MMOs and online games come in various versions. Some are free-to-play, while others require a subscription. However, in this list, we focus on games that you can buy once and play forever.
What kinds of games are in the list? We have selected 11 games that you can buy once and always play. We only look at games that can primarily be played online with other users.
It was also important to us that wallets are not overly burdened. Therefore, we have only selected titles that permanently cost 20 euros or less from official retailers. The list is sorted by cost.
Where can you find cheap games? If you’d rather play completely for free instead of buying a game, we can recommend our list of 25 free-to-play titles.
Additionally, there is currently a special promotion for PC and Xbox players, where you can get the Game Pass for 1 euro. Accordingly, we have detailed 15 multiplayer games from the pass.
Black Desert Online – MMORPG
Genre: MMORPG | Developer: Pearl Abyss | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One | Release date: March 3, 2016 | Model: Buy2Play
What is Black Desert? The sandbox MMORPG Black Desert gives you a lot of freedom. You can level endlessly, explore the world as an adventurer, or become rich as a merchant or craftsman.
In return, the story and traditional quests play a rather subordinate role. Instead, the combat system and the very detailed character editor of the game stand out particularly.
Black Desert was first released in Korea and then came to the West in 2016. There are now also versions for Xbox and PS4, which, however, have a different status than the PC version and lag significantly behind in terms of updates and available classes.
How much does Black Desert cost? Through the official shop, you can get Black Desert for 9.99 euros. However, there are always promotions that make BDO cheaper or even free.
Who is it worth it for? If you are looking for an MMORPG with an action-packed combat system and also value freedom, then Black Desert is the right place for you.
However, the game is very grind-intensive and has open PvP. If you can’t handle that, you should look for an alternative.
Are there alternatives? Yes, because there are now many different Buy2Play MMORPGs. Good alternatives include Guild Wars 2 with a stronger focus on the story and ESO with a strong focus on single-player content. Alternatively, ArcheAge Unchained can be played if PvP and sandbox are in the foreground. Some Buy2Play MMORPGs have already been introduced in a list:
ARK: Survival Evolved – Survival MMO
Genre: Survival | Developer: Studio Wildcard | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch | Release date: August 27, 2017 | Model: Buy2Play
What is ARK? If you have a desire for huge dinosaurs and are eager to fear for your life, then you should definitely check out ARK: Survival Evolved.
During your adventures, you will encounter various prehistoric creatures like the famous T-Rex, but you also need to search for food and water.
In doing so, you can:
- Tame dinos as companions
- Build your own shelter
- And admire the beautiful and detailed biomes.
The first part of the Genesis DLC was released in February. It introduced many new creatures, and there is also a really wild story.
How much does ARK cost? The base game of ARK is available for 11 euros on Steam. However, the game offers several expansions that you need to buy to fully experience the world.
On PS4 and in the Microsoft Store, ARK is currently significantly more expensive.
Who is it worth it for? ARK is a game for fans of Jurassic Park or unusual survival MMOs. With its own server system, it is perfect for playing with friends.
In March 2020, it was the most popular MMO on Steam.
Are there alternatives? For survival fans, there are definitely some alternatives that do not offer the same setting as ARK. For example, Rust and DayZ focus on a modern and not so fantasy-based world.
We will also introduce you to another alternative in the course of the article with Raft.
GTA V/Online – Action-Adventure
Genre: Action-Adventure | Developer: Rockstar Games | Platform: PC, Xbox One, PS4 | Release date: September 2013 | Model: Buy2Play
What is GTA Online? GTA Online is the multiplayer mode for Grand Theft Auto V. You create a character and enter the vast and open game world.
There, you can earn money through missions to buy new weapons and vehicles, with which you can then earn more money. This allows you to afford properties and all sorts of new content that the developer Rockstar regularly integrates into GTA 5 Online.
In addition to races that you can conduct with completely crazy vehicles like rocket-launcher-equipped flying motorcycles, GTA also offers you the opportunity to embark on a career as a robber or even a drug boss.
How much does GTA V cost? To access the world of GTA Online, you need GTA V. Depending on the platform and retailer, you pay between 10 and 20 euros.
Who is it worth it for? GTA Online is an absolute highlight for fans of the series who also want to play online with friends or even strangers.
Are there alternatives? If you don’t necessarily want to play online, other parts of the GTA series offer an alternative. If this series is not taken too seriously, you might also enjoy Saints Row 2.
Otherwise, there is also Red Dead Online from Rockstar, an open world that matches RDR2.
Risk of Rain 2 – Multiplayer Roguelike
Genre: Action-Adventure | Developer: Hopoo Games | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch | Release date: March 28, 2019 (EA on PC) | Model: Buy2Play
What is Risk of Rain 2? In this action platformer, it gets quite intense, especially on higher levels. At the beginning of a game, you choose a class and then play a round with up to 3 friends.
The goal is to activate a teleporter that takes you to the next level. There, you will constantly encounter new enemies, but also loot. However, the difficulty level automatically increases over time.
Currently, it is not possible to play Risk of Rain 2 in early access as the difficulty level becomes too high to finish the level eventually.
How much does Risk of Rain 2 cost? On Steam, this action-adventure costs 17.99 euros. However, the game is still in early access. On PS4 and Xbox, however, you pay 29.99 euros.
Who is it worth it for? If you liked Risk of Rain, you will love the successor. The biggest change is the transition from the 2D to the 3D world.
It has already convinced many on Steam. It boasts an astounding 96% positive reviews with a total of 54,912 ratings (as of April 13, 3:00 PM).
Are there alternatives? If you don’t like the 3D world or want to save a few euros, you can start with Risk of Rain 1. The title costs 9.99 euros on Steam.
For Honor – Action RPG
Genre: Action RPG | Developer: Ubisoft Montreal | Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One | Release date: February 14, 2017 | Model: Buy2Play
What is For Honor? In For Honor, the focus is on battles in multiplayer mode. You take on the role of one of a total of 24 classes and then compete against other players and NPCs.
The action RPG places a lot of importance on the action combat system. Thus, correct aiming, blocking, finding cover and counter-attacks are particularly important.
For Honor offers various game modes, including duels, skirmishes, extermination, and dominion, where you have to gain control over certain zones on the battlefield.
How much does For Honor cost? For Honor costs 14.99 euros in the starter edition on Steam and also in the PS4 and Microsoft Store. However, the game offers various and significantly more expensive packages.
Who is it worth it for? If you enjoy engaging in medieval battles and value an action-packed and very precise combat system, you will have a lot of fun with For Honor.
The title does have a campaign, but the focus is on multiplayer.
Are there alternatives? If you want to compete in a medieval MMO, you will find a free alternative in Conqueror’s Blade and a slightly more expensive one in Mordhau compared to For Honor.
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