We’re all going to be stuck indoors for a while, so this is a great opportunity to play one of the MMOs that you have always been meaning to try, but never had the time.
Free to Play MMOs
Some of the best MMOs on the market are free to play right now. Many of them are supported with in-game purchases like cosmetics and experience boosts, but they can be downloaded and played from front to back without spending money. These are a great option if you want to dive in, but don’t have the money to throw down for a new video game right now.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Star Wars is, obviously, a very big deal right now. The Old Republic is an MMO that has been around for a while (it released in 2011), but it still receives updates and has an active community (nearly 200,000 users a day). The story takes place long before the movies and explores one of the cooler parts of the Star Wars timeline. If you or your kids are big into Star Wars, then this is going to be a good choice.
Star Trek: Online
Star Trek Online has about 100,000 monthly active players and has been around since 2010. This MMO gives you the chance to become your own Star Fleet captain with your own ship to command. There are quests that explore all of the major Star Trek storylines from the shows and the movies and lots of original content, too. Trekkies shouldn’t sleep on this one.
Guild Wars 2
GW2 has a very active user base with almost 350,000 daily users. It has a very immersive story that responds to player choice. It is a fun, high fantasy game with cool interesting races to choose from. You play as a member of a guild of adventurers who are gathering to hold off a group of ancient dragons from destroying the world.
Old School RuneScape
“Old School Runescape” was released in 2013 and has been receiving continuous support since it launched. It started as just being a relaunch of the 2007 version of the game, but its wild success has led to graphics overhauls, and new quality of life improvements. This version of Runescape is even bigger than the original with more than 2 million daily users.
Free (For Now)
Dungeons and Dragons Online
Dungeons and Dragons Online is exactly what the title says it is: an MMO build using the Dungeons and Dragons races, classes, and themes. This is a free to start game that is supported with DLC content packs that includes raids, challenges and dungeons. The developer has announced that, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, they are making the game and its content completely free for a limited period of time. The details are listed below:
- All dungeons and raids, including those in expansion packs, are open to everyone through April 30.
- The Buddy Bonus 5% XP will be active from March 20 through March 29. This will be in addition to the weekend events.
- Mimic event will be active starting March 26 through April 6.
- The anniversary event will be active starting March 26 through April 30.
Lord of the Rings Online
Lord of the Rings Online is an MMO that was originally released in 2007. It is a very lore heavy dive into the world of Lord of the Rings and is a great story to play through if you are a fan of the movies OR the books. It is a free to start game that is supported by DLC packs that include raids, quests, and “skirmishes.” The developer has announced that, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, they are making the game and its content completely free for a limited period of time. The details are listed below:
- All quests, instances, and skirmishes, including those in expansion packs, are open to everyone through April 30.
- The Curator will be returning starting March 26 through April 30.
- There will be a 10% virtue XP boost starting on March 26 through April 6.
- The Baggins’ Birthday event will be available March 26 through April 6.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few options out there that are worth mentioning in spite of the fact that they aren’t free.
World of Warcraft
How can I make a list of MMOs without mentioning World of Warcraft? It’s true that WoW has a monthly subscription, but it does have a fun demo. You can play up to level 20 as just about any race and class. This is a great option if you or someone in your family just needs a game to play for a short period of time and has no real intention of continuing the game beyond that.
Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV has become massively popular and is available on PC and PS4. The full version of FFXIV does require a purchase and a monthly subscription, but there is a free trial. The limitations on the trial are:
- Free Trial Players can create only eight (8) playable characters, restricted to one (1) playable character per world.
- Free Trial account characters have their level capped at level thirty five (35).
- Free Trial account characters can obtain only a capped amount of in game currency (GIL).
What do you think? Are you or your kids going to play any of these games? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!
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