No matter your specific tastes as a gamer, there’s an MMO out there that will appeal to you. They are a rich source of endless quests to complete for rewards and an excellent way to socialize and support your mental health.
One of the most popular MMOs on the market today is World of Warcraft. The now more than 20-year-old MMO is still going strong with a monthly active player count of almost 8 million at the time of writing. But, as with any game, a single one will never appeal to everyone.
If you’re looking for an alternative to World of Warcraft, either because the vibe doesn’t pull you in or you just want something new to play between updates, here are some excellent games to add to your collection.
1. Final Fantasy XIV
If you’re looking for an alternative MMO, then Final Fantasy XIV is likely to be the most often recommended title you encounter. It differs from WoW in both style and gameplay, with much more modern graphics and the ability to level multiple jobs on a single character, which is a huge appeal if you’re used to the “new role, new character” grind of WoW.
Don’t worry about the extensive lore of the Final Fantasy universe, you don’t necessarily need to know it deeply to enjoy the standalone tale on offer. And, if you’re not willing to part with your cash for another subscription fee just yet, you can play through the story from A Realm Reborn (1.0) to the end of Stormblood (4.0), able to level as many of the 16 jobs as you like to level 70 on the way.
2. Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2 stands out among MMOs for the free download and lack of any subscription service, so it’s entirely free to play unless you cave and get one or all of the expansions and don’t mind a few restrictions along the way (in-game mail features and level-locked regions, for example).
This MMO can definitely feel a little overwhelming for beginners, so it’s not something I’d recommend if you’re just diving into the genre. But, if you’re looking for a change of scenery, then the locations and graphics of Guild Wars 2 still stand up even 13 years on from the initial release.
3. New World: Aeternum
When it was initially released back in 2021, New World received a very mixed reaction from players. Despite being visually beautiful with fun and challenging combat, many felt that the end-game content left a lot to be desired, and the story wasn’t quite as compelling as players had hoped it would be.
However, New World received a massive and much-appreciated overhaul in 2024, becoming New World: Aeternum. With an improved story and increased focus on end-game and crafting content, Aeternum reduced New World from what may have been certain doom.
4. Lord of the Rings Online
If you’re a fan of World of Warcraft, or similarly if you’re looking for something with the same vibe, then it’s highly likely that you’re interested in high fantasy worlds. What better than an MMO based on arguably the grandfather of all modern high fantasy, Lord of the Rings? Everything beloved from J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece of a world is there, from the Prancing Pony to the Mines of Moria.
Despite being 18 years old, Lord of the Rings Online has a very active player base of both new and veteran players, with more discovering the MMO each day. Can’t say I blame them; there’s just something so charming about Middle Earth, despite the inherent danger.
5. Old School RuneScape
The original RuneScape was released way back in 2001 and had a dedicated player base right from the very beginning. In 2013, Old School RuneScape was released, and players flocked to it, remaining to this day. It’s a classic, and arguably the defining MMO of an entire generation. If you’re looking for games like World of Warcraft, OSRS might be the closest you get in terms of style.
More recently, the creator of RuneScape (Andrew Gower) released an updated yet still decidedly retro MMO called Brighter Shores. While it initially garnered a lot of attention, it quickly became clear that the success of RuneScape could not be repeated, and many players flocked back to Gower’s original creation.
6. The Elder Scrolls Online
With Oblivion having just received a shadow-dropped and masterful remaster, interest in The Elder Scrolls has possibly never been higher, and many fans are discovering The Elder Scrolls Online for the first time. They join a long-time and consistent player base who enjoy a free and captivating experience in Tamriel.
Unlike other MMOs, your level scales to any area you visit in The Elder Scrolls Online. This might not seem like a huge deal, but if you’re used to the usual MMO system, this freedom is a hugely welcome feature. There are seven classes to choose from, although some are locked behind a paid subscription, but even the free base game has four endlessly tweakable options.
7. Star Wars: The Old Republic
If you’re longing for an MMO that steps away from the fantasy realm and decidedly into the sci-fi theme, then Star Wars: The Old Republic might be the balm that soothes that itch. Now heading into its 14th year, the space-based MMO still has a solid and dedicated player base, with new players joining the intergalactic fight daily.
You can play for free, but there’s also a subscription option that unlocks an additional planet, further storylines, and a whole bunch of ‘Legacy of Sith’ content. Even if you choose not to subscribe, updates are frequent and constantly adding new features and places to venture among the stars.
8. Throne and Liberty
In the MMO genre, Throne and Liberty is a newcomer, having only been released in September 2024. However, it’s quickly become a favorite for many gamers looking for a new challenge, and it’s easy to see why. With stunning visuals and challenging combat, coupled with an interesting story and additional cute moments, there’s plenty to pull you in.
While it doesn’t have the dedicated player base of games that preceded it, and it does have some features that will put some players off (there are a lot of time-gated elements), there is something decidedly charming about the world and the story. Plus, the class system is designed to allow players to combine two entirely different weapons, which results in a lot of interesting build possibilities.
