Gameplay-wise, Dungeons and Dragons Online is action-rich and dynamic. Additionally, there is a complex progression system.
What does it do well or poorly? The MMORPG heavily relies on the eponymous dungeons, for which, in the endgame, groups and teamwork are very important. The story is also voiced in English, and every class feels essential.
The standout feature is character customization, which offers virtually endless possibilities. This can be somewhat confusing at first, but it feels incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of the options.
However, Dungeons and Dragons Online has become quite dated. This is especially evident in technical aspects like the client, resolution, or graphics. Not a recommendation for everyone, but definitely a special PvE MMORPG.
Star Wars: The Old Republic – The Best Story in the Base Game
What kind of game is this? SWTOR is a free-to-play MMORPG from Bioware set in the Star Wars universe. This alone makes it incredibly interesting. You can create a character on the side of the Republic or the Empire and complete typical quests and follow a varied story with this character.
In the endgame, dungeons, so-called flashpoints, raids, and PvP await you.
What does it do well or poorly? A highlight of the game is its story. You constantly determine the course of dialogues and can make various decisions. Even as a member of the Republic, you can execute traitors or spare enemies as an Imperial. Flirting with characters is also always a possibility.
The absolute highlight is the story of the Imperial Agent, which many fans consider the best story among all MMORPGs.
However, aside from the story, SWTOR faces various problems. Updates are coming too slowly, and player numbers have noticeably dropped. To get into instanced content like dungeons or PvP, considerable waiting times are now required.
Also, the graphics have aged more noticeably than in games like WoW or FFXIV. Nonetheless, The Old Republic remains a very solid MMORPG. You can find out more here: Is Star Wars: The Old Republic still worth it in 2024?
Guild Wars 1 – Almost Everything Can Be Done Solo
What kind of game is this? Guild Wars 1 is not a classic MMORPG, as the entire game world is divided into instances that only the player and their group can enter. This has the interesting side effect that you can reset areas instantly, and thanks to a hard mode, you can make them even more challenging.
The game uses a buy-to-play model with three base games and one expansion. It does not matter which of the base games you start with, as they all function independently. Depending on the chapter, you have access to six to ten classes and can learn a secondary class along with all its abilities. This provides a lot of variety.
A highlight is the “heroes”, NPCs that you can add to your team to replace missing players. You can skill and equip these yourself, and most healing NPCs are better than most players.
More about the contents of GW1 can be found here: Why Guild Wars 1 is still interesting 15 years after release.
What does it do well or poorly? PvE is a core element of the game, as it is where you can experience the story, earn almost all armor skins and titles. Especially the diverse areas and the story leave a positive impression, as does the freedom in builds.
Thanks to heroes, it is not necessary to collaborate with other players. Only in the difficult endgame areas like the Gate of Pain or Underworld is it often easier with other players.
However, Guild Wars 1 is no longer being developed, as the focus is fully on the successor Guild Wars 2. You can experience all content, but you will eventually reach a point where it simply does not continue.
Rift – Strong Game World, but No Updates
What kind of game is this? Rift was initially criticized as a WoW clone, featuring two factions, multiple races and various classes. The focus is on PvE, the titular Rift events, dungeons, and raids. There are also designated servers where PvP occurs in the open world.
However, if you look behind the facade, you will discover elements that Rift does even better than WoW, such as housing and especially the class system.
You can find out more about Rift’s history here: The MMORPG Rift mocked WoW at launch, achieving great success – Ex-CEO explains what went wrong thereafter.
What does it do well or poorly? At the start, you choose from typical options like warrior, mage, or rogue. Later, however, you can specialize. Each class offers at least 7 additional options, and warriors can play not only as tanks and DDs but also as support characters.
In PvE, the open-world events stand out, which, although now fairly common, were a unique feature in 2011. Here, dozens of players would come together to defeat bosses or close the rifts.
However, the game is currently in maintenance mode – it is no longer receiving updates. While a new entry today is still worth it, you will eventually reach a point where you have experienced everything.
What do you think of the selected titles? Which MMORPG do you think has the best PvE? Feel free to share in the comments. You can find more good MMORPGs here: The 10 best MMORPGs in 2024 – Which one suits me?
In the endgame, dungeons, so-called flashpoints, raids, and PvP await you.
What does it do well or poorly? A highlight of the game is its story. You constantly determine the course of dialogues and can make various decisions. Even as a member of the Republic, you can execute traitors or spare enemies as an Imperial. Flirting with characters is also always a possibility.
