List of massively multiplayer online role-playing games

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This is a selected list of massively multiplayer online role-playing games. MMORPGs are large multi-user games that take place in perpetual online worlds with a great number of other players. In most MMORPGs each player controls an avatar that interacts with other players, completes tasks to gain experience, and acquires items.

Business models

MMORPGs today use a wide range of business models, from free of charge, free with microtransactions, advertise funded, to various kinds of payment plans. This list uses the following terms.

  • Free-to-play (F2P) means that there is no cost to purchase the software and there is no subscription charge. Variably applies to traditionally bought and forever available games (see Buy-to-play below). Most newer MMOs that fall under this category now includes microtransactions however, which causes them to overlap with the Freemium model.
  • Freemium means that the majority or all of the game's content is available for free but players can pay for extra content, character customization, added perks or faster advancement into the game via microtransactions.
  • Buy-to-play (B2P) means that the MMO can only be played by purchasing the game, but there is no subsequent subscription fee for playing the game. These games may or may not include additional microtransactions, or may sell additional content in the form of expansions instead of asking for an ongoing subscription fee.
  • Pay-to-play (P2P) means that the MMO requires a monthly subscription fee or other ongoing fee in order to continue playing the game. It may also require an up-front purchase of the game in addition to the monthly subscription fee, though many of these up-front purchases include a month of game time. This was once the most common way for MMOs to finance themselves, but has fallen out of favor in recent years as an increasing number of games have switched to other business models due to difficulty in retaining a stable playerbase.

