIV experienced a real renaissance in terms of popularity. It managed to beat some of the other big titles, which is evident from the previously mentioned ranking. Many moved to Square Enix’s title from WoW, which had been struggling with several in-game issues and lawsuit scandals. Unlike typical representatives of the genre, FF XIV features an extensive and engaging storyline.
With dynamic gameplay, lots of additional content, and multiple side activities, you can genuinely start seeing this one as an excellent alternative to other pay-to-play MMORPGs. The fourth expansion pack, Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker, was released near the end of 2021. The story told in it is the culmination of the main storyline. In addition, the DLC introduces new locations, missions, and skills for the characters.
Guild Wars 2
Released in 2012, Guild Wars 2 is still pretty popular among players. Indeed, it is partially due to the lack of a monthly subscription (we’re looking at you, WoW 👀) and active support by the creators. Moreover, it is a phenomenal game for those who prefer playing solo and have just a bit of free time. The entry threshold is low, leveling up is pleasant, and the vast majority of activities can be approached independently.
Another expansion, Secrets of the Obscure Expansion, debuted in August last year and offered a new story of Wizard’s Tower and Tyria’s place in the cosmos. On the release date, it offered two new explorable zones.
Lost Ark
After Amazon Games achieved massive success with New World, they just kept delivering some of the top MMORPG games. Lost Ark is an isometric role-playing game that openly takes inspiration from Diablo and other classics. But it also throws in a bunch of modern gameplay mechanics that have worked in other titles in the genre. The longer you play it, the better it gets. Aside from satisfying combat, you will also have a solid story to enjoy.
If Lost Ark is your cup of tea, you might want to check out other games like Diablo.
Neverwinter
Adding D&D vibes to video games generally turns out to be a great idea, and that’s precisely how it went with Neverwinter. It’s also heavily focused on player cooperation. We’re not only talking about the typical co-op aspect. You will also be able to check out quests created by other players via the so-called “Foundry” system. It’s entirely incorporated into the game rather than being a separate tool. Immersion is the key!
New World
The title by Amazon Game Studios takes players to an alternative world inspired by the 17th-century American colonies. As with any massively multiplayer online gme, New World offers enormous locations filled with diverse activities so that you’re never left with only routine fighting. Speaking of which, arcade combat can also glue you to the screen for hours. In addition to leveling up your character, you can also occupy yourself with farming, fishing, and even expanding your own settlement.
RuneScape
Now that’s a blast from the past! RuneScape‘s journey has certainly been a long one, but it has only helped to build the lore and overall character of the game. It doesn’t try to be overly complicated for the sake of it, which is why you’ll probably find the gameplay fairly straightforward and relaxing. Choose the skills you want to master, get to know the lovely community, and live it up in the cool, sandbox-like world.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
If you’ve thought that transferring the epic space opera franchise into the world of an online game would be really cool, you’re up for a rad gaming session! 😉 No one’s making you pick the Light or Dark Side: you should be the one to choose your path, young padawan! Star Wars: The Old Republic offers numerous classes (and consequently, storylines) to discover and several expansions that enhance the SWTOR experience.
Also, if you’re willing to spend some cash, you can pay for the optional subscription. In exchange, you’ll gain access to all previous expansions and other goodies available to members!
The Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls series is not just an endless circle of Skyrim releases. It’s also ESO, or The Elder Scrolls Online, a massively multiplayer online game by ZeniMax Online Studios. The action of TESO takes place several hundred years before the events known in Skyrim. The extensive storyline is not the only advantage. It’s a TES installment with all the combat goodness and dozens of additional hours provided by several expansions, including High Isle.
Warframe
Warframe may not be an MMORPG per se, although it has a bit of a Mass Effect vibe, which also leans more towards the action-RPG side of things. In this F2P title, you assume the role of a Tenno Operator. Your race can use special armor sets called Warframes, which grant you unique abilities that will come in handy during combat.
By defeating your enemies, you get XP that you can spend on your equipment with unique “Mods” cards. You can even apply them to your companions or vehicles and remove the mods whenever you want. Find your perfect combination and dominate the battlefield!
The Lord of the Rings Online
Next up is a little something that bookworms can’t afford to miss. As the title suggests, The Lord of the Rings Online immerses you in the world of Middle-earth from Tolkien’s legendary novels.
Whether you choose to be a hobbit, an elf, or a dwarf, you’re in for an epic adventure. After all, you can explore iconic locations from the books, including the Shire and Rivendell. It isn’t the freshest game on the list. But in our hearts, it’s still the best MMORPG in 2024.
Tom Clancy’s The Division 2
The Division 2 is arguably the best pay-to-play MMO out there, with its intense gun battles, huge open world, and wide variety of missions. The game takes place in Washington, D.C., which has been in chaos after a deadly virus outbreak.
As part of a secret government agency, players will try to bring order back to the city. You’ll fight hostile factions, expand your base, and loot and plunder to your heart’s content. It’s actually a perfect choice for those who enjoy some of the best grinding games.
EVE Online
Try EVE Online if you are looking for the best sci-fi games on PC to enjoy with friends. It is also rather old, dating back as far as 2003. Yet its player base remains strong, and the developers are still improving it.
It plunges you into a vast universe where you can do anything you like, from mining asteroids to building ships, trading goods, or engaging in large-scale space battles. Don’t be put off by the steep learning curve; everyone has to start somewhere. It would be a real shame to miss out on this free-to-play MMORPG.
World Of Warcraft
Throughout its nearly 19 years on the market, this legendary title has been packed full of DLC to ensure you never get bored. Whether you’ve been playing for a while or are just starting your adventure with this epoch-making MMO, there’s enough content to keep you busy for ages. The latest expansion, Dragonflight, introduces not only a new world but also the first-ever playable race-and-class combo.
What game can be considered the best MMORPG 2024, in your opinion? If we somehow omitted a game you love, please tell us about your personal favorite in the comment section. 😊
