The Elder Scrolls Online
Developer/Publisher: ZeniMax, Bethesda | Release: April 4, 2014 | Model: Buy2Play | Setting: Fantasy, Medieval | Download: TESO website
What is ESO? The Elder Scrolls Online is the MMO version of the classic game from Bethesda. Players travel through the world of Tamriel, experience adventures, group together, and flee from guards they accidentally beat up.
The game maintains a stable player base and receives constant updates since its release. The Greymoor expansion launched in 2020 a dark story about vampires, witches, and werewolves, including new events, dungeons, and DLCs.
Markarth as the last DLC in 2020 finally brings the exciting vampire story to a close. In 2021, Gates of Oblivion will open a new chapter.
How ESO plays: ESO differs greatly from other MMORPGs. The character and level system has been taken from the single-player games, making it incomparable with other MMORPGs.
In broad terms: If you liked the single-player titles of Elder Scrolls and want to have that experience with other players, you should give ESO a chance.
With a Buy2Play model and no monthly costs, but with an in-game shop, each player can decide for themselves what they want to spend on ESO and which contents interest them.
Final Fantasy XIV
Developer/Publisher: Square Enix | Release: August 2013 (A Realm Reborn) | Model: Pay2Play (Subscription) | Setting: Fantasy | Download: FFXIV website
What is FFXIV? Final Fantasy XIV is, for Square Enix, what TESO is for Bethesda. Final Fantasy XIV immerses players in the world of one of the most famous game franchises.
Also, the fact that it is not as dreamy and playful as many Asian games is very welcome for fans of Western MMORPGs. In July 2019, the latest expansion “Shadowbringers” was released.
2020 was quite calm for Final Fantasy XIV, as no new addons were released and work was hindered by the corona pandemic. In 2021, it should be really exciting.
How FFXIV plays: Particularly interesting is the combat system of Final Fantasy XIV. Classes are not really “chosen”, but equipped. With the character’s selected weapon, their class also changes. They can specialize later by choosing a “job” that deepens the class and solidifies its role.
A disadvantage of the game is that it is relatively complex. Many game elements are very extensive, which can be somewhat daunting for beginners at first. However, once you have sorted through the initial data flood, you can enjoy the game very well.
FFXIV uses a subscription model. So, you have to pay monthly to play. While this discourages some players, it also shows the dedication of the community to “their game”. Those willing to get into Final Fantasy are very well served here.
If you want to take a look at the MMORPG, you can find our beginner’s guide for a smooth start in FFXIV here on MeinMMO.
Lord of the Rings Online
Developer/Publisher: Standing Stone Games | Release: April 24, 2007 | Model: Free2Play | Setting: Fantasy | Download: LOTRO website
What is Lord of the Rings Online? Lord of the Rings Online (short LOTRO) is a very classic MMORPG that can score mainly with its source material. Who has not always wanted to travel to Middle-earth themselves?
You play in the world of Gandalf, Frodo, and Co. and experience your own adventures there. Although the War of the Ring is now over, the plans for LOTRO still extend for many years.
Even in 2021, Lord of the Rings Online still has over 40,000 subscribers and over 100,000 active users. The development of the game also continues. The MMORPG received a new DLC in October 2020, where dwarves and orcs are waging war and a new class has also been found.
How LOTRO plays: The game system is classic: a fixed class and race system with a relatively fixed role distribution. There are contents for single players and groups, and the MMORPG experience does not differ significantly from those of the other mentioned games.
What, however, strongly sets LOTRO apart from others is the integration of the Ring story into the game. The entire “Lord of the Rings” can be experienced – or rather: could be. Because by now, the One Ring has arrived in Mordor and has been destroyed.
On the journey there, players could track the progress all along the way. The Fellowship can be met in the game. Something that makes LOTRO absolutely unique. Unfortunately, the legendary characters do not react to players – which is somewhat logical since they have more important things to do than sign autographs.
The enthusiasm for LOTRO is especially fueled by nostalgia and connection to the world and story. The expansions always gave the feeling of experiencing the next milestone of the story instead of just watching. An absolute recommendation for everyone, even if they have not read (or seen) “Lord of the Rings” yet.
World of Warcraft
Developer/Publisher: Blizzard Entertainment/Activision Blizzard | Release: February 2005 (Europe); November 24, 2020 (Shadowlands); August 27, 2019 (WoW Classic) | Model: Pay2Play (Subscription) | Setting: Fantasy | Download: To create an account for WoW
What is World of Warcraft? World of Warcraft is probably the evergreen of MMORPGs. The game around Azeroth and the Warcraft universe has existed for over 16 years with its eighth expansion, Shadowlands.
The story of WoW revolves around the battle of the factions Horde and Alliance and constant threats from antagonistic factions such as the demonic Legion, the Old Gods, or newly, Death itself.
Since August 2019, WoW Classic has even been playable, the original version of World of Warcraft. It offers a gaming experience like that at the release of the MMORPG in 2005. If you do not like the modern innovations, you can revel in the “good old days” here.
How WoW plays: WoW excels with a unique world that does not derive from anything, but springs purely from the imagination of former lead designer Chris Metzen. For new players who do not yet know the story, there is a big, exciting journey into a breathtaking storyline awaiting them.
Community and a sense of belonging are important for WoW and WoW players alike. Due to the long time that WoW has existed, it is extremely solid at its core but rather loose at the edges. The entry is easy, but immersion is a longer process. Anyone diving into the adventure alone could take a while to settle in.
Anyone wanting to try their hand at dungeons, PvP battles, or raids does not need a fixed group. Only when they want to face ranked games or the toughest challenges should they seek out a community for that.
WoW, like FFXIV, can be played on a subscription basis. However, since the game has been able to hold its own for longer than any other, these investments seem well worth it for millions of players.
What should I play now?
This list is meant to give a small overview of great games that can also be played on a Mac. All have their own ports and should therefore run flawlessly. The ranking is based on the author’s personal assessment – comments on the assessment or further recommendations are welcome!
If you want to explore further, you can find the 15 best MMOs and MMORPGs in 2021 here.
- 1
- 2
