9 best paid & free MMORPGs to play (2023): WoW, GW2 & more MMO games
There are few genres in gaming more ever-present than MMOs, and many of the best MMORPGs to play in 2023 across both paid and free models have been going for years if not decades.
While everybody knows about games like World of Warcraft, there are plenty of other excellent massively multiplayer online role-playing games that you should definitely try out if you're a fan of the genre.
Featuring vast worlds, dedicated communities, and ever-engaging combat and classes, there's bound to be an MMO out there for you. So, all you need to do now is continue reading, as we've got our picks for the nine best paid and free MMORPGs you can play right now in 2023 below.
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Best paid & free-to-play MMORPGs
Click to enlargeWe've got all of the best MMORPG games that you can play right now in the list below, so make sure to check it out.
Unsure of whether an MMO requires a subscription or is free-to-play? We've also detailed the payment structure of each, so you know whether there is an upfront or subscription cost required to play.
#9: EVE Online
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2003
- Model: Free-to-play, with a subscription option
- Platforms: PC (via Steam | EVE Online Launcher)
- Key features:
- Vast space setting
- Significant job variety
- Large player base
Having passed its 20th birthday just this year, EVE Online is one of the longest-running MMOs for a reason. If you love space and its endless frontier, then this game will be absolutely perfect for you.
The possibilities are near endless in the world of EVE, as the game allows players to do pretty much anything they want, from mining to trading to combat, and so, so much more.
If you want to simply run trading routes with your friends through the solar system, then you can do just that - but you can also start your own space pirate network and control outer space if that also floats your boat (or, uh, spaceship).
This MMOs longevity alone proves that EVE Online is one of the best MMORPGs that you can play right now in 2023, and with an unlimited alpha account trial, you can test it for free without the burden of having to start a subscription too.
#8: Lost Ark
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2022
- Model: Free-to-play, with microtransactions
- Platforms: PC (via Steam)
- Key features:
- Stunning graphics
- No subscription needed
- ARPG-esque combat
Lost Ark is a rather rare breed when it comes to MMOs, as it is completely free to play with no optional subscriptions or paid expansions to its name. This makes it perhaps the best MMORPG for newcomers to the genre, as it lets them try it out with no additional cost required.
However, this does come with a downside, as the game can be quite heavy on the grind, featuring an abundance of rather egregious microtransactions that can in turn alleviate this grind.
Don't let these microtransactions get you down too much though, as Lost Ark is still a great game you can have so much fun with with a free account. Not only does it have a massive and thriving player base, but it is also by far one of the most graphically impressive MMORPGs out there right now.
Add on engaging ARPG Diablo-esque combat and you're onto a winner here, making Lost Ark one of the best free MMO games that you can play in 2023.
- Make sure you find out how to earn gold in Lost Ark before you get started in the game
#7: Black Desert Online
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2014/2016
- Model: $9.99/£8.99 with optional paid subscription
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Mobile, PC (via Steam)
- Key features:
- High-fantasy setting
- Complex systems
- Massive open-world
Developed by Pearl Abyss, Black Desert Online is one of the best paid MMORPGs out there, as it engages in a vast high-fantasy setting that so many players will undoubtedly quickly fall in love with.
Its seamless open world really highlights this too, allowing players to move with complete freedom across the massive world, creating an impressive sense of exploration in the MMO.
While some might see it as a negative, Black Desert Online's steep learning curve and relative complexity will absolutely be a draw for players who relish a challenge, enabling them to dive right into the deep end with no tab-targeting.
It might turn off some players at the beginning, but Black Desert Online is still absolutely one of the best MMOs that you can play right now in 2023, and for such a low cost it is definitely worth a try.
#6: Runescape
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2001
- Model: Free with optional paid subscription
- Platforms: PC (via Jagex Launcher)
- Key features:
- Very friendly player base
- Nostalgic for many
- Satisfying skills system
You can't go wrong with the classics, and while Runescape (and certainly Old School Runescape) might not stack up graphically to its contemporaries, it is still one of the best MMORPGs that you can play right now.
Perhaps the biggest appeal of Runescape is within its community, which is still as bustling as ever despite the game's old age. It is very welcoming, especially to new players, which makes the game a joy to jump into if you're fresh to the genre.
Combine this with its free-to-play model that presents only an optional subscription model with handy benefits, you really can't say no to giving Runescape a try - especially if you've not picked it up in years.
#5: The Elder Scrolls Online
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2014
- Model: $19.99/£15.99 with paid expansions
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC (via Steam)
- Key features:
- Multiplayer Elder Scrolls
- Explore all of Tamriel in one game
- Lots of developer support
If you're a lover of the Elder Scrolls series, then you're doing yourself a disservice if you've never played The Elder Scrolls Online, as it is one of the best paid MMO games out there.
While multiplayer mods have always been a thing for the various single-player titles in the franchise, nothing comes close to the feeling of the MMO when exploring the realms of Tamriel.
