Google is a good indicator of how popular an MMORPG currently is. Therefore, we present to you the top 10 online role-playing games that are most searched for on Google.
How did the list come about? We looked at the data from Google Trends for the current year 2023 (from January 1, 2023, to July 24, 2023) and compared which game was searched how often in Germany. It also shows whether interest in the MMORPG has increased or decreased this year.
These search queries do not directly correlate with the number of players of an MMORPG, but they are still a strong indicator of a game’s popularity.
Google Trends provides an average value for this ranking, showing you the 10 most relevant MMORPGs according to Google in 2023 and based on Germany.
By the way: Upcoming games like Blue Protocol or Throne and Liberty have also been referenced, but they currently do not even make it into the top 20.
Place 10 – Star Wars: The Old Republic
Developer: BioWare, Electronic Arts | Platform: PC | Release Date: December 20, 2011 | Model: Free2Play with optional subscription
What kind of game is this? SWTOR is an MMORPG with the official “Star Wars” license and places a strong focus on the story, which has been almost completely voiced. It takes place about 3,000 years before the events of Episode 1 and offers one of the best stories overall when playing as the Imperial Agent.
During character creation, you can choose to join either the Republic or the Empire and have the choice of 4 different classes, each offering two subclasses. This allows you to
- become a Jedi Knight.
- terrorize the game world as a Sith Sorcerer.
- Or act as a smuggler.
With the help of main and side quests, you will be guided through the game world, which is set across various planets. The game offers dungeons, raids, and PvP in the endgame.
SWTOR launched in 2011 with a subscription model and then switched to a Free2Play variant with an optional subscription system in November 2012. Those who play completely for free can enjoy all classes, the base game, and the first expansions. However, to dive into Legacy of the Sith and experience the endgame, you will have to pay.
Why is it still relevant? Fundamentally, SWTOR has an active community that keeps the MMORPG relevant. Additionally, the name Star Wars alone attracts attention.
The game receives regular updates. In spring 2022, the expansion Legacy of the Sith was released, and since then, a new raid, a new planet, and the 64-bit client have been made available.
Recently, the game made headlines because the team from Bioware is transitioning to Broadsword Online. This allows Bioware to focus on new single-player titles in the future. Broadsword Online, on the other hand, is owned by Rob Denton, who worked on the MMORPG until 2013.
Who should check this out? SWTOR primarily appeals to fans of story-driven games and, of course, to Star Wars fans in particular. However, because of the story, it is also perfect for solo players and newcomers. The group content is challenging but not at the level of WoW or Lost Ark.
The graphics and combat system are also somewhat dated, but even today, it remains one of the best and most popular MMORPGs on the market.
Place 9 – Old School RuneScape
Developer: Jagex | Platform: PC, Linux, Mac, Android, iOS | Release Date: January 4, 2001 | Model: Free2Play with optional subscription
What kind of game is this? The MMORPG RuneScape was originally released in 2001 as a browser game, expanded and renewed over time. However, many players desired to bring back the old flair. So, the developer Jagex released Old School RuneScape for PC and smartphones.
The MMORPG emphasizes interaction with other players, crafting, and trading. You can expect 23 different skills, such as sailing or blacksmithing, a huge open world with hundreds of quests, and numerous ways to shape your character according to your desires.
The special feature in the development of Old School RuneScape is that the players decide on new content. Only if 75% of all subscribers agree to a feature will it be implemented. There was recently such a survey at the beginning of 2023: MMORPG introduces a new skill after 10 years – lets players decide, causing fierce debate.
Why is it still relevant? RuneScape is among the most influential MMORPGs ever. It created a unique sense of freedom and reward that many modern games have lost. Additionally, exciting modes such as Ironman continue to provide players with constant challenges.
Players are still achieving crazy records, such as a player who leveled all skills in a “speedrun” in 711 hours.
However, it is especially Old School RuneScape that enjoys this great popularity. The actually modern RuneScape 3 barely makes it into the top 20 of the ranking.
Who should check this out? Anyone who enjoys old MMORPGs that prioritize trading, crafting, and community will find Old School RuneScape to be the right address.
The old graphics may appear off-putting, but behind the facade is a really good multiplayer game that is also constantly being expanded.
It is therefore also among the best mobile MMORPGs for Android and iOS.
Place 8 – New World
Developer: Amazon Game Studios | Platform: PC | Release Date: September 28, 2021| Model: Buy2Play
What kind of game is this? New World is Amazon’s first MMORPG and made headlines upon release. At its peak, over 913,000 players were online simultaneously, leading to sometimes very long wait times.
It relies on a classless system, where you are what you are currently wearing. There are also 14 different weapons and three different armor classes that you can switch and improve at will. The gear score was first raised in early 2022 and is expected to be increased again with the first expansion in autumn 2023.
With your character, you explore the dark world of Aeternum, where you can complete quests, portal events, dungeons, and even a raid. There’s an enormous amount to collect, which you can process into perfect equipment across the 17 different professions.
