If you are a fan of World of Warcraft and looking for similar MMORPGs to play, this post is just for you! We have compiled a list of some of the best games like World of Warcraft and ranked them just for you.
The World Of Warcraft game series has been one of the most prevalent MMORPGs for years. Blizzard Entertainment developed this game, and it became an absolute legend in its genre, thanks to its explorative theme, exceptional combat mechanism, and fascinating storyline. Additionally, apart from the base game, WoW has released nine expansion packs until now, to keep their ever-growing audience engaged and entertained.
The World of Warcraft Dragonflight in particular, is the latest addition to the series. The game requires a paid subscription before you can explore your journey as a Warcraft Hero.
The MMORPG genre has been growing more and more prevalent in recent times. Any genre fan always looks up to the World of Warcraft franchise. Fans are often seen comparing any new MMORPG with the standard of WoW. We have sensed the need to create a curated list of the best games like World of Warcraft for all WoW fans.
We genuinely hope that this list will match your taste. Let’s check out the list of games like WoW below:
15 Best Games Like World Of Warcraft
Check out the list!
15. Lost Ark
| Developer | Tripod Studio, Smilegate |
| Release Date | 11 February 2022 |
| Platforms | PC |
The first game on our list is a third-person, action-adventure, role-playing MMORPG called Lost Ark.
This game focuses more on the PvE and explorations aspects of the game like doing quests, crafting recipes, hunting collectibles, and such.
The game also has its own dedicated PvP mode as well, but it is not the main focus of the game.
Players will be able to upgrade their characters as they progress through the storyline of the game. Once at level, however, future quests and challenges will only be available to the player provided they possess and keep up the necessary ‘gear score’ required.
14. Runescape 3
| Developer | Jagex Ltd. |
| Release Date | 14 October 2020 |
| Platforms | PC, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Steam, Amazon Prime Gaming |
Runescape is a third-person, fantasy, action-adventure, role-playing MMORPG in which there are no fixed goals laid out for the players, instead, it is left up to them to decide what they want to experience in the game.
Players will initially start off their game with a tutorial section which is used to impart the basics of the game’s mechanics to newly created characters or users.
After this little intro, however, players are completely free to approach the game in whatever way they want to, from traveling the world of Gielinor either with a friend or solo, training one’s skill by engaging in semi-real-time combat against wild monsters in PvE mode, against other players in PvP mode, completing quests and interacting with other characters by chatting and trading with them.
During the course of the game, players will want their characters to specialize in certain skills to do some actions faster and more efficiently. Players have access to 28 unique skills to try and master, but they are better off specializing their characters in skills that suit their playstyles the best. Are you a builder? Specialise in skills like crafting, smithing, and construction. Interested in combat? Specialise in skills like magic, slayer, and dungeoneering.
13. Guild Wars 2
| Developer | ArenaNet |
| Release Date | 28 August 2012 |
| Platforms | PC |
The next game on our list is a free-to-play action-adventure fantasy MMORPG in which players will start off by creating a custom character by choosing a race from the 5 available ones, namely the Humans, the Charr, the Asura, the Norn, and the Sylvari, and then embark on an adventure through the expansive lands of Tyria to indulge in fast-paced combat, experience a dedicated storyline and much more.
Staying with the dedicated storyline, unlike other top MMORPGs in the market today, Guild Wars 2 has a unique storyline that is similar to other top role-plying games which centers around a presumably disbanded guild, the Dragon’s Edge, and their fight against the Elder Dragons.
Coming back to the MMO aspects of the game, during their adventures through the world of Tyria, players will meet interesting characters with their own secrets and stories, visit intriguing landmarks, etc.
Additionally, this game has a dynamic event system in place to replace quests that gamers will normally expect to receive from NPCs as seen in other similar games. Due to this system, players will be able to freely approach and tackle these ‘events’ in whatever way they see fit.
12. Albion Online
| Developer | Sandbox Interactive |
| Release Date | 17 July 2017 |
| Platforms | PC, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Moving on to the next game, Albion Online is a free-to-play medieval fantasy MMORPG in which players make their very own custom characters and embark on an adventure full of resource gathering and fighting deadly foes. When they have had enough of the thrills of the adventurous life, however, players can finally choose to settle down in a house of their own too.
This game heavily relies on the motto,’ You are what you wear’, which basically means that the strength and abilities available for a player to use are directly related to the armor and weapons they have equipped at any given time. The game has opted for a more classless system to encourage people to try different builds, each with its unique perks and weaknesses, to make for a more fun and unpredictable experience.
Additionally, the entire economy of the game is player-oriented, and player-driven. This means that all the items one might find on merchants like normal clothes to high-tier armor pieces, all the things are created from scratch by the players, in player-created building, and also b resources gathered by in-game players.
