The best MMORPGs to play in 2022

William Davis Published 13/08/2022

Most gamers are never at a loss for what to play, but MMORPG fans have far fewer options. Players have to commit hundreds of hours to reach the true content of an MMO, and the massive amount of systems often involves a long learning period. MMOs also tend to make the biggest promises of any game genre, but not all of them come true. If you’re looking for a new massive multiplayer game to enjoy, here are the five best MMORPGs to play in 2022.

Classic RPG fans can try Elder Scrolls Online

Elder Scrolls Online is one of very few Western MMORPGs to find success in 2022. Anyone who enjoys Skyrim or older Elder Scrolls games will feel familiar with the systems. Developer ZeniMax keeps players engaged by delivering massive expansions and content updates yearly. ESO also hosts events to keep players engaged.

ESO also has a scaled system of leveling. This means that players do not have to level up to explore different areas on the map. They get to choose the quests and areas they prefer to conquer, which makes exploration a big part of the game. Each of the several expansions are thrilling and provide different ways of playing the game.

Available on consoles
Six PvE expansions
Familiar Elder Scrolls systems
Constant updates

World of WarCraft is still 2022’s best MMO for content

When it comes to MMORPGs, all gamers know that World of WarCraft is the king of the genre. With content spanning from 2004 to 2022, very few MMOs can hold a candle to WoW’s insane amount of content. It’s also the most popular MMORPG by a significant margin.

MMORPGs are some of the most ambitious video games capable of entertaining players for hours on end. They do take a lot of time however, and if you are more interested in wagering than in grinding away at online titles, there are always options like an online casino. Gamers have a variety of options available to them, no matter what their particular interest is.

World of WarCraft covers all the basics from player-versus-player battles, raiding, dungeons, to exploring a fascinating universe. There are several alternate game modes inside of WoW too, from puzzles to platforming and even an entire roguelite built within the game. The game also has World Quests that permit you to accomplish meaningful things even when you only have 20 minutes to spare.

Most content
Eight expansion packs
Gigantic community
Lots of alternate game modes

Lost Ark is taking the MMORPG world by storm

Korean hit MMO Lost Ark is a rising star in the gaming world, attracting millions of players after its recent global release. Once players pick a character, they are able to test out different classes with high-level armor and abilities. This is one of many new features designed to help newer players.

Lost Ark pays special attention to its wide cast of characters and the stories unfolding between them. The vast number of plot twists keeps things interesting as players discover new areas, mechanics, enemies, and traps. Lost Ark is also free to play, giving it a very low barrier to entry.

Beginner-friendly
Free-to-play
Massive playerbase
Story focus

Black Desert Online is the best-looking 2022 MMORPG

In addition to impressive gameplay, Black Desert Online has the best MMORPG visuals and graphics available in 2022. You can farm, cook, fish, sail, and hunt all throughout the beautiful open world. The combat system in BDO is another prominent feature. The game uses a more involved action combat system more similar to Dark Souls than World of Warcraft.

Furthermore, there are over 20 different classes to pick from, implying that the title offers a lot of replay value. Black Desert Online developer Pearl Abyss is constantly churning out new content while maintaining the game’s high graphical standard.

Available on consoles
Three expansions
Beautiful graphics
Action combat

Players who haven’t gotten into Final Fantasy XIV have missed out on plenty of fun, but there’s still more waiting for newer players. Square Enix’s MMORPG currently has four expansions with more on the horizon, so there’s plenty of content for newbies to get through. The game also features a ton of freedom with clases, as players can switch jobs whenever they want.

Unlike most MMORPGs, Final Fantasy XIV is a buy-to-play game that also requires a subscription fee. Players on the fence can benefit from a free trial up to level 60, which is just 30 below the current cap. The anime aesthetic looks great from up close and at a distance, and the developers are very involved with the community.