MMO List

A curated list of MMORPGs worth considering, based on Mythic criteria.

Our Criteria

Games on this list are evaluated based on the following:

  • Persistent online worlds
  • Currently playable, including alpha or beta
  • Meaningful group play
  • Long-term progression
  • PvE gameplay preferred
  • Consensual PvP
  • Western-developed or Western-leaning lore (why)
  • Fair monetization

Last updated: December 30, 2024

Hopeful Horizon

These are the MMOs we want to see succeed. They are not playable yet, but they represent the future we are rooting for.

When a hopeful game becomes playable, it moves to the main list.

Hopeful List

In development

A short list of MMOs that are not playable yet, but we are excited to watch.

Chrono OdysseyAnnounced

An announced MMO we are watching closely as it takes shape.

New Lord of the Rings MMO: Title TBDOn hold

A shelved project we still hope returns.

Middle-Earth still calls.

See the full Hopeful List
Star Citizen

Star Citizen

Playing

Playable alpha space MMO with multicrew ships, open-space careers, and a true sandbox economy. The scope is massive, and the timeline is long, but the flight and crew loops already shine.

  • Playable alpha with multicrew ships and shared missions
  • Open universe with trading, mining, hauling, and bounty work
  • No traditional levels, progression comes from ships and gear
  • Crowdfunded past $900M and still expanding its systems
Elder Scrolls Online

Elder Scrolls Online

Recommended

A polished open-world MMO with optional PvP and a steady cadence of expansions. Level scaling and flexible builds make it easy to group with friends.

  • One Tamriel scaling supports mixed-level groups
  • Large questing world with voiced storylines
  • Housing, crafting, and companions add long-term depth
  • Buy-to-play with optional ESO Plus
Conan Exiles

Conan Exiles

Recommended

Survival MMO set in the brutal Conan universe with base building, thralls, and harsh world systems. It is live and content rich, but it expects time and grit.

  • Sandbox survival with crafting and siege mechanics
  • PvE and PvP servers with clan play
  • Thrall system for crafting and base defense
  • Live service since 2018 with frequent updates
New World

New World

Recommended

17th-century fantasy MMO with action combat and a heavy focus on gathering, crafting, and territory wars. The live service is in a better place now than at launch.

  • Action combat with aiming and dodging
  • Faction-based territory control and wars
  • Deep gathering and crafting loop
  • Buy-to-play with seasonal updates
Ashes of Creation

Ashes of Creation

Considering

High-fantasy sandbox MMO built around node cities, caravans, and player-driven conflict. The alpha is playable, but the systems are still shifting.

  • Node system that grows cities through player activity
  • Caravans, sieges, and guild politics drive endgame
  • Action combat with archetype classes
  • No factions, alliances are player-driven
Fallout 76

Fallout 76

Playing

A shared-world Fallout with co-op events, base building, and a huge map to explore. It has improved significantly since launch and remains active.

  • Public events and seasonal updates
  • C.A.M.P. base building and crafting
  • Optional PvP with a mostly cooperative tone
  • Live service with expeditions and story updates
Pax Dei

Pax Dei

Considering

A social sandbox MMO in early access focused on crafting, building, and player-run settlements. It is slow burn and best with a group.

  • Player-driven economy and crafting chains
  • Clan settlements and shared building
  • Early access with a focus on community play
  • Low guided content, high emergent gameplay
Dungeons and Dragons Online

Dungeons and Dragons Online

Recommended

Classic instanced MMO that leans hard into party-based dungeon runs and deep character builds. The game is old, but the systems still reward planning and teamwork.

  • Group-first dungeon design
  • Deep D&D feat and class builds
  • Live service with frequent quest packs
  • Free-to-play entry with optional VIP sub