The 19 Best Free-To-Play MMORPGs in 2024

Can we all agree that paying bills is the worst? If you’re hankering for some good ‘ol MMORPG action but dread the thought of another monthly payment, take a look at these free-to-play MMORPGs that offer at least a good amount of F2P content.

Fantasy, Sci-Fi, PvP-centered, story-driven, rich lore – you will find at least one title to your liking.

19. Secret World Legends

• Developer: Funcom
• Released: 2012
• Platform: PC
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with in-game shop
• Is Secret World Legends Pay-to-win? Yes but paying is mostly for conveniences. The full game and all the content is free.
• For fans of Horror MMOs

Secret World Legends is set in a one-of-a-kind universe. It’s Lovecraft meets superheroes meet supernatural meets conspiracies meet magic meets the real world. The game offers more than 100 hours of story-driven content for free.

The missions will take you on a fantastic trip around the world from Transylvania to Seoul visiting real-world locations re-imagined in a dark and mysterious universe. Secret World Legends can be played entirely alone but social interaction makes it more fun so don’t be shy about joining a group.

18. Age of Conan Unchained

• Developer: Funcom
• Released: 2008
• Platform: PC
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with in-game shop
• Is Age of Conan Pay-to-win? Yes, you can pay for items in the in-game shop that give you advantages.
• For fans of Dark Fantasy

Age of Conan Unchained describes itself as “sexy, savage, and brutal” and who are we to argue with the good people at Funcom? Discover the world of Hyboria as a Barbarian or any other of the 12 available classes.

Action combat will keep you on your toes as you slay terrible monsters in PvE battles and give your fellow players a hard time in open-world PvP.

Now, are ready to crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of the women?

17. Rift

• Developer: Trion Worlds
• Released: 2011
• Platform: PC
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with in-game shop.
• Is Rift Pay-to-win? Yes, you can pay for power in Rift. However much of the game is available to you are a free player and there is no need to buy power.
• For fans of Old-School MMOs

Rift came out in 2011. It was marketed as a WoW killer and we all know how that turned out. It’s a real pity that this game didn’t get more attention because it has some really nice features such as class flexibility, player housing, and dynamic events.

It’s a theme-park MMORPG set in a fantasy world. You have dungeons, raids, PvP, and everything you could want from a title of this kind.

16. Dofus

• Developer: Ankama
• Released: 2004
• Platform: PC
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with optional subscription
• Is Dofus Pay-to-win? Yes, you can pay cash for currencies in Dofus.
• For fans of Anime MMOs

Dofus is a cute anime-style MMORPG with tactical combat. The character system includes 18 unique classes. Players develop their characters via a classic RPG progression system based on XP from monster kills and quest rewards.

The turn-based combat is the main appeal of the game. The graphics are cartoony and the in-game atmosphere is relaxing. However, don’t let this casual look fool you. The gameplay is catchy and you will end up spending many hours in the World of Twelve with your fellow adventurers.

Sadly, the game hasn’t had any more expansions lately but there’s plenty of content, and an active player base to keep you entertained for quite a while.

15. Warframe

• Developer: Digital Extremes
• Released: 2013
• Platform: PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PC
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with in-game shop
• Is Warframe Pay-to-win? Yes, you can pay for power and advantages in Warframe.
• For fans of Shooter MMOs

Warframe is a free-to-play online action game set in an evolving sci-fi world. Build your Warframe with powerful weapons and participate in some of the best action combat available in any game.

With its unique mix of third-person shooting and melee combat, Warframe is unlike anything else on the market. The game is set in a war-torn future where players take control of Tenno, a race of ancient warriors who have been awakened from centuries of sleep.

Warframe is an incredibly deep and complex game with a vast array of different weapons and abilities to choose from.

14. Neverwinter

• Developer: Cryptic Entertainment
• Released: 2013
• Platform: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One, PC
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with in-game shop
• Is Neverwinter Pay-to-win? Yes, you can pay for power in Neverwinter.
• For fans of Action-Combat

Neverwinter is the original Dungeons & Dragons experience made into an MMORPG.

Players can choose one of the eight classes, take their character to max level, and discover all the content without paying a cent. The action combat is also engaging and fun.

D&D fans will appreciate this instance of the Forgotten Realms populated by iconic NPCs, villains, and monsters. The graphics are amazing and the game is not very hardware demanding.

Neverwinter is also available on PlayStation and Xbox.

13. Phantasy Star Online 2

• Developer: Sega
• Released: 2020
• Platform: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox, PC, Android, iOS, PlayStation Vita
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with optional subscription
• Is PSO2 Pay-to-win? Yes, you can pay for power in PSO2.
• For fans of Anime MMOs

Phantasy Star Online 2 is a free MMORPG that caters to both hardcore and casual players. If you plan on clearing end-game content, you should know that there will be grinding involved.

