Although a huge chunk of the MMO market has shifted in the direction of mobile devices, there’s still a healthy supply of new PC titles this y ear. Our guide will provide you with a list of the 10 best MMOs of 2023, including quick links to their official pages.
Top 10 Best MMOs of 2023 Worth Playing
10. Dragonheir: Silent Gods
Nobody expected this year to deliver a solid MMORPG experience in the shape of a new IP, but here we are in 2023, looking at one of the most exciting new MMOs in years. Sure, Dragonheir: Silent Gods isn’t perfect, but it delivers innovative semi-real-time combat with a strong focus on strategy and positioning. The story is deep and engaging, with a couple of hundred unique characters that will satisfy the needs of any MMORPG enthusiast.
I like how the game utilizes dice-based gameplay and provides a ton of questlines and non-linear missions. It’s possible that not all players will enjoy the combat system at first, but once you get a grip on it, I’m sure you’ll love it. On top of that, the game now offers crossover content with the Dungeons & Dragons franchise, so that’s definitely something to get excited about.
9. BattleBit Remastered
If the low-ply graphics don’t put you off, then you’re in for a treat, as BattleBit Remastered is by far one of the best action MMOs of 2023. The gameplay has often been compared to Battlefield 2042, but there’s actually so much more to it. There’s a hefty amount of weapons, vehicles, and various-sized maps that players can try in different modes. But most importantly, it’s a squad-based experience that prioritizes teamplay over anything else.
The game has quickly gained a massive following, and the low PC requirements definitely played a huge part in that. But it’s a really exciting game with a strong focus on destructible environments and gunplay. At the end of the day, BattleBit Remastered isn’t as fancy as the Battlefield franchise, but it’s not that far either.
8. ARK: Survival Ascended
The ARK survival MMO is back in 2023, and it’s prettier than ever! Ark: Survival Ascended runs on the new Unreal Engine 5, which makes the game look absolutely amazing. Of course, it’s quite demanding when it comes to hardware requirements, but smartly adjusted graphics settings will make it work just fine. The game also utilizes the latest Lumen Global Illumination system, which makes everything look astonishingly realistic.
I wasn’t too happy with the absence of some of the maps from Ark: Survival Evolved, but it has the new Survival of the Fittest mode, which is highly engaging. Hopefully, the developer will keep optimizing the game so it doesn’t run into too many bugs in the future. And also, let’s cross fingers that some of those maps do return in 2024, as expected.
7. Wayfinder
Wayfinder is one of those action MMO games that generates significant hype at launch but quickly loses its steam. It doesn’t have nearly the same number of players as ARK or BattleBit, but it’s still one of the most interesting multiplayer games of the year. It can be easily compared to Destiny and Warframe, but it’s still in the early stages of development, so there’s not as much content, but there’s definitely huge potential. If you’re interested in the development process and the game’s roadmap, then be sure to visit the game’s official Trello board.
6. Throne and Liberty
An MMORPG without loot boxes and the gacha system? Is this even possible in this day and age? Well, it looks like that’s exactly what Throne and Liberty offers. The developer of Lineage and Guild Wars introduces a new type of MMO game where players can create their own stories. It definitely sounds unusual but extremely exciting, taking into account the massive experience of NCSOFT. Currently, the game has launched only in South Korea, but if you can’t wait to play it, then you can always use the VPN services.
5. Blue Protocol
Anime-inspired MMOs aren’t exclusive to Asian markets. Blue Protocol generated enough traction this year that Amazon Games became an official distributor of the game in the global market. It’s a pure action-packed combat-based MMORPG with excellent design, similar to titles like Genshin Impact and Honkai: Star Rail. But it’s not devoid of problems, including a harsh monetization system that’s been awfully criticized all over the board.
4. New World: Rise of the Angry Earth
New World has been in dire need of progression changes and PvP improvements. Fortunately, the latest Rise of the Angry Earth expansion addressed most of those issues and even added mounts and a revamped combat system. If you’ve been playing New World but left the game due to these problems, then be sure to check out Rise of the Angry Earth, as it really delivers on the promises. The results are evident, as the player count has drastically increased this year, even after some of the servers merged.
3. Palia
If you’re getting tired of the same violence-based MMO experience and simply want to relax in the comfort of the lush, open world full of magic, this one’s for you. Many players consider Palia more of a community simulator than a classic MMORPG, which may surprise some of you, as that’s exactly how the game was promoted in the first place. But you’ll be happy to hear that the monetization aspect is reduced to its minimum, as the game really tries to create the most welcoming atmosphere for all the players.
2. The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom
The seventh expansion for The Elder Scrolls Online, titled “Necrom,” has three huge additions: a new Arcanist class, a new Apocrypha zone, and a fantastic plot twist at the end of the Necrom storyline. This new chapter in the Elder Scrolls saga is truly worthy of your time, as there’s not a single dull moment in it, which is such a rarity these days in the MMO market. Although this expansion hasn’t been able to bring back those numbers of players as during the “Greymoore” days, when it had over 50,000 daily players, everything indicates that the current player count keeps the game well and alive.
1. Eden Eternal: Seikyou Densetsu
Look who’s back! It’s the classic re-release of Eden Eternal! This classic anime-styled MMO from some 10-odd years ago has been revamped by X-Legend Entertainment for a whole new generation of players. The original servers, owned by Gamigo, were shut down back in 2021, but now we see the return of one of the cutest MMOs on the market, and it’s still free-to-play, although the NFT system has been introduced just recently.
If you’re totally new to this game, then think of it as Dragon Nest, but instead of dragons, you tame and ride the most adorable alpacas. You need to feed and take care of them, which transforms them and makes them stronger. If such gameplay appeals to you, then be sure to check out Eden Eternal on Steam.
That’s it for my list of the 10 best MMOs of 2023. Stay tuned for more MMO game reviews and top lists right here at GameSkinny.
