The first three-dimensional massively multiplayer online role-playing game was Meridian 59, and it was released in 1996. The classic game is playable on Steam, although MMORPGs have come a long way since Meridian 59. Enhanced combat systems, improved visuals, and a greater emphasis on RPG elements make new MMORPGs superior to their predecessors. In some cases, however, graphics mean nothing and an old MMORPG is nostalgic and fun for its community of players.

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MMORPGs have their positives, but they can also be unhealthily addicting. It is essential while playing any video game for long periods to take breaks, hydrate adequately, and remember it's just a game. The following MMORPGs are masterclasses. These are the best MMORPGs without subscription fees.

Updated on September 1st, 2021 by Rhenn Taguiam: Gamers know that MMORPGs with the highest quality probably come with subscription fees. These perks come in the form of exclusive cosmetics and premium items, more interesting quests, perhaps more engaging storylines, and even more entertaining combat mechanics.

Thankfully for players short on a budget, getting an MMORPG of a decent quality doesn’t have to cost a lot. In fact, some MMORPGs easily raise the bar in quality even without subscription fees. And while some of them are freemium games with subscription options, some MMORPGs boast enough free content to get players going for hours on end.

15 Dungeons & Dragons Online

Character Creation in Dungeons and Dragons Online
  • Platforms: PC

TTRPG fans who always wanted to play their D&D characters in a video game can finally do so in Dungeons & Dragons Online. Albeit a free-to-play game with premium options, DDO offers a comprehensive D&D experience from an MMO standpoint. Typical of any D&D campaign, players create a D&D character by combining familiar Races, Classes, Attributes, Skills, and even Feats. As they level up, characters get the option to Multiclass to diversify skillsets or even Reincarnate to slowly build their "ultimate" character.

Albeit free until Level 20, the game boasts replayable content that incentivizes Reincarnations from Level 1. Moreover, story-driven quests and diverse dungeons encourage numerous playthroughs across various character builds.

14 Albion Online

A battle in Albion Online
  • Platforms: PC, Android, iOS

Gamers looking for a player-driven MMO experience will appreciate Albion Online for its extremely open gameplay. The game's main selling point lies in its player-driven economy, wherein most (if not all) items in the MMO are created by players themselves. In addition, the player-centric approach of the game allows players to invest enough time and resources to build entire cities. There's also a guild system that allows teams of players to fight over territory.

Unlike other sandbox MMOs, Albion Online places equal emphasis on both PVP and PVE setups. Fans of usual MMO setups can capitalize on the game's classless system to enjoy dynamic approaches to PVE dungeons. Likewise, the PVP setup of Albion Online allows players to engage in duels with their unique builds.

13 Blade & Soul

A warrior in Blade and Soul
  • Platforms: PC (Windows only), Android

At first glance, Blade & Soul seems like a typical martial arts RPG. After all, its main story follows the quest for vengeance of swordsman Aika following the death of her mentor. Similar to trends of modern MMOs, Blade & Soul also features a robust character customization system. With its martial arts combat, players can see their customized avatars pulling off flashy techniques in fancy outfits.

However, where Blade & Soul truly shines is in its martial arts combat system. Unlike other free MMOs with tap-target combat, Blade & Soul instead combines real-time combos with a heavy skill-based toolbar system. With a robust class system that boasts seven Classes, each Blade & Soul player will have a unique approach with their attack combos, defensive blocks, and skillful dodges.

12 Adventure Quest Worlds

Gameplay in Adventure Quest Worlds
  • Platforms: Browser only

From the folks that heralded browser RPGs such as Adventure Quest and DragonFable comes Adventure Quest Worlds. Despite its 2008 launch, AQ Worlds boasts a strong fan following and a rich narrative following years of story development across Artix Entertainment titles. Granted, the 2D graphics of AQ Worlds may not appeal to players used to graphically intensive MMOs. However, the sheer amount of free content on top of its low-memory game client makes AQ Worlds an extremely accessible experience.

Following in the footsteps of Adventure Quest, AQ Worlds boasts a classless system. Instead, Adventure Quest Worlds adds Classes to armor sets instead. That way, players can freely change their Class between battles, with cosmetic armor adding flair to customization.

11 Secret World Legends

A battle in Secret World Legends
  • Platforms: PC (Windows only)

Considered the free iteration of The Secret World, Secret World Legends will now let any player venture into an alternate Earth on the brink of a war against the supernatural. As its story goes, three organizations - the Dragon, the Illuminati, and the Templars - eye the player for their massive supernatural aptitude. Regardless of the player’s faction choice, they conduct missions for the benefit of Earth as they fight monsters, solve mysteries, and combat whatever supernatural threat comes after them.

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In Secret World Legends, players don’t have classes and instead rely on skillsets given by their chosen weapons. Likewise, Secret World Legends carries the same narrative-driven quests as its paid counterpart. Unlike other MMOs, even free players can indulge in the riveting mysteries of some of Secret World Legends’ most captivating (or perhaps, most disturbing) quest lines.

