The best MMORPG titles come in all shapes and sizes. Some are technical and strategic, some are driven by their stories and memorable characters, and others simply offer incredible content to dig into with friends.
Whether you’re a fantasy nerd, a sci-fi lover, or an anime enthusiast, there’ll be the perfect MMORPG to suit your preferences. Here’s Techopedia’s best MMORPG 2024 rundown, including a variety of games across multiple platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Some of the best MMORPGs of all time are tied to iconic franchises like Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, or Star Trek.
- MMORPGs aren’t just for PC players anymore. They can be enjoyed on everything from mobile to Xbox, depending on your preference.
- Even some of the oldest MMORPGs still have thriving forums and online communities to get involved with.
- The best MMORPG games include both PvE and PvP content alongside a solid story to suit gamers of all playstyles.
- While it is technically a multiplayer genre, some of the best MMORPGs on Steam and other platforms can still be enjoyed as a solo player.
Best MMORPGs to Play in 2024
10. Lord of the Rings Online
- Highlights: Fantasy MMORPG set in the iconic world of Lord of the Rings
- Developer: Standing Stone Games, LLC
- Publisher: Standing Stone Games, LLC
- Availability & Cost: Free to play via Steam with some in-game purchases and several paid expansions
Lord of the Rings Online is a charming fantasy MMORPG that lets players wander through Middle-earth, offering a mix of solo adventures, PvMP encounters (players versus monster players), and intense co-op battles. It’s among the best MMORPGs on Steam for good reason.
While the game is a little dated in places and doesn’t have the sparkliest graphics, it’s one of the most cohesive MMO experiences around. The story is stellar, of course, and the gameplay is moreish once you get past the initial leveling stages, with the game giving players plenty of freedom to explore and experiment.
9. Throne and Liberty
- Highlights: A vast fantasy world with a myriad of bosses to battle
- Developer: NCSOFT
- Publisher: Amazon Games
- Availability & Cost: Free via Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation with optional bonus packs and in-game purchases
While Throne and Liberty may have some quirks that it’ll likely grow into, it’s still arguably the best new MMORPG to come out in recent memory.
There’s a compelling main storyline alongside plenty of side quests, solo challenges, and guild-oriented tasks to keep you hooked. The world feels lively and mysterious, with plenty of striking zones to explore and collectibles to hunt down.
8. Star Wars: The Old Republic
- Highlights: An immersive take on the beloved sci-fi franchise
- Developer: Broadsword
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Availability & Cost: $14.99 for a monthly subscription via Steam with optional paid extras, content, and bundles
Can you really call yourself a sci-fi MMO fan if you’ve never stepped foot in Star Wars: The Old Republic? This is one of the best MMORPGs on the market right now – and that’s saying something, as it has some steep competition.
Placing players in a unique spot in Star Wars history, this game allows fans to carve out their own stories with a number of playstyles to experiment with and plenty of interesting, lore-packed zones. The combat is good fun, and there’s plenty of content to work through as well.
7. Guild Wars 2
- Highlights: A fantasy MMORPG that focuses on adventure and exploration
- Developer: ArenaNet®
- Publisher: NCSOFT
- Availability & Cost: Free on Steam with paid expansions and extra content
If you’ve played through MMO staples like World of Warcraft and Runescape, and you’re looking for something new to try, Guild Wars 2 is an exceptional game that offers something for players of all preferences. A true classic and one of the best PC MMORPGs of all time.
With an adventure-oriented style of play and plenty of weapons, professions, and builds to experiment with, Guild Wars 2 is a delight. It is possible to buy paid expansions and extra content, but it’s fun as a free-to-play gamer, too.
6. Old School Runescape
- Highlights: A legendary MMO that’s somehow simplistic yet rich and vibrant
- Developer: Jagex Ltd.
- Publisher: Jagex Ltd.
- Availability & Cost: Base game free on Steam, iOS, and Google Play with $13.99 monthly subscription and in-game purchases for all platforms. Discounted bundles for membership and the OST available on Steam.
While the current version of Runescape is enjoyable, Old School Runescape is a stellar example of a classic MMO. While it’s great on PC, we like it best on a smartphone, as the game excels as arguably the best mobile MMORPG right now.
This game looks a little more simplistic than most of the MMORPGs in this list, but it offers a charming world to explore alongside interesting quests and engaging content for both PvP and PvE fans. It’s a cult classic for a reason and can be enjoyed as a free-to-play user, too.
5. World of Warcraft (Classic)
- Highlights: A chance to experience the iconic game in its prime
- Developer: Blizzard
- Publisher: Blizzard
- Availability & Cost: $14.99 per month via Blizzard
We can’t talk about the best MMORPGs without mentioning WoW. World of Warcraft Classic offers MMO fans a chance to relive the golden age, starting off with the base game and taking them through the earlier zones up until Cataclysm.
It features the original UI, mechanics, and lore for the most part, with a few tweaks to help improve the player’s experience. There’s even the option to play on hardcore servers, paying homage to an iconic community challenge format.
These expansions are legendary for a reason, and they’re included in the standard WoW experience. If you already play retail World of Warcraft, why not try out Classic? For some, it’s the only way to explore Azeroth.
