We have compiled a list of the 7 best Anime MMORPGs currently available on the market in 2022.
Are you no longer drawn to the graphic style of the big AAA MMORPGs? Is anime and its associated art style your passion? Then it might be time to try one of the many anime MMORPGs.
However, many of these games are truly worth it, while others just lure you in with empty promises, scant clothing, and exaggeratedly large breasts? We present 7 Anime MMORPGs that are worth taking a longer look at for fans of the genre.
Genshin Impact
Setting: Fantastical anime world | Developer: miHoYo | Platform: Android, iOS, PC, PS4 | Release Date: 09/28/2020 | Model: Free2Play
Every year, there are a few surprise hits that appear “out of nowhere” and take the gaming landscape by storm. In the autumn of 2020, it was probably Genshin Impact.
The game not only features impressive anime graphics that regularly amaze everyone at how a game on a smartphone can look so good, but it also excels in gameplay.
Once the coop mode is unlocked, Genshin Impact can also be played with friends. You not only fight the same enemies but also unleash interesting combos of different elements that would not be possible alone. So it’s definitely worth it and fun to be out with friends.
Not to mention that everyone loves the pretty waifus and cool husbandos…
However, Genshin Impact is also based on a gacha system where you can only get the best heroes if you are very lucky or spend a lot of real money to bolster your luck. However, for most players, this should hardly be a limitation and many enjoy the game without spending much money.
Genshin Impact is regularly improved and expanded since its release. The story continues to evolve, and new features such as housing or even dates with characters were added later. It’s a game that receives a lot of new content every few months.
However: Genshin Impact is not a pure MMORPG but is largely more of a single-player title with optional multiplayer mode. It combines a lot of good from both worlds, but it is not considered a traditional MMORPG.
Where can I download the game? You can download Genshin Impact from the respective store of your platform (PC, iOS, Android). For PC, simply visit the official website.
Blade & Soul
Setting: Asian martial arts | Developer: NCSoft | Platform: PC | Release Date: 01/19/2016 (Europe) | Model: Free2Play
If you are into Asian settings with dramatic stories and female villains whose appearance actually belongs in a pin-up calendar, then you will be happy with Blade & Soul. Even if the graphics are no longer fresh, they are still far above what you would otherwise expect from “anime MMORPGs.” But the visuals are by no means the only thing the game has to offer.
Especially the action-packed combo combat system provides plenty of excitement, whether in PvE or PvP scenarios. The game is still being developed and expanded with new updates. Features like guild PvP have been introduced, and the ongoing story surrounding the embodiment of evil is continuously intertwined, providing new challenges for the players every few months.
A major highlight in 2021 was the revamp of the engine, which significantly improved the graphics of the MMORPG.
The wide range of content is also due to Blade & Soul having been available only in Asia for a long time. The Western version has since caught up significantly and is now almost on par with the original.
Is Blade & Soul for you? This is what the Kung-Fu MMORPG offers.
Where can I download the game? You can get the MMORPG for free on the official Blade & Soul website.
Tree of Savior
Setting: Picturesque cuddly fantasy | Developer: IMCGAMES Co. | Platform: PC | Release Date: 03/26/2016 (Europe) | Model: Free2Play
Tree of Savior has been available on Steam for a while, and opinions are divided about this MMORPG. While many players cannot get into the picturesque cuddly graphics and the long grinding, others swear by the beautiful atmosphere and the light hack & slash feeling that arises while traversing the countless dungeons.
If you enjoy slaying enemies, calming goddesses, and plenty of large googly eyes, Tree of Savior should keep you entertained for a long time. As is usual in this genre, there is also a cash shop that makes your time in the game easier and unlocks certain bonuses like faster leveling or a larger inventory.
The English version of Tree of Savior can be tried for free by anyone interested on Steam.
Where can I download the game? You can get Tree of Savior for free on the game’s Steam page.
