What are MMOs?
MMOs, or Massively Multiplayer Online Games, are a popular and ambitious PC game genre that generates $10 billion annually and reaches large audiences. There are both free and paid MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) available, such as World of Warcraft, which allows players to become anything in the virtual world and grind loot.
Today’s MMOs are sophisticated and offer the best of the genre, from humanoid cats to ruthless dictators. In this guide, we have listed the best online games and shared a list of free MMORPG games, ensuring you don’t have to worry about paying for these games.
Best Free MMOs Right Now
#1. World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft is a free MMORPG available on Windows and macOS platforms. With 20 levels, players can enjoy its expansive universe, character customization, persistent open world, and compelling storyline.
Additionally, it is a popular MMORPG genre, offering quality elements like character customization, a persistent open world, and a compelling storyline. Getting started with World of Warcraft is a top priority, and it is a must-play game.
#2. Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2, a free MMORPG for beginners, offers a unique storyline that changes based on player choices. It features character customization, crafting, and strong PvP elements. Set in the fantasy world of Tyria, players can explore the persistent world alone or with friends.
Additionally, the dynamic action-based mechanic makes leveling enjoyable, unlike World of Warcraft’s grind. Therefore, Guild Wars 2 is an excellent choice for those tired of the monotony of other MMORPGs.
#3. Secret Worlds: Legends
Secret World Legends is a free-to-play game set in a mysterious world filled with supernatural horrors, secret societies, mythological creatures, and evil cults. The sound design amplifies the game’s drama. Instead of a standard MMO trope, Secret World focuses on a small number of quests with clearly defined goals, highlighting the narrative and writing quality. Note that the game is available on Windows and macOS platforms.
#4. Star Conflict
Star Conflict is a free MMORPG for Windows and Xbox One, allowing players to explore space and collect various spaceships. Players face alien squadrons, space pirates, and PvE quests while floating in outer space.
Additionally, they can customize their spaceships using weapon types or ship modules. Note that the game also allows players to experience it in virtual reality with the Oculus Rift.
#5. Skyforge
Skyforge is a sci-fi world with advanced technology, allowing players to become gods and ascend to godhood. Players can change their class at any time, making matchmaking smoother and level progression unnecessary. The prestige system ranks characters based on their stats, providing a unique diversion from traditional MMO systems.
Additionally, Skyforge offers action-oriented combat, a fascinating sci-fi world, and a unique prestige system.
#6. DC Universe Online
DC Universe Online is an online MMORPG with custom abilities for Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Players can build their own superheroes and play with DC heroes like Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman.
Additionally, the game features a unique combat tab-targeting system, user-friendly gameplay, a captivating storyline, collectible gear, and levels for progression.
#7. Lord of the Rings Online
The Lord of the Rings Online is an MMORPG based on the detailed LOTR universe, perfect for medieval fantasy fans. Players travel across Middle Earth, fighting alongside familiar characters and exploring locations. Unlike other MMORPGs, it offers a Monster Play mode, allowing players to create monsters at level ten and battle other players within Ettenmoor.
#8. Star Trek Online
Star Trek Online offers a unique MMO experience with its spaceships and aliens, blending a third-person shooter with a naval simulator. Space Truckers Online is an addictive game with familiar elements from the series and films. Therefore, fans can engage in fan service by blowing up borg cubes, strolling Deep Space Nine’s promenade, or beaming down to exotic planets. A new story expansion for the Alpha Quadrant is launching that will offer new gameplay content and limited-time events.
#9. ArcheAge
ArcheAge is a medieval fantasy game available on Windows and macOS platforms. Players can become powerful warriors, economic experts, and pirates, and explore the world of farming and trade.
Additionally, the game also features mounts, travel, and various modes of transportation, including rowboats, warships, gliders, and airships. ArcheAge showcases the dedication and longevity of Trion, showcasing its impressive resources and skills.
