What criteria are typically used to rank the best MMORPGs of all time?

Rankings often consider factors like player population, longevity, game design innovation, community size, and cultural impact, though no single list is definitive.

Are most MMORPGs on these top lists still active and playable?

Yes, the majority of highly ranked MMORPGs such as World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV, and Old School RuneScape remain actively supported with regular updates and large player bases.

Do these lists include free-to-play MMORPGs or only subscription-based games?

Many top MMORPG lists feature both free-to-play and subscription-based games; examples include Guild Wars 2 (free-to-play with optional buy-to-play) and The Elder Scrolls Online (buy-to-play with subscription option).

How often are 'best MMORPG' rankings updated to include newer games?

Rankings tend to favor established classics, but newer titles like New World or Throne and Liberty may appear in updated lists if they maintain a strong player base and positive reception over time.

Can I trust a single Top 10 list to find the best MMORPG for my preferences?

No, because personal preferences vary; it's better to use such lists as a starting point and then research each game's theme, gameplay style, and community before deciding.

Top 10 Best MMORPG Games Ever Made | Top10Grid

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Top 10 Best MMORPG Games Ever Made

The greatest massively multiplayer online role-playing games ever created, ranked by community, longevity, and impact on the genre.

202616 viewsMar 12, 2026 Updated Jun 4, 2026

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Curated by our gaming editors. Tracks both critical reception and community vote — updated as new releases shift the conversation.

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0
#1
World of Warcraft
Blizzard's 2004 MMORPG peaked at 12 million subscribers and defined the genre for two decades; still active with millions of players.
Get it →
Details →
0
#2
Final Fantasy XIV
Square Enix's 2013 relaunched MMORPG reached 30 million registered accounts and is celebrated for its story-driven content.
Get it →
Details →
0
#3
Guild Wars 2
ArenaNet's 2012 buy-to-play MMORPG pioneered the dynamic event system and personal story approach to MMO storytelling.
Get it →
Details →
0
#4
Elder Scrolls Online
Bethesda's 2014 MMORPG set in Tamriel has attracted over 25 million players and receives regular major expansions.
Get it →
Details →
0
#5
Lost Ark
Smilegate's 2019 Korean MMORPG broke Steam records in 2022 with 1.3 million concurrent players on its Western launch day.
Get it →
Details →
0
#6
Black Desert Online
Pearl Abyss's 2014 action MMORPG is renowned for its incredibly detailed character creator and fluid real-time combat system.
Get it →
Details →
0
#7
RuneScape
Jagex's 2001 browser-based MMORPG was the world's largest free MMO for years and its Old School version remains hugely popular.
Get it →
Details →
0
#8
Star Wars: The Old Republic
BioWare's 2011 story-driven MMORPG features fully voiced class stories and remains one of the most expensive games ever made.
Get it →
Details →
0
#9
New World
Amazon Games' 2021 MMORPG set in a supernatural 17th-century island peaked at 913,000 concurrent Steam players at launch.
Get it →
Details →
0
#10
Ragnarok Online
Gravity's 2002 isometric MMORPG became a phenomenon in Southeast Asia and remains one of the most influential MMOs in history.
Get it →
Details →

0
#1
World of Warcraft
Blizzard's 2004 MMORPG peaked at 12 million subscribers and defined the genre for two decades; still active with millions of players.
Get it →
Details →
0
#2
Final Fantasy XIV
Square Enix's 2013 relaunched MMORPG reached 30 million registered accounts and is celebrated for its story-driven content.
Get it →
Details →
0
#3
Guild Wars 2
ArenaNet's 2012 buy-to-play MMORPG pioneered the dynamic event system and personal story approach to MMO storytelling.
Get it →
Details →
0
#4
Elder Scrolls Online
Bethesda's 2014 MMORPG set in Tamriel has attracted over 25 million players and receives regular major expansions.
Get it →
Details →
0
#5
Lost Ark
Smilegate's 2019 Korean MMORPG broke Steam records in 2022 with 1.3 million concurrent players on its Western launch day.
Get it →
Details →
0
#6
Black Desert Online
Pearl Abyss's 2014 action MMORPG is renowned for its incredibly detailed character creator and fluid real-time combat system.
Get it →
Details →
0
#7
RuneScape
Jagex's 2001 browser-based MMORPG was the world's largest free MMO for years and its Old School version remains hugely popular.
Get it →
Details →
0
#8
Star Wars: The Old Republic
BioWare's 2011 story-driven MMORPG features fully voiced class stories and remains one of the most expensive games ever made.
Get it →
Details →
0
#9
New World
Amazon Games' 2021 MMORPG set in a supernatural 17th-century island peaked at 913,000 concurrent Steam players at launch.
Get it →
Details →
0
#10
Ragnarok Online
Gravity's 2002 isometric MMORPG became a phenomenon in Southeast Asia and remains one of the most influential MMOs in history.
Get it →
Details →