18 Best Free MMORPGs to Try (2023)

Massively multiplayer online role-playing games, also known as MMORPGs, have become a huge hit over the past few years. Every gamer wants to play online RPGs where you can fight against other players and create your own character with complete customization. There are hundreds of different MMORPG games available for free out there, and we bring you the best. Here is a list of the best free MMORPG games you can play in 2023.

1. Dota 2

Dota 2 is one of the most popular multiplayer online games. This game is the most played game on Steam. A game distribution platform developed by Valve. Dota 2 is a direct sequel to the Dota (Defence of the Ancients) mod developed for the World of Warcraft III game. The mod quickly garnered a lot of attention and praise, eventually leading Valve to hire the mod’s developer and create Dota 2. Dota 2 is a highly competitive game played by millions of people around the world. In the game, you control heroes with different abilities, and your goal is to destroy the opposing team’s ancient times while keeping your own ancient times safe. Teams of five players fight on beautiful battlefields filled with lush jungle. In-game purchases are available so you can purchase additional heroes and items to gain an edge over your competitors.

Developer: Valve Corporation

Availability: Free to play (with in-game purchases)

2. League of Legends

League of Legends started as a direct copy of DotA, but has quickly grown to become the most played MMO game in the world. LoL is played by nearly 70 million people every month and has become a huge hit in the world of free-to-play games. Gameplay is very similar to DotA and Dota 2. Choose one champion with different abilities and try to protect your team while destroying the connections of the other team. Two teams of five players face off on a three-lane map, where each lane must be defended from enemy minions and champions. If you want to be a good player, you need to be agile and able to make quick decisions in your gameplay. LoL also offers in-game purchases where you can purchase various champions and items to enhance your gameplay. There are 10 free champions available, and the selection of these free champions keeps changing weekly, so you can try them all out before you actually buy.

Developer: Riot Games

Availability: Free to play (with in-game purchases)

3. Heroes of the Storm

Heroes of the Storm aka HoTS is a massively multiplayer online battle arena game developed by Blizzard. Developer of World of Warcraft. Blizzard is returning to the battle arena scene and looking to give both Dota 2 and LoL a run for their money. HoTS features heroes from various games developed by Blizzard. These heroes come from World of Warcraft (Illidan, Malfurion, etc.), Diablo (Diablo, Sonya, etc.), and Starcraft II (Raynor, Tychus, etc.). You can choose any hero available in the weekly free rotation, or you can actually purchase your chosen hero with real money or in-game gold. You can collect gold by playing the game and completing daily quests. Your job is to keep your own core safe while destroying the enemy team’s core. You can also leverage unique map elements to help you achieve your goals. There are no items in the game, so you don’t have to worry about getting different items for your heroes at all.

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

Availability: Free to play (with in-game purchases)

4. Smite

Smite is fairly new to the multiplayer online gaming scene, but it’s still managed to garner a fair amount of praise and attention in a short amount of time. Although the gameplay is quite similar to other games in this genre, Smite offers a number of different game modes to keep players engaged and increase the variety of the game. Instead of using new heroes and champions, Smite allows players to choose from gods and mythical heroes to play as heroes. There are different gods and gods from different cultures. The game also features a third-person perspective, rather than the top-down view found in similar games.

Developer: Hi-Res Studio

Availability: Free to play (with in-game purchases)

5. World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is a true MMORPG developed by Blizzard that has received the highest positive reviews for its unique gameplay and amazing environments. The game allows you to choose your hero, choose your class, and customize your hero in many ways. You must complete quests to increase your level. You can complete quests alone or join a group for multiplayer quests. You can also fight against other players within the game . The game offers a subscription-based model, so you have to buy a prepaid card or pay with a credit card to continue playing the game after a certain period of time. You can play for free up to level 20, after which you will need to purchase a subscription.

Developer: Blizzard Entertainment

Availability: Free to play up to level 20, subscription required after that.

6. Skyforge

Skyforge is the latest addition to the world of MMORPGs that quickly gained popularity. This free-to-play game offers the most unique gameplay and story. In the game you start as an immortal and can choose any class you like. Also, unlike other MMOs where you are locked into the one class you initially select, you can change classes at any time with just one click. Your goal is to earn fame by completing quests and ultimately transform your hero from an immortal to a god, giving him immense powers. The game is still in beta stage, but you can play it for free without any subscription.

Developer: Allods Team

Availability: Free to play

7. Neverwinter

NeverWinter is also a new MMORPG game, currently only available on Windows and Xbox One platforms. This game is based on the Dungeons & Dragons set of rules. You can choose your character from different classes and races and allocate action points to improve their skills and stats. The more quests you complete, the more your character will grow and become stronger. You can form groups with other players in the game and complete quests together to make it easier for each of you.

Developer: Cryptic Studio

Availability: Free to play (with in-game purchases)

8. Archeage

ArcheAge is a completely unique twist on the world of MMO role-playing games. This game offers players more content that will keep them occupied for a very long time. ARcheAge allows you to craft everything from food to weapons. You can level up to earn fame and get more crafting skills. You can build ships and face off against other players in naval battles. You can build siege engines to destroy enemy forts, houses, etc. You can do almost everything you do in the real world. There are hundreds of choices in this exciting game and only you can make the decision.

