The 16 Best PvP MMOs In 2025
As Conan said, crushing your enemies is one of the best things in life. For gamers who thrive on competition, strategy, and the thrill of outsmarting opponents, PvP MMOs offer an unparalleled experience.
These games combine the vast, immersive worlds of massively multiplayer online games with the adrenaline-pumping excitement of direct competition. Whether you’re a fan of large-scale battles, duels, or open-world skirmishes, there’s a PvP MMO out there for you.
16. Star Wars: The Old Republic
- Developer: BioWare
- Released: 2011
- Platform: PC, Mac
- For Fans of Star Wars, Sci-Fi
SWTOR is a story-driven MMO that in many ways plays like a single-player RPG much like Knights of the Old Republic, but it is also a decent PvP MMO. PvP definitely isn’t the main draw but if you enjoy varied PvE gameplay with a bit of PvP sprinkled in, SWTOR might be the game for you.
Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) offers a diverse PvP experience that caters to both casual and competitive players. The game features several PvP modes, including Warzones, objective-based battlegrounds like Huttball and Voidstar, where teams compete to capture points or complete objectives. For smaller-scale, intense matches, Arenas provide 4v4 combat that rewards teamwork and skill. While open-world PvP exists in zones like Outlaw’s Den and Ilum, it’s less emphasized compared to instanced PvP.
15. ArcheAge
- Developer: XLGames
- Released: 2013
- Platform: PC
- For Fans of Korean MMOs
ArcheAge features a unique sandbox style of gameplay that gives players a lot of freedom to do what they want.
The game’s open-world PvP system allows players to engage in combat almost anywhere, creating a world where danger and opportunity go hand in hand. Whether you’re ambushing trade ships on the high seas, defending your guild’s territory, or engaging in spontaneous duels, ArcheAge delivers a PvP experience that is both dynamic and rewarding.
The official ArcheAge servers shut down in the summer of 2024, but there are still some very good private servers where you can still enjoy the game.
14. Black Desert Online
- Developer: Pearl Abyss
- Released: 2014
- Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox, Android, iOS
- For Fans of Korean MMOs
Open-world PvP in the popular Korean MMORPG Black Desert Online is WoW’s war mode with a twist. Players can flag themselves for PvP and gank each other to their hearts’ content.
The twist is that they can attack those who aren’t flagged as well. This is where the karma system comes into play as there are penalties for those who engage in PvP with unflagged players.
There are also open-world arenas where players can gather and attack anyone who is not a member of their party.
For large-scale PvP, BDO offers guild versus guild wars and castle sieges where guilds can lay siege to other guild’s headquarters.
13. Planetside 2
- Developer: Daybreak Games
- Released: 2012
- Platform: PC, PlayStation
- For Fans of FPS Games
Planetside 2 is a 2012 MMOFPS by Daybreak Games. It has a Guinness World Record for hosting the largest FPS battle with more than 1,100 players on a single battlefield.
It has Very Positive reviews on Steam and an active player base.
Planetside 2 has PvE but it’s the PvP content that keeps players engaged.
It has team-centered PvP that rewards players when working together to achieve objectives. It’s not all about personal achievements and scoring kills. The gameplay hides a deep level of strategy. The trick is to find a group of buddies and enjoy the game as a team.
Planetside 2 is available on PC and PlayStation.
12. World of Warcraft / World of Warcraft Classic
- Developer: Blizzard
- Released: 2004
- Platform: PC
- For Fans of Warcraft, Blizzard
Whether you are a retail or Classic player, WoW offers so much in terms of PvP.
If you prefer open-world PvP from early levels, take your chances on a WoW Classic PvP server. It’s a gank fest most of the time and it’s not always fair play but that’s part of the fun. Some high-level players delight in killing newbies who don’t stand a chance.
Retail PvP is more organized and structured with many battlegrounds that feature various scenarios. Arenas are popular as well.
11. Throne & Liberty
- Developer: NCSoft
- Released: 2024
- Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- For Fans of Lineage II
Throne & Liberty, developed by NCSoft, has been a highly anticipated title, especially for fans of the Lineage series. Marketed as a spiritual successor to Lineage II, expectations were high for a game that would deliver the same hardcore PvP experience that made its predecessor a legend. However, Throne & Liberty has taken a somewhat unexpected turn, focusing more on PvE content while still offering a decent PvP experience.
Throne & Liberty still has great PvP even if that isn’t the main focus. The main draw for PvP players will be the large-scale battles.
