Best MMORPG Games – Top MMOs You Should Play in 2023

MMORPGs have become a major part of gaming since technology allowed these ambitious games to pop up. MMOs are massively multiplayer online games. These can be any genre that brings a huge number of players together in one world, but they are largely RPGs. They feature a varied style of gameplay but typically have players grinding away in dungeons to progress the story forward. Since these are games played by a lot of players at once, teamwork is a big part of it. The best MMORPG games can really stretch what can be achieved in online gaming.

MMORPGs are often the most ambitious games around, combining huge player counts with increasingly innovative and immersive worlds. However, there are more out there than ever before. The best MMORPGs range from story-driven games to those mainly have you grinding out on a gameplay loop.

These are the top MMORPG 2023 games.

Top 15 MMORPG Games To Play In 2023

There are loads of MMORPGs out there and each appeals to a different type of player. These are the top 15 currently, but we’re not presenting them in a specific order. Each of these has something unique about them that makes them appealing to a different type of player. These are the best MMORPG games:

1. Final Fantasy 14

Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4
Release: September 30th, 2010
Subscription Based

The Final Fantasy Franchise is one of the biggest in gaming. There is a long history of titles that have been some of the defining titles of their era. So how is Square’s crack at an MMORPG holding up? Honestly, it’s done pretty well, as Final Fantasy 14 managed to recreate that iconic Final Fantasy world bringing an emotive and intensive story.

The title does manage to feel just like the series it hails from. It receives new content pretty regularly, so you can always rely on having something new to discover. The game’s story is even worth playing through if you’re not normally interested in an MMO and just want to play a simple story game. Final Fantasy’s graphics are pretty impressive, given the scale of the title. The dungeons are frequently some of the most fun you’ll find, even in the best MMORPG games. However, it likely won’t grab the attention of those who actively dislike the fantasy genre.

Currently, FFXIV is getting plenty of attention as streamers have actively engaged with the game. Influential streamers the likes of Asmongold, Summit1g, AnnieFuchsia, and EsfandTV, have all recently started playing the game, bringing plenty of appeal to new and upcoming players, and it’s certainly a contender for the top MMORPG.

2. World of Warcraft

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment
Platforms: PC
Release: November 23rd, 2004
Subscription Based

When it comes to MMORPGs, it is pretty difficult to have a conversation without bringing up World of Warcraft. Warcraft propelled the genre to new heights. It became a pop-culture juggernaut beyond the gaming industry. However, it has failed to keep pace with some of the newer iterations like Final Fantasy and Black Desert. This was especially true in 2021, as Activision/Blizzard was going through a heavy period of crisis and restructuring.

While the game is quite a bit more dated than a lot of the competition, there are still many reasons to go for Warcraft. World of Warcraft still receives regular and hefty updates, and it has changed quite a lot. While the visuals aren’t as modern, the gameplay has evolved significantly over the years. Even with more than a decade in it, Blizzard still managed to find fresh things to do with World of Warcraft. The dungeons of the game have even become an impressive esport, with World of Warcraft betting available on it.

With the recent buyout of Activision by Microsoft in January 2022, the game is already undergoing tremendous changes, even if the deal is not finalized. One of the most significant changes is that players will play with each other even if they are on the opposing factions, with minor restrictions like sharing a guild. This change will finally remove that barrier that forces friends to play on a faction they dislike or completely prevent them from playing with each other.

Another thing that World of Warcraft brings to the table is the classic version of the game, both in its original form (where the servers are somewhat dead, to be honest) and in a slightly different version called “season of mastery.” Of course, you can also jump aboard the WoW Classic: Wrath of the Lich King, which is known to be called the best expansion by a lot of players due to the. Classic is even more fun now that the WoW WotLK heroic dungeons are getting a harder difficulty too.

3. Lost Ark

Developers: Smilegate, Tripod Studio, Smilegate RPG, Smilegate Entertainment, Inc.
Publishers: Smilegate, Amazon Games, Amazon Game Studios
Platforms: PC
Release: December 4th, 2019
Free-To-Play

If you are looking for an MMORPG that screams action, then Lost Ark is the thing you are looking for. While it was released in Asia back in 2019, it hit a global release on February 11th, 2022. Needless to say, the game was so successful in the east that as soon as the global release was announced, it became one of the most hyped MMORPGs ever.

