The best games like World of Warcraft are always here to scratch that MMORPG itch whenever it comes a-knockin’. However, with the massive sea of the best RPGs and greatest online games of all-time, it can be tricky to find titles that truly capture the magic that is Blizzard Entertainment’s WoW. That’s why I decided it was time to create a handy round-up for all my fellow grinding fantasy gamers.
Below are the top 10 RPGs that I’d recommend to World of Warcraft players. I’ve made sure to give you a mix of the best MMORPGs as well as some solo experience alternatives. All my picks give the same level of wonder from exploring open worlds, and the sense of freedom from creating your own adventure with your choices and custom character. I’ve also made sure to include what “vibe” (check out our FAQ section for a description of all of those) each of my picks has, so that you know what kind of experience you’ll be getting at a quick glance.
The best games like World of Warcraft, starting with…
10. The Lord of the Rings Online
Release date: April 24, 2007
Platforms: PC
Vibe: Better With Friends
I’m a massive JRR Tolkien nerd, so let’s be honest, The Lord of the Rings Online was always going to make this list. After all, Tolkien helped define modern fantasy as we know it, and World of Warcraft owes a lot to Middle-earth’s influence on the genre. Packed with various fantastical races and some stunning locations from Tolkien’s world, The Lord of the Rings Online is incredibly faithful to its source material, and it’s easy to get swept up in all the adventures and exploration offered here.
Even if I weren’t a fangirl, as an MMORPG, it is a top-tier fantasy game for World of Warcraft lovers, which is also still receiving updates and love today. From co-op skirmishes you can take on with friends to even the chance to play as one of Sauron’s servants (if you feel like being a monster), this is a Tolkien dream come true and also one of the best Lord of the Rings games currently available to boot.
9. Path of Exile
Release date: October 23, 2013
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Vibe: Expect the Unexpected
Ok, so Path of Exile is not an MMORPG, but that is part of the reason it works so well as a World of Warcraft alternative. It’s instead one of the best action RPGs that ticks that WoW grinding itch, and also offers an extra level of complexity when it comes to builds. Set in a dark fantasy world, this free-to-play online title has you taking on the role of Exile on a revenge quest.
World of Warcraft does sometimes rely on wrangling together a large party of other players to progress through certain story beats, and while Path of Exile does have multiplayer, it’s also a nice change of pace to have a single-player option that doesn’t feel like it’s punishing you too harshly for wanting to play solo. Sure, the skill tree will give you a headache, but if you’re looking for something harder and less socially reliant than WoW, this is the one. Also, Path of Exile 2 is pretty neat if you have time to check it out, even if it is still in Early Access.
8. Albion Online
Release date: July 17, 2017
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Chill Out
The sandbox nature of Albion Online is a great alternative to WoW players who may be getting a bit tired of putting hundreds of hours into long quest lines. Instead, here you forge your own path in a similar bright and cartoony fantasy world. Freedom really is a key factor in this WoW alternative; you aren’t bound by a specific class. Instead, the only thing holding you back is the gear you are wearing, which is what gives you abilities.
It’s up to you and all your stuff to refine your playstyle and determine how far you progress in open-world battles, dungeons, exploration, or even claiming a little piece of virtual land to call your own. Personally, I’m also a fan of the player-driven economy in this one, as the fact that there are also plenty of things to grind towards as you level up your skills in weapons or gather resources. Albion Online is a sleeper hit when it comes to the best fantasy RPGs, and one that WoW fans won’t regret checking out.
7. Star Wars: The Old Republic
Release date: December 20, 2011
Platforms: PC
Vibe: Story-driven
Star Wars: The Old Republic is an MMORPG that will grip every World of Warcraft fan who loves playing the best RPGs where choices really matter. Set in the Star Wars universe, Star Wars: The Old Republic’s story is a lot more focused and impactful than WoW’s from a character level, with a “light side” versus “dark side” morality system that (similar to Fable) can change the appearance of your character as well.
