5 best MMORPGs without subscription-based models

When trying times beckon, fans of massively multiplayer online games often look for some of the best MMORPGs without subscription-based models to play. These titles can satisfy their cravings to get lost in an alternate reality of anime-inspired characters, medieval hybrid worlds, or alien societies. They offer endless hours of exploration, hunting, combat, raids, and so on.

MMO titles were an important part of the entertainment industry at the start of this century, with some even becoming global phenomena. Although an MMORPG will always be an MMO, the opposite is not necessarily true.

The distinguishing feature of an MMO is an online environment with a large number of people on the same server, with MMORPGs offering the ability to play as a character via a complex tale that unfolds as you progress.

This article lists some of the finest MMORPGs without subscription-based models that you can play.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the author's opinions.

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What are the top MMORPGs without subscription-based services?

1) Aion Online

Experiencing the combat of Aion Online (Image via NCSoft)

Aion Online is a title from NCSoft, a South Korean publisher. It combines PVP and PVE in a unique system that revolves around brawls within the Abyss and Balaurea. This unique system is referred to as PvPvE. In addition, the game also features a single-player mode and a leveling system recognizable by the MMORPG community.

Aion Online features a guild system where guilds are dubbed Legions. These Legions compete to assert dominance over other guilds and non-playable entities.

Initially released on November 25, 2008, this NCSoft title later transitioned to an F2P or free-to-play model in February 2012. This makes it attractive to players who want to experience MMORPGs without subscription services.

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2) EVE Online

One of the finest space-themed MMORPGs without subscription-based services (Image via CCP Games)

EVE Online is a space-themed MMORPG developed by CCP Games. It has a sandbox that makes it stand out among other games in the genre. It features a staggering 7800 star systems, and players can witness and experience many space battles among different factions.

EVE Online is one of the top MMORPGs without subscription services and is massive in scale. Players can endlessly wander the cosmos and participate in activities like exploration, trading, production, mining, piracy, and so on.

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3) RuneScape

RuneScape is one of the top MMORPGs without subscription services (Image via Jagex Ltd)

Released on January 4, 2001, Runescape, stands tall as one of the oldest running games that is still accessible by players today. The current version, known as RuneScape 3 or just Modern RuneScape to others, combines contemporary visuals and MMO gameplay mechanics.

Jagex, the publisher and developer of RuneScape, has managed to bring in about 300 million plus players to the game since launch. This feat has been recognized by the Guinness World Records.

RuneScape still manages to hold one of the top active player bases in the MMO genre. Furthermore, it is one of the oldest MMORPGs without subscription services, making it perhaps the most popular free-to-play MMO.

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4) Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 is an award-winning MMORPG from ArenaNet (Image via NCSoft)

Created by ArenaNet, Guild Wars 2 was one of the first MMORPGs without subscription services and with an AAA rating. It was also the first AAA MMORPG that implemented a complete free-to-play structure.

Guild Wars 2 was released on August 28, 2012. The game is set in the beautiful fantasy setting of Tyria and features one of the best immersive storylines in an MMO.

The core game chronicles the re-emergence of Destiny's Edge, a disbanded guild committed to fighting Elder Dragons, massive Lovecraftian-esque creatures that have seized possession of Tyria.

The title's action-oriented fighting differs from typical turn-based warfare methods utilized by other MMOs. Players must be prepared to grind because the game includes Dynamic Events, competitive play, instanced combat, and so on.

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5) Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic lets you choose between Jedi or Sith (Image via Electronic Arts)

Developed by BioWare (2011-2023) in a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars: The Old Republic is one of the finest MMORPGs without subscription services. It lets you use a variety of characters from the Star Wars universe.

Released on December 20, 2011, the game's narrative takes place just after the re-emergence of the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic reached a shaky ceasefire.

Star Wars: The Old Republic has eight distinct classes. Each of the classes has a three-part plot that advances as the character levels up. Franchise fans were ecstatic to learn that the game allows players to become a master of the Force by playing as a Jedi or tread down the path of the Dark Side as a Sith.