So you have always wanted to dive headfirst into an MMORPG but sadly lack any friends to drag along for the ride. Or perhaps what you are craving is a lush, open-world experience dripping with story and engaging combat.
8:53 RelatedRanking The Best MMORPGs Of All Time
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Posts 2If you are on the hunt for an entirely solo experience, MMORPGs simply may not be your cup of tea. But if you are concerned you will get stuck in a new MMORPG world without friends to guide you, you're in luck. Many MMORPGs are teeming with content that can be done on your own, and you're likely to make a few in-game friends along the way!
Updated February 21, 2025 by Jacob Whaling: We've added two more solo player-friendly MMOs to this list, as well as added spec boxes containing details on game.
19 New World
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MMORPG Systems 3.5/5 OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 73/100 Critics Rec: 48% Released September 8, 2021 ESRB E10+ for Everyone 10+: Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes Developer(s) Amazon Games Publisher(s) Amazon Games Engine Amazon LumberyardWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALAmazon Games practically stole 2021 (and the whole MMORPG community) with its release of New World. This monster of an MMO with a new spin on the "classless" combat system is so solo-friendly that they have even included an automatic "Only Plays Solo" title for anyone who joins a Faction. While Expeditions and PVP War Campaigns must be attempted with a group, New World still has a lot to give to the more casual solo player.
Much of the early quest progression can be done on your own. For the more peaceful soul, there are hours of fishing, gathering, and crafting to be had. If you find yourself in a spot of trouble and need a group to join, it is useful to work on a tank build for your character, as tanks are always in demand for grouped events.
18 Neverwinter
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MMORPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 73/100 Critics Rec: 45% Released June 20, 2013 ESRB T For Teen due to Violence, Blood Developer(s) Cryptic Studios Publisher(s) Perfect World Entertainment, Gearbox Publishing Engine Cryptic Multiplayer Online MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALFor anyone aching to try their hand at Dungeons and Dragons but unable to find a good Dungeon Master or pals to play, rejoice! Neverwinter is a free-to-play MMORPG based around the lore of D&D. With all of the same playable classes and races as well as iconic locations from the classic tabletop roleplaying game, Neverwinter is a great place for gamers curious about the world of D&D.
Unlike classic D&D, Neverwinter can be played on your own. Questing and dungeons can be completed pretty easily up to level 60, but from there, the solo play does get a bit harder. Community members recommend a "beefy" class (like Fighter or Paladin) for solo play to get the best experience.
17 Elder Scrolls Online
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MMORPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 71/100 Critics Rec: 38% Released April 4, 2014 ESRB m Developer(s) ZeniMax Online Studios Publisher(s) Bethesda Engine proprietary engine, hero engine Multiplayer Online Multiplayer, Online Co-OpWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALA timeless MMORPG, Elder Scrolls Online is a fantasy game set in the world of Tamriel, connected with the same lore many grew to love in Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. While it might not be the best option for gamers hungry for Elder Scrolls VI to release, ESO is a fantastic MMORPG for solo players.
Much of the questing and story content can be done on your own quite easily, up until Veteran levels. You can even attempt some world bosses solo. However, some story content is designed for four players or more and is almost impossible to do on your own.
16 Guild Wars 2
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MMORPG Systems Released August 28, 2012 ESRB T for Teen: Blood, Mild Language, Use of Alcohol, Violence Developer(s) ArenaNet Publisher(s) NCSoft Engine Havok, Proprietary Engine Multiplayer Local Multiplayer Franchise Guild WarsWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALFew MMORPGs lend themselves better to solo play than Guild Wars 2. Its foundation relies on instanced environments, with the storyline changing based on your actions as a player. This makes it fairly unique as an MMORPG. Much of the core story content is meant to be played on your own.
For the long term, Guild Wars 2 also makes it easy to join random groups for any areas which require it, such as large events and world bosses. With an extremely helpful and positive community, Guild Wars 2 is a great pick if you want to dip your toes into an MMORPG solo.
15 Lord Of The Rings Online
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MMORPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Released April 24, 2007 ESRB T For Teen due to Blood and Gore, Use of Alcohol and Tobacco, Violence Developer(s) Standing Stone Games Publisher(s) Daybreak Game Company Engine Havok Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Franchise The Lord of the RingsWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALWe have all wanted to live in a hobbit hole at some point in our lives. While Lord of the Rings Online is not a verbatim translation of the classic J.R.R. Tolkien series, what could possibly be better than living in Middle Earth as your own character?
