Given the expansive nature of an MMORPG, it’s not surprising that they contain some of the most intricate plots in gaming. The lengthy service-based nature of an MMO generally requires continuousupdates, patches, and expansionsthat continue to pile in more content and narrative goodness, so it likely goes without saying that settling down with a quality game from this genre means you won’t need another for quite some time.
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The end result obviously runs the risk of turning out incredibly convoluted in terms of story, owing to the heaps of lore and worldbuilding necessitated. But on the other hand, it can also set the stage for some remarkably incredible and engaging storytelling if the writers are up to the task.
Updated on September 2nd, 2021 by Rhenn Taguiam:Given their multiplayer nature,MMORPGsoften have a reputation of providing sprawling open worlds for players to do as they please. As a result, players often band together to take on dungeons or embark on quests alone to fight various monsters and bosses while wearing progressively aesthetic outfits. Due to this focus on player experience, it makes sense for a lot of players to assume that MMOs shouldn’t boast great stories.
Thankfully, storytellers amongst devs just couldn’t resist imparting unforgettable tales within the confines of their MMOs. Be it through sprawling campaigns or simple side quests, some games just take the time immersing their players with engaging stories that just make a playthrough unforgettable. Which MMOs boast the best storytelling?
14Dungeons & Dragons Online
Players sick of waiting for “the right timing” to playD&Dwith friends can finally indulge their itch to play a TTRPG inDungeons & Dragons Online. Despite its MMO branding,DDOremains quite a faithful “adaptation” of the acclaimed TTRPG in a multiplayer game format. In trueD&Dfashion, players build a character based on a combination of Race, Class, Attributes, Skills, and Feats. And as with anyD&Dsession, players rely on their combination of skillsets to tackle various challenges in roleplaying, combat, and exploration.
Unlike other MMOs,DDOboasts narrative-driven quest lines. Even the most “basic” quests feature memorable stories, with narration that can make players feel as though they’re in a session with a DM. While free players can only enjoy up to Level 20 content, the game’s Reincarnation System gives players an incentive to recreate their characters and replay content. Thanks to Multiclassing, each iteration of a player character can combine a multitude of Classes to get different experiences.
13Secret World Legends
Serving as the free version ofThe Secret World, Secret World Legendsboasts some of the most comprehensive storylines for an MMO in the market. Unlike other heavy sci-fi or heavy fantasy MMOs,Secret World Legendstaps into the modern supernatural genre. In its story, players get swept in a clandestine war between the world’s protectors and denizens of the “secret world” - creatures and factions hell-bent on bringing armageddon to civilization.
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While the game provides extensive freedom to customize characters, whereSecret World Legendstruly shines is its narrative. Quests inSecret World Legendsalmost always have standalone stories to share. And while a lot of the MMO’s quests rely on combat, an extensive amount of quests also revolve around immersive investigation and exploration. Players looking for an extremely immersive MMO will appreciateSecret World Legendsand its heavy emphasis on how players affect the game’s setting.
12EVE Online
While others can argue about how “deep”EVE Onlinequests go, one can’t deny the MMO’s talent in immersing players. Players new toEVE Onlinecan feel overwhelmed with the many things they could do at first. After all, they can decide to make business through trading, engage in combat as bounty hunters, or enjoy exploring the game’s vast cosmos.
However, whereEVE Onlineshines is its ability to extend its stories to real-life drama. After all, various guilds and clans inEVE Onlinehave achieved worldwide acclaim thateven PVP wars can get international coverage. Aside from the game’s rather realistic take on the sandbox nature of space exploration, players will appreciate how immersive clan-based drama could get.
11Black Desert Online
MMO players who have heard ofBlack Desert Onlinewill immediately remember its robust character customization system. After all, seeing extensively customized characters doing martial arts combat will always remain a sight to remember for players. However,Black Desert Onlinealso contains a deep story revealed in quests and hidden throughout the background.
While players had ahard time digestingitsinitial story,Black Desert Onlinebegins with the destruction of the powerful Elision Stone en route to the trading city of Goma Naru. The game then promptly begins with the player’s character apparently having lost their memory. For newcomers, the amnesia route can become a decent way to slowly digest both the game’s story and background details without feeling forced.
10ArcheAge
ArcheAgeis a bit dated at this point, but people continue to play because they so are invested in the game’s fantastic lore. Initially released in Korea and a year later in North America and Europe, this acclaimed game’s story revolves around a classic power struggle between good and evil.
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And given that it’s adapted from a book entitledThe ArcheAge Chronicles(by Jeon Min-hee), prospective players are most certainly in for a narrative treat. Just don’t let the game’s age throw you off!
9Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2is a game with phenomenal storytelling, picking up 250 years after the events of theEye of the Northexpansion for the originalGuild Wars. EachGuild Wars 2character plays through a “personal story” that eventually merges with those of other players in a confrontation with a terrifying Elder Dragon — but it doesn’t end there.
Through its “Living World” seasons, players can continue to pursue fresh narrative content. Needless to say, MMO players get a lot of value out of this, not to mention tons of wonderful storytelling to experience.
8Skyforge
Skyforgerides an interesting middle ground between science-fiction and fantasy, blending the best of both genres to fashion a unique and intriguing setting. InSkyforge, players are thrust into the role of an immortal hero defending their planet from hostile forces. TheNew Horizonsupdate added a considerable amount of new story content, adding to the longevity ofSkyforge.
While not the most celebrated massively multiplayer online role-playing game, it is free-to-play, so players can experience this narrative without spending a dime. There is some pay-to-play content, but the majority can be accessed without spending money.
7Star Trek Online
In the year 2049, the Federation and the Klingon Empire are in the midst of an ongoing battle. To provide some background, this is a game set approximately thirty years afterStar Trek Nemesis’events,the tenth film in theStar Trekmovie series.
Onedoesn’t have to be a Trekkieto appreciate the story ofStar Trek Online.This massively multiplayer online role-playing game has a story that deals with conflict and power struggles told through episodic missions. Not every mission ties into the overarching plot, but they are intriguing nonetheless.
6Final Fantasy 14
There are several major story arcs contained inFinal Fantasy 14.This massively multiplayer online role-playing game proves relevant because of its intriguing storylines that never cease to surprise. The game takes place in a fictional land known as Eorzea, which exists in the fictional world Hydaelyn.
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Expansions likeStormblood, Heavensward,andShadowbringersadd depth to the story in many ways. Although the game was dubbed a failure at launch,a turnaround made this into a masterpiece.
5Neverwinter
This massively multiplayer online role-playing game is an independent, standalone title. It’s a game that delivers a story themed after previousNeverwinter Nightsgames.Neverwinter’smain antagonist is Valindra Shadowmantle — once a moon elf, and now a fearsome Lich queen leading an attack on Neverwinter itself.
Neverwinterdiffers from games from the same genre since it’s very story intensive. You won’t find zones with crowds of people, but you will be drawn in by its story-based gameplay.
