The best free MMORPGs

Like SWTOR, the world surrounding that of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth has been one hugely solidified in popular culture thanks to Peter Jackson’s feature-length films. Fortunately, Lord of the Rings Online contains a wealth of content from Tolkien’s work, stuff that Jackson’s films never touched, and its cartoonish visuals color the rich environments of Middle Earth. The places you’ll visit are as diverse and eclectic as they are in the various books, ranging from snow-capped peaks to rolling hills, and the creation tools allow players to tackle the story as a hobbit, human, dwarf, or elf. Classes are as equally diverse, ranging from burglar and hunter to lore-keeper and guardian, but the selection is specific to your race. With multiple expansions out the door, the game has undergone substantial changes since its initial release in 2007, yet the core mechanics and gameplay remain roughly the same. The storyline is still epic, driving players through familiar spaces filled with recognizable figures from both the books and films, and the overall narrative gives otherwise bland quests substantial, contextual weight. Character progression and PvP combat are limited, but additional elements like deeds and Monster Play —  which essentially allows you to play in the role of one of Sauron’s minions — add greater depth to the game’s seemingly straightforward approach. LOTRO is often dubbed a World of Warcraft rip-off, and perhaps it is in many ways, but it’s a hard argument to make when so much of the latter MMORPG was likely inspired by the immersive world of the former.

Developer Cryptic Studios combined the simplicity and combat-focused gameplay of Diablo with a more traditional fantasy setting to create Neverwinter, based on lore from the Dungeons & Dragons universe. The combat system utilizes a computerized version of D&D’s 4th Edition by rolling imaginary dice to determine hits, misses, and damage dealt. The game, initially released in 2013 for PC but is also available on consoles, features robust PvE and PvP experiences. Though Neverwinter assumes a linear approach, the fluid, Darksiders-esque combat feels fresh, whereas the game’s aversion to social interaction and traditional RPG elements feels less oppressive. Though the game’s performance can tank if you’re in high-level zones on a console or a low-end PC, the game features excellent spell effects and sound design, two underrated aspects of fantasy games that can make or break your immersion in the experience. However, some of the game’s systems, such as its lack of communication channels and an insanely expensive in-game store, seem poorly executed. Even with those faults, though, Neverwinter is a fast-paced game that provides a different feel relative to most of the MMOs on our list.

Star Trek Online has been around for over a decade, and it’s still going strong. Over the past 15 years, developer Cryptic Studios has continually updated the game with new content. Now, there are over 160 episodes to play through featuring multiple story arcs. Star Trek Online is a must-play for any fan of the series. However, it’s also a great way to get into Star Trek if you’ve been sleeping under a rock since 1966. Thankfully, Star Trek Online isn’t a case of a subpar developer scoring a deal on the Star Trek license. With over 100 locations unique to Star Trek and voice actors from the TV show, Star Trek Online is fan service at its finest. The game doesn’t skip RPG mechanics, either. You get to captain a ship you designed, either as one of the species from the show or one you make up on your own. You can download the game for free on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox.

Albion Online stayed a bit of an outliner since its release in 2017, but it has evolved since then. Many paid the developers to get early access with a F2P release. Then the devs abandoned those F2P plans before the launch and opened up the game to the non-paying public in April 2019. Albion Online has visual effects that may remind you of Runescape. We will make the upfront disclaimer that Albion Online is not a roleplaying game that accurately portrays real-world people and experiences. Instead, the game channels Runescape‘s more traditional model. You get a revival of diehard MMO elements, and the gritty MMO method here is about the players themselves. You’re either gathering materials, working lands, or using materials from others to battle over territory. An interesting side note of this game is that all equipment, structures, and everyday items are creations of past players. You have limitless possibilities for journeys upon which to embark due to Albion Online’s classless system. You’ll find yourself spending hours exploring this game’s countless paths, and you won’t regret it either because you won’t find a more original MMORPG out there.