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19 Most Popular MMORPGs for 2020

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) have been growing their popularity rapidly over the past few years. However, it isn’t a new subject amongst gamers because it has been around since the early 2000s. Its gaming concept is connecting a massive number of players from all around the globe in one virtual world.

They partake in action-filled games and each player must play a certain role which is part of the storyline of the game. MMORPGs shouldn’t be confused with regular online multiplayer or single-player role-playing games.

Amongst the many MMORPGs available, which ones are the most popular that you should play?

Here is a list of the best popular MMORPGs:

1. Star Trek Online

Star Trek Online

Star Trek is one the free to Play MMORPGs available on Windows-powered machines that have been around since 2010. It was developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Atari and then later on by Perfect World Entertainment. When it was first launched, gamers had to be purchased and also had a monthly subscription fee but then it was later on released free of charge.

The gameplay is set around roles of the captains of different ships and each player assumes that role. The entire ship controls are at the hands of the gamer, including their tactical systems as well the entire engineering and scientific processes. The game also features original voices by the actors of the Star Trek television series. Star Trek Online was rated to be in the top ten games of this franchise in 2016 on Tom’s Guide.

2. World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft was developed and released by Blizzard Entertainment in 2004 to be available on Windows and Mac machines. The game was initially announced in 2001 but then started being released on November 23, 2004, as part of the 10th anniversary of the Warcraft franchise. The game is very popular and in 2009, it made away with the title of being the most famous MMORPG by player count.

World of Warcraft had nearly 10 million players in 2009 and by 2014, it had more than one hundred million registered accounts. Its popularity can also be seen by the revenue it makes because, in 2017, it grossed more than $9 billion. That earned it the title of the highest-grossing video game franchise in history. In August 2019, World of Warcraft Classic was released as a method of new gamers to play the base game before the expansions are launched.

3. TERA

TERA

The Exiled Realm of Arborea, commonly known by its shorthand TERA is one of the best MMORPG games that exist. It was developed by Bluehole Studios and then published by different publishers, depending on the region. In Korea it was published by NHN Corporation, the North America region was catered for by En Masse Entertainment and in Europe, Gameforge did the job.

TERA is available on Windows, Xbox One and Playstation 4.
The later additions of Playstation 4 and Xbox One have been made available from the 3rd of April 2018. The game is now free-to-play and has experienced some developments which are primarily additions to the gameplay. For example, in 2014, the game had a patch that added a new level cap and expanded the setting. TERA has been able to attract more than 28 million players on both PC and gaming consoled combined.

4. DC Universe Online

DC Universe Online

As you might have guessed, DC Universe Online is based on the DC Comics franchise. Its setting is the fictional universe that is from the DC Comics television series and it was published by Daybreak Game Company and WB Games. The game itself was developed by Dimensional Ink Games and its release date was on January 11, 2011.

DC Universe Online was made available on Windows, Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. The game was removed on Playstation 3 and then it was availed to Nintendo Switch late in 2019. It has a lot of episodes that players can partake in and for those familiar with DC comics, the gameplay should come naturally. The game is kinda p2w and players can choose between playing as a hero or a villain and all other characteristics that build up the role they will play.

5. Neocron

Neocron

Neocron was developed by Reakktor Media GmbH and then published by CDV Software, it’s initial release was on September 9, 2002. It is the best cyberpunk MMOFPSRPG, which is a very unique type of MMORPG. Neocron is called an MMFPSRPG because it is a hybrid between regular MMORPG and first-person shooter (FPS) oriented game. This game is also peculiar because it is considered the first cyberpunk MMORPG. It is also one of the top MMORPGs free to play and gamers will surely enjoy its gameplay.

It designed to have both the elements of MMORPGs and FPS games which contributed to its greatness. The game had a sequel, Neocron 2, in 2004, which was released under a different publisher, 10tacle Studios AG. Later on, the servers of the initial release were shut down and players were encouraged to switch to Neocron 2. The latter version is the one that still runs to this day.

6. Blade & Soul

Blade & Soul

Blade & Soul is one of the top MMORPG games available online and it was released in North America and Europe on January 19, 2016. However, it has been around for longer because, in Korea, it was released on June 30, 2012, while in Japan, it was made available on May 30, 2014. Its desktop version was developed by a division of NCsoft called Team Bloodlust, the mobile game was developed by Netmarble Neo and the console version was made by NC Interactive.