The absolute highlight is the story of the Imperial Agent, which many fans consider the best story among all MMORPGs.
However, aside from the story, SWTOR faces various problems. Updates are coming too slowly, and player numbers have noticeably dropped. To get into instanced content like dungeons or PvP, considerable waiting times are now required.
Also, the graphics have aged more noticeably than in games like WoW or FFXIV. Nonetheless, The Old Republic remains a very solid MMORPG. You can find out more here: Is Star Wars: The Old Republic still worth it in 2024?
Guild Wars 1 – Almost Everything Can Be Done Solo
What kind of game is this? Guild Wars 1 is not a classic MMORPG, as the entire game world is divided into instances that only the player and their group can enter. This has the interesting side effect that you can reset areas instantly, and thanks to a hard mode, you can make them even more challenging.
The game uses a buy-to-play model with three base games and one expansion. It does not matter which of the base games you start with, as they all function independently. Depending on the chapter, you have access to six to ten classes and can learn a secondary class along with all its abilities. This provides a lot of variety.
A highlight is the “heroes”, NPCs that you can add to your team to replace missing players. You can skill and equip these yourself, and most healing NPCs are better than most players.
More about the contents of GW1 can be found here: Why Guild Wars 1 is still interesting 15 years after release.
What does it do well or poorly? PvE is a core element of the game, as it is where you can experience the story, earn almost all armor skins and titles. Especially the diverse areas and the story leave a positive impression, as does the freedom in builds.
Thanks to heroes, it is not necessary to collaborate with other players. Only in the difficult endgame areas like the Gate of Pain or Underworld is it often easier with other players.
However, Guild Wars 1 is no longer being developed, as the focus is fully on the successor Guild Wars 2. You can experience all content, but you will eventually reach a point where it simply does not continue.
Rift – Strong Game World, but No Updates
What kind of game is this? Rift was initially criticized as a WoW clone, featuring two factions, multiple races and various classes. The focus is on PvE, the titular Rift events, dungeons, and raids. There are also designated servers where PvP occurs in the open world.
However, if you look behind the facade, you will discover elements that Rift does even better than WoW, such as housing and especially the class system.
You can find out more about Rift’s history here: The MMORPG Rift mocked WoW at launch, achieving great success – Ex-CEO explains what went wrong thereafter.
What does it do well or poorly? At the start, you choose from typical options like warrior, mage, or rogue. Later, however, you can specialize. Each class offers at least 7 additional options, and warriors can play not only as tanks and DDs but also as support characters.
In PvE, the open-world events stand out, which, although now fairly common, were a unique feature in 2011. Here, dozens of players would come together to defeat bosses or close the rifts.
However, the game is currently in maintenance mode – it is no longer receiving updates. While a new entry today is still worth it, you will eventually reach a point where you have experienced everything.
What do you think of the selected titles? Which MMORPG do you think has the best PvE? Feel free to share in the comments. You can find more good MMORPGs here: The 10 best MMORPGs in 2024 – Which one suits me?
Gameplay-wise, Dungeons and Dragons Online is action-rich and dynamic. Additionally, there is a complex progression system.
What does it do well or poorly? The MMORPG heavily relies on the eponymous dungeons, for which, in the endgame, groups and teamwork are very important. The story is also voiced in English, and every class feels essential.
The standout feature is character customization, which offers virtually endless possibilities. This can be somewhat confusing at first, but it feels incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of the options.
However, Dungeons and Dragons Online has become quite dated. This is especially evident in technical aspects like the client, resolution, or graphics. Not a recommendation for everyone, but definitely a special PvE MMORPG.
Star Wars: The Old Republic – The Best Story in the Base Game
What kind of game is this? SWTOR is a free-to-play MMORPG from Bioware set in the Star Wars universe. This alone makes it incredibly interesting. You can create a character on the side of the Republic or the Empire and complete typical quests and follow a varied story with this character.
In the endgame, dungeons, so-called flashpoints, raids, and PvP await you.
What does it do well or poorly? A highlight of the game is its story. You constantly determine the course of dialogues and can make various decisions. Even as a member of the Republic, you can execute traitors or spare enemies as an Imperial. Flirting with characters is also always a possibility.
The absolute highlight is the story of the Imperial Agent, which many fans consider the best story among all MMORPGs.
However, aside from the story, SWTOR faces various problems. Updates are coming too slowly, and player numbers have noticeably dropped. To get into instanced content like dungeons or PvP, considerable waiting times are now required.
