Google is a good indicator of how popular an MMORPG is. Therefore, we present to you the top 15 online role-playing games that are particularly well-received according to Google.
We used the Google Trends website to let a selection of MMORPGs compete against each other. The preliminary selection was made based on current games that have been searched particularly frequently over the past twelve months.
Subsequently, we checked with Google Trends which of the MMORPGs was searched for the most. At the end of the article, we will explain in more detail how we went about this.
Are these statistics for player numbers? These search queries certainly do not align perfectly with the player numbers of an MMORPG in the current year 2019, but they are still a strong indicator of a game’s popularity. And thus also how many players an MMORPG might have in relation to others. Our data and insider information confirm this.
The MMOs mentioned here are most likely also MMORPGs with many players.
15. Tibia
The grandfather of the MMORPGs on our list was released in 1997. Even before Ultima Online! In the game, it is your task to become a true hero.
To do this, you explore the landscape and fight the numerous enemies. This way, your character levels up and becomes more powerful over time. For example, with a special golden armor. The progression is basically infinite and strongly tied to skills. If you fight a lot with the axe, you will also get better at axe fighting.
Tibia features PvE and PvP servers. On the PvP servers, fights between players are basically possible everywhere. Death has severe consequences, such as the loss of equipment.
Fun fact: If we had taken the average of the last 3 months instead of a whole year for the period, a different, also German MMORPG would be listed here: Albion Online. The online role-playing game has experienced a surge due to the transition to Free2Play and is even considered by players to be the unofficial spiritual successor to Tibia, as the gameplay mechanics are quite similar.
14. Rift
The MMORPG Rift hits the nail on the head of World of Warcraft and takes you into a fantasy world facing a dark threat. You take on the role of heroes who confront this threat.
NPCs provide you with many quests that lead you through the game world and allow you to experience plenty of adventures. When a so-called Rift appears, it’s an event where all players participate to repel an invasion.
Rift has been available since 2011 and has been expanded over time with addons and many updates and now also a Battle Pass.
13. Blade & Soul
Blade & Soul is a Korean martial arts MMORPG that takes you into a wonderful world. The story is a central element that you experience through many quests.
The battles are particularly spectacular thanks to the martial arts approach. You can not only fight enemies in the game world, but also engage in PvP against other players.
Currently, a major update for Blade & Soul is in the works, which significantly improves the graphics thanks to the switch to Unreal Engine 4.
12. Runescape
Runescape is one of the oldest MMORPGs still being played and started in 2001. You create a hero with whom you explore a large fantasy world. There is no game objective or overarching plot, although you will certainly experience many stories.
Runescape is more about every player writing their own story by completing quests, exploring dungeons, and fighting monsters. The player-driven economy is extremely important to the community.
Group play is of course a central element in the still successful MMORPG and PvP also plays a certain role, such as in arenas.
11. AION
The MMORPG AION from 2008 strikes again at the themepark MMORPGs with a story that revolves around a conflict and plenty of quests that guide you through this story.
A highlight of the online role-playing game is the ability to fly. During the story, you get wings and can float over the game world, reaching places that were previously inaccessible.
AION receives regular content updates with new quests and features. The game has recently also started to focus more on the early days, to the delight of fans.
