More than many other MMOs, this is one that will try to draw you into a second life. As a Korean MMO, it does place a heavy emphasis on grinding, but for anyone looking for in-depth profession and crafting systems, it's a contender. What's the payment structure? Buy-to-play Runescapeīlack Desert Online certainly isn't one of the more accessible games on this list, but it's one that you may find it worth investing some time into. Here you'll find the traditional Elder Scrolls viewpoint and combat but it’s all neatly tied in with those traditional MMO features like looting, crafting systems and PvP and PvE missions. Despite being one of the most modern and recent MMOs to hit the market, Elder Scrolls Online has really picked up traction, which is undoubtedly helped by being in a recognizable universe that many wish to return to.Īfter the success of Morrowind, Elder Scrolls Online has had several DLC updates including Summerset, Wolfhunter and Murkmire. But since dropping its subscription fees for a buy-to-play model, perception has dramatically improved. Like Final Fantasy XIV, this is a game that struggled initially. It's been a while since the last mainline Elder Scrolls release, and we're pretty sure it'll be a while until The Elder Scrolls 6 will be here, so if you're a fan looking to breathe fresh life into Tamriel, Elder Scrolls Online is an excellent option. What's the payment model? Free-to-play, with purchasable DLC and optional subscription The Elder Scrolls Online
You can fine the base game for free on the official site or Steam. Even better for Tolkien fans: the storylines follow in line with the books. Though the game is free-to-play, there are expansions available for purchase which add to the game's story and introduce new items and mechanics. Overall, it's a pretty standard MMORPG in terms of mechanics, but its setting really helps it stand out. You can expect to find the usual World of Warcraft style of questing here, alongside crafting mechanics and the ability to purchase and set up a home. You get to choose between being a Human, Elf, Dwarf or Hobbit before you drop into Middle-earth and explore the locations you know and love with an intimacy that no other Lord of the Rings game has allowed. Sure, Frodo's adventure was thrilling, but we all know we could have one equally as exciting if we had the chance. Few fictional worlds are as perfect for the MMO treatment as Tolkein's Middle-earth.