Looking for games like World of Warcraft? Here are the top MMORPGs similar to WoW for PC players who crave epic quests, raids, and immersive worlds.
When it comes to MMORPGs, World of Warcraft (WoW) has long been the gold standard. Since its launch in 2004, WoW set the template for what many expect from an MMO. Over time, many players have wanted to try something new that brings the same experiences similar to WoW. In this article, we’ll explore the list of best games like WoW. If you’re searching for worthy alternatives, this guide may help you find one that fits your playstyle.
Also read: Wow Expansions In Chronological Order & Best Order To Play
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) is an open-world MMORPG that lets players explore familiar regions from the Elder Scrolls series, such as Skyrim, Morrowind, and Tamriel.
Like WoW, ESO features questing, dungeons, PvP, and guild systems. However, it puts more emphasis on personal storytelling and role-playing elements. Each quest includes dialogue choices that can influence the outcome, and players can follow the main storyline even when playing solo. ESO doesn’t lock players into fixed classes. Instead, you can customize your playstyle by combining different weapons and skills.
Compared to WoW, ESO focuses less on grinding levels and more on exploration and character development. It’s a great choice if you prefer story-driven MMORPGs that don’t rely heavily on gear progression.
While WoW delivers a structured, story-driven MMO experience with tab-target combat, Black Desert Online takes a different route with fast-paced action combat and open-ended character progression. It still offers familiar MMO elements with large open world, class variety, PvE, PvP, and guild systems, but ditches traditional raids and linear questing. Instead, players focus on manual skill execution, visual precision, and building their own playstyle through gear and profession choices. With detailed graphics, responsive combat, and rich life-skill systems like fishing, trading, and farming, Black Desert appeals to those looking for a more dynamic and hands-on MMORPG experience.
Albion Online isn’t a direct alternative to World of Warcraft, nor does it follow the traditional theme-park MMO structure. Still, for players looking for a community-driven experience with deep player interaction, Albion could be their WoW in a different form.
Like WoW, Albion features an open world, guild systems, large-scale PvP, and a player-driven economy. But instead of the fixed class system of WoW, your stats and abilities depend entirely on the gear you equip. This title does not have the linear story progression. Instead, players set their own goals such as gathering resources, crafting, or controlling territory.
If you’re more interested in freedom, competition, and player-driven content than quest-based progression, Albion Online is a strong, if different, MMORPG to explore.
RuneScape and WoW share several core elements, including questing, PvE, PvP, guilds, and a persistent open world. While its graphics are much simpler, the gameplay is widely praised for its flexibility and depth. Unlike WoW’s fixed class system, RuneScape allows players to build their characters by leveling individual skills such as fishing, mining, blacksmithing, and cooking.
The game comes in two versions: modern RuneScape and Old School RuneScape. Both versions are free-to-play, with optional subscriptions for added content. With crossplay support on Steam and mobile, RuneScape offers a more relaxed, skill-focused MMORPG experience for players who enjoy freedom over structure.
Guild Wars 2 holds familiar MMO elements with WoW such as open-world exploration, diverse classes, dungeons, PvP, and group content. Some differences is that Guild Wars 2 doesn't cover linear quest chains, players can explore freely, join dynamic events, and develop their characters through a variety of playstyles. Combat is more action-oriented, requiring movement and timing rather than stationary skill rotations.
The base game is free-to-play, but players must purchase expansions to continue the story. The game is still strong with frequent content updates, giving players plenty of reasons to return. With its massive amount of activities and systems, this title offers a deep, evolving MMORPG experience that stands out as one of the genre’s most innovative titles, especially for players who enjoy freedom, fluid combat, and playing with friends.
Diablo IV isn’t a full-fledged MMORPG, but it shares several similarities with World of Warcraft, including class systems, skill builds, co-op gameplay, and PvE content. The game uses a top-down ARPG perspective and emphasizes fast-paced action, but it also features a shared open world where players can team up or join public events in real time.
Compared to WoW, Diablo IV has a faster combat pace and focuses more on loot progression, solo viability, and character customization. While it lacks large-scale PvP and traditional guild systems, it still offers group dungeons, world bosses, and multiplayer interaction. For players who enjoy the grind, real-time combat, and MMO-lite features in a darker fantasy setting, Diablo IV is a solid alternative.
Players seeking out games similar to WoW will certainly be well-serviced by Path of Exile. Though not a traditional MMORPG, it offers deep character progression, party-based combat, and a large online player base. The game is a free-to-play ARPG with a top-down view and fast-paced, real-time combat. Instead of fixed classes, players customize builds using a huge passive skill tree and gem-based skill system.
The developers of Path of Exile release new expansions every few months, known as "leagues." Each league introduces fresh content or mechanics, keeping the gameplay experience varied and engaging over time. These regular updates help maintain player interest and encourage long-term play. For fans of WoW who crave deep build customization, cooperative gameplay, and long-term progression, Path of Exile is a strong, credible option.
Neverwinter is an action MMORPG set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, offering a familiar fantasy setting with fast-paced, real-time combat. Players can choose from 12 races and several classic classes, each with their own playstyle. The game focuses on active skill use; dodging, aiming, and timing are all part of the core mechanics. Raids are smaller in scale, often requiring just 10 players, which makes party matchmaking more manageable.
While it doesn’t offer the same scale or polish as World of Warcraft, Neverwinter follows a similar formula in terms of quest structure and class-based progression. Early leveling is streamlined and friendly to new players, while the endgame leans more into gear grinding and item level. For those looking for a casual MMORPG with a familiar D&D world and accessible content, Neverwinter is a solid option on both PC and console.
Lost Ark is a free-to-play MMORPG that blends fast-paced RPG combat with deep character progression and endgame systems. It uses a top-down perspective, offers a wide range of classes, and features a large world filled with continents, islands, and branching storylines.
Its standout feature is the Legion Raids. The game also earns praise for frequent updates, balanced PvP, shared progression across characters, and systems that limit pay-to-win elements. While some content feels repetitive or less engaging, Lost Ark remains a strong alternative to WoW for players seeking a modern combat style and a content-rich experience without needing to spend money.
When it comes to games like World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy XIV is probably the best alternative right now. It's a real-time MMORPG with multiple skill bars, a strong focus on PvE content, and a similar progression system. The game offers a generous free trial up to level 70, which includes two full expansions, Heavensward and Stormblood, giving new players a lot of content to explore without paying.
Though, the early game tends to feel slower than WoW, especially during the main story quests. However, the pace becomes faster and more hardcore at endgame when you have your full kit of abilities at level 90. Beyond level 70, FFXIV becomes a subscription-based game, following a similar pay model to WoW. however unlike WoW addons are never allowed in this game, aside from that you should feel right at home, there’s no level scaling in the overworld either. Overall, FFXIV is a great fit for players seeking a polished, story-driven MMORPG with deep endgame systems and a strong community.
Some other MMORPG titles WoW fans might consider exploring: Tera Online, Star Wars: The Old Republic, New World, RIFT, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Black Desert, Grim Dawn or Throne and Liberty. World of Warcraft may still be the benchmark for the genre, but it's far from the only option. Whether you're drawn to PvE, PvP, raids, crafting, or just exploring new worlds, there's no shortage of quality games that offer a familiar yet refreshing take on the MMO formula. Finding the right fit based on what aspects of WoW you enjoy most and how open you are to trying something new.
World Of Warcraft
