Highlights

• Newcomers to the MMO genre can start with Wizard101 for a vibrant, enjoyable gameplay experience with simple mechanics.
• Romans: Age of Caesar offers a unique co-op city-building premise that attracts both casual and hardcore gamers.
• Blade & Soul provides fast-paced action and flashy playthroughs, making it a great choice for button-mashers looking to get into the genre.

With giants such as World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV dominating the realm of MMORPGs, it doesn’t help newcomers to feel overwhelmed with the idea of playing a multiplayer game with thousands of other people at the same time. After all, it feels daunting to have to create a character in World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy XIV and stick with them for hours’ worth of story, grinding, and dungeoneering.

And with hundreds of MMOs on the market, newcomers who want to explore the MMORPG genre might not even know where to start. It’s all a matter of finding the game with just enough linearity and character options for players to immerse themselves in an MMO at their own pace. Thankfully, some MMORPGs in the market are perfectly capable of easing newcomers into a “full” MMO experience.

Updated on 26 January 2024 by Rhenn Taguiam: With MMO classic World of Warcraft coming in hot with the upcoming release of its The War Within expansion, newcomers to the MMO genre may feel overwhelmed with the number of games available in the market. Thankfully, players who are looking for their first MMO experience may be able to rely on few games to let them enjoy the fundamentals of an MMORPG while still immersing them in decent story, gameplay, and a myriad of other features. Among must-try games for newcomers in the genre include a game where they become wizards, a sci-fi MMO that lets players mix and match classes, a fantasy martial arts MMO, as well as a cooperative city-builder.

20 Wizard101

Metacritic User Score: 6.4

Despite the existence of Hogwarts Legacy and the nature of Wizard101 as a 2008 release, its vibrant kid-friendly aesthetic and evidently dated mechanics don’t hinder it from providing players with an enjoyable gameplay session. After players study at the Ravenwood School of Magical Arts, their wizard can explore the floating islands of the Spiral and defend the realm from various opponents.

Players begin the game by creating their Wizard and selecting a school (Fire, Ice, Storm, Life, Death, Myth, Balance) that will define their overall playstyle. Combat in the game comprises Duels, where players manage regenerating pips, that act as mana to fuel their many spells. While Wizard101 is definitely not as hardcore as other popular MMOs, its nature as an older game can make it a decent starting point for players who want to gradually deep-dive into titles that show the genre's later improvements not just in terms of graphics, but also gameplay.

19 Romans: Age Of Caesar

Steam Rating: 6/10

When players think of MMOs, the imagery is usually associated with a character teaming up with other players around the world in order to defeat ginormous bosses in raids. This isn’t the case in Romans: Age of Caesar, as the title this time around brings players together not as adventurers but as city leaders. Touted as a city-building MMO, players of Romans: Age of Caesar are dropped into an evolving game world where they manage their city through different components.

The “open world” of Romans: Age of Caesar tasks players with becoming one of 15 governors in a growing Rome. Players manage their own sections of the city, all the while trading and even defending each other from attacks. The survival of the city relies not just on the skill of one player, but on both the cooperation and deception of others. The game boasts a political component where players can compete for the role of Caesar, be it through negotiation or backhanded tactics.

18 Blade & Soul

Metascore: 68

While some players considering Black Desert Online as the game to pave the way for hyper-realistic characters in tandem with fast-paced gameplay, Blade & Soul attempts to compete in the action department with its Eastern-inspired fantasy aesthetic. After players create a character based on a combination of a race (such as humans and half-beasts, demons, and spirits) and a class (like the staple Assassin to the more intricate Gunslinger), players need to quickly adapt to a world where combos and chains determine success.

Newcomers to the MMO genre who want a game where they can enjoy flashy playthroughs without focusing too much on the meta may enjoy Blade & Soul. While its endgame eventually forces players to be more careful with their builds, Blade & Soul may become a decent branching-off point for button-mashers who want to become more intentional with their gameplay.

17 Phantasy Star Online 2

Steam Rating: 73%

Given the release of the more action-packed and graphically-intensive Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis, the base game of Phantasy Star Online 2 is nowhere near losing its touch as a traditional sci-fi MMO. Set in outer space, players start their PSO2 journey as ARKS Operatives in charge of defeating the Falspawn terrorizing various planets. Keeping its gameplay in line with its Phantasy Star source material, players may find PSO2 unique in terms of its combat mechanics.

When players create a character and choose a preliminary class, they’re eventually able to combine them with sub-classes they unlock. This combination sets the kinds of weapons and special abilities players can use, allowing them to mix-and-match builds to fit exactly the playstyle they prefer.

16 Black Desert Online

Metascore: 73

Despite its relatively simple premise of nations fighting over a resource, Black Desert Online serves as a must-try first MMO. It's an easy introduction for players who feel overwhelmed at the idea of juggling various interfaces. A key element in its flashy martial arts combat is how character-tied Classes emphasize mobile gameplay with an accessible combo system. Black Desert Online is half musou and half fighting game, making it enjoyable for MMO fans.