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PostsLOTRO has been floating around since 2007, and the community is still going strong. Choose between seven races and adventure through infamous locations like the Shire, the Mines of Moria, and more. LOTRO is ideal for solo players thanks to its solo skirmishes, allowing you to fight alongside customizable AI soldiers in battle.
14 Rift
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MMORPG Systems Released March 1, 2011 ESRB T For Teen Developer(s) Gamigo, Trion Worlds Publisher(s) Trion Worlds, Gamigo Engine Gamebryo Multiplayer Local Multiplayer, Online MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALRift is a fantasy MMORPG incredibly reminiscent of genre classics but with a somewhat Lovecraftian spin. You play as one of the Ascended, protecting the world of Telara from enemies invading from elemental Planes. Rift features split factions and six unique races to choose from.
Solo play in Rift is a bit more challenging than some MMORPGs, but it can be done. Leveling can be accomplished on your own without too much trouble, but raids and dungeons will require a group.
13 Skyforge
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MMORPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 52/100 Released July 16, 2015 ESRB m Developer(s) Allods Team, Obsidian Entertainment Publisher(s) Music Guru LLC, My.com Engine Proprietary Engine Multiplayer Online MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALSkyforge is a sci-fi MMORPG with a fantasy flair that is very easy on the eyes. Evocative of the Percy Jackson series in concept, you play as an immortal hero aiming to become a god as you battle against alien intruders across the planet Aelion.
With a whopping 17 classes to choose from and intensely specific character customization options, there is a lot to love about Skyforge on the surface. Much of the earlier story content can be done solo, and later into the game, it is entirely possible to do quests meant for up to three players on your lonesome.
12 Albion Online
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MMORPG Systems OpenCritic Reviews Top Critic Avg: 79/100 Critics Rec: 60% Released July 17, 2017 ESRB Everyone 10+ • Fantasy Violence, Mild Blood, Comic Mischief Developer(s) Sandbox Interactive Publisher(s) Sandbox Interactive Engine Unity Multiplayer Online MultiplayerWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALIf you have ever grown bored of your chosen class or subclass in an MMORPG and found yourself frustrated over starting from square one on a new character, consider checking out Albion Online.
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PostsFeaturing a unique "classless" system where you can swap abilities based on what you equip, this self-described sandbox medieval fantasy MMORPG is a nice change of pace from other classic MMOs. It even lets you have your own island where you can farm, fish, and tend to animals. It might take a little more time, but Albion Online lends itself well to solo play for anyone interested in leveling, crafting, and even PVP.
11 MapleStory
MapleStory
MMORPG Released April 29, 2003 ESRB E10+ for Crude Humor, Mild Cartoon Violence Developer(s) Nexon, Wizet Publisher(s) Nexon Engine unreal engine Multiplayer Online Multiplayer Franchise Maple StoryWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALFew games really stand out as MMORPGs like MapleStory. In this unique, cutesy, chibi-style 2D side-scrolling MMORPG, you play as a citizen of Maple World, fighting back against the evil Black Mage. Casual solo progression is definitely doable in MapleStory, and when the need arises, most find that it's easy to join guilds.
That can be necessary at some intervals, as fighting bosses requires a party. MapleStory still has a vibrant community, however, with lots of players on Twitch and community forums willing to help new players.
10 Final Fantasy 14
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MMORPG Systems 10.0/10 Released August 27, 2013 ESRB T for Teen - Language, Mild Blood, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence Developer(s) Square Enix Publisher(s) Square Enix Engine Originally the Crystal Tools engine, but currently it's a custom engine using parts of the Luminous Engine. Multiplayer Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer Franchise Final FantasyWHERE TO PLAY
DIGITALFor a story-driven solo fantasy adventure, you cannot go amiss picking up Final Fantasy 14. The best part about this MMO is that it is versatile, offering a chill, narrative-focused route for the casual gamer while also supporting an active and overwhelmingly positive community of players known for helping out newbies. Final Fantasy 14 will even let you choose to solo dungeons, truly making it one of the more solo-friendly MMORPGs out there.
With the addition of the Final Fantasy 14: Endwalker DLC comes a whole new solo adventure in the form of the Island Sanctuary area. This single-player area promises Stardew Valley feels, allowing you to customize building layouts, tend animals, and farm to your heart's content.
