The 19 Best MMORPGs For Limitless Adventure In 2025

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) illustrate the perfect microcosm of what makes the internet great. The best MMORPG titles connect players across continents, involve broad and evolving new worlds, and challenge users to coordinate like no other.

Flooded with new and classic options, determining the best MMORPG of 2025 is a challenging task. MMOs are now highly varied, with new titles continuing to expand the genre and blur the lines of how they’re defined.

That said, there are some standouts for the best MMORPGs 2024 has to offer that are unique in what they offer and are undeniably loved. Let’s take a look at 13 of these titles and explore what players can expect.

The Best MMORPG Games at a Glance

With a large MMORPG list, you’ll likely be spending more than a few minutes thinking of the best game to get into. Don’t worry — a quick glance over this table will help you decide.

Games	Best for	Platforms
RAID: Shadow Legends	Fans of turn-based RPGs looking for a strategic team-building game	PC, iOS, Android
World of Warcraft	Gamers looking to dive into immersive fantasy realms designed for co-op and PvP gameplay	PC, Mac
Final Fantasy XIV	Fans of powerful storytelling looking for a game with strong social elements and flexible gameplay	PC, Mac, PlayStation
Guild Wars 2	Fans of Dungeons & Dragons lore and fast-paced action combat	PC
EVE Online	Fans of loot-driven shooters and casual MMO experiences	PC, Mac
The Elder Scrolls Online	Players seeking a classic MMORPG experience with a vast and open world, deep skilling systems, and a strong sense of community	PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox
Black Desert Online	Fans of the Elder Scrolls series and players seeking a vast open world to explore with friends	PC, PlayStation, Xbox, iOS, Android
RuneScape	Players seeking a unique and challenging sandbox experience with deep player interaction and strategic gameplay	PC, Mac, iOS, Android
Star Wars: The Old Republic	Star Wars fans looking for an immersive experience with MMO elements	PC
Lost Ark	Gamers who enjoy stylish combat with endgame PvE raids and PvP battles	PC
New World: Aeternum	Gamers who enjoy a sandbox MMO looking for action-driven combat and deep crafting mechanics	PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Destiny 2	Gamers looking for a skill-based FPS game with rich lore and PvE content	PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Neverwinter	D&D fans looking for a game with fast-paced combat and rich co-op experience	PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Lord of the Rings Online	Fans of Tolkien looking for an MMORPG that brings Middle-earth to life	Windows
Warframe	Gamers looking for an MMORPG that offers diverse ways to play, from co-op PvE to high-stakes PvP	Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, iOS
Albion Online	Players looking for an MMORPG that offers solo and cooperative PvP	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Wizard101	Gamers interested in a turn-based MMORPG with combat mechanics similar to card games and a variety of side quests and activities to enjoy	Windows, macOS, Xbox
EverQuest	Players interested in a classic MMORPG title with a greater focus on role-play than combat	Windows
Maplestory	Players interested in an MMORPG that pairs endless hours of side-scrolling play time with unique graphics	Windows

1. RAID: Shadow Legends

• Developer
  Plarium
• Release date
  March 2019
• Subgenre
  Hero collector RPG, gacha
• Available platforms
  PC, iOS, Android
• Rating
  4.6/5 on Google Play
• Best for
  Fans of turn-based RPGs looking for a strategic team-building game
• Gameplay features
  Turn-based combat with 700+ collectible champions, PvE and PvP modes, faction-based team-building

The joy of turn-based RPGs often lies in the strategy and tactics that go into them. RAID: Shadow Legends cleverly blends team-based gameplay with gacha mechanics, emphasizing long-term progression.

Its mobile game version provides a similar experience, letting you enjoy what the game has to offer across different platforms. This one’s for you if you’re into dungeons, campaigns, and high-stakes PvP fights. 