Perhaps the highlight of Black Desert Online’s appeal is its robust character creation system. With an art style akin to anime-inspired 3D works, Black Desert Online players can work hours to create their “ideal” version of a martial arts character. Combined with the game’s high fantasy setting and robust visuals, it’s easy to get immersed in combat and in styling one’s character with captivating gear.

15 Lost Ark

Metascore: 81

An isometric MMO, Lost Ark makes for a middle ground between isometric RPGs such as Diablo, and the isometric forms of classic MMOs such as Ultima Online. While Lost Ark has quite the basic premise of a world brought to the brink of war, it finds its player base more invested in its combat mechanics.

Boasting 24 classes to mix and match, Lost Ark provides players with room for combat customization. Although similar to Diablo 3’s skill system, Lost Ark ups the ante by giving players the means to kit their characters with almost any skill from the available classes. This ensures players can explore the game’s open world exactly how they want, and ensures that no two builds are the same.

14 Lord Of The Rings Online

Metascore: 86

Gamers who want to get into the MMORPG scene might want to give Lord of the Rings Online a shot, especially if they want to sink their teeth into the genre's high fantasy roots. Set in Middle Earth during the events of both the films and books, players get to become a character based in J.R.R Tolkien’s iconic masterpiece, in the spirit of their chosen race and even classes.

Lord of the Rings Online players participate in remarkable stories set during iconic scenes in the films, as well as memorable moments in the books. MMORPG newcomers who want a game packed with rich lore will fall in love with Lord Of The Rings Online.

13 Champions Online

Metascore: 72

Recent popularity of superhero films and media will have fans eager to become their own superheroes. Champions Online is exactly the MMO for that. Newcomers to the genre will appreciate the flexibility of Champions Online in both creativity and gameplay. In addition to a robust character creator, players can choose among superhero templates to base their powers on.

After creating their character, players can roam huge open worlds. They can do justice towards roaming villains terrorizing citizens, do random side missions from scattered NPCs, or even do globe-trotting adventures to save the day from various nefarious villain groups.

12 Star Trek Online

Metascore: 66

Players who want to boldly go where no man has gone before will want to try Star Trek Online. In this MMO, players not only man a starship, but also become its captain. Featuring both iconic characters and new faces, Star Trek Online will have players become the center of conspiracies involving Starfleet, ease tensions before they break into war, and help with various affairs in typical Star Trek fashion.

Although it seems like a typical science fiction MMO, this recognizable nature makes Star Trek Online such an accessible game for newcomers to MMOs. Considering how the game carries the same depth of the series in terms of personalized stories, Star Trek Online is a delight.

11 Star Wars: The Old Republic

Metascore: 85

Fans of the Star Wars franchise dream of going on adventures with Rey or even Luke and Han. Star Wars: The Old Republic is the closest fans could have to such an experience. Taking place years before the beloved film franchise, Star Wars: The Old Republic allows fans to explore both the Light and Dark Side of the Force through their allegiances.

In this Star Wars game, players don’t necessarily take the role of the Jedi or Sith. They also have the option to become bounty hunters, gun-toting officers, or skilled assassins that can take down even the most powerful Force-users.

10 Dungeons & Dragons Online

Metascore: 74

Gamers who haven’t tried MMORPGs may have heard of Dungeons & Dragons, and how this tabletop RPG lets players pull off stunts and adventures without the constraints of graphics cards and processors. After all, dice and imagination (with a bit of math) is all people need to pull off D&D. Dungeons & Dragons Online is a neat way of translating the game’s fantastical concepts into an MMORPG.

In this game, players get acquainted with the TTRPG’s 4th Edition and embark on adventures set in some of the franchise’s most popular locales. The game even incorporates dice-rolling into its gameplay, as well as story-oriented quests that engross fans in rich stories.

9 RuneScape 3

Steam Rating: 85%

Anyone who’s never played an MMO and wants a “safe” introduction to the genre won’t go wrong with RuneScape. Since its 2001 release, RuneScape remains a fan-favorite among MMO enthusiasts today. Continuous dev support is seen with its improving graphics and evolving gameplay.

Perhaps the “OG” sandbox MMO, RuneScape takes place in the world of Gielinor, where players can be anyone they want to be. Thanks to an array of 27 skills, players can become typical adventurers (warriors, rogues, or mages), or spend their days leisurely improving their skills as cooks, bakers, fishermen, or miners. To others, RuneScape’s robust player economy is a test of their business skills. Thanks to these options, RuneScape can be a perfect first game for any MMO newcomer.

8 Albion Online

Metascore: 72

Fans of the open-world genre will likely be interested in playing Albion Online as their first MMO. Like RuneScape, Albion Online boasts a sandbox premise where players can do virtually whatever they want in the scope of the game. However, Albion offers a more player-driven experience that can transform the way players look at sandboxes.

Alongside its unique aesthetic, Albion Online also boasts a player-driven economy where players themselves craft and sell items. Likewise, Albion Online has a realm system where guilds can claim Territories.

