MMORPGs are extensive games, which can be intimidating when trying an online role-playing game for the first time. However, there are titles that make it easy to get started. We present four MMORPGs that are particularly well-suited for newcomers to the genre.
A complex skill system, hundreds of levels, raids in challenging dungeons, guilds, PvP, sieges, and countless quests… MMORPGs can be overwhelming due to the plethora of options they offer. Especially online role-playing games that have been running for many years and have been continuously updated with new content often deter newcomers.
Therefore, many wonder which MMORPG they should play when entering the genre for the first time? We present four games to you.
World of Warcraft
| Release | November 23, 2004 |
| Platform | PC |
| Website | Website World of Warcraft |
Why is World of Warcraft suitable for beginners? Blizzard intentionally wanted to develop an MMORPG with WoW that targets a broader audience. Therefore, the team examined available online role-playing games at the time and built upon what worked well to create the most enjoyable gameplay possible.
- You are introduced from the beginning with simple initial quests and an understandable tutorial
- WoW does not overwhelm players with too many systems right from the start
- Blizzard’s MMORPG features a gently escalating learning curve
- World of Warcraft manages to motivate players by continually introducing new features
How do you get started in WoW? World of Warcraft can be played for free up to level 20 in a Free Trial. You can download the game and get started immediately without paying anything. If you want to continue playing, you will need to subscribe.
The Elder Scrolls Online
| Release | April 4, 2014 |
| Platform | PC, Xbox One, Playstation 4 |
| Website | Website of The Elder Scrolls Online |
Why is ESO suitable for beginners? Zenimax Online has created with The Elder Scrolls Online an MMORPG that is both inspired by the successful recipe of World of Warcraft and aims to simplify the entry for single-player gamers into the world of online RPGs.
- ESO plays very much like a single-player role-playing game, especially at the beginning
- The controls of The Elder Scrolls Online are not too complicated. The MMORPG can also be played on PC with a controller.
- The story and quests guide you through the game areas, which gradually become more challenging
- You can manage well alone if you don’t have friends available
How do you get started in ESO? This MMORPG is a Buy2Play title. You buy it and can play as long as you like without a subscription. Additionally, there are occasional free play days where you can try it out for free.
Guild Wars 2
| Release | August 28, 2012 |
| Platform | PC |
| Website | Website of Guild Wars 2 |
Why is Guild Wars 2 suitable for beginners? ArenaNet has learned a lot from Guild Wars 1 and used this experience to create Guild Wars 2, an MMORPG that anyone can quickly get into and experience many adventures.
- Along with a quick start, you also progress quickly in Guild Wars 2
- There is hardly any downtime in the world, as quests or events keep appearing
- You level up quickly and also get good equipment relatively soon, leading to many rewarding experiences
- Since Guild Wars 2 has no subscription, you can play as you like. You don’t feel pressured to play a lot for your money
How do you get started in Guild Wars 2? The MMORPG is a Free2Play title. This means you can download the base game for free from the website and start playing immediately. There is also no subscription fee.
Final Fantasy 14
| Release | August 27, 2013 |
| Platform | PC, Playstation 4 |
| Website | Website of Final Fantasy 14 |
Why is Final Fantasy 14 suitable for beginners? Square Enix released an initial version of the MMORPG Final Fantasy 14 in 2010 that was not well received by players. So a new version was developed that offers a better entry.
- You don’t feel too pressured by many quests, especially at the beginning, as the missions are short and can be completed quickly.
- You are shown exactly where to go, so you always know what to do
- You can quickly find players through chat who will introduce you to the more complex mechanics
- Other players often help you level up faster
How do you get started in Final Fantasy 14? You can download a free trial version for PC and PS4, in which you can level your hero up to level 35. After that, a subscription is required if you want to continue playing.
Until May 3, Twitch and Amazon Prime users can get the base version of FFXIV for PC for free, which includes 30 days of free playtime.
