Some MMORPGs place particular emphasis on an exciting, well-thought-out story and a coherent game world. We reveal our top 5 story-driven MMORPGs that you can play in 2023.
Over the years and decades, numerous MMORPGs have emerged that can absorb hundreds or even thousands of hours of gameplay. Grinding, farming, defeating raid bosses, or battling in PvP is done everywhere. However, for many players, it is not just the gameplay that matters, but the story of a game. We have compiled our top 5 and present the five MMORPGs that, in our opinion, have the most convincing, exciting, or simply interesting stories.
Update 30.04.2023: The article has been updated for the year 2023.
Cortyn has been playing MMORPGs for over 20 years and has spent so many hours in fantasy game worlds that one might not want to know the exact number. Ten years of this have been spent writing articles for MeinMMO.
Throughout this time, he has constantly sampled various MMORPGs—especially when an interesting story lures him in. Because nothing motivates more than a gripping story.
World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft can now look back on nine expansions that have each added several hundred quests to the game. In the meantime, cutscenes are also included, and more and more missions are voiced. After there was no significant story arc in “classic” WoW, but rather the problems of the entire world were addressed, there is now a clear main quest line in almost every area since the “Cataclysm” remake.
Especially in the two recent expansions (Legion, Battle for Azeroth, and Dragonflight), the story is clearly in focus and comes with many dramatic twists and interesting highlights. The Shadowlands expansion is viewed more critically by many.
While there are no noteworthy decisions, and many quests consist merely of text, the sheer abundance and attention to detail in the game world ensures that WoW secures a place on this list. Anyone wanting to experience a large, thoughtfully designed game world with many unique races and their backstories will feel at home in WoW.
However, the downside is that World of Warcraft is a Pay2Play title. The base game and the latest expansion must be purchased, and then a monthly fee must be paid (subscription). A trial version is only available up to level 20—and that is usually reached after just a few hours.
What the story is about: At the beginning, the classic conflict between the two major powers “Horde” and “Alliance” is in focus. However, as you progress further in the game, other stories grow larger, such as the fates of individual races or notable individuals from the Warcraft franchise.
Who the story is suited for: Fans of “classic” fantasy, reading enthusiasts, and anyone for whom comic style and serious action are not a contradiction. However, the entry can be confusing, so you’ll need to bring some time and willingness to settle in.
