Gaming is a second life for most, but MMORPGs are a whole different type of virtual entertainment. There is just something that makes you devote countless hours to bettering your character and becoming one with that other world. More than any other video game genre, MMO and MMORPGs require patience, hard work and ingenuity.
A good MMORPG is more than just plain fun – it’s a vacation into another plane of existence, one that you can modify the way you want. In a genre that is shrouded in legend by now, it’s incredibly hard to pick the best of the best. Despite the challenges, our team devoted weeks to character creation, raiding, blowing up planets and more.
After the testing, the recollection and discussions, we’ve narrowed our list down to the 39 best MMO & MMORPGs to play in 2019-2020 and beyond. Lo and behold, as we’re going on an adventure to 39 legendary fantasy worlds!
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Grinding through the Final Fantasy storyline involves getting a taste of some of the best MMO games of all time. Unfortunately, we had to pick one and Final Fantasy XIV was the final choice. This Square Enix masterpiece is only 5 years old, but it has influenced countless titles.
The beautiful design will make Eorzea feel just like home, even when you’re going through the Seventh Umbral Calamity. Even though the original release in 2010 was rushed, this final version blew the gaming world away.
Are You a Final Fantasy Fan? Take the final fantasy quiz and See How Much You Know.
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Before The Elder Scrolls Online was officially announced, the entire gaming rumor was wondering when will there be a TES MMORPG. Through tireless work by the people at Bethesda, eons and eons of lore and ideas became one of the top MMORPG games of all time.
You get to pick between three factions and battle against spies, dragons and other supernatural enemies. Constant updates and DLCs are sure to keep this breathtakingly designed game going for a long, long time. It’s a must-play work of art.
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MapleStory 2 just has to be on this list of the 39 best MMO and MMORPGs to play. Developed by Wizet and Published by various other companies, MapleStory 2 is a well-improved sequel of the initial anime-based title.
An ideal mix of PvP and PvE, this game is excellent for shorter bursts of gaming, as it has an emphasis on battle. However, if you wish to play it for a longer time, it will not disappoint. While barely a few months old, MapleStory 2’s influence is yet to be seen.
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Runescape was an essential part of everyone’s life from 2001 and beyond! We spent countless hours chatting with people we’ve met over the game. This is still one of the best MMO games, as you can still see people streaming it on Twitch. With the introduction of osrs gold, the in-game economy has also seen a significant boost, making trading and transactions even more engaging. To draw even more attention, they use Streamlabs overlays to set up game-related templates.
Runescape introduced fan-implemented changes, as Jagex (the game’s developers) consulted the community on what to add to it. There’s a mobile version now, which means you can experience one of the top MMORPGs of all time on the go. Enjoy the title that started it all, as you take a walk through memory lane.
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There aren’t many cases where a game is designed in a style similar to anime and achieves global success. Burning SoulWorker is one notable exception. As you follow the events of the opening of the “void,” you get to choose one of the six characters to battle otherworldly demons.
Armed with superpowers and confidence, you are in for a treat Lion Games Studios has also announced a sequel recently, too. If everything goes well, we might see another update to the list of the 39 best MMO and MMORPGs to play in 2020 and beyond.
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Guild Wars 2 is one of the rare MMORPGs where you have a story that’s both inspired by existing works of art and modified by its creators. Based on several short stories by H. P. Lovecraft, this game is a true homage to all the great horror and fantasy works.
Battle your way through scores of enemies and finally defeat the Elder Dragons. While this is not a new MMO by any means, it is still a masterpiece and can be played for many more years. ArenaNet and NCSOFT did a masterful job.
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NCSOFT did something few games managed to pull off. They modified Blade and Soul so that it requires every player to get enough practice before engaging in PvP combat. This resulted in a large number of skilled players, which got the right amount of experience fighting other enemies.
What’s even more amazing about this game is the wonderful homage to Asian culture, especially qinggong. While it’s not a new MMORPG, Blade and Soul is still played and cherished by millions of players.
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While Digital Extremes had been planning to develop Warframe since 2000, they only released it in 2013. What was seen as a risky release saw a peak of almost 40 million players in 2018, something every developer would be proud of.
