The MMORPG genre is one of the best ways for gamers to immerse themselves in a world completely different from reality. Some of the most successful games in the genre offer an incredible story with great world-building and stunning visual landscapes to create a unique beast of a game that players want to throw themselves in and dedicate hours to.
If players want an MMO that goes above and beyond killing mobs to advance through quests and generic plot lines, they're in the right place. This list features some of the best MMOs with fully-fleshed out and detailed worlds, full of memorable characters, extensive stories, and choices that truly matter and affect the world around them for a thoroughly enriching MMO experience.
7 Lord Of The Rings Online
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Fans of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings will love how beloved characters are brought to life in the MMO adaptation of the classic novels. Though the graphics look slightly dated, familiar faces like Gandalf and Frodo are brought to players' screens. The games stay true to the books and the movies with little-to-no deviation, so players can feel like an interactive part of Middle-earth.
Players can explore well-known locations from the books, like the Shire and Rivendell, and participate in actual battles as they progress through the main storyline, known as the Epic Quest. The best part is that Lord of the Rings Online and most of its expansions are free!
6 Secret World Legends
Secret World Legends ignores the standard fantasy tropes prevalent in most modern-day MMOs and puts players in a real-world setting filled with mythological creatures like zombies and other horrors. Most missions are fully voice-acted, allowing players to immerse themselves in the supernatural world.
It incorporates elements typically seen in popular MMOs, like PvP and dungeon raiding, alongside the detailed narrative, which is where this game truly shines. While most MMORPGs rely heavily on combat to make the game enjoyable, the Secret World Legends' quests are highly focused on exploration and investigation. Players will be captivated by how in-depth these quest lines are and how their in-game actions can affect the world around them.
5 Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars: The Old Republic is set 3,000 years before the Star Wars movies but still contains some subtle easter eggs for them. This sci-fi MMO offers hundreds of hours of gameplay, with eight different origin stories dependent upon the player character's class and allegiance and six significant expansions. The player is measured based on their relationship building and interactions with other NPCs. An in-game karma meter lets them decide who they want to be: a Jedi Knight protecting the galaxy or a Sith wreaking havoc; the choices are virtually endless.
In addition to the main plotline, each planet has its unique story arc, with more player dialogue choices, cutscenes, and incredible voice acting. Each quest also adds some insight into galactic history, making Star Wars: The Old Republic perfect for longtime fans of the Star Wars franchise.
4 RuneScape 3
RuneScape 3 is the perfect MMO for any fan of the genre, from beginners to veterans. Many players will enter the expansive world of Gielinor and remember starting out on Tutorial Island and chopping down their first tree. Some returning players come back purely for the nostalgia value. For beginner players just starting out, they can join a game enriched by a decade of lore and adventures, with their player character known as the World Guardian.
RuneScape's developers, Jagex, consistently pump out fresh new content to keep players interested, from the God Wars Dungeons to iconic quests. Players can play RuneScape at their own pace and enjoy scenic locations while skill-training or grinding to get that prestigious Quest Point cape. RuneScape is a consistent staple to the MMO genre that excels in its lore and world-building, even having several books written about its universe.
3 World Of Warcraft
World of Warcraft features some of the best storytelling, character development, and detailed settings in the gaming and MMO industries. From Northrend's cold and blustery environments to the mystical Chinese folklore-inspired Pandaria, each zone and expansion in the WoW universe has a different and unique aesthetic that no other MMO can match.
Come to World of Warcraft for the grind, and stay for the fleshed-out lore and the open world. There is a reason why World of Warcraft remains to be so popular decades after its initial release. Players who are fans of the old-school grind and want a trip down memory lane can also enjoy World of Warcraft Classic, which frequently gets new updates.
2 Final Fantasy 14
In Final Fantasy 14, players start as lowly adventurers, beginning at Limsa Lominsa. Then they embark on an epic journey of "good vs evil," taking on the mantle as a Warrior of Light. Players will immediately be immersed in a colorful and visually stunning world full of well-known Final Fantasy characters, extremely well-designed boss fights with complex mechanics, and plenty of heartwarming side quests.
There are plenty of things to do, as player characters are not limited to one class, and there are many professions to learn and make money from. Players can also spend their time collecting all the mounts in Final Fantasy 14; some rare drops from bosses, while others are harder to grind for.
1 Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls Online is set around 1,000 years before the events of Skyrim. In true Elder Scrolls fashion, players begin the game as a prisoner. After their grand escape, players are free to explore the great continent of Tamriel. Longtime Elder Scrolls lovers will also recognize many familiar locations, like Morrowind, Elsweyer, and even the Skyrim province.
If players want a break from the main storyline, there are plenty of fully fleshed-out side quests with engrossing dialogue to discover. The best part is that these are all entirely voice-acted for a totally immersive MMO experience. Elder Scrolls has had a smooth transition into the online world and has consistent updates to keep the game fresh and full of life.