Two MMORPGs currently dominate the genre: Final Fantasy XIV and World of Warcraft. Alongside these subscription-based games remains an ocean of free MMORPG content, littered with colorful communities and impressive mechanical depth. Let’s take a look at the best free MMORPGs on the market today that do not require a subscription or buy to play.
Runescape
Best Free MMORPGs – No Mandatory Subscription
Runescape is one the most popular and well-known MMORPGs of all-time and both versions of the game that are actively played: Old-school Runescape and regular Runescape (AKA Runescape 3).
Either version of the game follows a very old-school MMORPG experience. After a short tutorial you’re free to do as you want. You can continue to raise your skills in order to fine tune your character, explore and socialize with others, or chart your path however you see fit. You’re not bound to any particular way to consume the game. It’s a game that still exists in a simpler time.
This is in stark contrast to modern MMORPGs like Final Fantasy XIV where the experience is streamlined and you’re guided towards a particular path. In the case of Final Fantasy XIV, going through the main story is not only a large part of the appeal, it’s mandatory.
Phantasy Star Online 2
Best Free MMORPGs – No Mandatory Subscription
Phantasy Star Online 2 finally reached North American shores (officially) in 2020. One of the few good things to happen that year if we’re being honest.
Although it’s a very old game, having released in Japan back in 2012, it still holds up quite well. On top of that as an added benefit, an updated version of sorts known as Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is releasing soon and your character will be able to enter both versions of the game.
The actual gameplay is an action-RPG style game where you form small teams with other players to complete objectives in various battlefields while also taking on powerful bosses. You’ll upgrade gear, skills, and build out a character that can mix and match from two different classes from a large list.
PSO2 is easily accessible now these days in the West on both Xbox and PC.
TERA
Best Free MMORPGs – No Mandatory Subscription
TERA which not too long ago expanded out to consoles, remains a solid contender in the free to play, no mandatory subscription space.
TERA is well known for its dynamic and fast-paced combat. At all levels you’ll need to make sure you’re blocking and timing your attacks properly in order to move through combat as quickly and efficiently as possible
The MMORPG also features a lengthy story to help guide you through the game before you reach its endgame content. While it’s not on par with something like Final Fantasy XIV, it’s serviceable and it will give you a good idea of whether TERA is something you’ll enjoy.
Once again, the main draw is the game’s combat which was revolutionary at the time, and still holds up well today. Give it a try and if you can get into it, it may be worth sticking with.
Guild Wars 2
Best Free MMORPGs – No Mandatory Subscription
Touted as the “World of Warcraft killer” when it launched in August 2012, Guild Wars 2 got off to a strong start in the MMORPG market before suffering a blip in numbers mid-way through its current lifespan.
Some excellent expansion content, combined with ArenaNet’s commitment to the property, has led to a healthy pool of players, with the game finding its feet again.
In fact, it’s right up with the most popular MMORPGs by total active users. The title has never had a subscription model in place, instead opting for a one-time purchase deal, combined with a cash shop for aesthetic items.
In 2015, the base game became free for all to enjoy, opening up a major part of its world at no cost.
Subsequent expansions and additions require payment, but there is still plenty to play with for free. Boasting a Metacritic score of 90, the game is one of the most critically well-received MMORPG games ever.
Be sure to check out a few YouTube guides and browse the wiki, however, as six years in, the community has gotten pretty hardcore.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Best Free MMORPGs – No Mandatory Subscription
Oh, what could have been. The overriding sense of lost potential permeates The Old Republic to this day.
Lingering questions as to why BioWare attempted or was perhaps persuaded to make an MMORPG instead of a mainline sequel to Knights of the Old Republic still go unanswered, yet there is still a lot to dig into with The Old Republic.
The end game content is not the greatest, but its quest design, leveling, and cohesive Star Wars style delight. Story-wise, the title takes place 300 years after the events of Knights of the Old Republic 2.
Despite being an MMORPG, the game featured a morality system, which remains unique in the market.
Each class, which fall into classic Star Wars roles such as Jedi, Sith, and Bounty Hunter, feature their own story, moral choices, and companions. In terms of active sci-fi MMORPGs, The Old Republic stands as the best option still, EVE notwithstanding.
Calling it free-to-play may be a stretch, but the game can be enjoyed free up to level 65, containing eight well-written main storylines.
A lot of the game is locked behind a purchase fee, however, but there is still plenty there for little to no cost. BioWare still supports MMORPGs, with a future roadmap detailed as recently as this month.
Blade & Soul
Best Free MMORPGs – No Mandatory Subscription
Originally launched in the East in 2012, Blade & Souls made its way to the West in 2016. Understanding what is going on the game is a little difficult, but, generally, the movement and combat are excellent for an MMORPG title.
The movement feels really smooth and instancing and sharding is dealt with in an intricate, implicit way. Particular highlights include the transition between combat and navigation, each having a distinctly Eastern sense of power and speed.
Advertised as a “martial arts Korean MMORPG,” Blade & Soul’s major appeal is its combat, which, compared to its competitors, feels super fast.
Containing four races and ten classes, the MMORPG has plenty there for players to enjoy.
The major stumbling block for players will likely be the art style, but underneath that is a systems-driven MMORPG that deserves some credit.
RIFT
Best Free MMORPGs – No Mandatory Subscription
RIFT got off to a strong start when it launched in 2011, centering its PvE play around random rifts in the open-world that spawn powerful world bosses, facilitating sudden group play.
That system is still as invigorating as ever, but Rift’s other strengths have evolved to become something equally as impressive.
Since committing to free-to-play since 2013, the game still has a totally no cost model. Even the game’s most recent expansion is fully free, introducing some titanically-sized new bosses, an excellent raid, and refining the MMORPG’s idiosyncrasies.
MMORPGs shine best during moments of random co-operation, capturing echoes of the sense of camaraderie seen in older titles such as vanilla World of Warcraft or Everquest. RIFT almost fills that classic World of Warcraft hole, so if Battle for Azeroth isn’t tickling your fancy, then give RIFT a go.
EVE Online
Best Free MMORPGs – No Mandatory Subscription
EVE Online is wild. Shortly after release in 2003, infamous stories and tales of great wars between player-led corporations flooded the net.
For a free game, EVE Online has more depth than many other MMORPGs on the market. Players have reported playing the game for years, yet still not fully understanding all of the game’s intricacies and systems.
The major appeal of this spaceship MMORPG is to join or create your own corporations to control space.
While the gameplay requires significant preparation, when battles happen, it’s truly the definition of the MMORPG genre’s endless appeal.
EVE is an example of how MMORPGs should be run in the modern world due to the trust it has in its own player base; for a title that is 15 years old, it’s continued impact is a marvel.
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