If you want to keep things casual, you will be more than happy with customizing your avatar and interacting with others while questing. The combat is fun and there’s lots of free content.

Phantasy Star Online 2 has Very Positive Steam reviews from thousands of users with hundreds of played hours, so you can be sure it is worth a try.

12. Blade & Soul

• Developer: NCSoft
• Released: 2012
• Platform: PC
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play
• Is Blade & Soul Pay-to-win? Yes, you can pay for power and advantages in Blade & Soul, but everything is fully achievable as a f2p player as well.
• For fans of Martial Arts MMOs

Developed by NCSoft, Blade & Soul is a free-to-play martial arts MMO that features stunning visuals and an intense combat system.

Blade & Soul turned five in 2021 and that’s quite an achievement for a Korean free-to-play MMORPG in an oversaturated Western market.

The game has lots of PvE content that’s not locked behind paywalls. All the classes are available to free players. The action combat is fun.

If you wish to be a successful end-game player you will need to spend some real money, but if you’re looking for a casual MMORPG with nice graphics you cannot go wrong with this one.

11. Palia

• Developer: Singularity 6
• Released: 2024
• Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with in-game shop
• Is Palia Pay-to-win? No, Palia is designed to be enjoyable without direct pay-to-win elements, focusing more on cosmetics and convenience items.
• For fans of Cosy Games

Imagine a world where community and cooperation are at the forefront of your adventure – that’s Palia. This MMO offers a departure from traditional combat-focused titles, inviting players into a beautifully-crafted, immersive world rich with social interactions and activities.

Palia sets itself apart with its unique premise: it’s a community sim MMO that blends the charm of life simulation games with the vast, exploratory nature of an MMORPG. Here, you can build your home, form relationships with NPC characters and other players, explore a vast, enchanting world, and uncover the mysteries of Palia’s history.

What makes Palia intriguing is its emphasis on non-combat activities. Farming, fishing, cooking, and building are just the tip of the iceberg, offering players a plethora of ways to engage with the game world and each other. Whether you’re decorating your dream home, collaborating with friends to cultivate a garden, or participating in server-wide events, there’s always something to do in Palia.

10. Star Wars: The Old Republic

• Developer: BioWare
• Released: 2011
• Platform: PC
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with in-game shop
• Is SWTOR Pay-to-win? Yes, you can pay for advantages in SWTOR, but a lot of the game can be enjoyed as a free player.
• For fans of Star Wars

Star Wars: The Old Republic is the free MMORPG that allows you to become a Jedi, Bounty Hunter, or Sith Lord and visit beloved places such as Tatooine and Alderaan.

Eight unique classes are available. Story-mode quests, dungeons, raids, and PvP are available to free players.

Regular events infuse the game with new content all year long. Whether you are a Star Wars fan or not, this game is a solid choice if you’re looking for a free Sci-Fi MMORPG that’s not Star Trek Online.

9. Final Fantasy XIV

• Developer: Square Enix
• Released: 2010
• Platform: PC, Playstation
• Subscription Model: Free trial that lasts the entire base game and first expansion until level 60.
• Is Final Fantasy XIV Pay-to-win? No, the in-game shop in FFXIV only provides you with optional cosmetics. Buying power or in-game currencies is not possible.
• For fans of Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy XIV is one of the most popular MMORPGs on the market, and for good reason. The game features an incredibly deep and engaging story, a wide variety of different classes and jobs to choose from, and some of the best graphics in any MMO.

Final Fantasy XIV is not technically free-to-play all the way to the end, but the base game and the first expansion are completely free, which last all the way up to level 60 and will provide you with hours and hours of story-driven gameplay.

8. Star Trek Online

• Developer: Cryptic Studios
• Released: 2010
• Platform: PlayStation, Xbox, PC
• Subscription Model: Free with in-game shop
• Is Star Trek Online Pay-to-win? Yes, well partly. Most of the game can be enjoyed without spending anything, but you can pay to skip some of the grind.
• For fans of Star Trek

If you are a Star Trek fan then Star Trek Online is a must-play, or at least a must-try, game for you. Why? Because of the stories. Constant updates add more content that’s based on events from the TV series.

Star Trek Online is a free-to-play MMO developed by Cryptic Studios. The game is based on the Star Trek universe

Beloved characters make an appearance as NPCs who are sometimes voiced by the very Star Trek actors that played them.

The best part? This Sci-Fi MMORPG has a loyal and active player base who just loves to argue about which Enterprise captain is the best and other never-ending Star Trek topics.

7. RuneScape 3

• Developer: Jagex
• Released: 2001
• Platform: PC, Mobile
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with optional membership.
• Is Runescape Pay-to-win? Technically yes, you can buy in-game currencies and advantages but most of the game can be enjoyed as a free player or with a membership.
• For fans of Old-School MMOs

RuneScape is one of the first MMORPGs. It was released in 2001 and it’s still going strong.