11. Fallout 76
| Developer | Bethesda Game Studios, Bethesda Game Studios Austin, Bethesda Studios Montreal Inc. |
| Release Date | 23 October 2018 |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PC |
The next game on our list is an action-adventure, role-playing MMO in which players take on the role of a resident of Vault 76, and must venture out into the wide open world of Appalachia to not only explore and rebuild the place to its former glory but to also rid the place of all the dangers like radiation and rabid creatures.
In this game, players will explore the lush forests, city ruins, and depleted wastelands to collect resources, find and complete quests, and interact with NPCs to earn experience that will allow players to upgrade their character’s S.P.E.C.I.A.L. stats.
Moreover, players will also be able to construct their own custom home in Appalachia and can decorate and style it in any way they wish to. Later on in the game players will be able to craft and place types of equipment in their homes like a bullet-producing machine which players can use to exchange any unwanted bullet types they might have found on their travels with the ones they regularly use.
10. Neverwinter
| Developer | Cryptic Studios |
| Release Date | 20 June 2013 |
| Platforms | Xbox One, PS 4, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows |
The Neverwinter MMORPG is an action-packed roleplaying game that operates on the theme of Dungeons & Dragons. The player can explore the intriguing universe of Neverwinter by roleplaying as a hero of their choice.
The character levels up upon clearing quests and proceeds ahead in the game. We have chosen Neverwinter in the Best Games Like War of Warcraft list because of the similar graphics & gameplay. Even though Neverwinter is more action-oriented than WoW, it is still a decent alternative.
9. Path of Exile
| Developer | Grinding Gear Games |
| Release Date | 23 October 2013 |
| Platforms | PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, macOS |
Moving on to the next game on the list, Path of Exile is a free-to-play, top-down, action-adventure, role-playing MMO in which players take control of an Exile who must regain his strength and power, and fight against the gods and beings who wronged him and left him to die.
In this game, players can freely choose which character class they would like to play s from the available options. Players can either choose to play as a Duelist, Ranger, Marauder, Scion, Shadow Templar, or Witch, with each of those classes coming with their own unique characteristics and skills.
Players will be able to engage in a variety of activities like completing quests, fighting monsters and bosses, and clearing out dungeons and caves, which will, in turn, reward them with experience points that they can invest in to improve their character.
Speaking of the skill tree, this game has arguably one of the biggest and most diverse skill trees in all of gaming in which players are free to invest their hard-earned skill points in any talent they wish to improve on, irrespective of whether it is out of their character’s core attributes or not.
8. Warframe
| Developer | Panic Button Games, Digital Extremes |
| Release Date | 25 March 2013 |
| Platforms | Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PS 4, PS 5, GeForce Now, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows |
The game has a quest-based walkthrough, much like the WoW series. The player’s inventory is equipped with specialized combat weaponry to fight against giant monsters & bosses.
There is an additional perk of playing Warframe that it is a free-to-play game on multiple platforms. The gameplay experience is smooth, even in a fast-paced fighting setup.
7. Destiny 2
| Developer | Bungie Inc. |
| Release Date | 28 August 2017 |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One |
Coming to the next game, Destiny 2 is a first-person shooter, semi-free-to-play game that also seamlessly incorporates elements of a role-playing game as well as an MMORPG into it.
In this game, players take on the role of one of the protectors of Earth called the Guardians, as they protect the planet by harnessing a power called ‘Light’ against the different alien races and the major looming threat of enemies known as the Darkness.
During the course of the game, players will take part in many activities which will reward them with experience points. These points can be used by the players to ‘level up’ their character to upgrade their stats, which in turn makes them more effective in combat situations moving forward.
6. Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
| Developer | Creative Business Unit III, Square Enix |
| Release Date | 3 December 2021 |
| Platforms | PS 4, PS 5, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows |
Next in the list of Best Games Like World of Warcraft might not come as a surprise. Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker belongs to the well-renowned Final Fantasy Series. The game is the 4th expansion part of the Final Fantasy XIV edition.
The game has a main storyline and other side gameplay options such as PvP. The vivid graphics and mind-capturing storyline of the main plot have earned immense recognition from Final Fantasy fans worldwide. It is an alternative and a close competition to the WoW.
Also Check: 10 Best Story-driven Video Games to Play in 2023
5. The Lord Of The Rings Online
| Developers | Standing Stone Games, Turbine |
| Release Date | 24 April 2007 |
| Platforms | Mac OS, Classic Mac OS, Microsoft Windows. |
The Lord Of The Rings Online is a roleplaying multiplayer game.
