Upcoming 2017 MMOs: What We Hope To Play

The end of the year is nigh, and that means it's time to forget everything that released in 2016 and cross our fingers that 2017 is the year for the game. Some titles listed below are speculation but speculated with reason, and noted so, due to the tentative nature of release schedules. Others are more proven, seeing as how they are currently playable. These are games we're looking forward to seeing release, but let us know if we're missing anything you're excited for in the comments below.

Albion Online

[singlepic id=21222 w=600 h=300 float=none]The sandbox MMO universe that's driven by its community, Albion Online is currently in its Final Beta. The testing phase extends into 2017, and once it's done we can expect a full release (or Open Beta)—barring no further complications. We've been hopeful about Albion Online. It's got old school charm in a  world of extensive crafting and even more PvP, though steps are being taken to implement additional PvE activities. Hopefully Albion Online will release in 2017 so I can delve into the game without worrying about my character being deleted.

Revelation Online

[singlepic id=64139 w=600 h=300 float=none]Revelation Online may be China's next big break in the Western MMORPG scene. The game's generated quite a bit of buzz, without any single reason driving the hype forward (players really like wings?). But having played the game, Revelation is a fairly fun free-to-play title that streamlines the grind into daily quests and group dungeons, and keeps combat fresh enough through a pseudo-action combat control scheme. It may not be the genre titan, but it's a fun enough diversion set in an open fantasy world drawing on Eastern influences.

Lost Ark

[singlepic id=11704 w=600 h=300 float=none]Lost Ark may or may not happen in 2017. No one really knows. But, despite publisher Smilegate's relative silence, it hasn't stopped players from talking and dreaming about the top-down MMORPG. While still in Closed Beta—in Korea—Lost Ark has all the works: world bosses, open world exploration, raids, cinematic dungeons, mini-games, life skills, own your own island Richard Branson style; the list goes on. We're hoping to find out whether or not Lost Ark lives up to the hype in 2017.

Worlds Adrift

[singlepic id=43989 w=600 h=300 float=none]Worlds Adrift is headed to Early Access in 2017, which is a kind-of release, and I'm pretty excited. Bossa Studios' sandbox MMO first gained attention for its use of SpatialOs, a server technology that enables thousands of players to interact with environments on a single server: chopping down one tree on one island in a tiny corner  of the universe means its dead for everyone at the same time, everywhere. In Worlds Adrift players hop from one floating island to another, exploring and harvesting resources, before taking to the sky in airships to blast each other with cannon barrages. Currently in Alpha, it offers a bit of a novel experience with a charming aesthetic.

Peria Chronicles

[singlepic id=16900 w=600 h=300 float=none]Maybe? Just maybe Peria Chronicles will release in 2017, considering all of the gameplay trailers we saw at G-Star 2016. Peria is a sandbox MMORPG where players band together to form communities and shape a voxel-like world in their own image. Much of the game's content will be player-created, including dungeons. It's an interesting approach. The anime-infused MMORPG is poised to take a step in a new direction, and we're hoping to get our hands on it in 2017.

MU Legend

[singlepic id=62552 w=600 h=300 float=none]MU Legend is an ARPG I am looking forward to playing upon full release, seeing as how I've already had a chance to play it in its first CBT. MU Legend slices out all the fat and throws you at waves of enemies and dungeons from the first moment you enter its world. Vivid spell effects and abilities get your viscera rolling as you take out half of the know boar population. It's a great little title that will eat up your time, but perhaps not consume it.

Breakaway

[singlepic id=61155 w=600 h=300 float=none]Amazon Game Studios' MOBA/ handball hybrid Breakaway is currently in Alpha, but we're keeping our fingers crossed that it will fully release in 2017. It's part of Amazon's tripartite entry as a development studio, pitting players in a 4v4 champion match where the goal is to score a goal. It's a slick spin on establish gameplay tropes, combining Rocket League and MOBAs. We're pretty pumped to see how Amazon fares in the games arena.

