MMORPG or Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game is one of the earliest online video game genre, with emphasis on multiplayer content. MMO players usually would band together as a group to tackle tough bosses.
However, the golden age of MMO has passed, and being able to play with others on the Internet is not something new or fun anymore. A lot of MMOs have put the Multiplayer part into optional, allowing players to beat the content solo and play the game just like a normal single player title.
In this article, Gurugamer is going to showcase the top 6 MMORPGs with the best solo experience in 2023.
1. Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy 14 is a game that is lovingly crafted by the developers to consistently deliver a superb experience. Whether it's tough battles, an amazing story, intricate (but understandable) and relaxing crafting, or a very unique take on PVP, FFXIV has something for everyone; and not only that but these elements are individually well designed to encourage you to try out each element at your own pace.
It is difficult to summarize why this game is worthy of your time, but in short, FFXIV largely respects your time depending on what YOU want to do. Beyond that, it has a fantastic community that is really gung-ho (and honestly slanted toward) helping out new players.
The game is very story-driven, combat is really slow and forgiving early on, and the trial stops long before things get interesting. If you are a familiar fan of Final Fantasy lore then this will be fantastic for you. It is still fine if you are new, as you generally do not need to know anything about the Final Fantasy franchise to enjoy this.
2. Warframe
Warframe is an MMO, co-op, third-person shooter, taking place in our very own solar system, at an unimaginably distant point in time, where two major factions vie for control in the aftermath of a great war. Players take on the role of the Tenno – ancient warriors now needed more than ever to keep balance within the universe and protect innocents from the new war they find themselves in. The Tenno operate the titular Warframes, battlesuits with exceptional combat prowess, agility, and space magic.
After choosing your Warframe, you’re dropped into a tutorial where you learn the basics of Warframe’s excellent combat and movement systems. You get a primary, secondary, and melee weapon, and can switch between them on the fly. Each Warframe also has four unique abilities, ie. space magic. Although the game doesn’t have a combo meter, it is very evocative of Devil May Cry, Bayonetta, and similar hack-n-slash games. The movement is cathartic, as you can glide through the air, run on walls, slide, twirl, and generally parkour all over the place. It’s a lot of fun.
After the tutorial, you get your very own spaceship, from which you’ll be able to fly across the galaxy and participate in the abundant content Warframe offers. You can visit all of the planets in the Solar system, and then some. While some of them have open-world areas, the majority of Warframe’s game modes you’ll get to play will be standalone missions, such as Survival, Defense, Assassination, Excavation, etc. As you do so, you will be awarded crafting resources and blueprints on which to use them, usually for crafting new weapons and Warframes. You’ll also be awarded Mods, which you can equip on your equipment to modify its various stats.
3. STAR WARS: The Old Republic
One of the best single-player story MMOs out there. FYI, this is a review from a mostly solo player viewpoint. I've been playing this game very on and off since day 1, so I've seen how it's changed and progressed over the years. Unlike other MMOs, this one has only gotten better with age. There are literally hundreds of hours of single-player story content, with solo dungeons and raids for you to do in case you're like me and enjoy playing solo. If you're like me and stopped playing WoW bc of various reasons, I can recommend this game very much.
Combat is your standard tab target MMO, but there is an emphasis on player control. By that I mean, you can have a handful of companions that join you and be your tank, DPS, or heals. You also can heal yourself at any time, which makes solo content fun. I'm still shocked at how all the non-force classes play so well and fit into this SW story so well. I personally like the Smuggler and Bounty Hunter classes the most. You get your own ship, base, and crew that you can deck out how you like.
The story is the best part of this game. You have 8 classes (4 Republic, 4 Empire), and all have their own 20 to 30-hour story, depending on how much side content you do. Choices matter and can affect the game in smaller ways. The game makes you feel like you're the champion of each class. You start small then get bigger and bigger in the story. If you're wanting KOTOR 3, then this is what you need to play. The story is a sequel to KOTOR 2 (loosely), so you'll see certain characters reappearing or being mentioned.
4. Lost Ark
Lost Ark from Smilegate RPG is a 3d fantasy MMORPG with action RPG style combat and a huge world to explore. Using the Unreal engine, the game features a beautifully illustrated world of epic proportions.
In Lost Ark, players will embark on an odyssey for the Lost Ark in a vast, vibrant world. From exploring new lands to seeking out lost treasures, players can test themselves in thrilling action combat. Lost Ark has a very distinct combat system with multiple varied classes and advanced classes, each with its own strength and weaknesses.
Players start by customizing their character which they can then level up by completing the storyline. Reaching level 50 unlocks access to tiered endgame dungeons and raids. After this point all further progress is tied to the character's gear score.
5. Path of Exile
Path of Exile, released in October 2013, is actually considered the true sequel to the legendary Diablo 2 by many fans. Its Class and Skill system borrowed heavily from Diablo 2 and 3, with 8 classes, 213 active skills and 1325 passive skills. Each class can also be Ascended for even more customization.
About gameplay... well, it is the usual Diablo 2/3 experience. Players tinkers with their skill gems and passive to create the best build possible, then proceed to face against the legion of hell. Items and equipment in PoE also provide another layer of customization on top of all the above.
Path of Exile is considered one of the best ARPG 2022 and has a big following, especially on Reddit. Currently, the game has almost half a million subscribers on the platform and ranks pretty high amongst games like Diablo 3 reddit. In comparison, r/diablo 3 (the subcommunity for Diablo 3 and its expansion) itself has only 200k members.
6. World of Warcraft
For those wanting the short story: Buy this game. It is still worth thousands of fun and awe-filled hours. Despite the common opinion that the game is dead/dying, this game is here to stay until it is no longer developed. If you love making a character, powering up that character, and earning WoW gold in a world rich with lore and beauty, this game is certainly for you.
If you want to experience the story alone, the latest expansion features some of the best cinematic work Blizzard has done in a quest experience yet. For new players, Blizzard makes it incredibly easy and quick to gear up for the new raid tier.
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