Massively multiplayer online role-playing games, better known as MMORPGs, is a genre of video games that gives players the opportunity to traverse vast virtual worlds in a customizable avatar and interact with thousands of other players with whom they can take down gargantuan mobs in PvE modes or put their skills to the test against each other in PvP modes. There are a bunch of really great MMORPGs that you can play, but in case you’ve never tried one before, it would be best for you to try a free one first before moving onto even better paid ones. So, if you’ve been meaning to try an MMORPG and don’t know which one to start with, here are some of the best free MMORPGs that you should try.
1. World of Warcraft
I know what you’re thinking, World of Warcraft isn’t a free MMORPG, so why is it on the list? Well, even though the game isn’t free to play in its entirety, you can play the first 20 levels for free and when it comes to World of Warcraft, 20 levels mean a lot of play time. That is why we’ve included it on the list.
World of Warcraft
Guild Wars 2
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Phantasy Star Online 2
Star Conflict
DC Universe Online
Lord of the Rings Online
Blade & Soul
Eve Online
Neverwinter
Dungeons and Dragons Online
Skyforge
Star Trek Online
Rift
Runescape
Defiance 2050
TERA
ArcheAge
Aion Online
Secret World Legends
Supported platforms: Windows, macOS
Pricing model: Free for the first 20 levels; requires monthly subscription thereafter
Download World of Warcraft
2. Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2 is another free MMORPG that you can begin your MMORPG journey with, offering a unique storyline that evolves depending on the decisions you make in the game, something that you won’t find in most other games in the genre. The game includes all the quintessential features that you’d find in other MMORPGs, including character customization, an expansive crafting system, along with some great PvP and PvP elements.
3. Star Wars: The Old Republic
If you’re a Star Wars fan, then you should definitely give Star Wars: The Old Republic a shot. The game is based in the expansive Star Wars universe, offering players a different puzzle-like combat mechanism that differentiates it from other MMORPGs. Much like Guild Wars 2, Star Wars: The Old Republic also offers player-choice driven progression and along with that, a social gameplay factor that serves to bring players together in the virtual universe.
Players also have the opportunity to explore the game as a single-player quest in its entirety, which is a great option for players who don’t want to depend on other players to progress in game. This overcomes an issue that most new MMO players face as they aren’t able to complete certain quests/raids without the help of other players levelling up along with them.
4. Phantasy Star Online 2
Although it took eight long years for Phantasy Star Online 2 developers – Sega to bring the game outside Japan, it is still a game worth considering, especially if you’re someone who appreciates anime. In the game, you’re part of a task force called ARKS. Your goal is to protect the universe from enemies.
5. Star Conflict
If space exploration is your jam, then you should try out Star Conflict – a free MMORPG that puts players in the role of an elite space pilot who’s on a quest to locate and find alien treasures scattered throughout its expansive universe. In Star Conflict, your main aim is to collect a variety of different space ships, ranging from swift fighters to massive ones akin to floating satellites.
6. DC Universe Online
Fans of the DC universe should definitely check out DC Universe Online – a free MMORPG that allows you to create your own superhero, with custom abilities, and play alongside other legendary heroes from the DC multiverse, including Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman.
- Supported platforms: Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Pricing model: Free-to-play with paid DLCs
- Download DC Universe Online
7. Lord of the Rings Online
Medieval fantasy lovers and fans of JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings Universe should definitely try out The Lord of the Rings Online – an MMORPG based in the impeccably detailed LOTR universe. The game takes players on an adventurous journey across Middle earth, in which they fight alongside familiar characters from the books and explore locations made popular by the movie franchise.
8. Blade & Soul
A Korean fantasy martial arts MMORPG – Blade & Soul differentiates itself from other games on this list with its unique combat mechanics. The game’s martial arts approach to combat makes it far more challenging than any other game on this list, requiring players to stay on their toes at all times, blocking, countering and executing combo chains to take down enemies.
The game offers players four unique races and ten classes to choose from, which will allow you to completely customize your character according to your play style. Blade & Soul also has a variety of PvE dungeons which require you to team up with other players to take down bosses and it even has PvP skirmishes in which you can test out your combat skills against other players. Try out Blade & Soul for a unique MMORPG experience that you won’t find anywhere else.
9. Eve Online
Eve Online is another great MMORPG that will interest those of you who have a liking for space exploration titles. The game is based in a futuristic space age setting, allowing players to choose from four different races and design their characters from the ground up, thanks to the game’s in-depth body and head sculpting character creator.
10. Neverwinter
Fans of Dungeons and Dragons, the original role-playing board game that set the scene for most modern MMORPGs, is the inspiration for Neverwinter – a game based in the fictional Forgotten Realms city of Neverwinter. Much like other MMORPGs, the game allows players to choose from one of eight different character classes, with the gameplay based on a modified version of the 4th edition rules set for D&D.