If you love RPGs with a more futuristic feel and co-op modes instead of classic MMO setups, this is the game for you. The leveling and skills systems are different from other games, making Warframe a unique experience for every gamer.
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NCSOFT has done a masterful job with this futuristically designed MMORPG. While the first Lineage game gauged our curiosity, Lineage II Classic made us all fall in love with the characters and features.
Even though the game is nearly 16 years old, its compelling approach to PvP and PvE combat makes it one of the best MMO and MMORPGs to play today. Ideal for an afternoon trip into a world of magic and fantasy, Lineage II Classic is an ideal choice for both younger and old school gamers.
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While Pearl Abyss wanted to create a top MMORPG set in a high fantasy world, they did much more. Never before has an MMORPG included elements such as NPC living a real life and having actual things to do.
The engine used for the original Black Desert game was modified so that it can allow for fast rendering. As a result, the world is seamless and the gameplay is smooth and realistic. It’s one of the best MMO games of this generation, resulting in a legacy that will only become evident over time.
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Is WoW the best MMO game of all time? Opinions differ, but it’s surely the most popular of all time, with the game breaching into the realm of popular culture. If you love Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, as well as The Frozen Throne, this is a dream come true.
However, one should be very careful when playing this top MMO. It’s still one of the most addicting games in existence. Before you start playing (again), be sure to call in sick for work the next day!
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Amazon Game Studios surprised everyone when they launched the alpha version. As soon as we’ve tried it, it’s safe to say that this is surely the best new MMORPG 2019 will see.
The unique twist on the founding of America interested both history aficionados and seasoned MMORPG players. It’s not every day that a new MMO comes and blows everyone away. A whole continent is at your disposal, with additional features such as Twitch-integration and unique events and rewards.
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ArtCraft wanted to try something different and it looks like they have an ideal contender for the best new MMORPG. Instead of focusing on just gameplay, they managed to merge the beautiful design with politics.
You have to think like a real politician, instead of trying hard to accomplish as much as you can. With a fealty system based on hierarchy, you can plot together with other players and rule the world with an iron fist.
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What happens when you fuse Biblical lore, demonic antagonists and a futuristic feel? You get Lost Ark, one of the best new MMORPG games. Even the best version has caused a lot of stir in the gaming community.
The realistic feel signified to both critics and fans alike that Smilegate just might have created a legendary title. We don’t see this mix of stories and influence often, so it’s going to be an amazing journey from start to finish. The final enemy will be the demon lord Kazeros and his six nightmarish legions. We can’t wait.
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Kakao Games made sure they introduced something new in Ascent: Infinite Realm. As all players will engage in combat in a futuristic world, the focus will be on customizing your own jets, mounts and other vehicles.
It’s a never-before-seen focus in the history of MMORPG and we’re excited to see the end result. Judging by the closed beta and gameplay videos, the astonishing blend of nature and futurism will make this one of the best MMO 2020 games. In a fight between man and machine, who will prevail?
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Intrepid Studios are about to release their own contender for the best MMORPG of this era. A high fantasy world is the setting for spectacular battles involving different guilds and factions. You will be able to muster everything from wizards to trebuchets in an effort to attack enemy castles.
There are also different tactics and commands related to defending your own realm, which we are eager to see. If you’re a fan of old school strategic battles, Ashes of Creation will sweep you off your feet.
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One thing we haven’t seen in MMORPGs is preparation. Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen urges every player to do research on enemies and prepare their weapons and spells accordingly. Such an approach signifies that MMORPGs of the future will be more and more like real-life wars.
With interesting lore revolving around the world of Terminus and an innovative approach, this game is deservingly on the list of the best MMO and MMORPGs.
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Ever since MMORPGs started being popular, people have been asking – “what if someone made an MMO game that resembles real life?” Soulbound studios decided to answer that question, by introducing a seemingly difficult approach to gaming.
Everything is realistic – you can’t redo quests and you only have a limited time to leave your mark on the world. Will you be a merciless assassin, a peasant or a glorious king? Choose wisely!
