10 Best MMORPGs for PC & PlayStation

Sometimes, you just want to escape reality for a while and dive into another world. That’s where MMORPGs—massively multiplayer online role-playing games—come in. Whether you’re slaying dragons, building empires, or teaming up with friends to tackle epic quests, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of exploring a vast, living virtual world.

The best part? There’s an MMORPG for everyone. Maybe you’re into high-fantasy adventures with magic and swordplay, or perhaps you prefer sci-fi settings with spaceships and alien worlds. No matter your taste or platform, there’s an MMO out there that’s perfect for you.

But let’s be real: not all MMORPGs are worth your time. Some are grindy, outdated, or just plain boring. So, I’ve rounded up the best MMOs across platforms to save you the trouble of digging through the countless options. These games offer amazing worlds, engaging gameplay, and communities you’ll want to be part of.

Ready to find your next obsession? Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the genre, this list has something for everyone. Let’s dive in!

1. Guild Wars 2 (PC Only)

If you’re thinking about diving into an MMO, Guild Wars 2 is one of the most unique experiences out there, and for good reason. It’s known for its sprawling open-world exploration, player-friendly design, and some of the best cooperative systems in the genre. Whether you’re new to MMOs or a veteran, it’s worth checking out.

One of the biggest draws is its approachability. The base game is free, and there’s no subscription fee, so you can try it without pressure. Guild Wars 2 focuses on exploration and creativity over grinding. You’re not stuck chasing a never-ending gear treadmill—instead, progression is more horizontal, letting you customize and collect new options without invalidating old ones. The community is also somewhat helpful and you should have no trouble finding players for team ups and events. 

That said, the game isn’t perfect. Some of the older zones feel a little dated, and the visuals, while charming, occasionally show their age. Performance can dip during massive battles, and the late-game grind for legendary gear might feel repetitive for some players. 

2. Final Fantasy XIV (PC & PlayStation)

Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) is one of the most celebrated MMORPGs out there, offering a mix of rich storytelling, flexible gameplay, and a fantastic community. Set in the vibrant world of Eorzea, the game is a blend of single-player narrative and multiplayer adventures. 

The story is a cornerstone of FFXIV’s appeal. With expansions like Heavensward and Shadowbringers, players rave about its emotional depth and epic scope. However, getting through the early A Realm Reborn content can be slow and occasionally tedious.

Gameplay-wise, the job system is incredibly versatile—you can play all roles on a single character without rerolling. This flexibility, combined with diverse activities like crafting, gathering, and even casino-style minigames in the Gold Saucer, ensures there’s something for everyone. Combat, however, can feel repetitive at times, particularly in the early levels, though it gains complexity in endgame raids and dungeons.

You’ll like the community in this game, as well as the glamour system. But housing can be frustrating due to limited availability, despite improvements like instanced apartments and a lottery system.

If you’re curious, the generous free trial up to level 60 (including Heavensward) makes it easy to dive in risk-free.

3. The Elder Scrolls Online (PC & PlayStation)

Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) brings the expansive world of Tamriel into a shared online space, and if you’re a fan of rich lore, immersive environments, and the flexibility to play how you want, this game has a lot to offer. With its “One Tamriel” update, zones dynamically scale to your level, letting you explore any region at your own pace without feeling overpowered or under-equipped. This freedom makes it a dream for solo players and completionists alike.

The questing experience is a highlight, featuring thousands of well-written and voice-acted stories that dive deep into Tamriel’s history and cultures. From helping ghostly pirates to unearthing the secrets of ancient ruins, every zone brims with engaging narratives. For group players, there’s plenty of challenging PvE content, including dungeons, trials, and public events, as well as epic PvP battles in the Alliance War mode set in Cyrodiil.

However, ESO isn’t without its downsides. The game’s microtransactions can feel overwhelming, with many of the coolest mounts, homes, and cosmetics locked behind paywalls. Inventory management is also a constant struggle unless you invest in upgrades. 

4. RuneScape 3 (PC Only)

Talking about MMORPG classics, RuneScape 3 is a name that’s impossible to ignore. This game has been around for over two decades and still manages to keep its loyal community engaged, while bringing new players into its sprawling world of Gielinor. RuneScape 3 has evolved significantly over the years, featuring high-quality visuals, refined combat systems, and rich storytelling.

What makes RuneScape 3 stand out? For one, its quest system is often praised as some of the best in any MMORPG. The game doesn’t just send you on repetitive fetch quests—it offers engaging narratives, clever puzzles, and meaningful rewards. Plus, the flexibility is a major draw. Whether you’re a fan of combat, skilling, or just exploring, RuneScape lets you carve out your own path. The newer storylines, like the Elder God Wars saga, are particularly gripping and showcase Jagex’s commitment to expanding the lore.

That said, it’s not all perfect. RuneScape 3 has a reputation for its heavy reliance on microtransactions. While Bonds allow players to earn membership through in-game gold, many feel the push toward monetization detracts from the experience. 

5. Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC Only)

Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) is a spacefaring MMORPG that thrives on story-driven gameplay, set in the rich Star Wars universe. If you’re a fan of classic BioWare games like Knights of the Old Republic, you’ll find plenty to love here, especially with its eight unique class storylines, each steeped in lore and character development.

What sets SWTOR apart is its free-to-play model, allowing you to explore all class stories up to level 60 without spending a dime. However, the game does have a somewhat restrictive free-to-play experience, with limitations on gear, credits, and some features becoming noticeable as you progress. Subscribing, which costs about $15 per month, unlocks all expansions and eliminates these barriers, making it a worthwhile investment for dedicated players.

On the downside, SWTOR struggles with an aging player base and content droughts. Group activities like raids and crafting have seen sparse updates, leaving some aspects of the game feeling stagnant. Additionally, the once-vibrant community is quieter than before, with many areas resembling a single-player RPG more than an MMO.

6. Genshin Impact (PC & PlayStation)

Genshin Impact is an enchanting open-world RPG that’s taken the gaming world by storm since its launch. Set in the breathtaking world of Teyvat, it combines stunning anime-inspired visuals, an orchestral soundtrack, and engaging gameplay. You can explore vast landscapes, solve puzzles, and take on challenges with a party of characters, each equipped with unique elemental powers. Plus, it’s free-to-play, making it easy to jump in and start adventuring.

One of the game’s major draws is its dynamic combat system. Players strategically combine character abilities for elemental reactions, adding depth to every encounter. The frequent updates keep things fresh with new characters, events, and regions. On the flip side, Genshin’s gacha system can be divisive. Unlocking characters and weapons relies on a luck-based mechanic, and while spending money isn’t necessary, the grind to earn premium currency can test your patience.

Another challenge lies in its progression pacing. Early quests and basic features take a while to unlock, which can be frustrating for newcomers. Still, the gorgeous world design and charming characters often outweigh these concerns, making it a highly rewarding experience for fans of exploration-driven RPGs.

7. Wuthering Waves (PC & PlayStation)

Wuthering Waves is a fresh entry into the gacha and open-world RPG genre, brought to life by Kuro Games. It’s a visually stunning and mechanically rich game, often compared to Genshin Impact, though it brings its own unique flavor to the table.

The standout feature? Definitely the combat. It’s dynamic, responsive, and rewards skillful timing with mechanics like dodging and parrying. The team-building system adds depth, letting you create synergistic combos with characters’ intro and outro skills.

Plus, the Echo system—where you can absorb defeated monsters’ abilities—keeps battles exciting and diverse. Exploration feels rewarding too, with free movement, parkour elements, and clever traversal mechanics like grappling hooks. This makes roaming the beautifully designed world a joy, even for those who might typically find open-world games overwhelming.

That said, Wuthering Waves isn’t without its rough edges. The narrative, while ambitious, can feel shallow due to poor localization and unvoiced side quests. The gacha system is relatively fair, but still requires grinding for those who want to unlock premium characters and weapons without spending money. 

8. Black Desert Online (PC & PlayStation)

Black Desert Online is one of the most visually stunning MMORPGs out there. The graphics are breathtaking, and the combat system is action-packed, making every encounter feel dynamic and engaging. It’s a dream for players who love fast-paced fights and character builds that let you mix style with substance. And let’s not forget the customization — BDO offers some of the most detailed character creation options in any game. You can truly make your avatar one-of-a-kind.

The game’s world is massive and full of opportunities for exploration and life skills. Whether you’re fishing, trading, taming horses, or diving into the seas with the Ocean content, BDO feels like a living, breathing world. Plus, the family system means progress is shared across your characters, making it alt-friendly and encouraging experimentation.

However, it’s not all sunshine and smooth sailing. The grind-heavy endgame can feel repetitive, and the gear progression relies heavily on RNG, which might frustrate players who prefer more predictable advancement. While the game doesn’t require a subscription, its monetization model can give paying players a noticeable edge, especially in PvP.

9. Fallout 76 (PC & PlayStation)

Fallout 76 has come a long way from its rocky launch in 2018. Set in a sprawling, post-apocalyptic version of West Virginia, the game now offers a rich blend of solo and multiplayer experiences. With updates like Wastelanders and Steel Dawn, NPCs bring life to the wasteland, and the storytelling has improved significantly. The expansive world is packed with locations to explore, environmental storytelling, and plenty of lore for Fallout fans to uncover.

The gameplay includes a mix of survival mechanics, settlement building through the C.A.M.P. system, and crafting. There’s a unique perk card system that allows for creative builds, although combat lacks variety due to bullet-sponge enemies and a reliance on certain builds like power armor-focused ones.

For those who prefer a solo experience, there are over 100 hours of handcrafted quests, events, and activities to dive into without the need for a subscription.

That said, the game’s monetization model, particularly the Fallout 1st subscription for additional features like private servers and unlimited scrap storage, can feel like a hurdle. Despite this, you can enjoy the vast majority of content as a free player. 

