Currently, there is a summer lull in new releases in the MMO sector. Therefore, we are looking at already released titles and presenting you with the 10 MMOs that had the most players on Steam in February 2021.
How did the list come about? The list revolves around MMOs that currently according to the Steamcharts website have the most players on the platform. The focus was on the average players over the last 30 days.
We selected multiplayer titles that are played online only, provide permanent progression, are designed for group play, and are regularly expanded.
What are MMOs? Broadly summarized, we define MMOs as follows:
- They are multiplayer games, with a clear focus on multiplayer
- In theory, all players are connected online – it is a “huge” community. Even if everyone plays in their little room, the shared lobby is still massive.
- They are regularly updated by the developer with patches, updates, expansions, DLCs, or even new titles in the franchise, to keep them relevant, and were designed this way from the start.
- There is a certain level of persistent progression
- Titles that are completely atypical for an MMO, such as a card game like Hearthstone or FIFA, are excluded
Here you can find a precise definition on the topic: “What does MMO mean nowadays?”.
Place 10 – Final Fantasy XIV
Genre: MMORPG | Developer: Square Enix | Platform: PC, PS4, PS5 | Release Date: August 27, 2013| Model: Pay2Play
What is Final Fantasy XIV? Final Fantasy XIV has developed into one of the most popular MMORPGs in recent years. A lot has changed in 2013 due to the game’s major makeover, and many content updates and expansions like Shadowbringers now await players.
The MMORPG resembles classic Japanese RPGs, which is due to its strong focus on story, and offers everything a player’s heart desires:
- A massive game world
- A lot of focus on the story
- A profound crafting system
- Challenges in the form of dungeons and raids with varying difficulty levels in the endgame
Only the combat system feels a bit outdated and is particularly clunky and slow, especially at the beginning. For those looking to try FFXIV: Since August, the game has a larger Free2Play scope and you can even play up to level 60 and visit first dungeons.
How many players does FFXIV have on Steam: The MMORPG had an average of 16,759 players in the last 30 days. At peak, 25,961 players visited the game.
What do players say? Final Fantasy XIV received 815 reviews in the last 30 days, with 87 % being positive. The game is praised for its story and challenges, but criticized for its rather mediocre start and lack of voice acting despite adjustments in August 2020:
- Scynith: “Great game, astonishing graphics and cutscenes. The story is fantastic and satisfies that RPG thirst when you’ve played everything else and are looking for a similar feel.”
- Goblinmoon: “If you like FF games, you should enjoy this too. The look is similar, although of course as an MMO it has different gameplay mechanics. I like that you can play every class and profession on the same character.”
- AcidPhreak: “Gameplay-wise it’s definitely a nice old-school MMORPG, even the tab-target system is fun. What’s really unacceptable is the silence. Damn, I feel like I’m playing a silent film or something.”
For whom is FFXIV suitable? Fans of MMORPGs looking for a long-term engagement, who enjoy following a story and want to try their hand at challenging dungeons, should definitely check out Final Fantasy XIV.
However, you need to be okay with a classic and less dynamic tab-targeting combat system and navigate through a boring phase or two at the beginning. However, it is worth it for the endgame.
Final Fantasy is among the 6 MMORPGs with the best story.