Play as all of your favourite classes across so many of the series-famous areas like Cyrodill, Vvardenfell, Skyrim, and so much more. There has never been a better place to enjoy the world of the Elder Scrolls than ESO.
Furthermore, being far removed now from its subscription controversy at launch, The Elder Scrolls Online has no additional costs outside of expansions once you purchase the base game, which is excellent news for anyone who feels bogged down by the standard subscription nature of MMOs.
- Find out if you can play The Elder Scrolls Online offline here
#4: Destiny 2
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2017
- Model: Free-to-play with paid expansions
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC (via Steam | Epic Games Store)
- Key features:
- First-person shooter combat
- Lots of expansions
- Engaging multiplayer raids
If you love the idea of MMOs, but don't quite gel with the format, then Destiny 2 might be an ideal option for you. Featuring some of the best-feeling first-person shooter action out there, Destiny 2 brings the MMO format to a new setting - and has proven to be wildly successful.
Your time spent in Destiny 2 will be split between PvE raids and PvP deathmatch action, making it ideal for whatever you want to tackle at any point in time. What's more, there is also an expansive narrative in the game that will satisfy any sci-fi fans out there, with a surprising number of emotional moments too and plenty of lore to uncover.
Destiny 2 is a completely free-to-play MMO game with no subscriptions at all - but you will need to pick up the various expansions to engage in the latest content and story updates. These are highly rated by the community though, and do a lot in making Destiny 2 one of the best MMORPGs that you can pick up and play in 2023.
- Find out where Xur is today in Destiny 2 with our regularly updated guide
#3: World of Warcraft
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2004
- Model: Paid expansions & subscription required
- Platforms: PC (via Battle.net)
- Key features:
- Archetypal fantasy setting
- Huge and dedicated player base
- Lots of tie-in content
World of Warcraft is undoubtedly one of, if not the most well-known MMORPG, and for good reason too. While it perhaps does not exist in the wider public consciousness as much compared to the mid to late 2000s, the game still holds an incredibly impressive player count.
WoW also continues to release top-tier expansions, featuring plenty of story to dig your teeth into, with new races to play as, dungeons to complete and new corners of Azeroth to explore.
It's the quintessential archetype of the fantasy MMO, taking place in a vast and colourful magic-filled land crawling with fantastical beasts, elves, and more. There's so much for you to get up to in-game too, with plenty of jobs to fulfil, skills to grind, and events to take place in.
World of Warcraft is a classic for a reason, and remains by far one of the best paid MMORPGs that you can play as it approaches the start of its third decade - with many claiming that it sits at the top of the pile too.
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What is the best free-to-play MMO game?
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2012
- Model: Free with optional paid subscription
- Platforms: PC (via Steam | ArenaNet Client)
- Key features:
- Fantastic art style and graphics
- Wonderful fantasy world
- Engaging combat system
Our pick for the best free MMORPG that you can play in 2023 is Guild Wars 2, as it is still an incredible experience over ten years after its initial release. While there are some paid elements within the game, you can play Guild Wars 2 for free, forever, with only minimal restrictions on your account.
This makes it ideal for anyone wanting a new MMO to dive into, or to jump into the genre for the first time in general. It very much follows the fantasy setting that has remained so popular, with a stunning and unique art style that still shines graphically despite its age.
With an engaging combat system and so much for you to get up to in-game, you will find it difficult to become bored of Guild Wars 2. What's more, the community remains incredibly strong to this day, too, so you will have no fears of feeling alone within the vast world of Tyria.
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What is the best paid MMORPG in 2023?
Click to enlarge- Release date: 2013
- Model: Subscription and paid expansions
- Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC (via Steam | Moogle Launcher)
- Key features:
- Incredible narrative
- Final Fantasy in a multiplayer setting
- Very forgiving free trial
If you're looking for the best paid MMORPG in 2023, then we recommend none other than Final Fantasy XIV as the ideal choice. Not only is it one of the best Final Fantasy games according to our ranked list, but it is also arguably the best MMO that you can pick up and play right now.
While it is classed under the paid category due to its monthly subscription and paid expansions (which are all must-plays), it does have an incredibly generous free trial that has become a bit of a meme in recent years.
Not only do you get the entirety of the 'base game' for free, but you also get the first and second expansions (Heavensward/Stormblood), which comes to at least 200 hours of content, free of any additional charges and subscription fees.
It is within the paid content that the game reaches an even higher level though, with both the Shadowbringers and Endwalker expansions considered true highs of the Final Fantasy series - and the entire MMO genre itself. With the new expansion Dawntrail on the horizon too, there's no better time to start your journey in Eorzea.
It's an MMO game so popular that it had to limit new sign-ups around the launch of its last expansion, and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. There really are few better choices for the best MMORPGs out there, so jump on the free trial if you haven't already and get started.
So, that wraps up this list of the best paid and free MMORPGs that you can pick up and play in 2023, giving you plenty of options to choose from no matter what you're interested in.
Make sure to check out our other lists if you're looking to see more of the best games that you can play right now in 2023 across lots of different genres.