Since the beginning of PC gaming, role-playing games took over the world and quickly became one of the most popular gaming genres. Nowadays, they come in various shapes, from modern RPGs to demon-slaying Lovecraftian games. There are tons of MMORPGs out there and those games are fun as hell! Before we start the list, let me warn you; you’ll get addicted easily! Ok, I think it’s time I stop wasting your time and get to business. The list of best MMORPG PC games is below.
MMORPG Games: An Overview
It is typical to use the term “Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game” as “MMORPG.” Instead of just a few pals or alone yourself, picture playing a computer or console game with a huge group of individuals from all over the world. You can create your own actual characters in MMORPGs and journey through a vast, expansive virtual world with other players.
Like in a fantasy book, you can play as a hero or an adventurer in these games. You have a vast selection of characters to choose from, including valiant warriors, smart wizards, and other types. You can go on thrilling journeys, engage in monster combat, and look for unattainable fortune.
Top 22 MMORPG Games for PC
1. World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft easily takes the crown here. Although it isn’t the most popular game at the moment, it’s a staple when it comes to MMORPGs. World of Warcraft took everything that was great about Warcraft 3 and raised it to a whole new level. Now, World of Warcraft isn’t a PC strategy game, but it’s played from the third-person perspective, there’s a more complex combat system, various spells, characters, possibilities for exploration and more. I really can’t express my feelings enough! World of Warcraft is a masterpiece, without a single hint of doubt!
2. The Elder Scrolls Online
Back in the day, The Elder Scrolls series was pretty revolutionary. It featured a huge world, NPCs that feel alive and exploration. Well, if you love Skyrim, I bet that The Elder Scrolls Online will ring a bell. What you played in your singleplayer experience, you will get here, but much more prominent and in-your-face. As it’s an MMO game, it allows for playing with your friends, so you can easily create guilds and factions and indulge in PvP battles to conquer Tamriel. Bethesda even removed subscription by introducing a “Gold Edition” of this game, which I strongly recommend.
3. Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2 writes a story of its own. It’s a very underrated game for some reason, but don’t forget that it’s one of the best MMORPGs EVER! Did you read that well? If you did, now listen to me. Guild Wars 2 brings a Lovecraftian smell right under your nose and introduces an environment filled with dragons and other monsters. It even has a storyline which response to players’ actions and that’s so cool! Guild Wars 2 is now a free-to-play game, which is a pleasant surprise. Go and play it now!
4. The Division
Oh, look at this, Ubisoft carved a special place for their survival game on our list. Hail The Division! The Division is a third-person shooter game with strong survival and RPG elements. However, the game isn’t about medieval weaponry or setting, instead, it’s set in a post-apocalyptic New York. The visuals are jaw-dropping and every little detail is displayed here.
You can search for loot, upgrade your weapons and shelter, and even level up your character. The possibilities are endless here if you are prepared for a little bit of grinding… actually a lot of grinding.
5. Black Desert Online
Black Desert Online is an online game that costs just a few pennies, but it’s worth much more. I know you maybe didn’t hear about the game and I’m here to introduce you to this great MMORPG that you’ll love. Black Desert is about that fast-paced hack-and-slash combat that we all love. It features monster hunting, fighting with or against your friends and even fights against the bosses! Bosses make the game much more interesting and intense, especially when played with your friends. Learn some skills like crafting, cooking, fishing or trading, and let your survival instinct shine.
6. ARK Survival Evolved
ARK Survival Evolved is another survival game, but it’s an MMORPG as well. The reason I put this game on the list is that the RPG elements are much more prominent. For example, you are required to gather various stuff to build your shelter, boat, weapons, etc and not just to fight. Sure, you can try to kill some big and nasty dinosaurs or attack the other players, but the point here is to survive. ARK Survival Evolved was in a beta state for quite some time, being released this year, much to our joy.
