In 2018, a whole series of new, upcoming MMOs and online games are on the release lists. Find out here which new releases you can expect on PC or consoles (PS4 & Xbox One) and when you can anticipate betas or releases of the games.
In the following paragraphs, we present to you MMOs and online games with a “Games-as-a-Service” approach that (hopefully) will at least appear as a beta in 2018. We also have some purchasable expansions from major MMORPGs. We have organized them – as far as known – by quarters. But keep in mind that the dates can still change and are sometimes only roughly fixed. We update this list whenever there is new information.
Update: We last updated this article on September 5, 2018.
New MMOs and Online Games in Q1 2018
In the first quarter of 2018 (January to March), you can already expect a few promising titles. Among them is the console version of Monster Hunter World, which is set to release at the end of January. Here you can slay terrifying giant monsters at the side of cute cat creatures. From their remnants, you will craft stronger equipment to take down even fatter creatures. Unfortunately, the PC version of Monster Hunter World will not come until autumn.
Life is Feudal
- Genre: Survival MMO
- Platform: PC
- Release: January 11, 2018
Life is Feudal is an action and survival MMO. You fight for survival in a medieval world and gradually build a kingdom. In between, there are thrilling PvP sword fights against other players. You can play Life is Feudal in early access right now.
More about the game: Our extensive preview report on Life is Feudal
Monster Hunter World
- Genre: Action MMO
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Release: January 26, 2018 (PC on August 9, 2018)
In Monster Hunter World by Capcom, you go hunting bizarre and sometimes massive monsters with other players. To slay them, you must track the beasts down in their territory and prevent their escape. Additionally, you need quite a bit of skill to efficiently kill the creatures. The PC version of Monster Hunter World is scheduled for release on August 9, 2018.
More about the game: Our extensive review of Monster Hunter World
Ironsight
- Genre: Online Shooter
- Platform: PC
- Release: February 1, 2018 (Open Beta)
In Ironsight, you fight in fast-paced online battles against other players in true Call of Duty fashion. It features the usual game modes, such as Team Deathmatch or Capture the Flag. The game also offers over 100 weapons as well as strategic drones and even mechs.
More about the game: All about the start of Ironsight’s Open Beta
Closers
- Genre: Action MMO
- Platform: PC
- Release: February 7, 2018
The free-to-play anime MMO Closers focuses on plenty of action and a significant portion of story. Aliens attack Earth, and only a group of youths endowed with special powers can stop them. You play one of six of these heroes and battle through hordes of nasty aliens. Teamplay and the tactical use of combos are essential.
More about the game: All about the launch of Closers
Total War: Arena
- Genre: Real-time strategy MMO
- Platform: PC
- Release: February 22, 2018 (Open Beta)
Total War: Arena combines the thrilling real-time battles from a Total War game like Rome or Shogun with the gameplay and progression of World of Tanks. After all, Wargaming was the publisher here. In Total War: Arena, you command a small part of a massive army of ancient troops. Each player on the team controls their unit grouping. The goal is to defeat the enemy. The more you win, the better troops you can lead into battle.
More about the game: Here’s a detailed description of Total War: Arena.
Unfortunately dead: Unfortunately, Total War Arena had no luck and will already be shut down in early 2019.
Shroud of the Avatar
- Genre: MMORPG
- Platform: PC
- Release: March 27, 2018
Shroud of the Avatar is a classic MMO that emphasizes housing and PvE. Furthermore, the game is said to feature a continuously evolving story and be playable offline.
More about the game: This is how the launch of Shroud of the Avatar went
Sea of Thieves
- Genre: Action MMO
- Platform: PC, Xbox One
- Release: March 20, 2018
In Sea of Thieves, you play a wild pirate in a South Seas setting. You explore islands, capture ships, search for treasures, engage in action-packed battles, and drink rum until your avatars vomit!
More about the game: Here’s more information about Sea of Thieves!
World of Tanks 1.0
- Genre: Military MMO
- Platform: PC
- Release: March 21, 2018
World of Tanks has technically been around since 2010, but 2018 finally saw the release of version 1.0, which was its “release”. However, much more has changed than just the version number. World of Tanks is getting a fundamentally new graphics engine and finally looks like a modern game. Among other things, there are better effects, more details, and a dynamic environment.
More about the game: Is it worth the new start in World of Tanks with 1.0?
New MMOs and Online Games in Q2 2018
By mid-year, things initially looked a bit bleak after Red Dead Redemption 2 was postponed to October. But then under the Q2 releases for 2018, there was still Bless, which starts in May in early access on Steam. The Asian MMORPG is once again a fully-fledged AAA online role-playing game after a long time. Distribution here in Germany will be managed by the Korean publisher and developer Neowiz itself.
Conan Exiles
- Genre: Survival MMO
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Release: May 8, 2018
In Conan Exiles, you are nailed to the cross naked and helpless in the desert. From there, it only goes up. To survive in the wasteland, you must craft tools and weapons, build structures, enslave enemies, and worship your gods. After over a year in early access, the barbarian MMO finally celebrated its official release in May and rescued the company Funcom once again.
More about the game: Find out all information about the launch of Conan Exiles.
Wild West Online
- Genre: Survival MMO
- Platform: PC
- Release: May 11, 2018
The western survival MMO Wild West Online already started in alpha early access at the end of 2017. The full release after several delays was completed in May. You start in “Multiplayer Red Dead” as a broke cowboy and can build a life as a gold digger, lawman, bounty hunter, or bandit through hard work.
Worlds Adrift
- Genre: MMORPG
- Platform: PC
- Release: May 17, 2018 (Early Access)
Worlds Adrift is a bizarre sandbox MMO. You start on one of countless floating islands and build yourself an airship. With it, you then explore the rest of the world. Highlights include community ships with guilds and realistic sailing and weather mechanics.
