The best free or paid MMORPGs, a selection of the best 2022 titles to avoid putting a character on the wrong game. Find the top MMOs of the moment or old games that have evolved over time. All the good reasons to relaunch again in a large universe populated by other players to meet.
The world of MMORPGs is evolving. Thus new games come out regularly, but many of them are not successful. In fact, it takes many years to develop a good MMORPG. For example, Bless was released in 2018 and it was not well received. Critics have been numerous on the gameplay, the graphics, as well as the content. This does not mean that Bless is a bad game. However, we will have to wait for the developers to improve it before forming a more precise opinion.
That’s why this guide to the best MMORPGs 2022 focuses on successful games. Games that will offer you solid gameplay and quality graphics . And of course content rich enough to keep you busy even when you’re high level . If you are familiar with the MMO universe and are looking for something new, then you can go directly to the Early Access MMORPGs section.
Lost Ark – The MMO of the moment
It has been around for some time in South Korea and Russia, but is now entering the European market. It is undoubtedly the MMORPG of the moment . It’s a curious mix of Final Fantasy XIV for the story and Diablo for the gameplay. Its launch is a real success, players seem to like it a lot. The servers are experiencing some overload issues, but the situation should improve over time. Lost Ark is the free game of the moment, but if you feel like spending a little cash, there are starter packs.
New World
New World is a massively multiplayer, open-ended sandbox MMO set in a supernatural North America in the 17th century. Players can be anything from farmers to soldiers to lone wolves. What you do and who you work with or against is entirely up to you. The land of the New World evolves with time, events and also changes according to seasons, weather and time of day.
You can work with others to reclaim monster-haunted wildernesses and build new civilizations. Or if you prefer, you can go solo, and try to survive against monsters and greedy players. New World is focused on gameplay with social features, Twitch integration with events, achievements and rewards organized by broadcasters.
Channel supernatural forces or wield deadly weapons in a classless combat system, and fight alone, with a small team, or in massive armies for PvE and PvP battles, the choice is yours.
A successful launch despite some technical problems
New World’s open beta was a real success and the September 27 launch was a real craze. Today the crowd on the servers has decreased, but the community is there. The figures are reassuring for the moment, after the failure of Crucible, Amazon’s hero shooter withdrawn for lack of players. You can order the title today for 39€ in digital edition with an immediate download. Find the best New World price with this regularly updated page.
Elyon
Elyon is a free MMORPG set in a fantasy world. Two kingdoms, Vulpin and Ontari, are at war for control of Elyon, a portal to heaven. In search of a new home, adventurers soar using a wide selection of airships, vehicles, and flying mounts to traverse the highly vertical open world of Elyon. Players can customize their skills, craft equipment, and engage in large-scale battles between kingdoms to secure victory for their kingdom.
Final Fantasy 14 (FF14)
Final Fantasy XIV has grown in popularity lately. So when a new expansion comes out, Fina Fantasy becomes the MMORPG of the moment again for a few months. During the first steps in the game, everything is undeniably slow and very similar to other MMOs. But over time, you’ll have a wider and wider range of activities to do. Which is reinforced by the fact that there are no limits. With the same character, you can move from one class (Job) to another. This nevertheless allows you to evolve towards more specialized and more complex jobs as you level up. This extends to your side jobs, like crafting, fishing, cooking, and more. Again, you can pick whatever appeals to you and get started.
The story of Final Fantasy XIV is an epic fantasy. Even with the free trial, you’ll be doing things that don’t just involve hitting monsters to collect items. There is a good balance between combat, reflection and storytelling.
In other MMORPGs you might feel restricted in your choices, but in Final Fantasy XIV there is that feeling of freedom. And that’s what makes it such a popular choice today. Oh, and each expansion seems to get better and better. If you want to play the best MMORPG of the moment, the one with the wind in its sails, this is the one for you!
How to play Final Fantasy 14 (FF14)?
To download and play FF14, there are two possibilities:
- Steam: If you buy it on Steam, you must buy all future expansions for PC through Steam. If you don’t buy it on Steam, you won’t be able to buy PC expansions on Steam.
