Those looking for a direct alternative to WoW or FFXIV may not be happy here. Because there are no classic dungeons and raids, and you will also have to forgo an overarching story.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Black Desert offers its own client that you can download directly from the website. The MMORPG is also available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Place 2 – Final Fantasy XIV
- Focus of the MMORPG: Theme park, story, and instances
- Player count: 28,161 average players in the last 30 days
- Player counts trend: Increasing
- Business model: Base game Free2Play, subscription, and Buy2Play for new expansions
- Developer: Square Enix
What kind of game is this? Final Fantasy XIV originally released in 2010 and received harsh criticism. In 2013, it underwent a major relaunch called “A Realm Reborn.” Since then, it has been one of the most popular MMORPGs.
The game resembles classic Japanese RPGs, largely due to its strong focus on story. In the endgame, you will face many challenging raids and challenges. However, you will need to get accustomed to the combat system, which feels clunky and sluggish, especially at the beginning.
The game world is enormous, and there are various classes referred to as “jobs.” The special thing is that you can level them all with one character. Additionally, Final Fantasy XIV is regularly updated with new patches and even major expansions. In November, the next expansion Endwalker will be released, which we’ve introduced in detail.
You can now play the MMORPG for free up to level 60. After that, you will need to purchase the latest expansion and subscribe to experience it fully.
A good overview of the game is provided by this video from Entenburg:
For whom is it interesting? Final Fantasy XIV is particularly appealing to players who:
- Find the story very important in an MMORPG
- Prefer games with tab-targeting as a combat system
- Enjoy following a linear story
- Want to prove themselves with other players in dungeons and raids
- Are okay with the Japanese setting
Those looking for an action-packed MMORPG with dodge rolls and blocking will not find happiness here. The game also shows its age in terms of interface and graphics. Additionally, there are almost no PvP content, and the instanced modes that do exist typically have long wait times.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Final Fantasy XIV is available both on Steam and in its own launcher, as well as for Mac, PS4, and PS5. Unfortunately, Xbox console users currently have to forgo Final Fantasy XIV.
FFXIV provides crossplay between platforms, provided you and your friends play on the same data center.
Place 1 – New World
- Focus of the MMORPG: Crafting, exploration, and PvP in the endgame
- Player count: 511,171 average players in the last 30 days
- Player counts trend: Just released on September 28
- Business model: Buy2Play
- Developer: Amazon Games
What kind of game is this? New World is the latest MMORPG on the list and just had its release on September 28. It was originally developed as a PvP title with some survival aspects, but now it also aims to attract classic MMORPG fans.
The quest system has been revised, and new world bosses and especially 6 completely new dungeons have been added to the game. Additionally, PvP in the open world is now optional. However, if activated, players can eliminate enemies from an opposing company and conquer forts on the map.
The highlights of the game are the gathering and crafting system, which feels incredibly rewarding, as well as the endgame wars where players fight in 50v50 battles for territories.
The combat system requires active targeting and dodging and feels incredibly weighty. However, it is significantly slower than in games like ESO or Black Desert. This makes it more tactical but may not appeal to every player.
Criticism has also been directed at the rather weak quest design and the lack of an overarching story. However, if you wish, you can find small lore snippets on the ground to learn more about the world.
The English YouTuber Zizaran documented his experiences with New World in a video:
For whom is it interesting? New World caters to players who:
- Are generally looking for a completely new MMO with a fresh setting
- Enjoy gathering and crafting
- Look for an MMORPG with an active combat system and dodge rolls
- Like PvP but don’t want to constantly compete against other players
- Don’t require classes, as New World lets your playstyle be defined entirely by your equipment
Those in search of a new theme park MMORPG will only find limited satisfaction in New World. There are no exciting quests and no overarching story. Currently, the number of dungeons is still quite small, and there are no raids.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Nowhere. New World is currently only playable via Steam. Whether there will ever be a version outside of the platform or for consoles is currently unknown.
Bonus – MIR 4
What is this game about? As in the previous month, we list MIR 4 here as a bonus game. With an average of 34,415 players in the last 30 days, the title would actually be in second place in the ranking.
However, there are some aspects that annoy players about the title:
- Since players can farm cryptocurrency in MIR 4, it is used by some for “earning money”.
- MIR 4 is also a mobile game that was first released for Android and iOS and then ported to PC.
- On Steam, the game barely exceeds the 50% threshold regarding positive reviews.
