Best MMOs and MMORPGs you can play in 2025

An MMO, or Massively Multiplayer Online game, is a type of multiplayer game where hundreds (or thousands) of real people play together in the same virtual world. Everyone plays within the same map, so you can meet, chat with, or team up with other players from all over the world.

In MMOs, you usually get to create and customise your own character and explore huge worlds filled with quests, monsters, and other epic challenges. Some focus on fighting enemies and completing missions, while others let you trade, build, or just hang out and chat with other players.

But they all have one thing in common – they keep running even when you're not playing. This means the game world is always active and changing, with no specific end point.

An MMORPG is a specific type of MMO that focuses on role playing, with extra letters standing for "Role-Playing Game." In an MMORPG, you create a character and take on a role in an immersive fantasy or sci-fi world. You level up your character, go on quests, collect gear, and follow a story that lets you team up with other players from around the world (or play against them!)

MMORPG games are usually more focused on storytelling, character development, and emersion in a detailed virtual world than other types of MMOs, with huge open worlds to explore and get sucked into. They’re especially great for people who enjoy deep stories, teamwork, and building up a unique character over time.

There’s loads of great MMOs you can play in 2025 with expansive worlds to explore, team-based action, and unique gameplay you can get stuck into for hours and hours.

Excluding RPGs (they’re below), here are some of the best MMOs you can play right now:

Dune: Awakening

Genre: Survival MMO
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Dune: Awakening drops you into the unforgiving deserts of Arrakis, where you must survive harsh sandstorms, massive sandworms, and deadly political conflict. Released in June 2025, It's an open-world survival MMO where thousands of players can build bases, explore the planet, and fight for control over valuable spice fields. You'll need to manage resources, upgrade your gear, and navigate shifting alliances between factions. The story draws heavily from the Dune universe, with lore-rich environments and deep player interaction. PvP and PvE elements mix in a world that’s constantly evolving, and no two days are ever the same.

Corepunk

Genre: Cyberpunk Isometric MMO
Platform: PC

Corepunk is a top-down MMO with a gritty cyberpunk setting and action-packed combat that really stands out. You’ll explore a massive open world filled with high-tech cities, mysterious dungeons, and dynamic events. There are no loading screens between zones, and players from around the world can interact in shared spaces – fighting monsters, trading goods, or battling each other. The game includes fog-of-war for strategic play, a deep class system with custom builds, and both PvP and PvE content. Whether you're into group dungeon runs or just want to chill and craft, there's plenty to do.

EVE Online

Genre: Sci-fi MMO, free-to-play
Platform: PC

EVE Online is a massive sci-fi sandbox where players explore, trade, fight, and scheme in a huge, persistent galaxy called New Eden. You pilot your own spaceship and can choose any path –become a miner, trader, pirate, mercenary, industrialist, or part of a player-run empire. It’s famous for its player-driven economy and politics, where corporations (guilds) can wage wars and control entire regions of space. The universe is vast, beautiful, and often brutal. There are real consequences to your actions, and many of the most dramatic events are driven entirely by players. There’s a steep learning curve, but the freedom and depth are unmatched. Whether you’re in it for the solo grind or want to be part of galaxy-shaping alliances, EVE Online offers a unique, living MMO experience like no other.

Sea of Thieves

Genre: Pirate adventure MMO
Platform: PC, Xbox Series X/S

Sea of Thieves is a shared-world pirate adventure where you and your crew sail the seas, hunt for treasure, and battle other players in a vibrant, cartoon-style ocean world. You play as a pirate in a huge open map shared with other players in real time – everyone you encounter out there is another real crew, looking for gold or glory just like you. Whether you're chasing ancient myths, battling ghost ships, solving riddles, or stealing treasure from rival players, the fun is all about emergent storytelling and chaotic naval action. You can sail solo or team up in crews of up to four, with plenty of options to customise your ship and pirate. New story-driven updates, seasonal events, and collaborations (like Pirates of the Caribbean) keep it fresh and exciting. It’s equal parts relaxing cruise and unpredictable high-seas mayhem.

Sea of Thieves is free-to-play on the Xbox Game Pass, so if you're subscribed, you'll be able to play the base game at no extra cost!

DayZ

Genre: Survival MMO
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

DayZ is a hardcore open-world survival MMO set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by the infected. You’re dropped into a massive, shared map with nothing but the clothes on your back, and from there it’s up to you to survive – scavenging food, water, weapons, and medical supplies while avoiding (or confronting) zombies and other players. What makes DayZ unique is the tension and unpredictability. Every encounter with another player could end in cooperation… or betrayal. The world is persistent, so what you do matters – gear is scarce, and death means losing everything. There’s no hand-holding, just a gritty, realistic sandbox where you need to rely on your instincts, your wits, and maybe a bit of luck. Whether you team up with strangers or go it alone, every session tells its own intense survival story.

