The 14 Best Martial Arts MMORPGs in 2024
Do words like Wushu and Wuxia make sense to you? Do you like MMO games? Then you might be looking for the best martial arts MMOs.
Martial arts is more than just combat; it’s about the artistry, the culture, and the philosophy embedded within each move and storyline. These games blend traditional martial arts elements with the interactive, community-driven nature of MMOs, creating unique virtual experiences that are as engaging intellectually as they are thrilling to play.
So, ready your digital gi and prepare to enter the dojo as we present the top martial arts MMORPGs of 2024.
14. Metin 2
- Developer: Webzen
- Released: 2004
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Old-School MMOs
Metin 2 is one of the first martial arts MMORPGs. It has an oriental atmosphere and engaging action combat.
You will start by choosing from one of the three factions and five classes. Then you can team up with others to clear dungeons and obtain better gear that will allow you to tackle more challenging content.
There are many PvE activities and also PvP battlefields. To keep things fresh, Metin 2 hosts regular events.
Metin 2 is an old game but it is still going strong with a dedicated player base and content updates.
13. World of Kung Fu Classic
- Developer: Tengren
- Released: 2015
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Anime MMOs
World of Kung Fu United is the resurrection of World of Kung Fu, a short-lived martial arts MMO that launched in 2007 and shut down after only four years.
Dead but not forgotten because in 2015 a handful of loyal fans decided to bring the game back as a private server. World of Kung Fu United has been up and running since then. As long as the original publishers are not taking action against it we can assume they don’t mind.
World of Kung Fu United has Classic and United servers so you can play the original game or see what the resurrection project is all about.
The player base is not big but there’s a very active Discord, a sign that the game has a dedicated community.
12. Hero Plus
- Developer: Mgame
- Released: 2018
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Chinese History
If you’ve been an MMO player for a while, you might remember this one as Hero Online. The lore, story, and setting are based on a series of novels set in Ancient China.
The character system offers eight unique options, including Ninja, HanBia, and Swordsman. You will raise your character’s level through quests and strengthen it with better equipment.
Hero Plus has massive faction PvP wars and also 1 versus 1 duel. You can find the free-to-play MMORPG Hero Plus on Steam.
11. Twelve Sky 2 Classic
- Developer: SG Data
- Released: 2017
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Wuxia
Twelve Sky 2 Classic is a Wuxia-themed game that takes place in an Ancient Chinese mythical setting.
Players start as members of one of the three warring factions, but as they reach a certain level a fourth faction becomes available allowing characters to go rogue. It’s an interesting and unique system.
As martial arts fighters, players are able to perform striking moves and make use of all sorts of equipment.
Twelve Sky 2 Classic is available on Steam as a free game.
10. Jade Dynasty Reborn
- Developer: Perfect World
- Released: 2007
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Old-School MMOs
Jade Dynasty Reborn is another official support ended, community resurrected story.
The original Jade Dynasty MMORPG by Perfect World was released in 2007 and shut down in 2018. But thanks to this very active private server, longtime fans, and curious newcomers have the chance to once again play the classic martial arts-themed MMO.
The game takes inspiration from the eponymous Xianxia novel.
The character system is based on three races and 17 unique classes taken from the novel. The progression system features 150 levels with unique class skills and fighting styles.
Events are held on a regular basis.
9. Naruto Online
- Developer: Oasis Games Limited
- Released: 2014
- Platform: PC (Browser)
- For fans of Naruto
Consider this before dismissing Naruto Online on the account of being a casual browser MMO. It’s an official Naruto game based on the Shippuden series.
The classes are designed by the Naruto manga creator, Masashi Kishimoto. The player will assemble a team of Ninja fighters and undertake missions based on happenings from the anime and manga.
You will relieve iconic moments from the Shippuden story and meet beloved Naruto characters.
Naruto Online may be a casual browser game but it has fun quests, plenty of activities, and a dedicated player base. It’s a great game to unwind for a few hours every now and then.
8. 9Dragons
- Developer: Joongwon Entertainment
- Released: 2007
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Free-to-Play MMOs
This free-to-play 3D MMORPG is set in a fantasy world modeled after Ancient China.
In the aftermath of the War of Nine-Dragons, the Dragon clans reappear and you are asked to take a side. Will you stand with the “White” clans or will you fight for the “Black” factions?
No matter what alliance you choose, you will enjoy martial arts based combat with fluid movements and clan-unique techniques.
