A massively multiplayer online role-playing game is a fantastic idea that only a few games managed to master.
As the name says, MMORPG is home to a host of players at the same time, which creates a unique challenge of connecting everything together. Few developers have got this combination spot on, giving rise some of the most successful game franchise of all time across various gaming platforms.
Without further ado, let us look at the top-10 MMORPG games that you need to play at least once in your
lifetime.
| Top 10 MMORPG Games | Metacritic Ratings |
| World of Warcraft | 93 |
| Guild Wars 2 | 90 |
| EVE Online: Special Edition | 88 |
| The Lord of the Rings Online | 88 |
| Rift | 84 |
| Star Wars: The Old Republic | 85 |
| Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn | 83 |
| The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset | 83 |
| Tera | 77 |
| Aion | 76 |
#1 World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft is a benchmark in MMORPG as it does so many things right, ensuring that the players keep on coming back to the game on a regular basis. Despite being released over ten years ago, this extremely beginner-friendly is the most popular MMORPG game and is also the highest-grossing videogame franchise of all-time.
Metacritic
Critic Rating: 93
User Rating: 7.4
#2 Guild Wars 2
Launched in 2012, Guild Wars 2 follows the re-emergence of Destiny's Edge, something that was seen in the original. Despite being an MMORPG, it boasts a storyline that depends on the actions taken by the player, ensuring that no two playthroughs feel similar.
Right since its launch, the game has won critical acclaim from both critics and fans alike.
Metacritic
Critic Rating: 90
User Rating: 8.1
#3 EVE Online: Special Edition
EVE Online is a space-themed MMORPG, which includes a slew of activities with a strong focus of exploration and combat. The game is highly complex and diverse, offering players unscripted action amongst the competition.
Few even recognise EVE Online as one of the greatest PC games of all-time.
Metacritic
Critic Rating: 88
User Rating: 7.7
#4 The Lord of the Rings Online
Set in the fantasy universe that is based upon Tolkien’s Middle-Earth works, The Lord of the Rings Online was initially launched in 2007. Since then, numerous expansion packs were released on a regular basis, which refined the game further, and thereby, making it a fine MMORPG.
Metacritic (Riders of Rohan Expansion Pack)
Critic Rating: 88
User Rating: 6.9
#5 Rift
Developed by Trion Worlds, Rift is a fantasy free-to-play MMORPG that is set in Telara where two competing factions of various races battle each other and other dynamic enemies of the game.
The game received critical acclaim for its gameplay design and grossed over $100 million by January 2012. For its polished approach, Rift took home several awards, as well.
Metacritic
Critic Rating: 84
User Rating: 7.3
#6 Star Wars: The Old Republic
Developed by Bioware Austin, Star Wars: The Old Republic is an MMORPG set in the Star Wars universe. The game’s story takes place after the establishment of peace between the re-emergent Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic.
The ability of players to choose a side but not be bound to a specific gameplay style is one of the strongest points of the game.
Moreover, several expansion packs are also added to the game on a regular basis.
Metacritic
Critic Rating: 85
User Rating: 5.9
#7 Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, developed by Square Enix, is an MMORPG that revolves around the Final Fantasy universe. A Realm Reborn is a patch that massively improved the original, which was met with severe criticism during the launch. The new version now features improved combat, story and gameplay, much to the joy of both players and critics alike.
Furthermore, the game still features the ability to create characters for the game for a customisable experience.
Metacritic
Critic Rating: 83
User Rating: 7.0
#8 The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset
Any list of top MMORPG games is incomplete without the inclusion of the Elder Scrolls Online. Set in the continent of Tamriel, Elder Scrolls Online boasts a story that loosely connects to the standalone games of the franchise.
The game struggled at launch, but a series of patches by the developers made the game one of the most memorable titles in Elder Scrolls’ history. Summerset, released in 2018, is the latest expansion pack of the game, which takes place on the Summerset Isle.
Metacritic
Critic Rating: 83
User Rating: 5.6
#9 Tera
Tera is yet another MMORPG that revolves around the fantasy genre. Initially launched in 2011 from Microsoft Windows, the game has come a long way, and currently is available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, as well.
The combat system and the player-vs-player action in the game are very polished, giving the players’ absolute control over their character at all times.
Regarding the community, the game has over 25 million users as of 2017.
Metacritic
Critic Rating: 77
User Rating: 6.9
#10 Aion
Initially launched in 2008, Aion is a fantasy-themed MMORPG that seamlessly manages to blend the PvP and PvE modes for a unique experience. It is not radically different from other MMORPGs that focus on the fantasy genre and beginners should feel home right from the start.
For its unique gameplay mechanics and exciting content, Aion received the Best Korean Game of the Year in 2008.
Metacritic
Critic Rating: 76
User Rating: 6.6