Elsword Online
Setting: Anime fantasy | Developer: KOG Games | Platform: PC | Release Date: 12/27/2007 | Model: Free2Play
If you’ve had enough of conventional MMORPGs and are looking for something different and action-packed, then Elsword Online is a great choice. Although Elsword is an anime MMORPG, it is played as a side-scroller with 3D graphics.
The game’s story is continued in small comic sequences, and the increasing difficulty and the near-endless potential to constantly improve your character provides many hours of fun.
But Elsword has even more to offer. If you want, you can also try your hand at PvP and prove that your combos are much better than those of the enemies. This doesn’t only work in “1 against 1” but also group fights where tactics, planning, and quick reactions can turn around even a seemingly lost battle.
Thanks to the timeless manga graphics, this game still remains a real eye-catcher even after years.
Where can I download the game? You can get Elsword Online through the official website, where you can download it for free.
Aura Kingdom
Setting: Medieval anime fantasy | Developer: X-Legend | Platform: PC | Release Date: July 2014 | Model: Free2Play
Fans of larger game worlds in a complete anime/manga style are well advised to check out Aura Kingdom. The graphic style immediately reminds you of well-known series like “Sword Art Online” or similar representatives of the genre, and the game world is filled with many elements already seen in larger AAA MMORPGs. Besides the traditional “questing, killing, looting,” Aura Kingdom also has professions and mini-games like a trading card system with over 300 different cards.
While Aura Kingdom lacks a bit in dungeons and thus in challenging content, its interesting story makes up for this shortcoming.
If desired, players can also try their hand at professions and access resources for other players that could be valuable— or build up their own stock and ultimately turn them into weapons and armor.
Where can I download the game? You can get Aura Kingdom on the official website or on the Steam platform.
Closers
Setting: Present | Developer: Naddic Games | Platform: PC | Release Date: 02/06/2018 (EU-Steam) | Model: Free2Play
Closers is an action anime MMO that presents a (for anime) typical base story: The Earth is being overrun by creatures from a foreign dimension and needs defenders to stand in the way of these beings. Regularly, new characters are added, providing a new perspective on the story and introducing fresh gameplay mechanics.
If you don’t want to deal with other players, you don’t have to. You can experience the episodic story of the characters completely alone if desired and learn more about the game and its background story.
However, if the rather weak NPC enemies are too easy for you, you can dive into PvP battles with full vigor. Thanks to the combat system reminiscent of beat ’em up games and the ability to execute combos and powerful special attacks, dynamic skirmishes with a variety of options arise. This is also complemented by a comprehensive skill system, as each character has individually expandable abilities, weapons, and armor— no two characters are alike.
Closers also benefits from its colorful manga visuals, with the relatively simple graphics still appearing convincing and coherent.
Where can I download the game? You can get the anime MMORPG Closers for free on the Steam page of the game.
SoulWorker
Setting: Post-apocalyptic | Developer: Lion Games Co., Ltd. | Platform: PC | Release Date: 02/26/2018 (EU-Steam) | Model: Free2Play
SoulWorker falls into the same category as Closers. 15 years ago, the world was plagued by dark creatures, and only a few people survived this apocalypse. Equipped with supernatural powers, the SoulWorkers are humanity’s last hope.
Players take on the role of such a SoulWorker, but they must first discover and unleash their powers. Depending on the chosen character (currently 4 classes), there are different abilities. Many contents can also be completed with a group of 4 players whose skills complement each other— creating cool combinations and a special fireworks effect.
Although the focus of SoulWorker is clearly on the PvE aspect with over 100 dungeons, there’s something for PvP fans to do – in a massive battle (an open PvP area), players can unleash their anime skills against each other.
Where can I download the game? You can get the MMORPG for free on the SoulWorker Steam page.
Which of the anime MMORPGs do you particularly like? Which ones have you played or would like to try? Is there a game missing from the list? Feel free to write it in the comments!
In another list, we have compiled 13 Free2Play MMORPGs, even if they are not necessarily anime.