If you still want to take a look at MIR 4, here is an extensive introduction to the MMORPG:
New MMORPG Mir4 – Release still August 2021 for Steam, iOS, and Android
Those looking for an action-packed MMORPG with dodge rolls and blocking will not find happiness here. The game also shows its age in terms of interface and graphics. Additionally, there are almost no PvP content, and the instanced modes that do exist typically have long wait times.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Final Fantasy XIV is available both on Steam and in its own launcher, as well as for Mac, PS4, and PS5. Unfortunately, Xbox console users currently have to forgo Final Fantasy XIV.
FFXIV provides crossplay between platforms, provided you and your friends play on the same data center.
Place 1 – New World
- Focus of the MMORPG: Crafting, exploration, and PvP in the endgame
- Player count: 511,171 average players in the last 30 days
- Player counts trend: Just released on September 28
- Business model: Buy2Play
- Developer: Amazon Games
What kind of game is this? New World is the latest MMORPG on the list and just had its release on September 28. It was originally developed as a PvP title with some survival aspects, but now it also aims to attract classic MMORPG fans.
The quest system has been revised, and new world bosses and especially 6 completely new dungeons have been added to the game. Additionally, PvP in the open world is now optional. However, if activated, players can eliminate enemies from an opposing company and conquer forts on the map.
The highlights of the game are the gathering and crafting system, which feels incredibly rewarding, as well as the endgame wars where players fight in 50v50 battles for territories.
The combat system requires active targeting and dodging and feels incredibly weighty. However, it is significantly slower than in games like ESO or Black Desert. This makes it more tactical but may not appeal to every player.
Criticism has also been directed at the rather weak quest design and the lack of an overarching story. However, if you wish, you can find small lore snippets on the ground to learn more about the world.
The English YouTuber Zizaran documented his experiences with New World in a video:
For whom is it interesting? New World caters to players who:
- Are generally looking for a completely new MMO with a fresh setting
- Enjoy gathering and crafting
- Look for an MMORPG with an active combat system and dodge rolls
- Like PvP but don’t want to constantly compete against other players
- Don’t require classes, as New World lets your playstyle be defined entirely by your equipment
Those in search of a new theme park MMORPG will only find limited satisfaction in New World. There are no exciting quests and no overarching story. Currently, the number of dungeons is still quite small, and there are no raids.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Nowhere. New World is currently only playable via Steam. Whether there will ever be a version outside of the platform or for consoles is currently unknown.
Bonus – MIR 4
What is this game about? As in the previous month, we list MIR 4 here as a bonus game. With an average of 34,415 players in the last 30 days, the title would actually be in second place in the ranking.
However, there are some aspects that annoy players about the title:
- Since players can farm cryptocurrency in MIR 4, it is used by some for “earning money”.
- MIR 4 is also a mobile game that was first released for Android and iOS and then ported to PC.
- On Steam, the game barely exceeds the 50% threshold regarding positive reviews.
If you still want to take a look at MIR 4, here is an extensive introduction to the MMORPG:
New MMORPG Mir4 – Release still August 2021 for Steam, iOS, and Android
Those looking for a direct alternative to WoW or FFXIV may not be happy here. Because there are no classic dungeons and raids, and you will also have to forgo an overarching story.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Black Desert offers its own client that you can download directly from the website. The MMORPG is also available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Place 2 – Final Fantasy XIV
- Focus of the MMORPG: Theme park, story, and instances
- Player count: 28,161 average players in the last 30 days
- Player counts trend: Increasing
- Business model: Base game Free2Play, subscription, and Buy2Play for new expansions
- Developer: Square Enix
What kind of game is this? Final Fantasy XIV originally released in 2010 and received harsh criticism. In 2013, it underwent a major relaunch called “A Realm Reborn.” Since then, it has been one of the most popular MMORPGs.
The game resembles classic Japanese RPGs, largely due to its strong focus on story. In the endgame, you will face many challenging raids and challenges. However, you will need to get accustomed to the combat system, which feels clunky and sluggish, especially at the beginning.
The game world is enormous, and there are various classes referred to as “jobs.” The special thing is that you can level them all with one character. Additionally, Final Fantasy XIV is regularly updated with new patches and even major expansions. In November, the next expansion Endwalker will be released, which we’ve introduced in detail.
You can now play the MMORPG for free up to level 60. After that, you will need to purchase the latest expansion and subscribe to experience it fully.
A good overview of the game is provided by this video from Entenburg:
For whom is it interesting? Final Fantasy XIV is particularly appealing to players who:
- Find the story very important in an MMORPG
- Prefer games with tab-targeting as a combat system
- Enjoy following a linear story
- Want to prove themselves with other players in dungeons and raids
- Are okay with the Japanese setting
Those looking for an action-packed MMORPG with dodge rolls and blocking will not find happiness here. The game also shows its age in terms of interface and graphics. Additionally, there are almost no PvP content, and the instanced modes that do exist typically have long wait times.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Final Fantasy XIV is available both on Steam and in its own launcher, as well as for Mac, PS4, and PS5. Unfortunately, Xbox console users currently have to forgo Final Fantasy XIV.