The gameplay features innovative systems and interesting mini-games. Engaging PvP fights give you the opportunity to test your combat prowess on enemy clan members.
7. Archeblade
- Developer: CodeBrush Games
- Released: 2014
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Mobas
Archeblade is a popular fighting game that takes inspiration from cult titles such as Street Fighter and Tekken. The game has gorgeous graphics with anime elements.
You can choose from 14 different classes, each one with one-of-a-kind combat moves and combos.
Items, gear, and equipment make characters not just stronger but also unique-looking.
Join a free for all battle to simply beat the living hell out of each other or work with your teammates in scenarios such as capture the flag.
Archeblade has Very Positive Steam reviews and is free-to-play.
6. Absolver
- Developer: Sloclap
- Released: 2017
- Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
- For fans of Action Combat
Absolver may not be an MMO game but it does have multiplayer features and martial arts-inspired fighting styles.
Each class is based on a certain technique such as kickboxing, Kung Fu, drunken boxing, and Jeet Kune Do.
The combat is fluid, fast-paced, and tactical. The Combat Deck is a feature that allows players to personalize their fighting styles.
You will meet other players as you follow your main quest in the Adal Empire.
Co-op multiplayer encourages players to work together to obtain better gear. PvP arenas with a ranking system are part of the game as well.
5. Lost Ark
- Developer: Smilegate
- Released: 2022
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Isometric MMOs
Lost Ark takes place in a fantasy world and features various combat styles. Players will be able to choose from a variety of classes, each with its own unique abilities and weapons. The Martial Artist class uses fast melee attacks to vanquish their foes.
Lost Ark being a Korean game also features realistic anime-style graphics.
Lost Ark is sure to be an action-packed MMORPG that will keep you coming back for more!
4. Age of Wushu
- Developer: Snail
- Released: 2012
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Wuxia, Chinese History
The best Wuxia-themed MMORPG you can play right now, Age of Wushu comes with everything you need to satisfy your thirst for martial arts MMOs.
It’s got eight schools with unique fighting styles, such as Shaolin and Wudang. The combat abilities are based on martial arts techniques, and to top it all, you can do those fancy moves seen in classic movies such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
The gameplay is complete with questing, crafting, PvE, and PvP content.
Many of the game systems are based on Chinese martial arts concepts. The Jianhu reputation system is one of them. Age of Wushu is free-to-play so go ahead and get it right now!
3. Black Desert Online
- Developer: Pearl Abyss
- Released: 2014
- Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
- For fans of Beautiful Graphics
Black Desert Online might not have a traditional martial arts setting but it does have a class that allows you to become a Ninja/Kung Fu warrior.
The Striker fighting style comes with spectacular aerial moves, devastating street brawl-inspired melee techniques, and you can even call an army of Buddhas to do the dirty work for you.
BDO is a popular MMORPG with good reviews and a myriad of activities.
You can adventure on land or craft a boat to sail the seas. Player housing, mounted combat, massive guild battles, and more await you!
Black Desert Online has amazing graphics and a seamless world with no loading screens.
2. Final Fantasy XIV
- Developer: Square Enix
- Released: 2010
- Platform: PC, Playstation
- For fans of Final Fantasy
Final Fantasy XIV was originally released in 2010 but was later re-released with an improved engine and new content in 2013. Final Fantasy XIV takes place in the world of Hydaelyn and features a wide variety of combat styles
FFXIV is not strictly a martial arts game, but three of the jobs available in the game are martial arts-themed. The Ninja, the Monk, and the Samurai jobs are all guaranteed to provide you with fun and engaging martial art combat.
The game offers a unique and engaging gameplay experience that is sure to keep you hooked for hours on end!
1. Blade & Soul
- Developer: NCSoft
- Released: 2012
- Platform: PC
- For fans of Free-to-Play MMOs
Blade and Soul has a martial arts setting. You start as a happy-go-merry student at the prestigious Hongmoon School. However, your blissful days are numbered as bad things happen shortly after you start the game.
Blade and Soul features a generous character roster of 12 classes with unique combat skills. PvE and PvP activities galore keep you busy. The game has regular content updates and events.
It also has an active player base so don’t worry about feeling alone in this beautiful world. Martial arts aside, Blade & Soul is one of the best free-to-play MMO games.
Do you have a favorite martial arts-themed MMO, let us know in the comments below!
Interested
@Courtney Fuller, More than half of these are just RPG with a fantasy version of a chinatown.