In the game world, there are also optional open-world PvP battles where 3 factions fight against each other. You can capture a fort or later participate in an instanced war for territory control.
New World focuses on an action combat system with stamina management and a few active skills. You switch between light and heavy strikes and must block and dodge to survive. If you’re not careful, even a skeleton that is 10 levels lower can become a death trap.
Why is it still relevant? New World has experienced a noticeable decline in player numbers and general interest. Nevertheless, it receives regular updates. In July, for example, the first raid was released, while in March, a new dungeon and the first season pass were introduced.
The big highlight is the first expansion, which is supposed to be released in the autumn. There are already some details about the content, but the major marketing push is still missing. After that, interest should at least temporarily rise again, as it did during the fresh start in 2022.
Who should check this out? New World is worthwhile for anyone looking to try an action MMORPG without classes. The combat system resembles Dark Souls more than the traditional tab-targeting systems. You should also have a preference for smaller communities, as only 2,000 players fit on one server.
If you are looking for a lively world where players create exciting situations again and again, New World is the right choice. However, if you are looking for 5 skill bars, world bosses with hundreds of players, and raids, then you are wrong in New World.
Place 7 – Metin 2
Developer: Webzen, Ymir Entertainment | Platform: PC | Release Date: March 5, 2005 | Model: Free2Play
What kind of game is this? Metin 2 is a phenomenon. It was released in Korea in 2005 and came to Germany in 2006. As a Free2Play title, the MMORPG gained increasing popularity and was said to have around 6 million active players in Europe at its peak.
In the game, you can choose from one of five classes. Your choices include Warrior, Ninja, Shaman, Suras, and Lycan, which you can later further specialize. After that, you dive into the game world where grinding plays an important role.
You try to reach the highest level possible by killing heaps of monsters. Through quests and events, you gain only a little experience. Especially from level 30 onward, it gets really tough, and you best farm a dungeon, for which you need an access ticket, which can only be purchased in the shop or from other players.
In terms of skills and equipment in the endgame, much revolves around luck, as our author Anny Bader writes in her article: Pure nostalgia from 2005 – How good was the MMORPG Metin2?
Why is it still relevant? Although the graphics and gameplay have aged quite a bit, the grinder still enjoys great popularity and even ranks above SWTOR or New World in the rankings.
Metin 2 still receives updates and events, which can also be seen in Google Trends. After that – and after private servers for the MMORPG – it is searched for the most.
The game has a dedicated player base, but outside of this, the title is viewed rather negatively.
Who should check this out? Metin 2 is worth it for anyone who wants to experience an “old school” MMORPG and places little value on story. The sometimes mindless grinding can be done while watching a series. However, one must be resistant to RNG frustrations.
Less recommended is the MMORPG for players who value diverse content and challenging dungeons and raids. The game is also not a visual feast anymore.
Place 6 – Black Desert Online
Developer: Pearl Abyss | Platform: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, PS5 | Release Date: July 23, 2015 | Model: Buy2Play
What kind of game is this? Black Desert is a sandbox MMORPG that offers you many freedoms. You can follow the main quests, improve 11 lifeskills, create your own network of workers and production chains, dive into PvP, or simply build a ship and sail the world.
Although the game has become somewhat more linear over time and recently received some updates for newcomers, freedom still plays a significant role. The choice of 26 different classes and the detailed character editor are highlights of the MMORPG.
Black Desert also impresses with its action-packed combat system, which showcases combos and strong effects. It is easy to learn but hard to master, as you cannot just blindly press any abilities.
There are also so-called season servers, which are particularly suitable for newcomers or leveling new classes. There are some boosts, and PvP in the open world is disabled.
The game was first released in Korea, and in the West, we have now caught up well with the content on PC. You can also play the MMORPG on Xbox and PlayStation, but there are some gaps in content and no crossplay with PC.
Why is it still relevant? Black Desert has recently seen a significant increase in popularity. If we had only taken the data since June, it would have even placed third in this ranking.
This is partly due to the new expansion Land of the Morning Light, which focuses primarily on PvE content. There, you can fight various bosses in arenas, where the equipment plays a secondary role.
However, the game also receives a lot of praise outside of that. Since Pearl Abyss has taken publishing in the West into its own hands, some pay-to-win content has been removed, and there are always cool rewards, such as a rare mount, which you can easily earn through an event.
Who should check this out? Black Desert is a game for grinders, but also for adventurers who want to forge their own path. Nowadays, even PvE fans can have fun with hundreds of quests, the first group dungeon, or the new boss arenas. The latest expansions even feature voiced dialogues and cutscenes.
Thanks to the season servers, the entry is easier than ever and also a lot of fun. However, if you are looking for a classic PvE MMORPG with many dungeons, raids, and no PvP in the open world, this is not the right game for you.
However, you should not underestimate the PvE aspect: If you are waiting for a new PvE MMORPG, play this old PvP MMO now
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