Looking to lose some hours into a new MMORPG? You’re in luck 2021 has quite a few games to look forward in playing. In this list we’re going to highlight some of the best MMORPG titles coming out this year.
Update Disclaimer: Odin Valhalla Rising, Project TL, Mad World, Project BBQ, Ashes of Creation, Blue Protocol, Chrono Odyssey, Crimson Desert, Crowfall, Lost Ark, Hytale, Patheon of the Fallen, Magic: Legends, and Wild Terra 2: New Lands, were removed because of delays, cancellations or failure to keep their standing on this list.
#9 Starbase
Platform: PC
Release Date: July 29, 2021
Genre: MMORPG
Starbase is a pretty thrilling game. This is a voxel title where you’re exploring space. However, that’s just a tiny part of the game. It’s a large open map where players are encouraged to build, trade, mine, and establish an economy. At the same time, there’s the ability to destroy just about everything in this game. For players, this could mean chaotic battles or having to fight off pirates seeking easy riches. Go solo or group with some other players to see just what can be uncovered in this game. Meanwhile, the game is still in early access right now on steam. There is content planned for this game over the upcoming months as they continue pressing towards a full launch. That should keep players busy and logging back into the game regularly. Now, Starbase so far has received some mixed reception from players. However, this game is in early access so it might drastically change as the team over at Frozenbyte continues to progress through development.
#8 Swords of Legends Online
Platform: PC
Release Date: July 9, 2021
Genre: MMORPG
Swords of Legends Online is a game you might want to keep an eye on. This title launched back in July of this year which puts players into a fantasy ancient China setting. It’s your typical good versus evil storyline where you’ll join in with other players in a triumphant battle. The game offers six classes, each with different roles, although that’s possible to see more classes get brought in through future updates. Being an MMORPG, there’s plenty of quests to take on and players to work with. However, there’s also an assortment of side content to take part in. Players can venture out to hunt for treasure or go through mini-games such as Explosive Escape, a makeshift Bomberman game. It could be a bit niche with the storyline and setting, but with fluid combat, easy mechanics, and the fact that it’s not P2W might sway some players into trying this game out.
#7 Legends of IdleOn – Idle MMO
Platform: PC
Release Date: April 2, 2021
Genre: MMORPG
Legends of IdleOn – Idle MMO is a bit of a unique game. This free-to-play title is currently in early access on Steam. Made by a single developer, this simplistic game is all about getting through the game without actively grinding away. Every MMORPG typically has some grind to it. That’s hours on top of hours wasted for some players. With this particular game, players will find that their characters created can continue completing tasks. In the developer’s own words, there’s no active grinding as you’ve got better things to do. Visually this game might not win any awards, but so far from its time in early access, fans have found this title to be quite a bit charming.
#6 Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis
Platform: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox One
Release Date: June 9, 2021
Genre: RPG, Persistent Online, MMORPG
Phantasy Star Online is one of the more classic MMORPG titles over the years. This game launched in 2000 and grew a huge following which in 2012 allowed Phantasy Star Online 2 to happen. Unfortunately, that sequel installment was only available in Japan for many fans, with western markets not receiving the title until several years later, in 2020. Now this year, in particular, we received Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis. Sega felt that the best thing to do was offer an update to new players wanting to enjoy Phantasy Star Online 2.
Rather than being a new all-around video game title, think of this as an update to Phantasy Star Online 2. New Genesis was set to come out after Episode 6 for Phantasy Star Online 2. This will keep players going through the next narrative story while offering upgrades to the mechanics and visuals. Fortunately, your accounts will be set for the game’s release as well, so don’t worry about losing any progress, characters, or gear from your time in Phantasy Star Online 2. With that said, if you haven’t played Phantasy Star Online 2 and want to experience the game and its narrative storylines, then you’ll still be able to make a brand new account as both titles will coexist.
