Best MMORPGs to play in 2024: Final Fantasy, World of Warcraft, more

❘ Published: 2024-03-29T14:03:34

Characters in New World standing in front of a tower

Amazon Games

From the likes of World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy titles to New World and Black Desert Online, here are our picks for the best MMORPGs to play in 2024.

There’s no denying that MMORPGs can make the day go by quicker, and picking the best ones entirely depends on your world and grind preferences.

In our list below, we’ve picked some games that have stood the test of time and remained the go-to classics in 2024, as well as included the ones that are widely popular in the current landscape.

Let’s find out the best MMORPGs you can dive into in 2024.

Top 10 MMORPGs in 2024

10. Star Wars: The Old Republic

Your choice of class will determine your story in Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Star Wars: The Old Republic offers you eight classes to choose from, split between the Empire and Republic. Of course, if you’re a fan of the dark side you will be inclined to choose the Empire, but keep in mind that each class has its own deep story.

Additionally, one of these classes also includes taking on the role of a Jedi Knight to hunt down the low-lying Siths and protect the galaxy from the ever-dwelling evil.

Whether you’re a fan of George Lucas’ work or simply want to dive into a story-rich MMORPG, Star Wars: The Old Republic will take you an on adventure and keep you hooked for hours!

9. Destiny 2

Three Guardians with weapons from Shadowkeep

It’s often regarded as an FPS and MMO with several moments of role-playing.

Destiny 2 has one of the most loyal fanbases, and if you decide to jump into the game, you’ll assume the role of a brave and noble Guardian, standing tall to defend the last city of humanity. You’ll then have to choose between the three classes, Titan, Warlock, and Hunter, with each class having their strengths and unique upgrades.

While it’s not entirely an MMORPG, there are several elements of role-playing in the title. After years of expansions and seasons added to the game, there’s plenty for you to explore, and if the missions don’t excite you as much, the gunplay will hook you from the get-go!

8. Lost Ark

There’s a lot of emphasis on action in Lost Ark and it’s a visually stunning MMORPG title, packed with plenty of loot for you to grab along with the endgame content. This massively popular Korean game finally made its way to other parts of the world back in 2022.

Lost Ark delivers an immersive story with several dungeons for you to explore, and offers elements like raiding, building guilds, PvP, and co-op at the same time.

7. World of Warcraft

WoW is among the oldest MMORPGs that’s still popular in 2024.

Closing in on the 20th-anniversary mark, World of Warcraft has been one of the most popular MMORPG games for well over a decade. Over the years the game has taken a lot of turns and Blizzard have introduced several expansions, with Dragonfight making its way into the title in November 2022.

In 2024, the game runs without any interruptions, allowing you to explore a huge world, join guilds, and carry out intense raids as you reach higher levels. All in all, WoW has remained one of those games that define the true meaning of an MMO, and if you’re returning to the game after a long time, you’ll have plenty to learn.

6. The Elders Scroll Online

Elders Scroll online player standing in front of a bridge

The Elders Scroll Online is one of the best options if you want to immerse yourself in a classic story-driven role-playing game in a multiplayer setting.

The story begins 1,000 years before Skyrim and 800 years before Morrowind and Oblivion, and following the franchise’s tradition, you start off as a prisoner in Coldharbour’s Wailing. Following your escape, you are free to explore Tamriel, facing creatures, finding dungeons, and making weapons by yourself or with other adventurers.

A few DLCs have also brought old and new areas into the game, and the devs have several expansion packs set to arrive in the future as well. All things considered, The Elders Scroll world is consistently growing, which makes for an MMORPG that’s always fresh, for new and old players alike.

5. New World

Compared to other MMORPGs in the list, New World is a relatively new title, launched in 2021, and has been developed by Amazon Game Studios. It’s based on the settlement of America, allowing you to explore a mysterious region and uncover its secrets.

The realm blends a high-fantasy vibe with armor and style specific to the 1600s setting to provide a genuinely unique player experience. You will combat against NPCs who have been corrupted by the mysterious, dark power source of the island of Aeternum.

Additionally, you will be able to participate in dungeons, PvP that sets 25 to 50 players against each other, and even a PvPvE mode as you finish off enemies and collect the loot for your team. The game also offers a huge variety of skills, weapons, and attributes to experiment with as you progress into the latter stages.

4. Black Desert Online

Black Desert Online character with axe in hand

Black Desert Online was released in 2014, and received a major graphics update in 2018, making it one of the best-looking MMORPGs out there to date.

The game truly stands out for its focus on creating empires and civilizations, even if it still features fast-paced action with an emphasis on aim, dodge, and block in real-time. While the focus is mainly on the action in this MMORPG, you can hire workers, establish production lines, and several other elements, that will make you feel truly at home, especially if you’re a fan of the Age of Empires series.

3. RuneScape

Just like WoW, RuneScape has stood the test of time.

RuneScape’s been around for well over 20 years now, and we’ve only included it in our list of best MMORPGs, due to its free accessibility on several platforms, and how you can play the game without any graphics-related issues.

Of course, the game has gone through several major changes and received many content expansions as well over the years. There are a ton of skills for you to master in RuneScape, with some skills like Farming and Thieving available to members only.

With so many improvements, the game does an impressive job of managing well over a couple of million active monthly players, and it’s one of those MMORPGs that you should try, primarily for its simplicity.

2. Final Fantasy XIV

When Final Fantasy XIV, or FFXIV, was first launched in 2010, it received a mediocre reception from critics. After the game was shut down completely, it was relaunched as A Realm Reborn in the summer of 2013, receiving a major makeover that was an instant hit among the fans of the franchise.

While you will have to purchase the game and get an additional subscription as well, Final Fantasy XIV has one of the best demos available, allowing you to experience the game up to level 60, with the max level being 90 after Endwalker’s release.

1. EVE Online

The space-themed title EVE Online, which came out in 2003, is a great choice if you’re searching for a sandbox-style MMORPG where the community defines the universe completely.

It’s a game of cold-blooded betrayal, mining, economics, and sometimes spacecraft battles involving thousands of players. When you first enter the shallows of space, you may be amazed by how kind others can be. In order to get started, strangers are frequently eager to give you ships, blueprints, and in-game money as player-run corporations depend on new players joining the battle.

You can choose from a variety of occupations during your journey, each of which alters how you will traverse New Eden: Industrialist, Explorer, Enforcer, and Soldier of Fortune. If you play the game for a long period, you might be shocked by its depth when it comes to the in-game politics and council meetings, which are all conducted by real players. All in all, it’s a great experience to truly sink your hours into.

That covers our list of best MMORPGs to play in 2024. For more games to play, be sure to check these: