The Best MMORPGs on Xbox
MMOs may not be as popular as they were during their heyday, but that hasn’t stopped several titles from maintaining success. The majority of gamers would tend to associate MMO games with the PC platform. To be fair, the bulk of the genre has always been pre-dominantly released for the keyboard and mouse combo, but that doesn’t mean consoles have been left out entirely.
The Xbox One—and more recently, the Series S and X line of consoles—have been a part of Microsoft’s commitment to provide non-PC players with a solid array of otherwise exclusive PC titles. Everyone loves to feel like they’re part of a big community, and what better way to join one than to play an MMO?
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Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis
Phantasy Star Online 2 has been dead since New Genesis’s arrival, but thankfully, the latest PSO title is worth taking a lot at, even for newcomers. Set a millennium after the events of PSO 2, Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis provides a fresh coat of paint to the long-standing MMO. From the content, combat, and graphics, you could say that New Genesis could be called Phantasy Star Online 3 because of the upgrades it received. However, to avoid alienating the player base from the second game, SEGA decided to dub it “New Genesis” instead.
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis recently surpassed 11 million users around June 2023, and to celebrate the occasion, the developers added a Ghost in the Shell and Sonic’s Birthday Celebration collaboration. You’ll typically find crossovers with other franchises in New Genesis, making it a treat to see some of your favorite SEGA characters in the MMO.
There are six available classes to choose from. They aren’t new since they’ve existed since the PSO 2 days, but the skills and skill trees have been revamped, making the experience of playing them completely new for returning players. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran in the series, the captivating open world and satisfying combat advancements in Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis are worth trying if you haven’t yet.
Sea of Thieves
Since its release in 2018, Sea of Thieves has been played by more than 10 million players. It technically isn’t free on Steam, but you can play it without paying a single dime on Xbox—provided you have Game Pass.
Sea of Thieves’ premise is simple: you captain a pirate ship and sail out into the open seas. Your goal? To explore your surroundings, find treasure, and loot other pirates and scallywags that come your way. There’s always treasure to be found at the end of a skirmish. The more goodies you collect and Trading Companies you pass through, the greater your legend as a pirate becomes. A word of advice, though? Don’t test the Kraken.
What’s great about Sea of Thieves is it has crossplay capabilities, meaning you can play with console and PC users simultaneously.
The Elder Scrolls Online
If you’re a fan of Morrowind and Skyrim, you’ll feel right at home with The Elder Scrolls Online. ESO is set in the world of Tamriel, an MMO with tons of content for PvP, PvE, and crafting. You can pick from three factions: the Daggerfall Covenant, the Aldmeri Dominion, or the Ebonheart Pact.
Do you only like to roleplay and socialize? Not a problem! There are player-made guild communities to join, or you could choose to be a member of guilds like the Mage’s Guild or the Dark Brotherhood.
An expansive world has been meticulously crafted in the game, thanks to more than a decade’s worth of material. Elder Scrolls Online’s upcoming Necrom expansion includes a new zone, a unique class, and infinite dungeons to delve into. With developer ZeniMax promising more quality-of-life improvements coming to the MMO, there’s no reason you shouldn’t at least check out The Elder Scrolls Online.
World of Tanks
World of Tanks is a vehicular combat MMO, unlike any other titles we’ve listed here. As a game available on various devices, it’s more accessible than other online games. Plus, despite having excellent vehicle and environmental details, it’s free to play! Well, sort of, since it offers microtransactions for those who want to delve into that.
There are many different game modes to choose from, which are more than enough to ensure you keep returning for more. You’ll be matched with other users in a tactical fight requiring teamwork and constant communication. It’s not the MMO for you if you dislike talking through a microphone, but if you give it enough time, World of Tanks will surely grow on you.
Neverwinter
Neverwinter features many of the classic Dungeons and Dragons classes and a variety of races and locations to explore, such as the Jungles of Chult and Icewind Dale. Set in the D&D universe, Neverwinter is regularly updated with new content that will satisfy any fan of the fantasy tabletop RPG. The action combat system is also a treat, offering a more dynamic and fast-paced experience than other D&D games.
