In 2023, there are a number of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games that have been released years ago but are very alive in 2023. The games on this list still receive regular updates or released an expansion last year. In this article, we will take a look at 7 MMOs that are expected to dominate the scene in 2023.
World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft is the oldest MMO on this list. Yet it is still very popular and counts hundreds of thousands, if not millions of players. In 2022 World of Warcraft released the Dragonflight expansion. Dragonflight is World of Warcraft’s ninth expansion (!) that allows players to ride on dragonback. Whether you are a casual or dedicated player, World of Warcraft has you covered!
Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV is a popular MMO and has a devoted playerbase who are drawn to its rich storytelling and expansive world. With regular updates and new content releases, Final Fantasy XIV offers a constantly evolving experience that keeps players coming back for more.
In 2021, Final Fantasy XIV released the Endwalker expansion. To this day, players who own this expansion still receive regular content updates.
Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is set in Tamriel and offers players numerous realms to discover. You can play as one (or more) of the familiar races from the Elder Scrolls series. Among these are the High Elf, the Khajiit, Orc and Nord.
The Elder Scrolls Online has many expansions (Elsweyr, Greymoor, Morrowind etc.) and in 2022 another expansion was added to the list; the High Isle Expansion. This expansion has a great storyline and introduces the player to a new location.
ESO has a lot to offer for the fans and newcomers of the Elder Scrolls series. Mmake sure to give this MMO a try if you played Skyrim before!
Black Desert Online
Black Desert Online is visually stunning MMO and is known for its detailed character creation and customization. Also, the action-oriented combat is very entertaining. There is a good variety of classes you can choose from. Later on, you are able to enhance your class by awakening it. This grants you more skills and more ways to play!
In 2022, the game released the Eternal Winter expansion which also introduced a new class (the Drakania) for players to enjoy. Make sure to give Black Desert Online a shot if you are into fighting games and visually stunning environments!
Star Wars: The Old Republic
The Old Republic is set in the Star Wars universe. Star Wars: the Old Republic (SWOTR) lets players choose their own path as they explore the galaxy and engage in epic battles.
In SWOTR the player is able to choose classes from the Republic (e.g. Jedi Knight, Trooper, etc.)) and the Empire (Sith Warrior, Bounty Hunter, etc.). Like many other MMO’s you can later enhance your class into a so-called Advanced Class.
In 2022, SWOTR released the Legacy of the Sith expansion which let’s the player explore new worlds and introduces new, so-called combat styles.
The MMO has a focus on player choice and has a rich story. Make sure to give this MMO a try if you are fan of the Star Wars franchise.
Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2 is a very accessible MMO. Guild Wars 2’s horizontal progression system allows players to get into the game with ease.
Guild Wars 2’s dynamic event system surprises every time whenever you explore the world of Tyria. The choices you make while exploring really have an impact on the environment.
The game has a varied selection of classes which can be enhanced with Elite Specializations. This allows the player to play how they want and switch playstyles on the go!
In 2022, Guild Wars 2 released the End of Dragons expansion which brings the player back to Cantha. This expansion gave players more Elite Specializations to choose from, access to new maps and a new mount.
Guild Wars 2 has a casual yet dedicated playerbase. It is one of the best free MMOs you can currently play.
Runescape (Old School/RS3)
Runescape has been around for over 20 years and is still an accessible and fun experience for many players. Although the original point-and-click gameplay is simple and laid back, the activities you participate in are very immersive.
Runescape has a vast open world to explore and hundreds of quests to complete. Although Runescape has no classes, it does offer numerous skills (e.g. Cooking, Fishing, Minnig) you can excel in.
Although Runescape is over 20 years old, it still receives regular content updates and has a healthy playerbase. The Old School version of the game can also be played on mobile. So you can play the same character on both PC and mobile!
