Final Fantasy XI
Release: May 16, 2002 | Platform: PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360 | Setting: Fantasy | Developer, Publisher: Square Enix | Here is the official website of Final Fantasy XI
Long before the launch of Final Fantasy XIV, there was a genuine MMORPG for the popular Final Fantasy universe. Final Fantasy XI was among the first genre representatives ever to be experienced on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox – including cross-play obligation for all platforms.
Unlike modern online role-playing games that try to make as much content accessible to solo players, FFXI focused on group content from the beginning. Similar to the sequel, you can bring all professions to the maximum level with one character. You can expect challenging raids, PvP events, or even breeding Chocobos.
Until May 2023, Square Enix provided the MMORPG oldie with content updates. After that, substantive support was officially discontinued. Only bug fixes and stability improvements are landing on the servers.
The Realm Online
Release: December 31, 1996 | Platform: PC | Setting: Fantasy | Developer, Publisher: Digital Alchemy | Here is the official website of The Realm Online
The Realm Online is one of the pioneers of the MMORPG genre and was created in the tradition of graphical MUDs (Multi-user Dungeon). Thanks to Meridian 59, Ultima Online, and co., it never came out of the small niche – only 25,000 accounts were created in the first year.
Nevertheless, the servers only went offline in June 2023. However, the pause should not be long. The Virtual World Holding Company and Digital Alchemy grabbed the rights and released the old server Despothes Grove (Free2Play), which is flanked by the new server Mabons Gamble (for subscribers only).
Since the relaunch, The Realm Online has been regularly updated, with 13 alone in 2024. You can expect turn-based battles, quests, and multiplayer adventures that are likely to evoke nostalgia.
Anarchy Online
Release: June 27, 2001 | Platform: PC | Setting: SciFi | Developer, Publisher: Funcom | Here is the official website of Anarchy Online
Several years before Funcom created MMORPGs like Age of Conan and The Secret World, the Norwegian developers attempted an online role-playing game in a sci-fi setting – in 2001, this was a novelty.
As a crashed colonist on the planet Rubi-Ka, you are in pursuit of experience and credits. How you get them is up to you. You can accept missions, pursue professions, fight monsters in the wilderness, trade, participate in PvP, and tackle dungeons.
The last major content package was released in February 2009. Since then, there have only been minor updates, events, short-term classic servers, and an engine upgrade (currently in open beta). Nevertheless, MeinMMO reported as recently as March 2024, that Anarchy Online still enjoys some popularity. One reason for this: the complex equipment system that relies on implants.
Feeling nostalgic?
How about it: Is there an MMORPG on the list that you’ve played a lot or are still playing? Or maybe you feel like catching up on one of the titles out of historical interest? Let us know in the comments!
Also, hit us up there if you want to mention further important online role-playing games that are more than 20 years old but still have official servers and are therefore fully playable. If you are looking for more recent genre representatives for a slim budget: The 12 best free-to-play MMORPGs 2024 in comparison
