Ultimate Guide: Choosing Your First MMORPG in 2025

We share the best methods for choosing your first MMORPG in the year 2025, with options based on your playstyle!

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) are complex ongoing social interaction open-world games that feature thousands if not millions of players sharing the same universe. In MMORPGs, players socially interact with each other, compete in PvE and PvP, and progress their characters. However, they take many hours if not years of progression and dedication. Thus, picking the right MMORPG based on your playstyle, time commitment, and lifestyle is critical. In this post, we walk you through how to choose the right MMORPG for you in the year 2025.

Table of Contents

What Makes a Great MMORPG?

What makes a great MMORPG is the community, the people playing and interacting in the game. The two basic elements that attract people to MMORPGs are progression and socialization. Unlike RPGs, MMORPGs are constantly online and require you to engage with other players. Similar to RPGs, MMOs have a progression system that features character advancements. Most MMORPGs are live service games, meaning they can go on indefinitely depending on the developer’s interest. Thus, you get a constant influx of new content (progression), and new players joining various games.

Great MMORPGs stick around. They have a strong cohesive player base that is dedicated to the game, but more importantly each other. Players can find progression in cell phone games, but finding a tight nit group, with comradery, and shared interest, that’s what makes MMORPGs magical in the landscape of gaming.

Essential Factors to Considering MMORPGs in 2025

Ultimately, you should rank your priorities as a gamer before considering an MMORPG. Here are some things to consider before jumping into the various list for MMORPGs in the market in 2025, there are some important things to consider.

Catch Up Mechanic: MMORPGs are super complex with games lasting 20+ years. So jumping into a game as a fresh level 1, don’t expect to catch up to max level and max power right away. Research, based on your time and lifestyle, how long will it take you to catch up to the end game? Some players aren’t concerned, but if power and competition are what you want, this will be a limiting factor.

Time Commitment & Progression: How much time do you have to game? MMORPGs are some of the most biggest time sinks in gaming, however, some are very casual and can go at your own pace. Don’t pick an MMORPG that is meant for hardcore players with constant online lifestyles.

Casual vs. Hardcore: Are you a casual player who just wants to craft, do questing, and decorate your in-game house? Then don’t pick an MMORPG centered on PvP with full loot, you will regret spending in time in that game. Moreover, if you love competition and showing how great you are at video games, do not pick a casual game that doesn’t have a leaderboard. No one will know how great you are without a way to share it!

Other Factors to Consider

PvE or PvP: Most MMORPGs have both player vs. player and player vs. environment, but almost ALL lean towards one over the other. Moreover, investigate if the PvE and PvP gear, skills, and other factors are separate. When blended together, it can cause problems with balancing.

Types of Progression: progression in MMORPGs isn’t limited to level and gear score. Many games have alternative form of progressions like collectibles, cosmetics, housing, crafting, etc. Find a game that fits your type of progression.

Cost and Monetization: consider what it’s going to cost, and if there are monetization traps within the game. People (like myself), who are impulsive can struggle with “Free-2-Play” games that create a problem and sell you a solution. If you struggle and want instant gratification, avoid these games or your wallet will be in trouble.

Active player base: what’s the game’s player base trending towards? MMORPGs are in constant flux because of yearly content cycles. However, you want to make sure the valleys (lowest point in the year), aren’t a complete ghost town. That way every time you log in, something is going on and somewhat to play with.

Playstyle: Another important question to ask yourself is, what do you enjoy in games? You need to pick a game that gives you what you want, exploration, questing, lore, combat, etc.

Best MMORPGs for Beginners in 2025

Below are best choices for first time beginners in MMORPGs in the year 2025:

The Elder Scrolls Online: casual, cheap, tons to explore, and many systems to enjoy.
Guild Wars 2: cheapest with action-oriented combat, good community, and easy to catch up.
Star Wars: The Old Republic: the best story-driven MMORPG and the most solo friendly.
Final Fantasy XIV: Blending casual and hardcore, Final Fantasy gives you a JRPG take on the MMORPG genre.
World of Warcraft (Retail): The most popular and thriving MMORPG of all time, still has a place for new players.

1. The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)

With near-endless lore, story, and questing, the Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) remains the best MMORPG for beginners. Players have the freedom to explore anywhere they want, just like a traditional TES game. As the game has hit 11 years, the sheer volume of voice acting, quests, systems, and open world is staggering. ESO blends the best of traditional open-world RPG with a social MMORPG feel.

Pros:

Solo-Friendly – You can play the entire game alone, including story quests and world events.
Flexible Progression – you can change playstyles by swapping weapons and skills.
Massive Open World – Explore Tamriel with no level restrictions on zones.
Regular Expansions & Updates – New content every year keeps the game fresh.
Fast-Paced Combat – The best Action-oriented combat on the market!

Cons:

Performance Issues – PvP and large events can be laggy, even on good hardware.
Heavy Monetization – Lots of content locked behind DLC and an optional subscription.
No Cross-Play – You won’t be able to group up with Xbox, PSN, or PC players, you’ll be isolated on your servers.
Player Base – This isn’t going to be as active as other MMORPGs and it’s aging.