#10. EVE Online
EVE Online is a premier space MMO with a focus on a few elements and excelling in simulations and systems. Its dedicated community and thriving economy make it a popular gaming experience.
Additionally, EVE Online’s depth, nuance, diplomacy, and expansive space battles make it a unique and memorable gaming experience.
The Best Free MMOs on Steam
#1. Temtem
Temtem is an MMO clone of Pokemon, released on January 21, 2020, for PC, Steam, Playstation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. It is a monster-collecting game with cartoonish graphics. Players become Tamers, traveling across lands to test their creature-collecting skills and unleash their combat potential.
Furthermore, the game features a story-driven campaign, co-op adventures, competitive matches, and wholesome activities like decorating houses and dressing critters. Note that the game’s unique creature types, skills, and attacks add to its unique experience.
#2. Zenith: The Last City
Ramen VR’s exclusive VR MMO, released on December 18, 2021, utilizes combat technology and is one of the first to use it. However, players must be quick, time their actions, and chain abilities for powerful combos. The game features world bosses and dungeons and is still in its infancy, but it’s a promising addition to the VR gaming experience.
#3. Destiny 2
Destiny 2, a first-person shooter MMO from Bungie Inc., released on September 6, 2017, offers fast-paced FPS action on platforms like PC, Steam, Playstation, and Xbox. Players embark on a journey beyond Earth’s boundaries, featuring story campaigns, PvP arenas, battlegrounds, mixed PvE and PvP scenarios, and three main classes: Guarding, Warlock, and Hunter. Additionally, the game offers character customization and a generous weapon selection.
#4. Rust
Rust is a survival game with MMO elements, challenging players to survive in harsh environments. Therefore, players must find shelter, rely on food for food buffs, and progress from surviving to thriving. Note that the game has no rules, making it enjoyable without them.
#5. Path of Exile
Path of Exile, a multiplayer game developed by Grinding Gear Games, was released on October 23, 2013. It is suitable for smaller groups and offers numerous classes, unlimited skills, and gem combinations. Since its 2013 release, the game has grown, showcasing its ability to thrive on a cosmetic-only cash shop policy. Players can enjoy the game as a party game or for solo gaming.
#6. EVE Online
EVE Online, a classic space MMO from CCP Games, was released on May 6, 2003, on PC, Steam, Mac, and Linux. It is not your typical casual unwind game, with a steep learning curve and challenging rewards. To succeed, newbies should find a rookie-friendly corporation and read guides. With time and effort, a unique experience awaits.
#7. Lost Ark
Lost Ark, an action MMORPG released in 2022, was a massive hit for fans of isometric MMOs. Developed by Smilegate, the game features hack-and-slash combat, an advanced class system, skills, and diverse equipment.
Players can create unique avatars and participate in various PvE and PvP activities, including quests, dungeons, raids, exploration, world bosses, and PvP duels. Although it has earned a reputation for being difficult, the time investment is ultimately up to each player.
#8. Elder Scrolls Online
Skyrim ESO, released on April 4, 2014, is a multiplayer adventure that expands the Elder Scrolls (TES) lore. Developed by ZeniMax Online Studios, the game allows players to explore the world of Tamriel and immerse themselves in TES lore.
Although the story experience may not be as engaging as single-player RPGs, it offers a good MMO experience with decent raids, dungeons, PvP, player housing, and dynamic events.
#9. Lord of the Rings Online
Lord of the Rings Online, developed by Turbine and Standing Stone Games, was released on April 24, 2007. Despite facing numerous challenges, the game offers a diverse Middle-earth experience for players of Classic Fantasy. With multiple story quests, notable characters, and activities, LOTRO is a chill MMO with a friendly player base, perfect for newbies or casual players.
#10. Black Desert Online
Black Desert Online, a massively multiplayer online game developed by Pearl Abyss, was released in December 2014 on various platforms. It features visually appealing gameplay that blends theme park and sandbox elements.
