When gamers think of MMORPGs, they often think of classics such asUltima Onlineor evenWorld of Warcraft.And, considering popular multiplayer titles such asThe Division 2,Overwatch, or evenApex Legends, it’s easy to see why players might think online gaming only revolves around a few titles. Surprisingly enough, a lot of old titles persist today with a thriving userbase and rich content waiting for gamers to check out.
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Gamers interested in some older MMORPGs can find some underrated titles that still thrive in terms of content and players today. Moreover, this article might be a fun ride for players who already encountered some of these games before. After all, some of these titles might surprise older gamers when they do a new playthrough today.
10Albion Online
Metacritic Score: 72 / User Score: 4.8
Gamers who want to play a game of the same depth ofUltima Onlineyet with the graphics of modern titles can find what they need inAlbion Online. This 2017 game visually looks similar toRuneScape, and the sandbox nature will draw a comparison to the latter. However, Albion shines in its more streamlined approach to its gameplay features.
Albion Onlineboasts a classless progression system whereby players obtain equipment sets the various skills and perks throughout the game. The title also has a player-driven economy where players create most of the items that can be seen in-game. Moreover,Albion Onlineplayers can enjoy the game thanks to cross-platform support. They can play not just in Windows and Mac, but alsowith their mobile phones.
9Black Desert Online
Metacritic Score: 73 / User Score: 6.9
Players ofBlack Desert Onlinelikely got hooked due to the game’s vast customization options. One of the main selling points ofBDOis its gripping character customization menu which allows players to tweak a wide array of options to make unique characters.
Graphics also stand out in this 2014 title, which remains captivating until today.BDO’s graphics, coupled with its fast-paced gameplay, guarantee a lot of exciting fights. Classes also deviate from typical RPG roles, with each having a wide range of combat options. Moreover, the flexible nature of classes paves the way for very bright and flashy spells and skillsets.
8Neverwinter Online
Metacritic Score: 74 / User Score: 6.7
Players ofDungeons & Dragonsor fans of fantasy games will loveNeverwinter Onlinefor its fast-paced action and faithfulness to its sources. Unlike other fantasy titles, this 2013 title takes cues from modern action RPGs and adds its signatureD&Dspin.Neverwintertakes place in theForgotten Realmsuniverse, which also houses thesetting for gamessuch asBaldur’s Gate. Thanks to this source,Neverwinterquests enjoy the unique depth ofD&Dstories.
Neverwinterclasses take usual MMO staples but add the versatility of theirD&Dcounterparts. As such, Devoted Clerics both heal and deal damage, and Guardian Fighters focus on area-of-effect combat. These elements, combined withNeverwinter’s real-time combat, “transforms"D&D’s pen-and-paper encounters into the gaming world.
7Dungeons & Dragons Online
Metacritic Score: 74 / User Score: 6.9
Dungeons & Dragons Onlineaged well for a 2006 game. Fans ofD&Dand fantasy games, or even TTRPG players looking for a way to have their adventures visualized, can look atDDOfor a genuine pen-and-paper RPG experience.
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As with a typicalD&Dcampaign, players can choose their race and class. These classes offer skills and abilities very similar to their TTRPG counterparts, giving players a sense thatDDOcan bring their RPG campaigns to life. This branding is present acrossDDO, as questlines and locations take a lot of cues from existingD&Dlore locations.
6Secret World Legends
Metacritic Score: 76 / User Score: 5.1
Secret World Legendssets up anXCOM-esque campaign against otherworldy hoards of baddies. The 2017 game builds upon the originalSecret WorldMMO, released originally in 2012.Secret Worldfeatures three factions: the Dragon, the Templars, and the Illuminati. Many gamers find the appeal ofSecret Worldless with its mechanics, but more with its rich lore and captivating setting. Moreover, players get to unravel the truth behind these groups in the game’s overarching campaign.
Gameplay-wise, each of these factions also features different builds that rely heavily on players' preference for weapons and spells. Quests and maps also have different tiers, allowing players to enjoy the game regardless of their playstyles.
5TERA Online
Metacritic Score: 77 / User Score: 6.8
TERA Onlinestill plays amazingly well despite being an 8-year-old title.TERA, which released back in 2012, initially received praise for its graphics, fast-paced combat, and exciting story. Today, despite the existence of more contemporary games,TERAstays appealing to fans.TERA’s world is home to gods fighting one another for domination, eventually bringing the mortal races into their divine conflict.
TERA, now playable in both PC and consoles, boasts 13 classes and seven races with unique abilities. These features, coupled with its unique fantasy aesthetic and clean interface, make for a very nostalgic MMO experience that doesn’t lose its charm. Players can also obtainpets, which is always a plus!
4RIFT Online
Metacritic Score: 84 / User Score: 7.3
Players will rememberRIFTas that 2011 game with a lot of hype surrounding its bosses and PvE gameplay. InRIFT, players are one of the Ascended, heroes that protect the realm of Telara from threats across the Planes. Their characters can be a part of one of six races and join the Guardians to protect the domain or embrace new technologies with the Defiant.
WhileRIFTplays like the usual point-and-click MMO, there’s an emphasis on team play. Players customize a class-specific and character-specific skill tree, and they have to work with other players to close Rifts that appear randomly in the game map. Not to mention,RIFTalso features a lot of boss battles that players can encounter throughout their playthrough.
3Star Wars: The Old Republic
Metacritic Score: 85 / User Score: 6.0
Though it was met with some criticism during its 2011 launch, playingSWTORtoday feels like playing another one of BioWare’s stellarKnights of the Old Republicgames.SWTORstays faithful to its source material with both the Republic and the Empire offering classes with thatStar Warsflair. Players can become Force-users, troopers, or even agents. Each of these classes offers advanced variants, with the game giving players exclusive class storylines.
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While gamers might compare SWTOR’s gameplay to mainstream MMOs, the game shines with its expansive post-game content. These new content range from special quests and immersive stories.
2The Lord of the Rings Online
Metacritic: 86 / User Score 8.0
The Lord of the Rings Onlineproves that old games can retain their charm, provided they’re in the right direction.LOTR Onlineis the only MMO featuring the depth of Middle-earth, as created by acclaimed J.R.R. Tolkien, and it’s seen everywhere in the game.
Players enjoying the game now will see how this 2007 title retains much of its traditional MMO roots. Characters can choose one of the famous races featured in the books such as Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, and High Elves. The game also features classes such as Minstrels, Lore-masters, Hunters, and Champions. Moreover,LOTR Onlineplayers take part in stories that happen in conjunction withThe Lord of the Ringsstory. Players who love Tolkien’s universe can finally join the likes of Frodo, Legolas, and even Galadriel in defending the realm.
1Old School RuneScape
Metacritic Score: 87 / User Score: 8.2
Old School RuneScapehit app stores in late 2018, months after the Jagex team officially closedRuneScape Classic.OSRstays faithful to most ofRSC’s graphics, gameplay, and features, somethingRuneScapefans will enjoy. For newcomers,RSCis the first iteration ofRuneScapethat released in 2001, which fans loved just as much as upgraded versionsRuneScape 2and, eventually, in 2013,RuneScape 3.
Old School RuneScapedoesn’t have the graphical fidelity ofRS3 orWorld of Warcraft. However, the game does retain its appeal of full-blown character customization and quirky quests.OSRplayers can enjoy grinding for more loot and better weapons, or just fishing and mining for items to sell. Moreover, players can find themselves saving towns, helping citizens, or even participating in crazy hijinks. Gamers can do something new inOSRevery day, which is something not all mobile MMOs can offer.
