
Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) illustrate the perfect microcosm of what makes the internet great. They connect players across continents, involve broad and evolving new worlds, and challenge users to coordinate like no other.
Before the turn of the new millennium, there were so few of these titles that offering a list of the best was simple. Today, the exact opposite is true.
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 |
1. RAID: Shadow Legends

Developer | Plarium |
Release date | March 2019 |
Subgenre | Hero collector RPG, gacha |
Available platforms | PC, iOS, Android |
Rating | Mostly positive reviews on Steam |
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 | Theme park 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.
However, WoW’s rich history also presents a potential hurdle. With years of content updates and
3. Final Fantasy XIV

Developer | Square Enix |
Release date | August 27, 2013 |
Subgenre | Theme park MMORPG |
Available platforms | PC, Mac, PlayStation |
Rating | 91/100 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, theme park 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 | Theme park 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 | Mixed reviews on Steam |
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 | Theme park 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 | Theme park and sandox MMORPG |
Available platforms | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
Rating | 70/100 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 in 2025 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.
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
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.
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 in 2025?
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.