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City State Entertainment decided to give their MMORPG take on the legend of King Arthur. A man who became a myth, Arthur is the subject of numerous legends that are still popular to this day. Many developers have shied away from this opportunity due to the immense challenge.
In Camelot Unchained, you get to experience the full might of Arthur, as you get to decide to align with either him, the Celts or the Vikings. Do you think you have what it takes to wield the power of Excalibur? There is only one way to find out.
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Based on the legendary tabletop game that influenced the fantasy genre, Saga of Lucimia is an MMORPG for methodical gamers. It’s designed for those who value careful planning and who place value in well-orchestrated adventures, where every player has a designated role.
If you’re a fan of Dungeons and Dragons, you will realize why Saga of Lucimia on our list of the best MMO and MMORPGs. Stormhaven Studios have placed emphasis on the community factor and the results are nothing short of epic.
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MMORPGs set in modern times are incredibly rare, but Identity is more than just an interactive MMO game. In it, your options are limitless. You can go to school, start your own business, go broke and even end up in jail.
The game got popular through its Kickstarter campaign, as it is the first game to depict real-life this accurately in a video game.
It is your job to create your own identity in this beautifully designed game by Asylum Entertainment. Set your own rules on your own private servers or join existing ones – everything is up to you and you only!
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Chris Roberts, the designer of Privateer and Wing Commander, joined forces with Cloud Imperium Games Corporation to make this amazing game. It’s almost like a hybrid of World of Warcraft and Star Trek, in a way that makes you reimagine what MMORPGs are all about.
Every action you decide on will affect billions of denizens within the Milky Way. Some consequences will be visible immediately, while others will only show after time. Are you ready for that kind of responsibility?
Read about: Star Citizen Alpha 3.6 Update
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While Novaquark only released an early alpha version, Dual Universe has already shown its potential to be the best new MMO game in 2019. Thanks to the new tech, there will be no more separation between players. You will be able to partake in a whole cosmos of events and interactions, even influencing a 100% real economy. Build civilizations or destroy them, as the entire known and unknown universes are at your mercy. Do you have what it takes to be a leader?
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What makes Fractured MMO so amazing is the fact that the entire game is designed to encourage teamwork. While your business can reach amazing heights, you will never be able to succeed as much as you could with a skilled guild.
Set in ancient times, Fractured MMO allows you to master 400+ skills and abilities. One skill and one business decision may be the difference between being a king or a peasant. Dynamight Studios really outdid themselves with this title.
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And last but not least, one of the most interesting MMORPGs to play in 2019 and beyond – Legends of Aria. When you gaze at the game first, you will see that every detail has been developed to perfection.
Intricate mechanisms respond to everything you and your allies/enemies do. If you choose so, you can crumble the economy, become a dictator or even assume a Robin Hood role and steal from the rich. Where do you imagine yourself in this amazing world?
Soulworker is an action MMORPG developed by Lion Games Studios and published by Gameforge. The game was released on February 26th, 2016, for Microsoft Windows. Soulworker features over 100 PvE dungeons with episodic bosses split across a variety of different levels.
The unique anime art style functions well in combination with the 4 distinct classes and action-filled battles.
Soulworker uses a third-person camera perspective and a combo-based combat system. The game features a card system that allows you to acquire, equip, and utilize a plethora of collectible cards to aid you in combat.
A robust crafting system will keep you entertained and interested for hours. Looking for an MMORPG? Try Soulworker – it has more than enough unique features to merit a deeper look.
Bless Unleashed is an upcoming action MMORPG being developed by Round 8 Studio and NEOWIZ. It will be available on the Xbox One.
The game is slated to follow a free to play model. Bless Unleashed is being built using the powerful Unreal Engine 4.
The graphics will be visually stunning and immersive. The combat system is based on chaining together attacks to achieve combos and dodging. Bless Unleashed will feature rapid, engaging combat rarely seen in MMORPGs. Bless Unleashed is being designed in a way that allows solo players to complete all of the content. Players will be able to choose from five different classes.
The developers have also promised an integrated PVP mode and a deep progression system. Bless Unleashed has all the elements of a good MMORPG – with the added bonus of being available for the Xbox.
