MMOs You Should be Looking Up to Play in 2026

The world of online games is about to get a lot more exciting! Many highly anticipated titles are launching soon, offering players a variety of experiences like role-playing games, action adventures, and martial arts-focused games. Some are already available in early access, while others are letting a limited number of players test them out. All of these games are expected to be released this year.

Looking for a new MMO to play in 2026? This list has you covered! We’ve gathered some of the most exciting upcoming games, including details on when they’re expected to launch, how they’ll play, and opportunities to try them out through early access and alpha testing.

8. Throne and Liberty

7. Ashes of Creation

Where Old School RPG And New MMO Gimmicks Merge Splendidly

Ashes of Creation is a highly anticipated MMO that’s gaining popularity even while still in early development. It stands out with an economy shaped by players and a progression system that blends traditional RPG elements with exciting player-versus-environment and player-versus-player combat. Despite being unfinished, the game shows a lot of promise.

With 8 different classes and a unique system letting you combine them for 64 possible variations, this game offers incredible character customization. While Ashes of Creation can be challenging to learn and requires a lot of effort in crafting, mastering those systems makes the game incredibly satisfying.

6. Where Winds Meet

A Breathtaking Wuxia Adventure MMO

Where Winds Meet (WWM) launched worldwide to huge success, thanks to its smooth performance and stunning next-generation visuals. Players are captivated by the game’s exciting wuxia-style combat, beautiful animations, and tough challenges. WWM offers a vast world to explore, filled with amazing adventures, and tells a timeless story of love, loss, and revenge.

The game offers a wide variety of martial arts and weapons, which keeps players engaged even with its system of obtaining items through chance. While it does have microtransactions, most are for cosmetic items or ways to speed up progress. Everything else can be earned through regular gameplay and the game’s PvE content.

5. Chrono Odyssey

One of This Year’s Heavy Hitters

Developed by Kakao Games, this new game blends dark fantasy themes with the traditional style of Eastern MMOs, setting a high standard for upcoming releases. It’s currently scheduled to launch in the latter half of 2026, meaning players will have a little while to wait before they can play it.

After a successful playtest throughout the latter half of 2025, Chrono Odyssey received overwhelmingly positive responses. Boasting realistic combat and stunning visuals, it’s quickly becoming a top pick for any fan of massively multiplayer online games and should definitely be on your wishlist.

4. Cinder City

If The Division And Ghost In The Shell Had A Love Child

Cinder City, created by BigFire Games and published by NCSoft, is a unique game that blends elements from titles like Tom Clancy’s: The Division, Resident Evil, and Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex. The game boasts impressive next-gen graphics, and its trailer is packed with explosive action that even Michael Bay would find over the top.

Honestly, this new game sounds amazing! I’m really excited about the idea – a cyberpunk MMO set in a messed-up future with zombies? That’s a combination I didn’t know I needed! They’re aiming for a 2026 release, though the exact date is still up in the air.

3. ArcheAge Chronicle

Extreme Graphics And Tons Of Action

ArcheAge Chronicles is a fantasy massively multiplayer online game currently in development by XLGAMES and set to be published by Kakao Games. It boasts impressive graphics and a world that feels similar to popular games like New World and Elden Ring: Nightreign.

Players who enjoy massively multiplayer online games will soon get a chance to try it, as the game is currently planned to launch around late summer of 2026.

2. Fractured Online

Had A Stepback, But It’s Ready To Go For More

Developed by: Happy Cauldron Games
Type: ARPG MMO – Community Driven Economy/ Seamless Open-World
Platforms: PC (standalone launcher)
Release Window: Late February/Early March 2026 (Relaunch)

Fractured Online is an independent game inspired by classic MMOs such as Ultima and action RPGs like Diablo – you can really feel that influence in how it plays. The game had an initial Alpha testing phase where the world began to come alive thanks to player contributions.

Creating a game that smoothly blends a player-driven economy with both player-versus-player and player-versus-environment combat in an open world is challenging. The developers needed to revisit their approach before re-releasing the game, which is currently scheduled for between February and March 2026. Overall, it’s a compelling game featuring an engaging economy, a unique settlement system, and player-controlled kingdoms and cities, with a strong focus on PvP action.

1. Soulframe

One of The Most Anticipated Titles Of The Year

Soulframe is the upcoming fantasy massively multiplayer online game (MMO) from the creators of Warframe. It’s known for its impressive detail and unique gameplay, which combines sword fighting, magic, and shooting. The game is currently in closed-alpha testing (since July 2025), with invites being distributed, and is gradually gaining momentum.

It’s not surprising that people are excitedly predicting the game will come out in early 2026. However, Digital Extremes hasn’t officially said whether that’s true or not, so fans will need to be patient and hope for the best.

2026-01-22 00:09