Besides WoW, Star Wars: The Old Republic is the only MMORPG that made me excited about building new characters, anxious to work through their origin stories and see what ending I would get based on my choices. There are multiple planets to explore, new updates still coming out, and seeing Jedi, Sith, and other iconic roles come to life is a hoot. But what keeps me returning to this one is the focus on its story. Star Wars: The Old Republic is also super friendly to new players, so if you’ve only played World of Warcraft, don’t worry, you’ll be embraced here, too.
6. Dragon Age: Inquisition
Release date: November 18, 2014
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Vibe: Story-driven
Ok, this isn’t an MMORPG, online or otherwise. However, Dragon Age: Inquisition is still one of the best single-player RPGs that also has a ton of MMO-leaning features and content that, at times, makes it feel akin to a World of Warcraft expansion. Besides a very serious fantasy story that WoW players are all too familiar with, Dragon Age: Inquisition is very quest-focused, and its semi-open-world is filled with possibilities that will have you hooked for hours.
Playing as the Inquisitor, it’s up to you to strengthen your forces and bring about peace. Oh, and there’s also a pesky demonic invasion to deal with, too. You’ll need to gather power in order to progress the main story, and that means doing side-quests. Dragon Age: Inquisition’s approach to questing is combat-focused (and fast-paced just like WoW’s), and has some fun writing, too. So, if you are looking for a solo game that you can wrap up in 80-ish hours, this is a great MMO break. If you want to know more about this gem, check out our glowing Dragon Age: Inquisition review next.
5. Old School RuneScape
Release date: February 22, 2013
Platforms: PC
Vibe: Chill Out
World of Warcraft fans who appreciate classic MMORPG titles that really make you work for progression will absolutely love Old School Runescape. However, be warned, the gameplay here is different, as it’s a sandbox, slow-paced fantasy title. Leveling up takes a long time, and veterans of “end game” content will likely be turned off by RuneScape’s approach to leveling in general. The max level is in the two thousands, each level can go up to 99, and the end game has taken some players years to reach.
However, our Features Editor still dubs this the best MMO that he has ever played for a reason: once you get into RuneScape’s grindy rhythm, it’s near impossible to put it down. There is a ton to do in the world, you constantly feel like you are making progress, and the game really does respect your time. There’s no reason not to try this one out, especially if you loved leveling up characters in WoW. Old School RuneScape is the grind in its truest form.
Release date: April 4, 2014
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Chill Out
I’ve played all the best Elder Scrolls games, and to be honest, while it technically isn’t the greatest out of the pack, The Elder Scrolls Online is still the best way to experience Tamriel. It’s also another great fantasy MMORPG that World of Warcraft fans will enjoy, especially if you’re after a more relaxed time. Systems from the previous Elder Scrolls games are here, and they work really well in giving you the freedom to craft your own story and experience.
Something else to take note of is that The Elder Scrolls Online is one of my top World of Warcraft alternatives for console players, as it’s one of the more intuitive MMORPGs to play with a controller. It’s a great pick to curl up on the couch with and just chill. However, I will say that end game content here will likely frustrate some WoW veterans as progression does start to feel more stagnant at higher levels. Keep that in mind before you spend all your time on this one, folks.
3. Diablo 4
Release date: June 5, 2023
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Quick Play
Diablo 4 is another non-MMORPG pick, but it’s a game that feels as much like a glorious theme park as World of Warcraft does. In fact, in our five-star Diablo 4 review, we called it a triumph that will decimate your free time, and personally, it is what sucked my partner and me out of WoW for a bit as our go-to couple game for a good few months. Set in the dark fantasy world of Sanctuary, the forces of Hell have waged war, and it’s up to you to stop them.
Diablo 4’s authored open-world overworld really does have MMO vibes as well, and it’s easy to wander around on a main quest and then accidentally stumble on an event, side quest, or other online players battling an enemy. In this way, Sanctuary feels immersive and constantly alive, just like the one in WoW. It doesn’t have all the same social capabilities, but Blizzard’s ability to get you sucked in and feeling constantly surprised is on full display yet again.