Conan Exiles

[singlepic id=53532 w=600 h=300 float=none]Funcom is finally giving Conan the genre he deserves: survival. In Conan Exiles players are exiled warriors who must survive a harsh wasteland roamed by barbarians (that includes yourself). Beyond monitoring meters and crafting, players will negotiate occult gods who can give you the upper hand against other players or bite it off. Conan Exiles is launching as a Steam Early Access title on January 31st.

Battlerite

[singlepic id=61413 w=600 h=300 float=none]Yes, Battlerite is already playable but as an Early Access title, and when it fully releases it's going to be free-to-play and we can't wait. Players pick a champion and go head-to-head in 2v2 or 3v3 matches. A small arena means you're instantly thrust into a fight, and character variety means you'll need to balance between support/ranged/melee etc. to gain the upper hand. Battlerite is a blast, and if you haven't played it mark for your 2017 calendar when it does finally release as free-to-play.

Gigantic

[singlepic id=15244 w=600 h=300 float=none]Motiga's MOBA has overcome a number of hurdles but Gigantic has managed to look cell-shaded gorgeous the whole time. It's finally in Open Beta which means release is just around the corner: 2017 (unless they pull a "I'm in Open Beta forever."). The cartoony MOBA features action oriented gameplay as players fight for control of towers so they can defeat the opposing teams' Guardian.

Sea Of Thieves

[singlepic id=53792 w=600 h=300 float=none]Sea of Thieves is a personal favorite just based on its vibrant look, not to mention what it proposes to be: an open world pirating adventure. Sail the seas with your crew, firing fusillades at enemy ships and exploring uncharted islands in search of treasure. Like Gigantic, its looks alone are enough to charm someone to hit the download button. Developer Rare has said they expect the game to release in February, 2017.

Lineage Eternal

[singlepic id=11570 w=600 h=300 float=none]Seeing as how Lineage Eternal is in Closed Beta in Korea, and some crafty datamining revealed the game may already be in English, we expect Lineage Eternal to see some form of global playability in the coming months of 2017. What do we know so far? You'll control a single hero until you enter a dungeon, and then be thrust into a team of four (three AI) and you'll switch between heroes as you plow your way through hordes of enemies. It's a neat concept, and I can't wait to see how it plays out.

Soul Worker

[singlepic id=46202 w=600 h=300 float=none]While there's no official release date, we know Gameforge has the rights to publish Soul Worker in the West. The third-person ARPG starring colorful anime characters is about to enter CBT in South Korea, so it may not be long before Gameforge makes an announcement. And there's reason to be excited. Soul Worker is for players who like to devastate huge waves of enemies with exaggerated weapons, dishing out combo chains with finesse until your ultimate is ready to clear the field. Fingers-crossed that Soul Worker finds a home in the West.

Master X Master

[singlepic id=13923 w=600 h=300 float=none]Master X Master recently held another playtest, so it may not be too long before we hear about Open Beta and then, yes, release. Master X Master is interesting. It's not just 3-lane MOBA gameplay, but also has PvE Missions, various PvP modes, mini-games, and more. But what really sets it apart is the ability to switch between two characters in a single match, making for a huge diversity in player-builds. We're not sure how balanced the game will be, but we're looking forward to giving it a try nonetheless.

The Exiled

[singlepic id=33612 w=600 h=300 float=none]Previously known as Das Tal, The Exiled is a top-down PvP sandbox MMORPG. It's a dark fantasy where players have to work together to form tribes to become stronger and survive the onslaught of other players. Build a settlement while fending off rivals. My favorite part? When you get killed in PvP, which is open world, you lose everything, making every moment you're in the open a gamble with your character's life. That's how you get the adrenaline flowing. The Exiled is currently in its final Alpha testing, and we're betting some form of Beta crops up in 2017.

GWENT

[singlepic id=53616 w=600 h=300 float=none]Currently still in Closed Beta, since October 25th, GWENT is a CCG right out of The Witcher, a much appreciated mini-game from the RPG series. Cards are placed in one of three rows (siege, ranged, or melee) so you'll have to tactically make decisions, especially since you don't automatically draw cards each turn. GWENT will have friendly matches—where I'll be—and competitive ladder for those of you who like to climb the rankings. We're pretty confident GWENT will release in 2017, at least into Open Beta.