List of MMORPGs

TitleStatusGraphicsSettingSubscription ModelInitial release dateDiscontinued dateNotes
The 4th Coming2D (isometric)FantasyBuy-to-play1999Now known as T4C v2
9Dragons3DHistorical fantasy (China), martial artsFree-to-play2007
Ace Online3DScience fictionFree-to-play2006
AdventureQuest Worlds2DMedieval fantasyFreemium2008Browser-based
The Aetherlight: Chronicles of the Resistance 3D Steampunk Buy-to-play 2016
Age of Conan: Hyborian Adventures3DFantasyFree-to-play2008This game features a combo based combat system.
Age of Wulin3DMartial Arts, Wuxia (fantasy)Freemium2013
AIKA Online 3DMedieval fantasyFree-to-play2009
Aion: The Tower of Eternity3DFantasyFree-to-play2008
Albion Online 3DMedieval fantasyBuy-to-play with optional subscription model2017
Allods Online3DFantasyFreemium2010
Anarchy Online3DScience fictionFreemium2001
Angel Love Online2DFantasyFreemium2006Downloadable client (Windows only). Multiplatform: PC, PlayStation 3
ArcheAge3DFantasyFreemium2013Open-sandbox player built world, large-scale crafting interactions (building own ship to sail with, etc)
Ashen Empires2D (isometric)FantasyFreemium2002Housing, Guilds, 3 Expansions, Downloadable client (Windows only)
Asheron's Call3DFantasyPay-to-play19992017-01-31[1]Has player housing
Asheron's Call 23DFantasyPay-to-play20022005-12-30, 2017-01-31[2]
Atlantica Online3DFantasyFree-to-play2008Turn-based strategy
Aura Kingdom3DFantasyFree-to-play2014
Battlestar Galactica Online3DScience fictionFree-to-play2011Browser-based, Battlestar Galactica license
Black Desert Online3DMedieval fantasyFreemium (Asia), Buy-to-play (EU/NA)2015Active, open-sandbox player built world - Manual aim action combat
Blade & Soul3DFantasy, martial artsFreemium2012Manual aim action combat (within melee/short ranged combat)
Cabal Online3DFantasyFree-to-play2005
Camelot UnchainedUnder Development3DFantasy, Mythology (Arthurian)(Celtic)(Norse)Pay-to-play
Champions Online3DSuperheroesFreemium2009
City of Heroes3DSuperheroesFreemium2004-04-272012-11-30Formerly pay-to-play
City of Villains3DSuperheroesFreemium2005-10-312012-11-30
Clan Lord2DFantasyPay for account; free-to-play1998Downloadable client for Windows & Mac
Clone Wars Adventures3DSci-fiFree-to-play2010-09-152014-03-31
Crowns of Power3DFantasyFree-to-play2008
Dark Age of Camelot3DMythology (Arthurian)Pay-to-play2001
Dark Ages2DMythology (Celtic)Pay for account; free-to-play1999
Dark and Light3DFantasyPay-to-play20062008
Darkeden2DHorrorFreemium19972013
DarkfallClosed3DFantasyPay-to-play20092012-11-15Indpenednet development continues as Darkfall: New Dawn and Rise of Agon.
Darkfall Unholy Wars3DMedieval fantasyPay-to-play20132016-05-28
DarkSpaceActive3DScience fictionFree-to-play2001Open source
DC Universe Online3DSuperheroesFreemium2011Base game is free-to-play with restrictions
Dead Frontier3DHorrorFreemium2008Pay for extras, Browser-based
Defiance3DPost-apocalypticFree-to-play2013Tie-in to the Syfy show of the same name
Digimon Masters3DFantasyFreemium2011
Dofus2D (isometric)FantasyFreemium2004Downloadable client (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Tactical combat
Dragon Ball Online3DFantasyFree-to-play2010Downloadable client (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Tactical combat
Dragon Nest3DFantasyFree-to-play2010Manual aim action combat
Dragon Oath3DMythology (Chinese)Free-to-play2007Based on the novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils by Jin Yong
Dragon Quest X3DFantasyPay-to-play2012Multiplatform: Wii, Wii U
Dragonica Varies3DFantasyFreemium2009VariesServers in most regions were closed in 2010 or 2011, but US servers remain active under the name Dragon Saga
Dragon's Prophet3DFantasyFree-to-play20132015 in the US, still running in EuropeCapture, train and ride dragons, fight with them
Drakensang Online3DFantasyFreemium2012Browser-based
Dungeons & Dragons Online3DFantasyFreemium2006D&D 3.5 Edition ruleset
Dynasty Warriors Online3DHistorical fantasy (China), martial artsFree-to-play2006Hack and slash
Earth and Beyond3DScience fictionPay-to-play2002-09-242004-09-22Space vehicle piloting, trading, leveling
Echo of Soul3DFantasyFree-to-play2013
The Elder Scrolls Online3DMedieval fantasyBuy-to-play with optional subscription model2014Manual aim action combat. Formerly a subscription based, but changed to buy-to-play on March 17, 2015.