The gameplay takes place in Middle Earth in the same timeline as the LOTR novels. The gameplay is similar to the popular MMORPGs, where the player has to choose a customizable avatar and interact with the storyline.
The player unlocks new skills and equipment as they progress through the interactive plot of the game. The well-built characters & brilliant plot line mark this game’s place in the list.
4. Diablo 4
| Developer | Blizzard Entertainment |
| Release Date | 5 June 2023 |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, PC. |
Coming to the next game, Diablo 4 keeps the tradition of the game series the same by being a gritty and dark, top-down, action-adventure game in which players play as a character named ‘the Wanderer’ who gets involved in the ruthless eternal fight between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells, trying to play a part in ending this conflict once and for all.
In this game, players will have the option to choose from 5 character classes like the raw and brutal Barbarian, the master of all things connected with nature in the Druid, the summoner of the dead, the Necromancer, the ranged sharpshooter, the Rogue, and lastly, the master of the elements, the Sorcerer.
Players will explore the diverse and dangerous world of Sanctuary, either by foot or on their mounts, and take part in many activities like fighting demonic foes and towering world bosses, clearing out treacherous dungeons and strongholds, and much more. Additionally, players who prefer something different may also engage in large-scale PvP battles to try and conquer their adversaries and reign supreme.
3. Star Wars: The Old Republic
| Developer | Bioware Austin LLC, Electronic Arts, BioWare |
| Release Date | 20th December 2011 |
| Platforms | Microsoft Windows |
Next up on our list is an MMORPG based on the Star Wars Universe. This game is a third-person, action-adventure in which players join the battle between the two opposing forces and can choose to play the game either from the Galactic Republic or the Sith Empire side.
Players progress in this game by completing missions, exploring the world available to the players and doing activities, and defeating foes. Additionally, as they advance through the game and gain levels, players will unlock new skills and will be able to learn them from trainers found throughout the galaxy.
Unlike other MMOs, in this game, the player’s choices have a lasting impact on not only the players and the outcome of the game but it also has a major impact on the relationship of the player with the other NPCs present in the game.
2. New World
| Developer | Amazon Games Orange County |
| Release Date | 28 September 2021 |
| Platforms | PC |
Moving on to the next game on our list, New World is a third-person perspective MMORPG in which players will explore the mysterious world of Aeternum and uncover all the secrets and horrors it has in store.
In this game, players will have the option to choose between becoming a melee weapons expert who will defend the frontlines, a ranged weapon specialist who wreaks havoc on their foes from afar, or a wielder of supernatural powers who controls the elements to dominate their foes.
Like most good RPGs, earning experience points and improving their characters is one of the main elements of this game as well. Players will be able to spend their experience points on a variety of skills like mining, logging, smelting, wilderness survival, etc.
If you’re looking for a new MMORPG to try, this fast-improving game is a must-try game for you.
1. The Elder Scrolls Online
| Developer | Zeni Max Online Studios |
| Release Date | 4 April 2014 |
| Platforms | Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Google Stadia, macOS, PC |
The number one contender in the list of Best Games like World of Warcraft is none other than, The Elder Scrolls Online!
The greater ease of accessibility and remarkable visual aesthetics of the game make it at the top of the list. The game, however, has more to offer than just visuals. The storyline and the gameplay are enticing and equally challenging.
In this game, players will have the option of creating a character from scratch, by deciding what race and class they will be of. Moreover, players will be able to explore the expansive and beautiful world of Tamriel and approach numerous missions and quests in whatever fashion they choose, without any restrictions whatsoever.
Players will also be able to specialize in skills that will make their respective characters unique that include but are limited to, Enchanting, Alchemy, Blacksmithing, etc.
So, if you are looking for the closest alternative for WoW at the moment, ESO is the one!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Final Fantasy more popular than WoW?
Final Fantasy surely leaps ahead of World of Warcraft if we talk about the active players. However, it won’t be fair to label one franchise better than the others, as both games are the marvels of MMORPGs.
What MMO is closest to World of Warcraft?
Several MMOs can provide a similar gameplay experience to World of Warcraft. We have curated a list of the top 10 Games like World of Warcraft on our website.
Where can I play ESO?
ESO (Elder Scrolls Online) is a multi-platform game. You can easily play it on your console or laptop as the game provides a wide range of compatibility. You can check your device compatibility by visiting the official portal of ESO.
Is WoW harder than Final Fantasy 14?
There is often a spark between the fans comparing the difficulty of WoW and Final Fantasy 14. In our honest opinion, it is more of a case-specific conundrum. Specific raids in Final Fantasy 14 are more complex than in WoW and sometimes vice versa.