- Straight from Square Enix: The difference is that if you skip Steam, you can buy it everywhere else (except Steam) in the future, not just Square Enix. This is the preferred option to have access to more offers and promotions.
What is the price to play Final Fantasy 14 (FF14)?
There is a free trial version that allows you to play up to level 60 without time restrictions. It’s ideal for getting an idea of the game. Then you have to take out an FF14 subscription. There are two types of subscriptions, the content between these two subscriptions is perfectly identical. Only the subscription duration and the number of characters change, as shown in the table below:
SubscriptionDurationMonthly Charges Max. characters per WorldNb max. charactersper accountBasic30 days10.99 €18Standard30 days12.99 €84090 days11.99 €840180 days10.99 €840FF14 Subscriptions
Its pricing is similar to Wow. Its popularity continues to increase, which undoubtedly makes it the best MMORPG of the moment. The quality of the extensions and developments undoubtedly contribute to its success. It is a title that offers Wow players a feeling of novelty while maintaining excellent content quality. You will find all the explanations on the FF14 subscription with this link.
World of Warcraft – Still the best MMORPG 2022?
Since August 2019, Blizzard has been offering players the opportunity to rediscover the origins of the title with World of Warcraft Classic. For those who don’t know, this is a reissue of the game as it was before the expansions. World of Warcraft was released in 2004, almost 20 years ago. Today with the release of Shadowlands , the MMO receives its eighth major expansion. Millions of players have loved World of Warcraft at some point in their lives. So making a guide to the best MMORPGs 2022 and not talking about Wow would be heresy!
Only very often the time-consuming aspect or weariness discourages players. But the World of Warcraft that required you to play it like a job is gone, replaced by something that can more easily fit into your playing time. The many evolutions and updates mean that World of Warcraft still remains today. now one of the best MMORPGs in 2022.
The entrance ticket is now more affordable
Joining World of Warcraft requires either a $ 10.99 monthly subscription or purchasing game time . However, the first seven World of Warcraft expansions are now free and it is no longer necessary to purchase the base game. Only the latest Shadowlands expansion is paid.
Which is a very good signal for players who want to come back. And even for those who wish to discover one of the best MMORPGs of 2022 for the first time. Wow remains an essential title in this MMO selection. Finally, some players will find this MMO aging graphically. Even if the latest extensions improve this point, Wow shows its age.
Platform: PC Price: €10.99 per month , it is no longer necessary to buy the base game. To play, all you need is a subscription or to obtain game time. All expansions that precede Battle For Azeroth are now free. The only paid extension is Shadowlands for €39.99 . The subscription or game time gives access to both editions, Wow Classic and the normal version.
The Elder Scrolls Online – A good balance between quality, content and price
If you’re looking for an MMO that isn’t aesthetically similar to the current standard, look no further than The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO or TESO). Additionally, Bethesda and Zenimax Online Studio’s creation of a persistent online Elder Scrolls world has come a long way since its release in 2014.
In fact, the game was heavily criticized upon release. But now it fully deserves its place in the best MMORPGs of the moment. And if the graphics of Wow are no longer to your liking, then Elder Scrolls Online is a real alternative. Its graphics are more modern and this is certainly an important point for some of you to choose your universe among the best MMORPGs in this selection.
First of all, ESO uses a formula that many are familiar with. You start your character as a prisoner. Throughout your MMORPG adventure, you gain better skills, powers and of course loot. The MMO dimension of the game means more than just meeting thousands of other players around the world. The activities are multiple, such as realm combat in PvP or PVP instances. But you can, of course, join PvE dungeons and raid content.
An attractive “Buy To Play” model among this MMORPG selection
What makes The Elder Scrolls Online so appealing is its “Buy to Play” model . If you’re planning on playing the game on PC, all you need is a one-time purchase and you’re good to go.
Then you can play the game for free without any restrictions. When you buy additional DLCs , you can either opt for the monthly subscription which unlocks everything, or buy them à la carte with crowns (currency for purchases) or even buy the DLC with real money. This business model will certainly appeal to those who wish to avoid subscription. In addition, many promotions allow you to obtain the basic game at a very modest price. As we mentioned, improvements made over the years make TESO one of the best MMORPGs still in 2022.