7 Rift

Metascore: 84

MMO newcomers who hesitate to face the pressure of raiding will likely appreciate Rift, which incorporates public events as a part of its gameplay. Set in the elemental nexus of Telara, Rift tasks players with closing the eponymous Rifts (unstable elemental areas) that spawn monsters. Instead of requiring players to manually create parties, the game instead adds everyone to a public raiding party. Closing Rifts will give players bonuses based on their participation, encouraging players to join the events.

Outside Rifts, the overall gameplay remains akin to standard class-based RPGs, with added personalization of Souls. Rift lets players choose one of five Classes, all of which possess Souls that act as unique skill trees. Thanks to the interchangeability of Souls, players can optimize their characters depending on what a particular situation needs.

6 Neverwinter

Metascore: 74

Despite its 2013 release, Neverwinter remains a great entry MMO for fans who want the depth of Dungeons & Dragons with action-based gameplay. Unlike D&D adaptations that are often tactical RPGs, Neverwinter translates D&D 4e mechanics into a real-time action RPG setup. On top of this, players get to participate in a rich game narrative.

Players can be one of eight classes, all of which are staples in D&D. And instead of tap-target skills, Neverwinter allows players to dish out deadly attacks, combos, and movements. Newcomers to MMOs who want a fast and loose experience with a compelling narrative won’t go wrong with Neverwinter.

5 Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis

Steam Rating: 71%

Fans of JRPGs will likely have heard of Phantasy Star Online 2, especially if they’ve tried any of the sci-fi fantasy Phantasy Star games. Despite its numbering, PSO2 has no story ties to the first online Phantasy Star game, except for the fact that they’re both MMOs. In PSO2 (particularly, the free sister release New Genesis), players become ARKS Operatives to help the Oracle find a new home planet for settlers.

PSO2: New Genesis players will create and customize characters, selecting a race and a starting class. Combat-wise, New Genesis is extremely fast-paced, perfect for action RPG fans. Classes determine the kind of weapons players can use, which in turn can dictate the skills they can use. Not only can players interchange classes, but they can combine class skills and benefits via sub-classing. Newcomers who want a fast-paced action MMO with decent character progression will love PSO2: New Genesis.

4 The Elder Scrolls Online

Metascore: 71

Fans of The Elder Scrolls who played any game in the franchise won’t have to look anywhere else for an MMO. After all, The Elder Scrolls Online takes all of Tamriel and transforms it into a place where players can claim it as their own. In ESO, players take the role of adventurers during the Second Era - a timeframe even recent Elder Scrolls games haven’t explored.

ESO gives players six classes to choose from: Dragonknight, Necromancer, Nightblade, Sorcerer, Templar, or Warden. Players get unique skills, spells, and passives depending on their class and race. Thanks to this familiar Elder Scrolls approach, existing fans new to MMOs can look at ESO as a safe game to play.

3 Guild Wars 2

Metascore: 90

A sequel to the original Guild Wars, Guild Wars 2 leaves a mark of its own in the MMO space. Set after the events of Guild Wars, Guild Wars 2 sees the re-emergence of Destiny’s Edge within the world of Tyria. Players are tasked with grouping together to eliminate the Elder Dragons. Despite its paywalls, what makes Guild Wars 2 an attractive entry point for MMO newcomers is its expansive yet very personalized approach to player growth.

Its skills-heavy gameplay needs players to select only 10 Skills as part of their rotation, all of which they can possess depending on the combination of race, Profession (class), and even weapon they’re holding. All Professions have dedicated healing skills, eliminating the need for a pure healer in raids. More importantly, the game boasts world-based instanced events and a storyline that changes depending on the player’s choice of biography during character creation.

2 Final Fantasy 14

Metascore: 86

Newcomers to MMOs who are fans of Final Fantasy won’t make a wrong move getting into Final Fantasy 14 as their first foray into the genre. FF14 boasts a massive world with a compelling storyline that has all staple FF elements in them. Players, as Warriors of Light, need to protect the world of Hydaelyn from various threats. They start as adventurers with a class that evolves into one of the many iconic Jobs of the franchise.

Gameplay-wise, FF14 translates the familiar Job System into the staple tab-target bar-heavy systems of typical MMOs. Each Job has special gimmicks that allow them to bring something new to every party. Likewise, despite the game’s paywalls, the depth of its story and character progression can make even low-level gameplay enjoyable.

1 World Of Warcraft

Metascore: 93

Fans of the Warcraft RTS can finally know what happened to Azeroth after the rise of Arthas as Lich King in World of Warcraft. Despite its 2004 release, World of Warcraft remains one of the largest - if not the largest - MMOs today. Aside from boasting the world of Azeroth from Warcraft as its setting, WoW has established some of the most familiar tropes and norms in MMO gaming. These include optimized toolbars for combat, Dungeon Finders, persistent raids, and a sprawling in-game Auction House.

However, what perhaps makes WoW appealing to MMO newcomers is its presentation. The current expansion (Shadowlands) offers players a one-time booster to get their characters as close to the endgame as possible. Outside this, the game offers a decent amount of quests and reasonable progression that will have players explore the entirety of Azeroth as they level up. The game even offers opportunities to skip the leveling process and proceed straight to the endgame. Finally, the game offers enough unique play styles that can help newcomers acclimate to the many approaches of the MMO scene.