The Best MMORPGs For Solo Players

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that these three MMORPGs are absolute gems for solo players like myself. Having spent countless hours immersed in their virtual worlds, I’ve seen them evolve from humble beginnings to the powerhouses they are today.

By their inherent design, Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) are intended for playing with multiple users. This is because ‘MMO’ stands for ‘Massively Multiplayer Online,’ as you may know. However, not all gamers prefer to play with others. Since the early days of MMORPGs up until today’s games, some developers have consistently made an attempt to cater to those who prefer to play alone, or solo players.

This strategy is quite sound. For those who struggle with social anxiety, prefer solitude, or lack gaming friends in the real world, the multiplayer aspects of MMORPGs can be a deterrent. By slightly adjusting their games, developers could potentially attract a new user base. Once these solo players are engaged, they might consider venturing into group activities. The games chosen for this list were primarily selected based on their enjoyment factor when played alone, the amount of solo content available, and overall quality. However, it’s important to note that while all these games can be played solo to varying degrees, most have endgame content that eventually necessitates cooperative play.

10 Fallout 76

Make The Wasteland As Lonely Or Social As You Like

Fallout 76 has undergone one of the most remarkable comebacks in contemporary gaming. Initially met with widespread disapproval by both critics and die-hard fans upon its debut, it has since seen a significant revival in popularity. Upon launch, the game was heavily multiplayer-oriented, offering a minimal storyline, no non-playable human characters, and an expectation that players would craft their own experience. This was starkly different from what fans were anticipating from a Bethesda RPG title.

It’s great to see that after an initially rocky start, Bethesda took note and significantly revamped the game. Now, Fallout 76’s main storyline and most of its side quests have a familiar single-player Fallout feel. The game’s content is primarily designed for solo play, with Pacifist Mode making other players appear more like friendly bystanders. Some aspects, such as the best daily ops, are still geared towards multiplayer, but they can be handled alone by those who are up to the challenge. A surprising aspect of Fallout 76 is its welcoming community, many members of which enjoy roleplaying, making it possible for even those who usually prefer solitude to find themselves drawn into more social interactions.

9 Temtem

A Massively Multiplayer Pokemon That Feels Massive But Not Multiplayer

Temtem could be seen as the evolution that Game Freak and Nintendo might have embraced for their iconic Pokemon franchise if they were more open to innovation in one of their most popular series. Essentially, it’s a massively multiplayer role-playing game (MMORPG) adaptation of Pokemon, offering the online and multiplayer elements that fans have long been yearning for. However, despite being categorized as an MMORPG, it deviates from typical expectations of the genre by omitting common features such as dungeons, classes, and raids.

Rather than a unique twist on the classic Pokemon experience, it offers more of a shared adventure with friends (for those seeking that). In this game, players can capture and amass a vast array of creatures called Temtems while navigating its expansive world. The narrative is engaging and flexible, allowing for both solo or cooperative play. Solo gamers are not compelled to engage with other players unless they choose to do so. It’s widely regarded as one of the top monster-taming games available, and for those who can handle the always-online requirement, it makes an excellent choice for solo enthusiasts.

8 World Of Warcraft

New Features Have Made Warcraft Increasingly Solo-Friendly

World of Warcraft, a well-known MMORPG, might initially appear unusual for this list. Being one of the oldest continuously running online games, it’s traditionally been more focused on multiplayer experiences, often making solo players feel less prioritized. While it’s possible to complete most storyline content alone, key aspects such as dungeons and raids have always required collaboration. For those reluctant to team up, this could mean missing out on crucial storylines and valuable lore details.

I’m thrilled that the latest game updates have been really beneficial, especially when it comes to catering to solo gamers like me. For instance, in “The War Within,” they’ve introduced story-driven, single-player dungeons where you can team up with NPCs to complete them. It might not offer the same rewards as multiplayer runs, but it’s a fantastic way for us solo players to explore everything we’ve paid for. Kudos to Blizzard for recognizing and addressing this aspect in “World of Warcraft.” Even though they primarily focus on multiplayer content, it’s refreshing to see them making an effort to include us solo players. While we might not get the full-fat experience yet, at least now we can partake in most of it.

