MMORPGs are known for their mesmerizing world-building, in-depth lore, and the extensive line-up of quests and events. However, one significant, albeit commonly overlooked, aspect is the interaction and cooperation with other players that comes about due to the myriad of group quests these games offer. From joining guilds and clans to going on group explorations, MMORPGs offer several ways to supplement meaningful interactions that can bolster new friendships.
The benefits of making online friends are profound, ranging from finding people with similar interests to befriending individuals from all over the world with diverse backgrounds and cultures. However, navigating through the world of MMORPGs can be tricky, especially since many reputable games are known for having a toxic and unfriendly player base. Almost every gaming tends to have a few black sheep among its community. However, some MMORPGs offer a much better experience in terms of making new friends.
5 Sky: Children of the Light
Sky: Children of the Light is a laid-back, slow-paced adventure MMORPG – the perfect setting for making new and meaningful connections. In its colorful open-world setting, players can soar across the sky and complete puzzles with other players. Since the game moves at a relaxed pace and features minimal competition, the community tends to be quite welcoming and friendly, especially to newer players.
The light-hearted theme of the game further adds to its warm and welcoming nature, attracting a player base looking for a more soothing setting and experience. The game doesn’t have a voice-chat feature, though players can communicate with each other through the in-game chat once they get acquainted with one another through the candle emoticon.
4 Final Fantasy XIV
Only a few MMORPGs are as popular as Final Fantasy XIV. Despite its immense fanbase, accounts of toxicity among its players are comparatively low. The game features a number of co-op events and quests for some thrilling adventures, along with an in-depth lore of the characters and the world itself.
Final Fantasy XIV is known to be quite difficult, especially for those not familiar with MMORPGs in general. However, this is where the game’s community shines. Its player base is known for helping newer players understand the game without engaging in any sort of toxic behaviors. The game also has Free Companies or FCs that are similar to guilds. Players can join these communities to interact with other players, share items and experiences, and make lifelong friends.
3 RuneScape
RuneScape is one of the oldest MMORPGs on the market, and is most likely every veteran gamer’s first. Despite being first launched in 2001, the game has managed to remain relevant to this day, with a sizable player base keeping the game alive. The pixilated graphics may seem like a downside at first, but this element is exactly what gives the game its vintage charm and nostalgia.
Since much of the game’s activities depend on co-op interactions among players, it's almost impossible not to make friends in this dynamic game. RuneScape’s current player base mostly comprises veteran players coming back to experience the game once more, or newer players trying out this iconic MMORPG. This combination makes for a welcoming and helpful community, making RuneScape one of the best MMORPGs for making new friends.
2 Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2 is unlike any other MMORPG out there, as this multiplayer game takes an entirely different approach with its dynamic world-building. Despite being an MMO, Guild Wars 2’s storyline is entirely dependent on the player’s actions, meaning each individual player’s story will conclude differently. Such concepts are common when it comes to single-player RPGs, yet Guild Wars 2 has managed to bring the very same phenomenon to MMOs, making its gameplay all the more unique.
As the name suggests, Guild Wars 2 centers much of itself around multiplayer quests and events, almost making being part of a guild necessary to enjoy the full experience. Guildmates can form parties and venture into dungeons, enjoy the PvP and PvE modes, or simply have conversations through the in-game chat system. With such a community-centric approach, Guild Wars 2 is currently one of the best games for creating meaningful and lasting connections online.
1 Lord Of The Rings Online
Lord of the Rings Online is based on the original Lord of the Rings series, meaning the game encompasses the same lore and in-depth world-building. Unlike other hyper-competitive MMORPGs, LOTRO sets itself up in a way that rewards cooperation between players and discourages foul play. The game does have a PvP section, though the rewards are kept limited to that section of the game, keeping the rest of LOTRO more attuned to the lore.
The game’s multiplayer raids force players to work together and accommodate newer players, especially with the game’s update that gives each participant 100% of the loot instead of distributing it among all party members. This takes away the hesitation of helping other players and ensures that newcomers can easily assimilate into the game’s setting. With the game being co-op centered, friends are bound to be made, and the interactions will surely be meaningful since most of the player base comprises LoTR fans with similar interests.