The game truly offers everything a player might be looking for. The gameplay allows you to do many satisfying combos, rewards the time you put into the game without punishing you by making you waste more time, and has a great story. Even if you are not a fan of games with isometric cameras, you should give this game a try in 2023, as it might even become the most popular MMORPG as we dive deeper into the year – it’s easily going to become one of the top MMORPG games.

4. Black Desert Online

Developer: Pearl Abyss
Publishers: Pearl Abyss, Kakao, GameOn Co., Ltd., Kakao Games, GameNet, Plaion
Platforms: PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S, Android, iOS, iPadOS
Release: December 2014
Free-To-Play

Since its graphics remaster in 2020, Black Desert Online has been one of the most visually impressive MMORPGs that are available. The game takes the original ideas for an expansive world behind games like World of Warcraft but does them in the highest quality that is possible today. Black Desert Online is one of the most ambitious and complex MMORPGs in 2023.

The game has systems behind combat, trade, diplomacy, and resources. Essentially it is about as complicated as it gets. The title requires players to pay a lot of attention to their gameplay. While you can grind your way through to get loot, there is a lot of potential for using the right strategies to maximize your time.

5. Trove

Developers: Trion Worlds, gamigo US Inc.
Publishers: Gamigo, Trion Worlds, gamigo US Inc.
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Release: July 9th, 2015
Free-To-Play

Trove is an MMORPG that takes a lot from Minecraft with a deep element of building. Players have to find a base, build themselves a home there, and then have the option to craft creatures and weapons. You’ll move between worlds with the typical dungeon looting mechanics. The addition of a home base here, though, does make Trove feel like something unique within the best MMORPG games.

Trove still gets a lot of updates and has a particularly active player base. If you’re looking for something with a bit of a different feel, then Trove can provide that. It is an MMO that comes from other areas of gaming rather than building on the World of Warcraft style.

6. Elder Scrolls Online

Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Playstation 5, Playstation 4
Release: April 4th, 2014
Subscription Based

Elder Scrolls Online, on the surface, feels similar to Final Fantasy 14. It is an MMO that is taken from a popular RPG franchise. The game naturally appeals to all those who have been waiting a long time for the release of a new Elder Scrolls game. The title didn’t quite have the best launch, with quite a few issues. Although, it quickly developed into a deep and fun MMORPG in 2021.

One of the best MMORPGs is set quite a long time before the release of Skyrim and other Elder Scrolls games. The game features a similar setup to other Elder Scrolls games, with you waking up as a prisoner. From here, you go out into the world, engaging in combat, going through dungeons, and progressing through the title. The game receives big expansions quite frequently. This is an MMO that you can easily enter and know that there is going to be new content regularly. It is also one of the best MMORPGs on the console, with a decent port available.

7. The Old Republic

Developers: BioWare, Electronic Arts, Bioware Austin LLC
Publishers: Electronic Arts, Lucasfilm Games
Platforms: PC
Release: December 20th, 2011
Free-To-Play

Star Wars: The Old Republic is an older MMO, but it is still a title that is pretty important for the development of the overall genre. This game is set within the universe of Star Wars, but it stands out as one of the most in-depth and unique spin-off titles for the game. The story of the MMO is set long before most other Star Wars content, in the Old Republic.

The game allows you to take control of a Jedi, a sith-inquisitor, or an agent for the empire. You can progress through the game as any of these roles, exploring what it has to offer. Knights of the Old Republic had a few expansions, but fans are still craving a full sequel and follow-up. While a little older, this title still feels fresh as one of the best MMORPG games with a lasting legacy.

Star Wars: The Old Republic

8. New World

Developers: Amazon Game Studios, Double Helix Games
Publishers: Amazon Game Studios, Amazon Games
Platforms: PC
Release: September 9th, 2021
One Time Purchase

When Amazon develops a game, one would probably assume that it will be prevalent and excellent. Once the game was finally released on September 9th, 2021, after its many delayed releases, it proved that the anticipated predictions for the game were accurate.

