The landscape of MMORPG gaming has never been better than it is today. Some may pine for the good old days when games like Ultima Online, Everquest, and Dark Age of Camelot dominated the scene, but in terms of variety and affordability, we're living in the golden age right now.
There are many fun MMORPGs that are free-to-play without skimping out on content. If you're looking for MMORPGs that don't require an upfront cost nor a mandatory subscription then look no further.
1. Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars: The Old Republic possesses a great story and is very immersive if you are a fan of Star Wars lore. Despite its decade-old age, its graphics and animation still hold up today. Gameplay in each of the classes is fairly distinct from one another, there is fast-paced combat and a fun PVP system. However, be aware that you may want to mix up your activities on the game to prevent the linear gameplay from becoming too competitive. The interface is sometimes a little clunky and the endgame can feel like you've run out of stuff to do.
The Old Republic may no longer be officially canon to the Star Wars lore, but there's nothing that makes it disagree with canon either. If you treat the game as a collection of Star Wars stories that do count, you'll have a good time. The game continues to release expansions even in 2022, meaning that you can rely on there being support and an active player base even if you only just start playing.
2. TERA
TERA has an active combat system that is reminiscent of Guild Wars 2, so if you're a fan of that game you'll find transitioning to TERA easy. The game boasts some truly stunning graphics and animation, has customizable interface elements for your convenience, and even if you can't find anyone to play with, the game has tons of activities for solo players. You can trade cash shop items with other players, meaning you don't have to spend any money yourself if you're willing to put enough time in to gain items that others deem worthy of trading for real-life cash-bought items.
The linear gameplay of TERA can get a little repetitive and some fans feel the quests and story are lackluster. The endgame content can quickly feel like you've run out of stuff to do and the crafting system needs an overhaul. However, you likely know that no MMO is perfect, and often it's a case of finding a game that has weaknesses you care the least about. TERA still has an active player base and is worth a go, but note that of April 2022 you won't be able to access the game if you live in Japan, according to a Famitsu.com report.
3. PlanetSide 2
There aren't many FPS-based MMOs around, but Planetside 2 is the best of them. With FPS gameplay between 3 factions on huge maps, Planetside 2 is great if you're a player who wants large-scale battles. The graphics engine is top-notch and beautiful.
You may find that the game has a steep learning curve which is attributed to Planetside 2's deviation from a typical MMORPG design. The graphics engine requires a powerful computer, so you may need to check Can I Run It, and a lot of fans feel that the classes are somewhat imbalanced.
4. Neverwinter
Neverwinter is a great virtualization of the Dungeons and Dragons franchise. Its modern graphics and interface result in an aesthetically pleasing game, and the game's atmospheric and immersive world means you have tons of content to engage in. The Foundry is a game tool that allows players to create game content for others to experience, which can be a huge draw if you have creative tendencies. There is also a great PvP system if you're a competitive type of player.
There is nothing particularly innovative or new about the gameplay, but since it's free, that isn't such a problem. The quests and progression can feel repetitive due to it being linear and there are three separate currencies leading to a poorly designed economy.
5. Lord of the Rings Online
Lord of the Rings Online is a very old MMO compared to the other free games available, but is absolutely worth it if you love the world of Middle-Earth. LOTRO has a great virtualization of the Middle-Earth environment, a housing system that you can personalize and a unique and fun trait system. This game combined with Middle-Earth apps is sure to keep you connected to the LOTR world.
There isn't much distinguishing LOTRO's gameplay from competing MMORPGs, the linear quests and progression can feel a little restrictive and endgame content could do with a revamp. However, the game still receives updates and support to this day and while some servers are being shut down, there is no sign that the game devs will shut LOTRO down in full any time soon.
6. Everquest 2
EverQuest 2 is a very old MMO by today's standards, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth giving a go. The game has a huge race pool with branching class specializations, meaning you have a lot of variety in how you want to play and what type of character you want to be. There is a housing system that you can personalize, and due to the game's consistent development and popularity, there is a truly overwhelming game world to explore.
The graphics lag behind a little despite EverQuest 2, but this means that the game is fairly accessible even if you don't have the best gaming PC. Some gameplay elements are obviously dated and unless you really like MMOs, you may just find that the datedness of the game makes it hard to get into. EverQuest 2 is better-suited as a choice to more out-and-out MMO gamers who aren't shallow about graphics.
7. RIFT
A fantasy MMORPG, Rift has very fun PVE content, an interesting game world and lore with a rewarding PVP system. Despite being over a decade old, its graphics hold up. If you're someone who doesn't like games to restrict you, you'll be pleased with the game's Soul system, which allows you to build your character with multi-class options.
It's worth noting that class balance is something that players aren't too happy with, and the game performs as a less polished version of World of Warcraft. Regardless, it's free and still has an active player base, making it worth a go if you're into fantasy-based MMORPGs.
8. Dungeons and Dragons Online
Dungeons and Dragons Online still has an active player base despite its age, which is a testament to the impressive design. D & D Online has a fun action-based combat system and its instanced world design makes it easy to play for short periods of time. There are multiple difficulties across the instances, meaning you feel a sense of progression as you level up. The adventure pack system allows you to purchase the zones you want and skip the ones you don't want.
Keep in mind that the number of free zones and quests can feel a little lackluster for free players and the character progression is slower than most modern MMORPGs. The graphics are also a little outdated. Despite all of this, Dungeons and Dragons Online is a good game to try especially if you are in a group of players who don't have the best computers or enough money to invest in a paid MMO. If D & D is something you prefer to play on your phone rather than as an MMO, then the best Dungeons and Dragons apps are worth looking at.
9. Elder Scrolls Online
Building off the success of the hugely popular Elder Scrolls series, Elder Scrolls Online can offer you hours of fun and a great amount of customization on your character class, appearance, and play style. PVP and PVE content is both really fun and if you're an Elder Scrolls fan you'll love the expansion to the lore that ESO brings.
The magic spell diversity is a little lacking compared to single-player Elder Scrolls RPGs, and the overall story is considered weak by a large portion of Elder Scrolls fans. However, the majority of the player base recommend the game if you're into Skyrim and/ or Oblivion and considering it's free it's worth trying.
10. RuneScape 3/ Old School RuneScape
RuneScape has stood the test of time and while it doesn't boast the same impressive combat gameplay as other free MMORPGs, it remains extremely fun with a very active player base. There are two versions of this game that came about due to division in the fanbase over changes the development team made to the main game.
RuneScape 3 is the 'main' game, with modernized graphics, streamlined XP rates and leveling methods and consistent expansion. Old School RuneScape is the game as it was in 2007, but has since spawned its own updates and expansions separate from the main RuneScape 3 game. If you like playing games that are a bit more easy-going and AFKable but still have an enjoyable story then this is the game for you.
The Best Free-to-Play MMORPGs
There are dozens of MMORPGs out there and while all of them are pretty similar they do have distinctive features and gameplay differences that can influence your choice.
When discussing free-to-play RPGs, most worthy considerations have already stood the test of time over a number of years. Active player bases are present on all the best free-to-play MMORPGs, and you'll surely find the next game you want to sink your teeth into through this list.