10. Mortal Online 2
- Developer: Star Vault
- Released: 2021
- Platform: PC
- For Fans of Mortal Online 1, Hardcore Full-loot PvP
Mortal Online 2 is a hardcore sandbox MMORPG that takes PvP to its most brutal and unforgiving extremes. Mortal Online 2 offers a fully open-world, first-person experience with a heavy emphasis on player-driven conflict.
PvP is the heart and soul of Mortal Online 2. The game features full-loot, open-world PvP, meaning that if you die, you lose everything you’re carrying. This creates a high-stakes environment where every encounter—whether with a bandit, a rival guild, or even a seemingly friendly stranger—can turn deadly in an instant. The game’s combat system is skill-based and relies on precise timing, positioning, and weapon mastery, making every fight feel intense and rewarding.
Guilds can claim and control territories, building castles and fortifications to defend their land. Siege warfare is a major aspect of the game, with large-scale battles involving hundreds of players fighting for control of resources and strategic locations.
9. EVE Online
- Developer: CCP Games
- Released: 2003
- Platform: PC
- For Fans of Sci-fi Games
Ask 1,000 players about the space sim/sci-fi MMORPG EVE Online PvP and you’ll get 1,000 different answers. Some will say that it’s pointless, others will say that it’s unfair, and some might even call it fun.
Your EVE Online experience depends on your interactions with the other players. Solo PvP is unbalanced and it won’t get you far. Alliance PvP, on the other hand, is a different experience.
The game is known for its large-scale long-lasting PvP wars, which have on occasions cost players hundreds of thousands of real-world dollars. Learning how to PvP in EVE Online takes time and a stable group of like-minded players who help each other.
8. Blade and Soul
- Developer: NCSoft
- Released: 2012
- Platform: PC
- For Fans of Anime Games, Martial Arts Games
Blade and Soul is a gem amongst free-to-play MMOs. While most free MMOs focus on either PvE or PvP, Blade and Soul do both. With its unique fast-paced combat system, PvP in Blade and Soul is often said to feel more like a fighting game than an MMO.
The game has open-world PvP and arenas. Taking part in world PvP is just as easy as putting on your faction’s costume.
Open-world has no penalties so it’s a gank fest. Arenas supports team-based PvP fights. PvP in Blade and Soul is fun because the game’s combat system is action-based and fast-paced.
High-ranking PvP players get exclusive rewards, including costumes, to show off their accomplishments.
The newly released Blade and Soul Neo offers a reinterpreted classic experience with improved graphics and provides a great entry point into the game.
7. Elder Scrolls Online
- Developer: ZeniMax
- Released: 2014
- Platform: PC, Playstation, Xbox
- For Fans of the Elder Scrolls, Skyrim
Elder Scrolls Online features a large PvP map and smaller-scale PvP battlegrounds.
The three-alliance war takes place in Cyrodiil, a zone that becomes available at level 10. Players that enter Cyrodiil before max level gain temporary attribute boosts.
The ESO PvP system features campaigns that players can join. Each campaign has different rules and rewards.
Battlegrounds arrived in Elder Scrolls Online in the Morrowind chapter but have been included in the base game so anyone can access them. Battlegrounds support 12 participants divided into three teams. Five scenarios, including deathmatch and domination, are available.
6. Lineage 2
- Developer: NCSoft
- Release: 2003
- Platforms: PC
- For fans of Classic MMORPGs
Lineage 2 stands as a classic Korean MMO with an emphasis on large-scale PvP. The game offers expansive PvP opportunities characterized by clan wars and castle sieges. These features are central to the PvP experience, requiring detailed strategic planning and coordinated team efforts.
The game has changed a lot since its heyday, often to the dissatisfaction of long-time fans. Recent updates have seen shifts in gameplay mechanics and monetization strategies that some argue have moved away from the game’s original charm and competitive balance, but is still worth a try just to experience one of the true classic PvP MMOs. A decade or two ago, this classic would no doubt be number one on this list.
5. Dark Age of Camelot
- Developer: Mythic Entertainment
- Released: 2001
- Platform: PC
- For Fans of Old-School MMOs
Another gem that would top this list a decade or two ago is Dark Age of Camelot, which is also a pioneer in large-scale combat.
Set in a world inspired by Arthurian legend, Norse mythology, and Celtic folklore, DAoC divides players into three realms: Albion, Midgard, and Hibernia. Each Realm has its own unique classes, abilities, and lore, creating a distinct identity for players to rally behind.