Elsword2D (isometric)FantasyFree-to-play2007Potential sequel to GC
Emil Chronicle Online3DFantasyFreemium20052010
Empire of Sports3DModern sportsFree-to-play2008April 2016Sports-based
Empire & State2DScience fictionFree-to-play2011Browser-based political strategy MMORPG
Entropia Universe3DScience fictionFree-to-play2003
Eternal Lands3DFantasyFreemium2003Downloadable client (Windows, Mac, Linux)
EVE Online3DScience fictionFreemium2003Space vehicle piloting, trading, and business management
EverQuest3DFantasyFreemium1999Formerly pay-to-play
EverQuest II3DFantasyFreemium2004Sequel to EverQuest
EverQuest NextCancelled3DFantasyActive, open world, Multiplatform: PC, PlayStation 4. Cancelled as of 2016
Face of Mankind3DScience fictionFreemium2009
Fallen Earth3DPost-apocalypticFreemium2009
Fantage2DFantasyFreemium20082018-06-30Browser-based
Fantasy Earth Zero3DFantasyFree-to-play2006201350vs50 PvP-oriented gameplay
Fantasy Westward Journey2DFantasy (Chinese)Free-to-play2004Inspired by Journey to the West
Fiesta Online3DFantasyFree-to-play2007
Final Fantasy XI3DFantasyPay-to-play2002Multiplatform: PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn3DFantasyPay-to-play2013Relaunch of Final Fantasy XIV. Now known as Final Fantasy: Stormblood with latest expansion. Multiplatform: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
Firefall3DScience fictionFree-to-play20142017-07-07First-person/third-person shooter
Flyff3DFantasyFreemium2005
Fragoria3DFantasyFreemium2011Browser-based
Free Realms3DFantasyFree-to-play2009-04-282014-03-31
Furcadia2DFantasyFree-to-play1996
Gekkeiju Online3DMedieval fantasyFree-to-play2003Anime-based. New version in 2010 with ""Occulus Rift"" support
GodsWar Online3DMythology (Greek)Free-to-play2009
Granado Espada3DHistorical fantasy (Age of Exploration)Pay-to-play2007
Grand Chase2DFantasyFree-to-play20032015-04-15Client download required
Guild Wars3DFantasyBuy-to-Play2005
Guild Wars 23DFantasyFree-to-play / Buy-to-play2012Manual aim action combat (guided, optional); Sequel to Guild Wars
Hello Kitty Online3DCartoonFree-to-play2009Client download required.
Hero Online3DMythology (Chinese)Free-to-play2006
Identity 3D Fantasy N/A N/A
Illyriad2DFantasyFree-to-play2011
Infantry Online2DScience FictionFree-to-play1999
Istaria: Chronicles of the Gifted3DFantasyFree-to-play / Pay-to-play2003Name changed from Horizons
Jade Dynasty3DFantasy, martial artsFreemium2008Latest expansion in 2013
Kal Online3DFantasyFreemium2004
Knight Online3DFantasyFree-to-play2004
LaTale2D (side-scrolling)FantasyFreemium20092010
The Legend of Ares3DFantasyFree-to-play20072009-05
The Legend of Mir 22D (sprite-based)FantasyFree-to-play2001
The Legend of Mir 32D (sprite-based)FantasyPay-to-play2004Sequel to The Legend of Mir 2
Lineage2D (sprite-based)FantasyPay-to-play19982011 North American servers shutdown on June 29, 2011
Lineage II3DFantasyFreemium2003Sequel to Lineage, formerly pay-to-play until the 2011 expansion
Lineage III3DFantasySequel to Lineage II
Little Space Heroes2DKidsFreemium20112015
The Lord of the Rings Online3DFantasyFreemium2007
Love3DFantasyFree-to-play2010Builder
Mabinogi3DFantasy, mythology (Welsh)Free-to-play2004
Magical Land2D (sprite-based)Fantasy (Chinese)Free-to-play2005
MapleStory2D (side-scrolling)FantasyFree-to-play2003
MapleStory 2 3D Fantasy Free-to-play 2015 Sequel to MapleStory
Marvel Heroes3DSuperheroesFree-to-play20132017-11-27
Matrix Online3DScience fictionPay-to-play2005-03-222009-07-31
Meridian 593DFantasyFree-to-play1995Formerly pay-to-play
Metin 23DFantasyFreemium2004
Minions of Mirth3DFantasyFreemium2005
MonsterMMORPG2DFantasyFree-to-play2009Browser-based
Mortal Online3DFantasyFree-to-play2010Formerly pay-to-play
MU Online3DMedieval fantasyFree-to-play2003
Myst Online3DAncient FantasyFree-to-play2007Open source; formerly pay-to-play
Mythos3DFantasyFree-to-play20112014-01-22
Neocron3DCyberpunkFree-to-play2002FPS-style gameplay, second installment run by the game's community
Neverwinter3DFantasyFreemium2013Manual aim action combat
Nexus: The Kingdom of the Winds2D (sprite-based; overhead)Mythology (Korean)Pay-to-play1996
OmertaActiveTextMafiaFree-to-play2003
Pantheon: Rise of the FallenUnder development3DFantasySpiritual successor to the original EverQuest
Parallel Kingdom3DFantasyFreemium2008
Pardus2DScience fictionFree-to-play2004Browser-based, space war and trading game