Developer: XL Games

Availability: Free to play

9. Path of Exile

Path of Exile is heavily inspired by Blizzard’s Diablo franchise. In this game, you embark on an outdoor adventure exploring vast areas such as dungeons and caves. Fight against monsters and other evils present in such areas and gain experience for completing quests. Although you can play with others, the main focus of the game is to provide each player with a large, independent map to explore. You can also play it at parties. This game is truly free to play and you don’t have to spend any money to get an advantage.

Developer: Grinding Gear Games

Availability: Free to play

10. Everquest

EverQuest is one of the oldest MMORPGs that is still going strong. The game borrows gameplay mechanics from Dungeons & Dragons, where you must select a character and build it from a given set of races and classes. Embark on adventures and complete quests to earn gold and skill points. Leveling up your character will add more skills to your character, making it even more powerful. You can team up with another player, join that player’s guild, and start fighting monsters together. Although the game offers a large community of role-playing enthusiasts, EverQuest’s popularity has declined significantly since the rise of Warcraft.

Developer: Daybreak Game Company

Availability: Free to play

11. Warframe

Now that you’ve had enough of medieval-themed MMORPGs , it’s time to turn your attention to something new and futuristic, like ninjas in mech armor. In Warframe, you are a member of a ninja race awakened in the future, and your job is to become the stealthiest assassin like your ancestors. Warframe is a third-person shooter game where you team up with other players to complete missions and level up your heroes. You can also purchase additional weapons and items with in-game currency, and use real cash to purchase platinum, which can also be used to purchase in-game content.

Developer: Digital Extremes

Compatibility: Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4

Availability: Free to play with in-game purchases.

12. Aura Kingdom

Aura Kingdom is an anime-style MMORPG that has been very well received in Asian markets such as Taiwan, China, and Japan. The story begins in a village where villagers ask for your help, and you progress by completing these quests. Participate in games and gain experience. The game is a little repetitive, the challenges are a little on the easy side, and the overall gameplay gets boring in the long run. The graphics are still very stable and the storyline gives the game a whole new level.

Developer: X-Legend

Availability: Free to play

13. TERA Rising

The Exiled Realm of Arborea, also known as TERA, is a popular MMORPG with a fantasy 3D theme. The game features different races, each with special skills that make them unique in their own way . You customize your character and begin your journey in this beautiful new world rendered in stunning 3D graphics. The combat system is very solid, requiring manual control and attacking and dodging on your own. The game offers a third-person perspective and finally bids farewell to the subscription model. The game is currently free to play.

Developer: Blue Hole Studio

Availability: Free to play

14. Age of Conan Unchained

Age of Conan: Unchained is a popular MMORPG based on the famous Conan novels written by Robert E. Howard. The game is set in the mythical world of the Kingdom of Hyboria, where you embark on an adventure alone or in a group. Players can choose from four different races as their character, and each race has unique abilities and skills that aid the character’s journey. The combat system used in the game gives a fairly realistic feel where you can chain different combos together to deal additional damage. This game features beautiful graphics and an interesting story.

Developer: Funcom

Availability: Free- to-play and subscription models.

15. Marvel Heroes 2015

All these games with magic, spells, swords, and sorcery can quickly become boring. What will never get boring is seeing your favorite cartoon heroes fighting in the battle arena. This exciting game lets you choose your character from 100 different Marvel heroes and villains. Team up with your friends and get ready to defeat the evil forces of Doctor Doom and other villains in action-packed combat. Marvel Heroes 2015 lets you become your favorite superhero and use your skills to save the day.

Developer: Gazillion Entertainment

Availability: Free to play with in-game purchases.

16. Lost Ark

Lost Ark is a newer addition to the MMOARPG world than most of the other games on this list. Released in 2022, the game gained immense popularity thanks to its amazing cinematic story that propelled incredible combat mechanics. Additionally, the world of Arkesia, where the game takes place, is stunning to say the least. There’s too much to explore and destroy. There are 15 classes, but if you ask me, it’s the Striker. No matter which class you choose, you’ll have to fight your way through hordes of enemies and relentless boss battles to keep the peace of Arkesia intact. Without a doubt, it is one of the best MMORPG games to play in 2023.

Availability: Free to play with in-game purchases.

17. World of warships

If you want to play both beautiful visuals and a breath of fresh air from the MMORPG genre, give World of Warships a try. Developed by Wargaming, this game is probably one of the best free MMORPGs you can play. If you’re not looking for a specific story and just want to enjoy mindless destruction for a while, this is for you. You control a warship and prevent enemy warships from breaking through your defenses.

What’s more, if you turn the graphics to the maximum possible setting, you’ll be amazed at how realistic the visuals are. Not only that, but the game mechanics feel quite realistic and will keep you hooked for hours. With over 600 warships to unlock and choose from, World of Warships can easily be described as a never-ending naval conquest that will keep you hooked.

Developer: Wargaming

Availability: Free to play with in-game purchases.

18. World of Tanks

Just like World of Warships, Wargaming’s World of Tanks is a free-to-play MMORPG game you should try. Basically you control a tank of your choice and get to wreak havoc on enemy tanks. That’s it. Upgrade your tank along the way and become a force to be reckoned with. There are over 600 tanks that you can actually pick up and mop the floor where your enemies are. Most importantly, this game is very well optimized to run even on modern systems without much effort.

Developer: Wargaming

Availability: Free to play with in-game purchases.