2. World of Warcraft

• Developer
  Blizzard Entertainment
• Release date
  November 23, 2004
• Subgenre
  Action, MMORPG
• Available platforms
  PC, Mac
• Rating
  93/100 on 
  Metacritic
• Best for
  Gamers looking to dive into immersive fantasy realms designed for co-op and PvP gameplay
• Gameplay features
  Expansive open world, deep lore, storytelling, multiple playable races, classes

The world of MMOs and MMORPGs would be incomplete without the mention of World of Warcraft (WoW). In its early days, this game quickly set the gaming world on fire, becoming one of the most influential releases of all time. WoW took what was often an overcomplicated genre and simplified the formula.

Modern WoW has streamlined many aspects of the game, making it more approachable than ever for new players. The core gameplay — character creation, exploration, questing, and instanced content — remains engaging, offering a vast and wondrous world to delve into.

3. Final Fantasy XIV

• Developer
  Square Enix
• Release date
  August 27, 2013
• Subgenre
  Action, MMORPG
• Available platforms
  PC, Mac, PlayStation
• Rating
  86/100 on Metacritic
• Best for
  Fans of powerful storytelling looking for a game with strong social elements and flexible gameplay
• Gameplay features
  Story-driven quests, large-scale PvE content, flexible class/job system

Final Fantasy XIV isn’t just a good game filled with fascinating themes — it’s a great MMORPG that creatively mixes different genres. Players can dominate the landscape with their favorite Final Fantasy classes, uncover dungeons, do raids together, and more. From the healing White Mage to the high-jumping Dragoon, this title is a love letter to fans.

Over the years, the game has continued to improve and cater to an active community — and a big part of this is the story focus. Each expansion has been built on a strong narrative into what many consider the best Final Fantasy experience ever.

4. Guild Wars 2

• Developer
  ArenaNet
• Release date
  August 28, 2012
• Subgenre
  Action, MMORPG
• Available platforms
  PC
• Rating
  90/100 on 
  Metacritic
• Best for
  Gamers who enjoy a dynamic open world with fast-paced combat
• Gameplay features
  Event-driven open world, fast-paced action, structured PvP arenas

As one of the highest-grossing games in the MMORPG genre, Guild Wars 2 has carved out a niche with an action-packed combat system and a focus on horizontal progression — a system in which you don’t necessarily get stronger as you level. 

With mechanics like gliding, mounts, and elite specialists that define each class, Guild Wars 2 has continuously expanded on its foundations. This has attracted many PvP enthusiasts as well as those who simply wish to experience the game’s exploration and story-driven content. 

5. Eve Online

• Developer
  CCP Games
• Release date
  May 6, 2003
• Subgenre
  Space MMORPG
• Available platforms
  PC, Mac
• Rating
  88/100 on 
  Metacritic
• Best for
  Gamers looking for a sci-fi open-ended adventure with player-driven economies
• Gameplay features
  Player-driven economy, vast open world, epic space battles, deep political systems, and player alliances

As one of the older free PC games on this list, EVE Online has reached legendary status in the online gaming world. The gameplay loop in EVE Online involves piloting spaceships and upgrading your financial status. From starting with a small craft to becoming the most successful player with massive capital ships, you can expect a long progression system.

The game’s community makes it one of the top MMOs to get into right now. After all, EVE Online involves a very controlled setting by human clans and player groups. Guilds claim entire portions of the galaxy, fighting for domination and against oblivion.

6. The Elder Scrolls Online

• Developer
  ZeniMax Online Studios
• Release date
  April 4, 2014
• Subgenre
  Action, fantasy MMORPG
• Available platforms
  PC, Mac, PlayStation, Xbox
• Rating
  80/100 on 
  Metacritic
• Best for
  Fans of The Elder Scrolls series looking for a vibrant open-world experience with both solo and multiplayer content
• Gameplay features
  Expansive open world, flexible class system, frequent expansions, PvE and PvP content

Godlike mechanics and epic stories are often part of the experience in The Elder Scrolls. However, with The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), you’re introduced to the world of Tamriel through large-scale multiplayer features. From dungeons and trials to PvE and PvP-focused activities, there’s a lot to brave through here.