No Man's Sky

Genre: Sci-fi Exploration MMO
Platform: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

No Man’s Sky is a massive sci-fi exploration MMO where you can fly from planet to planet in a near-infinite universe. Every star you see is a real system you can travel to, with unique planets, alien lifeforms, and resources to discover. The game blends exploration, base-building, survival, and space combat in a chill, open-ended experience. You can become a trader, explorer, pirate, or settler – building outposts on alien worlds, upgrading your ship, and learning alien languages. With years of updates since it's rocky launch, No Man’s Sky now has multiplayer hubs, expeditions (seasonal events), freighters, mechs, and more. It’s relaxing, beautiful, and packed with things to do whether you’re flying solo or adventuring with friends across the stars.

Trove

Genre: Voxel Sandbox MMO, free-to-play
Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Trove is a colourful, blocky MMO that mixes dungeon crawling, building, and exploration into a playful, ever-changing world. You pick from a bunch of unique classes – like Candy Barbarian or Neon Ninja – each with their own wild abilities, and dive into randomly generated worlds packed with loot, monsters, and secrets. The game is fast-paced and light-hearted, great for casual fun or deep grinding if you're into collecting gear, levelling up, and mastering your class. You can build your own personal base (called a cornerstone), take part in big group events, or explore themed realms with friends and strangers. With regular updates, seasonal events, and creative building options, Trove offers a fun, social MMO experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Rust

Genre: Survival/building MMO
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Rust drops you into a harsh, multiplayer world where your only goal is to survive – and everything wants to kill you. You’ll need to gather resources, craft tools, build a base, and defend it from wild animals, radiation, and especially other players. The game is always online, and everyone shares the same world, so it’s full of danger, chaos, and drama. What sets Rust apart is its full-loot PvP and player-driven stories. Raiding, alliances, betrayals – it’s all fair game. Whether you’re hunting for food, building a giant fortress, or starting a clan war, the social side of Rust is just as intense as the survival gameplay. Regular wipes and updates keep it fresh, and every server is its own wild experiment in human nature.

World of Warships

Genre: Tactical naval combat MMO, free-to-play
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

World of Warships puts you in command of powerful warships from history’s greatest naval fleets. You join massive multiplayer battles on the open sea, commanding destroyers, cruisers, battleships, and aircraft carriers in tactical, team-based warfare. Each ship has unique abilities, strengths, and weaknesses, making teamwork and strategy key to victory. You can upgrade your ships, unlock new ones, and participate in dynamic events and ranked seasons. The game balances fast-paced action with careful planning – whether you’re dodging torpedoes, managing your guns, or supporting your fleet from afar. With stunning visuals and a huge player base, World of Warships offers intense, naval combat fun for MMO fans who love big battles on the water.

Best MMORPGs in 2025

More into role playing games? If you love getting stuck into big fantasy worlds, crafting your own story, and teaming up with other players for epic adventures, 2025 is a brilliant time to be an MMORPG fan.

Whether you're after deep lore, massive battles, or just a chill place to hang out and explore, these MMORPGs are great choices this year:

Final Fantasy XIV

Genre: Fantasy MMORPG
Platform: PC, PS5, Mac

Final Fantasy XIV is a massive online RPG with a deep story, stunning visuals, and one of the friendliest communities out there. Set in the fantasy world of Eorzea, you play as the Warrior of Light – an adventurer destined to face gods, monsters, and political upheaval. You can swap between jobs like mage, tank, or dancer, all on one character, and there’s loads to do – raids, dungeons, roleplay, crafting, or just hanging out in player-made cafés. The latest expansions in 2025 bring new continents, more story, and even more stylish outfits.

World of Warcraft: The War Within

Genre: Fantasy MMORPG
Platform: PC

World of Warcraft returns with The War Within, kicking off a new storyline that takes players deep underground to explore hidden realms and ancient powers. You play as a hero of Azeroth, tackling quests, fighting in massive raids, and facing off in PvP arenas. The game blends classic fantasy with bold new mechanics, and the latest updates add quality-of-life features, cross-faction guilds, and a new race called the Earthen. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or just jumping in, WoW in 2025 still delivers that huge, epic feeling that has kept it popular for decades.

Guild Wars 2

Genre: Fantasy MMORPG, free-to-play
Platform: PC

Guild Wars 2 lets you explore the beautifully crafted world of Tyria, where ancient dragons and lost civilisations shape the fate of the land. The combat is fast and active, with dodging, combos, and creative skill builds. Instead of just running between quest markers, you join massive dynamic events that make the world feel alive. The latest expansion adds a new region with fresh mechanics, story content, and elite specialisations to change how your class plays. It’s flexible, free to try, and packed with content.

