Since 2017, Destiny 2 has been one of the biggest massively multiplayer online (MMO) games on the market, only becoming more popular with its switch over to a free-to-play model two years later. This first-person looter-shooter has become renowned for its multiplayer elements, particularly its combination of PvE strikes and raids, with PvP modes like deathmatches.
Fans of the game may put a lot of time into completing new raids and optimizing their current gear in order to get better loot down the line, but there are plenty of other games that offer similar thrills for those fans looking for new free-to-play games to try. From shooters to RPGs and massive multiplayer battles to skill-testing raids, these games offer some of the best free-to-play experiences for Destiny 2 fans.
Maplestory
Despite its cartoonish aesthetic, Maplestory is a classic free-to-play MMORPG, with lots of history and plenty of complexity for RPG fans to dig into. The game is presented as a side-scrolling platformer, although the game's quests and combat require players to optimize their gear and skills, while also teaming up with friends to accomplish goals.
With many more classes to choose from than Destiny 2, Maplestory offers players plenty of progression options, and most classes come with their own quests and storylines, in addition to the expected differences in gameplay. The colorful art is quite different from Destiny 2, as is the fantasy setting, but fans will appreciate this MMORPG's depth.
Genshin Impact
This recent free-to-play smash hit doesn't look too much like Destiny 2 on its surface, taking place in a bright fantasy world and featuring randomized gacha elements, as players accumulate new characters and gear. That said, fans of Destiny 2 will find a lot to love in this game's RPG elements.
In addition to exploring the world of Teyvat, players in Genshin Impact will fight enemies and optimize their characters' gear and abilities for battle. The game also features optional cooperative multiplayer, which will remind fans of Destiny 2's numerous cooperative PvE modes as they take down dragons and other monsters.
APB Reloaded
The free-to-play relaunch of the MMO action shooter APB: All Points Bulletin, APB Reloaded is a unique faction-based game that sees Enforcers facing off against Criminals in a series of missions. Completing these missions will allow players to purchase better gear and other upgrades.
Fans of Destiny 2's faction system will appreciate the overarching rivalry between the two factions present in APB, as it impacts how every mission plays out and enhances the game's PvP gameplay. Since every mission represents a battle between Enforcers and Criminals, as well, the game has variable objectives and an asymmetric approach.
Neverwinter
Taken straight from the lore of Dungeons & Dragons, Neverwinter is a free-to-play MMORPG that will pull fans of the tabletop game in alongside fans of Destiny 2 with its fully realized fantasy world and customizable role-playing elements. With eight classes available, players can access plenty of gameplay experiences.
Much like in Destiny 2, players in Neverwinter can group up with others to form parties and take on dungeons and other challenges. Also, both games have a heavy emphasis on story and lore, with Neverwinter focusing on a singular story experience more than most MMOs.
PlanetSide 2
The massive and unique free-to-play game PlanetSide 2 first launched in 2012, but since then it has been updated with more gameplay features and constantly expanding lore. Players in this first-person shooter engage in fast-paced, large-scale tactical battles to control territory for their faction.
Much like in Destiny 2, players in PlanetSide 2 can join one of three factions to fight for in the game's huge battles. Although this game is not an RPG, there are upgrades to earn and gear to acquire, creating a sense of progression and unlocking more potential as players play the game.
Rift
Taking place within the fantasy realm of Telara, Rift is an MMORPG in which players join one of two warring factions, the Guardians and the Defiant, as they battle each other and waves of enemies that arrive into the world in events, called rifts. Although the gameplay is more similar to World Of Warcraft, Destiny 2 fans will find a lot to like.
The rift events are like spontaneous miniature strikes, with their waves of enemies challenging all players in sight, and cooperative gameplay is very helpful, just like in so much of Destiny 2. As an RPG, character progression in Rift will also be familiar to Destiny 2 fans, with a high degree of customization to match every playstyle.
DC Universe Online
While Destiny 2 allows players to create their very own Guardian from top to bottom, the celebrated DC Universe Online has players creating their very own superhero or supervillain in the DC Comics Universe. This game is not a shooter, but an action-oriented MMO with fast-paced combat and RPG character development elements.
DC Universe Online has many similar elements to Destiny 2, including cooperative raid missions and an extensive loot system. One of the most notable similarities between the games, though, is their shared emphasis on an evolving story and deep lore, with this game featuring famous characters and plotlines from DC Comics.
Dauntless
With gameplay that resembles the Monster Hunter franchise, Dauntless is a free-to-play action game for gamers who love to take on giant bosses and challenging raids in Destiny 2. Playable in both single-player and multiplayer, Dauntless is a fantasy game that sees players taking on the role of Slayers hunting down gigantic monsters called Behemoths.
Combat in this game is focused on combos, but equipping the right gear and getting better loot with each battle are important elements, too, which should be familiar for Destiny 2 players. The recent Reforged update also makes this the perfect time to jump into Dauntless' cooperative monster battles.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Allowing players to step into the iconic Star Wars franchise, Star Wars: The Old Republic is an MMORPG with both subscription-based and free-to-play options, and an emphasis on character customization. Players can be characters of several different classes and alien species, while also deciding to belong to the Galactic Republic or Sith Empire factions.
These factions are not related to individual morality, as players can choose to play whatever kind of character they would like. Much like in Destiny 2, The Old Republic has many MMORPG staples like raids and loot, but the games v 8iiiiiiiiialso share a deep sci-fi world to explore with a totally unique character.
Warframe
For more sci-fi action, Destiny 2 fans may want to check out Warframe, a third-person shooter with a familiar armored-space-warrior aesthetic. Despite the games' similarities, though, Warframe is unique in its use of parkour-based gameplay, making combat quick and challenging.
Since its release in 2013, Warframe has accumulated plenty of gear and upgrades for new players to collect, and many of the game's missions are procedurally generated, making for tons of variety in gameplay. Fans of Destiny 2's multiplayer elements will appreciate the option to play missions cooperatively, as well.