Oldest MMORPGs That Are Still Online Today

Key Takeaways

MMORPGs can be timeless if they have a dedicated fan base and continuous developer support.
Unique gameplay mechanics and expansive worlds can keep players engaged for decades.
Older MMOs may still have a significant impact on the genre, inspiring modern titles and trends.

As a gamer who’s spent countless hours immersed in virtual worlds since the dawn of MMORPGs, I can confidently say that some games have truly stood the test of time. And among these timeless treasures, there are a few that continue to captivate us even two decades after their birth.

It’s truly disappointing when a cherished Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) shuts down, not only for the creators or financiers but also for the players. The countless hours, energy, and funds they put into the game appear to be in vain, and all those exciting quests, missions, and the rich and immersive lore that shaped the game’s world disappear forever.

A well-liked or well-constructed MMO has the potential to endure through the passing years. Many of these games were first released over twenty years ago when the genre was just beginning, yet they continue to be playable, even if only in maintenance mode. Frequently, their developers are still actively working on them, albeit sometimes voluntarily, with the aim of enhancing the player experience and adding new elements for their dedicated fanbase who remain loyal.

22 EVE Online

Corporate Greed at A Galactic Level For 21 Years

Oldest MMORPGs That Are Still Online Today

This science-fiction themed MMORPG, known as ‘EVE Online’, offers an exhilarating alternative for those who yearn to break free from conventional fantasy MMORPG environments. In this game, players assume the role of a starship captain, navigating through diverse galaxies, progressing their character and accumulating resources. Each account is allowed to establish up to three characters, with the option to pick among four distinctive races – the Amarr, Gallente, Minmatar, or Caldari.

EVE Online has consistently gained more followers since its release, with an additional surge in 2011 when they introduced a free-to-play option. The creators have continued to develop and update this classic MMORPG, frequently organizing activities for gamers.

21 Second Life

For 21 Years, The Objective Has Been Daily Life

This game, known as “Second Life,” is deeply rooted in the fashion and lifestyle trends of the ’90s. It shares some similarities with another popular game, “The Sims,” but it’s more fundamental in its design. Players can construct and customize characters, style their hair, design homes, and manage their social lives. They can form bonds with other players and traverse a game world that mirrors reality instead of fantasy.

In contrast to what some people call it, “Second Life” isn’t typically considered a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) by many, including its developers. The reason being, there’s no predefined conflict or purpose in the game. Instead, they argue that whether it qualifies as an MMO is more about personal interpretation and what the gaming community collectively defines as such.

20 Dofus

In 20 Years, This French Game Has Never Seen A Global Release

Dofus shared many features with other games of its era, featuring a high-fantasy aesthetic and RPG elements. However, what truly set it apart and perhaps contributed to its enduring form and structure was that it initially debuted in French and didn’t receive translation or localization for quite some time.

Gamers in France frequently recognize the name of this title and some aspects of the Land of Twelve lore, which is based on the 12 gods that govern this specific part of a vast media universe. Other games in this series include Dofus Arena, a competition-style adaptation of the original game, and Wakfu, a sequel released both as a game and an anime series.

19 Ultima Online

It Was All About PvP Combat 26 Years Ago

This long-standing MMO can be traced back to the classic game series “Ultima,” with its roots dating as far back as 1981. Similar to EverQuest, Ultima Online primarily emphasizes PVP combat and remains dedicated to a market that appreciates this style of play. In earlier times, before internet trolling became prevalent, it may have been simpler to engage in friendly competition.

Despite numerous expansion packs and updates being launched for the game, including a 2007 client enhancement named “Ultimate Online: Kingdom Reborn“, which enhanced the game’s visuals, the developers have consistently endeavored to preserve the authentic essence of the original game.

18 Anarchy Online

A Unique Early Title That’s 22 Years Old

Developed By: Funcom
Designer: Gaute Godager
Date Released: June 27, 2001

Launched in 2001 and maintaining its popularity to this day, one of the appeals of Anarchy Online lies in its extensive, sci-fi themed open world, a departure from the typical fantasy setting commonly found in MMOs. Not only was it among the pioneers of Massively Multiplayer Online games (MMOs), but it also broke new ground by adopting a science fiction aesthetic and first-person shooter (FPS) gameplay style, rather than the more traditional melee or magical combat.

As an enthusiast, I can tell you that unlike some games, there’s no endgame in Anarchy Online, but instead, it offers a continuous journey of character advancement. This is achieved by leveling up skills and the quest to gather a rare ore native only to this harsh planet. The beauty lies in its simplicity yet the intricate possibilities it presents, a formula that has stood the test of time for an impressive 20 years now.

