Best PvP MMOs in 2023
MMO fans value different aspects of their chosen game, and there are many things to look at depending on the title. Popular ones like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV heavily emphasize raiding and following a storyline. Sandbox MMOs like Albion and Black Desert Online put more value on players creating their own story or path, while other online games present unique gimmicks which many gamers would appreciate. If you are a player who relishes dominating other adventurers, then knowing the best PvP MMOs might interest you.
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MMOs with the Best PvP Scene
MMORPGs that relish their PvP have a different take on how to improve this scene. These features vary from improving the battle mechanics by integrating modes that hardcore player-versus-player enjoyers would find entertaining. Several MMOs have found a certain degree of success in what they started and are now considered some of the best in the PvP scene. Here are the best MMOs for duking it out against other players:
Black Desert Online
Black Desert Online is one of the top of the line Korean MMOs that places high emphasis on its PvP scene. Aside from its game modes, such as Red Battlefield and Arena of Solare, the open-world conflict in the game allows players to fight other people all the time unless they are in a safe zone. With BDO’s superb graphics and fantastic fight mechanics, it is not hard to see why many adventurers love this game.
Guilds would openly declare war against each other, which could result in massive brawls. Adventurers can continuously PK other people until they become a notorious red players. The most prominent feature in this game is the node wars and castle sieges, where guilds and alliances fight each other for territory.
Blade and Soul
Not every game allows players to engage in large-scale PvP or small encounters to honor their allegiances. In Blade and Soul, you need to become a member of one of the many different factions, which are not friendly with each other. As such, players are encouraged to slay other people from opposing groups to gain prestige points. There is no penalty for PKing gamers that belong to other factions. If you aren’t a fan of mindless killing, you can always participate in the game’s arena fights instead of the Open World PvP.
New World
While the fledgling MMO is yet to discover its identity in terms of raiding and PvE content, many players would agree that New World has one of the best PvP systems out there. A large and prominent feature of the game is the fight over territory. Alliances can occupy settlements to gain buffs and income from them. You myst try to protect and keep these places under your control while hostile groups trying to take over. If you are too intimidated by these large-scale sieges, you can always participate in Outpost Rush to win some loot and other rewards.
Planetside 2
Planetside 2 has been noted for having one of the most significant recorded FPS battles in gaming, with over 1200 participants. The main gimmick of this game does not involve any PvE, as players are only expected to fight other factions and occupy more territory.
The straightforward goal of the game allows gamers to focus on the thrill of battle. These engagements can be large or small depending on the site being assaulted and the time of day. In addition, soldiers can also utilize armored vehicles and ships to aid in their fight. If you are looking for an open-world MMO wherein you just log in to shoot people and steal bases, then Planetside 2 is what you might be looking for.
Gloria Victis
Similar to Planetside 2, Gloria Victis is a faction-based game wherein players aim to own the most territory. However, GV uses steel, swords, and siege engines instead of guns and tanks to showcase medieval brawls. This game feels more like a Mount and Blade game than your traditional MMO, but it has enough features to remind you that you are playing in an open world with hundreds of other players.
While the game’s primary focus is on PvP, the game has some PvE elements wherein players can participate in quests and raids to get some cool loot and materials. You can also engage in various trades to become a master artisan. However, all of these activities direct you to have an inventory of powerful sets of equipment to assist your faction in taking over the realm.
Mortal Online 2
Those looking for a high-risk hardcore PvP game might be interested in MO 2. The game is considered one of the most brutal and unforgiving MMOs, as you will permanently lose everything in your person if you die. Believing that anything in the open world can kill you, players are always on edge while they try to survive. In a land wherein skill is everything, PvP fans will appreciate the severity and brutality that Mortal Online 2 offers.
EVE Online
EVE has been notorious for its various large-scale galaxy-wide conflicts, which would end up in hundreds of ruined battleships and carriers. The game has seen so many brawls and violent exchanges that books were made to document the player-driven history of the game.
EVE Online’s main driving factor is its community, as most of the notable events in the game have resulted from players’ actions. With an MMO that highlights PvP and looting, it is understandable that people will group to ensure their survival and keep their items while they kill and salvage others.
EVE is great for hardcore battle-hungry gamers ready to build a fleet of ships and battle other pilots. Whether you are a peaceful trader or a greedy mercenary, the danger is always present in the darkness of space.
Guild Wars II
GW2 is arguably one of the most popular MMOs in terms of PvP. The game is known for its World versus World versus World feature, wherein players will duke it out with other people from other servers. This insanely massive large-scale mode is a huge fight to take over objectives, occupy resource camps, and defeat hostile groups. If an all-out war is not your liking, then Guild Wars 2 offers many other PvP modes, such as its Team Deathmatch and Conquest mode.
Albion Online
Most sandbox MMOs have a high emphasis on their PvP scene, and Albion Online is no different. While the graphics might trick players into thinking it is your standard peaceful game, the truth hits hard when you finally enter the black and red zones. Guilds try to beat other groups in controlling gates and territories, while rogue players wait to slay and steal from unwitting travelers. While not every zone makes you drop every item on death, you can still lose durability and some materials in most.