10. Warframe (PC & PlayStation)

Warframe stands out in the free-to-play genre with its fast, fluid combat system. Described by many as “ninja in space,” the game features intense action, parkour, and customization, allowing you to build your unique Warframe (character) to suit your playstyle. Whether you prefer stealth, guns blazing, or swordplay, there’s a frame for you.

However, while the game’s cooperative PvE content is a blast, some players find the grind heavy, especially in endgame, and the progression can feel slow. While you can unlock everything without spending money, the game’s premium currency (Platinum) does offer convenience, speeding up certain aspects.

Graphically, the game holds up well, and with frequent updates and a large, dedicated community, Warframe is constantly evolving. But its monetization can still feel pay-to-progress, though it’s not pay-to-win.

Honorable Mentions

There are so many great MMOs out there (especially for PC) that not all of them can fit on one list. If you’re interested in more options, or you just played all of the above, here’s a list of additional MMOs for PC: 

• World of Warcraft: This is a classic and therefore didn’t make the big list — simply because everyone already knows about it or has already played it. But if you haven’t, this is a solid choice that you’ll enjoy for hours to come. 
• Throne and Liberty: While this game brings nothing new to the genre, it’s quite enjoyable and it is something new that you can sink your teeth into. I have a full review here if you want to check it out. 
• Neverwinter: If you like aspects of D&D, then you’ll love Neverwinter. It’s a wonderful experience, and you’ll love the free expansions with new races and classes as well. 
• Star Trek Online: If you’re into Sci-Fi more than fantasy, then you should check this one out. Star Trek Online is great because you get a whole crew and ship to customize and play with rather than just one character. 
• Lost Ark: This one is a bit controversial overall, but it’s not that bad of a game. It’s a dungeon crawler and you can play it for free. 

Are there any cozy MMORPGs?

If you enjoy cozy games, then the good news is that any MMO can be turned cozy if you avoid stressful combat and play only the parts you love best. The bad news is that there aren’t that many specifically cozy MMOs, though. But if you’re willing to get creative, check out my top choices. 

• Sky: Children of Light: This is a quintessential cozy game, and it’s great to know that it’s technically an MMO as well. There’s beautiful art, relaxing music, and tons of gameplay that won’t stress you out. 
• Palia: This is a free life sim/farm MMO that you can get on Steam or PS. Technically, you don’t need to interact much with others, which might make it less enjoyable if you love interactions with others, but if you’re fine on your own, then Palia should work. Plus, you can specifically seek out interactions if that’s what you like. 
• Final Fantasy XIV: Now, while this one isn’t technically cozy, you can make it so by focusing on the parts of the game that make you happy and basically ignore everything else. FF14 has beautiful graphics so it definitely gives off some cozy vibes and if you focus on exploration and your favorite parts, it should be great for you. 
• Genshin Impact: You’ll notice a trend of people turning MMOs into cozy games, especially ones with beautiful graphics. This one is free and available on PC, PlayStation and mobile, so you can enjoy it for free on multiple devices. 

Can you play MMORPGs on Steam Deck? 

Yes, you can! Steam Decks are basically handheld computers and they have a ton of power, so as long as you have an internet connection, you should have no trouble playing any MMO on your Deck. 

That said, here are my top recommendations: 

• Throne and Liberty runs very smoothly on Steam Deck and it’s completely free. 
• Guild Wars 2 may not be available on PS5, but you can definitely play it on Steam Deck and the performance is amazing (especially the action camera shots during combat). 
• Fallout 76 is fun on the Deck and runs great. 
• Final Fantasy XIV might require some tinkering (like getting its specific launcher) but it also works great on Deck. 
• You can also try Once Human which is a new(ish) survival MMO and works well on Dek. 

Best MMORPG Games Coming Out Soon (ish)

If you’re an MMO fan, then you might have already enjoyed all of these games and need something new. Well, lucky for you, there are some fun titles coming out soon(ish). And yes, I know — MMOs have a horrible track record of taking ages to release or releasing and then flopping because they’re just not done well enough. But we can be hopeful, and these are some of the most popular ones. 

• Ashes of Creation: I know, I know — this one has been coming out for about a decade, but we may get a release sometime in the next… well, decade. I played the Alpha 2 and while I can’t say I’m amazed, it might improve and get better over time. 
• Soulframe: From the creators of Warframe, we’re getting a more nature-inspired fantasy MMO. It looks great so far, but it doesn’t have a release date yet. However, it will be available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. 
• Dune: Awakening: If you loved the books or the movies (or both), then this is a great option for you. It’ll be available for PC, PlayStation, and XBox. and the tentative release date is set for the beginning of 2025. 

Which MMORPGs are Free?

If you’re new to the MMO world, then you’ll love the fact that most MMOs are free, even the most popular ones. Here’s a list of the best free MMOs you can play right now: 

• Genshin Impact
• Black Desert Online
• Star Trek Online
• Neverwinter
• Palia
• Sky: Children of the Light
• Albion Online
• Throne and Liberty
• Runescape 3
• Star Wars: The Old Republic

And so many more!

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