17 Lineage 2

Impressive Graphics And An Immersive Storyline Since 2003

Lately, there’s been a surge in interest for the game Lineage 2 , largely due to the buzz around its 18th anniversary. Interestingly, it was launched a year earlier in Korea compared to North America, and it paved the way for the unique KRPG MMOs we see today, such as Lost Ark.

Back in its day, Lineage 2 was among the initial MMOs that hit the scene, and despite not receiving as much limelight as some of its peers, it continues to maintain a substantial following. Since 2016, the game has been free for all to enjoy, and can now be found on multiple platforms.

16 Age of Conan: Unchained

A Successful Comic Book Adaptation That Dates From 2008

Despite the waning fanbase over the past few years, the servers for Age of Conan remain active. This MMO, inspired by the timeless legend of Conan the Barbarian, immerses players into the world of Hyboria, a realm that embodies traditional fantasy elements. With an action-oriented combat system and character customization, I’ve found myself trying to emulate the exploits of the mighty Conan, walking in his footsteps in this captivating virtual universe.

Conan’s Age provides a free-to-play option, however, to enjoy the game fully, a subscription fee is required. The game has faced criticism for its depiction of women and scantily clad female armor, yet it was generally positively received upon its release in the mid-2000s.

15 EverQuest

With Five Hundred In-Game Zones, It’s Lasted For 25 Years

This year marks the 21st anniversary for the multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), “EverQuest”. Remarkably durable for its genre, it follows the conventional medieval European fantasy setting, but unlike many others, it’s based in the realm of Norrath and emphasizes player versus player (PVP) combat.

With its long-standing presence, EverQuest still provides a wealth of content for players, featuring around 500 in-game zones. When it comes to character selection, there are sixteen classes available and sixteen races overall, though fourteen of these originate from the initial game. The consistent updates from developers demonstrate that this classic MMO is far from reaching its end.

14 Dark Age Of Camelot

A Modern Version Of An Old Legend That’s 25 Years Old

Developed By: Mythic Entertainment and Broadsword Online Games
Publisher: Vivendi Universal Games
Date Released: October 9, 2001

In the early days, the internet wasn’t very developed yet, and it was still several years before add-ons would become a thing. To give you an idea of how old this game is, “Dark Age of Camelot” is one of the earliest multiplayer online games, tracing its roots back to a text-based game called “Darkness Falls: The Crusade” from 1999. Today, you can play it for free on your personal computer.

This game is modeled after the period following King Arthur’s death in Camelot, where the kingdom was divided into three rival factions, a situation reminiscent of perpetual conflict. Later MMORPGs would draw inspiration from this design, adapting it to fit their unique settings and themes.

13 The 4th Coming

A Medieval Adventure For 25 Years

Developed By: Vircom Interactive
Designers: Jean Carrieres and Francis Lahaie
Date Released: May 11, 1999

In the legendary realm of Althea, consisting of Arakas, Raven’s Dust, and Stoneheim islands, eager adventurers anticipate the arrival of an enigmatic event called the Fourth Coming. Initially, players create their human characters and tailor them with unique physical traits and abilities. Instead of directly choosing these attributes, players answer a series of questions that automatically assign skills or characteristics based on their responses.

The Fourth Coming is an old MMORPG that remains playable and online despite it. In its early days, there were issues with distribution policies and privacy concerns which limited its initial release and prevented a large-scale marketing effort. Nowadays, the game is managed by Dialsoft who bought it from Vircom in 2006.

12 Cabal Online

Dark Horror And Romance Since 2008

Developed By: ESTsoft Corp.
Published By: ESTsoft Inc.
Date Released: October 2005

The multiplayer online game known as Cabal Online was initially developed by South Korean gaming company ESTsoft back in 2005, primarily for PC platforms. However, it wasn’t until its global release in 2008 that it became a free-to-play title. Due to the numerous regional variations of this game, which are a consequence of its international availability, it has managed to stay relevant over time and largely avoid widespread attention.

As a devoted fan, I must say that this game initially strikes you as an ordinary fantasy RPG. However, upon closer inspection, it’s clear that it’s designed for mature audiences only. The game delves into darker themes of horror and romance that might not sit well with younger players. Yet, the combat system is truly exceptional, pioneering a style that was later adopted by most MMOs and standalone RPGs. It’s definitely worth checking out for this innovative combat alone.

11 World of Warcraft

Defining The Genre Since 2004

Without a doubt, one of the most renowned and widely-played Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) is “World of Warcraft”. This game offers an immersive fantasy experience where players create their characters, selecting both a race and class based on their preference. What sets it apart from other MMOs of its time is its approachability to casual gamers; it provides a more user-friendly environment compared to other games that could be challenging to grasp.

Since 2004, numerous adjustments have been incorporated, and their impact is still felt in the discourse surrounding gaming. In the year 2019, developers introduced World of Warcraft Classic, which recaptures the original game world from 2004. Simultaneously, the retail version has seen a resurgence due to newer expansions and continuous updates to its gameplay and narrative.

