MMORPGs thrive on having enough active players. Without them, the MM part of MMORPGs would fall away. MeinMMO lists the 10 titles with the most players at the end of the year on Steam, where the MM is still capitalized.
Extinct markets, empty cities, and no interactions – without a sufficient number of active players, most MMORPGs would be extinct. This genre thrives on many players bustling around on the servers. MeinMMO has listed the MMORPGs with the most players in December 2023.
How was the list created? For the top 10, the games that had the most active players on Steam in the last 30 days were taken into account. The number is calculated based on how many players were logged in at the same time on average.
The source used was Steam Charts, which provides data for the last 30 days. It is unknown how many bots are among the active players. Since we do not know the percentage distribution precisely, we have counted all active players as if they were real players.
This list does not take into account players who log in outside the Steam client. The player numbers are actually higher. So it is possible that the ranking would change if proprietary launchers were taken into account.
Rank 10: Legends of Idleon MMO
Active players: 6,040 | Developer: Lavaflame2 | Release date: April 2, 2021 (Early Access) | Business model: Free2Play
What kind of game is this? IdleOn – The Idle-MMO is the only game in this ranking that is still in Early Access. The title is developed by a single person and offers the ability to create multiple characters that can work together and form their own guild.
Character development is supposed to be diverse and free. A barbaric fisherman, for example, gathers resources for a druidic alchemist who brews potions for an assassin. A core element of the game is Autoplay, which even works offline.
Who is it worth it for? Legends of IdleOn is suitable for players who…
- Have always wanted to have a guild in which they are the only member
- Do not want to deal with annoying grinding
- Like pixel graphics
Rank 9: MapleStory
Active players: 6,330 | Developer: Nexon | Release date: August 9, 2012 | Business model: Free2Play
What kind of game is this? MapleStory impresses with its cute 2D pixel anime style. But the optics are deceiving: Behind the seemingly cute game hides a complex MMORPG. The MMORPG from South Korea was released in 2003 but only came to Steam in 2012. However, over the years, the game has changed according to the fans.
Although many players play the title, it is currently struggling with mostly negative reviews on Steam. Many players complain that it is too Pay2Win. For example, the spawn rate of monsters depends on whether a player has invested money in the MMORPG.
Who is it worth it for? MapleStory is suitable for players who…
- Like the pixel anime look
- Enjoy complex class systems
- Do not mind spending some money in the in-game shop
Rank 8: Fallout 76
Active players: 7,330 | Developer: Bethesda Game Studios | Release date: April 14, 2020 | Business model: Buy2Play
What kind of game is this? Anyone familiar with the Fallout series knows what kind of dark setting awaits in this MMORPG. Our character is in a world marred by nuclear war. The survivors have saved themselves in so-called Vaults.
The world is one of the best features and has a lot to offer if players just look around. This way, especially single players with a desire to explore will get their money’s worth, but exploring with other players is also fun. After a rocky start, the number of players in the MMORPG can now be seen.
Who is it worth it for? Fallout 76 is suitable for players who…
- Want a dystopian, lovingly crafted world
- Enjoy the quirky humor of the game
- Have fun with equipment modifications and perks for character customization
Rank 7: Albion Online
Active players: 8,188 | Developer: Sandbox Interactive GmbH | Release date: July 17, 2017 | Business model: Free2Play with optional subscription
What kind of game is this? Albion Online offers a sandbox world full of freedoms, which still enjoys great popularity today. We create our own character without being tied to a fixed class. In an iso perspective, we explore the world.
Both crafting and PvP play a larger role in the MMORPG. While crafting is an important part from the beginning, PvP is only available in the endgame. In the event of a death against another player, it can even happen that you lose your equipment.
Who is it worth it for? Albion Online is suitable for players who…
- Are fans of PvP and sandbox games
- Enjoy playing games in iso perspective
- Want to enjoy many freedoms through crafting
Rank 6: The Elder Scrolls Online
Active players: 11,974 | Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios | Release date: April 4, 2014 | Business model: Buy2Play with optional subscription
What kind of game is this? If you are familiar with the universe of The Elder Scrolls, you will feel at home in TESO. In this MMORPG, it is not the cooperation with others that is in the foreground, but the story.
Nevertheless, there are numerous dungeons, raids, or the PvP mode. Here players engage in large battles in which three playable factions fight for fortresses. TESO is one of the older MMORPGs on this list, which is why there are already numerous expansions.
Who is it worth it for? The Elder Scrolls Online is suitable for players who…
- Yearn for well-voiced stories in MMORPGs
- Prefer to roam the world as a solo player
- Enjoy the world of The Elder Scrolls
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