ESO has become one of the top MMORPGs in the genre right now, thanks to expansions like Summerset, Elswyr, and more. Each region in the game has surprising stories to tell and fascinating gear and quests to encounter. If you ever run out of quests, simply keep walking in any direction, and you’ll likely find something new.

7. Black Desert Online

• Developer
  Pearl Abyss
• Release date
  December 2014
• Subgenre
  Action MMORPG
• Available platforms
  PC, PlayStation, Xbox, iOS, Android
• Rating
  73/100 on 
  Metacritic
• Best for
  Gamers who enjoy fast-paced combat in an immersive open world
• Gameplay features
  Action-packed combat, dynamic open world, deep character customization, open-ended progression

Black Desert Online is a visually compelling experience that mixes open-world exploration with action-packed combat. Even on smaller screens, it makes for one of the best mobile RPGs available right now. The game’s intense PvP aspects also make it a noteworthy addition to this list.

As a free MMORPG, Black Desert Online takes progression systems up a notch by keeping it highly rewarding with grind-heavy mechanics. This demands a lot of time and dedication, which is ideal for players looking for a long-term game to enjoy.

8. RuneScape

• Developer
  Jagex
• Release date
  January 4, 2001
• Subgenre
  Classic sandbox MMORPG
• Available platforms
  PC, Mac, iOS, Android
• Rating
  3.1/5 on Google Play
• Best for
  Gamers looking for an open-ended adventure focused on a flexible progression system
• Gameplay features
  Skill-based progression, open-ended gameplay, PvP and PvE mechanics, a diverse range of activities

RuneScape is one of the longest-running games in the genre, often known for its unique blend of accessible gameplay and flexible progression systems. You can train over 20 different skills, engaging in different activities tailored to your playstyle.

Whether it’s the modernized version, like RuneScape 3, that you’re diving into, or Old School RuneScape with traditional systems, the game promises a community-driven experience with deeply rewarding sandbox mechanics.

9. Star Wars: The Old Republic

• Developer
  BioWare, Electronic Arts
• Release date
  December 20, 2011
• Subgenre
  Space MMORPG
• Available platforms
  PC
• Rating
  85/100 on 
  Metacritic
• Best for
  Star Wars fans looking for an immersive experience with MMO elements
• Gameplay features
  Immersive storytelling, unique character classes, large-scale faction battles

Star Wars: The Old Republic allows you to fill the shoes of Jedi, Sith, troopers, bounty hunters, smugglers, and Imperial Agents, creating an atmosphere for endless possibilities. After all, building your clan is no ordinary task, especially if you’re in a galaxy far, far away. Backed up by the trademark strong BioWare story and systems of morality, it’s easy to see why this game has remained popular. The gameplay mechanics stay promising, as the game offers large-scale battles and lots of PvE and PvP elements.

10. Lost Ark

• Developer
  BioWare, Electronic Arts
• Release date
  December 4, 2019
• Subgenre
  Smilegate RPG
• Available platforms
  PC
• Rating
  81/100 on 
  Metacritic
• Best for
  Gamers who enjoy stylish combat with endgame PvE raids and PvP battles
• Gameplay features
  Fast-paced action, exploration, massive PvE content, open-world events

Lost Ark blends high-intensity combat with cinematic dungeons, combining some of the most popular MMORPG elements within a single game. Its online RPG elements and fantasy settings include a naval system that lets you sail between islands in hopes of uncovering hidden treasures.

The game’s endgame content makes it popular among the MMO community. Whether you’re playing as a hard-hitting warrior or a stealthy assassin, you can customize your playstyle to ensure that the game’s content feels rewarding even after hours of playthrough. 