The game’s PvP is centered around large-scale battles for control of keeps, relics, and territory, making it a pioneer in the realm-based PvP format that many modern MMOs have tried to emulate.
DAoC’s RvR system is its crown jewel, offering a mix of open-world PvP and structured objectives. Players can engage in small skirmishes, roam the Frontier zones in search of enemies, or participate in massive sieges to capture keeps and relics.
DAoC has changed a lot since its release back in 2001, and is difficult for newcomers to get into in 2025, which is why it’s not higher on our list.
4. Guild Wars 2
- Developer: Arena Net
- Released: 2012
- Platform: PC, Mac
- For Fans of Guild Wars, World of Warcraft
Hands down, Guild Wars 2 has one of the best – if not THE best – combat systems, with a fantastic tab-target / action combat hybrid system, which works well in both PvP and PvE.
Unlike other MMORPGs that require players to unlock PvP content by completing PvE activities first, GW2 allows you to jump into the action early on. Players are automatically scaled to max level 80 and they have access to all of their class skills and abilities. Experience and practice do matter but you get the chance to develop your PvP prowess as soon as you create a character.
Its World vs. World (WvW) mode is a standout feature, pitting hundreds of players against each other in massive, ongoing battles across sprawling maps.
3. New World
- Developer: Amazon Games
- Released: 2021
- Platform: PC
- For Fans of Survival Games
New World had a rough start after it was released back in 2021 and lost a big part of the player base due to bugs. Most of the bugs have now been fixed and New World is now actually a very good game.
Early in development, New World was going to be a hardcore PvP MMO but Amazon Games shifted the focus onto PvE before release. The PvP system is still very good though.
The game’s faction-based warfare and territory control system create a dynamic and competitive environment. Players can flag themselves for PvP in the open world, leading to unexpected encounters and intense battles. The game’s Wars—massive 50v50 battles for control of settlements—is a highlight, offering a mix of strategy, coordination, and sheer chaos.
2. Albion Online
- Developer: Sandbox Interactive
- Released: 2017
- Platform: PC, Mac, Android, iOS
- For Fans of Runescape, Ultima Online
Several elements make Albion Online a unique MMORPG. It’s one of the few isometric games of this type. It has sandbox gameplay and it focuses on PvP. There are no classes, the economy is player-driven, and it features an open world.
In Albion Online, players drop loot just like mobs and others can take it. A penalty system is in place to punish those who abuse the PvP system.
The game’s PvP is divided into several tiers of risk and reward, catering to different playstyles. In yellow zones, PvP is optional and non-lethal, making it a safe space for beginners to dip their toes into combat. Red zones introduce full-loot PvP, where death means losing all your gear, while black zones are the most dangerous, offering no safety nets and the highest rewards. The game also features Hellgates, instanced 5v5 or 2v2 battles, and Crystal League, a competitive arena mode with ranked matches. However, the true heart of Albion Online lies in its open-world PvP and territorial warfare. Guilds and alliances fight for control of territories in the game’s massive open world, engaging in large-scale battles for resources, power, and dominance.
1. Warhammer Online: Return of Reckoning
- Developer: Mythic Entertainment
- Released: 2008
- Platform: PC
- For Fans of World of Warcraft, Warhammer
Return of Reckoning is our number one PvP MMO, and it isn’t even an official server. Warhammer Online shut down years ago but a handful of dedicated fans decided they wouldn’t take no for an answer. And so, Warhammer Online: Return of Reckoning was born.
This private server has brought the game back to life, focusing on its acclaimed Realm vs. Realm (RvR) PvP system, which remains one of the most ambitious and engaging in the genre. Set in the grim, war-torn world of Warhammer Fantasy, the game pits two factions—Order (Empire, Dwarfs, and High Elves) and Destruction (Chaos, Greenskins, and Dark Elves)—against each other in an endless struggle for dominance.
The heart of Return of Reckoning lies in its large-scale RvR battles, which take place across sprawling open-world zones and instanced scenarios. Players can engage in keep sieges, where hundreds of fighters clash to capture and defend fortresses or participate in smaller-scale battlegrounds that focus on objective-based gameplay. The game’s Public Quests and Open Field RvR encourage spontaneous skirmishes, creating a dynamic and unpredictable PvP experience.
What makes Return of Reckoning special is its dedication to preserving the spirit of Warhammer Online. The developers have not only restored the game but also improved upon it, fixing bugs, balancing classes, and adding new content to keep the experience fresh. Entire cities that weren’t included in the original game have even been added to the server by the voluntary devs.
