There are a lot of free-to-play MMORPGs out there. So many, in fact, that it can be daunting to go through them all. Sometimes, it can be hard to find a few that are worth your time. This list is a number of titles for gamers to check out and play throughout 2015, with a good variety for different tastes. While the titles on this list are free-to-play, there is the option to spend money if you feel like it, though these games can be enjoyed without spending a penny. With that being said, here is a list of games that can hopefully take up a good chunk of your time in 2015.
Want some intense tank on tank action? Then World of Tanks is for you. An action MMO, World of Tanks gives players control of various types of artillery and sets them against each other in large maps. Players are able to choose from over 200 different armored vehicles from various countries, with different classes of tanks to pilot. Players are also able to form clans and participate in the game’s Clan Wars, where groups compete for territory, gold, and other various rewards. World of Tanks focuses on PvP, and also has a Xbox 360 version for all those console players.
Aion is probably one of the prettiest MMORPGs on this list. While great looks can be nice, what really matters is gameplay. Fortunately, Aion delivers on that. The combat is reminiscent of other top MMORPGs, but is still solid and fun. One of the things that separates Aion from others, however, is the fact that players are able to take flight, which can play a role in both combat and traveling. Like a couple of other games on the list, Aion was subscription based, and switched over to a free-to-play model. Despite this, the game has a lot of content to offer, and those who do not purchase a subscription are not left out when it comes to content. Aion is a great traditional MMORPG with a lot to offer.
Want to be a superhero? If yes, then DC Universe Online is for you. In this MMORPG, players create their own superhero or supervillain, and are set loose in some of DC Comics’ well known locales, such as Gotham City and Metropolis. After creating their character, players choose a mentor from a number of heroes and villains, such as Batman, Joker, Superman, and Lex Luthor. Rather than just normal classes, gamers will instead choose a set of superpowers, which helps determine what role a character will play. DC Universe Online offers great combat and action, diverse play styles, and great set pieces as you fight alongside some of DC’s finest. And it feels great to soar through the sky as a superhero.
EverQuest II has been around for a decade. For a single game to be around for that long says something. Ten years and eleven expansions later, EverQuest II is still going strong. While the game was not originally free-to-play, the model seems to work, as players still delve into the world of Norrath. This is a great time to jump on; there is a wealth of content to experience, even for those who choose not to go for the paid tiers. The MMORPG offers thousands of quests and hundreds of environments to explore, and a pretty decent level cap. If players want to play it safe and pick a MMORPG that is already set in a deep foundation for 2015, then EverQuest II might be the best choice.
I have to clear the air on this one. Star Wars: The Old Republic goes by a free-to-play/subscription model, with the free players having restrictions placed on them. Regardless, there is a lot of great content to experience here. Players are able to choose from a variety of classes, including bounty hunters, smugglers, Jedi, and Sith. Perhaps the biggest draw is the story-based gameplay. Each class has a full-voiced narrative, adding up to hundreds of hours all together. While The Old Republic did not reinvent the MMORPG, it is still satisfying to slice through droids with a double-edged lightsaber. If you love Star Wars, then there is a good chance that you will enjoy this game.
Many MMORPGs try to separate themselves from the crowd. Few titles do this better than Maple Story. While most of the titles on this list are 3D, Maple Story is instead a 2D platformer that takes place in the “Maple World.” The game features a cute anime-inspired art style, with enemies so cute you almost feel bad for killing them. Maple Story features a level cap of 250, and has an interesting storyline that holds today despite the fact that the game released in 2005. Though 2D, players are still able to chat and trade with one another, and there is PvP. If you want a MMORPG that is worlds different than anything else on the market right now, then Maple Story just might be your cup of tea.
Another licensed MMORPG, Lord of the Rings Online was also originally a subscription based game. Now, it is one of the better free MMORPGs out there. Set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world, Lord of the Rings Online takes place at around the same time as the books and movies. The game features a wealth of content, as a number of patches and expansions have been released since the game first launched in 2007. The game features both PvE and PvP gameplay. In Lord of the Rings Online, players are able to participate in a PvP mode called “Monster Play,” where gamers are able to play as Sauron’s minions. Overall, Lord of the Rings Online is a great fantasy MMORPG, and is a treat for fans of Middle-earth enthusiasts.
Vindictus is an action MMORPG that released in 2010. The game’s combat plays out like a hack-and-slash action game, featuring real-time combat and epic enemies. Other than this, Vindictus has everything else that gamers expect from a MMORPG. The game features a number of classes, and a wealth of customization options to help give characters unique looks. Running on Valve’s Source engine, Vindictus looks great, and has great voice acting as well. The game does follow an episodic format, with new episodes releasing every six months. Those looking for fast-paced action with the deep mechanics of a MMORPG should check out Vindictus.
Allods Online is a MMORPG that mixes fantasy with science fiction. The game features everything that you could expect from a MMORPG, including quests and dungeons. One thing that sets Allods Online apart from the rest of the crowd however is the fact that players are able to build ships. This allows players to sail around a space called the Astral, and allows them to battle each other and find areas in the game that cannot be reached by other means. The game offers open PvP in any area of the game through a flagging system, and the ability to participate in large-scale PvP activities.
A 2.5-dimensional title, Elsword is an action MMORPG. The game features fast-paced combat and an anime art style. The game offers many characters that act as classes, with a variety of play styles to choose from. This includes fighters, mages, and ranged classes. These classes can branch down different paths, and offer various skills. Elsword’s combo system works similar to the Dynasty Warriors series, allowing players to chain together strings of attacks to form different combos. While Elsword does provide strong PvE content, the game also features PvP for those that want to go head to head with other players. Here, players can go one on one, but are also able to form small teams to fight each other. Those that love quick combos and an Asian flare should check out Elsword.