If you have played an MMORPG before, you will have no trouble jumping into the game, as it provides the classic third-person experience one would expect from the genre. The gameplay includes no auto-locked attacks, which makes combat very interesting. PvP tends to be the endgame that most players enjoy and the exciting crafting system you can sink a lot of hours into.

The best part about the game is that you can tell that developers care about it, as they will often post video updates where they talk about the game, the feedback they receive, and their thoughts on them. Having communication from the developers is very important in MMORPG games, and it should be praised.

9. Star Citizen

Developer: Cloud Imperium Games
Publisher: Cloud Imperium Games
Platforms: PC
Release: Currently In Alpha
Purchase + Subscription

It often leads to the game’s downfall when too much ambition is involved, but Star Citizen managed to pull off everything it was aiming for, making it one of the best MMORPGs to play in 2023. In essence, it is a space trading and combat simulation game, so if you have been playing looking for some ship-to-ship combat in space that works perfectly, then this game will make those fantasies come true.

Other than that, you can explore the vast world that the game offers. The game plays out in the first person while you are outside of vehicles and switches to the third person while you are in a vehicle. You can do pretty much everything you could expect from a game that emphasizes exploring various planets, where trading, mining, and bounty hunting are just some of the options.

There will also be a single-player campaign called Squadron 42 that will impact the player’s career in Star Citizen, which is a pretty exciting idea on paper, and hopefully not a quick cash grab. Overall, if you like space adventuring, trying out this MMORPG should be your priority.

10. Guild Wars 2

Developer: ArenaNet
Publishers: NCSOFT, NCSOFT Corp
Platforms: PC
Release: August 28th, 2012
Free-To-Play + Purchasable Expansions

Guild Wars is a fun addition to the MMO genre, which is pretty different from the WoW model. It features quests that players can engage in, but with big group sizes. Guild Wars is a more difficult MMO. Players are going to need to engage with the game’s mechanics deeply. The title has a more solid endgame than most others here, but there is plenty of post-game content available to players in this one of the best MMORPGs.

11. RuneScape

Developer: Jagex
Publisher: Jagex
Platforms: PC
Release: January 4th, 2001
Free-To-Play

The game that has been around for more than 20 years and still going strong with a huge player base has to end up on this list. Considering its release date, it is quite a surprise that it is still a contender for one of the best MMOs 2023 has to offer, but due to how the massive amount of content the game provides, as well as multiple versions of the game, it should not be that unexpected.

Newer players can hop onto modern versions of Runescape that are more friendly to those who seek adventure in the massive world that the game offers, while Old School Runescape is for those who miss that punishing grindy MMO feel.

Image Credit: Jagex

12. Destiny 2

Developer: Bungie Inc.
Publisher: Bungie Inc. (Previously Activision)
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Release: August 28th, 2017
Free-To-Play

Usually, sequels do not happen in the MMORPG genre that often. However, with Destiny 2, releasing a sequel was a great call by Bungie Inc. as it drastically improves on the first Destiny game. It is a first-person shooter where you take a role of a Guardian and fight alien races and other threats from the Darkness.

Image Credit: Bungie

13. Foxhole

Developer: Siege Camp
Publishers: Siege Camp, Clapfoot Inc
Platforms: PC
Release: July 27th, 2017
One Time Purchase

Most MMORPG games today are about the story’s main character, the superstar. However, Foxhole puts you into a role of a common soldier on the battlefield who can do pretty much anything to contribute. If you ever wanted to go from going to the front lines and mowing down enemies with a machine gun on one day to a truck driver or factory worker on another, then this might be the best MMORPG for you.

Image Credit: Siege Camp

14. Path of Exile

Developer: Grinding Gear Games
Publishers: Grinding Gear Games, Tencent
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Playstation 4
Release: October 23rd, 2013
Free-To-Play

The first thing that many new players will hear and get scared of when it comes to POE is the massive talent tree that it offers, as there are hundreds of ways to build your character. While that may seem overwhelming, it is not the most important part of the game, as the gameplay and the activities you can do offer so much more. At the end of the day, those who are just looking for some casual fun of fighting monsters and exciting bosses are going to have fun in POE without having an excel spreadsheet on their second screen.

If you are a fan of the action MMO genre, then POE is one of the best MMORPG games 2023 has to offer to you.

