World of Warcraft started as the fourth fantasy game in the Warcraft universe all the way back in 2004. Blizzard Entertainment had swapped the base building RTS (real-time strategy) gameplay of old for an intimate yet online RPG (role-playing game) experience that you could share with friends. From quests and overarching stories to scoring the best gear in high-level dungeons, WoW had it all.
Although not the first MMORPG (massively-multiplayer online roleplaying game) of its time, it surely had one of the biggest impacts on gaming through the next decade and a half. For some, WoW alone continues to fill that online gaming void. But if you're craving to fill that itch with another MMORPG, then you're in the right place. Here are the Best MMORPGs For Fans Of World of Warcraft.
TERA
Developed by Bluehole Studio, TERA offers an MMORPG experience that is a bit heavier on the active action side than WoW. With action rolls, players are forced to dodge skill shots and perform combos at the same time. Ranging from the ever-present Lancer to the backline Gunner, TERA's variety is its strong suit.
Each of the seven races compliments the classes with their traits to further make your in-game character feel unique. Unlike WoW, TERA uses a free-to-play model. This is supplemented with "EMP", a currency used for in-game extras such as cosmetics.
Star Trek Online
Star Trek Online lets you live vicariously through your avatar as a captain of your own space ship. Your crew can be filled out with medical personnel, tactical officers, and more. With a main story quest to follow or abandon at your will, dozens of planets and encounters await in the Star Trek universe.
The highlight is the space combat, as it is rarely done correctly in an MMO. Most games render outer space as a skippable cutscene, making Star Trek Online a welcomed change of pace. Perfect for anyone ready to leave the fantasy setting and a treat for all Star Trek fans.
Lord of the Rings Online
Lord of the Rings Online came out back in 2007 to marginal success. A classic Lord of the Rings adventure lies underneath the surface of the tab-target gameplay (akin to WoW). But don't mistake this free-to-play fantasy game for a WoW clone.
All of the races and classes are taken from LotR literature and will make fans feel at home. Whether you wish to be a High Elf Hunter or a Dwarf Guardian, there are enough choices to satiate any RPG fan. Some features include the ability to play as a minion of Sauron and vs. other players, as well as player housing and in-depth crafting. 'Epic Story' is a standout feature that involves you taking control of famous characters such as Gandalf the Grey and Bilbo Baggins as you go on famous journeys through their shoes.
7. Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars is a multi-media franchise that has piqued generational interest for a reason. Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) feels right at home for old and new fans alike. This is first and foremost a story-driven game.
If you're hoping for the best of the best in regards to gameplay, the single-player Knights of the Old Republic games are your best bet. Taking place in the Old Republic era of the Star Wars universe, SWTOR lets you play either side of the age-old tale of the Republic versus the Empire. But there is more to this tale than Jedi and Sith. Take up the role of a Bounty Hunter and focus on your own story, or be a Smuggler for the Republic and blur the lines. The choice is yours and the universe is vast.
EVE Online
If you think the typical MMORPG is unimpressive and want to delve into the rules, lore, and development of a universe, EVE Online is up your alley. Touting one large server that houses an ever-expansive universe, everyone takes part in the same outer space-driven gameplay. Set over 20,000 years in the future, your goal is to push forward into "New Eden" after Earths resources have been all but dried up.
After selecting your race, you are thrust into the game with a lone ship. The player-driven ecosystem will impress those who find joy in numbers and the economy. The combat is realtime and time-consuming, which is fantastic for those who want rewarding gameplay. Over 5000 star systems await. Who you side with is up to you.
Guild Wars 2
Set in the gorgeous world of Tyria, your goal in Guild Wars 2 is to reclaim the land after horrific monsters start to take over. With a focus on narrative, this game touts quests that offer multiple paths, a feature typically associated with single-player RPGs.
The combat is grounded in frenetic action, with a litany of spells and melee items to choose from. Skills are mostly tied to weapons, with quick swapping available during combat. Each class has special abilities to differentiate from the pack, along with a self-heal to keep the focus on action. With Player vs Player(PvP), Player vs Environment (PvE), and World vs World (WvW) to choose from, Guild Wars 2 never fails to be an ongoing adventure worth joining.
The Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls (ESO) series explores the fantasy continent of Tamriel. The first in The Elder Scrolls to be an MMORPG, ESO focuses on non-linear gameplay, with a large portion of Tamriel open to explore. Although you pick from ten races and six classes to create your character, many skills are learned via specific weapons and quests.
A questline from the infamous Dark Brotherhood might offer you a new cloak, but it also rewards you with new skills only offered from the guild. Each zone offers its own unique setting, with multiple overarching stories at play throughout Tamriel. Expect tons of in-game lore from books, NPCs (non-player characters) and the environment. Great for those who want their Elders Scrolls fix before The Elders Scrolls: 6 comes out.
WoW Classic
World of Warcraft and its six expansions have turned into its own beast over time. Whereas the original release of WoW saw a plethora of unique features for 2004, many of those feel antiquated and were nixed with new patches and expansions. WoW Classic wishes to return to the basics with the original Alliance vs Horde story.
Gone are the days of dungeons teleporting you to them instantly. Nope, go fly there. Do you want a mount to ride around? Go earn it over time. While this becomes more time consuming, it also connects you to your character and those around you. And in return, classes are more unique. Individual roles are rewarding, as you have spells that are more unique to just your class. WoW Classic is packed in with the World of Warcraft subscription.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn
From traditional RPGs and arena fighters to rhythm games and action titles, Final Fantasy is a powerhouse series to be reckoned with. After a misstepped launch of Final Fantasy XIV, Square Enix decided to retry and rebrand. With the aptly titled Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, the game was made new and it shattered all expectations. The combat loop is similar to World of Warcraft, so fans of the series can shift over to FFXIV without too much of a learning curve.
You take on the role of a character destined to save the land of Eorzea. The diverse cast and classes available are a joy to be a part of, with each class feeling unique. The newest expansion, Shadowbringers, lit up the scene with two new classes, new races, and a whole new story to follow.
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