We share the best methods for choosing your first MMORPG in the year 2025, with options based on your playstyle!
Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) are complex ongoing social interaction open-world games that feature thousands if not millions of players sharing the same universe. In MMORPGs, players socially interact with each other, compete in PvE and PvP, and progress their characters. However, they take many hours if not years of progression and dedication. Thus, picking the right MMORPG based on your playstyle, time commitment, and lifestyle is critical. In this post, we walk you through how to choose the right MMORPG for you in the year 2025.
What Makes a Great MMORPG?
What makes a great MMORPG is the community, the people playing and interacting in the game. The two basic elements that attract people to MMORPGs are progression and socialization. Unlike RPGs, MMORPGs are constantly online and require you to engage with other players. Similar to RPGs, MMOs have a progression system that features character advancements. Most MMORPGs are live service games, meaning they can go on indefinitely depending on the developer’s interest. Thus, you get a constant influx of new content (progression), and new players joining various games.
Great MMORPGs stick around. They have a strong cohesive player base that is dedicated to the game, but more importantly each other. Players can find progression in cell phone games, but finding a tight nit group, with comradery, and shared interest, that’s what makes MMORPGs magical in the landscape of gaming.
Essential Factors to Considering MMORPGs in 2025
Ultimately, you should rank your priorities as a gamer before considering an MMORPG. Here are some things to consider before jumping into the various list for MMORPGs in the market in 2025, there are some important things to consider.
Catch Up Mechanic: MMORPGs are super complex with games lasting 20+ years. So jumping into a game as a fresh level 1, don’t expect to catch up to max level and max power right away. Research, based on your time and lifestyle, how long will it take you to catch up to the end game? Some players aren’t concerned, but if power and competition are what you want, this will be a limiting factor.
Time Commitment & Progression: How much time do you have to game? MMORPGs are some of the most biggest time sinks in gaming, however, some are very casual and can go at your own pace. Don’t pick an MMORPG that is meant for hardcore players with constant online lifestyles.
Casual vs. Hardcore: Are you a casual player who just wants to craft, do questing, and decorate your in-game house? Then don’t pick an MMORPG centered on PvP with full loot, you will regret spending in time in that game. Moreover, if you love competition and showing how great you are at video games, do not pick a casual game that doesn’t have a leaderboard. No one will know how great you are without a way to share it!
Other Factors to Consider
PvE or PvP: Most MMORPGs have both player vs. player and player vs. environment, but almost ALL lean towards one over the other. Moreover, investigate if the PvE and PvP gear, skills, and other factors are separate. When blended together, it can cause problems with balancing.
Types of Progression: progression in MMORPGs isn’t limited to level and gear score. Many games have alternative form of progressions like collectibles, cosmetics, housing, crafting, etc. Find a game that fits your type of progression.
Cost and Monetization: consider what it’s going to cost, and if there are monetization traps within the game. People (like myself), who are impulsive can struggle with “Free-2-Play” games that create a problem and sell you a solution. If you struggle and want instant gratification, avoid these games or your wallet will be in trouble.
Active player base: what’s the game’s player base trending towards? MMORPGs are in constant flux because of yearly content cycles. However, you want to make sure the valleys (lowest point in the year), aren’t a complete ghost town. That way every time you log in, something is going on and somewhat to play with.
Playstyle: Another important question to ask yourself is, what do you enjoy in games? You need to pick a game that gives you what you want, exploration, questing, lore, combat, etc.
Best MMORPGs for Beginners in 2025
Below are best choices for first time beginners in MMORPGs in the year 2025:
1. The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)
With near-endless lore, story, and questing, the Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) remains the best MMORPG for beginners. Players have the freedom to explore anywhere they want, just like a traditional TES game. As the game has hit 11 years, the sheer volume of voice acting, quests, systems, and open world is staggering. ESO blends the best of traditional open-world RPG with a social MMORPG feel.
2. Guild Wars 2 (GW2)
With its fast-paced action combat, dynamic events, and level-scaling system, Guild Wars 2 is one of the most accessible and innovative MMORPGs on the market. Perfect for players who enjoy exploration, cooperative gameplay, and a world that constantly evolves without requiring a traditional quest grind. Moreover, is the rare MMORPG that is free to play without a ton of monetization traps.
3. Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR)
A narrative-driven MMORPG set in the Star Wars universe, SWTOR offers players the chance to become Jedi, Sith, Bounty Hunters, and more, shaping their story with fully voiced dialogue and moral choices. Fans of Bioware RPGs will love its engaging class stories and cinematic storytelling. No other game allows casual players or solo players to enjoy almost all aspects of the game!
4. Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV)
Blending hardcore PvE and storytelling, Final Fantasy XIV is renowned for its incredible story, deep class system, and highly polished gameplay. Players who love the JRPG format but want to enjoy them with other players will love Final Fantasy Online.
5. World of Warcraft (Retail & Classic)
The most successful, largest, and possibly best MMORPG of all time is World of Warcraft. The sheer volume and variety of content is staggering. This is a game you can sink your teeth into for years without worrying it will go away. However, expect a long climb to catch up.
Pros (Retail WoW):
Cons (Retail WoW):
Best MMORPGs for Hardcore Players in 2025
Below are the best choices for first-time hardcore players in MMORPGs in 2025:
Black Desert Online (BDO)
If you love to grind, then BDO is for you. It has some of the best graphics and combo action-oriented combat with a good player base. However, this game is dedicated to the hardcore open-world PvP and will be a massive turn-off to casual players.
2. EVE Online
A sandbox MMO set in space, EVE Online is all about player-driven warfare, politics, and economic strategy in a galaxy where every loss has real consequences. If you enjoy complex, high-stakes gameplay and the idea of massive player alliances shaping the universe, this is the game for you.
3. Albion Online
A hardcore, full-loot PvP sandbox, Albion Online features a player-driven economy, guild-based warfare, and a classless system where your gear defines your role. If you love risk-versus-reward gameplay and a world that revolves around community-driven conflict, Albion is a must-try.
4. New World: Aeternum
With action-based combat, large-scale faction wars, and an evolving open world, New World: Aeternum is a unique blend of PvE and PvP experiences. Whether you’re crafting, fighting for territory, or diving into dungeons, it offers a fresh take on MMO progression.
5. Throne and Liberty
A new entry in the MMORPG space, Throne and Liberty promises large-scale PvP, strategic guild warfare, and an ever-changing environment affected by weather and events. For players looking for a fresh MMO with a focus on territory control and dynamic world mechanics, this could be a promising choice.
Best MMORPG Recommendations for All Players 2025
Below are our recommendations for choosing the first MMORPG in 2025:
Best for story lovers:
The Best for PvP fans:
Best for PvE fans:
Best for casuals:
The Best for hardcore players:
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