2. Guild Wars 2 (GW2)

With its fast-paced action combat, dynamic events, and level-scaling system, Guild Wars 2 is one of the most accessible and innovative MMORPGs on the market. Perfect for players who enjoy exploration, cooperative gameplay, and a world that constantly evolves without requiring a traditional quest grind. Moreover, is the rare MMORPG that is free to play without a ton of monetization traps.

Pros:

No Monthly Subscription – The base game is free, and expansions are buy-to-play.
Action-Packed Combat – A dodge-based, fluid movement system makes fights engaging.
Exploration Rewarded – You gain XP from simply exploring the world, not just grinding quests.
Dynamic Events – No traditional quest hubs, making the world feel alive.
Flexible Level Scaling – Can play with friends at any level without feeling underpowered.

Cons:

Endgame Can Feel Aimless – Lacks traditional raiding structure found in other MMOs.
Story Presentation is Weak – Cutscenes and dialogue can feel outdated.
Difficult to Master Professions – Some class mechanics are very complex.
Sparse PvE Gear Progression – No power creep means little reason to chase better gear.

3. Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR)

A narrative-driven MMORPG set in the Star Wars universe, SWTOR offers players the chance to become Jedi, Sith, Bounty Hunters, and more, shaping their story with fully voiced dialogue and moral choices. Fans of Bioware RPGs will love its engaging class stories and cinematic storytelling. No other game allows casual players or solo players to enjoy almost all aspects of the game!

Pros:

Incredible Storytelling – Every class has its own full-length Star Wars story.
Strong Solo Experience – You can complete most of the game without a group.
Choices Matter – Decisions impact your character’s morality and story progression.
Companions Help in Combat – You always have an AI companion to support you.
Free-to-Play Option – Can play a lot before needing to subscribe.

Cons:

Clunky Combat – Feels dated compared to modern action MMORPGs.
Restrictive Free-to-Play Model – Many features are locked behind a subscription.
Outdated Graphics – The game is showing its age.
Limited Open-World Feel – Maps are more linear than true open-world MMOs.
Too Solo Friend – Almost forced solo or lack of players and population.

4. Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV)

Blending hardcore PvE and storytelling, Final Fantasy XIV is renowned for its incredible story, deep class system, and highly polished gameplay. Players who love the JRPG format but want to enjoy them with other players will love Final Fantasy Online.

Pros:

Great Story – Deep, emotional narrative that rivals single-player RPGs.
Flexible Class System – One character can play every class, reducing alt grinding.
Incredibly Welcoming Community – New players are treated well, with many support systems.
Varied PvE Content – Raids, dungeons, casual activities, and crafting are all meaningful.
Excellent Controller Support – Play seamlessly on PC, PlayStation, and soon Xbox.

Cons:

Slow Start – The early game can feel dull, and ARR’s story is long-winded.
Limited PvP Content – PvP exists, but it’s not the game’s focus.
Mandatory Story to Unlock Content – You can’t skip the main questline to jump into expansions.
Subscription Required – No free-to-play option beyond the limited free trial.

5. World of Warcraft (Retail & Classic)

The most successful, largest, and possibly best MMORPG of all time is World of Warcraft. The sheer volume and variety of content is staggering. This is a game you can sink your teeth into for years without worrying it will go away. However, expect a long climb to catch up.

Pros (Retail WoW):

Polished and Beginner-Friendly – Smoothest MMO experience with tons of quality-of-life features.
Tons of Content – Nearly 20 years of expansions, dungeons, and raids.
Fast Leveling – You can hit max level quickly with streamlined progression.
Huge Community – Always players to group with, trade, and interact.

Cons (Retail WoW):

Endgame is a Gear Treadmill – Constantly chasing better gear with little long-term reward.
Story Feels Disjointed – Lore has become a mess over the years.
Monetization & Boosting – WoW tokens allow real-money transactions for in-game gold.
Graphics – the graphics are completely dated and hard to look at.

Best MMORPGs for Hardcore Players in 2025

Below are the best choices for first-time hardcore players in MMORPGs in 2025:

Black Desert Online: best graphics, amazing combat, without a level cap, the ultimate hardcore grindy game.
EVE Online: Sandbow player-driven MMORPG.
Albion Online: Full loot PvP, super high stakes.
New World: Aeternum: Large guild vs. guild battles that can control the world!
Throne and Liberty: PvP Focused with an emphasis on guilds similar to New World.

Black Desert Online (BDO)

If you love to grind, then BDO is for you. It has some of the best graphics and combo action-oriented combat with a good player base. However, this game is dedicated to the hardcore open-world PvP and will be a massive turn-off to casual players.

Pros:

Best Action Combat in an MMO – Fast, skill-based combat with manual aiming and combos.
Deep Character Progression – Gear enhancement system provides long-term goals.
Massive Open World – Seamless, beautiful world with sandbox mechanics.
Complex Economy & Life Skills – Trading, crafting, and resource management are viable endgame activities.
No Level Cap – Infinite grind potential for those who want to push beyond the norm.

