Games

The Best MMORPGs to Get Lost In

February 15, 2024

The Best MMORPGs to Get Lost In

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) provide some of the most immersive and engaging gaming experiences. As a long-time MMORPG enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours exploring virtual worlds and going on epic adventures. Here are my picks for the top MMORPGs to get completely absorbed in.

World of Warcraft

Released in 2004, World of Warcraft is the granddaddy of MMORPGs and remains one of the most popular games in the genre. I’ve been playing WoW on and off for over a decade and have yet to get bored. Here’s why it has staying power:

Huge world to explore: The world of Azeroth is massive, with multiple continents and zones to adventure through. There are always new places to see.
Variety of races and classes: WoW offers a wide selection of unique races and classes to choose from when creating a character, providing replayability.
Engaging lore: The Warcraft universe features intricate lore developed over decades. I’m invested in the stories and world.
Regular new content: Blizzard frequently releases expansions adding new zones, dungeons, raids, and features. It keeps things fresh.
Social experience: Joining a guild to complete group content like raids is a fun social experience. I’ve met great people through WoW.

If you want to get lost in one of the most fully-realized fantasy worlds in gaming, WoW is a must-play MMORPG.

Final Fantasy XIV

For fans of the Final Fantasy series, FFXIV brings the franchise’s signature storytelling and aesthetic to the MMORPG genre. After a rocky launch in 2010, the game was completely rebuilt and reborn in 2013 as Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn. Here’s what I love about it:

Epic story: The narrative features dramatic, cinematic cutscenes and a complex overarching story spanning multiple expansions. I’m invested in the characters and world.
Beautiful visuals: From stunning environments to imaginative gear designs, the visual presentation is top-notch. This is one of the prettiest MMORPGs.
Variety of classes: There are 19 classes ranging from classic tank/healer/DPS to more unique jobs like Blue Mage and Dancer. I enjoy the flexibility.
Housing system: You can get an apartment or house and decorate it. I’ve spent many hours customizing my virtual abode.
Crafting and professions: The extensive crafting system lets you create gear, food, and items. It provides non-combat depth.

If you want to experience an MMORPG with AAA-level presentation and storytelling, FFXIV is a fantastic choice.

Elder Scrolls Online

As a fan of Bethesda’s Elder Scrolls series, I was eager to jump into Elder Scrolls Online when it launched in 2014. Here’s what keeps me coming back:

Massive game world: ESO takes place across the entire continent of Tamriel, recreating locales from previous Elder Scrolls titles like Morrowind and Skyrim. So much to explore!
Quest variety: From the main storyline to guild quests and side content, there are thousands of quests offering diverse adventures. I’m never bored.
Flexible class system: Instead of having set classes, you mix and match various weapon and armor abilities. Lots of ways to play.
Housing: ESO has one of the most robust housing systems among MMORPGs. I enjoy decorating and showing off my residences.
Solo and group play: You can play through most of the content solo but also team up for dungeons, raids, and PVP. Caters to all playstyles.

If you want to immerse yourself in the rich lore and world of Elder Scrolls with the bonus of co-op multiplayer, ESO is the perfect fit.

Conclusion

The best MMORPGs provide endless hours of adventure through vast worlds filled with stories to unravel, friends to make, challenges to overcome, and mysteries to unlock. If you want to truly lose yourself in a virtual existence, you can’t go wrong with diving into World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, or Elder Scrolls Online. Just beware, you may find it hard to return to reality once you get hooked! Let me know if you have any other favorite MMORPGs I should try.