7. Portal Knights
Portal Knights is a game that looks like Minecraft, but still slightly better. However, the game is released this year in May and it absolutely rocks! On the other side, Portal Knights focus on cartoonish, albeit great-looking graphics. It’s a true RPG experience that lets you craft stuff, fight against the other players, explore the in-game world, etc. You don’t even need a high-end PC to play it! It’s a low-spec PC game, so you can enjoy it even on a potato PC!
8. EVE Online
We are back at free games again and it’s EVE Online this time. EVE Online is an awesome community-driven MMO game which sets the bar high by launching you into space. I sometimes feel that medieval setting is worn out and it’s nice to have a game like EVE Online. You can expect a full-fledged MMORPG experience here, with brutal spaceship fights, exploration and both PvE and PvP battles. The game might be a little hard to get into, but once you do that… well, prepare to be addicted!
9. Ancient Siberia
Ancient Siberia might be one of the largest indie games for PC at the moment. Actually, this indie game is few steps away from being a true AAA effort. In this sandbox MMO game, you can become anything you want, from a merchant, bandit, artisan or simply a warrior. The great thing here is that it allows you to play however you want and explore the in-game world, which is HUGE. There is fighting, too! You won’t believe me when I say that the game features both land and sea fights! Grab the game and enjoy your holiday.
10. The Black Death
The Black Death sounds like a great name for a metal band, but no, we aren’t talking about heavy metal now. Being set in the 14th century, The Black Death lets you be a part of one of the most crucial times of our beloved Earth. This was the time when the resources were scarce and the sickness was ravaging the world. Your mission is to adapt, overcome and survive by acquiring power and finding a cure for a devastating sickness. If you do your best, you may be happy to live another day or two!
11. Project Genom
Unlike the previous game on the list, Project Genom is a future-oriented MMORPG. There is still a huge open world, lots of exploration and of course, great visuals. When you first see the game, its world reminds of Deus Ex, Half-Life 2 and System Shock. I’m not kidding; the game has some serious firepower under its hood. Gameplay-wise, it’s played from a third-person perspective, offering action-packed levels allowing you to transform your body, explore the new tech and new worlds. Project Genom is still in an early access state, and I’m looking forward to seeing how will the game fare against the reviewers.
12. RIFT
At this very moment, RIFT is a crucial MMORPG game in the gaming community. It’s a fantasy game for PC that features an amazing world of Telara. The world is full of stuff to do, encouraging players not only to fight against their enemies but do some additional exploration. RIFT focuses on the two factions which consist of various races and classes, as they fight against each other and the enemies emerging from “rifts”.
Furthermore, RIFT has some serious character customization and progression system, which makes the game all the more sweet and enjoyable, providing more than enough quality for a price of zero bucks.
13. Path of Exile
Path of Exile is another free-to-play diamond on Steam. The truth be told, this game kicks some ass! Grinding Gear Games is a company that stands behind this title, but don’t you worry, there isn’t that goddamn griding. Path of Exile is all about gaining the power to kill the ones who aren’t that friendly with you. The game’s development team is consisting of hardcore RPG lovers, so expect a lot of slashing, killing, exploring and of course, a dark fantasy setting. Bring it on, brothers!
14. Neverwinter
Neverwinter is a free MMO role-playing game, and as such, it raised the bar very high for the other games to follow. It’s based on famous Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, which sold very well. So, what can you expect from Neverwinter?
As far as I am concerned, everything from fast-paced combat, interesting stories, deep progression system and lots of exploration. I mean, I already mentioned these aspects in several games, but that’s all you need for a perfect MMORPG title. Don’t be fool by its price (or lack of price), Neverwinter is an exquisite title!
15. TERA
It’s not often that we see an MMO role-playing game with a singleplayer campaign, and it’s sure as hell a welcome addition. That means you don’t always need your friend to enjoy a nice and compelling RPG experience. On the other side, TERA is much more fun when it’s played online with your friends. Offering fast-paced and fluid combat and beautiful world of Arborea, TERA is a perfect playing ground for you and your friends to explore. There are tons of quests to be done and thousands of enemies to kill on your conquest. Only the bravest will prevail!
16. Final Fantasy XIV
A huge player base has been attracted to the outstanding MMORPG Final Fantasy XIV since its 2013 relaunch. The game offers an engaging story, gorgeous visuals, and a large range of playable classes and races. It is set in the intricate and captivating realm of Eorzea. Whether you like engaging in thrilling quests, taking on challenging raids with a group of friends, or immersing yourself in the flourishing player-driven economy, Final Fantasy XIV has something to offer everyone.
Thanks to regular content updates and expansions, the game maintains players’ interest with its captivating gameplay and charming characters. If you enjoy the Final Fantasy series or are simply looking for a sophisticated and engaging MMORPG experience, Final Fantasy XIV is a must-play.
17. The Lords of the Rings Online
This one is for the fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s creation called Middle-Earth. Sounds familiar? Well, just look at the game’s name! The Lords of the Rings Online lets you experience your favorite place on Earth with your friends and engage in numerous activities. You’ll feel like a true Middle-Earth inhabitant as you explore the in-game world, do some interesting quests and fight like a true warrior. You can play Solo, PvMP or Co-op Skirmish battles and let your power shine like the brightest star. Jump in, it’s absolutely free. No fees and no bullshit!
18. Star Trek Online
Another one of the fantastic universes is here to greet you and that’s no other than legendary and unforgettable Star Trek. Is it necessary to say that it’s a free game? If it is, then here you are- it’s free! Star Trek Online lets you experience your favorite universe on a much bigger scale than you’ve ever seen. Furthermore, it puts you in a role of a captain commanding his crew and starship. It’s all about exploration and dwelling where no one would ever dare to tread. Are you ready to discover and explore new civilizations and life outside of Earth? Let’s do it then.
19. Blade & Soul
Blade & Soul is a graphically gorgeous MMORPG that mixes action with elements of the martial arts with an engrossing narrative set in a rich fantasy universe. Timing, accuracy, and expert combo execution are stressed in the game’s distinctive and dynamic combat system. Players get to select from a various number of classes, each of which has a very unique playstyle and sets of skills.
There is a class to fit every playstyle, whether you favor the speed of a Blade Master, the devastating might of a Destroyer, or the ethereal abilities of a Summoner. Blade & Soul is a must-play for fans of action-packed MMOs thanks to its stunning scenery, captivating quests, and furious player versus player battles.
20. AION
Another free-to-play adventure waits for you and it’s AION. A few years ago when it was released, I thought it was just another mediocre MMORPG title, but I was obviously wrong since I decided to put it on the list. Although the game didn’t age that good, it’s still a solid MMORPG which puts a big emphasis on battles, both on the ground and in the air. AION also allows for creating your own hero, customize it and engage in both PvE and PvPvE battles with the other players. The exploration is here, but the fights are very satisfying and immersive.
21. Dungeons & Dragons Online
Let’s be real, Dungeons & Dragons is one of the most valuable RPG experiences ever. Back in the days when this genre was still in the oven, Dungeons & Dragons was something new and authentic. Thanks to that, we now have Dungeons & Dragons Online, a fine piece of MMORPG title that deserves a spot on our list… well, not this spot, but that’s life! The quests are great, and the world just begs you to explore it as you fight to gain power and write a story for yourself. Did you hear me? It’s free. Now get the hell out of here and go try it.
22. Vindictus
I know that MMORPG titles should encourage exploration, but Vindictus is a game focused on combat. As such, the combat is very responsive, satisfying and most importantly- brutal. It’s a punishing game, making you think twice before every move. Vindictus is an amazing game that you can play both singleplayer and online, but I strongly recommend to gather a few friends and jump right into it. The experience is almost flawless!