Subscription MMORPGs and MMOs

(97 votes, average: 3.40 / 5)

EverQuest

EverQuest is a 3D fantasy MMORPG set in the expansive world of Norrath, and is one of the oldest MMORPGs still active. Choose from sixteen races and sixteen classes to embark on a journey across a medieval landscape, with over 500 zones to explore and innumerable raids to conquer with other players.

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Publisher: Daybreak Game Company
Playerbase: Low
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: March 16, 1999
PvP: Server Specific/Duels/Open World
Pros: +Gargantuan amount of content. +Strong player-base. +Annual expansions.
Cons: -Dated graphics. -Complex UI by modern standards. -High learning curve.

(94 votes, average: 3.06 / 5)

EVE Online

EVE Online is a sandbox MMORPG set in a science fiction universe. Players command their spaceship in an enormous galaxy where they can participate in piracy, mining, manufacturing, trading, combat, and epic fleet warfare.

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Publisher: CCP Games
Playerbase: High
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: May 6, 2003
Pros: +Enormous universe to explore. +Varied PvP options. +Mature and helpful community. +Player-driven economy.
Cons: -Steep learning curve. -Solo-gameplay becomes repetitive. -Controls and interface can feel clunky.

(214 votes, average: 3.74 / 5)

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) is a 3D sci-fi MMORPG set in the expansive Star Wars universe. Players join either the Galactic Republic or Sith Empire and explore dozens of planets as they progress through their class-specific storyline. SWTOR is a full feature MMORPG offering a continuously increasing range of features, including a companion system, player housing, and spaceship missions.

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Publisher: Electronic Arts
Playerbase: High
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: December 20, 2011
PvP: Open World / Arenas / Spaceship
Pros: +Extremely high production value. +Unique storyline for each class. +Great companion system. +Tons of extra features like space missions, crafting, achievements, etc.
Cons: -Several absurd restrictions on free players. -Most low level planets are deserted. -Long load times and other optimization issues.

(26 votes, average: 3.65 / 5)

Dragon Quest X

Dragon Quest X is an anime-style, JRPG-inspired subscription MMORPG in which you must stop Nelgel, the Lord of Hell, and save the world. Freely switch between classes and engage in combat that's a mix of turn-based and MMORPG.

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Publisher: Square Enix
Playerbase: Medium
Type: 3D MMORPG
Release Date: August 2, 2012
Pros: +Non-human races. +Freely switch between jobs (classes). +Cross-platform gameplay. +Free-to-play up to level 20.
Cons: -Small zones. -Not easily accessible to English speaking users. -Box fee and a monthly subscription.

(37 votes, average: 3.62 / 5)

Final Fantasy XI

Final Fantasy XI is a subscription-based MMORPG where players can explore, conquer, and protect the fantastical land of Vana’diel. It features a unique class system, with 22 non-static jobs, and the story-rich experience that is essential to all Final Fantasy games.

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Publisher: Square Enix
Playerbase: Low
Type: MMORPG
Release Date: May 16, 2002
Pros: +Story-rich MMORPG. +Unique class system with non-static jobs. +Party gameplay well-balanced.
Cons: -Monthly subscription fee. -PS2 and Xbox servers have been closed. -Dated graphics. -Steep learning curve.

(15 votes, average: 3.27 / 5)

Shores of Hazeron

Shores of Hazeron is an MMO empire simulation game. Create your race, build up your empire from nothing, and conquer the galaxy.

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Publisher: Software Engineering, Inc.
Playerbase: Low
Type: MMO Empire Simulation
Release Date: February 16, 2015
Pros: +Unique mix of multiple genres. +Robust character creation. +High level of control over your empire.
Cons: -Dated graphics. -No female characters. -Extremely high learning curve. -No character progression.

(122 votes, average: 3.32 / 5)

Wizard101

In Wizard101, players become students of magic in the fictional world of Spiral. Built on RPG elements, Wizard101 offers a unique spin on combat by combining a collectible card game with a turn-based combat system.

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Publisher: KingsIsle Entertainment
Playerbase: High
Type: Card-based MMORPG
Release Date: September 2, 2008
Pros: +Unique combat system. +Large catalog of spells. +Kid-friendly.
Cons: -Major content locked behind pay-walls. -Known bugs. -Repetitive questing.

(33 votes, average: 3.24 / 5)

Second Life

Second Life is a unique online virtual world where players can socialize, roleplay, and explore in a sandbox environment. Avatars, clothes, animations, houses, and even minigames within Second Life are all created by other players, called residents.

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Publisher: Linden Lab
Playerbase: Medium
Type: MMO Virtual Universe
Release Date: June 23, 2003
Pros: +Player-crafted items. +Near infinite customization options. +Countless unique sims. +Real-world currency exchange. +Great community.
Cons: -Steep learning curve. -Cluttered interface. -Slow loading times for textures.

(35 votes, average: 3.57 / 5)

Darkfall: Rise of Agon

Darkfall: Rise of Agon is a fantasy MMORPG that combines first-person combat, a dynamic sandbox environment, and PvP-oriented gameplay. Fight against thousands of players with full loot open PvP, taking part in epic sieges and naval battles.

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Publisher: Big Picture Games
Playerbase: Low
Type: Fantasy MMORPG
Release Date: May 5, 2017
Pros: +Variety of playable races. +First and third person combat. +Skill-based progression.
Cons: -Requires subscription. -Learning curve. -Hardcore gameplay may not appeal to all.

(41 votes, average: 3.27 / 5)

Ultima Online

Ultima Online is a fantasy MMORPG set in a sprawling, persistent world, long considered a turning point in the development of the genre. Play as you like with an open ended skill system, exploring the a world, fighting other players, sailing the high seas, and developing your professions to sell sought after goods.

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Publisher: Electronic Arts
Playerbase: Low
Type: Fantasy MMORPG
Release Date: September 24, 1997
Pros: +Open-ended skill system. +Player housing. +Enormous, persistent world.
Cons: -Dated graphics. -Clunky user interface. -Heavy grind for all tasks.

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