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MMO games have been around for quite a long time. Genre faithful love fantasy MMO titles as they offer both great combat and a laid-back experience. These games allow players to explore the world, get involved in interesting plots, choose classes, and build their preferred playstyle.
Among the plethora of massively multiplayer online games, a few specific entries stand out. To that end, here are the 5 best fantasy MMO games so far.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the opinions of the writer.
Best fantasy MMO games
5) Guild Wars 2
Set in the high-fantasy world of Tyria, Guild Wars 2 is still a big name in the MMO scene. While some fans are not completely sold on the plot and quest writing, Tyria is enriched by the odd patchwork of masterful environmental lore.
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The playable area of GW2 is not an impressive feat of sheer size like World of Warcraft, but all the areas have much more content depth. If you are trying to find the immersion of travelling through huge plains, this game is not the best starting point. However, if you want a content-rich fantasy MMO not gated behind payments and monthly subs, Guild Wars 2 is the right pick.
4) Eve Online
Although considered slow-paced by some, Eve Online has received plenty of good reviews for its unique design. The game offers a dedicated player community thriving within a spaceship of the ever-expanding sandbox.
Coupled with that, Eve Online releases consistent updates, keeping players interested. The game offers various activities like war, exploration, and trading with thousands of other players, making it one of the finest fantasy MMOs out there.
3) Elder Scrolls Online
This list would have never been complete without Elder Scrolls Online. Developed by Zenimax Online under the supervision of Bethesda, this is the sole live-service entry in the latter's Elder Scrolls universe.
The Elder Scrolls universe has the benefit of extensive worldbuilding, done over a decade-long saga of five games. Elder Scrolls Online weaves its own narratives on top of this. Each new 'Chapter' adds fresh ideas and plot threads, while frequent homage and callbacks to existing lore.
While returning fans from older Elder Scrolls games will rediscover their favourite areas from the single-player games, this MMORPG itself is a good entry point to immerse yourself in the high fantasy world of Tamriel.
2) World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft is a milestone title for the entire broader MMO genre. One does not get there without having a compelling world - and this game hands you that on a silver platter.
There is a reason that many fantasy-themed MMOs, so-called WoW killers, have tried and failed to dethrone it. Its fantasy world is lightning in a bottle, capturing golden-age Blizzard Entertainment art direction at its best.
As one can surmise from its name, the game is set in Azeroth, the 'earth' equivalent of the Warcraft universe. For a 2008 game, the size of the world in the first build was impressive, and the retail version of WoW compounds that with 16 years worth of content.
1) Final Fantasy 14
If you are looking for a more stylized and anime-like aesthetic, Final Fantasy 14 is the best MMORPG available out there.
Unlike many MMOs, this game has fewer restrictions and allows players to swap classes even if they have a single character. They can master multiple combat classes and even experiment with crafting, fishing, cooking, and more. Such freedom to explore different playstyles keeps things entertaining for players.
While you need to pay to play the upcoming big expansion, Dawntrail, the base game can be fully explored and played on a free trial account.