It can be played on major mobile operating systems like Android and iOS and the desktop version can be played on Windows-powered machines. The gameplay is based on players creating characters that they will use to go around the virtual world and engage in combat. The game also has a feature that helps gamers revive themselves on the brink of death, which can be advantageous if you wind up in that situation.

7. Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars The Old Republic

MMORPGs best releases include the Star Wars: The Old Republic, which was published by Electronic Arts, better known as EA Games. The development of this game was done by BioWare Austin, and it was released in North America and Europe on December 20, 2011. It is currently available only on Windows-powered machines and has great gameplay for keen gamers. It is based on the Star Wars universe, usually depicted on the television series and players choose a side to fight for.

They can either choose between the Sith Empire or the Galactic Republic and the game favors a wide variety of customization options. The game has a hybrid system that comprises of a free-to-play model with the subscription version still in effect. The system they use seems to work for them because, in 2019, the game is estimated to have made a $200 million development budget.

8. Dungeons & Dragons Online

Dungeons & Dragons Online

Dungeons & Dragons also made the list of best MMORPGs games because of its very interesting setting and gameplay. It is was developed by Turbine and then later on the responsibility was passed down to Standing Stone Games. The publishing of this game also has quite a history because it was formerly published by Atari, Codemasters, Warner Bros. Interactive and not it is under Daybreak Game Company.

It was developed for Windows desktop machines and OS X devices. The initial release was on February 28, 2006. Around that time, it was still called Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach, later on, it was given the extension “Eberron Unlimited.” The latter name came up when the game switched to a hybrid system that includes a free-to-play feature. As time went on, it was given its name that we know now, Dungeons & Dragons Online.

9. Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV

The list of the most popular MMORPGs 2020 includes Final Fantasy XIV, which is developed by Square Enix Business Division 5. It was also published by Square Enix under the direction of Naoki Yoshida. The game is available on Windows machines, OS X devices as well as PlayStation 3 and 4 consoles.

Its initial release date was on August 27, 2013, and it was made available first on Windows and Playstation 3. On April 14, 2014, it was released on PlayStation 4 and the following year, on June 23, it was availed to OS X users. The gameplay is based on the plot of preparing for an invasion that might take place at any time. The player must do so at a time while the land he lives in tries to recover and rebuild from an invasion.

10. Dungeon Fighter Online

Dungeon Fighter Online

Dungeon Fighter Online is a beat ‘em up kind of MMORPG that was first released in 2005 in Korea. It was then released in November 2006 in Japan. China followed in the same month in the following year, 2007. In North America, it was released in June 2010 while the rest of the world got on the 9th of August 2016.

The development and publishing of this game was done by Neople and it is available on Windows desktops. The game has an estimated amount of more than 600 million players and grossing about $13.4 billion in revenue. In China, Dungeon Fighter Online was published by Tencent and has different versions separated by the primary language that is used on it. If you are into 2D MMORPG games, Dungeon Fighter Online is the best option for you.

11. The Secret World

The Secret World

The Secret World is an MMORPG that has a setting that has some horror fiction and folklore. It was developed by Funcom and published by EA Games and it features real-life places like Egypt, South Africa and Congo. Gamers can choose to join one of three secret societies that are in the game with the intention of furthering their agendas.

The game is available on Windows and was released on July 3, 2012, in North America and Europe. You can opt to pay for the subscription, which makes the gameplay more advantageous to you. Alternatively, you can just buy the game and pay once-off with no recurring monthly subscriptions. It is up to you on how you choose to gain access to the game and it will be very dependent on your budget.

12. Vindictus

Vindictus

The 12th on our list of most popular MMORPGs 2020 is Vindictus. It is an MMORPG that was developed by devCAT and then published by Nexon and TianCity in China. It has been made available to Windows devices and it was released in 2010 in North America. In Europe, Vindictus was released in 2011 while in Korea, it was launched in 2010, which was its debut. The game is free-to-play and you don’t have to make any purchases.

It has the same setting as Mabinogi and has an interesting shop where gamers can purchase items they need for better gameplay. The currency used in this virtual shop is called the NX (Karma Koin) and the items found there improve the player’s abilities and appearance. When the game begins, the player will have the option of choosing one 1 out of 15 characters that differ by skills and abilities.

13. Tree of Savior

Tree of Savior

IMC Games CO., Ltd developed the game titled Tree of Savior as a free MMORPG and then it was published by Nexon in Korea, Japan and Thailand. On the other hand, South East Asia, South America, North America and Europe received it from IMC Games Co., Ltd. It was released to Windows gamers on March 28, 2016, and features different soundtracks from various artists and groups. It has different settings where players can engage in combat and it also has diverse levels.