Perfect World3DFantasy (Chinese)Freemium2005Latest expansion in 2013
Perpetuum[3][4]3DScience fictionBuy-to-play2010Persistent sandbox MMORPG. Formerly a subscription[5]
Phantasy Star Online 23DScience FictionFreemium2012
Phoenix Dynasty Online2DFantasyFree-to-play20072010-12-08
Pirate1013DFantasy, kidsFreemium2012Pirate game, kid-safe chat
Pirates of the Burning Sea3DHistorical (maritime)Free-to-play2008
Pirates of the Caribbean Online3DAdventure20072013-09-01 Free-to-play
PlaneShift3DFantasyFree-to-play2000Open source
Poptropica2D (side-scrolling)Cartoon, kidsFreemium2007Browser-based, no downloadable client required
Priston Tale3DFantasyFreemium2001
Priston Tale 23DFantasyFreemium20082013
Puppet Guardian2D (isometric; adventure)FantasyFree-to-play2007
Puzzle Pirates2DFantasyFree-to-play2003
Ragnarok Online2D/3D[6]Fantasy, mythology (Norse/mixed)Freemium/Pay-to-play (Depending on the server)2002
Ragnarok Online 23DFantasyFree-to-play2012Sequel to Ragnarok Online
Ran Online3DCampus fantasyFreemium2004
Realm of the Mad God2DFantasyFree-to-play2011Browser-based
The Realm Online2D (sprite-based)FantasyPay-to-play1996
Red Stone2DFantasyFree-to-play2004
Regnum Online3DMedieval fantasyFreemium2007
Requiem: Memento Mori3DDark fantasyFree-to-play2008
RF Online3DScience fictionPay-to-play2006
Rift3DFantasyFree-to-play2011Formerly pay-to-play
Rohan: Blood Feud3DFantasyFreemium2008
ROSE Online3DFantasyFreemium2005
Runes of Magic3DMedieval fantasyFreemium2009
RuneScape3DMedieval fantasyFreemium with subscription model2001Browser-based, Java and HTML 5. Optional membership will unlock more skills and quests. Currently 2 separate games, RuneScape 3 ("current" game) and Oldschool RuneScape (game as it was circa 2007).
Rusty Hearts3DFantasyFree-to-play20112014Hack and slash
Ryzom3DScience fantasyFreemium2004Free-to-play (up to level 125), pay-to-play (to max level). Open source
Salem3DHistorical (17th century) fantasyFree-to-play2012Crafting-based
Sangokushi Online3DHistorical (Chinese)Pay-to-play20082010-07-19Part of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms series by Koei
Scions of Fate or Yulgang3DFantasyFree-to-play2005
Seal Online3DFantasyFreemium2003
The Secret World3DModernBuy-to-play2012Formerly pay-to-play
Shadowbane 3DFantasyPay-to-play2003-03-252009-07-01Switched to "free-to-play" in March 15, 2006, supported by ads
Shin Megami Tensei: Imagine 3DFantasyFree-to-play2007
Sho Online3DHistorical fantasy (China)Free-to-play2008
Shot-Online3DSports (golf)Freemium2004
Shroud of the Avatar: Forsaken Virtues3DFantasyBuy-to-play2018Spiritual successor to the Ultima series
Silkroad Online3DFantasyFree-to-play2005
Skyforge3DFantasy (Mythic/Sci-fi)Freemium2015Russian-based developers. Manual aim action combat
Soul of the Ultimate Nation3DFantasyPay-to-play20072013-07-03
Spiral Knights3DFantasyFreemium2009Java
StarQuest Online3DScience fictionFree-to-play20072014Downloadable client (Windows)
Star Trek Online3DScience fictionFreemium2010Switched to "free-to-play" in January 17, 2012
Star Wars Galaxies3DScience fictionPay-to-play2003-06-262011-12-15The first Star Wars MMORPG used a "sandbox" approach with a totally player-driven economy
Star Wars: The Old Republic3DScience fictionFreemium2011Spiritual sequel of 2003's Game of the year Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, formerly pay-to-play
Stellar DawnDevelopment paused3DScience fictionDevelopment started back in 2006 as Mechscape, which was scrapped in 2009. In 2010 Stellar Dawn was announced, though in March 2012 the development was paused so the developer, Jagex, could focus on their other games.
Tabula RasaClosed3DScience FictionPay-to-play20072009
A Tale in the Desert3DMythology (Egyptian)Pay-to-play2003Non-combat-oriented RPG
Tales of Pirates3DFantasy (Maritime)Free-to-play20072016-29-02During 2010 server data was transferred to a revamped client called Tales of Pirates II
TERA: Rising3DFantasyFreemium2011Manual aim action combat (True Action combat)
Terra3DScience fictionFree-to-play1996
Tibia2D (sprite-based; overhead)FantasyFree-to-play1997Downloadable client (Windows, Linux).
Toontown Online3DFantasyFreemium20032013-09-19MMORPG designed for children
Trove3DFantasy, CartoonFreemium2013
Twelve Sky3DFantasyFree-to-play2007
Twelve Sky 23DFantasyFree-to-play2008
Ultima Online2D/3DMedieval fantasyPay-to-play1997

