The 11 Best MMORPGs To Explore in 2024

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 2024 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 11 of these titles and explore what players can expect.

The Best MMORPGs

1. World of Warcraft

2. Final Fantasy 14

3. Neverwinter

4. Destiny 2

5. Old School RuneScape

6. The Elder Scrolls Online

7. Eve Online

8. Star Wars: The Old Republic

9. New World

10. Guild Wars 2

11. Starbase

1. World of Warcraft

• Genre: High fantasy MMORPG
• Platforms: PC
• Gameplay features: Choose your hero (race and class), explore a vast world, conquer dungeons and raids, forge guilds
• Release date: 2004
• Price: Free up to level 20, $40 for the full game, $15/month subscription fee
• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
• Best for: Fantasy fans, social MMO enthusiasts
   

No list of the best MMORPGs in 2024 would be complete without mentioning World of Warcraft (WoW). It's no spring chicken — the original version of WoW hit shelves back in 2004.

This title 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.

Despite this, it was still a deep experience, only with a level of accessibility that few could boast. Undergoing significant redesign since its launch, WoW has seen nine expansions over its lifespan.

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 expansions, there's a significant amount of lore and systems to learn. While the game offers helpful tutorials and streamlined mechanics, those seeking a quick jump into cutting-edge content might find the initial climb a bit steeper.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect from a time investment standpoint:

• Casual play: Exploring the world, completing quests in starter zones, and experiencing the early story can be done at a relaxed pace.
• Deeper engagement: Raiding and high-level dungeons require more investment, involving gear acquisition, building character knowledge, and potentially finding a guild for group content.

Ultimately, World of Warcraft rewards dedication but caters to a range of playstyles. Whether you seek a sprawling solo adventure or a community-driven experience, WoW offers a path for players to carve their own legend in Azeroth.

2. Final Fantasy 14

• Genre: High fantasy MMORPG
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
• Gameplay features: Story focus, flexible classes, diverse content (dungeons, crafting, social)
• Release date: 2010, 2013
• Price: Free to play to level 60, $20 for Starter Edition, $60 for Complete Edition, $15/month subscription fee
• Developer: Square Enix
• Best for: Story lovers, all-rounder players (solo and group content)

When the first version of FF14 launched in 2010, the game was limited, it performed poorly, and it seemed to ignore many of the lessons of its FF11 predecessor. Going back to the drawing board, the company then decided that it was time to try again. From what was a complete misfire, the famed Final Fantasy phoenix rose. FF14: ARR wasn't just a good MMO born from a bad one; it was a great game with a promising future.

Finally, players can dominate the landscape with their favorite Final Fantasy classes, competing and cooperating like never before. From the healing White Mage class to the high-jumping Dragoon, this newest title is a love letter to fans.

FF14: ARR continued to improve. A big part of this was thanks to the story focus the title embraced so much. Each expansion built on a strong narrative into what many consider the best Final Fantasy story ever.

3. Neverwinter

• Genre: Action MMORPG
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
• Gameplay features: Action combat, character customization, dungeons and raids, companions, epic storylines
• Release date: 2013
• Price: Free to play with optional in-game purchases and currencies
• Developer: Cryptic Studios
• Best for: Fans of Dungeons & Dragons lore and fast-paced action combat

Neverwinter takes the rich lore and classic mechanics of Dungeons & Dragons 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.

The game offers a good mix of solo and group content, with the heart of the experience lying in conquering dungeons and raids that require strategic teamwork.

Mastering your character and build involves not only understanding your abilities but also learning enemy mechanics and boss fights. While action combat is easy to pick up, achieving peak performance takes dedication and practice, especially for challenging endgame content.

Overall, Neverwinter offers a satisfying blend of accessible action and depth that keeps players engaged in their adventures through the Forgotten Realms.

4. Destiny 2

• Genre: Shared world shooter (MMO-Lite)
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Gameplay features: Looter shooter, gunplay focus, raids, character subclasses, social hubs, long-term story development
• Release date: 2017
• Price: Free to play with optional expansions for access to story content and endgame activities
• Developer: Bungie
• Best for: Fans of loot-driven shooters and casual MMO experiences

Destiny 2 blends the thrill of first-person shooter combat with social MMO elements. Players create Guardians, powerful warriors wielding futuristic weaponry and abilities. The core gameplay loop revolves around missions, strikes (boss encounters), and raids — challenging cooperative activities that demand teamwork and coordination.

