There is something quite charming and whimsical about Anime themed MMORPGs that make them so appealing to many players. From the art style to featuring well-known franchises and characters, they tend to be slightly different than your average MMORPG.

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From recent hits such as Genshin Impact and Pokemon Unite to classics such as Maplestory, the anime genre MMORPG continues to remain popular and entices many to spend countless hours exploring, collecting, and of course, fighting. Whichever one a player decides to commit to, it will be a memorable gaming experience.

10 Phantasy Star 2 Online

Female characters attached to the story of Phantasy Star Online 2.

For the anime fan that loves sci-fi as well, this title from Sega delivers it all. It continues from the original title that started it all but in a much bigger way. You will journey aboard a ship that is part of The Oracle. You begin off as the newest recruit for ARKS a task force designed to monitor and explore the galaxy for threats that seek to sink it into darkness.

Each ship in the Oracle fleet is home to four distinctive species: Humans, Newmans, CAST, and Deumans. All work together in harmony for a common goal. You can select from up to nine different classes and train to fight using a vast array of weapons. This is all to also defeat ARK's greatest threat in the galaxy - the Falspawn. The game continues to provide constant updates and new content making it a game worth staying with.

9 Maplestory 2

Character in armor stood next to a anime woman sat down

While Maplestory 2 may have been short-lived, at least for those of us in North America and other regions, it was still quite popular for the time it was active. The cute chibi-style characters, the sheer amount of customization, plus all the countless options to play the game either solo or in guilds really set it apart. With so many specializations, quests and more to choose from players would never find themselves bored.

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Sadly on March 18, 2020, it was announced that service for Maplestory 2 would be ending in Japan and the west by May 27 of the same year. For those living in Korea and China, however, they can still play online. Nexon did set up an official archive page for fans to browse where they can download official illustrations plus concept art for free.

8 Digimon Masters Online

Large demon creature stood in front of a colosseum with a small person

If you grew up watching Digimon, this MMORPG will feel quite familiar to you but revamped. There are over 100 Mercenary Digimon in the game for you to utilize in battle. You can even ride some Digimon too. In Digimon Masters, you take on the role of a "Tamer" - humans who raise Digimon.

As usual, you must protect the Digital World from evil influences while at the same time going on quests, making friends, and even trading Digimon. You can also explore over 50 different maps and worlds with more coming on the way. The game is always getting regular updates so it's worth checking out.

7 Shop Titans

Character with hammer stood next to the title of the game

For players who enjoy an RPG but also simulation-style games, Shop Tians is for you. Not only do you get to run your own store and craft unique items, but you can also go off on adventures too. The main objective as a shop owner is to make your shop as inviting as possible and of course successful. With upgrades and so many customization options, you may even spend more time on that than actually adventuring. There are 18 different classes of heroes to choose from to really personalize your party.

You will also be responsible for outfitting your party with the best gear so they can complete missions. For those looking to play with others, there are guilds you can join and take on events together. Shop Titans definitely set itself apart as a title with something for everyone.

Advertising for Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links

Another well-known anime that also reinvented itself to keep up with today's gaming. Yu-Gi-Oh! which began as a manga, then an anime, and popular trading card game now has the game to match. In Duel Links, players can experience an immersive story that brings back some fan-favorite characters from the anime while also battling it out with other players from around the world. Of course, during all this, you will have to build the best deck you can.

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Avid duelists can also take on matches with friends and even legendary duelists from the anime. There are also missions and time-limited events and the never-ending quest to get the best cards you can. It's also available on mobile so players can take the game with them wherever they go.

5 Honkai Impact 3

character with ability active stood on a bridge

If you love Genshin Impact, you most likely will love Honkai Impact 3 as well, since they are both from the same company. While the art style can seem cute at times don't that fool you. You play as the Captain responsible for training Valkyries who are the most fearsome warriors. Cute on the outside but they all harness the power of chaos to defeat their enemies.

Fight alongside them against their greatest threat: Honkai which seeks to destroy all of humanity. This open-world RPG is quite vast in nature and is great to add to your RPG library, if you like playing miHOYO's recent smash, Genshin Impact. Even though it debuted in 2016 the game is still receiving regular updates. It also features a great selection of customization options for your Valkyries plus other neat features.

4 Shadowverse

art of a bunch of characters all stood together

Another treat for TCG fans comes in the form of Shadowverse but is different from Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links. It also ended up having an anime series that recently debuted on TV Tokyo from April 7, 2020, to March 23, 2021, spanning 48 episodes.

What sets it apart from other TCGs is the "Evolve" mechanic players can utilize during matches to give any cards currently played bonus stats and effects. The title includes over 400 cards to choose from and use during your matches. For players looking for something unique and different from Hearthstone or Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links consider checking this one out.

3 Mabinogi

close up of character stood by title of game

Another simulation title that allows for total freedom for the player. In Mabinogi, it is literally all about you living out your fantasy life in what has been described as "the world's most expressive MMORPG" and it certainly is that. Utilizing its "Rebirth" system your character can really be anything. From customizing your avatar to even your homestead, there is a lot to like about Mabinogi besides its art style.

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Make sure to join the millions of other players in a welcoming community through guilds to also participate in time-limited events. If you like games that take you back to simpler times, but one that also gives you the greatest customization options, this is one title to immerse yourself in.

2 Pokemon Unite

pokemon unite artwork

If League of Legends and other MOBAs were not your thing, the introduction of Pokemon Unite could change that. Not only is it great to play on the go but the customization options, events, and rewards make it a truly unique title in the popular franchise. While it may have its drawbacks such as the Battle Pass and other "pay to win" features, many fans are diving in, constantly streaming and battling friends.

The expanding roster of Pokemon you can utilize in your unite battles continues to expand with options for trainers to find the best style that suits their play needs. Whether that's being a supporter, defender, healer, or going straight into battle, there truly is something for every player to get good at.

1 Genshin Impact

characters all together in water with rainbow in background

MiHOYO did it again with another smash hit that is Genshin Impact. This truly cute action-adventure RPG has truly grown in popularity over the past year and shows no signs of stopping any time soon. It starts off with a story where are you are trying to reunite with your missing sibling. Players will journey across seven sprawling nations while also harnessing the power of the gods who reside in this world.

The visuals are truly gorgeous and you have the option to play either single-player or with friends across multiple platforms. The recent massive updates and crossover events always keep the game feeling fresh and exciting. Genshin Impact continues to be a massive force in the MMORPG community and shows no signs of slowing down.

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