Best Free MMORPG for 2018
In recent years, traditional MMORPG games have lost their steam and managed to pave the way for the free-to-play MMORPG revolution. Through the removal of subscriptions fees, paid expansions, and monetizing games through microtransactions, MMO publishers experienced enormous success with the remodel of their games. Unless you are playing World of Warcraft, it's safe to say that the subscription MMO industry is dead and buried.
For those that are looking to explore a brand-new MMO world, without the need to pay upfront, now is a perfect time. To save you hours on character creation for an MMORPG game you may not even enjoy at the end, we compiled a comprehensive list of the best free MMORPG for 2018 worthy of your time. We also went a step further and included games with new content drops, recent updates, and the like. From emerging action-based RPGs to sword and sorcery classics, these are the best MMORPGs you should consider.
TERA
Not everyone gets inspired by conventional MMO combat sequences, which is exactly why TERA was created. It's essentially an action-focused game infused with Devil May Cry-style slices, flips, and sword thrusts that are very different from the usual click-and-wait systems featured in almost every other MMORPG. Combine the action-packed combat with incredible visuals you will witness throughout the game, and this game is certainly a sight to behold.
Although TERA is one of the older games on our list, it still offers loads of excitement and fun in 2018 as when it was initially released in 2011. Frequent events, including the Return to the Forsaken Island as well as the addition of a male Brawler, keeps the Arborea world a vibrant and occupied place.
Crossout
If you're a fan of Mad Max, you are going to fall in love with Crossout as if features even more vehicular combat than the movies. This MMO provides a post-apocalyptic world based on vehicle customisation and building. There is a vast range of cosmetic oddities, electrical gadgets, weapons, and body parts to help you create the ultimate death machine. You can then join one of four distinct fractions, each with its own unique collection of vehicle parts as well as a robust marketplace, allowing you to trade with other online players.
The economy of the game will ensure you get drip-fed each time you advance. You will also be limited to what you can use on your car's exterior, and the management behind this is just as important as decent marksmanship and clever manoeuvring, If you want to explore a nightmarish future filled with desolate barrens and crumbling cities, then jumping behind the wheel in Crossout is for you.
Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2 was launched in 2012 and is considered one of the strongest MMO games since World of Warcraft. The latest expansion requires players to destroy the rogue god of war, Balthazar. The Path of Fire expansion is incredible and continues to captivate players with its storytelling capabilities.
The beautiful, expansive world of Guild Wars 2 is its primary pull, but you will also find elegance within its system. Dynamic events gather online strangers, friends, and players together for insane dashes across landscapes, while combat feels dramatic and pacey even though the game is based on the traditional hotbar and cooldown systems. Guild Wars 2 is buy-to-play, but that's only relevant when it comes to the expansion packs. Its core game is still free to play. There's also no microtransactions to obtain the best gear and it regularly features no adventures. Guild Wars 2 is also considered one of the best free MMORPG for Mac.
ArcheAge
As one of the most ambitious MMORPGs, ArcheAge provides an enormous sandbox allowing you to fulfil your desires of living like a pirate in a fantasy world. Like most MMOs, it offers an ever-evolving world thanks to frequent updates with Maelstrom being the latest update to the game.
The massive update added 20-player ship battles in PvP format available in the Bloodsalt Bay arena - a naval showdown like you've never seen before, thanks to the presence of plenty of skeletons and deep sea oddities. As every MMO is required to stay fresh and up-to-date, you will discover easier raid organisation, improved crafting, and an arsenal of equipment upgrades.
Eve Online
Corporate evil and space piracy is finally available to everyone thanks to Eve Online ditching its paywall with a stripped back free-to-play experience. The recent update will allow you to explore your trucker fantasies in space without committing to a monthly subscription. Whether you want to profit from all the bloodshed or wage massive galactic war, it's completely up to you.
Entering this game as a free player will only disable the highest levels of abilities and upgrades, allowing you to still advance through the ranks of the space trade you fancy the most. Eve Online has also reworked the introduction of the game, ensuring you get to know this extremely complex MMO much easier. Eve Online is also ranked as one of the best free MMORPG for PC.