MMORPGs thrive on large player numbers, but which ones are actually the most successful on Steam? We at MeinMMO take a closer look at this list and have compiled a top 10 for June 2023.
How was the list created? For the ranking, we examined the average number of players of the MMORPGs over the last 30 days. These are the numbers of players who are logged in simultaneously on average.
The data comes from the site Steamcharts, which provides player numbers.
What stands out? Albion Online has significantly increased and its player numbers compared to the ranking in January have nearly tripled. One reason is the release in new regions. New World, on the other hand, has lost its second place and is now just floundering in the midfield. Overall, the numbers for almost all MMORPGs are declining, which is also due to the season.
These are the places 10 to 4
- Place 10: RuneScape (3,211 players)
- Place 9: EVE Online (4,291 players)
- Place 8: Star Wars: The Old Republic (6,202 players)
- Place 7: Summoners War: Chronicles (11,324 players)
- Place 6: New World (13,252 players)
- Place 5: Albion (14,204 players)
- Place 4: Black Desert (14,650 players)
Place 3: The Elder Scrolls Online
- Focus of the MMORPG: Story, Open World, and instances
- Number of players: An average of 15,265 players online simultaneously in the last 30 days
- Player trends: Slight upward trend thanks to a new expansion in June
- Business model: Buy2Play with optional subscription
- Release date: April 4, 2014
- Developer: Zenimax Online
What kind of game is this? The Elder Scrolls Online is not a classic MMORPG, as you can experience almost everything without interacting with other players. Especially in the open world and while following the story, other players act more like NPCs who accompany you along the way.
The game impresses mainly with its deep story, which has been completely dubbed in English, as well as with its crafting system that keeps you busy. You scale in the game world, allowing you to directly enter the areas of the latest expansions right from the start. So, a lot of grind is not necessary to join your friends.
MMORPG fans can look forward to regular new dungeons, raids, and PvP. A highlight here is the enormous battleground Cyrodiil, where the three factions in the game fight against each other and try to conquer fortresses.
ESO uses an action combat system, for which you have to block, dodge, and actively aim your abilities.
Who is it interesting for? ESO is aimed at players who
- are fans of the “Elder Scrolls” series, as you can explore numerous areas of the old single-player titles and experience new stories there, even if you do not want to interact with other players at all. It is by far the best MMORPG for solo players.
- are looking for a beginner-friendly MMORPG. Companions were introduced in 2021. These are NPCs that you can bring into your group to fill roles like healer or tank.
- like fully voiced stories.
- are seeking challenges. There are challenging 12-player raids and veteran dungeons.
ESO is also one of the few MMORPGs that you can play on Xbox and PlayStation.
Place 2: Final Fantasy XIV
- Focus of the MMORPG: Story, roleplay, and instances
- Number of players: An average of 23,776 players online simultaneously in the last 30 days
- Player trends: Recently a slight upward trend, but still well below the numbers from January
- Business model: Base game Free2Play with restrictions, subscription, and costs for expansions
- Release date: August 27, 2013
- Developer: Square Enix
What kind of game is this? Final Fantasy XIV has been one of the most popular MMORPGs for years. It focuses on an engaging story that is partially told in the dungeons. In addition, there are challenging raids in the endgame.
The combat system relies on tab-targeting, which may feel a bit sluggish at first, but becomes much more exciting as you unlock more skills. The classes in FFXIV are called jobs and you only need one character to level them all. Depending on what weapon you have equipped, your class changes.
Additionally, you can level various crafting and gathering classes, buy a house, and design your own island.
In 2021, the current expansion Endwalker was released and the next expansion will likely come in 2024. The latest update was released in May and has marked the end of the current story.
FFXIV is a subscription game for which you need to pay monthly. Free2Play players can now test for free up to level 60 and experience the stories of A Realm Reborn and Heavensward. After that, you need to buy an expansion and subscribe.
Who is it interesting for? FFXIV is especially aimed at players who:
- like story games and want to experience an emotional story
- prefer tab-targeting
- are looking for a challenge in PvE endgame
- like a classic holy trinity (tank, DPS, healer)
- want to try roleplay
The community is praised by players worldwide. The interactions are (mostly) friendly and considerate, which contrasts greatly with other MMORPGs whose communities tend to be more toxic.
Place 1: Lost Ark
- Focus of the MMORPG: Grinding, instances
- Number of players: An average of 41,301 players online simultaneously in the last 30 days
- Player trends: Since January, the number of players has decreased by 75%, although many bots that were banned were also involved
- Business model: Free2Play
- Release date: February 11, 2022
- Developer: Smilegate
What kind of game is this? Lost Ark is an action MMORPG that was released in the West in February 2022. You can choose from currently 24 different classes to explore the world of Arkesia in an isometric perspective.
The focus is on action-packed fights, the grind for new equipment, and the tough endgame content that you need to master with that equipment. While you follow a story that is quite well told with many cutscenes, the grind is what primarily takes the spotlight.
There are numerous daily tasks, including quests, several dungeons, and the island events. Ideally, you should not do these with just one character, but with 6 different characters to maximize your loot.
Real highlights are the endgame raids, filled with tricky mechanics and great challenges. Those who want to succeed here need a lot of time, patience, and sometimes even the willingness to consult external guides to fully understand every aspect of the boss fight.
Who is it interesting for? Lost Ark is aimed at players who
- like to grind and want to fight many enemies at once, as in chaos dungeons
- appreciate complex mechanics and are not afraid to read guides before the fight and want to explore an open world on land and water
- love collecting items
- can stay patient, even when they fail multiple times at a raid
Special case – MIR4
MIR4 is an MMORPG focused on cryptocurrency. According to Steamcharts, it averages around 31,500 players simultaneously per month. Thus, it would actually be in second place. However, we assume that many bots are active and therefore do not include the MMORPG in our regular ranking.
In MIR4, players can obtain a cryptocurrency called DRACO. This currency can only be obtained by linking the game with Facebook, Google, or Apple. Many contents are autoplay and the game shows that it is designed for mobile.
What do you think of our ranking? Which MMORPGs are you currently playing? Feel free to let us know in the comments here on MeinMMO!
