MMORPGs come in various combat systems. Some rely on classic tab-targeting, where enemies are selected and then attacked, such as WoW or FFXIV. Others build on action combat, where targeting must be done deliberately. In this list, we specifically deal with the MMORPGs that have the best action combat system.
How did the list come about? The list was originally created by Alexander Leitsch and updated on May 13, 2024, by Karsten Scholz. The two MMORPG experts have already tried over 50 different online role-playing games and played each title mentioned here for several hours.
They explain what makes the combat system of each game so good and also mention some alternatives at the end of the article that did not make it into the top 7.
Black Desert
Setting: Fantasy | Developer: Pearl Abyss | Platform: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | Release Date: March 3, 2016 | Model: Buy2Play
What makes the combat system so good? Black Desert features a very visually impressive, powerful action combat system, where you must always accurately target enemies and chain spectacular combos.
In attacks, characters wind up and usually hit multiple targets at once. The abilities feel powerful and come with a real effect storm. Hit enemies begin to stagger, leading to a certain impact from attacks and a great fun factor.
While dodging enemy attacks plays an important role in Black Desert, there is no classic block function. Additionally, the impact of blows is only visible on hit opponents, but you don’t necessarily feel it on your own character. Especially with the use of abilities, there is still room for improvement.
For fighting, Black Desert offers the choice of 27 different classes, all of which have different abilities.
This gameplay trailer of the Scholar provides an insight into the battles:
What does the game offer besides combat? Black Desert is a sandbox MMORPG and relies heavily on freedom:
- While there are some quests, grinding mobs is much faster for leveling up
- There is no maximum level in the game, but it takes agonizingly long to reach further levels after level 63
- The economy is completely free and determined by the players
- There are eleven life skills, including gathering, fishing, and cooking
- You can build a network of NPC workers who can cultivate resources, brew beer from them, and then sell the beer to earn gold
- There is housing and you can build your own ships
- Starting from level 50, there is PvP in the open world
- Recently, PvP arenas and a PvE dungeon for five players were introduced
Additionally, there are the so-called season servers, which are particularly suitable for newcomers or leveling new classes. These start regularly, have no PvP, and allow you to level up faster.
However, anyone who wants to play Black Desert must purchase the MMORPG once. There is no subscription.
Who is Black Desert worth it for? Black Desert is aimed at sandbox fans who enjoy exploring an open world and want to enjoy the combat system. Much in BDO is tied to grind, such as crafting the best gear or production chains for the economy.
However, those looking for a classic theme park MMORPG with an overarching story, dungeons, and raids may not be happy with Black Desert. Because there are no instanced dungeons for groups. Additionally, you constantly have to reckon with PvP, which not every player type enjoys.
In 2023, a new expansion featuring more story, cutscenes, and boss battles was also released, which simultaneously requires less grind. Ideal for players who like Black Desert for its combat system, but may be put off otherwise.