10 Rift

  • Platforms: PC (Windows only)

Rift is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, and one of the best of this generation of games. It's free-to-play and does not require a subscription fee. The game was a massive success earning more than $100 million in revenue in its first couple of years.

Rift was developed by Trion Worlds, a relatively unknown developer in the video game industry. The gameplay is comparable to World of Warcraft, but what separates Rift from other pricey MMORPGs is the fact that it's free. The popularity of the game has decreased in recent times, but it's still one of the best free-to-play MMORPGs around.

9 Eve Online

  • Platforms: PC

The majority of Eve Online's content takes place in outer space. Playing the role of a spacefarer is too fun in Eve Online and it might be the best MMORPG for space exploration. If you want to customize your ship and take part in squad-based gameplay, Eve Online is an outstanding choice.

The scale of the game is ridiculously large. As detailed by massivelyop.com, "EVE‘s core design philosophy is to put thousands of players in a small box with limited resources and see what happens." Its procedurally generated world is reminiscent of No Man's Sky, but that is one of the few things they have in common.

8 DC Universe Online

  • Platforms: PC (Windows only), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

DC Universe Online may not be as polished as some of the other games in this list, yet it is a game worth trying for fans of DC. You create a unique DC character and venture out in a world filled with DC Comics content. Your character may not be an existing DC character, but it is one you get to add to the DC Universe.

The game is divided into episodes where you combat DC villains and visit DC locations. DC villains like Joker and Harley Quinn can be found in the game. This game has tremendous replay value and is something different than ordinary MMORPGs.

7 Guild Wars 2

  • Platforms: PC

Most importantly, Guild Wars 2 does not require a subscription fee to play. There is a tremendous amount of content in the base game to keep players busy, and there are two expansions as well. Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire and Guild Wars 2: Heart of Thorns are included with the deluxe edition of the game which retails for $54.99 USD.

Being able to play online with friends while engaging in brutal battles makes Guild Wars 2 one of the best subscription-free MMORPGs out there.

6 RuneScape

  • Platforms: PC, iOS, Browser-based

Also referred to as RuneScape 3, Runescape is the newest version of Runescape and is not to be confused with Old School RuneScape. The graphics have been updated, and the world is every bit as enchanting as the original, yet there is a significant player base who prefers Old School RuneScape.

RuneScape 3 bears many similarities to current MMORPGs, which is why it fails to differentiate itself as a standalone game. Despite its flaws, many can find satisfaction in playing this polished MMORPG which is updated continually by developer Jagex.

5 The Lord Of The Rings Online

  • Platforms: PC

Embark on a journey through J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth in this Lord of the Rings massively multiplayer online role-playing game. See locations like the Shire and the Mines of Moria. It is one of the best MMORPGs available at the moment, and more importantly, it is free-to-play.

Gorgeous visuals combined with stellar gameplay make The Lord Of The Rings Online a must-play. The game was well-received by critics, given favorable reviews from websites such as IGN, Eurogamer, and Gamespy. Being able to choose between fighting for good or the army of Sauron gives Lord of the Rings Online high replay value.

4 Neverwinter

  • Platforms: PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4

Neverwinter is not cross-platform, but the addition of cross-platform could help differentiate Neverwinter from other MMORPGs. Despite its flaws, Neverwinter is one of the few current MMORPGs that is not subscription-based and is available on current generation consoles.

The game is free-to-play and does not hold a subscription fee. There are microtransactions, but players can quickly level up to high levels without spending any money. Although Neverwinter is an MMORPG, it has a huge focus on story elements.

3 Old School RuneScape

  • Platforms: PC, Android, iOS

Old School RuneScape still holds up by today's standards. It has everything that makes an MMORPG great such as professions like fishing, mining, and cooking; quests that keep you engaged; and a large following of players who are willing to help out. Changes made to the game are often done through a popular vote by the RuneScape community.

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In this way, players have a say over what changes are made to the game. This simplistic free-to-play game has stood the test of time and is one of our favorite MMORPGs.

2 Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars the old republic party outside a shuttle
  • Platforms: PC (Windows only)

Questing and completing group tasks is immensely enjoyable in Star Wars: The Old Republic. In this role-playing game, players can choose to follow the path of the Light or Dark Side of the Force. With a budget in the hundreds of millions, Star Wars: The Old Republic is one of the best MMORPGs of all time.

To unlock all of the game's content, players will have to purchase an in-game currency called Cartel Coins. Microtransactions are not required, however, as the majority of the game is free-to-play for those who own the base game.

1 The Elder Scrolls Online

  • Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Stadia

This game is continually going through changes, and it's why The Elder Scroll Online is debatably the best subscription-free MMORPG. You merely need to buy the base game, and then you'll be immersed in The Elder Scrolls world that is reminiscent of its offline predecessors.

Choosing from a variety of classes, players will find a ton of quests that are engaging and intriguing. Graphically, the game is beautiful. The Elder Scrolls Online is a sizeable game that could potentially provide hundreds of hours of gameplay. This is one subscription-free MMORPG you can't miss!

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