11. Dungeons and Dragons Online
Dungeons and Dragons is also available as a free MMORPG called Dungeons and Dragons Online which is based on the revised rule-set fashion introduced by Dungeons and Dragons 3.5. Unlike the table-top version of the game, which relies on a turn-based combat system, D&D Online features a real time combat system that is far more immersive.
- Supported platforms: Windows, macOS
- Pricing model: Free-to-play with in-game purchases
- Download Dungeons and Dragons Online
12. Skyforge
A common theme you’d find across all MMORPGs on this list is that they aren’t all that pretty to look at, with Skyforge being a pleasant exception. The game is based on a sci-fi fantasy themed planet called Aelion which looks quite impressive, especially considering the fact that it’s completely free. But that’s not all that Skyforge has to offer.
13. Star Trek Online
Based on the popular television and film franchise, Star Trek Online is a good MMORPG for beginners thanks to its unique and varied gameplay. Unlike other MMORPGs on this list, Star Trek Online features some elements you’d more commonly find in third-person shooters and space exploration simulators, which really adds on to the immersive experience.
The game even features a variety of familiar elements from the television and film franchise, which will definitely appeal to fans. Furthermore, the game receives new content quite frequently, meaning that you’ll always have something new to check out in game. Star Trek Online is a must try for all players who want an MMO experience that isn’t limited to the tenets of the genre.
14. Rift
Rift is another great MMO that packs in all the elements of a successful RPG with a unique twist. For instance, leveling skills in game has been divided into three skill trees or souls, giving players the option to choose which skill they want to level up and specialize in.
15. Runescape
Rounding off the list is Runescape, an evergreen MMORPG that is one of the most updated and popular games on the planet. Boasting of over 250 million accounts, Runescape offers players an opportunity to indulge in all aspects on an RPG, with some subtle differences that set it apart.
16. Defiance 2050
If a massive co-operative online shooting game excites you to the core, chances “Defiance 2050” can win you over in the very first round. What gives this game an edge over several online shooting games is the solid collection of fully customizable weapons. So, it doesn’t matter what sort of weapons you like to use to destroy your enemies, it has got enough variety to live up to your billing. And with several challenging missions at the disposal, this fast-paced shooter combat game can keep you hooked for hours of a shooting spree.
- Supported platforms: Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
- Pricing model: Free, in-app purchases available
- Download Defiance 2050
17. TERA
There are very few games that feature as dynamic a combat system as TERA. So, if you are hunting for a game with an adrenaline-fuelling combat system, it can just be the answer to your needs. With diverse characters, the game offers you enough flexibility to choose the sort of character that fits your combat style. From the mighty Amani to the fascinating Popori, the game has got enough variety to appeal to your taste. Not to mention, it’s also up to the task when it comes to graphics. And with a futuristic world to explore, you will never get tired going after your enemies or showcasing your heroics.
18. ArcheAge
Developed by Korean developer Jake Song, ArcheAge is one of the best fantasy sandbox MMORPGs out there. And, should you wish to go for an epic battle wrapped into a fascinating story, it can be a great contender. As for the gameplay, it has a zoneless world with first and third-person views. Apart from some traditional combat settings, the game also features naval combat where players can engage in the nerve-wracking sea-land battles or secure trade routes.
As a player, you are tasked to build massive ships and fully equip them with advanced weapons. Depending on your wish, you can choose to fight with other players or sea monsters. Since players can freely attack their rivals, you’ve got to be very cautious and move ahead with the killer strategy. Also, never fail to make the most of the “Bloodlust” mode that can turn the game on its head in a flash.
19. Aion Online
What stands Aion apart from other MMORPGs is the unique combo of PvP and PvE which NCSOFT calls PvPE. Probably the most fascinating part of this role-playing game is the fantasy-driven environment. The PvPE gameplay is set around the battles within the Abyss and Balaurea (aka PvP zones). Inside these zones exist mighty fortresses which you can control by showcasing your valor. Aion features six subclasses and eleven main classes. To get started, you have to choose from one of the primary classes such as the scout, priest, muse, mage, warrior, and technist.
20. Secret World Legends
If you have a penchant for unraveling the secret of the legends, look no further than “Secret World Legends”. With a ton of unique missions and quests, the MMORPG has got everything covered to entangle you in a series of mysteries as you set out to fight with the supernatural forces that are hell-bent on destroying the world along with the humanity’s existence. To help you fight the secret war of the supernatural with the desired flair, the game offers an impressive collection of weapons that can enable you to wreak havoc in the rival camps in the blink of an eye.