2. Final Fantasy 14
Release date: August 27, 2013
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Vibe: Story-driven
Final Fantasy 14 has come a long way, and if you are a World of Warcraft veteran looking for a new MMORPG that has the best solo gaming experience, then you need to check it out. Despite a rocky launch, Final Fantasy 14 has become one of the best Final Fantasy games of all time, giving players some amazing expansions, some great storytelling, and an intriguing approach to class structure.
Pick between 10 different classes here and level them all up as you make your way through the visually stunning world and amazing plot, too. All the mechanics, and how the narrative is expertly woven into moments, is perfect in this game, and I can’t emphasize enough how satisfying it is to jump into them all right now, either. And, while I prefer the solo content, for WoW players looking for connection, there are plenty of raids and trials to still link up with together to smash through, too. It’s the complete package.
1. Guild Wars 2
Release date: August 28, 2012
Platforms: PC
Vibe: Chill Out
Guild Wars 2 is like World of Warcraft in the sense that they are both MMORPGs, and they are both set in a fantasy world where you pick a race and embark on a series of quests based on your choices – before being set out into the wilder open-world and bigger storylines. However, Guild Wars 2 has better fashion (dress-up fans unite) and is a lot more relaxed than World of Warcraft.
While WoW is subscription-based and makes you feel like you should be logging in each day to get your money’s worth, Guild Wars 2 is free-to-play, and its expansions need to be bought separately. That model does take the pressure off, and it’s a nice change of pace to not have the feeling of obligation hanging over you. Guild Wars 2 was also the MMORPG that I personally started with, and got me into World of Warcraft later. I love both, and chances are you’ll probably feel the same once you give it a shot.
Games like World of Warcraft FAQs
How do we pick our entries for the best games like World of Warcraft?
We make sure that all our entries have been played by at least a few genre experts on the GamesRadar+ team, to make sure that our top 10 is as tight and justified as possible before we recommend them. I also keep in mind that we are recommending the best games to play right now, which means that to make this list, games need to be easily accessible. So, for any MMORPGs in our choices for the best games like World of Warcraft, their servers need to still be online in order to be considered.
Why do we update our lists?
At GamesRadar+, we update our lists to make sure that they are not only constantly helpful but are also still relevant in keeping genre enthusiasts in the loop. That means we are constantly looking at new releases, and how ongoing games are doing after updates, etc. When we see a new game that beats out a current one on our lists, we’ll swap the two.
This also applies to any hidden gems or classics that we haven’t played yet (any recommendations in our comments section are welcomed). If we’ve played something new and we think it’s worthy of the spotlight, we’ll consider adding it to our list.
Our RPG Vibes explained
All our entries include a “vibe section”, which we use to indicate what kind of game experience you’ll largely be getting here. While most of the games like World of Warcraft are MMORPGs and are better with friends, the vibes we’ve chosen in this list are curated around the other mechanics that the titles offer, as their great multiplayer experience is already a given in most cases.
You can also find a definition of all of our vibes below.
- Story-driven: RPGs where the story propels your journey forward, with unforgettable companions and impactful choices and consequences.
- Better With Friends: RPGs that can be played solo but thrive with others. These offer the possibility for shared experiences, be that online or locally.
- Quick Play: RPGs that aren’t hard to pick up and play whenever you have the spare time. The perfect choice for busy folks after quick gaming sessions.
- Chill Out: RPGs that let you take things at your own pace, explore, and venture on side-quests if you choose. For those looking for a less demanding and more stress-free time.
- Expect the Unexpected: RPGs where you can get silly and find yourself in novel and very unusual situations. Things can go wrong quickly, but also in very funny directions.
How frequently do we update our ranking?
We update our lists based on what is released, and if the team and I can confidently recommend any new games over the current ones to you. We tend to check in monthly and will swap out any entries that may no longer be the greatest hits to play right now with a newly released title. However, if no new releases manage to top our current entries, we will leave our ranking as is. I do updated lists at least yearly, though, just to make sure they are all up to date.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best multiplayer RPGs that you should play today. Or look ahead with our round-up of all the upcoming RPGs still on the way.
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