Looking for an adventure in another world? Then check out our picks of the best MMO games in 2021.
Some of the greatest ways to explore and interact with vast fictional worlds is through the best MMO games, also known as Massively Multiplayer Online games. You get a very different gameplay experience, something wholly unique, due to the fact that you’re offered an almost completely empty canvas to start with. You can create and customize your own avatar, which you can build through interactions, battling and leveling up. And, after you’ve created your character, you can play with thousands of others from all over the world. The best MMO games, in essence, let you lead an alternate life, something separate from reality. You can do so many different things in these games – meet new people, go on new adventures – that offer a sense of freedom you might not find in everyday life. It’s true that MMOs may not be for everyone, but they’re loved well enough that even online giant Amazon is coming out with their own entry named New World, which takes place in the 17th century. Regardless of whether you’re looking for your first MMO, a new adventure to dive into, or in its popular variant, the MMORPG (RPG stands for Role Playing Game), we’ve collected the best MMO games of 2021 for you to dig into. So, read on to find your potential next second life. Let’s face it, this was an obvious one. Blizzard’s World of Warcraft has been going since around 2004 and it’s been the reigning champion of the MMO genre for a long time. But, in that time, it’s changed quite a lot. World of Warcraft is one of the most successful and influential games in the genre, with new content frequently being added for a thriving, dedicated player base. If subscriber numbers look like they’re wavering even slightly, you can be sure Blizzard will come out with another great expansion to corral everyone back into the fold and maybe bring some newbies with them. The latest expansion, Battle for Azeroth, hit in August 2019 and packs in a new load of dungeons, with a raised level cap for experienced players, and an option to ‘boost’ your level for newer ones wanting a more level playing field. And a new expansion, Shadowlands, is due for release this year. World of Warcraft is kind of an essential for anyone interested in the high fantasy MMORPG and we can’t see it being knocked from prominence any time soon. You can download the game for free on the official website. What can I play it on? PC What’s the payment structure? Free trial up to level 20, then a monthly subscription fee Planetside 2 is a first-person shooter on a massive scale. If you’re not interested in the kind of granular play offered by games like Black Desert Online, then this game’s focus on all out war against other players might appeal to you. The game revolves around three factions in a constant state of war. Players choose their faction and then spend their time attacking and defending bases on a huge map to remain ahead of the competition. One day you could be on the attack, the next you could be desperately defending. Either way you’re always fighting. Planetside 2 is now seven years old and, though it doesn’t have quite the same popularity or player base as it once did, it offers something a little different to the rest of the MMOs on this list. You can get going for free on the official site. What can I play it on? PS4 and PC What’s the payment model? Free-to-play Rather than a sprawling world with endless choice, Secret World Legends is an MMO which places a lot of focus on storytelling. If you’re tired out by the usual high fantasy and space fare, this is a game which is set in a world very close to our own. Well, kind of. It’s our world if cults, mythological creatures, crazy conspiracies and supernatural phenomenons were commonplace.