Furthermore, the combat system is fast-paced, requiring swift actions. Additionally, life skills like trading, farming, sailing, and fishing keep players engaged, and various activities like questing, exploration, and PvP wars keep players engaged.
#11. Albion Online
Albion Online is a fantasy MMO with a sandbox open-world playground and a classless system. The game’s play style changes based on equipment, with crafting being a core feature. Players can create impressive home grounds using crafting resources and materials. However, to access these resources, players must be comfortable fighting.
15 Free MMORPG Games for PC
Here are some free MMORPG games for PC:
- World of Warcraft (Free Trial)
- Guild Wars 2
- Star Wars: The Old Republic
- TERA
- Neverwinter
- Blade & Soul
- Path of Exile
- Albion Online
- RuneScape (Free-to-play version)
- Aion Free-to-Play
- Dungeons & Dragons Online
- Lord of the Rings Online
- DC Universe Online
- Star Trek Online
- Eve Online (Free-to-play version)
Are There Any Free MMOs?
Here are popular free MMOs:
- Warframe
- Path of Exile
- Destiny 2
- Apex Legends
- Star Wars: The Old Republic
- Planetside 2
- Paladins
- Star Trek Online
- Guild Wars 2 (Free-to-play version)
- RuneScape (Free-to-play version)
- Neverwinter
- DC Universe Online
- Lord of the Rings Online (Free-to-play version)
- EVE Online (Free-to-play version)
- Trove
- Secret World Legends
- TERA
- World of Tanks
- Black Desert Online (Free trial available)
- ArcheAge (Free-to-play version)
What MMO Is Not P2W?
The following games are not P2W (pay-to-win) MMO games:
- Mortal Online 2
- New World
- Final Fantasy 14
- Guild Wars 1
- FFXI
- Gorgon1
- Sword of Legends
- Crowfall
Is Lost Ark Completely Free?
Lost Ark is a free-to-play MMO in the fictional world of Arkesia.
Why Has MMOS Died?
Over-monetization negatively impacts MMORPGs, as they heavily rely on cosmetic items, achievements, and mounts for dedication, progress, and prestige. Microtransactions create a “pay-to-win” environment, removing incentives to play.
Other genres, like Halo Infinite and Minecraft, focus on gameplay, while World of Warcraft, and Lost Ark prioritize progression and cosmetics. Therefore, putting a price tag on items and cosmetics ruins the prestige and value of those earned through gameplay.
Why Do MMOs Cost So Much?
MMOs cost so much because developing the game is challenging and expensive due to its complexity and time requirements. Therefore, MMOs typically adopt business models like subscription fees, expansions, and in-game purchases to cover expenses and generate revenue.
Note that this revenue supports development, server maintenance, content updates, and ongoing support, ensuring the longevity and quality of the MMO experience.
What Is the Most Casually Friendly MMO?
Here’s a list of MMOs that are often considered to be more casually friendly:
- Guild Wars 2
- World of Warcraft
- Final Fantasy XIV
- The Elder Scrolls Online
- Star Wars: The Old Republic
- AdventureQuest Worlds
- Trove
- MapleStory
What MMO Will You Start Playing In 2023?
The best MMOs to start playing in 2023 are:
- Old School RuneScape.
- Eve Online.
- Guild Wars 2.
- Star Wars:
- The Old Republic.
- Lost Ark.
- Fallout 76.
- New World
- Ashes of Creation
- Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
- The Elder Scrolls Online
- World of Warcraft
- Genshin Impact
What MMORPG Game Is Like Free Guy?
Here’s a list of MMORPGs that share some elements or themes similar to “Free Guy”:
- Trove
- Skyforge
- Secret World Legends
- AdventureQuest Worlds
Which MMO Pays Money?
Here are some MMOs that gamers can make money from:
- Entropia Universe
- Second Life
- EVE Online
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