Players control a character from either the first- or third-person perspective and begin exploring the world, completing quests, interacting with other characters, and fighting all sorts of monsters from the WarCraft universe. The game has several different realms or servers that are independent of one another. The realms include a player-versus-environment (PvE) mode, in which players complete quests and fight against AI-controlled characters; a player-versus-player (PvP) mode where players not only have to contend with monsters but also other player characters; plus two variations on the PvE and PvP where players role-play different scenarios. World of Warcraft’s frequent updates and expansions have helped maintain its popularity, making it the most renowned MMORPG in history. There have been seven expansions updating nearly every aspect of the game, from gameplay to graphics. The expansions include The Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, Cataclysm, Mists of Pandaria, Warlords of Draenor, Legion, and Battle for Azeroth. Initial Release: November 23, 2004Developer: Blizzard EntertainmentPublisher: Blizzard EntertainmentTheme: Fantasy The game receives frequent updates and introduces new storyline elements, rewards, items, weapons, and more. Guild Wars 2 does not have traditional expansions like World of Warcraft, but rather adds “seasons” of Living Stories, which can be compared to WoW expansions. The game is free to download, but the free version does not contain as much functionality as the full release. Initial Release: August 28, 2012Developer: ArenaNetPublisher: NC SoftTheme: Fantasy Like most MMORPGs, the storyline of Star Wars: The Old Republic is ever changing, but it is set some 300 years after the events of the game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, which itself is set thousands of years before the films. There are eight different classes that players can base their characters on, and more than 10 playable species and races. The game features PvE and PvP environments, and servers include features such as melee and space combat, companions, interactions with player and non-player characters, and more. Star Wars: The Old Republic has seen seven expansion packs since the initial launch, including Rise of the Hutt Cartel, Galactic Starfighter, Galactic Strongholds, Shadow of Revan, Knights of the Fallen Empire, Knights of the Eternal Throne, and Onslaught. Each of the expansions offers additional content, new chapters, new items, gameplay updates, and more. Initial Release: December 20, 2011Developer: BioWarePublisher: LucasArtsTheme: Sci-Fi, Star Wars Universe Players are able to build their own characters and choose from ten different races. They can also choose from one of six classes, the choice of which affects various attack, magic, and passive skills. As they progress through the game they will level up their skills and abilities to become more powerful. Since its release in 2014, The Elder Scrolls Online has exploded in popularity, with more than 13 million subscribers as of 2019. Aiding its popularity are three expansions: Morrowind, Summerset, and Elsweyr, plus a huge variety of downloadable content (DLC). Initial Release: April 4, 2014Developer: ZeniMax Online StudiosPublisher: Bethesda SoftworksTheme: Fantasy Set in the massive fantasy world of Gielinor, players must build their characters and navigate a host of different races, gods, and guilds all vying for battle and control. A somewhat different look and feel than most fantasy MMORPGs, RuneScape offers a simpler, more easy-going gameplay than other MMOs on this list. Between its simplicity and nostalgic look, RuneScape seems likely to stick around for years. Initial Release: January 4, 2011 Developer: Jagex Publisher: Jagex Theme: Fantasy
