During a time when it is ill-advised to gather in person, gathering in the online realm is the best way to go! MMOs have had a resurgence in popularity over the past year as many players new and old alike try out new games to scratch that gaming itch.

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With so many games to choose from, it can be difficult finding the perfect MMO to pick up and try. From popular mainstays to unique experiences, these games aren't just the typical RPG fare most assume them to be. Those that dig deeper can find the perfect gaming experience they've been looking for.

10 Old School Runescape

A Group Of Players Splashing

It might be hard to believe, but this game broke its concurrent player record last year and keeps on gaining popularity despite its age. It can be a marvelous wave of nostalgia to log on to Old School Runescape, and it still allows free-to-play options for those who want to dip their toes in. The graphics might be blocky, but the gameplay is still spectacular.

9 Kingdom Of Loathing

Kingdom Of Loathing

We could all use a laugh sometimes, and a game with character classes like Pastamancer and Disco Bandit is bound to do the trick. Kingdom of Loathing is now over nineteen years old and still has loads of players logging on to play every day. It isn't what fans typically think of as an MMO, but its meat-based economy and comedic quests are sure to please. Plus, it's entirely free-to-play and light enough that any PC with the internet can play it just fine.

8 The Elder Scrolls Online

elder scrolls online races

The Elder Scrolls Online is so jam-packed full of lore that players could enjoy digging all of that up alone. Add in the amazing questlines and excellent RPG gameplay the franchise is known for and it becomes a must-play title for anyone who can get their hands on it.

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One of the best parts of the game is that it's just as strong of a solo experience as it is adventuring with other players. For those who can't always get their friends online to play, this is the perfect choice to pick up.

7 Adventure Land - The Code MMORPG

Adventure Land - The Code MMORPG

There isn't another MMORPG out there quite like Adventure Land. Currently in Early Access, this game allows players to use Javascript to code up to four characters that follow the actions the player has programmed them to do. There are no strict quests, guides, or objectives — just a massive sandbox of possibilities. Plus, it's a great way to learn a bit about those pieces of text hidden in the background that bring games to life.

6 Final Fantasy XIV

The fact that players can enjoy a free trial of Final Fantasy XIV until level 60 is almost a meme at this point. Still, it's impossible to deny just how much free content the game offers new players. It has one of the highest concurrent player counts out of any MMO, making it perfect for folks who want to make new friends to adventure with. The game has been online for eleven years now and still keeps going strong.

5 The Endless Forest

The Endless Forest

The Endless Forest is described as a "multiplayer online game and social screensaver" and offers a unique experience no one should miss out on. Players go through the game as deer in a magical forest. There are no chat rooms, minimal controls, and no set goals to achieve. The idea is to just run through the magical forest and see what happens. It's the perfect game for players to try who want to experience something artistic and new.

4 World Of Warcraft & World Of Warcraft: Classic

Mankriks Wife World of Warcraft Classic Barrens Horde

It is impossible to deny the impact of World of Warcraft on the world of MMOs. With the Shadowlands Expansion recently released, there is loads of new content to explore for those who may have put the game down for a while or anyone who wants to try it for the first time.

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Those looking for a more nostalgic experience can also check out World of Warcraft: Classic. Going back to the game's roots and seeing how it used to be is as enlightening as it is entertaining. This version of the game nearly doubled the number of subscribers playing and shows that even though it's old, it's still a lot of fun.

3 The Realm Online

The Realm Online

The Realm Online was originally launched all the way back in 1996 when it was originally known only as The Realm. It has a unique art-style reminiscent of the old Sierra Entertainment point and click games that will bring players back to gaming in the 90s. It's even still getting new content, so those that played it back in the day can have something new to try.

2 Black Desert Online

BDO free until March 10th

Korean MMOs can be known for their brutal difficulty and Black Desert Online is no exception to this rule. However, with a little help, new players will still find the game to be a fantastic experience. The game has reached over 30 million players worldwide which is a testament to how its immersive high fantasy themes make for an enjoyable gaming experience.

1 Toontown Rewritten

Toontown Rewritten

There's no better time for a bit of cozy nostalgia than in 2021. This game is a revival of the cult classic MMO Toontown that is free-to-play and developed and maintained by fans of the old game. It has many of the features fans growing up with the game will remember with brand new content for them to explore. With over one million registered players, it shows that this game still has legs.

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