The class of each character determines the abilities and skills that the player can have. As they progress, the classes also improve, which means that players can have better skills and abilities as they play. There are 5 classes that each player can choose from and they are between being a swordsman, wizard, cleric, archer or scout.

14. Granado Espada

Granado Espada

Granado Espada will be one of the unique MMOs you’ll ever encounter because it is based on fantasy more than action. It’s also developed by IMC Games and it was then published by EuroGamez in Europe, T3Fun in North America, HanbitSoft in Korea and the developer in South East Asia. It is very unique because players can control characters that are more than one at the same time.

In 2006, the game won the presidential award for the best graphics and game of the year in Korea. It initially started being released in February 14, 2006, in Korea. The following year it was released in North America, Europe followed in 2013 and South East Asia finally got theirs released in 2017. Players can partake in this game using Windows-powered machines.

15. Kritika: reboot

Kritika: Reboot was released on 28 September 2017 under the development and publishing of ALLM Co., Ltd. It is available amongst Microsoft Windows desktops and has visually in-depth graphics. The game has a brawler type of gameplay and is hyper-stylized with a variety of big weapons that can be used by the characters. The weapons include superguns, gigantic blades and the characters have stunning acrobatic skills.

The game can be played with friends where you will team up and wage war against the enemy. Alternatively, gamers can choose to play alone where they will fight will all the enemies in this fantasy world. The game was well-received because 77% of the players that have reviewed it rated it positively. Kritika: Reboot is free to play and is very engaging once you have got the hang of it.

16. RuneScape

RuneScape is an MMORPG that was developed and published by Jagex in the early 2000s and was made available to most major operating systems. For example, it is available on Microsoft Windows, Android, Linux, macOS and iOS. It was initially a browser game that was developed using the Java programming language. Despite the changes that have been involved in making the game what it is today, their following hasn’t underperformed.

RuneScape has over 200 million accounts that are registered on their system. Because of that, it has received the accolade of being the world’s largest MMORPG from the Guinness World Records. The gameplay is also very interesting because it entails many traveling options. Players can use embark journeys on foot, magic spells, or charter ships. That is just one great feature amongst many that you will encounter will playing the game.

17. Albion Online

Albion Online is a medieval fantasy MMORPG game that has been around since 2017 that was developed and published by Sandbox Interactive. The game was available before but as a beta and at that time, it was a free-to-play model game and then the full game was released on July 17, 2017. The game is available on Windows, Android, Linux, iOS and OS X.

Albion has a variety of starter packs that can be purchased by the players and that will give them permission to play the game without any added fees. Also, players can also pay a subscription fee for a certain amount of time and enjoy the gameplay without having to purchase the starter packs.

18. Mabinogi

Mabinogi

Mabinogi is an MMORPG that was developed by devCAT and then published by Nexon Korea. It was released on different dates that were dependent on the regions. It debuted in Korea on June 22, 2004. In North America, it was released on March 27, 2008, and was availed on Windows-powered desktops.

The game is constantly updated, which makes it a more lively game and with each update, there are new locations and features added. The features might also include new skills, pets, and advances the storyline. The User Interface was designed to be as simple as the Windows taskbar, so familiarizing yourself with it shouldn’t be much of a problem.

19. Guild wars 2

Guild wars 2

The last on our list of most popular MMORPGs 2020, Guild Wars 2, is a very engaging MMORPG and it’s by far the best free to play MMO out there. The game is developed by ArenaNet and published by NCSOFT with the setting of a fantasy world of Tyria. The game is very responsive and has a storyline that reacts to the player’s response. Guild Wars 2 is pioneers in that feature, especially amongst MMORPGs.

Its initial release was on the 28th of August and it was released globally at once. It doesn’t require any recurring subscription fees or initial payments, although it did until 2015. By the time this game stopped being sold, it had sold more than 5 million copies and then it started becoming free-to-play.

The bottom line

MMORPG games are very engaging and players are immersed in the 3D or 2D world created by the developers. These games on the list of best MMORPGs games 2020 unlock your fantasy and give you superpowers that you will never have in person. The list above also features a unique MMORPG game called an MMOFPSRPG, which includes first-person shooter gameplay.

Some of these games are free-to-play, but some need a recurring subscription and others may only require a once-off purchase. Partake in the storyline of the game and use the power bestowed upon your mouse and keyboard. These are the most popular MMORPGs that you can play to get action-filled gaming fun that is based on medieval fantasy.

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The 39 Best MMO and MMORPGs

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