More about the game: A first impression from the closed beta of Worlds Adrift can be found here.
Bless
- Genre: MMORPG
- Platform: PC
- Release: May 30, 2018
Bless is an MMORPG that takes place in a colorful, medieval fantasy world. You can choose between 2 factions and 7 different races such as humans, little folk, and cat creatures. In addition to PvE, PvP battles with up to 100 players per side also play a role.
More about the game: Find out here what Bless has to offer.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset
- Genre: MMORPG
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Release: May 21, 2018 (PC); June 5, 2018 (consoles)
Summerset is the second major addon for The Elder Scrolls Online. This time you go to the island of Summerset to visit the pretentious High Elves. There awaits you the end of the Daedra story, a new raid, plenty of quests, new skills for all hero types, and a new crafting profession.
More about the game: You can find all info about Summerset here. Additionally, we have a review of the new ESO addon.
Dauntless
- Genre: Action MMO
- Platform: PC
- Release: May 24, 2018 (Open Beta)
In Dauntless, you hunt large monsters like in Monster Hunter World alongside your teammates. Each beast has different tricks and requires new tactics, skill, and teamwork. From the remains of the beasts, you craft new equipment. You could have played Dauntless during the closed beta. The open beta was released on May 24, 2018.
More about the game: Here you can read how Dauntless performed in stream testing.
Royal Blood
- Genre: Mobile MMO
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Release: June 5, 2018
Royal Blood by Gamevil is a high-quality mobile MMORPG. You can choose between 4 character classes and dive into raids and dungeons in PvE or massive PvP battles. In PvP, up to 70 players per team fight each other for supremacy. Additionally, Royal Blood aims to encourage players to play manually despite autoplay. This way you get better cooldowns. The combat system is fast-paced and action-packed.
More about the game: Read our preview report on Royal Blood.
Realm Royale (formerly Paladins: Battlegrounds)
- Genre: Online Shooter (Battle Royale)
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Release: June 5, 2018
Realm Royale was supposed to be Paladins Battlegrounds. But then the development was turned upside down at the last minute. Now Realm Royale has become a completely standalone game. Realm Royale is inspired by Fortnite, but you build weapons instead of fortifications. Additionally, after your death, you become a chicken and can respawn if you survive long enough as a chicken.
More about the game: Realm Royale is well received; read here why it is an interesting alternative to Fortnite.
The Crew 2
- Genre: Online Racing Game
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Release: June 29, 2018
The online racing game The Crew 2 by Ubisoft lets you race excitingly in an open world. You can switch between cars and motorcycles, boats, and planes and perform stunts and races with these vehicles. A highlight is the quick switch between vehicles.
More about the game: Read our review of The Crew 2 here.
Q3 2018
The 3rd quarter of 2018 brings a true highlight for MMORPG fans with World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth. Additionally, the superhero MMO City of Titans could be released in autumn 2018, possibly in Q3. Late September is also traditionally the time when EA releases a new FIFA. Furthermore, Camelot Unchained is starting its beta at the end of July.
Camelot Unchained
- Genre: MMORPG
- Platform: PC
- Release: July 31, 2018 (Beta) – has been “slightly postponed”
In Camelot Unchained, everything revolves around PvP and the battle of three factions for the game world. You can choose between 10 archetypes and numerous subclasses.
More about the game: Further information about the upcoming beta of Camelot Unchained can be found here. Unfortunately, the beta that was supposed to start on July 4 has been postponed. On July 31st, however, the beta of Camelot Unchained began after all.
Rend
- Genre: Survival MMO/MOBA
- Platform: PC
- Release: July 31, 2018
Rend will be a curious mix of survival MMO and MOBA. You start with one of three factions and mine resources. With those, you build a fortress. Meanwhile, enemy players will interrupt you. At the end of the round, you can attack the fortresses. Whoever remains at the end wins and receives goodies. The release is expected in 2018. Early access starts at the end of July.
More about the game: How Rend plays and why you still come off like a noob after dozens of hours, you can find out here.
World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth
- Genre: MMORPG (Addon)
- Platform: PC
- Release: August 14, 2018
In 2018, the new addon “Battle for Azeroth” for World of Warcraft is planned. In it, the battle between Horde and Alliance is reignited. New PvP systems are introduced, in which you fight against the opposing faction. In addition, new races for both factions and two new continents are coming. So a lot of new content is coming for WoW in 2018.
More about the game: All information about Battle for Azeroth can be found here.
Fear the Wolves
- Genre: Battle Royale
- Platform: PC (PS4 & Xbox One coming in 2019)
- Release: August 28, 2018
Fear the Wolves is a battle royale game from the creators of Stalker, Vostok Games. Thus, you are back in the “Zone” of Chernobyl. There you fight each other and deal with mutant wolves as an additional challenge.
More about the game: Here you can find everything about Fear the Wolves.
Destiny 2: Forsaken
- Genre: MMO Shooter
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Release: September 4, 2018
With Forsaken, the MMO shooter Destiny 2 receives a major new expansion. This time, your enemies are the monstrous Scorn. Additionally, a new PvE-PvP mode called “Gambit,” new Supers, a new weapon type, and a revamp of the current firearms are introduced.
More about the game: Here you can find all information about Forsaken.
FIFA 19
- Genre: Online Sports Game
- Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One
- Release: September 28, 2018
Every year, a new FIFA comes out, so in 2018, FIFA 19 is on the agenda. The new version focuses on better gameplay, especially regarding ball control and shooting. Risk is expected to be more rewarded. In the Ultimate Team mode, the contents of the packages should become more transparent.
More about the game: Here you can find out everything that is in FIFA 19.
Here you will find the 10 most anticipated MMOs and online games of 2018.