4. EVE Online
- Highlights: Celestial, strategic MMORPG with an incredible community
- Developer: CCP
- Publisher: CCP
- Availability & Cost: Free via Steam
Boasting over 7000 solar systems for players to explore, EVE Online is an impressive, intergalactic sandbox MMORPG.
It has one of the best communities in the MMO space – pun intended – with enormous PvP battles to take part in and player-driven stories to take part in. The game is beautiful and constantly evolving, and it’s perfect for sci-fi lovers.
3. Destiny 2
- Highlights: Open-world, engaging looter shooter-meets-MMORPG gem
- Developer: Bungie
- Publisher: Bungie
- Availability & Cost: Free via Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox, with paid expansions and optional in-game purchases
MMORPGs are often thought of as PC-only titles, but that couldn’t be further from the truth in 2024. Destiny 2 is a shining example of this, bringing a perfect blend of sci-fi fantasy to console players.
While Destiny 2 may not fit all the hallmarks for a true MMORPG, it’s still one of the best MMORPGs on Xbox to pick up and play today. The combat is incredible, the game is beautiful, and the variety of content on offer is striking.
2. World of Warcraft (Retail)
- Highlights: Legendary fantasy MMORPG with a vast world to explore
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
- Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
- Availability & Cost: $14.99 per month with paid base game, expansions, and optional in-game purchases via Blizzard
Declaring that one game is the best fantasy MMORPG of all time is a monumental task – this genre is packed to the brim with dedicated players who will defend their MMO of choice to the teeth.
That being said, it’s impossible to deny World of Warcraft’s influence and long-lasting legacy. Recently celebrating its 20th anniversary, this MMO mammoth is vast and still holds up for both PvP and PvE players to this day.
1. Final Fantasy XIV Online
- Highlights: A blend of beautiful worlds and stories to explore
- Developer: Square Enix
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Availability & Cost: From $12.99 a month via Steam. Also available via PlayStation and Xbox, where prices may vary.
It would be impossible to discuss the best anime MMORPG without mentioning Final Fantasy XIV Online.
This entry in the Final Fantasy franchise is one of the best MMOs to get into this year, thanks to its engaging lore, beautiful world, and a wide variety of content to suit players of all preferences.
Alongside the excellent gameplay and stellar lore, FFXIV also has an active and welcoming community. What’s not to love? It rivals the best anime games, too.
More of the Best MMORPGs to Play in 2024
With a fantasy-specific aesthetic, Black Desert Online is the perfect pick for gamers looking to try out the best action MMORPG offerings in 2024. The combat is rich, but there are plenty of other intriguing aspects, like quests and professions, too. Cost: From $9.99
Elder Scrolls Online is a beautiful addition to the existing Elder Scrolls franchise, combining fast-paced action with a rich and open-world fantasy setting. Cost: From $19.99
Browser MMORPGs aren’t as common in 2024 as they used to be, but there are still some gems out there. Hordes.io stands out as the best browser MMORPG for fans of classic, fantasy-inspired gameplay. Play for free
While some folk may argue that Palia isn’t a true MMORPG, it’s hard to deny how mesmerizing this cozy life sim is. It’s one of the best MMORPGs on Switch, but it’s also a charming single player RPG, too. Free on Nintendo eShop
The Bottom Line
Picking up an MMORPG for the first time may be daunting to some gamers, especially if you’re looking at a game that’s been around for decades, like World of Warcraft or Runescape.
It’s undoubtedly worth it, though. MMORPGs are incredibly fun to play through and get lost in, no matter the genre or whether you’re playing with friends or a random guild. They come in all shapes and sizes, and some new MMO games on the scene offer some of the most immersive experiences for gamers in 2024.
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References
- The Lord of the Rings Online™ (Store Steampowered)
- THRONE AND LIBERTY (Store Steampowered)
- THRONE AND LIBERTY (Xbox)
- THRONE AND LIBERTY (Store PlayStation)
- STAR WARS™: The Old Republic™ (Store Steampowered)
- Guild Wars 2 (Store Steampowered)
- Old School RuneScape 6-Month Membership + OST (Store Steampowered)
- Old School RuneScape on the App Store (Apps Apple)
- Old School RuneScape – Apps on Google Play (Play Google)
- Old School RuneScape 12-Month Membership + OST (Store Steampowered)
- World of Warcraft®: Subscription – World of Warcraft (US Shop Battle)
- EVE Online (Store Steampowered)
- Destiny 2 (Store Steampowered)
- Destiny 2 – PS4 & PS5 Games (PlayStation)
- Get Destiny 2 (Xbox)
- FINAL FANTASY XIV Online (Store Steampowered)
- Final Fantasy XIV Online – PS4 & PS5 Games (PlayStation)
- FINAL FANTASY XIV Online (Xbox)
- Save 90% on Black Desert on Steam (Store. Steampowered)
- The Elder Scrolls® Online (Store Steampowered)
- Hordes.io (Hordes)
- Palia for Nintendo Switch (Nintendo)
- MMO Server Population & Player Count (MMO Populations)
- Best-selling MMO videogame (Guinness World Records)
- Most successful subscription-based MMO by market share (Guinness World Records)