FFXIV provides crossplay between platforms, provided you and your friends play on the same data center.
Place 1 – New World
- Focus of the MMORPG: Crafting, exploration, and PvP in the endgame
- Player count: 511,171 average players in the last 30 days
- Player counts trend: Just released on September 28
- Business model: Buy2Play
- Developer: Amazon Games
What kind of game is this? New World is the latest MMORPG on the list and just had its release on September 28. It was originally developed as a PvP title with some survival aspects, but now it also aims to attract classic MMORPG fans.
The quest system has been revised, and new world bosses and especially 6 completely new dungeons have been added to the game. Additionally, PvP in the open world is now optional. However, if activated, players can eliminate enemies from an opposing company and conquer forts on the map.
The highlights of the game are the gathering and crafting system, which feels incredibly rewarding, as well as the endgame wars where players fight in 50v50 battles for territories.
The combat system requires active targeting and dodging and feels incredibly weighty. However, it is significantly slower than in games like ESO or Black Desert. This makes it more tactical but may not appeal to every player.
Criticism has also been directed at the rather weak quest design and the lack of an overarching story. However, if you wish, you can find small lore snippets on the ground to learn more about the world.
The English YouTuber Zizaran documented his experiences with New World in a video:
For whom is it interesting? New World caters to players who:
- Are generally looking for a completely new MMO with a fresh setting
- Enjoy gathering and crafting
- Look for an MMORPG with an active combat system and dodge rolls
- Like PvP but don’t want to constantly compete against other players
- Don’t require classes, as New World lets your playstyle be defined entirely by your equipment
Those in search of a new theme park MMORPG will only find limited satisfaction in New World. There are no exciting quests and no overarching story. Currently, the number of dungeons is still quite small, and there are no raids.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Nowhere. New World is currently only playable via Steam. Whether there will ever be a version outside of the platform or for consoles is currently unknown.
Bonus – MIR 4
What is this game about? As in the previous month, we list MIR 4 here as a bonus game. With an average of 34,415 players in the last 30 days, the title would actually be in second place in the ranking.
However, there are some aspects that annoy players about the title:
- Since players can farm cryptocurrency in MIR 4, it is used by some for “earning money”.
- MIR 4 is also a mobile game that was first released for Android and iOS and then ported to PC.
- On Steam, the game barely exceeds the 50% threshold regarding positive reviews.
If you still want to take a look at MIR 4, here is an extensive introduction to the MMORPG:
New MMORPG Mir4 – Release still August 2021 for Steam, iOS, and Android
MMORPGs are becoming increasingly popular on Steam. We at MeinMMO summarize for you which of the online role-playing games had the most players on Steam in October 2021.
How was the list created? For this list, we looked at the average number of players over the last 30 days for each game. To do this, we used the Steamcharts website, which analyzes and prepares the data from Steam.
However, this list represents only the pure player numbers on Steam. Many MMORPGs also offer a dedicated client for download. Therefore, the total number of players will be correspondingly higher.
Nevertheless, the list is a good indicator of which games are currently popular and what changes have occurred compared to the previous month of September.
We have also compiled a list of the highest-rated MMORPGs on Steam, which focuses solely on how well a game is actually received in reviews.
Here are the places 10 to 4
- Place 10 – Legends of Idleon MMO (2,294 players)
- Place 9 – EvE Online (3,503 players)
- Place 8 – RuneScape (4,295 players)
- Place 7 – Star Wars: The Old Republic (5,931 players)
- Place 6 – Albion Online (6,163 players)
- Place 5 – Bless Unleashed (13,834 players)
- Place 4 – The Elder Scrolls Online (16,281 players)
Place 3 – Black Desert
- Focus of the MMORPG: Sandbox, grinding, and world exploration
- Player count: 16,560 average players in the last 30 days
- Player counts trend: Decreasing compared to last year
- Business model: Buy2Play
- Developer: Pearl Abyss
What kind of game is this? Black Desert is a sandbox MMORPG that promises you a lot of freedom. You can level up endlessly, acquire the best gear in various ways, and improve life skills like fishing or gathering. It also offers one of the best character editors on the market and a very action-packed combat system.
Particularly interesting is the economic system, which is entirely player-driven. With the help of NPC workers, you can even build a complex production network where you grow grain in a field and later process it into beer with additional ingredients.