Also, the graphics have aged more noticeably than in games like WoW or FFXIV. Nonetheless, The Old Republic remains a very solid MMORPG. You can find out more here: Is Star Wars: The Old Republic still worth it in 2024?
Guild Wars 1 – Almost Everything Can Be Done Solo
What kind of game is this? Guild Wars 1 is not a classic MMORPG, as the entire game world is divided into instances that only the player and their group can enter. This has the interesting side effect that you can reset areas instantly, and thanks to a hard mode, you can make them even more challenging.
The game uses a buy-to-play model with three base games and one expansion. It does not matter which of the base games you start with, as they all function independently. Depending on the chapter, you have access to six to ten classes and can learn a secondary class along with all its abilities. This provides a lot of variety.
A highlight is the “heroes”, NPCs that you can add to your team to replace missing players. You can skill and equip these yourself, and most healing NPCs are better than most players.
More about the contents of GW1 can be found here: Why Guild Wars 1 is still interesting 15 years after release.
What does it do well or poorly? PvE is a core element of the game, as it is where you can experience the story, earn almost all armor skins and titles. Especially the diverse areas and the story leave a positive impression, as does the freedom in builds.
Thanks to heroes, it is not necessary to collaborate with other players. Only in the difficult endgame areas like the Gate of Pain or Underworld is it often easier with other players.
However, Guild Wars 1 is no longer being developed, as the focus is fully on the successor Guild Wars 2. You can experience all content, but you will eventually reach a point where it simply does not continue.
Rift – Strong Game World, but No Updates
What kind of game is this? Rift was initially criticized as a WoW clone, featuring two factions, multiple races and various classes. The focus is on PvE, the titular Rift events, dungeons, and raids. There are also designated servers where PvP occurs in the open world.
However, if you look behind the facade, you will discover elements that Rift does even better than WoW, such as housing and especially the class system.
You can find out more about Rift’s history here: The MMORPG Rift mocked WoW at launch, achieving great success – Ex-CEO explains what went wrong thereafter.
What does it do well or poorly? At the start, you choose from typical options like warrior, mage, or rogue. Later, however, you can specialize. Each class offers at least 7 additional options, and warriors can play not only as tanks and DDs but also as support characters.
In PvE, the open-world events stand out, which, although now fairly common, were a unique feature in 2011. Here, dozens of players would come together to defeat bosses or close the rifts.
However, the game is currently in maintenance mode – it is no longer receiving updates. While a new entry today is still worth it, you will eventually reach a point where you have experienced everything.
What do you think of the selected titles? Which MMORPG do you think has the best PvE? Feel free to share in the comments. You can find more good MMORPGs here: The 10 best MMORPGs in 2024 – Which one suits me?
Honorable Mentions
In this section, we briefly introduce five more games that are also interesting for PvE fans, but come with a larger catch.
The Elder Scrolls Online – Strong Story and Solo Dungeons
What kind of game is this? In The Elder Scrolls Online, you can experience almost everything alone and also start directly in the endgame areas as a new player. This is due to the dynamic leveling system that adjusts your character so that you can find your way everywhere immediately.
Those coming from the single-player titles of The Elder Scrolls will find themselves quickly at home. You can visit familiar areas like Skyrim, Morrowind, or Blackwood and have the familiar compass instead of a mini-map.
But MMORPG fans will also find plenty, from the regularly new dungeons, to the raids or PvP, where battlegrounds or the vast Cyrodiil are available for selection. ESO uses seven different classes and an action combat system, for which you need to block, dodge, and aim your abilities.
What does it do well or poorly? ESO shines primarily with its story, which is fully voiced and thanks to many expansions takes dozens of hours of gameplay alone. For PvE events, there are world events and boss fights in almost every area, open dungeons, and of course some instanced content that becomes challenging especially for veteran dungeons and trials for twelve players.
A highlight is the solo arenas, for which you need good equipment and some time to master. However, the scaling of the game world and the companion system means that many of the MMORPG’s content is trivial and provides no challenge. Therefore, those seeking challenging PvE content will only find it in specific instances in ESO.
Dungeons & Dragons Online – Old-fashioned, but oh so good
What kind of game is this? In 2006, Dungeons and Dragons Online launched, a large online role-playing game set in the D&D universe. It offers many typical races like Elves, Dwarves, Halflings, and even intelligent constructs, Dark Elves, and Half-Dragons.