Image Credit: Grinding Gear

15. Genshin Impact

Developers: miHoYo, Shanghai Miha Touring Film Technology Co., Ltd.
Publishers: miHoYo, COGNOSPHERE PTE. LTD.
Platforms: PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4, Android, iOS,iPadOS
Release: September 28th, 2020
Free-To-Play

The game that took everyone by storm with its fantastic cell shading graphics and an impressive roster of playable characters is Genshin Impact. While many refer to it as a “waifu collector,” the game offers so much more than that with its crisp gameplay and fantastic story. If you are a fan of anime, this is probably your BEST MMORPG in 2022 and potentially 2023 already.

Image Credit: MiHoYo

Honourable Mentions

Some games made previous entries to our list, and are still engaging enough for you to consider. They might not make our Top 10 this year around, but are still going to keep you glued to your screen for days on out.

EVE Online

Developer: CCP Games
Publishers: CCP Games, Atari, Atari, Inc., Simon & Schuster Interactive, Crucial Entertainment
Platforms: PC
Release: May 6th, 2003
Free-To-Play

Eve Online is the premiere space-based MMORPG game. The massive persistent universe maintained by CCP Games has players battling for control and might be in for well over a decade. Anything from trade, space piracy, and massive technocratic uber battles goes in this universe. Massive alliance battle for control in the universe, with real-world money costs exceeding millions.

EVE Online is a treat to any real MMO fan to try, but be way as the steep learning curve and well-entrenched in-game politics are hard to tackle. If you are into space sims and trying one of the hardest games to master, look no further than EVE Online.

Rift

Developer: Trion Worlds
Publisher: Trion Worlds
Platforms: PC
Release: March 1st, 2011
Free-To-Play

Rift is part of the second wave of MMO games that launch in the 2010s, following up on Warcraft’s success. While a little older now, these games are notable for the way they build on the 2000s ideas of what an MMO can be. Rift is probably the most versatile of this batch of MMOs, persisting long after a lot of their competition went away. Rift has players join together in really big groups. Spontaneous quests define its gameplay, keeping things exciting.

One of the biggest draws of Rift is a system for class customization that is much more expansive than you’ll find elsewhere. The title still gets regular updates, too, with seasonal events keeping things interesting for this MMORPG in 2023.

Secret World

Developer: Funcom
Publishers: Funcom, Electronic Arts
Platforms: PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4
Release: July 3rd, 2012
Free-To-Play

Secret World is a bit of a unique case in the best MMORPG games. This one is nearly entirely story-driven. The narrative is different and unique, following a world in which myths and legends are real. The gameplay here isn’t just for the sake of getting loot. The quests push you through solving complex and rewarding puzzles, with expansive elements outside of the game to look through as well.

The game has now gone free to play as Secret World Legends. While it isn’t as well updated as others here, it definitely deserves mention for its unique approach to the MMO genre.

WARFRAME

Developers: Digital Extremes, Panic Button Games
Publisher: Digital ExtremesPlatforms: PC, Playstation 5, Playstation 4
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Release: March 25th, 2013
Free-To-Play

While we really wanted to include Warframe in the top 15, the truth is that the game is quite similar to Destiny 2, and most players will agree that it is inferior in almost every aspect. But, even if it is very similar, there are still some differences between the two looter-shooters, and if you give Destiny 2 a try and don’t like it, Warframe might just be your forte.

Image Credit: WARFRAME

WORLDWIDE WEBB

Developers: Thomas Webb
Publisher: Thomas Webb
Platforms: Browser Of Any Kind
Release: November 29th, 2021
Free-To-Play

There are quite a lot of crypto MMORPG games out there since the NFT craze, but one that deserves mention is Worldwide Webb, a game that allows players to use their NFTs. While Ready Player One inspired this game, there is a long way to go until this project reaches that potential, especially when it uses web3 technology and a browser instead of a VR platform.

Image Credit: Thomas Webb

There are plenty of titles we could characterize as the best MMORPG games on our list, but the ones mentioned above are the ones that deserve your attention this year. Some are worth revisiting, while others are worth just participating in for the sake of the community. We will update this list accordingly as games come in and out of favour.