MMOs have been a staple for gaming almost as long as video games have been a thing. Since their meteoric rise in the 2000s, there have been tons of MMOs, many of which are still loved and enjoyed by millions of players all over the world. In fact, with better computers and technology, as well as easier access to the internet, the player base for these kind of games are almost always expanding.
But, you might be wondering, it's 2023, and it can be hard to get into MMOs, especially since some of them are so old. What are the best ones to start playing this year? Well, that's where we have you covered with this collection of massively multiplayer online games — some old, some new and all of them ready for you to play this year.
8 Guild Wars 2
When Guild Wars 2 hit the scene, it redefined what an MMORPG could be. From its clever quest design leading you to have different objectives to fulfill most quests, rather than having to do the same task of fetching ten items and coming back, to its great world and fun combat, Guild Wars 2 is still going strong.
The game is completely free to play too, without any limits to what level you can be until you have to pay a subscription. You can pay to get some more features and enjoy the expansions, but, regardless, this is definitely an MMO that almost anyone can dive right into.
7 Final Fantasy 14
Final Fantasy 14 may just be one of the more impressive MMOs in recent history. When the game launched, it was mired in controversy and disappointment. But, soon after, the game was completely redone and improved, much to the acclaim of fans and critics alike.
Not many video game series as iconic as the Final Fantasy series can successfully branch out into having a whole MMORPG, but with a great community, sleek gameplay and the fantastic worldbuilding that only Final Fantasy can offer, this is a title every MMORPG lover should try.
6 New World
Amazon's New World is unique in that it's not just your typical MMO that's set in some medieval times or even the vaguely steampunk aesthetic of Final Fantasy 14. The game sees you on the island of Aeternum, where you're in a coalescence of different historical periods with a focus on its mid-17th century setting. You can also explore an island based on the Americas.
The game is unique in that there's no class system, and it is a complete sandbox. You can set up camp virtually anywhere or purchase virtual housing, join one of the three major factions, and even take part in siege battles.
5 RuneScape
The fact that RuneScape, an MMORPG that launched all the way in 2001 can still be the topic of conversation today should tell you just how valuable the community and developers are to still cherish this title decades later.
RuneScape has seen major changes, however — it's now on its third iteration known simply as RuneScape 3. But, the free-to-play game can be downloaded and played everywhere. It also features a classless system, so you decide how to play, and there's an absurd amount of content and things to do from mining to runecrafting.
4 Star Wars: The Old Republic
If you're a fan of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, chances are that you'll be a fan of its MMO spin-off Star Wars: The Old Republic. Ever since the films came out, fans have always fantasised about playing a Jedi (or a Sith) and this game gives you that opportunity in the recognisable and sprawling world of the hit franchise.
You can explore romance options, your own spaceship, and different stories depending on your class, and you can also conclude the exciting story of Revan from the original games.
3 The Elder Scrolls Online
Despite a rocky start, The Elder Scrolls Online has managed to turn itself into a formidable contender on the MMORPG scene. For fans of The Elder Scrolls it's a no-brainer to at least try the game out and let yourself explore the wide enthralling map of Tamriel from Hammerfell to Morrowind.
The game also features some nice free-flowing combat that's reminiscent of the main games like Skyrim and continues to get expansions, with an expansion known as Necrom just arriving in June 2023.
2 Destiny 2
It may seem odd to have Destiny 2 be in the conversation of MMOs, but you have to remember not all massively multiplayer online games are your typical RPG. Destiny 2 is still going strong with a much improved story from its predecessor and incredibly exhilarating and fast-paced combat.
This is another free-to-play game that has you spending hundreds of hours within it as you battle some epic bosses and embark on dangerous missions.
1 Neverwinter
Neverwinter is still going strong ever since its original launch back in 2013. The game has collaborated with fantasy authors like RA Salvatore (author of The Legend of Drizzt series) and continues to get expansions and updates regularly, helping its community thrive.
If you have ever played in the Forgotten Realms setting of Dungeons & Dragons, then this game is definitely for you. It will have you exploring dungeons, slaying beasts, and living out a live-action campaign with your friends and other players.