#5 Ember sword
Platform: PC
Release Date: 2021
Genre: MMORPG
If you’re limited to what your PC can handle, then you might want to check in with Ember Sword. This is an MMORPG, but it’s a browser-based video game. From what it looks like, this is more of a community-focused game with players having the ability to go through Ember Sword in a sandbox-style game. You can do various things in this game, from unlocking new skills, exploring what the world has to offer, and partaking in the player economy. Ember Sword is still a ways off as it looks like we’re just going to see a closed alpha build this year, but there’s a chance we’ll see a more open beta hit before 2022 arrives. Of course, that might be wishful thinking on our part. With that said, players can expect this game to hit PC first, but afterward, the developers will focus on a mobile release. We could see Ember Sword hit console platforms from there, but that’s the future goals charted out by the developer team right now.
#4 Corepunk
Platform: PC
Release Date: TBA 2021
Genre: RPG, MMORPG
Corepunk is a top-down MMORPG that plays a bit similar to Diablo but far more colorful. In this game, players are dropped into a seamless open-world filled with places to discover, and from the footage showcased, it looks like you can end up in the scorching deserts or a metropolis city. Much like other MMORPG titles, players will start by picking their class and then build their character up with new skills and gear sets. Meanwhile, as you venture out into the world, you’ll encounter several NPCs, all with quests to take on. There are, of course, some of the standard MMORPG elements to the game, such as trading, dungeon clearing, and PvP battles. In addition, you can group up in a guild to clear some of those more demanding missions. Again, visually, this game looks quite appealing, and at the moment, we know the title has hit the alpha stage. Currently, the development team has yet to announce the official release date.
#3 Elyon
Platform: TBA
Release Date: October 20, 2021
Genre: MMORPG
Elyon was a game that initially went by Ascent: Infinite Realm before the developers decided to make some revamps and adjustments to the title. Now we have Elyon, which is slated to release this upcoming month. The video game mashes up steampunk and magic, whereas the story puts you into a war-torn world. Two factions seek control of the world as they attempt to turn it into their home, but a mysterious third group called the Dark Apostles may pose another new threat to the fate of this land. Much like other MMORPG titles, you’ll have to select your class and slowly unlock the various skills that may appeal to your playstyle. Meanwhile, the open world is filled with unique, exciting locations, from old fantasy ruins to new lively city locations. Currently, the game is available in Korea but will be released in North America on October 20, 2021.
#2 Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker
Platform: PC
Release Date: November 23, 2021
Genre: MMORPG
Final Fantasy XIV was released back in 2013, but it’s still finding new expansions. The fourth expansion to come out is Endwalker. We’re slated to get this expansion in November due to the development getting pushed back because of the worldwide pandemic. We’re getting more storyline content to grind through with the premise putting players against the Garlean Empire. However, outside of the campaign narrative, two new classes are coming to the game: a Healer and a Reaper. Then there’s the brand new Island Sanctuary coming to the game. This will be a location that players can tend to a garden and animals. Hopefully we’ll see this game launch on November 23, 2021 as its currently slated for that date. However, it wouldn’t be too surprising if the game ended up getting delayed in 2022.
#1 New World
Platform: PC
Release Date: September 28, 2021
Genre: MMORPG
Amazon doesn’t have a track record for games that are not mobile-based, but there is one title that has plenty of attention, and that’s New World. In this game, players take the role of an explorer set in the 17th century, where we find ourselves on the shores of new land. It’s here that we discover that the land contains a deep and rich magical source that has left other explorers fighting to claim the area for themselves. You’ll need to battle against not only other explorers but the wide range of creatures that have made a home in this land long before your arrival.
This game just launched officially, and just like with the beta’s, it blew up online. Unfortunately, the servers are having a problem handling the amount of players trying to join into the game. This is resulting in some pretty lengthy queues times but that just shows how popular this game has become. Currently, Amazon is working to bring up new servers and expand the capacity of players. Fortunately, you don’t have any subscription fees to worry about after you pay for the base game.
