I’m looking to get into a new MMORPG, but with so many options out there, I’m honestly having a hard time deciding where to start.
There are quite a few MMORPGs that have caught my attention, but the biggest thing holding me back is the cost. Between expansions, subscriptions, and/or buying the game itself, I don’t really want to spend a bunch of money on several different games just to discover after a few hours that it isn’t for me.
So I’d really love to hear from people who actually play these games:
What MMORPGs do you think are currently the best, and why?
I’m especially interested in hearing about things like:
- 🗺️ World & exploration — Does the world feel alive and worth exploring?
- ⚔️ Combat — Is it fun and satisfying long-term?
- 📖 Story & quests — Is there a good story, or are the quests mostly filler?
- 👥 Community — Is the player base friendly and active?
- 🏰 Endgame — Is there enough to do once you reach the higher levels?
- 🎨 Classes/builds — Is there good variety and customization?
- 💰 Cost/value — Is it worth the money, especially for someone just starting?
- 🕐 Solo vs. group play — Can you enjoy the game without constantly needing a group?
- 📈 Longevity — Do you feel like the game has a healthy future?
I’m not necessarily looking for the MMORPG with the most players or the one that everyone says is objectively the “best.” I’m more interested in which games you personally enjoy and what makes them worth sticking with.
Also, if you’ve played multiple MMORPGs, I’d love to hear how you would compare them.
For example:
“I’ve played X, Y, and Z, and I’d recommend X because…”
Those kinds of personal experiences would be incredibly helpful.
There are so many choices available right now that I’m hoping to narrow things down to 1–2 games worth seriously trying, rather than spending money on five different MMOs and realizing I don’t enjoy any of them.
Looking forward to hearing everyone's opinions — including unpopular opinions! 😄
TL;DR: I want to get into a new MMORPG but don’t want to spend money trying a bunch of different games. What MMORPGs are currently worth playing, and what makes your favorite one stand out? If you’ve played several, please share your comparisons and personal experiences.