11. New World: Aeternum

• Developer
  Amazon Games
• Release date
  September 28, 2021
• Subgenre
  Fantasy MMORPG
• Available platforms
  PC, PlayStation, Xbox
• Rating
  75/100 on 
  Metacritic
• Best for
  Gamers who enjoy a sandbox MMO looking for action-driven combat and deep crafting mechanics
• Gameplay features
  Action-focused combat and movement, classless progression system, crafting and gathering mechanics

New World: Aeternum’s focus on crafting, open-world exploration, and player-driven economies offers a refreshing take on the genre — especially when much of it is inspired by the Age of Exploration and features period-accurate weapons like rapiers and muskets. 

What makes New World a contender for one of the top MMORPGs is its emphasis on community. While much of what you do is for your own benefit, there’s still satisfaction in fighting for your human neighbors and community.

12. Destiny 2

• Developer
  Bungie
• Release date
  September 6, 2017
• Subgenre
  Massively multiplayer online first-person shooter (MMOFPS)
• Available platforms
  PC, PlayStation, Xbox
• Rating
  85/100 on 
  Metacritic
• Best for
  Gamers looking for a skill-based FPS game with rich lore and PvE content
• Gameplay features
  Fast-paced FPS mechanics, three distinct classes, narrative-driven PvE content

When it first launched, many considered Destiny 2 a disappointing game. However, the game was built on the foundations of strong first-person gameplay, sci-fi storytelling, and endless PvE and PvP content to dive into, and it’s gained popularity over the years. As a free-to-play MMORPG, the game is home to millions of players upgrading their gear and abilities. 

As a Guardian who wields powerful futuristic weaponry and abilities, the core gameplay loop revolves around missions, strikes (boss encounters), and raids — challenging cooperative activities that demand teamwork and coordination.

13. Neverwinter

• Developer
  Cryptic Studios
• Release date
  September 6, 2017
• Subgenre
  Massively multiplayer online first-person shooter (MMOFPS)
• Available platforms
  PC, PlayStation, Xbox
• Rating
  74/100 on 
  Metacritic
• Best for
  D&D fans looking for a game with fast-paced combat and rich co-op experience
• Gameplay features
  Set in the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) universe, PvE and PvP aspects, several playable races/classes

Neverwinter takes the rich lore and classic mechanics of D&D and translates them into a fast-paced online world. Players choose from familiar races and classes, wielding powerful spells and abilities in dynamic combat encounters.

Thanks to its real-time combat mechanics, you can dodge incoming attacks and execute powerful abilities. This leads to mastering your character and build as well as learning enemy mechanics and boss fights within a story-rich setting.

14. Lord of the Rings Online

• Developer
  Standing Stone Games
• Release date
  April 24, 2007
• Subgenre
  Fantasy MMORPG
• Available platforms
  Windows
• Rating
  86/100 on Metacritic
• Best for
  Fans of Tolkien looking for an MMORPG that brings Middle-earth to life
• Gameplay features
  Over a decade’s worth of updates and new content, themes from Tolkien’s Middle-earth, customizable playstyle, character customization, crafting, and non-traditional combat

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience Eriador? With Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO), you can. This 2007 MMORPG allows you to design your own character, customize your playstyle through skills and traits, and explore the magical world from Tolkien’s literary universe. 

Although it is an older title on our list, it’s received new updates and content throughout its lifespan, with one as recent as 2021. 

One feature that sets LOTRO apart from other titles in this genre is its unique combat system. Rather than traditional PvP, this game offers PvMP, or Player versus Monster Player. With this combat style, you can create a character from the monster player classes and gain Infamy Ranks.

15. Warframe

• Developer
  Digital Extremes
• Release date
  March 25, 2013
• Subgenre
  Action, third-person shooter MMORPG
• Available platforms
  Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, iOS
• Rating
  64/100 on Metacritic
• Best for
  Gamers looking for a MMORPG that offers diverse ways to play, from co-op PvE to high-stakes PvP
• Gameplay features
  Cross platform capabilities, sci-fi themes, rotating missions, NPC opponents, co-op PvE missions, PvP content

Warframe is a classic among MMORPGs, both for PC and console, as well as mobile. This title has something for everyone, whether you want to team up with friends and take on co-op missions with a focus on PvE elements or put your skills to the test with its PvP options. 