While Destiny 2 incorporates some MMO aspects, like shared world spaces and social hubs, it doesn't fully embrace the traditional MMORPG experience. Content releases are seasonal, with a focus on acquiring loot and progressively upgrading your character.

Difficulty can vary depending on the activity, with endgame raids requiring mastery of mechanics and strong teamwork. Grinding (investing hours in tasks or activities) for hours at a time can be a factor, especially when chasing specific rare gear that depends on RNG rolls. However, the free-to-play model allows players to experience a significant portion of the content without investment, making it a worthwhile entry point for fans of the genre who crave a social FPS experience.
 

5. Old School RuneScape

• Genre: Sandbox MMORPG
• Platforms: PC, mobile
• Gameplay features: Skill-based progression, vast open world, player-driven economy, diverse activities (combat, crafting, quests)
• Release date: 2013 (re-release based on 2007 version)
• Price: Free with optional membership for additional content and features
• Developer: Jagex
• Best for: Players seeking a classic MMORPG experience with a vast and open world, deep skilling systems, and a strong sense of community

Around the turn of the new millennium, many home computers couldn't play advanced games. Web games solved this problem, as they were simple enough to run on nearly anything. 

Some players feared that RuneScape had lost the classic charm. To solve this problem, the developer released Old School RuneScape (OSRS).

This version adopted the old look but kept performance updates and quality-of-life changes. It might look 20 years old, but make no mistake, this is still one of the best MMORPG titles around.

Players in Old School RuneScape chase the same goals that made the original a classic. Collect gear, fight monsters, set up shop, and click until your mouse wears out. Easy to run, free, and with low requirements, it's easy to see why this game still holds up.

Players progress by skilling (developing skills/abilities), grinding for gear, and participating in a player-driven economy. The iconic click-to-attack combat and emphasis on time investment resonate with those seeking a nostalgic adventure.

However, compared to RuneScape 3 (the latest iteration to date), OSRS offers a less streamlined experience. The learning curve can be steeper for newcomers due to the lack of modern conveniences like action bars or automatic pathfinding. While OSRS remains highly playable with its vast content and dedicated community, gamers accustomed to faster-paced MMOs might find the initial grind a bit daunting.

6. The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)

• Genre: MMORPG
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
• Gameplay features: Open-world exploration, diverse character builds, story-driven quests, group dungeons and raids, crafting, player housing
• Release date: 2014
• Price: Free to play up to level 50 with limited access to certain areas and features, $40 for the most recent expansion (grants access to all previous chapters), $15/month subscription fee (optional, unlocks bonuses like crafting bag space and XP boosts)
• Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios
• Best for: Fans of the Elder Scrolls series and players seeking a vast open world to explore with friends

The Elder Scrolls franchise has always been about exploring an enormous world, so it makes sense that it would suit an online game.

Taking place on Tamriel in the Second Era, TES: Online takes what is essentially the modern Skyrim framework and adapts it into the online space.

Starting as a prisoner, in typical Scrolls fashion, the player has a lot of power over their character's skills and style. From the stealthy Khajiit Warden to a more brutish Orc Dragonknight, this title pulls deep from the series' established lore.

As for what makes it one of the best MMORPGs in 2024, credit has to go to the worldbuilding above all else. Bethesda has spent a long time crafting this world, and rarely is that as evident as it is with ESO.

ESO's emphasis on honoring and expanding on the Elder Scrolls lore is a major draw for fans of the series, allowing them to explore Tamriel alongside fellow players. While ESO's vastness can be daunting for newcomers, with years of content updates and a sprawling open world, there's a significant amount to discover.

While some players appreciate the freedom to explore and the wealth of content, others might find the initial learning curve steeper due to the lack of a streamlined tutorial for newer MMO mechanics. However, the supportive ESO community offers plenty of resources and guides to help players navigate the vast world and character customization options.

From lowly street hustlers to high-level political intrigue, ESO gives the player a front-row seat. It might not have the modding potential that sets the other games apart, but in terms of overall quality, this game is still a top performer.
 

7. Eve Online

• Genre: Space MMORPG
• Platforms: PC
• Gameplay features: Player-driven economy, spaceship piloting and customization, vast open world, large-scale space battles, complex industry and mining
• Release date: 2003
• Price: Free to play with optional in-game currency (PLEX) purchases for premium features and cosmetics
• Developer: CCP Games
• Best for: Players seeking a unique and challenging sandbox experience with deep player interaction and strategic gameplay. 