The Elder Scrolls Online expansions and DLCs
In addition, TESO benefits from regular updates. On the one hand, DLCs add dungeons, regions and extend the main quest. Some DLCs have limited content but enough to interest many players. On the other side are the expansions, Morrowind, Summerset, Elsweyr, Greymoor and the latest Blackwood , they add more content and sometimes new classes.
DLCs can be purchased from the in-game store for around 1,500 Crowns. Crowns are an in-game currency, it takes 12.99 to buy 1,500 Crowns or 34.99 euros for 5,500 Crowns. Note, there are many promotions to obtain more advantageous prices.
Finally, if you are a regular gamer, expansions will definitely be your first purchase. They add more content and especially new classes to play differently. It is possible to find them for around 10 €, except the last extension that you will find at 30 €. Finally, don’t forget that it is possible to fully enjoy the game without buying an extension or DLC.
Platform: PC , PS4 , Xbox One Price: Numerous promotions at €5 or €10 for the basic game . Then depending on your style of play and your desires, paid DLCs. In general, the latest DLC is around 20 or 30 €, and older DLCs around 10 €.
Black Desert Online – An original game among the best MMORPGs of 2022
This MMORPG will not appeal to everyone. To begin with, if you like dungeons, raids, quests with a story, then this game is not for you. But you will certainly find what you are looking for in this guide to the best MMORPGs 2022.
But what Black Desert Online offers is different from other games, especially its crafting, trading, and exploration system. Black Desert is a sandbox with tons of ways to spend your time. Of course, you will have to kill a lot of things to advance.
However, if you’re tired of the classic MMORPG model, Black Desert Online might just appeal to you. Even if Black Desert Online is not free from flaws. It is this original aspect that justifies its presence in this guide to the best MMORPGs of 2022.
“Original gameplay among this selection of the best MMORPGs”
One of the most distinctive features is the contribution system. It’s actually one of the many ways your character evolves as you play. Instead of awarding experience to your main level, most quests award experience which increases your contribution points.
Using these points, you can rent equipment from NPCs. But also buy properties for various uses. Or unlock nodes you discover on the map, using them to create trade routes or production chains.
By hiring NPC workers, you can send them to unlocked nodes. NPCs will then be able to harvest resources, such as potatoes from a farm, and then process them into useful goods or sell them in the market. Thus tedious and boring tasks are delegated to NPCs. During this time you can do more fun things.
Certainly Black Desert Online will not please everyone. But its many innovations are enough to put it in this guide to the best MMORPGs of 2022.
Platform: PC , PS4 , Xbox One Price: The base game is €10 . However, if you play regularly, the purchase of pets is recommended ( 3 pets at 10 € each ).
Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is a genre a bit apart. Role-playing game, adventure game, crafting game, solo game and cooperative game all rolled into one. However, once the main story is over, you will be free to explore the world, the title will then become closer to a classic MMORPG. Genshin Impact has no PvP elements, but battling dungeons with your friends in cross-play co-op will give you an enjoyable experience.
Basically, Genshin Impact is a game that does pretty much everything MMORPGs did in the late 90s and early 2000s. A big open world to explore, level up, resource scavenging. Collecting various hidden objects in the world allows you to improve your equipment, the search for panoramas, premium currencies, all the great classics are there. The only things Genshin Impact doesn’t do that are staples in MMOs are: cosmetics, PVP. The lack of PVP and the lack of massive online dimension makes some consider the title as a solo or cooperative MMO.
Fans of difficult puzzles and challenges will appreciate Genshin Impact for the size of its universe and the variety of quests. Finally others will find a pleasure similar to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Guild Wars 2 – a classic MMORPG
First of all, the base game is free . But if you reach the top level, purchasing the Path of Fire expansion is advised . Plus, you ‘ll get the other Heart of Thorns expansion for free as well .
If you’re looking for player-to-player combat, PVP , then you should give Guild Wars 2 some of your playtime. Whether you want to fight other players in instanced modes. Or if you are interested in fighting against hundreds of enemies in gigantic maps in World versus World mode. Then Guild Wars 2 might have what you need, a PVP benchmark among the best MMORPGs yet in 2022.