Warframe combines classic MMORPG features with action and third-person shooting, which makes for hours of interesting gameplay. Plus, as an Android port is in development, you can soon enjoy this fan-favorite title on a new platform.

16. Albion Online

• Developer
  Sandbox Interactive
• Release date
  July 17, 2017
• Subgenre
  Medieval fantasy MMORPG
• Available platforms
  Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
• Rating
  72/100 on Metacritic
• Best for
  Players looking for an MMORPG that offers solo and cooperative PvP
• Gameplay features
  No classes, open world map, scaling PvP zones, guilds, Zerg vs Zerg (ZvZ) combat

For players interested in a sandbox MMORPG, Albion Online is a top pick. Unlike other medieval fantasy games with character creation, Albion Online doesn’t include a class system. Rather, your character’s equipment determines their traits, giving you more flexible gameplay and the ability to pivot to new strategies.

There are several different PvP zones throughout the open world of Albion Online. Each zone scales, with deaths resulting in more and more lost loot. You can also join a guild and engage in massive ZvZ conflicts.

17. Wizard101

• Developer
  KingsIsle Entertainment
• Release date
  September 2, 2008
• Subgenre
  Turn-based, fantasy MMORPG
• Available platforms
  Windows, macOS, Xbox
• Rating
  9/10 on Steam
• Best for
  Gamers interested in a turn-based MMORPG with combat mechanics similar to card games and a variety of side quests and activities to enjoy
• Gameplay features
  7 magic schools with different spells, PvAI duels, turn-based combat, hobbies and crafting, PvP

Wizard101 strays away from the traditional open world you see in many MMORPGs. Instead, you must progress through levels, unlocking new worlds as you go. However, another factor to keep in mind when researching this title is its payment model. You can either buy each world separately or unlock it with a paid subscription.

Aside from its unique world progression, Wizard101 blends the elements of MMORPG with other genres. It offers a fantastical world to explore as you defeat enemies in turn-based magical combat.

18. EverQuest

• Developer
  Verant Interactive, 989 Studios
• Release date
  March 16, 1999
• Subgenre
  Fantasy MMORPG
• Available platforms
  Windows
• Rating
  85/100 on Metacritic
• Best for
  Players interested in a classic MMORPG title with a greater focus on role-play than combat
• Gameplay features
  3D graphics, character creation, medieval fantasy themes, quests, PvP zones and servers, guilds

EverQuest may be one of the oldest titles on our list, but it certainly hasn’t lost its charm since its release in 1999. This title draws inspiration from text-based dungeon games at the time, which shows through its focus on role-play. While there are designated areas for PvP, much of its gameplay revolves around communicating with other players and guild mechanics.

Before you dive into EverQuest’s 3D world, you can build your own character. This includes choosing what they look like and who they are, such as picking their patron deity.

19. MapleStory

• Developer
  Nexon
• Release date
  April 29, 2003
• Subgenre
  Fantasy MMORPG
• Available platforms
  Windows
• Rating
  6/10 on Steam
• Best for
  Players interested in an MMORPG that pairs endless hours of side-scrolling play time with unique graphics
• Gameplay features
  Multiple classes, boss battles, Chibi-like graphics, quests, combat, side-scrolling gameplay

MapleStory offers a variety of features that help it stand out in a sea of MMORPGs. First, it offers a unique graphic style with Chibi-like characters, reminiscent of titles like Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail. However, its gameplay also differs from traditional styles, straying away from the open world approach for side-scrolling gameplay.

