7 Most Popular Free MMORPGs

Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games have been winning over large numbers of gamers for several years now. While pay-to-play MMOs have made headlines, there are quite a number of free-to-play MMOs which are just as good – or even better – than some of the paid ones. Here are 7 of the most popular free-to-play MMOs.

1. Atlantica Online

   

   Atlantica Online is a turn-based MMO that was released in 2008. Developed by Ndoors, this award-winning game is set in an alternate version of Earth where users can experience fantastical elements with generous doses of ancient mythology. Atlantica Online is a free-to-play game which makes extra bucks through its cash shop that sells items and enhancements. However, unlike other games, players are also able to nab these same items through various in-game quests.

   
   

   Atlantica Online has been called out by many as a trend-setter in the MMO genre. It features top quality graphics that are aesthetically pleasing without resorting to bright, cartoonish colors. The developers have also incorporated a lot of social interaction features into the game which help enhance the gameplay.

    

   One example is the mentor system which enables more experienced players to teach new players the basics of the game, show them tips and tricks and provide other useful information. The strategic tactics required in combat also set Atlantica apart from its competitors. Players can control a vast number of units which can be deployed after careful planning.

   
   

   Atlantica is not without its problems. As with other MMOs, gold farming is a major hindrance for regular players. Users also point out that while combat itself is excellent, the game has a rather shallow storyline. In addition to this, the content of the quests themselves are not particularly innovative and thus, could easily bore higher level players. Another major flaw of the game is its high system requirements which effectively reduce Atlantica’s audience to people with high-end PCs.

   
   
   

2. Cabal Online

   

   Cabal Online is a fantasy-based MMO that was developed by ESTsoft Corp. and released in 2005. It was initially only available in South Korea but publishers soon granted access to users in other areas of the world, namely in Europe and North America. Like most of the modern free-to-play MMOs, Cabal Online is free for use, and the game makes money via sales of items though a cash shop.

   
   

   Graphics is definitely one of the strengths of Cabal Online. The graphic detail in the game is purported to be the best amongst both free and pay-to-play MMOs. Many players also love the class and skill systems developed for the game as they provide a more immersive experience.

    

   Cabal's online community has also been praised as a friendly and approachable group which certainly will appeal to newcomers wishing to learn more about the game. While there are criticisms about the quality of quest content, there are a large number of quests available which decreases the likelihood of grinding at earlier levels.

   
   

   Cabal Online has received mixed reviews from some gamers. One source of displeasure involves questing and leveling. According to some players, the gameplay becomes more monotonous as players advance in levels. Interestingly, casual gamers sometimes gripe about the difficulty level of the early levels. Another problem with the game is the large number of gold farmers in the MMO which can reduce game performance for authentic players (e.g. by increasing lag, etc.).

   
   
   

3. Fly For Fun

   

   Fly For Fun, or FlyFF, is a fantasy genre MMO which was developed by Aeonsoft and launched in 2005. It is a game that banks heavily on group interaction within the game. Featuring a new take on flight as the main mode of transportation, this MMO has quite a fan following in the gaming circles. It is a free-to-play MMO that depends on the cash shop feature for monetary input.

   
   

   FlyFF set itself apart from other MMOs with features like their anime-like graphics, a welcome change given that many MMOs are starting to resemble one another. The game also features interaction functionality which stresses group questing. It has the Party System where a group gains benefits not available to a lone player. There are also raiding events for the Guild System that offer better loot and other advantages.

    

   Finally, there is the Couple System where two linked players gain gift or character buff rewards. And of course, the biggest highlight of the game is its flying aspect. Be it boards, brooms or clouds, players can flit in between locations using this flying capability.

   
   

   On the other hand, FlyFF has received its share of unfavorable reviews. While many commend its unique art style, others dislike its graphics and state that it is too cartoonish. Another complaint is the lack of community support which can be a setback for new players learning the ropes of the game. Many have also noted that the cash shop charges a high amount for goods and that these items provide unfair buffs to characters.

   
   
   

4. Runes Of Magic

   

   Runes of Magic is a free MMO that recently came out of beta testing. The game was developed by Runewalker Entertainment and was released in March 2009. Runes of Magic was one of the most anticipated free MMOs of this year and since its release, it popularity has not waned. In fact, Frogster who is the publisher for this game, claimed that this MMO reached 2 million registered users by October 2009.

   
   

   Since its release, Runes has often been compared to World of Warcraft. The WoW-like characteristics of the game like the controls and gameplay concepts (auction house, combat moves, map features, etc.) are becoming commonplace to most MMORPGs. This comparison worked worked in RoM’s favor as it soon became known as the “free WoW.”