Finally, for those who do not appreciate the repetitive tasks that are traditionally found in MMOs, Guild Wars 2 will also do the trick. This is an accessible game, which does not attempt to copy World of Warcraft. In addition, the game world is dynamic. Player decisions have real consequences that promise an individual story.
Eve Online – SF selection for this top MMORPG
In this guide to the best MMORPGs, many have a fantasy medieval universe. So if you’re more of a space explorer type, maybe Eve Online is worth a look. Even if we move away a little from the RPG genre, the MMO dimension is present.
As we saw earlier in this guide to the best MMORPGs of 2022, Black Desert Online is complicated to tackle. But Eve Online goes beyond it. It’s a persistent world that’s been around for 14 years with controversial updates.
While you can do whatever you want in the game, just remember that others can do whatever they want. And sometimes that means ruining your efforts. Space colonization is a difficult universe and there is no place for lasting friendships.
“A unique universe among the best MMORPGs of the moment”
EVE Online is a kind of MMO board game. It’s a player-driven world; a player base capable of leading wars and maneuvers over months with plenty of combat, smuggling and sabotage. Just because it’s not the easiest game to learn doesn’t mean you can’t. Unlike the creators of Black Desert Online, developer CCP has tried over the years to make it slightly more accessible. Moreover, they have put together a complete and useful tutorial for beginners.
Plus, sometimes there’s no better lesson than doing something terribly wrong. Finally, if you are a former player, know that the game has evolved a lot. In fact, it is this richness, this complexity of the gameplay that appeals to players. And that’s also a good reason to put it in this guide to the best MMORPGs of the moment. You can read our article: Eve Online DLC Into The Abyss: Tough PvE, great rewards
Platform: PC Price: The game is free . But for the high level, it is preferable to subscribe in order to unlock all the possibilities of the game. Subscription from €10.95 to €15 per month depending on the duration.
Neverwinter
Dungeons and Dragons fans will be happy to hear that Neverwinter is still a good option among the best MMORPGs. It’s rare enough to note it, it’s available on consoles and PC. Not only does it have a great fantasy world to discover. But the quests feature surprisingly strong writing that will appeal to fans of more traditional role-playing games.
In fact, Nerverwinter is a very classic MMO , but it does it well. Plus, there’s no need to pay unless you want to progress faster. In this guide to the best MMORPGs of 2022 , it’s even the only one that allows you to fully enjoy the game for free .
Secret World Legends – A Narrative MMORPG
Rather than a sprawling world of endless choices, Secret World Legends is an MMORPG that emphasizes storytelling. In fact, among this selection of the best MMORPGs, it’s the only one that has so much access to the story. So if you’re tired of the usual high levels of fantasy and space, this is a game set in a world very close to our own. This would be our world if cults, mythological creatures, mad conspiracies and supernatural phenomena were commonplace.
There are over 100 hours of history to experience here. Additionally players can explore locations all over the world and participate in various missions to unlock the mysteries of the world. Although it is possible to go through the story solo. You can also team up with other players and go on adventures with players around the world. For all these reasons Secret World Legends joins our guide to the best MMORPGs of 2022.
Titles that continue to evolve over time
Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO)
The game is well built, the content is there. We discussed it at length. And finally we did not include it in our guide to the best MMORPGs. However despite its age, if you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings universe, then take a look at LOTRO. The graphics are a little outdated, but the quality of the gameplay is there, and the narration may make you forget the rest! (Available on Steam)
Star Wars The Old Republic (SWTOR)
An MMORPG in the Star Wars universe. Fans of the universe haven’t missed the opportunity to join the community. The title was released in 2011, but despite aging graphics, it still enjoys a good community. Additionally, BioWare continues to feed it with new content like the Onslaught expansion and “Legacy of the Sith”.
A remake could be coming to PC and console with improved graphics and lots of changes. For now, the information is not confirmed, we do not know if it is a remaster, remake or a complete overhaul inspired by SWTOR.