However, Black Desert does not have a linear story or varied quests. You have to set your own goals, whether it’s grinding for level-ups, fighting strong world bosses, or participating in battles for outposts in PvP. The equipment system can be somewhat frustrating, as upgrades can fail and even downgrade your item.
A good overview of the MMORPG is provided by this video from the German YouTuber Entenburg:
For whom is it interesting? Black Desert caters to players who:
- Enjoy action-packed battles
- Appreciate strong graphics in an MMORPG
- Prefer to seek their own content rather than running from quest hub to quest hub
- Want to grind without hesitation
- Have no fear of PvP in the open world
- Are frustrated resistant when upgrading equipment
Those in search of a new theme park MMORPG will only find limited satisfaction in New World. There are no exciting quests and no overarching story. Currently, the number of dungeons is still quite small, and there are no raids.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Nowhere. New World is currently only playable via Steam. Whether there will ever be a version outside of the platform or for consoles is currently unknown.
Bonus – MIR 4
What is this game about? As in the previous month, we list MIR 4 here as a bonus game. With an average of 34,415 players in the last 30 days, the title would actually be in second place in the ranking.
However, there are some aspects that annoy players about the title:
- Since players can farm cryptocurrency in MIR 4, it is used by some for “earning money”.
- MIR 4 is also a mobile game that was first released for Android and iOS and then ported to PC.
- On Steam, the game barely exceeds the 50% threshold regarding positive reviews.
If you still want to take a look at MIR 4, here is an extensive introduction to the MMORPG:
New MMORPG Mir4 – Release still August 2021 for Steam, iOS, and Android
Those looking for an action-packed MMORPG with dodge rolls and blocking will not find happiness here. The game also shows its age in terms of interface and graphics. Additionally, there are almost no PvP content, and the instanced modes that do exist typically have long wait times.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Final Fantasy XIV is available both on Steam and in its own launcher, as well as for Mac, PS4, and PS5. Unfortunately, Xbox console users currently have to forgo Final Fantasy XIV.
FFXIV provides crossplay between platforms, provided you and your friends play on the same data center.
Place 1 – New World
- Focus of the MMORPG: Crafting, exploration, and PvP in the endgame
- Player count: 511,171 average players in the last 30 days
- Player counts trend: Just released on September 28
- Business model: Buy2Play
- Developer: Amazon Games
What kind of game is this? New World is the latest MMORPG on the list and just had its release on September 28. It was originally developed as a PvP title with some survival aspects, but now it also aims to attract classic MMORPG fans.
The quest system has been revised, and new world bosses and especially 6 completely new dungeons have been added to the game. Additionally, PvP in the open world is now optional. However, if activated, players can eliminate enemies from an opposing company and conquer forts on the map.
The highlights of the game are the gathering and crafting system, which feels incredibly rewarding, as well as the endgame wars where players fight in 50v50 battles for territories.
The combat system requires active targeting and dodging and feels incredibly weighty. However, it is significantly slower than in games like ESO or Black Desert. This makes it more tactical but may not appeal to every player.
Criticism has also been directed at the rather weak quest design and the lack of an overarching story. However, if you wish, you can find small lore snippets on the ground to learn more about the world.
The English YouTuber Zizaran documented his experiences with New World in a video:
For whom is it interesting? New World caters to players who:
- Are generally looking for a completely new MMO with a fresh setting
- Enjoy gathering and crafting
- Look for an MMORPG with an active combat system and dodge rolls
- Like PvP but don’t want to constantly compete against other players
- Don’t require classes, as New World lets your playstyle be defined entirely by your equipment
Those in search of a new theme park MMORPG will only find limited satisfaction in New World. There are no exciting quests and no overarching story. Currently, the number of dungeons is still quite small, and there are no raids.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Nowhere. New World is currently only playable via Steam. Whether there will ever be a version outside of the platform or for consoles is currently unknown.
Bonus – MIR 4
What is this game about? As in the previous month, we list MIR 4 here as a bonus game. With an average of 34,415 players in the last 30 days, the title would actually be in second place in the ranking.
However, there are some aspects that annoy players about the title:
- Since players can farm cryptocurrency in MIR 4, it is used by some for “earning money”.
- MIR 4 is also a mobile game that was first released for Android and iOS and then ported to PC.
- On Steam, the game barely exceeds the 50% threshold regarding positive reviews.
