Two MMORPGs currently dominate the genre: Final Fantasy XIV and World of Warcraft. Alongside these subscription-based games remains an ocean of free MMORPG content, littered with colorful communities and impressive mechanical depth. Let’s take a look at the best free MMORPGs on the market today that do not require a subscription or buy to play.
Runescape
Best Free MMORPGs – No Mandatory Subscription
Runescape is one the most popular and well-known MMORPGs of all-time and both versions of the game that are actively played: Old-school Runescape and regular Runescape (AKA Runescape 3).
Either version of the game follows a very old-school MMORPG experience. After a short tutorial you’re free to do as you want. You can continue to raise your skills in order to fine tune your character, explore and socialize with others, or chart your path however you see fit. You’re not bound to any particular way to consume the game. It’s a game that still exists in a simpler time.
This is in stark contrast to modern MMORPGs like Final Fantasy XIV where the experience is streamlined and you’re guided towards a particular path. In the case of Final Fantasy XIV, going through the main story is not only a large part of the appeal, it’s mandatory.
Phantasy Star Online 2
Best Free MMORPGs – No Mandatory Subscription
Phantasy Star Online 2 finally reached North American shores (officially) in 2020. One of the few good things to happen that year if we’re being honest.
Although it’s a very old game, having released in Japan back in 2012, it still holds up quite well. On top of that as an added benefit, an updated version of sorts known as Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is releasing soon and your character will be able to enter both versions of the game.
The actual gameplay is an action-RPG style game where you form small teams with other players to complete objectives in various battlefields while also taking on powerful bosses. You’ll upgrade gear, skills, and build out a character that can mix and match from two different classes from a large list.
PSO2 is easily accessible now these days in the West on both Xbox and PC.