One of the older games on this list, Eve Online has reached legendary status in the online gaming world. Set over 21,000 years in the future, the universe of EO is one where humanity has long forgotten its roots.
Adopting a sort of space-facing tribalism, conflict is eternal over more than 5,000 star systems.
In terms of gameplay, the loop in Eve Online involves piloting spaceships and upgrading your financial status. Starting with a small craft, the most successful players can end up with massive capital ships and enough firepower to take down a small fleet on their own.

As for what elevates Eve to one of the best, that has to be the community. Eve Online involves a setting that is very much controlled by human clans and player groups. Guilds claim entire portions of the galaxy, fighting for domination and against oblivion.

It carves a unique niche in the MMORPG genre, taking spacefaring adventures and weaving them into a complex tapestry of player interaction and strategic gameplay. Here's what sets Eve Online apart:

• Player-driven economy: Forget pre-defined shops and vendors. Eve's economy is entirely player-controlled. Players mine resources, manufacture spaceships and modules, and engage in complex trade routes, fueling a dynamic and ever-evolving galactic marketplace.
• Persistent sandbox world: The entire galaxy of Eve Online exists on a single server, creating a truly persistent online world. Every action a player takes has a ripple effect, impacting the economy, power dynamics, and overall landscape of the game.
• Massive guild warfare: Large player corporations and alliances carve out their own empires in the vastness of space. These groups engage in epic territorial battles, economic warfare, and strategic maneuvering, creating a constant state of flux and player-driven conflict.
• High-stakes space combat: PvP (player versus player) combat is a central aspect of Eve Online. Spaceship customization allows for a vast array of playstyles, from nimble interceptors to heavily armored battleships. Spacefaring skirmishes can involve dozens or even hundreds of players, resulting in thrilling and high-stakes battles with real consequences.

This combination of features fosters a deep sense of community and player agency in Eve Online. Unlike traditional MMORPGs, where players fight monsters and complete pre-defined quests, Eve Online empowers players to forge their own destinies, be it as a lone wolf pilot, a cunning trader, or a member of a powerful galactic empire.

8. Star Wars: The Old Republic

• Genre: MMORPG
• Platforms: PC
• Gameplay features: Story-driven quests, impactful choices, diverse character classes, light vs. dark morality system, group dungeons and flashpoints, open-world exploration
• Release date: 2011
• Price: Free to play up to level 60 with limitations on features like chat restrictions and the Galactic Trade Market, subscription ($15/month) unlocks additional story content, expansions, and various gameplay benefits
• Developer: BioWare Austin
• Best for: Fans of the Star Wars universe seeking a story-rich MMORPG experience with deep role-playing opportunities 

After the hype, release, and then the death of 2003's Star Wars Galaxies, gamers were unsure about The Old Republic. Though the first CG trailers were of the highest quality, this was an era where Star Wars video games were in doubt.
When it first hit shelves in 2011, SW: TOR proved it had real legs. 

Now finding a place as one of the best free MMORPG experiences, the game, its world, and its story has come a long way. Allowing players to fill the shoes of Jedi, Sith, troopers, bounty hunters, smugglers, and Imperial Agents, choice in TOR is king.
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 itself was promising, as SWTOR offers a chance to forge your own legend within the iconic Star Wars setting.

Fans of Star Wars might have lived in a dark age once the license went to EA, but outside of their grasp, games from other developers remain strong. Still one of the best MMORPGs in 2024, TOR has proven its longevity.
Plus, if the last few years have been any indication, there's no risk of this game falling into the same trap that Galaxies did.

9. New World

• Genre: MMORPG
• Platforms: PC
• Gameplay features: Open-world exploration, crafting and gathering, territory control, player-driven economy, action combat, group expeditions
• Release date: 2021
• Price: $30 (no subscription fee)
• Developer: Amazon Games Orange County
• Best for: Players seeking a challenging and immersive MMORPG experience with a strong emphasis on crafting, open-world exploration, and player-driven content

New World launched with a bang in September 2021, shattering concurrent player records on Steam and capturing the imagination of MMO enthusiasts. Its focus on crafting, open-world exploration, and player-driven economies offered a refreshing take on the genre.

Taking place on a fictional island in the Atlantic Ocean, New World adopts a more realistic theme than most. This is a title that makes the player feel like an explorer of old, setting out to discover uncharted land while competing with a host of yet-unknown dangers.

