Top MMORPG List

Top MMORPGs are ranked based on several factors and some are entirely objective. The deciding factors include popularity, playability, expansions, value for the monthly subscription, and community support. Pay-to-play and free MMORPGs are ranked separately.

Pay-To-Play MMORPGs

World of Warcraft

1) World of Warcraft - Game Lair
The best MMORPG yet because WoW mixes the right amount of depth and simplicity better than any other game in the history of the genre.

2) Lord of the Rings Online
One of the most popular MMORPGs that appeals to casual gamers. Plenty of solo content adds to the game's already tremendous mainstream appeal.

3) Eve Online
The best sci-fi MMORPG with player-run corporations and a thriving economy.

4) Final Fantasy XI - Game Lair
The second best fantasy MMORPG after WoW with a quality story, great game play, and large subscriber numbers.

5) Warhammer Online
Combines what World of Warcraft got right with PvP that actually feels part of the game world. Warhammer Online could end up being the best MMO for PvP on this list for years to come.

6) City of Heroes/City of Villains - Game Lair
Combined, City of Heroes and City of Villains are easily the second best MMORPG for casual gamers. With the addition of the well-balanced villain types and the use of bases, City of Villains completes the potential that fans have been craving for ever since City of Heroes launched. To top it off, hardcore gamers now also have a reason to like CoH/CoV with its ultra-quick PvP.

7) Age of Conan
Mature-themed MMO with brutal combat and large-scale warfare. Also has a single-player mode in the first phase of game where each player can wreak havoc at night alone. Has lost a lot of the steam that it once had due to primarily to changes in PVP and lack of solid PvE after level 20.

8) Dark Age of Camelot
Has usually been one the best major MMORPG for PvP combat due to its 3 realm system. Also, DAOC has remained one of the steadiest MMORPGs over the years in terms of quality. However, the game is starting to show its age and other MMOs have incorporated similar or better PvP systems.

9) The Chronicles of Spellborn
Very innovative game. TCoS features FPS-like combat, story-line driven quests including Ancestral Quests, clothes just for show, and minimal grinding.

10) Pirates of the Burning Sea
Deep game where the actions of players really matter in many areas of the game such as the economy, storylines, and PvP.

Free MMORPGs

Guild Wars

1) Guild Wars - Game Lair
Excellent MMORPG that can be bought in stores, but does not have any monthly fees. Will likely be a leader of the Free MMORPG (no subscription fees) genre for years to come.

2) RuneScape - Game Lair
Most players either love it or hate it. Continues to gain popularity with MMORPGers on a budget despite having its share of critics. RuneScape has improved its graphics considerably with the high detail (HD) version.

3) Maple Story
One of the few MMOs that looks like a console game. This game has no races but each of MS's 4 classes has their own specially-themed city.

4) Perfect World
Boasts a giant game world and less grinding due to the huge number of quests.

5) AQ Worlds
One of the better browser MMOs that is based on the same world as the popular single player RPGs by Artix Entertainment.

5) Sword of the New World
One of the most innovative MMOs in years. Players can control 3 characters at once and all the characters of a player are a family. In addition, sports some of the best looking graphics in the genre.

6) FlyFF
Fun cartoonish game with a theme that revolves around characters flying.

7) Rappelz
One of the best looking freebies with an extensive pet system.

9) Dungeon Runners
Similar game to the Diablo games, and, to a lesser extent World of Warcraft. Great game to play for a few minutes. Offers a humorous take on the genre.

10) Magic World Online
Ambitious free game with such innovative features as video chat, players being able to design and build their own houses, growing weapons, and an official in-game bot that helps with grinding.