7 Free Alternatives to World of Warcraft

As an experienced MMORPG enthusiast, you probably know that the existence of Blizzard Entertainment’s World of Warcraft is solely dependent on the company’s wish. Although it has seen better days and not so good ones, it retains a dedicated enough community to keep going. People might be anticipating the next “WoW Killer,” but the fact is that even at its worse, it still reserves a loyal group of players.

However, even the most die-hard of fans sometimes yearn to venture out into different territories albeit not too contrasting. Maybe you’re sharp on exploring the MMORPG domain, or perhaps you appreciate the premise World of Warcraft, but the gameplay doesn’t resonate with you. Sometimes, committing to the subscription model may not feel like the right move if you only plan to squeeze in small bursts of gaming sessions.

Fortunately, you’re in luck as there are several free-to-play MMORPGs of the theme-park-style available. While all of them employ a form of monetization model, you can often escape without spending a dime if you so wish. We’ve curated a collection of such games for you to peruse below.

Neverwinter

Neverwinter, an active MMORPG set against the backdrop of the Dungeons & Dragons universe, scratches that fantasy itch delightfully. Centered around the eponymous city, it takes inspiration from the 4th edition of the tabletop RPG, which should be a bonus treat for fans. Accessible on both PC and console, Neverwinter is made to cater to all types of players.

Rift

Rift, a once paid game, has been in the free-to-play market for some time now. Upon its launch, Rift was often compared to World of Warcraft due to their shared characteristics that Blizzard fans familiarize quickly. Today, it is worth noting that despite being a free game there exists a premium version that offers benefits to the folks willing to pay.

RuneScape

RuneScape, an early MMORPG entrant, is still keeping its flag high with consistent upgrades. Available on various platforms, including mobile, it may lack the stellar graphics of modern games, but players are still signing in for their daily dose of nostalgia and adventure.

Guild Wars 2

Presented by ArenaNet, Guild Wars 2 is a fantasy MMORPG set in an open world. Instead of being led by a pre-defined path, it allows players to shape their own journey and explore the world at their own pace. Despite giving free reins to players, it provides some form of direction in the form of suggested content paths. While the base game is free-to-play, players have to purchase expansions to progress the narrative.

The Lord of the Rings Online

It doesn’t get simpler than this. The Lord of the Rings Online promises exactly what its title suggests—a Lord of the Rings MMORPG. Here, you can immerse yourself in the magical world created by J.R.R. Tolkien, visiting iconic locations and interacting with all the beloved characters of Middle Earth.

Runes of Magic

Resembling WoW in many ways, Runes of Magic is a conventional fantasy-based MMO that takes place in the world of Taborea. It offers a variety of quests, PvP content, and much more. Players can choose from one of three races for their character while also tailoring a unique class by mixing different classes to form a perfect character.

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Once a subscription-based game, Star Wars: The Old Republic is distinguished for its epic, narrative-driven gameplay within the Star Wars universe. Carrying on the legacy of Bioware’s captivating storytelling, players get to inhabit the galaxy far, far away and even strike up romantic alliances. Though it offers a premium version with extra content, the one aspect that sets it apart is that it’s the only MMORPG currently on the market to deliver a complete Star Wars experience.