Best MMORPG Games – Top MMOs you should play in 2021

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 2021 games.

Top 10 MMORPG Games in 2021

There are loads of MMORPGs out there and each appeals to a different type of player. These are the top 10 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

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 received 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.

2. World of Warcraft

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 is especially true in 2021, as the Activision/Blizzard is 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, 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.

Additionally, the recent release of WoW Classic and WoW Classic TBC has given plenty of players a chance to relieve the glory of Azeroth and Outland as they were more than a decade ago. The influx of returning players has been good for the health of the game. The game is a little older, it is still one of the best MMORPGs, and the title that produces the best video game trailers on the regular.

3. EVE Online

Eve Online is the premiere space-based MMORPG game. The massive persistent universe maintained by CCP Games, has players battling for control and might in for well over a decade. Anything from trade, space piracy and massive technocratic uberbattles 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 then EVE Online.

4. Black Desert Online

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 2021.

The game has systems behind combat, trade, diplomacy, 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

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 you have the option to craft creatures and weapons. You’ll move between worlds with the typical dungeon looting mechanics. The addition of a homebase 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

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.

The 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 console, with a decent port available.

7. The Old Republic

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 rolls, 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.

8. Secret World

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 a mention for its unique approach to the MMO genre.

9. Rift

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 2021.

10. Guild Wars 2

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 end-game than most others here, but there is plenty of post-game content available to players in this one of the best MMORPGs.

There are plenty of titles we could characterize as best MMORPG games in 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 favor.