7 The Elder Scrolls Online

Play The Story Solo, Bring In Friends For The Hard Stuff

Back in the day, I found myself diving into The Elder Scrolls Online, but it didn’t start off as a smooth sailing adventure. When it first set sail, it was like a confusing blend of traditional Elder Scrolls magic and MMORPG mechanics that left both series diehards and MMORPG enthusiasts less than impressed. It wasn’t quite the seamless experience of Skyrim, which had graced our screens three years prior, and the MMORPG aspects felt more like afterthoughts. Frankly, it wasn’t much fun to explore this new world, and I, along with other franchise fans, were disappointed that it wasn’t another single-player installment. But boy, how the times have changed! Thanks to numerous expansions and updates, The Elder Scrolls Online is a whole new creature today.

The game doesn’t quite mimic the experience of Skyrim (as combat in Skyrim is not notably exceptional), but it offers a significant amount of solo-playable content. This game has impressively expanded the lore of The Elder Scrolls, and with numerous countries to traverse, it’s expansive. When played alone, it stands out as one of the finest MMOs for exploration. It’s quite common to venture out, get disoriented, and go for long stretches without encountering another player. Most of its story content and side activities can be tackled solo, accumulating to hundreds of hours of gameplay. Series enthusiasts who prefer a secluded adventure almost never need to interact with others. Only the toughest, high-level world bosses, raids, and dungeons necessitate teamwork, and even then, an overpowered build often makes cooperation optional.

6 Black Desert Online

A Sandbox MMORPG With Great Combat And Limitless Possibilities

Black Desert Online significantly deviates from typical Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). Unlike traditional MMORPGs, it lacks standard features such as raids or dungeons. Its narrative, albeit somewhat disorganized, is non-linear and player-driven. The developers have opted for a sandbox style, giving players the freedom to pursue activities at their own pace. The combat system is renowned for its quality, leading many players to concentrate on Player versus Environment (PvE) and Player versus Player (PvP) combat. With an abundance of lifestyle skills, the game offers virtually limitless possibilities.

In essence, Black Desert Online has a vast array of content tailored primarily for solo players due to its open-ended gameplay and focus on individual freedom. The sheer volume of activities in this game is immense, allowing players to immerse themselves for countless hours without ever engaging with others if they so choose. However, it’s important to note that certain aspects of the game can only be accessed when playing cooperatively. But fear not, the abundance of content ensures that even solo players will find it challenging to feel like they’re missing out. Furthermore, Black Desert Online remains one of the most visually appealing and high-quality MMORPGs available, despite being eight years old.

5 Neverwinter

Free-To-Play Dungeons And Dragons, No Party Required

Due to the triumph of “Baldur’s Gate 3” and the unexpectedly successful “Dungeons & Dragons” movie “Honour Among Thieves,” the game “Dungeons & Dragons” has never been more popular. However, getting started with D&D can be quite daunting because it requires purchasing game books and finding both a Dungeon Master and a group to play with. Additionally, it can be costly. Fortunately, there’s always “Neverwinter” at your disposal. This massive MMORPG is set in the same world as “Baldur’s Gate” and has been thriving for over a decade. Not only is it completely free to play, but it’s also quite friendly for solo players.

For gamers interested in Dungeons & Dragons (DnD), Neverwinter offers an excellent starting point. Although teaming up with others for quicker progression remains an option, recent improvements to the leveling system make it more feasible than ever to play solo and advance at a reasonable pace. Up until approximately level 60, content can be handled solo rather effortlessly, especially if you pick a class like Fighter or Paladin. Later dungeons are optimally explored with companions, but end-game equipment enhancements can be acquired from Bounty Masters using in-game earnings. While there are microtransactions, they are significantly less intrusive than in other free-to-play games. Consequently, playing solo and avoiding the game’s microtransactions is entirely possible when engaging with Neverwinter.