Cons:

Brutal RNG Gear Progression – Enhancing gear is risky and can lead to setbacks.
Heavy Grind & Time Investment – Requires dedication to stay competitive.
Pay-to-Win Elements – Pearl shop offers convenience items that give advantages.
PvP Can Be Unforgiving – Open-world PvP with forced conflicts and griefing potential.

2. EVE Online

A sandbox MMO set in space, EVE Online is all about player-driven warfare, politics, and economic strategy in a galaxy where every loss has real consequences. If you enjoy complex, high-stakes gameplay and the idea of massive player alliances shaping the universe, this is the game for you.

Pros:

Most Complex MMO Economy – True player-driven market where fortunes are made and lost.
Fully Player-Controlled Universe – Empires rise and fall based on politics, war, and espionage.
High-Stakes PvP – Losing a ship means losing real assets, making fights intense.
Endless Paths to Power – Industry, piracy, faction warfare, and trading all offer deep progression.
Multi-Account & Corporation Meta – Encourages multi-boxing and large-scale coordination.

Cons:

Harsh Learning Curve – One of the hardest MMORPGs to get into.
Permanent Loss on Death – Ships, cargo, and time investment can be wiped out in seconds.
Highly Time-Dependent – Training skills happens in real-time, requiring months/years to max out.
Corporation Politics Can Be Ruthless – Betrayal, scams, and backstabbing are all part of the game.

3. Albion Online

A hardcore, full-loot PvP sandbox, Albion Online features a player-driven economy, guild-based warfare, and a classless system where your gear defines your role. If you love risk-versus-reward gameplay and a world that revolves around community-driven conflict, Albion is a must-try.

Pros:

Full Loot PvP – Death in PvP zones means losing everything, making fights meaningful.
Player-Driven Economy – Every item in the game is crafted by players.
No Pay-to-Win – Gold is tradeable, but real success comes from strategy and skill.
Classless Progression – Your gear determines your abilities, allowing for diverse builds.
Guild Wars & Territory Control – PvP is about more than just individual skill—strategy and alliances matter.

Cons:

Brutal to Solo Players – The best rewards are in dangerous zones controlled by guilds.
Repetitive Grinding – Progression requires constant farming and crafting.
Ganking is Constant – High-level zones are filled with roaming PvP groups hunting weaker players.
Guild Dominance – If you’re not in a top guild, you’ll always be at a disadvantage.

4. New World: Aeternum

With action-based combat, large-scale faction wars, and an evolving open world, New World: Aeternum is a unique blend of PvE and PvP experiences. Whether you’re crafting, fighting for territory, or diving into dungeons, it offers a fresh take on MMO progression.

Pros:

Skill-Based Action Combat – Dodge rolls, aiming, and blocking make fights rewarding.
Territory Control Matters – Guilds (Companies) can own cities and collect taxes.
No Classes – Build Your Own Playstyle – Any weapon, any role, full freedom.
Beautiful Open World – Some of the best visuals in the MMORPG genre.
PvP-Driven Content – Faction wars, outpost rush, and open-world conflicts give hardcore players a reason to fight.

Cons:

Gear-Based PvP – Combat skill matters, but gear score still plays a big role.
PvE Lacks Depth – PvE content like dungeons and raids isn’t as robust as other MMOs.
Economy Instability – Player-run economy has had major issues in the past.
Updates Have Been Hit or Miss – Major changes have led to population fluctuations.

5. Throne and Liberty

Throne and Liberty Support Tier List (PvE)

A new entry in the MMORPG space, Throne and Liberty promises large-scale PvP, strategic guild warfare, and an ever-changing environment affected by weather and events. For players looking for a fresh MMO with a focus on territory control and dynamic world mechanics, this could be a promising choice.

Pros:

Open-World Territory Warfare – Large-scale battles determine the balance of power.
Classless Character System – Customize your playstyle by combining weapons and skills.
Seamless PvE & PvP Integration – World events, dungeons, and PvP objectives are all interconnected.
Dynamic Weather & Environmental Effects – Changes in weather impact combat and world events.
Strong Guild-Based Endgame – Guilds are the key to progression, PvP dominance, and world influence.

Cons:

Unproven Long-Term Viability – New game with unclear future balance and updates.
Potential Pay-to-Win Concerns – Monetization could impact competitiveness.
Steep Learning Curve – Mastering the systems takes time and dedication.
Solo Players Will Struggle – Teamwork and organization are essential to success.

Best MMORPG Recommendations for All Players 2025

Below are our recommendations for choosing the first MMORPG in 2025:

Best for story lovers:

SWTOR
ESO
Final Fantasy XIV

The Best for PvP fans:

Albion Online
Black Desert Online
Guild Wars 2

Best for PvE fans:

WoW
Final Fantasy XIV
ESO

Best for casuals:

SWTOR
ESO

The Best for hardcore players:

EVE Online
BDO

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Thank you for reading the Choosing Your First MMORPG in 2025 article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!

Ultimate Guide: Choosing Your First MMORPG in 2025

What Makes a Great MMORPG?