At the end of the year, we at MeinMMO looked at which MMORPGs are the most popular according to Google. Here are the results.
Next year, exciting titles like Throne and Liberty and Blue Protocol will join the MMORPG genre. Now we look at the games that have been significant over the past 12 months.
How was this list created? For our ranking, we threw the names of known MMORPGs into Google Trends and compared them. We present the ones that were searched for the most.
Additionally, we limit ourselves to MMORPGs that have already been released in 2022. Search results for upcoming games were not considered.
Rank 7: Guild Wars 2
Developer: ArenaNet | Platform: PC | Release: 2012 | Model: Free2Play, later Buy2Play
What kind of game is this? Guild Wars 2 is an MMORPG that already has a few years behind it, but is still very popular. This year it celebrated its 10th anniversary and was released on Steam.
It offers an ongoing story with areas that continuously change. You can do whatever you want from the start. The endgame begins with the start.
In the open world, you will not find classic quests; instead, you explore the environment. You will encounter “hearts,” a substitute for quests. A heart must be filled by completing tasks. Most of the time, you have different options available to complete the heart.
Additionally, you will find events all over the world. Some have a timer, while others react to actions within the map. Some world events are so large that they affect the entire area.
Guild Wars 2 is free, but only the base game. The expansions End of Dragons, Path of Fire, and Heart of Thorns must be purchased once.
Rank 6: RuneScape
Developer: Jagex Games | Platform: PC, Mobile | Release: 2001 | Model: Free2Play
What kind of game is this? RuneScape is an MMORPG that now comes in 2 versions: the standard variant and the old school version from 2013, which is based on the game’s 2007 state. RuneScape has been popular for over 20 years.
You create a character, but you are not restricted to a fixed class. Then you enter a medieval fantasy world where you delve into ancient legends.
During the game, you can decide whether to explore deep dungeons, fight monsters and uncover treasures, or supply adventurers with weapons as a blacksmith. You can even build and live on your own farm.
It receives regular updates, recently a new skill was announced for the first time. You can play RuneScape on Steam and now even on your phone.
Rank 5: Black Desert
Developer: Pearl Abyss | Platform: PC, Mobile, PS4/PS5, Xbox | Release: 2014 | Model: Buy2Play
What kind of game is this? Black Desert Online is a Korean MMORPG that offers you many freedoms. You complete quests or kill many monsters, leveling up quickly at first. However, leveling becomes painfully long in the higher levels at higher levels.
In the endgame, there is increased focus on PvP, especially since PvP is possible in the open world from level 50. Additionally, there are other PvP contents, such as arenas.
In the open world, you can learn 11 different life skills, such as fishing and logging. You can also hire NPCs and have them work for you. Housing is also part of this MMORPG.
The unique feature of Black Desert Online is its action-packed combat system, where you press different key combinations during combat to execute skills. The abilities are often massive and come with a real visual spectacle.
Rank 4: The Elder Scrolls Online
Developer: ZeniMax | Platform: PC, PS4/PS5, Xbox, Stadia | Release: 2014 | Model: Buy2Play
What kind of game is this? The Elder Scrolls Online, short ESO, takes place in the Elder Scrolls universe. It features well-known locations as a setting, including Skyrim and Oblivion. The MMORPG throws you into the world of Tamriel, where you can complete content at any level. It particularly emphasizes single-player.
ESO receives 3 DLCs and one major expansion every year. In 2019, it focused on Elsweyr, the southern part of the game world, and dragons. In 2020, it headed to Skyrim to discover the Black Heart of Skyrim.
In 2021, it revolved around Oblivion and players fought against the Daedric Prince Mehrunes Dagon. This year, the High Isle expansion featuring political intrigue and a focus on the Bretons was released.
Additionally, it offers a voiced story, PvP content, housing, and varied dungeons.
Rank 3: Final Fantasy XIV
Developer: Square Enix | Platform: PC, PS4/PS5 | Release: 2010 | Model: Buy2Play + Subscription
What kind of game is this? Final Fantasy XIV, short FFXIV, is the second MMORPG of the popular Japanese RPG franchise.
In FFXIV, you create a character with which you can switch between different classes by changing weapons. There are numerous quests to complete, which will steadily advance your level.
You complete daily dungeons and raids, through which you also level up and receive useful items. There are pets, mounts, a variety of weapons, and crafting materials. Housing is also an important part of the MMORPG for some players – but it’s not a must. Overall, FFXIV offers many freedoms beyond the story.
The base game “A Realm Reborn” and the first expansion “Heavensward” can be played for free with some restrictions in the trial version; after that, you need a paid subscription and must purchase the expansions. There are also Stormblood, Shadowbringers, and the latest expansion Endwalker.
Rank 2: Lost Ark
Developer: Smilegate | Platform: PC | Release: 2022 | Model: Free2Play
What kind of game is this? Lost Ark is a Korean MMORPG that is heavily reminiscent of Diablo 3 in its gameplay. You create a character and enter the world of Arkesia, which you see from an isometric perspective.
In the story of Lost Ark, you must find 7 Arks, for which you travel across different continents. At first, it’s only about the story, reaching endgame at level 50. Then you have to complete daily content to gather materials to improve your item level. Leveling up until then is very quick, but after that, hardly at all.
Depending on your item level, you can then travel to the next continent and continue the story. Later, farming gold becomes important, so you team up with other players in challenging content.
Additionally, there are many collectible items that provide useful rewards for your character. For some of these, you sail from island to island and complete tasks, for others you must collect special plant seeds – the Mokokos.
Among the MMORPGs released in 2022, Lost Ark is perhaps the most popular. However, the game has had significant problems with bots that are still not completely resolved.
Rank 1: World of Warcraft
Developer: Blizzard | Platform: PC | Release: 2004 | Model: Buy2Play + Subscription
What kind of game is this? World of Warcraft is the absolute classic among MMORPGs and the most played among them. It offers quests, dungeons, raids, mounts and pets, PvP, achievements, and collectibles. Its combat system relies on classic tab-targeting.
Currently, there are 2 versions of WoW: the “regular” one that always bears the name of the latest expansion, and WoW Classic. Classic is a re-release of the original game. Within Classic, there are 3 versions depending on how the MMORPG is intended to be.
WoW uses a comic-style graphic that has been continually improved over the expansions. However, it still shows its age in some places, as it recently celebrated its 18th birthday.
WoW receives regular updates and large expansions; currently, the Dragonflight expansion is the talk of the town. The first season is just starting there. Different classes and content are nerfed or buffed.
What do you think of our MMORPG list based on Google Trends? Which of the games are you currently playing or have tried out? Do you prefer classic versions or the latest version of an MMORPG? What is your favorite? Please let us know in the comments here on MeinMMO!
WoW recently revealed how it will proceed in the next year:
WoW reveals roadmap for 2023, intends to bring 6 content patches for Dragonflight