The term MMORPG was first coined by Ultima Online creator Richard Garriott in 1997.[7]

Uncharted Waters Online3DHistorical (maritime)Pay-to-play2005
Underlight3DFantasy (Dream)Free-to-play1998Original servers were shutdown December 2006. Recently re-launched in September 2014 by KoiWare.
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes3DFantasyPay-to-play2007-01-302014-07-31
Vendetta Online3DScience fictionPay-to-play2004Space vehicle piloting and twitch-based interface
Vindictus3DFantasy (Celtic)Free-to-play2010Manual aim action combat
Voyage Century Online3DHistorical (maritime)Free-to-play2006
Wakfu2D (isometric)FantasyFreemium2012Downloadable client (Windows, Mac, Linux). Tactical combat.
Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning3DFantasyFreemium20082013-12-18
WildStar3DFantasy, Science fictionFree-to-play2014Manual aim action combat (telegraphed). Became Free-to-play on September 29, 2015
With Your Destiny3DFantasy (Scandinavian)Free-to-play2003
Wizard1013DFantasy, kidsFreemium2008Wizard game with cards, kid-safe chat
Wizardry Online3DFantasyFreemium20132014Based on Wizardry series
WonderKing Online2D (side-scrolling)FantasyFree-to-play2006
Wonderland Online2D (special)FantasyFree-to-play2008, MarchAnime/Manga based
World of the Living Dead2DSurvival StrategyFree-to-play20142014Map-Based Survival Game with PvP, Factions, Customization, Upgrades & Crafting. Defunct 2014
World of Warcraft3DFantasyPay-to-play2004Free-to-play until level 20
Wurm Online3DMedieval fantasyFreemium2006Sandbox game with hundreds of skills, multiple kingdoms, and a deep crafting system.
Xsyon3DApocalyptic FantasyBuy-to-play[8][9]2011Apocalyptic Fantasy Sandbox MMORPG - Currently in the Prelude phase.
Zhengtu2DMythology (Chinese)Freemium2008
Zu Online3DMythology (Chinese)Free-to-play20072012

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Bree Royce (20 December 2016). "ASHERON'S CALL AND ITS SEQUEL WILL SUNSET AS PART OF THE TURBINE/STANDING STONE SPLIT". Massively Overpowered. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  2. ↑ Bree Royce (20 December 2016). "ASHERON'S CALL AND ITS SEQUEL WILL SUNSET AS PART OF THE TURBINE/STANDING STONE SPLIT". Massively Overpowered. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  3. ↑ Rossignol, Jim (2010-06-02). "Interview: Perpetuum Online". Rockpapershotgun.com. Retrieved 2011-07-30.
  4. ↑ Brendan Drain (2011-06-26). "Perpetuum receives influx of EVE players". Massively.com. Retrieved 2011-07-01.
  5. ↑ "Perpetuum Developer Blog: The end of subscriptions, the start of something new". blog.perpetuum-online.com. 2014-03-16. Retrieved 2014-05-08.
  6. ↑ 3D environment with 2D sprites
  7. ↑ Safko, Ron; Brake, David (2009). The Social Media Bible: Tactics, Tools, and Strategies for Business Success. Wiley. ISBN 0-470-41155-4. Richard Garriott first coined the term MMORPG in 1997.
  8. ↑ http://www.xsyon.com/entry.php/186-Xsyon-MMORPG-Drops-Subscriptions!
  9. ↑ http://mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/514/view/news/read/37662/Xsyon-Subscription-Drops-as-New-B2P-Option-Goes-Live.html
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