At its core, however, MapleStory’s gameplay heavily features dungeon-crawling elements. You can receive quests from NPCs in the game and venture into dungeons in pursuit of loot. It also runs on a server system, so while you can only play in one world with one character at a time, you can have multiple characters across different worlds.

Upcoming MMORPGS: 2025 and 2026

From some of the first MMORPGs from the 1990s to modern titles, there are hundreds of popular titles in this genre to explore. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t new titles to also look forward to. Here are some of the upcoming MMORPGs for 2025 and 2026 to keep an eye out for.

Chrono Odyssey	Kakao Games	Late 2025	A fantastical open-world MMORPG with combat that revolves around rewinding and stopping time
Camelot Unchained	Unchained Entertainment	Late 2025	A medieval MMORPG with a classic sandbox formula, with a focus on large-scale PvP
Stars Reach	Playable Worlds, Inc.	Early 2026	A sci-fi MMORPG with a player-defined world set in space
Corepunk	Artificial Core	2025	A quest-based MMORPG with hardcore mechanics and significant resource management

How To Choose the Best MMORPG

Sometimes, you don’t know you’ll like an MMORPG until you give it a try. For those who aren’t sure what they like, here are some key criteria to consider before you buy:

• Gameplay mechanics: Do you crave action-packed combat like Destiny 2 or Guild Wars 2 or a more strategic approach like EVE Online? Consider the combat style, character progression systems, and overall feel of the gameplay loop.
• Story quality: For some, a captivating narrative is paramount. Games like Final Fantasy XIV and Star Wars: The Old Republic offer rich storylines that unfold as you explore the world. If story takes a backseat for you, titles with a focus on sandbox experiences like New World or EVE Online might be a better fit.
• Character development: How much freedom do you desire in crafting your character? Some MMORPGs, like the Elder Scrolls Online, offer deep customization options, while others have more defined character classes like World of Warcraft. Consider the playstyle you envision and the level of flexibility you crave.
• Replayability: Do you enjoy endlessly grinding for gear and min-maxing your character, or do you prefer a more casual experience with diverse content? Think about how much time you can dedicate and the type of long-term engagement that keeps you motivated. Games with regular content updates and expansions, like World of Warcraft or Guild Wars 2, might offer a good long-term commitment, while titles with a focus on community-driven content creation, like EVE Online, provide a different kind of replayability.

With these top MMORPG titles, players have a way to engage the full range of possibilities on offer. Whether you’re looking to spend hours building up a second life or jumping in now and then to unwind, there should be something on this list for everyone.

Just remember to learn the MMORPG games lingo first, and there’s no telling how far your adventures in the virtual world could take you!

Explore Immersive MMORPG Worlds

Part of the fun of MMORPGs is connecting with others; few titles revolve around communication, collaboration, and even PvP like these games do. 

The incredible variety of MMORPGs offers endless stories, settings, and communities to explore — there’s a fantastic experience waiting for each type of gamer. Whether you’re into action-packed adventures or slow-paced strategic battles, there are several MMORPG titles to choose from.

Best MMORPGs FAQ

Still have some doubts about MMORPGs? Here are the most commonly asked questions on the topic to help you find your new world.

What Is an MMO Game?

An MMO game is a virtual experience where thousands of players interact within the same online world. Such games offer several adventures with character progression, large-scale interactions, and years’ worth of content.

Can I Play MMORPGs Solo, or Are They Better With a Team?

While most MMORPGs are designed to be played with other players, some experiences like Destiny 2 and The Elder Scrolls Online can be played completely solo. However, it’s still recommended that you find a group of players to play with.

What Is the Largest MMO in the World?

The largest MMO in the world by active player base is World of Warcraft, and it has held the top spot for a long time. World of Warcraft and Neverwinter boast very active communities that have kept them populated for years.

What Is the Best MMO?

There’s no single “best” MMORPG, as it depends on individual preferences. Our guide highlights a variety of titles catering to different playstyles. Consider the factors mentioned above to find the game that best suits your desires.