Are there any PvP games we missed on our list? Let us know what your favorite is in the comments!
If you’re gonna put up blade & soul on the list, might as well include Aion… it’s heavily pvp focused if you ask me and isn’t much more dead than B&S.
Terrible article. WoW? WoW is in its WORST state for pvp. Players dying in 1.5 seconds even through defensives among other insane things. “Retail PvP is more organized and structured”. Really? Play the game and you’ll see just how “organized” it is. DPS healing to full in .5 seconds from 1% health (druids), healers doing less healing than hybrids and cant keep up with damage, and even dot classes dealing unhealable damage. BnS is dead and Albion I hear is heavily controlled with clans
We know that WoW is not in the best state right now and haven’t been for a while but still feel it deserves to be on the list. If you have any better suggestions, feel free to let us know and we might add them to the list.
@yes, WoW 3v3 is more of an e-sport than any MMORPG in the entire genre. Get out of here with your uninformed casual gibberish. My beef is the guy didn’t put Aion on the list when it’s a good contender with a few of those dead games.
@yes, stop crying ya little bitch. It’s still considered the best pvp mmo-rpg for a reason. Get gud or stfu.
How on earth could you compile a Best of PVP MMOs article and fail to include Dark Age of Camelot?? You included Warhammer Online which was inspired by DAOC, but leave out DAOC?
Sorry mate but jagex have neglected osrs pvp the last couple of years, the worlds are dead, empty and the deadman tournaments are always a joke. Not worth grinding an account for this game anymore until they give it some attention
GW2 has no rewards for PvP since gear doesnt matter, RvR is dead because it has way too many huge maps and battles 1v1 are max 5 seconds. This is utter bullshit dude.
Besides you dont seem to have a clue about any of those games.
I would add return of reckoning (Warhammer online private server)
Nearly the entire game is accessable now and it’s free obviously.
Gw2 pvp sucks, why game is totaly unbalanced, and they target your ping, if you play support builds.
I think Metin2 is a fun MMORPG for PvP
Never played all of those games but i did play most of the major ones. and i got to say Knight Online World might be full of pay to win but atleast its pvp was satisfying and had a sence of climing to the top with monthly and all time ranking system.and put a big fat emblem beside your name to show everyone how good and dedicated you are. suprised its not on here as its a major pvp game. thank god for the turkish community that’s kinda keeping the game playable.
RUST is up there for me
You missed one of the industry’s lead rvr open pvp mmos, Champions of Regnum. This is a full 3d, pure rvr open pvp mmo, with a standing as long as DAOC. It has carefully balanced tab target-style combat, and intense rvr. Your review should also talk about the qualities of what makes good pvp or rvr, which your article misses.
Why the hell is this news dated as 2023 since its 2021? And even in 2021 it was obsolete.
No only is the best PvP game ever not #1, it’s not on your list. Asheron’s Call, Darktide server was without a doubt the best pvp game I’ve ever played. I played about half of the games on this list and they don’t hold a candle. After AC went down I played WOW for a month and quit after some jackwagon placed a train down and made my character dance and I couldn’t kill him because he was on my team.
AC had no boundries, no level restictions, no safe zones (until they put in player housing and that was for the carebears on the other servers), and same corpse loot rules as pve. We even had our own news team, the Darktide News Network (DNN) that kept track of raids, town occupations, alliances, etc. It was epic.
I played ESO and only stayed longer than a month because the group I found only played on the PvP section. Otherwise that game was just a contest to see who had the pretties armor.
@Red Anjin, that game was awesome. Won’t ever be anything remotely close to it. I just wish the emulators had more people playing.
Asheron’s Call. If anyone has played AC1 and thinks any of these games are more fun for PVP please let me know why you think it’s better and why?
Whoever wrote this article has obviously never played these games, or so it seems. Perhaps they have, but nothing serious, maybe they did a trial basis 2-5 hours. I’m going to guess the one they played the most is Warhammer Online, which is a joke to be on this list since it’s a fan based, unofficial, and emulated server. Not to mention whoever wrote this article listed GW2 as a pvp #2? wow…
This article is so outdated and obsolete.
I hate to bandwagon on all of these negative comments but frankly the #1 pvp mmo on your list has 300 players online (warhammer online). You guys are probably having just as much difficulty finding good massive online rpg pvp games as myself but there is no excuse for including games that aren’t even released yet nor have a known release date (camelot unchained). I have no idea how your list got placed as the #1 search result on bing. Maybe your company should be paying me to write these.
What kind of BS is this listing games not even live?