Warframe
A very good free game, but we are moving away from the massively multiplayer role-playing game. In fact, it’s a game similar to Destiny: Warframe vs Destiny 2, which one is better?. For this kind of game, we speak more of “Looter-Shooter”. But if you haven’t found what you’re looking for in this selection of the best MMORPGs of 2022, then maybe Looter-Shooter is a good alternative for you.
Runescape
This title has been around for many years, more precisely since 2001. But it has been updated regularly. It is a title that benefits from a great wealth of features. But its interface and graphics can put off newcomers. RuneScape offers two versions, a free version and a paid one. But rest assured, it is possible to play without spending a penny.
Vindictus
There’s been a whole list of changes that make Vindictus a solid MMO still in 2022. Compared to before, reaching the endgame is relatively simple, quick, and easy, and gear is easy to obtain. Progressing to level 90 takes 3-4 days for a regular player. For veterans who know what to expect, leveling up is even easier.
Wurm Online
Wurm Online is a sandbox MMO. Players can construct buildings such as walls and houses, mine and gather resources to craft tools, terraform land, dig tunnels underground, and many other sandbox actions. There are several servers to play on, each one being an island separated from the others by the sea that can be crossed. Players can create and join villages and alliances with other players, and form kingdoms on PvP servers to conquer lands and fight for glory.
Do not hesitate to share your favorites in the comments, this selection of the best MMORPGs of 2022 also evolves with your comments.
Beyond this top of the best MMORPGs
You haven’t found what you’re looking for in this guide to the best MMORPGs of 2022? There are still more, here are some titles you can take a look at:
- Conqueror’s Blade : This free game is at the frontier of the MMORPG, a mixture of Mount & Blade and Dynasty Warrior. But you advance your hero, improve his skills as well as your army. Even if the principle of quests is present, it has the enormous advantage of innovating and offering a revival of the genre. Choose your warlord and command your army in 15 vs 15 sieges. write these lines, the title is still in beta phase, it has bugs, but the title is quite playable. If you haven’t found what you’re looking for among the best MMORPGs in this guide, then Conqueror’s Blade might be an option to consider. Available on Steam
- MMORPG V4 or Project V4 : the game is already available on PC, iOS and Android. For PC, you have to install the Nexos launcher with this link.
- Blue Protocol : Blue Protocol is slated for a Japan-only release later this year, but Bandai Namco said it is considering global expansion and is currently recruiting an English localization manager. Blue Protocol is currently in closed beta phase.
- Albion Online : an MMORPG that breaks the habits of the genre. A player-driven economy and PVP, anyone? In addition, it has gone Free To Play since April 10.
- The Division 2 : This title is not really an MMORPG, but it takes the main lines of the genre: progression, equipment, skill, instance, raid. So if you’ve been around the classic MMORPGs and are looking for a few things new, The Division 2 might be for you. A mixture of RPG / shooter, for this genre we speak more of “Looter-Shooter”. Note, the title is chargeable but the entry ticket is only €10.
- Darkfall: Rise of Agon is a fantasy MMORPG with fast-paced, competitive first-person combat. It is a vast open world focused on risk and reward. There’s also an open-ended PvP environment where player skill and party strategy are key. Take to the sea in epic naval combat, build your own cities or besiege your enemies. Rise of Agon has no levels or character classes and offers an in-depth skill system where your character progresses solely through their actions.
Upcoming MMORPGs
Finally, here is a list of the best MMORPGs in development or to come:
- Starbase : build your spaceships or stations, explore, search for resources, craft, trade or just fight! The game is available in Early Access on Steam.
- Crownfall : born from a Kickstarter project, it is a new kind of MMORPG, between conquest and strategy. It offers a new vision, designed by MMO players. The project is currently in beta, it is possible to participate with a 10-day trial version.
- Ashes of Creation : a vast world to explore. Additionally, the node system allows players to build and shape the world of Ashes of Creation.
- Diablo 4 : Although we’re more into Hack’n Slash here, Diablo 4 was shown off at BlizzCon on November 1, 2019.
- Plan 8 : A Pearl Abyss MMO Shooter (Black Desert Online Publisher)