   
   

   Character leveling is also well balanced in this game, there is less grinding and the developers clearly paid a lot of attention to developing detailed quest content and storylines. Another factor that weighs strongly in favor of the game is its top quality graphics. The effects and surroundings have been praised by critics and fans.

   
   

   Runes of Magic is a fairly new game and thus, some of the major complaints about it might seem premature and even unfair. After all, a lot of these flaws might be fixed in future updates. Nonetheless, there are major gripes from some critics.

    

   Players note that the game has a number of bugs that hinder gameplay. And while this MMO has less grinding than its peers, casual gamers disapprove of the strict class leveling system. This particular feature caters to players wishing for a more immersive experience but at the same time, it marginalizes those who can't dedicate many hours to gameplay. Many players only start to enjoy the game and properly use their characters once they have leveled up a bit and this bit of leveling has proven to be tough.

   
   
   

5. Rappelz Online

   

   Rappelz is a fairly recent MMO that was released in May 2009 and was developed by nFlavor. Based in a fantasy setting, this game features a strong medieval theme. It was well received by many gamers who welcomed an MMO that offered a game with good graphics which could run on low-end PCs.

   
   

   Rappelz offers an in-depth world that provides enough content and mobs to please different types of players. One significant aspect of this game that is widely praised is the pet system. The developers have really fleshed out this particular aspect of the game.

    

   Pet skills and contributions to their owners are detailed and relevant to ongoing quests. Rappelz also prides itself on the expansive skill system assigned to each class. The characters start out as generic fighters/healers but the morph into something more unique as the player gains experience points and unlocks more skills.

   
   

   In terms of complaints, there are just a few worth noting. Some users note that higher level characters suffer in this game as there are fewer and fewer quests. The storyline also becomes weaker as characters level up.

   
   
   

6. Fiesta Online

   

   Fiesta Online is a popular fantasy MMO that was developed by Outspark. Released in 2007, this game initially catered to younger gamers, especially those in their early teens, but it has quickly become a favorite amongst older gamers. As a matter of fact, at a time when free MMOs are fighting to maintain a stable number of players, Fiesta Online's user base has remained loyal to the game. It is a free MMO with the added option to purchase items in order to buff up a player's character.

   
   

   This game has a lot of positive aspects to it. The vast number of quests and skill levels for each character will provide many hours of enjoyment to a gamer. This game is also well-known for its social interaction features. Guilds, social events and community are major features of the game. The ability to marry another character is a good example of the depth of interaction provided by this game.

    

   Fiesta Online also boasts a strict class system which is truer to role playing games than most of the modern MMORPGs. Classes like fighters and mages are not able to don just any outfit or use weapons deemed for other classes (like arrows, swords).

   
   

   Gamers eying this MMO should also keep in mind the negative points that people have brought up. The graphics are a source of discontent for some players. They are put off by the cartoonish surrounds and characters. Folks who love realistic settings will definitely be disappointed with Fiesta Online. Many also criticize the small number of classes (there are only 4 available) provided, as well as the lack of customization for each character. Players who have leveled up their character to higher levels (like 60) note that the grinding becomes more tedious. Gameplay can become boring unless folks join together in bigger groups.

   
   
   

7. Runescape

   

   Runescape is a online fantasy-based game that was released in 2001. Developed and published by Jagex Ltd, it is is either well-liked or thoroughly abhorred by gamers. This MMO is often cited as an homage to old school RPG games because of its stricter gameplay rules and low-end graphics.

    

   It is a free MMO where players can indulge in questing for many hours without the usual content limitations imposed by other free-to-play games. However, the game also has a paid alternative which provides more benefits like extra content, additional skills and more regular game updates.

   
   

   While many do brush aside Runescape, there are just as many who rank this game as one of the best free MMOs. This is, in part, due to the game's wide accessibility -- it can be played on low-end PCs due to the game's comparatively poor graphics (which incidentally also cut down on lag time).

    

   Other noteworthy features of the game include deep content and an extensive quest list which are perfect for any gamer seeking a more immersive gameplaying experience. Social interaction features are also one of this game's strong points. And the fact that this is a browser-based game that requires no downloads adds to its appeal.

   
   

   On the flip side, there are many reasons why this MMO has been heavily criticized. The biggest complaint concerns its low quality graphics which look gaudy next to more polished MMOs. The gameplay also requires long hours of grinding, and the limited number of classes and lack of customization are a constant sources of complaints from gamers. Plus, player deaths are not very forgiving, where, for instance, users will lose all but 3 items in their inventory. The trading restrictions, implemented in 2007 in order to halt gold farmering, also displeased many folks.