The gameplay initially takes place in the bizarre magic-steampunk setting of Eberron, later adding a region from the classic Forgotten Realms setting with the Stormreach update.
However, Guild Wars 1 is no longer being developed, as the focus is fully on the successor Guild Wars 2. You can experience all content, but you will eventually reach a point where it simply does not continue.
Rift – Strong Game World, but No Updates
What kind of game is this? Rift was initially criticized as a WoW clone, featuring two factions, multiple races and various classes. The focus is on PvE, the titular Rift events, dungeons, and raids. There are also designated servers where PvP occurs in the open world.
However, if you look behind the facade, you will discover elements that Rift does even better than WoW, such as housing and especially the class system.
You can find out more about Rift’s history here: The MMORPG Rift mocked WoW at launch, achieving great success – Ex-CEO explains what went wrong thereafter.
What does it do well or poorly? At the start, you choose from typical options like warrior, mage, or rogue. Later, however, you can specialize. Each class offers at least 7 additional options, and warriors can play not only as tanks and DDs but also as support characters.
In PvE, the open-world events stand out, which, although now fairly common, were a unique feature in 2011. Here, dozens of players would come together to defeat bosses or close the rifts.
However, the game is currently in maintenance mode – it is no longer receiving updates. While a new entry today is still worth it, you will eventually reach a point where you have experienced everything.
What do you think of the selected titles? Which MMORPG do you think has the best PvE? Feel free to share in the comments. You can find more good MMORPGs here: The 10 best MMORPGs in 2024 – Which one suits me?
In the endgame, dungeons, so-called flashpoints, raids, and PvP await you.
What does it do well or poorly? A highlight of the game is its story. You constantly determine the course of dialogues and can make various decisions. Even as a member of the Republic, you can execute traitors or spare enemies as an Imperial. Flirting with characters is also always a possibility.
The absolute highlight is the story of the Imperial Agent, which many fans consider the best story among all MMORPGs.
However, aside from the story, SWTOR faces various problems. Updates are coming too slowly, and player numbers have noticeably dropped. To get into instanced content like dungeons or PvP, considerable waiting times are now required.
Also, the graphics have aged more noticeably than in games like WoW or FFXIV. Nonetheless, The Old Republic remains a very solid MMORPG. You can find out more here: Is Star Wars: The Old Republic still worth it in 2024?
Guild Wars 1 – Almost Everything Can Be Done Solo
What kind of game is this? Guild Wars 1 is not a classic MMORPG, as the entire game world is divided into instances that only the player and their group can enter. This has the interesting side effect that you can reset areas instantly, and thanks to a hard mode, you can make them even more challenging.
The game uses a buy-to-play model with three base games and one expansion. It does not matter which of the base games you start with, as they all function independently. Depending on the chapter, you have access to six to ten classes and can learn a secondary class along with all its abilities. This provides a lot of variety.
A highlight is the “heroes”, NPCs that you can add to your team to replace missing players. You can skill and equip these yourself, and most healing NPCs are better than most players.
More about the contents of GW1 can be found here: Why Guild Wars 1 is still interesting 15 years after release.
What does it do well or poorly? PvE is a core element of the game, as it is where you can experience the story, earn almost all armor skins and titles. Especially the diverse areas and the story leave a positive impression, as does the freedom in builds.
Thanks to heroes, it is not necessary to collaborate with other players. Only in the difficult endgame areas like the Gate of Pain or Underworld is it often easier with other players.
However, Guild Wars 1 is no longer being developed, as the focus is fully on the successor Guild Wars 2. You can experience all content, but you will eventually reach a point where it simply does not continue.
Rift – Strong Game World, but No Updates
What kind of game is this? Rift was initially criticized as a WoW clone, featuring two factions, multiple races and various classes. The focus is on PvE, the titular Rift events, dungeons, and raids. There are also designated servers where PvP occurs in the open world.
However, if you look behind the facade, you will discover elements that Rift does even better than WoW, such as housing and especially the class system.
You can find out more about Rift’s history here: The MMORPG Rift mocked WoW at launch, achieving great success – Ex-CEO explains what went wrong thereafter.
What does it do well or poorly? At the start, you choose from typical options like warrior, mage, or rogue. Later, however, you can specialize. Each class offers at least 7 additional options, and warriors can play not only as tanks and DDs but also as support characters.
In PvE, the open-world events stand out, which, although now fairly common, were a unique feature in 2011. Here, dozens of players would come together to defeat bosses or close the rifts.
