5 best side-scrolling MMO games you should try

The side-scrolling genre of MMOs has not been as popular in recent years, but that doesn't mean these titles aren't great to try. In the earlier years of MMOs, creating 2D and side-scrolling games made development much easier when resources were limited. Now that budgets have risen and game development is much more organized, companies often prefer to go the 3D and third-person route.

Although side-scrolling MMOs are older and not as well known to many players nowadays, there are plenty that are still high quality and healthy. This article lists the five best side-scrolling MMOs to try out if you're looking for something to play.

Note: This list is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer

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The 5 best side-scrolling MMOs for you to try

1) MapleStory

One of the most well known MMOs of all time, MapleStory (Image via Wizet/Nexon)

If you've been playing MMOs for even just a little while, chances are you've heard of MapleStory, a foundational game for the genre. Still actively being developed by Wizit and Nexon, the title retains a healthy playerbase more than 20 years after its release.

The combat system in MapleStory is unique in its platforming style. You'll see characters often hopping between different platforms while spamming class abililties on mobs. Some abilities and skills are also made stronger when combo'd together in quick succession.

MapleStory is still receiving updates and new content, so there's no need to fear that you'll be wasting your investment if you start playing now. With so many years of gameplay to explore, you'll have no shortage of things to do in this side-scrolling world.

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2) Dungeon Fighter Online

2D side-scrolling MMOs dominated gaming for over a decade (Image via Neople)

One of the most popular MMOs in history Dungeon Fighter Online, or DFO for short, dominated the East Asian market for years. Although it never took off as well in the West, all content is available globally, so you won't be missing out by playing outside of that region.

DFO is a side-scrolling action combat style MMO, reminiscent of older action JRPG games in the way that it plays. Fighting in this game is much faster than more traditional casting-style MMO combat, even in spite of the 2D scrolling movement. To some, it may feel similar to coop beat 'em up titles, such as Streets of Rage or the more recent River City Girls.

If you have any doubts about DFO, you should absolutely try it out yourself and find out why the game consumed the MMO genre for so long.

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3) Dragon Saga

Even 20 years later, these games have healthy player bases (Image via Gravity Interactive)

Formerly known as Draconia Online, Dragon Saga has been in active development since 2006. The game, unlike the previous two on our list, is a less common 3D side-scrolling game. It has a fun "chibi" artstyle that gives the entire experience a very animated and exciting atmosphere.

Of the different things that draw players to Dragon Saga, the two biggest are the dungeons and the world. The dungeon system features several instanced areas to progress through and collect experience or rewards. The game also has a lively world of NPCs with their own stories and dialogue.

The combat is noteworthy for its zany cartoon style damage effects and on-screen dialogue, as well as its over-the-top dungeon mechanics.

Dragon Saga is definitely not afraid to lean into its more silly elements at times, but it does so without ever making a fool of itself. The free-to-play title can be easily installed on Steam, so there's no reason not to give it a try.

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4) La Tale

La Tale is one of the few in this genre with a PvP system (Image via Actozsoft)

Korean MMO La Tale, developed by Actozsoft, is another classic 2D side-scrolling game. It was released in 2006, the same year as Dragon Saga. It has received consistent updates and new content since.

Very similar to MapleStory, La Tale's graphics, sound, and world design are fun and vibrant while not being too cartoonish to be taken seriously. The game may also seem extremely similar to others of its genre, but it manages to set itself apart in a few ways.

The most noteworthy way it carves a niche for itself is through its PvP gameplay. A very uncommon thing for games of this type, La Tale incorporates an arena-style PvP system into its world. If you're the type who wants to prove your worth in an MMO, La Tale's PvP combat may be a big draw for you.

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5) Elsword

Their graphics may be dated, but these games will never go out of style (Image via KOG)

Elsword is a 2.5D side-scrolling MMO developed by KOG studios from South Korea. The game was first released in 2007 and is still actively developed. It also had a Steam release in 2014.

Elsword has one of the most expansive class systems of the genre, with 14 unique playable characters for you to choose from. It also features both PvE and PvP gameplay, the only other title besides LaTale on our list to have both. The game also boasts an impressive 50 unique towns, dungeons, and secret levels for you and your friends to explore.

Whether you love a good story, PvE/PvP combat, or playing co-op with your friends, Elsword is an MMO that has something for everyone.