10 The Lord of the Rings Online

Going On 17 Years Online For This Famous Fantasy

It’s quite astonishing that an open-world MMORPG set in Middle-Earth didn’t materialize until 2007, given its rich lore and potential. The initial release of the game required a subscription fee, but a free version became available in 2010.

In The Lord of the Rings Online, players initially decide on a character race drawn from J.R.R. Tolkien’s stories and then pick a class that aligns with those depicted in his works. Available classes are Burglar, Beornling, Hunter, Champion, Lore-Master, and Warden. The game offers various quests and locations reminiscent of both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, while also incorporating unique regions designed around Tolkien’s literary world as inspiration.

9 Dungeons & Dragons Online

A 2006 Adaptation Of The World’s Favorite TTRPG

Most role-playing games (RPGs) have some influence from the Dungeons & Dragons universe, and it’s no surprise that a significant portion of the franchise’s video game library would consist of old online RPGs. Over time, the teams responsible for developing and distributing this game have undergone changes, which is why it has been known as both “Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach” and “Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited.”

The gameplay adheres to the rules of the third edition and a half of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) and is set in the realm of Eberron. Players who have played tabletop D&D may recognize certain locations and environments as they navigate this classic MMO. Previously, Dungeons & Dragons Online served as a significant launch that demonstrated the feasibility of a free-to-play gaming model.

8 RuneScape

The Road To Many MMOs For 23 Years

The game “RuneScape” is known for having a somewhat divided public perception. Some gamers may find it roll-their-eyes-worthy, yet it remains extremely well-liked. In fact, it’s rare to find a gamer who hasn’t tried this longstanding online role-playing game at some point.

RuneScape is a role-playing game set within the fantasy realm of Gielinor. Unlike many other MMORPGs, this game doesn’t require players to select a specific race or predefined skill set. Instead, all characters in RuneScape are human, and they can learn various skills that influence their character stats in some manner. The appeal of RuneScape lies in its accessibility, offering a satisfying free-to-play experience, and its versatility as it can run on most personal computers.

7 Mabinogi

A Relic Of 2006 Hand-Painted And Inspired By Ancient Myth

Developed By: devCAT
Published By: Nexon Korea
Date Released: March 27, 2008

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share that “Mabinogi” isn’t just the name of our cherished game, but it also echoes a renowned anthology of Welsh mythology. The rich tapestry of lore and immersive setting in this game are woven from the legends and tales found within the same collection. The artwork is predominantly hand-painted, with a few CGI accents, resulting in an innovative blend that has kept a loyal fanbase and active servers thriving even two decades after its debut.

Regardless of its widespread appeal, Nexon Korea concluded that maintaining servers globally was financially unviable. As a result, players outside of South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Mainland China, North America, Oceania, or Israel may need to use a VPN to enjoy Mabinogi today. However, the experience could still be worthwhile.

6 MapleStory (2003)

Character Customization That Was Ahead Of Its Time Even In 2003

MapleStory, an old MMO, offers a blend of side-scrolling stages and interactive zones for players, setting it apart. One reason for its widespread appeal is that it was among the pioneers in offering extensive character customization options within the MMORPG genre.

MapleStory has been a game that was well-positioned to blaze new trails when mobile gaming on Android devices became profitable, contributing significantly to its long-term success. With multiple regional adaptations available, the game has grown into a global sensation in recent times and is set to keep expanding further.

5 Wurm Online

18 Years Of Old School Crafting And Cooperation

Developed By: Code Club AB
Designed By: Rolf Jansson and Markus Persson
Date Released: 2006

Approximately two decades after its original debut, this classic game is now accessible on Steam, preserving its vintage charm as a Java-powered title. While boasting many aspects and intricacies common in contemporary games, such as multiple servers for players to select from and an advanced crafting system, it’s interesting to note that these features were novel innovations back then.

Wurm Online was initially created by a group of friends in Motala, Sweden, who focused on developing aspects such as blacksmithing and combat (PvP, both individual and regional) within the game. Due to its steep learning curve, this game might not be suitable for beginners unless they are eager to dive right into complexities.

4 3 Final Fantasy 11 Online

Broke The Glass Console Ceiling For MMOs 22 Years Ago

Games set in existing popular universes for Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) don’t always meet high expectations. However, Final Fantasy 11 Online demonstrates that even an older MMO version can regain popularity and remain current as successfully as more recent spin-offs in the series.

Final Fantasy 11 was developed by Square Enix, the same team behind other games in the series. Notably, it was the first MMORPG to venture beyond PC platforms, launching on PlayStation 2 and XBOX. Post-release, additional content and expansions have been integrated into the game. Currently, the game servers can only be accessed via desktop computers.

2024-08-27 09:54