If you still want to take a look at MIR 4, here is an extensive introduction to the MMORPG:
New MMORPG Mir4 – Release still August 2021 for Steam, iOS, and Android
Those looking for a direct alternative to WoW or FFXIV may not be happy here. Because there are no classic dungeons and raids, and you will also have to forgo an overarching story.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Black Desert offers its own client that you can download directly from the website. The MMORPG is also available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Place 2 – Final Fantasy XIV
- Focus of the MMORPG: Theme park, story, and instances
- Player count: 28,161 average players in the last 30 days
- Player counts trend: Increasing
- Business model: Base game Free2Play, subscription, and Buy2Play for new expansions
- Developer: Square Enix
What kind of game is this? Final Fantasy XIV originally released in 2010 and received harsh criticism. In 2013, it underwent a major relaunch called “A Realm Reborn.” Since then, it has been one of the most popular MMORPGs.
The game resembles classic Japanese RPGs, largely due to its strong focus on story. In the endgame, you will face many challenging raids and challenges. However, you will need to get accustomed to the combat system, which feels clunky and sluggish, especially at the beginning.
The game world is enormous, and there are various classes referred to as “jobs.” The special thing is that you can level them all with one character. Additionally, Final Fantasy XIV is regularly updated with new patches and even major expansions. In November, the next expansion Endwalker will be released, which we’ve introduced in detail.
You can now play the MMORPG for free up to level 60. After that, you will need to purchase the latest expansion and subscribe to experience it fully.
A good overview of the game is provided by this video from Entenburg:
For whom is it interesting? Final Fantasy XIV is particularly appealing to players who:
- Find the story very important in an MMORPG
- Prefer games with tab-targeting as a combat system
- Enjoy following a linear story
- Want to prove themselves with other players in dungeons and raids
- Are okay with the Japanese setting
Those looking for an action-packed MMORPG with dodge rolls and blocking will not find happiness here. The game also shows its age in terms of interface and graphics. Additionally, there are almost no PvP content, and the instanced modes that do exist typically have long wait times.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Final Fantasy XIV is available both on Steam and in its own launcher, as well as for Mac, PS4, and PS5. Unfortunately, Xbox console users currently have to forgo Final Fantasy XIV.
FFXIV provides crossplay between platforms, provided you and your friends play on the same data center.
Place 1 – New World
- Focus of the MMORPG: Crafting, exploration, and PvP in the endgame
- Player count: 511,171 average players in the last 30 days
- Player counts trend: Just released on September 28
- Business model: Buy2Play
- Developer: Amazon Games
What kind of game is this? New World is the latest MMORPG on the list and just had its release on September 28. It was originally developed as a PvP title with some survival aspects, but now it also aims to attract classic MMORPG fans.
The quest system has been revised, and new world bosses and especially 6 completely new dungeons have been added to the game. Additionally, PvP in the open world is now optional. However, if activated, players can eliminate enemies from an opposing company and conquer forts on the map.
The highlights of the game are the gathering and crafting system, which feels incredibly rewarding, as well as the endgame wars where players fight in 50v50 battles for territories.
The combat system requires active targeting and dodging and feels incredibly weighty. However, it is significantly slower than in games like ESO or Black Desert. This makes it more tactical but may not appeal to every player.
Criticism has also been directed at the rather weak quest design and the lack of an overarching story. However, if you wish, you can find small lore snippets on the ground to learn more about the world.
The English YouTuber Zizaran documented his experiences with New World in a video:
For whom is it interesting? New World caters to players who:
- Are generally looking for a completely new MMO with a fresh setting
- Enjoy gathering and crafting
- Look for an MMORPG with an active combat system and dodge rolls
- Like PvP but don’t want to constantly compete against other players
- Don’t require classes, as New World lets your playstyle be defined entirely by your equipment
Those in search of a new theme park MMORPG will only find limited satisfaction in New World. There are no exciting quests and no overarching story. Currently, the number of dungeons is still quite small, and there are no raids.
Where can you play outside of Steam? Nowhere. New World is currently only playable via Steam. Whether there will ever be a version outside of the platform or for consoles is currently unknown.
Bonus – MIR 4
What is this game about? As in the previous month, we list MIR 4 here as a bonus game. With an average of 34,415 players in the last 30 days, the title would actually be in second place in the ranking.
However, there are some aspects that annoy players about the title:
- Since players can farm cryptocurrency in MIR 4, it is used by some for “earning money”.
- MIR 4 is also a mobile game that was first released for Android and iOS and then ported to PC.
- On Steam, the game barely exceeds the 50% threshold regarding positive reviews.
If you still want to take a look at MIR 4, here is an extensive introduction to the MMORPG:
New MMORPG Mir4 – Release still August 2021 for Steam, iOS, and Android
