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Games get better with each passing year. The graphics, the gameplay, the story, and the overall experience keep gamers coming back for more. Perhaps the hardest games to make are massively multiplayer online role-playing games—a combination of two genres—but they also have the most enthusiastic fanbase. With another year coming to a close, let’s take a look at five of the best-selling, highest-rated and most-loved MMORPGs since 2013.
Table of contents
Black Desert Online (2014)
Pearl Abyss launched their revolutionary game in 2014 in Korea, one of the world’s largest gaming hubs, before a worldwide release. We added this to the list because the Black Desert takes immersion to a completely new level.
Day and night cycles, weather patterns, and location drastically affect gameplay, making it feel much more real. The game takes character customization to a completely new level, and considering the story is pretty loose, your choices dictate your entire experience. Even the game’s economy is real—or as real as it gets in a game. It’s driven by player trading and crafting, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay.
However, the game’s most defining feature was its node system. Players could invest in specific regions of the world and develop them to their liking. You uncover a node when you explore a new area of a map, and you can connect different nodes to create your little empire. The creators have been smart with their revamps and continue to add new gameplay features, territories, and classes.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (2013) and Expansions
Everybody loves a good comeback story, especially when it gives you a game like Final Fantasy XIV. The initial 2010 launch was turbulent, to put it lightly. Most of us had written off the franchise until they re-released the game in 2013 as ‘A Realm Reborn’. Thankfully, the game lived up to its name.
The narrative was captivating, the visuals were stunning, and the endgame left you satisfied. Subsequent expansions included Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers, with each rendition bringing in new classes, dungeons, and raids. The game swept the world, impressing old fans and new gamers alike. The real reason for their success was Square Enix’s commitment to player feedback. They listened to the fans and turned a lackluster game into a timeless masterpiece.
Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns (2015) and Path of Fire (2017)
Let’s head into the jungle after the scorching environments of the Black Desert. The Guild Wars are good individually, but the way the sequel builds upon Heart of Thorns earns it a spot on this list. The jungle theme maps are a unique, fresh take on game environments. They developed new and impressive combat mechanics that gave encounters, raids, the new and improved ‘Revenant’ class, and the mastery system a magical feel.
The sequel builds on the game maps with a commitment to horizontal expansion. They included new regions like the Crystal Desert and Elona regions and created the option of mounted travel to make those areas accessible. The game has aged like fine wine; it’s player-friendly and player-driven, so it only gets old when we stop experimenting.
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands (2020)
No matter which edition you pick up, World of Warcraft rarely disappoints. The pioneers continued their legacy with a journey through the afterlife that resonated with old-time fans and captivated new audiences alike. The sprawling world of Azeroth was equipped with new dungeons, map zones, and a completely revamped leveling system that makes the game feel fresh after dozens of hours of gameplay.
If I were to pick a standout feature of Shadowlands, it has to be the Covenant system. It lets you build an alliance with one of the four major factions in the game. Of course, each one has unique abilities and cosmetic rewards, along with unique effects on your gaming experience. This additional layer of strategy and customization, along with Blizzard Entertainment’s commitment to refining game mechanics, will keep the game enjoyable for years to come.
Elder Scrolls Online: Gates of Oblivion (2021)
Is any RPG list complete without an Elder Scrolls game? Gates of Oblivion lets dedicated fans continue their journey into the rich lore of the game’s universe. Bethesda Softworks takes us on a journey into the daedric realm of Oblivion—a chapter full of new dungeons, quests, characters, and challenges. They entered the MMORPG arena in 2014 with the first-ever Elder Scrolls game, which could be an entry on its own on this list.
The series is known for its vast, open world, Roche lore, and perfectly designed questions, but their updates keep the games fresh. The first game introduced whole new chapters after its release, like Morrowind and Summerset. It almost felt like Gates of Oblivion was a natural progression from the first game.
The game’s trademark was the newly introduced Blackwood region. It expands on the open world and gives players a new area to explore, but this time, you can recruit NPC allies with the companion system. Then it adds another layer of strategy to both solo and group missions, and you can call on old recruits whenever you need them. It goes without saying that Elder Scrolls nailed the storytelling and world-building; the games are pretty close to perfect.
As we said before, games are getting better every year. We have some extremely interesting prospects in 2024 too. Nightingale has been testing across 2023 and will be released in the spring of next year, and we’re also expecting Ark II sometime next year. Spend a few hours in one of the worlds we picked out in this list and prepare for another great year for MMORPGs.
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FAQs
- Which MMORPG has the best graphics in 2024?
Black Desert Online is known for its stunning visuals and realistic character customization. Its graphics engine is considered one of the best in the genre.
- What is the most beginner-friendly MMORPG for new players?
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is highly recommended for beginners due to its engaging storyline and supportive community.
- Is World of Warcraft still worth playing in 2024?
Yes, World of Warcraft remains popular due to regular expansions like Shadowlands and a loyal player base. The new content keeps the game fresh and exciting.
- Which MMORPG is best for solo players?
Elder Scrolls Online offers a rich, story-driven experience that allows solo players to enjoy the game without relying heavily on group content.
- Are there any free-to-play MMORPGs with high-quality gameplay?
Guild Wars 2 offers a free base game with an expansive world and engaging mechanics. However, expansions require a one-time purchase for additional content.
