A free price tag might be hard to beat, but free-to-play MMORPGs and even other games tend to have their own caveats to compensate for the lack of straightforward payment. Often, the definitive game experience is hidden behind the in-game microtransaction store. That's why some players still prefer subscription-based MMORPGs.
After all, everyone is equal in those kinds of games because everyone pays. As such, subscription-based MMORPGs tend to be more polished than the rest. The catch is that players have to pay every month or so. When it comes to spending money on games, it's only wise to consider forking them out for the best of the best; in the MMORPG category, these are the heavyweights.
10 World Of Warcraft
At this point, no game can probably dethrone World of Warcraft as the king of MMORPGs. It has reigned supreme for nearly 17 years and continues to do so with each new expansion, consistently iterating and building upon the story that the original Warcraft games presented.
Currently, the game is enjoying its ninth expansion pack, Shadowlands. It has made some big changes to the leveling system as well as introducing some familiar faces into the game. That very well means getting into World of Warcraft for the first time or revisiting it again is advisable.
9 Final Fantasy XIV
One of the most polished MMORPG experiences around, Final Fantasy XIV has been nothing but a quality game world for its paying players. The game can also be played with a controller, making it one of the rare few MMORPGs that won't hurt your wrists while playing.
That also means PC players can play with console players, making the game more accessible for a wider population of gamers. The downside is that the combat is a bit slower than most control-heavy MMORPGs. Still, everything else in the game makes up for the slow or sluggish combat system.
8 EVE Online
Speaking of slow combat, EVE Online offers a strategic and methodical face of warfare that requires more thinking and planning than reflexes and reaction times. It's a space sci-fi epic MMORPG where players can literally build their own space empires and duke it out with thousands of others in a spectacular clash of space armadas.
Much like World of Warcraft, EVE Online has also enjoyed a top spot in its own sub-genre of MMORPGs. It was even generous enough to offer a free-to-play model for anyone wanting to try out the game. However, the best way to play it remains subscription-based.
7 Second Life
Second Life might not offer the typically grindy and combat-centric as most MMORPGs do, but it's still straightforward enough with its intentions. It's an MMORPG that allows people to become someone else in more ways than just statistics or combat abilities.
One can even consider Second Life as an elaborate form of social media where players can show the best versions of themselves in a digital space. The core gameplay here is about social interactions instead of grinding for armor or questing. Hence, players tell their own stories here with others via drama.
6 Dragon Quest X
Hailing from the sister publishing company of Final Fantasy XIV, Dragon Quest X is another Japanese MMORPG that has been going strong for quite a while. It's more unique than the rest since it showcases cel-shaded graphics similar to Borderlands or Genshin Impact.
The art style is also similar enough for any Dragon Ball fans out there. Playing this one outside of Japan requires a bit more work with a VPN as it wasn't localized outside of that country. But it provides a great reason for players to try out the other Dragon Quest games.
5 RuneScape
Be it Old School RuneScape or the new one, both are subscription-based MMORPGs that have withstood the test of time. Considering their visuals look outdated, that makes it all the more impressive. The newest RuneScape is often referred to unofficially as the 3rd game.
RuneScape is about as traditional as RPGs get. The general consensus for the community is that the gear upgrading aspect of the game is where most of the fun is to be had. Combat is very gear-reliant and not too skill-based.
4 Star Wars: The Old Republic
Of course, there had to be a Star Wars title in here, and when it comes to being one of the most celebrated Star Wars games in the franchise's chaotic history, The Old Republic holds the MMORPG banner up high. The game started out as an exclusive subscription-based MMORPG but eventually offered a free-to-play option.
As usual, the best way to play it is with a monthly subscription. Players start out with a class and race of their choice where they can choose to be a Jedi and help thousands of years of Star Wars lore unfold — some of which is even considered movie canon at this point.
3 Ultima Online
One of the oldest MMORPGs around, Ultima Online has been active since 1997. The graphics are heavily outdated at this point, but that doesn't hinder the game's fun factor and player enjoyment one bit. Ultima Online is still active enough these days.
The thing that keeps Ultima Online going is its elaborate PvP system along with the true sandbox mode where players are free to create their own stories, craft their own gear, build their own houses, or just kill someone else if they find them vexing enough.
2 EverQuest
EverQuest follows a similar format to Ultima Online in that it's a sandbox MMORPG that served as a framework for many existing MMORPGs today. EverQuest is also an old title with the first game releasing back in 1999. It eventually beat Ultima Online, which is one of its biggest competitors.
Due to its success, EverQuest 2 gradually replaced it in 2004 with shinier new graphics and more options for players to toy with in the race and classes department. Sadly, it was quickly overshadowed by World of Warcraft's popularity — but it remains an active MMORPG today.
1 Tibia
Don't be fooled by the basic visuals and the text-based gameplay, Tibia online was one of the strongest MMORPG contenders back in 1997 when things were starting out and transitioning from 2D to 3D. Back then, Tibia was exceptional.
Today, it still holds a special place in some players' hearts as it can manage to have 15,000 players active during peak hours. Like Ultima Online, Tibia also has a focus on PvP, being a sandbox and open-ended MMORPG. If you're looking for something more hardcore than anything you've ever tried, including WoW Classic, then give this one a try.