Summary
MMOs offer living, ever-evolving worldswhere players gradually carve out their own place. As stories expand and new content is added, players evolve with the game, making them return again and again. At the core of MMOs is social interaction. Guilds, clans, parties, and open-world features allow players to form friendships and work toward collective goals.
For many, MMOs are more than just games—they’re social spaces. They aren’t designed for quick playthroughs; long-term goals like leveling, raids, crafting, and PvP rankings keep players engaged. For many, MMOs are tied to childhood or youth, and nostalgia keeps bringing them back. If you’re looking to join a crowded MMO in 2025, here are the most populated titles worth exploring.
The player count data for daily active users in this list has been sourced fromMMO Populations.
While RuneScape has a smaller player base compared to Old School RuneScape, it has endured since 2001 as a constantly evolving MMORPG. Featuring an enormous number of quests and rich lore, its expansive world and longevity have cultivated a loyal community. Originally browser-based, RuneScape was highly accessible for its time and is now playable on both PC and mobile, allowing it to reach a wide audience.
Its unique skill system, player-driven economy, and cooperative experiences are among its most beloved features. Jagex continues to update RuneScape with fresh content, quality-of-life improvements, and visual upgrades, keeping the game engaging and encouraging players to return.
With over 20 years of history, EVE Online has built a remarkably loyal player base. What sets it apart from most MMORPGs is that all players exist on a single server, allowing thousands—even tens of thousands—to interact in the same universe. This makes the game’s economy, politics, and wars incredibly realistic and large in scale.
Record-breaking battles, such as a fleet war involving 8,825 players, are possible because of this. In EVE Online, losing a ship means losing everything inside it, often to enemy looting. This full-loot system adds high stakes to every encounter. Its complexity and strategic depth appeal to veterans, supporting its longevity and niche appeal.
Lost Ark may not be an old MMORPG, but since its global release in 2022, it has maintained strong popularity.Featuring an isometric, Diablo-like perspective, the game stands out with its fast-paced, action-heavy combat system—offering a fresh take at a time when many players were growing tired of traditional MMORPGs.
A massive marketing push by Amazon Games helped fuel its launch success, with a record 1.3 million concurrent players on Steam. Its distinct Asian MMO aesthetics also appealed to Western audiences. Regular updates and new content have kept the player base engaged, solidifying Lost Ark’s place as a major, active force in the global MMORPG scene.
More than a decade after its release, Guild Wars 2 remains popular with a loyal player base. The game follows a buy-to-play model with no subscription fees. Unlike traditional quest-based MMOs, it emphasizes dynamic events that occur across the map, encouraging cooperation and making the world feel alive.
Despite its age, the game’s artistic design and visuals are still impressive. Developer ArenaNet continues to support the game with regular expansions and free updates, adding new stories, maps, skills, and features. With its innovative systems, accessible progression, and dynamic world, Guild Wars 2 has carved out a lasting place in the MMORPG market.
War Thunder is best described as an “MMO combat simulator” or “online multiplayer war game,” offering massive battles across land, air, and sea. Despite being over a decade old, it maintains strong global popularity.
One of its biggest draws is its vast lineup of over 2,000 licensed vehicles—including tanks, aircraft, helicopters, and naval units—spanning from World War II and the Cold War to modern conflicts, and representing over ten nations. This variety appeals to history buffs and military vehicle enthusiasts alike. Players unlock and upgrade vehicles through tech trees, providing long-term goals and a strong sense of progression. This depth keeps players consistently engaged.
6Maple Story
Daily Players: 218,466
Released in 2003 as a 2D side-scrolling MMORPG, MapleStory still stands out for its uniqueness. While most MMORPGs take place in 3D environments, MapleStory offersplatformer-style gameplaywith simple yet engaging movement and combat mechanics. Its charming “chibi” character designs, bright colors, and whimsical world attract players of all ages—especially younger audiences and fans of cartoon aesthetics.
The game has built a massive and loyal fanbase over more than two decades, particularly in Asian countries and North America. For many, MapleStory represents childhood or teenage memories, and that strong sense of nostalgia continues to draw players back to relive those early gaming experiences.
Star Citizen is a space simulation MMO focused on exploration, combat, trade, and lifestyle. Announced in 2012 through a crowdfunding campaign, the game has since raised over $700 million, making it one of the most ambitious projects in gaming history. Despite still being in alpha, it boasts a large player base and intense community interest.
The game promises a seamless galaxy where players can engage in ship combat, planetary exploration, mining, trading, building outposts, and even creating full careers as space citizens. Development is entirely funded by players, who support the project by purchasing ships with real money. Its vast scope and immersive mechanics continue to draw MMO and space sim fans.
World of Warcraft Classic, developed by Blizzard Entertainment and launched in 2019, is a faithful recreation of the original World of Warcraft experience from 2004–2006. Existing separately from modern WoW, Classic has maintained steady popularity since its release.
Its biggest appeal is nostalgia—millions of players who experienced the original game long for its slower pace, challenging leveling, and stronger sense of community. Compared to retail WoW, everything in Classic takes longer: gaining levels, earning gold, learning skills, and even traveling. This slower gameplay allows players to immerse themselves more deeply in the world. WoW Classic offers a meaningful alternative for those craving a traditional, more demanding MMORPG experience.
Final Fantasy XIV, developed by Square Enix, was re-released in 2013 as A Realm Reborn after its original 2010 version failed critically. The complete overhaul turned it into one of the most respected and beloved MMORPGs today. FFXIV Online is widely praised for its rich storytelling, with expansions like Heavensward, Shadowbringers, and Endwalker delivering cinematic, emotional narratives filled with complex characters.
Players take on the role of the Warrior of Light, deeply immersed in the plot. The game features stunning visuals, memorable music by Masayoshi Soken, and iconic Final Fantasy elements. With a generous free trial and deep integration of series lore, FFXIV Online continues to attract both MMO and Final Fantasy fans.
Old School RuneScape (OSRS), released in 2013, is a faithful version of RuneScape as it existed in 2007. Despite being a retro version, OSRS remains one of the most popular MMORPGs today, with a massive and loyal player base. Its strongest appeal is nostalgia—many players return to relive the simplicity, grind-heavy progression, and social atmosphere of their youth.
What sets OSRS apart is its player-driven development: major updates and content changes are polled, and only those with 75% community approval are implemented. This sense of ownership fosters strong community engagement. Its mobile version and low system requirements also make it highly accessible.