In their journeys, players fight off animals both real and mythical, leveling up and improving their gear as they go. In their downtime, emphasis is on building and maintaining shelter, to show off a mastery of the otherwise hostile landscape.

For the wider story, each player finds themselves caught between the actions of three major factions. Each of these factions fights, schemes, and attempts to carve out as much ownership of the new land as possible.

One of the things that elevate New World to being a contender for one of the top MMORPGs in 2024 is its emphasis on community. You might not care for your faction, but there's still satisfaction in fighting for your human neighbors and community.

However, this promising start wasn't without its stumbles. Launch bugs, server instability, and balancing issues plagued the initial experience, frustrating players and hindering long-term retention. While the developers implemented patches and addressed some concerns, the initial rocky launch left a mark. 

10. Guild Wars 2

• Genre: MMORPG
• Platforms: PC
• Gameplay features: Action combat system, dynamic events, diverse character builds, open-world exploration, challenging group content
• Release date: 2012
• Price: The base game is free, newer expansions cost $30, no subscription fee
• Developer: ArenaNet
• Best for: Players seeking an action-oriented MMORPG with a focus on dynamic open-world events, diverse character builds, and a DLC buy-to-play model

The first Guild Wars marked a point of revolution in the MMORPG industry. It was far more active than most titles and avoided the traditional holy trinity for more varied class options.

The developers carried these ideas over to their sequel, helping make the game one of the best MMORPGs.

Set in Tyria, Guild Wars 2 marks the return of five Elder Dragons, a devastating species responsible for some of the land's greatest catastrophes.

With such an imminent threat at hand, the different races and guilds must band together in an uneasy alliance to fight for their survival.

Guild War 2 also finds success in how it leans into the idea of the Living Story concept. As the years pass, major story elements have had appreciable repercussions on the explorable space.

Sometimes new areas open up, other times entire zones are left destroyed after intense battles.

Guild Wars 2 has carved out a niche as a free-to-play MMORPG with an action combat system and a focus on horizontal progression (a system in which you don’t necessarily get stronger as you level up but gain access to new options, abilities, and class customization). This approach has been praised by players who enjoy the skill-based combat and the variety of character builds it allows. 

The core game can be downloaded and played for free, but gamers will quickly find that a lot of content isn’t accessible for free. 

However, the lack of a vertical gear treadmill (where players endlessly chase increasingly powerful equipment) and a slower pace of content releases compared to MMOs like WoW have left some veterans yearning for a more traditional endgame experience.

Despite these mixed opinions, Guild Wars 2 still boasts a loyal player base who appreciate its unique features.

With no monthly fee, Guild Wars 2 shows that sometimes the best MMORPGs don't require constant attention. There's always something to come back to and see in this game, and players have shown their appreciation for that fact.

11. Starbase

Genre: Space station building and simulation
Platforms: PC
Gameplay features: Voxel-based building, spaceship design and construction, first-person perspective, space exploration, resource gathering, crafting, open world, multiplayer cooperation (and potential conflict)
Release date: July 2021
Price: $24.50, no subscription fee
Developer: Frozenbyte
Best for: Players seeking a unique and challenging sandbox experience focused on building and managing space stations in a collaborative environment

Entering early access in 2021, Starbase has quickly shown itself to be a major competitor for the best MMORPG crown. Still in early access, the game has already pulled in critical acclaim from the public.

While space might seem a natural target for an MMO, most efforts have consistently fallen short like Star Citizen.

With a heavy emphasis on sci-fi, players in Starbase control a humanoid robot as their player character. Working alone or with friends, the goal is to gather materials, craft ships and weapons, and ultimately, build a base to call home.

Including combat, flight, mining, and a sense of scale only possible in the void, the appeal of Starbase is easy to understand. Starbase could easily end up one of the greatest games of the decade.

All this, and the game's still being developed and progressing at a steady rate. Whatever the developers have in store for players next, you can bet we'll be watching Starbase closely.

The Best MMORPG Games at a Glance

MMORPGs aren’t a genre you can approach with a “try them all and decide what I like later” mindset. MMOs demand time, commitment, and a decent amount of grinding. With so many MMORPGs vying for your attention, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here's a quick rundown of some of the top titles, highlighting their strengths and the platforms they're available on:

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 14 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!

MMORPG Game 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 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 2024?

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.