At the turn of the century, massively multiplayer online games were few and rudimentary, appealing to a niche group of "hardcore" players who were accustomed to LAN parties and tabletop gaming sessions that involved a lot of math. Today the MMO is massive, and there are so many games to choose from it can be tough for a beginner to know what game is the best for them.

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The easiest place to start would be to pick your favorite genre, and the market is so vast these days virtually everything is available for all platforms and income levels. There's science fiction, post-apocalyptic, and JRPG, although the fantasy genre still dominates much of the MMORPG landscape. For those of you that are on a quest to join the online multiplayer scene and need some hints, here are a few helpful suggestions

8 Old School Runescape

Old School Runescape Screenshot

Runescape is one of the oldest MMORPGs that's still up and running, and these days you can choose between vintage and modern incarnations. Any version of Runescape will do, really, but this one has the best mix of old-timey RPG charm and modern convenience.

New players will appreciate that it works on tablets, laptops, and phones these days, and since the game was always of the browser-based variety, the evolution to smaller devices feels like a natural step.

7 Fortnite

Fortnite with Marvel heroes aligned on hill

The fantasy genre isn't for everyone, and although it dominates the market, it's not the only game in town. Fortnite is part of the first-person shooter (FPS) family of games and it's set in a cutting-edge modern world with a science-fiction aesthetic. Many of the choices on this list are more on the vintage side, but this is not one of those.

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Released in 2017, this game is one of the more modern on the list and is available on MacOS, Android, and Windows. You might want to do some research if you're running a console, however, as some Fortnite modes are only available on certain platforms, though Battle Royale is available on most of them.

6 Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 - In-Game screenshot of a players wearing Elonian Elementalist Armour

A nice mix of classic western fantasy and modern storytelling with grit, Guild Wars 2 is also part of a franchise that started with stand-alone RPGs. Some of the features from those classic games still survive in the MMO version, most notably the character-driven storyline, which makes this game a nice bridge for new players.

The setting is the world of Tyria, which is consistent throughout the series, and your ultimate quest is to defend the world from a legion of Lovecraftian dragons. It's just as cool and exciting as it sounds.

5 Star Wars The Old Republic

A team of Jedis and Bounty Hunters in Star Wars: The Old Republic

If you're a Star Wars fan, or just love space opera in general, your hunt for the perfect MMO is over. Everyone knows something about the lore of this franchise even if they aren't a fan, so you've got a head-start on what to expect.

Play a Jedi Knight, a Smuggler, or a Sith Lord — just to name a few of the cinematic Easter eggs that will hook new players. The character progression includes a class-specific storyline, complete with dialogue and cinematics that let you choose your moral alignment. You'll earn experience through quests and PvP challenges.

4 EVE Online

Eve Online Hyperion Wormhole (Navigation)

EVE Online is one of those underrated MMOs that flies under the radar, but this game is a 17-year success story that still enjoys the attention of a vibrant community and a dedicated team of programmers. Players can visit and explore thousands of star systems and partake in trading, crafting, and piracy as they do so.

This game is for more ambitious players that want to experience an MMO on a massive scale. Just as an example, one of the biggest PvP events in gaming history took place in EVE Online. It was dubbed the Bloodbath of B-R5RB, and it was a battle involving thousands of players that took 21 hours to complete.

3 Neverwinter

neverwinter dnd

If you're looking for a digital version of your favorite Dungeons & Dragons gaming module, one developed using the rules of a table-top role-playing game (TTRPG) is the ideal choice. Neverwinter is one of many video games that not only uses D&D mechanics but also the setting and a module from the Dungeon Master's resource library.

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Modern MMORPGs owe a lot to these classic dice and pencil games, so players looking for an MMO with the same digital ancestors or that just appreciate history should try it. Not only is this a great way for a tabletop gamer to get into both video games and MMOs, it can also bring a digital gamer into the world of tabletop adventures.

2 Black Desert

sitting with a black lion/ calling lightning for a battle

First and foremost, it's gorgeous, so if you want to be impressed by graphics, Black Desert is a nice introduction to the world of MMOs. The design is realistic to the point of looking like photography, and that includes armor and clothing — a stark contrast to the "cartoony" look often associated with MMOs.

Players looking for an MMO that has a fantasy setting but is more grounded with realistic looks and game mechanics would appreciate Black Desert. A subscription fee is required, although a 14-day trial is available.

1 Elder Scrolls Online

Fighting an emey with a companion

There are very few franchises that started in the 20th century as stand-alone PC games that successfully evolved into modern MMORPGs. One stands out as a survivor, and the lore and history surrounding these games can make it great or awful for a beginner, depending on their taste.

Elder Scrolls Online is the MMO version of the Elder Scrolls franchise that includes games like Oblivion, Skyrim, and Morrowind. What makes this game ideal for new players is that it's so easy to customize your experience. Elder Scrolls Online can be as simple or sophisticated as you want, and although the franchise is traditionally connected to PCs, console gamers have been in on the fun for years.

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