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Aside from being a source of entertainment, MMORPGs, or massively multiplayer online role-playing games, provide a deeply immersive experience by allowing players to exist in an alternative reality. The presence of multiple players on a common platform allows them to feel connected to one another through shared interests and common goals.
It makes sense then that engaging storylines are extremely important for MMORPGs because, without them, players won’t be completely invested in them and would easily get bored and leave. The character's backstory and the game's ongoing storyline allow the participant to put themselves in the character’s shoes and experience their world. With that in mind, we look at five MMORPGs with exciting storylines.
Note: This article reflects the opinions of the writer.
MMORPGs which will keep you hooked
1) World of Warcraft
Released in 2004, World of Warcraft (WoW) is still the most popular MMORPG game globally. This is down to a combination of factors - brilliant graphics, continuous updates to bring it up to date with the times, and of course, immersive storytelling.
From its inception, WoW garnered widespread recognition due to its unique features. The game is set in the fictional world of Azeroth, where you assume different characters and interact with non-playable characters (NPCs) and other players. Although a multiplayer game at heart, World of Warcraft also allows gamers to play solo, which further attracts the masses. Given the storyline, WoW is worth playing in 2023.
2) Guild Wars 2
Released in 2012, Guild Wars 2 is an award-winning role-playing game with an immersive storyline and a combat system that has proven to be a hit. It is set in the fictional world of Tyria, where you are tasked with reuniting a disbanded multi-racial guild to fight and win against the main antagonist, Zhaitan. However, that is just the base game.
Guild Wars 2 has a total of four Living World seasons with new region expansions, continuing the story of the "Commander" and their entourage against the fight with Elder Dragons.
Guild Wars 2 is among our favorite MMORPGs with the best character creator.
The full game can be played for free through either Stream or via an official client. The paid version, however, requires a one-time payment instead of subscription fees, giving you access to all the expansions.
3) Final Fantasy 14
If there’s one MMORPG that deserves mention for an immersive storyline, it has to be Final Fantasy 14. The focus of the game is primarily on the character, known as the Warrior of Light, as they dive deep into the problems of the world around them. While the A Realm Reborn story can be seen as tedious for much of its life, it has been made more approachable. Each expansion has its own focus and main storyline.
In fact, from A Realm Reborn through Endwalker was one whole storyline. The Hydaelyn saga has finally wrapped up, and a whole new saga will begin with Dawntrail.
When it comes to immersive, deep storylines, MMORPGs such as Final Fantasy 14 are sure to have you hooked. While the story is flawed, there are some truly heartwarming moments to go alongside the most emotionally charged moments of character growth and development.
It keeps you at the center of things, alongside a memorable cast of characters, the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. The game also takes you to a wealth of gorgeous, scenic locales - whether it’s the underwater areas, or even the Moon itself, the story takes players on an unforgettable journey.
Even if there are lots of tributes to the Final Fantasy franchise in the game - and there are - this doesn’t take away from the weight of the main story quests. If you want a dramatic story that has a real anime feel to it, take on Final Fantasy 14.
4) Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars: The Old Republic is quite a popular title in the story-driven MMORPG category. In addition to the overall story for the character you picked - regardless of faction and class - you also have so many planetary storylines, and expansion storylines on top of that. It very much feels like a Star Wars adventure every time you log into the game.
Whether you’re dealing with the Hutt Cartels, or the powerful forces of Darth Revan, Star Wars: The Old Republic is a wild romp through familiar planets in the Star Wars franchise. There are 8 storylines, with each character class having its own decisions to make, and adventures to go on. Not to forget that there are the Main Story Quests for Star Wars: The Old Republic to dive into as well.
The way you solve problems and build your relationships - that’s what’s important in Star Wars: The Old Republic. You don’t have to only pick light-side answers as an Alliance member, or Dark Side answers as a member of the Sith. There’s a lot of nuance here, and you can see the way your body changes as you go down the Dark Side path, for example.
Each planet you go to has its own story to tell, alongside the many expansions that the game has in its arsenal.
5) The Lord of the Rings Online
Released in 2007, Lord of the Rings Online is still one of the most popular MMORPGs of all time. With an immersive storyline, larger-than-life characters, brilliant visuals, and engaging music, Lord Of the Rings Online offers a holistic experience.
The game allows you to escape reality and venture into a fantasy world where you can assume roles that would have been impossible in the real world. The story is told in volumes, that are released in books consisting of a series of quests called Chapters, and based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels.