However, the game is currently in maintenance mode – it is no longer receiving updates. While a new entry today is still worth it, you will eventually reach a point where you have experienced everything.
What do you think of the selected titles? Which MMORPG do you think has the best PvE? Feel free to share in the comments. You can find more good MMORPGs here: The 10 best MMORPGs in 2024 – Which one suits me?
Gameplay-wise, Dungeons and Dragons Online is action-rich and dynamic. Additionally, there is a complex progression system.
What does it do well or poorly? The MMORPG heavily relies on the eponymous dungeons, for which, in the endgame, groups and teamwork are very important. The story is also voiced in English, and every class feels essential.
The standout feature is character customization, which offers virtually endless possibilities. This can be somewhat confusing at first, but it feels incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of the options.
However, Dungeons and Dragons Online has become quite dated. This is especially evident in technical aspects like the client, resolution, or graphics. Not a recommendation for everyone, but definitely a special PvE MMORPG.
Star Wars: The Old Republic – The Best Story in the Base Game
What kind of game is this? SWTOR is a free-to-play MMORPG from Bioware set in the Star Wars universe. This alone makes it incredibly interesting. You can create a character on the side of the Republic or the Empire and complete typical quests and follow a varied story with this character.
In the endgame, dungeons, so-called flashpoints, raids, and PvP await you.
What does it do well or poorly? A highlight of the game is its story. You constantly determine the course of dialogues and can make various decisions. Even as a member of the Republic, you can execute traitors or spare enemies as an Imperial. Flirting with characters is also always a possibility.
The absolute highlight is the story of the Imperial Agent, which many fans consider the best story among all MMORPGs.
However, aside from the story, SWTOR faces various problems. Updates are coming too slowly, and player numbers have noticeably dropped. To get into instanced content like dungeons or PvP, considerable waiting times are now required.
Also, the graphics have aged more noticeably than in games like WoW or FFXIV. Nonetheless, The Old Republic remains a very solid MMORPG. You can find out more here: Is Star Wars: The Old Republic still worth it in 2024?
Guild Wars 1 – Almost Everything Can Be Done Solo
What kind of game is this? Guild Wars 1 is not a classic MMORPG, as the entire game world is divided into instances that only the player and their group can enter. This has the interesting side effect that you can reset areas instantly, and thanks to a hard mode, you can make them even more challenging.
The game uses a buy-to-play model with three base games and one expansion. It does not matter which of the base games you start with, as they all function independently. Depending on the chapter, you have access to six to ten classes and can learn a secondary class along with all its abilities. This provides a lot of variety.
A highlight is the “heroes”, NPCs that you can add to your team to replace missing players. You can skill and equip these yourself, and most healing NPCs are better than most players.
More about the contents of GW1 can be found here: Why Guild Wars 1 is still interesting 15 years after release.
What does it do well or poorly? PvE is a core element of the game, as it is where you can experience the story, earn almost all armor skins and titles. Especially the diverse areas and the story leave a positive impression, as does the freedom in builds.
Thanks to heroes, it is not necessary to collaborate with other players. Only in the difficult endgame areas like the Gate of Pain or Underworld is it often easier with other players.
However, Guild Wars 1 is no longer being developed, as the focus is fully on the successor Guild Wars 2. You can experience all content, but you will eventually reach a point where it simply does not continue.
Rift – Strong Game World, but No Updates
What kind of game is this? Rift was initially criticized as a WoW clone, featuring two factions, multiple races and various classes. The focus is on PvE, the titular Rift events, dungeons, and raids. There are also designated servers where PvP occurs in the open world.
However, if you look behind the facade, you will discover elements that Rift does even better than WoW, such as housing and especially the class system.
You can find out more about Rift’s history here: The MMORPG Rift mocked WoW at launch, achieving great success – Ex-CEO explains what went wrong thereafter.
What does it do well or poorly? At the start, you choose from typical options like warrior, mage, or rogue. Later, however, you can specialize. Each class offers at least 7 additional options, and warriors can play not only as tanks and DDs but also as support characters.
In PvE, the open-world events stand out, which, although now fairly common, were a unique feature in 2011. Here, dozens of players would come together to defeat bosses or close the rifts.
However, the game is currently in maintenance mode – it is no longer receiving updates. While a new entry today is still worth it, you will eventually reach a point where you have experienced everything.
What do you think of the selected titles? Which MMORPG do you think has the best PvE? Feel free to share in the comments. You can find more good MMORPGs here: The 10 best MMORPGs in 2024 – Which one suits me?
