The Best MMORPG Games to Play in 2026

MMORPG games come in a wide variety of looks, settings, and mechanics, and I’m pretty sure there’s an MMO for everyone out there. Ever since I played Perfect World (PWI) as a teen, it’s been one of my favorite genres. And really, is there anything better? Making a customized, OP character, joining a guild and getting to know people, doing raids together — it’s a blast.

To my great misfortune, not all MMOs are that great. But on the bright side, I tested out a bunch and I’ve rounded up the best ones to save you the trouble of sorting through endless options. These games offer amazing worlds, fun gameplay, and communities you’ll want to join.

Guild Wars 2 (PC Only)

If you’re thinking about diving into an MMO, Guild Wars 2 is one of the most recommended games out there, and for good reason. It’s known for its sprawling open-world exploration, player-friendly design, and some of the best cooperative systems in the genre. So it’s definitely worth checking out, whether you’re just starting with MMOs or a veteran of the genre. The base game is free, and there’s no subscription fee, so you can try it without pressure.

Final Fantasy XIV (PC & PlayStation)

Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) gives you one of the best stories in the history of MMOs, and not just the base one (though no notes from me on that) but also the expansions like Heavensward and Shadowbringers. Gameplay-wise, the job system is incredibly versatile — you can play all roles on a single character without rerolling. You’ll like the community in this game, as well as the glamour system. But housing can be frustrating due to limited availability, despite improvements like instanced apartments and a lottery system.

The Elder Scrolls Online (PC & PlayStation)

Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) brings the expansive world of Tamriel into a shared online space, and if you’re a fan of rich lore and the flexibility to play how you want, this game has a lot to offer. There are voice-acted stories, the questing is great and scales to where you are so you won’t be underpowered, plus there’s a ton of challenging content. The microtransactions are a bit of a pain, but isn’t that an issue in almost every game?

RuneScape 3 (PC Only)

Talking about MMORPG classics, RuneScape 3 is a name that’s impossible to ignore. This game has been around for over two decades and still manages to keep its loyal community engaged, while bringing new players into the world of Gielinor. The quest system is one of the best in any MMO because the storylines are fun and there are clever puzzles and great rewards for everything.

Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC Only)

Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) is an MMORPG set in space — which is a rare enough thing in the often fantasy-focused MMO world. If you’re a fan of classic BioWare games like Knights of the Old Republic, you’ll find plenty to love here, especially with its eight unique class storylines, each steeped in lore and character development. You can play this one up to level 60 without paying, and then decide what to do (subscription is $15). Keep in mind that there are some limitations in the free model, but it’s not that bad.

Black Desert Online (PC, PlayStation, Mobile)

Black Desert Online is one of the most visually stunning MMORPGs out there. And let’s not forget the customization — BDO offers some of the most detailed character creation options in any game. You can truly make your avatar one-of-a-kind. The game’s world is massive and full of opportunities for exploration and life skills. And while the game doesn’t require a subscription, its monetization model can give paying some a noticeable edge, especially in PvP.

Honorable Mentions

There are so many great MMOs out there (especially for PC) that not all of them can fit on one list. If you’re interested in more options, or you just played all of the above, here’s a list of additional MMOs for PC: 

• World of Warcraft: This is a classic and therefore didn’t make the big list — simply because everyone already knows about it or has already played it. But if you haven’t, this is a solid choice that you’ll enjoy for hours to come. 
• Throne and Liberty: While this game brings nothing new to the genre, it’s quite enjoyable and it is something new that you can sink your teeth into. I have a full review here if you want to check it out. 
• Neverwinter: If you like aspects of D&D, then you’ll love Neverwinter. It’s a wonderful experience, and you’ll love the free expansions with new races and classes as well. 
• Star Trek Online: If you’re into Sci-Fi more than fantasy, then you should check this one out. Star Trek Online is great because you get a whole crew and ship to customize and play with rather than just one character. 

Are there any cozy MMORPGs?

If you enjoy cozy games, then the good news is that any MMO can be turned cozy if you avoid stressful combat and play only the parts you love best. The bad news is that there aren’t that many specifically cozy MMOs, though. But if you’re willing to get creative, check out my top choices. 

• Sky: Children of Light: This is a quintessential cozy game, and it’s great to know that it’s technically an MMO as well. There’s beautiful art, relaxing music, and tons of gameplay that won’t stress you out. 
• Palia: This is a free life sim/farm MMO that you can get on Steam or PS. Technically, you don’t need to interact much with others, which might make it less enjoyable if you love interactions with others, but if you’re fine on your own, then Palia should work. Plus, you can specifically seek out interactions if that’s what you like. 
• Final Fantasy XIV: Now, while this one isn’t technically cozy, you can make it so by focusing on the parts of the game that make you happy and basically ignore everything else. FF14 has beautiful graphics so it definitely gives off some cozy vibes and if you focus on exploration and your favorite parts, it should be great for you. 

Can you play MMORPGs on Steam Deck? 

Yes, you can! Steam Decks are basically handheld computers and they have a ton of power, so as long as you have an internet connection, you should have no trouble playing any MMO on your Deck. 

That said, here are my top recommendations: 

• Throne and Liberty runs very smoothly on Steam Deck and it’s completely free. 
• Guild Wars 2 may not be available on PS5, but you can definitely play it on Steam Deck and the performance is amazing (especially the action camera shots during combat). 
• Final Fantasy XIV might require some tinkering (like getting its specific launcher) but it also works great on Deck. 
• You can also try Once Human which is a new(ish) survival MMO and works well on Deck. 

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