In just a few months since it was made available via Steam, it garnered Very Positive reviews and that speaks volumes about its quality.

The gameplay is different from what you are used to if you’ve played more recent titles but it’s definitely worth a try. The game is known for its memorable quests, charismatic NPCs, and hardcore progression.

If you want to go further down the legacy MMORPG rabbit hole, don’t be afraid to try the vanilla version as well, Old School RuneScape.

6. EVE Online

• Developer: CCP Games
• Released: 2003
• Platform: PC
• Subscription Model: Free with optional subscription and in-game shop.
• Is Eve Online Pay-to-win? Technically yes, you can buy ships in Eve Online for cash but they won’t give you huge advantages.
• For fans of Sci-Fi MMOs

The infamous EVE Online is not a game for everyone. Unlike most MMORPGs that strive to give you a pleasant starting experience and guide your first steps, EVE Online throws you into a ruthless dog-eat-dog world. Prepare to meet some of the most terrible characters ever…your fellow players.

This one is a community-driven MMORPG where your game experience is shaped by your actions and social interactions.

EVE Online is a unique game, truly hard to master, and, with the right people, one of the most interesting MMO experiences you’ll come across.

5. The Elder Scrolls Online

• Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios
• Released: 2014
• Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with optional subscription and in-game shop after initial purchase of the game
• Is ESO Pay-to-win? Yes, you can pay for currencies in ESO that will increase your power.
• For fans of The Elder Scrolls

The Elder Scrolls Online is another hugely popular MMORPG that features an incredibly deep and engaging story. Set in the world of Tamriel, players can choose to side with one of three warring factions and fight for control of the continent.

The Elder Scrolls Online also features a wide variety of different races and classes to choose from, and the game’s graphics are some of the best in any MMO.

ESO is free-to-play after buying the base game / latest expansion.

4. Lost Ark

• Developer: Smilegate
• Released: 2022
• Platform: PC
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with in-game shop
• Is Lost Ark Pay-to-win? Yes, Lost Ark is definitely pay-to-win!
• For fans of Isometric MMOs

Lost Ark was one of the most highly anticipated free-to-play MMORPGs to be released in 2022. It features beautiful graphics, an immersive world, and a large number of quests and dungeons to keep you busy for hours on end.

Lost Ark is a mix between looter ARPGs like Diablo and Path of Exile and a traditional MMORPG.

3. Guild Wars 2

• Developer: ArenaNet
• Released: 2012
• Platform: PC
• Subscription Model: Free base game. Pay for expansions and cosmetics.
• Is Guild Wars 2 Pay-to-win? No, most of the items you can buy as a player will not give you any direct advantage in combat.
• For fans of PvP and PvE

Guild Wars 2 is a free-to-play MMORPG developed by ArenaNet. The game features dynamic and fast-paced combat, as well as a unique leveling system that allows players to progress at their own pace. Guild Wars has been out for several years and it continues to be one of the most popular free MMOs available.

Guild Wars 2 launched in 2012 as a one-time purchase game with no monthly subscription. In 2015, it switched to a free-to-play business model, and, judging by the number of active players, it was the right decision.

As a free player, you get access to the core game. This means that you will have to spend money to unlock the expansions, however, the vanilla game includes all playable classes, a rich story that develops around your choices, and plenty of PvE and PvP content.

The game has also aged beautifully. The artwork and graphics are just amazing.

2. Lord of the Rings Online

• Developer: Turbine / Standing Stone Games
• Released: 2007
• Platform: PC
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with in-game shop
• Is LOTRO Pay-to-win? Yes, you can pay for power and to unluck new content along with quality of life improvements, but most of the content is also available to free players that want to grind it out.
• For fans of Classic Fantasy

The game world of LOTRO needs no introduction so we will just talk about the gameplay. Choose from four races, ten classes, and more than 1,000 skills to create your Middle Earth avatar.

Journey from the tranquil Shire to the dark Mines of Moria and stroll through the ancient woods of Lothlorien.

The game’s unique take on the PvP system, player versus monster player, allows players to become Sauron’s minions and to fight others. Player housing, crafting, and a dedicated community are good reasons to give it a go.

1. Albion Online

• Developer: Sandbox Interactive
• Released: 2017
• Platform: PC, Mobile
• Subscription Model: Free-to-play with an optional premium subscription.
• Is Albion Online Pay-to-win? Yes, you can pay for in-game currencies in Albion.
• For fans of PvP MMOs

Truth be told, Albion Online is a challenging game. It’s not your average theme-park MMORPG. Instead, it offers a sandbox experience based on a classless system.

A character’s armors and weapons define its play style. You gain abilities depending on the items you equip.

From landowner to battle-hardened warrior, you can become anything you want to be, provided you have the right equipment.

Social interaction is guaranteed as the economy is player-driven with most of the items, gear included, created by players.

There you have it! Our pick at The Best Free-to-Play MMORPGs in 2024. Which one got your attention?