4 Star Wars: The Old Republic

An Epic BioWare-Style RPG Set In A Galaxy Far, Far Away

A gamer who prefers to play Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) on their own might also be drawn to games that offer compelling narratives. Star Wars: The Old Republic, an exceptional sci-fi MMORPG, is tailored for solo gamers who enjoy this type of gameplay. Despite having group content, the storyline and leveling aspects in The Old Republic are primarily designed with a solo experience in mind.

This game strongly resembles a classic BioWare role-playing game, offering elements such as moral dilemmas, character interactions with NPCs, and companions. It boasts a captivating narrative that will delight fans of the original Knights of the Old Republic series. While group content becomes more prominent in late-game stages, most significant aspects can be enjoyed solo. Many features are also free to play. Unfortunately, the graphics and combat feel somewhat outdated. Despite these flaws, The Old Republic stands as a fantastic choice for gamers who prioritize story over gameplay.

3 Final Fantasy 14

Somehow Keeps Fans Of This Single-Player Franchise Happy

Creating an MMO out of a single-player game series can be a daring move, as fans of these series have high expectations and won’t hesitate to express their dissatisfaction if they feel the MMO doesn’t meet their standards. This was evident when the initial release of Final Fantasy 14 fell flat on its face. The game was so poorly received that it had to close down shortly after launch, and the developers were forced to start over from scratch. However, against all odds, Square Enix managed to transform this disastrous project into a financial success and one of the greatest Final Fantasy games ever made.

They’ve managed to appeal to traditional Final Fantasy enthusiasts by crafting FF14 as the kind of game they would enjoy. It boasts an intricate, engaging storyline rich in lore and references to other Final Fantasy games, and regular updates and expansions keep it feeling fresh. Since patch 6.5, all game content, such as dungeons, can be played independently. If you prefer not to play with humans, FF14 offers NPCs to fill that role. The 2024 DLC, Endwalker, introduced a solo-exclusive addition in the form of the Island Sanctuary area. This single-player zone is conflict-free and provides an opportunity for players to realize their Stardew Valley aspirations by creating a fully customizable farm where they can unwind and work at their own pace.

2 Old School Runescape

Over Twenty Years Of Content To Solo At Your Own Pace

As someone who fondly remembers spending countless hours on Runescape decades back, I must say, it’s astounding to learn that the game is still thriving! The franchise has evolved significantly, with Runescape 3 being its third iteration. However, it’s Old School Runescape that has captured the hearts of many, including mine. Despite its retro feel, reminiscent of games from over two decades ago, it remains as captivating and engrossing as ever.

As a seasoned gamer, I’d say Old School Runescape is like an old faithful companion that never fails to deliver. It’s the classic MMO you can run on the side while multitasking. The mining and fishing systems, though grind-heavy, have a peculiar soothing effect on me. And let me tell you, this game moves at a snail’s pace, which I find quite relaxing. There’s a mountain of content to explore, almost all of it solo-friendly. It’s no wonder some gamers have been sticking with it for over two decades! For the hardcore solo players out there, they even have an Ironman mode. This mode restricts trading, grouping up, and even disables your account if you die. That’s as single-player as MMORPGs get!

1 Guild Wars 2

A Great Looking RPG Built With Solo Players In Mind

Instead of many popular MMORPGs attempting to cater to the individual player segment in recent years, Guild Wars 2 stands out distinctively. It was designed meticulously with solitary players in mind from its inception and has continued to enhance its unique features over the past 12 years, solidifying its position as one of the top free-to-play MMOs available. All the storylines in Guild Wars 2 can be completed independently, and none of its core map areas are restricted by group play requirements. Furthermore, in several aspects, it plays like a standalone role-playing game.

This game offers both traditional tab-targeting and dynamic action combat, making it less like an MMO and more enjoyable. The visual appeal of its open world is breathtaking and exploration is a blast due to multiple movement options. It also has solo-friendly aspects such as a flexible respec system that allows players to experiment with builds without worry. Collaboration is only necessary during raids, but even these have been designed with single players in mind. Joining a group through the game’s efficient matchmaking system is effortless.

2024-10-11 04:34