Last Oasis is an upcoming survival MMO being developed by Donkey Crew. The game will be released on September 3rd, 2019, for the PC. Last Oasis is based on a unique concept.
The game takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the survivors constantly have to outrun the scorching sun using mechanical walking machines. The developers have announced resource gathering, crafting, base-building, and an entirely player-driven economy, among other features.
The combat system will take place both on foot and via walkers. The melee combat will be dynamic, skill-based and directional.
The walking machines used by players will be fully customizable with attachments and upgrades, allowing players to choose a specific style of play. Surviving in this harsh post-apocalyptic world won’t be easy – guilds and clans will be a huge part of the experience.
Last Oasis is a breath of fresh air – the concept is completely original, and the gameplay details that have been announced are very promising.
Mavericks: Proving Grounds is an upcoming MMO shooter. The game is being developed and published by Automaton Games. It will be released at an unannounced date in 2019 for the Microsoft Windows.
Mavericks: Proving Grounds is a first-person/third-person shooter that will feature MMO and battle royale elements.
The game drew a lot of interest when the developers announced the 400-player battle royale mode. Since then, they’ve doubled down on that promise and announced that a 1000 player battle royale mode will be included shortly after release.
This will be supplemented with a separate and persistent open world mode. The game will also have a lot of interesting features such as destructible environments, terrain deformation, and wildlife. Players will face off in a huge, 100 square mile map.
This is an ambitious project – but the advent of a new console generation and new technologies might make it a huge hit.
Gloria Victis is an upcoming MMORPG being developed by Black Eye Games.
The game is currently in early access. Gloria Victis will be available for Microsoft Windows, but the official release date is currently unknown.
The developers have hinted that the game may be ported to macOS and Linux at a later date.
Gloria Victis is set in a realistic, low-fantasy medieval world. The large, open-world will be populated by players who can form guilds and claim territory.
The game will feature a non-target combat system, similar to Mount and Blade. The economy of Gloria Victis will be entirely player based.
Players will be able to choose from and advance in 8 realistic crafts. The progression system will be classless, allowing players to forge a unique style. The developers have also announced a large list of features that will be added post-launch: mounts, player housing, sailing, naval combat, sieges, and an immersive, mature storyline.
All of these features have the potential to make Gloria Victis a really good MMORPG.
Worlds Adrift is an MMO sandbox game developed and published by Bossa Studios. It was released on May 24th, 2017, for Microsoft Windows. Worlds Adrift is a completely unscripted sandbox MMO that is physics-based.
Players explore a world made out of thousands of floating islands aboard a flying ship. The world is reactive and persistent – everything will stay where it is until someone interacts with it.
Worlds Adrift has given a lot of thought to the physics system. If you want to cross through a powerful wind wall, you will need an appropriately large and heavy ship. Ships are player made and fully customizable.
There are no set missions or quests, and no experience points or leveling up. Instead, your progress and skill are based on the knowledge and items that you gather. There are no directions, rules, or boundaries – the adventure that you create will be completely unique.
Worlds Adrift allows you to team up and cooperate with other players in an imaginative world of complete freedom. The sense of wonder and exploration that you get in this game is unparalleled.
Update: Worlds Adrift shutting down:
Worlds Adrift will be closing on 26th July 2019 with our End of the World Party, an-in game event and livestream.
The End of the World will begin at The event and livestream begins at 3PM BST (16:00 CEST / 10:00 EDT / 07:00 PDT) and will end at 9PM BST (22:00 CEST / 16:00 EDT / 13:00 PDT) when the servers will be turned off and Foundation will be no more.
Number 10 on our list of Update! is Population Zero. It’s an upcoming open-world survival MMO being developed by Enplex Games. It will be available for the Microsoft Windows, and although a release date hasn’t been announced, the developers are aiming to release this title by the end of 2019.
Population Zero takes place on a hostile alien world. Players will be divided into colonies and factions and will be able to compete, wage war, and cooperate for survival.
The world of Population Zero is volatile and exciting. The creatures that inhabit it are dangerous and intelligent, and all occupy a unique place in the ecosystem.
The developers are promising a unique twist on the survival genre – the ecosystem of the strange planet is fragile – if you disrupt it too much, you will perish.
All of these exciting features will be supplemented with a hidden story that players will gradually unlock by exploring the mysterious planet and looking for clues.
Discovering the fate of an ancient, lost civilization may give you the upper hand over your enemies.
Population Zero has all the features of an exciting, groundbreaking title. It has the potential to be one of the most popular MMO games in the upcoming years.
City of Titans is an upcoming superhero MMO being developed by Missing Worlds Media. The game will be available on Microsoft Windows, Linux, and macOS. The release date hasn’t yet been revealed, and the game will function on a buy-to-play model, with an optional subscription.
City of Titans will see players take on the role of fully customizable superheroes or super-villains. Player characters will be designed from the ground up – everything from the costume to the powers, animations, and backstory of the character will be up to you.
City of Titans will feature multiple interactive stories. Players will be able to choose between being a paragon, mastermind, street hero, and crime lord – and the storylines are completely divorced from the powersets, allowing for unique combinations.
The open world of Titan city will be enormous, and players will be able to fly, teleport, swing, run, and jump across a seamless area with no loading times.
City of Titans is aiming to take the place that the legendary and beloved City of Heroes once occupied. Looking for an MMO? City of Titans will be diverse and unique enough to meet all of your superhero needs.
Ship of Heroes is an MMORPG being developed by Heroic Games. The release date has not been precisely set, but the developers are hoping for a release by the end of 2019. Ship of Heroes will be available for Microsoft Windows.
Ship of Heroes will feature a customization system with an extreme amount of depth. Characters can be modified both in appearance and abilities to a great extent. There is no traditional class system – players will mix and match abilities from different sets to achieve a unique play style.
Harvesting, crafting, and trading will be a big part of the game. Ship of Heroes is set on a traveling spaceship – everyone has a job. The choice of employment will impact what quest lines are available to you.
A friendly, open and welcoming setting, together with an extreme degree of customization will make this game a breath of fresh air in the world of MMORPG’s.
Valiance Online is a superhero MMO being developed by SilverHelm Studios. A release date hasn’t been announced yet, and the game will be available on Microsoft Windows. Valiance Online is set at the beginning of the 22nd century, as superheroes and villains come to battle it out in a futuristic city.
Players will be able to choose between twelve archetypes that can be mixed and matched to fill a plethora of unique, hybrid roles. The game features more than 90 distinct superpowers which can be combined to form your unique playstyle.
Valiance Online will be a dynamic, reactive, living and breathing superhero world. The choices that players make in the open-world city of San Cielo will be persistent and meaningful.
A deep customization system and a wide variety of both PvE and PvP content make this an interesting contender to the legacy of City of Heroes.
Conqueror’s Blade is an upcoming tactical action MMO being developed by Booming Games. It will be published by MY.GAMES near the end of 2020 for the Microsoft Windows and an Xbox One version is also in the works.
Conqueror’s Blade lets you take control of an army and command it in the vast open world. Players will vie for land and power in a dynamic and changing open-world.
Trading, gathering, and improving your holdings will also be an important element of staying in power. Players will get to choose between 10 powerful warlords with distinct fighting styles.
All of these heroes can then be mixed and matched with different unit types to form your unique army.
The combat is based in equal parts on strategy and using the abilities and combos of your warlord.
An authentic medieval warfare experience set in a beautiful 1000 square kilometer map, Conqueror’s Blade is going to become one of the most popular MMO games out there.
Reworld online is an interesting modbox MMO being developed by Qwerty Studio.
There is no release date set, but the game will be available for Microsoft Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Reworld Online is a game that uses procedural generation technology to allow players to create their own MMO worlds that they can play in and share with others.
Players will be able to create and modify their own races, classes, events, house designs, dungeons, and gameplay systems.
The developers are promising a wide range of features that will allow you to create your own world and tweak it to your liking.
Support for crafting, gathering, player housing, and PvP has also been announced. Looking for an MMO? Reworld Online will allow you to create one yourself. It’s a promising title that has the potential to grow into a unique platform.
Astelia Online is a fantasy MMORPG being developed by Nexon. It will be published by Barunson Entertainment near the end of 2019 for the Microsoft Windows.
Astellia Online features a unique monster card system that is tied into the combat mechanics. Players collect and combine monster cards to summon powerful companions called astells into battle.
Players will be able to choose from five traditional classes and can supplement their playstyle with companions. The open-world will consist of many small-scale four-man dungeons, 20 man raids, and instanced PVP zones.
The robust dungeon system, a tri-faction system, and guild wars will make for a content-filled endgame experience.
The breathtaking graphics and unique card system make this an MMORPG to keep your eye on.
Chronicles of Elyria is an upcoming MMORPG being developed by Soulbound Studios. The release date hasn’t been announced yet.
The game will be available for Microsoft Windows. Chronicles of Elyria is an ambitious project. The game’s starting continent will be approximately 1152 times larger than Skyrim.
The game world will be completely persistent – resources will be depletable, mobs won’t respawn automatically, and player characters will eventually die – permanently.
Once a player’s character dies, be it from combat or old age, players will take the role of their character’s heir.
This can be the player’s child or a reincarnation. When that happens, the new character will gain a higher skill learning rate. When a player is logged off, their character will act as an NPC.
Players will be able to take part in an intricate politics system and rule over entire kingdoms.
There are no strictly defined classes, and the combat will be skill-based. Chronicles of Elyira has the potential to be one of the best MMORPG games of all time.
Some games on this list have reigned supreme for over 15 years and some have yet to make an impact. If you love cooperating with people from all around the world, any of these games will leave you in awe. Abandon reality, pick up a sword/gun/laser and enjoy yourself.
Check out our latest review about:
The Top List of Upcoming Free MMORPG and MMO Games 2020
The List of Best Anime MMORPG 2019 by Gaming Experts
Let us know in the comments if you played any of these titles.
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good list 10/10 kill yourself
Thank you George, we try our best :)
Dunno about Elder scroll online nor final fantasy 14 for i have only heard bad things. But i can agree with Guild wars 2 and Runescape
Whoever told you anything bad about Final Fantasy XIV is definitely wrong. It's a great game, and overall my favorite MMORPG out of most these days. Yes it's subscription based, but at least it's not p2w. Elder Scrolls Online I have played since release and it was meh, but I have no idea how much it inproved.
Definitely give FFXIV a try though
Thank you for your feedback, Final Fantasy XIV is a good game.
no swtor?
Thank you, We will update our list and consider to add your suggestion.
Really a nice quantity of information, thank you so much!
Gotta say, swtor should be on this list, especially with the upcoming expansion coming out in September, it's going to enhance the game as a whole.
Thank you for your comment, you are absolutely right and we will add Star Wars: The Old Republic (swtor) to this list!
Great list, thanks for the post! if you guys have a free time, give a try to Lord of the rings online, its a well known 2007 game that really impressed me with the graphics and lore mostly. i would love to see your impression about it. thanks again!
The list looks good, but there are a few games on this list that aren't even MMOs let alone MMORPGs.
Atlas is not an MMO. You have to pick ONE single island to play on and it can only hold up to 50 players at any given time. At least that was the case last time i read up on it.
Lost Ark is not an MMO, but a F2P online co-op action RPG in the same line as Diablo 3/Torchlight 1/2.
Soulworker is the least MMO of all the games on the list as you play on microscopic maps relative to the open worlds of actual MMORPGs, and they're all instanced. The player hub is also microscopic in size in that, you can only ever see between 15-20 players at any given time. In fact, the maps are even smaller than any map in Diablo 3/Torchlight 1/2. Absolutely zero massively about Soulworker.
Ive been struggeling to find Good MMORPGs and there comes my savior!
You've listed a whole bunch of games that aren't even out yet as "the best of 2019". How does that make any kind of sense?!
Thank you for your feedback! we appreciate it.
We have listed the 27 best games in 2019 and beyond, therefore we felt that they should be on our list for all our reader to note them.