Are you looking for games like World of Warcraft to pass the time until the next update? We show you seven alternatives.
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Platforms:Windows PC, Mac OS X
Since World of Warcraft (WoW) was released in Europe in 2005, it has been one of the most popular video games on the market. From a diverse world and unique characters to exciting battles, crisp dungeons and raids – this is what not only defines WoW, but the MMORPG genre itself. Although there is a lot of content for World of Warcraft due to many expansions and constant updates, there are certainly some players among you who need some variety until the next expansion or maybe are looking for a completely new MMORPG world. We’ve rounded up seven alternative MMORPGs for you to spend the next 100 hours with.
What has changed in World of Warcraft over the last 17 years? We have compiled all the differences and new features in a video for you:
Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV is an award-winning MMORPG developed by Square Enix that is a hybrid of the genre and the popular Final Fantasy series. Although the game was launched in 2013, it experienced its heyday with the release of the Endwalker 2021 expansion: With over 91,000 players active at the same time, it became so difficult to log in that the game was no longer available for some time in early 2022 was. Director and producer Naoki Yoshida commented on the situation on the official website at the time and apologized. Free trial accounts have also been banned from playing.
Final Fantasy XIV is very varied in content and designed for different types of players: from Leveling of all classes on just one character, a large housing system, dungeons and PvP to raids in normal and so-called epic difficulty.
Both an initial purchase and a monthly subscription are required to play Final Fantasy XIV. However, there is also a free trial version that you can use to play the base game and the first Heavensward expansion.
Guild Wars 2
Since Guild Wars 2 was released in 2012, it has been one of the most famous and popular MMORPGs. Unlike World of Warcraft or Final Fantasy, which rely on a subscription model, Guild Wars 2 offers both a slimmed down, free version and a complete package of all expansions for a one-time purchase.
Unlike other MMORPGs, in which you level up almost exclusively through battles and instanced content such as dungeons, Guild Wars 2 is about exploring the diverse world of Tyria: you mainly strengthen your character through
visiting unique cities, areas and viewpoints, completing limited-time events and his own story. This differs depending on which of the five races and eight classes you chose at the beginning, and thus provides enough variety even when playing through several times.
The Elder Scrolls Online
The Elder Scrolls Online, like the rest of the series, is set in the world of Tamriel. You choose one of the ten races that you already know from Skyrim, but you play a fixed class. These range from magicians to knights to dragon riders and have three different specializations that you can choose from.
You can choose the order in which you explore the lands of Tamriel and experience its history. In addition to instanced content and combat, it applies Doing quests, collecting armor and mounts, doing crafts
as well as getting your items by buying, bartering or stealing them. The game features Veteran Dungeons, Raids, and Solo content that can be completed alone or with up to 12 players. There is also housing and an achievement system.
All of the game’s content is available through a one-time purchase on Steam, but you can secure various benefits such as more storage space or a higher income from experience points with an optional subscription.
Black Desert Online
Black Desert Online is a classic sandbox MMORPG that impresses with its graphics, its large and varied world and the seemingly endless possibilities for character customization. In addition to an action-packed, combo-based combat system and extensive PvP modes that you can enjoy together with your friends, Black Desert offers a range of side activities: trade with NPCs and other players, fish and tame animals, collect, hunt or devote yourself to alchemy.
In addition, Black Desert has a so-called knowledge system, which not only offers completion options, but also various advantages. You will be shown which areas you still have to explore, where there is still an NPC you haven’t spoken to and opponents are more likely to drop rare items – in short, you secure various game advantages by accumulating knowledge.
Black Desert is completely free, but you can progress faster and easier through various in-game purchases.
Runescape
Runescape has been on the market since 2001. Since then it has constantly changed and improved. As a result, it attracts both new and old players today and has reached a milestone of 250 million registered accounts over the years.
Runescape aims to offer you a second life in the fantastical world of Gielinor. Once you’ve created your character, you can jump right into the adventure and Strengthen your character by defeating battles or completing quests. However, you can also choose a quieter path and shape your gaming experience with activities such as fishing or mining.
Runescape is completely free, but has an optional subscription model that gives you monthly benefits or special mounts, among other things. In addition, it is available in two versions: Old School Runescape, which is the original from 2001, and the new edition, which is simply known as Runescape.
Neverwinter
Neverwinter is primarily, but of course not exclusively, worth a look for fans of the tabletop RPG Dungeons & Dragons. Based on one of the campaign worlds from D&D’s 4E version, you can sign up both as a newbie one Embark on a unique story and world as well as encounter heroes, enemies and locations known as veterans.
You play one of eight classes known from D&D and can explore the big world of Faerûn both alone and with your friends. Reclaim cities from the undead or battle dragons and other fantastical creatures. The stories Neverwinter has to tell are rich and varied – and completely free!
Lost Ark
The Korean MMORPG Lost Ark literally hit like a bomb in early 2022: After just one month, it had reached the milestone of over 22 million players, of which 1.3 million were active in the game at the same time. This is a third of the world record.
In addition to versatile options for character creation and outstanding graphics, Lost Ark mainly advertises with extensive and varied content: from quests, dungeons and raids to PvP and a story. Similar to Diablo 3, you strengthen your character mainly by acquiring and upgrading rare armor parts. This is done via loot boxes, which makes the game heavily based on luck, especially towards the end, but also ensures that you can enjoy Lost Ark for a long time.
Lost Ark is also free, but you can buy game progress and loot boxes mentioned – and thus manage your time investment yourself.
Have you been playing video games since the ’90s and want to prove how good you are at the retro classics from back then? Test your knowledge with our quiz:
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