Gaming is on the rise in the India, with more and more players being introduced to online gaming with PUBG Mobile and the likes, it has reached an unprecedented level of popularity. Consequently, a greater number of people are now exploring gaming on other platforms as well. Well, if you’re one of the people who are just starting off with PC or console gaming, you should definitely consider checking out some of the best MMORPGs.

1. World of Warcraft

Right at the top of our list is World of Warcraft, a game which is now synonymous with the MMORPG genre. Warcraft is often the first MMORPG title people new to the genre try and it is definitely the reason I love the genre so much. Ever since its inception around 2004, the game has dominated the MMO segment, and has become one of the most successful and influential games in the genre.

Supported platforms: Windows, macOS

In case you’ve played any Elder Scrolls game (Skyrim?) before, you’d probably be familiar with the premise of this one. For those of you who haven’t, allow me to give you a brief introduction. Elder Scrolls Online is an epic MMORPG journey based within the Elder Scrolls universe where players can create their own characters from a variety of races and classes and embark on quests either alone or with other players online.

Other than following the main story line, the game gives players the opportunity to explore a variety of PvP and PvE elements or try their hand at the extensive crafting/trading mechanic which has its own benefits. In essence, the game feels a lot like World of Warcraft, but it offers better graphics and a more detailed world, which makes playing the game a rather immersive experience. On top of that, I can tell you by experience that this game has a very helpful community which helps new players get the hang of the game, so you should definitely try it out even if you’re a complete newbie.

Set in the fantasy world of Tyria, Guild Wars 2 is another great MMORPG which has a unique story line that evolves depending on the individual choices players make, a mechanic that you won’t find in the aforementioned titles. Other than that, the game has the same quintessential features that you’ll find in an RPG, including character customization, an expansive crafting system, along with PvE and PvP elements.

4. Maple Story 2

Next up we have Maple Story 2, an MMORPG which is quite unlike any other game on this list while still being pretty much the same. The game has a very low-poly look to it, somewhat reminiscent of Minecraft, which is persistent across a ton of colorful environments that players can explore with their completely customized characters.

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Supported platforms: Widnows, macOS

Probably the oldest game on this list, Runescape is an evergreen MMORPG which is also one of the most updated and popular games on the planet. The game has over 250 million accounts and recently received a non-browser version which breathed new life into the title. Much like every other game on this list, Runescape offers players an opportunity to indulge in all aspects of an RPG, but with a unique twist.

Runescape has a very open-ended approach to the traditional questing model you’ll find in other MMOs which means that instead of having a linear story line, the game gives players the freedom to choose their own path to progress. The game also allows players to specialize in skills which means that everyone has the opportunity to find something they like and play in accordance to their particular skill progression.

Rift is another great MMORPG that brings with it all the elements on a successful RPG, adding just enough to give them a unique twist. Leveling skills in game for instance has been divided into three skill trees or souls with players having the option to choose which skill they want to level up and specialize in.

8. Star Wars: The Old Republic

Based in the expansive Star Wars universe, Star Wars: The Old Republic is a great MMO which will definitely appeal to all Star Wars fans out there. The game has a strong player-choice driven progression and a social gameplay factor that brings players from all over the world together.

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Being the only superhero MMO on this list, DC Universe Online gives players the opportunity to create their own superhero, with custom abilities, and play alongside other legendary heroes such as Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman.

Payment structure: Free-to-play with paid DLCs

The game follows a progression system which is quite like other MMORPGs on this list, allowing players to embark on quests to level up and skill their characters. The healing mechanic in Dungeons and Dragons Online is also a bit different from other MMORPGs because of which players have to visit specific locations to heal their characters, instead of their characters automatically healing over time.

While the original Final Fantasy XIV was a major disappointments for fans of the franchise, Final Fantasy XIV Online is a different story altogether. The game was well received by both fans and critics upon launch and it has improved quite a bit ever since, bringing more content to keep players interested.

12. Neverwinter

Neverwinter is another game which derives its inspiration from Dungeons and Dragon, with the game based in the fictional Forgotten Realms city of Neverwinter. The game allows players to choose from one of eight Dungeons and Dragons character classes with the rules of the game based on a modified version of the 4th edition rules set.

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Black Desert Online is another decent MMORPG that differentiates itself from other games in the genre by giving players quite a snappy combat mechanic along with the ability to purchase and control in-game property.

Payment structure: One-time purchase with additional paid DLCs

Don’t like medieval fantasy settings? Tired of the same fantasy monsters and magic discourse? Then you can try out Eve Online, a stunning MMORPG based in a futuristic space age setting. Players get to choose from between four playable races and design their characters from the ground up with Eve’s in-depth body and head sculpting character creator.

Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android

Based on the epic television and film series, Star Trek Online is also a great MMO to begin your MMO journey thanks to its unique and varied game play. The game inculcates elements from third-person shooters and space exploration simulators to the MMO experience, adding up to some fun game play.

Fans of the TV and film series will have a ton of fun playing because of the variety of familiar elements they can encounter and explore in the game. On top of that, the developers keep adding new content to keep the player base hooked to the game. Star Trek Online is definitely a must-try for all gamers who’re looking for an MMO experience that doesn’t just limit itself to the tenets of the genre.