The Elder Scrolls Online

Genre: Fantasy MMORPG
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

The Elder Scrolls Online brings the iconic world of Tamriel to life in an MMORPG that’s heavy on story and freedom. You create your own hero and explore familiar places like Morrowind, Skyrim, and Cyrodiil, either solo or with friends. Combat is real-time with blocking, dodging, and skill combos, and the quest writing is a cut above, with fully voiced characters and moral choices. In 2025, new chapters continue to expand the map and lore, making it one of the most immersive fantasy MMOs around.

Black Desert Online

Genre: Fantasy/action MMORPG
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Black Desert Online is a visually stunning MMO with fast-paced, combo-heavy combat and a massive sandbox world. You can dive into intense monster hunting or get lost in peaceful life skills like fishing, trading, or farming. The world is full of breathtaking scenery, mysterious lore, and detailed character customisation. While the story is more of a backdrop, the game’s mechanics and systems are incredibly deep, and recent updates in 2025 bring in new classes, zones, and story arcs that give veterans more to sink their teeth into.

RuneScape

Genre: Fantasy MMORPG
Platform: PC, Mobile

You can't have a list of MMORPGs without RuneScape. The game is a classic MMO where you decide how to play – be it slaying dragons, mastering 28+ skills, or just chatting with mates while cooking fish. The game has a quirky, British charm and doesn’t take itself too seriously, but there’s a surprising amount of depth beneath the surface. You can play either the modern version or Old School RuneScape, which has a loyal fanbase and regular community-voted updates. In 2025, both versions continue to grow with new quests, seasonal events, and skill reworks.

TemTem

Genre: Creature-Collecting MMORPG
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch

Temtem is a bright and colourful MMORPG inspired by classic Pokémon games, but with a fully online twist. You play as a "Tamer" exploring the Airborne Archipelago – an island region filled with strange creatures called Temtem. You’ll catch, train, and battle your Temtem while going on an adventure across multiple islands, each with its own culture, story, and challenges.

What makes Temtem stand out is that it’s a true MMO – everyone you see in the world is another player. You can team up for co-op story quests, battle other players in competitive PvP, or just show off your squad. The game includes housing, trading, ranked battles, and a regularly updated endgame. It’s a great pick if you love creature-collecting but want a more social, shared-world experience.

Throne and Liberty

Genre: Fantasy MMORPG, free-to-play
Platform: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S

Throne and Liberty is a fresh , action-packed fantasy MMORPG set in a vast, open world filled with magic, monsters, and epic battles. Players create heroes and explore rich environments ranging from lush forests to war-torn cities, taking on quests, battling powerful enemies, and engaging in large-scale PvP battles. The game focuses on dynamic combat with a mix of skill-based action and strategy, encouraging players to master their abilities and work with others in guilds and alliances. Its persistent world is alive with player-driven events and political intrigue, making every battle and alliance important in the struggle for control of the throne. With modern graphics and ongoing updates, Throne and Liberty promises a fresh, immersive MMORPG experience for 2025.

Before jumping into an MMO or MMORPG, it’s good to know what you’re getting into. MMOs and MMORPGs can be huge and open-ended and often take dozens, or even hundreds of hours to really get into. Some are very casual and easy to dip in and out of but expect regular play if you want to keep up with the community or in-game events.

Another thing to keep in mind is your internet speed. These games are played exclusively online, so you’ll need a reliable internet connection that’s fast enough for gaming online with lots of other people. Having ultrafast broadband can help reduce gaming lag (that annoying delay between pressing a button and something happening), and make your game run as it should, especially in those big battles and crowded areas.

Another thing to keep in mind is your device. Some MMOs need powerful PCs or next-gen consoles, while others run fine on older systems or even mobile phones. You can play some MMOs on the cloud too, which means you don’t need a powerful PC or console even for the largest and graphics-heavy games.

Read out full cloud gaming guide to find out more.

Having a good internet connection can make a big difference when you're playing MMOs and MMORPGs. If your connection is slow or spotty, games can lag, buffer, or disconnect, which is no fun for you or the people you're playing with.

So, if your internet speed is too slow and it’s causing lag when you’re online, it may be time for an upgrade. At Virgin Media, we’ve got a range of ultrafast gaming broadband deals destined to give you more than enough speed when you’re gaming. Starting with speeds of 136Mbps all the way until 1130Mbps when you go gigabit.

Not sure what you can get? Be sure to check out all our broadband deals and enter your postcode to see all the great deals available in your area.