As we near the end of 2018, here at Viralhare we wanted to compile a list of the best free to play MMO’s on the market in 2018. We have a criteria they must meet to be included on this list. To make it onto our best of 2018 list for free to play MMO’s, the MMO must be TOTALLY free to play, they cant be an MMO with the first 20 levels free or the first act of the story of a game. The game must offer its content for free and must be free to download, microtransactions are fine, however, we take points away if the microtransactions are game breaking. So lets take a look at Viralhares Top 5 Free to Play MMO’s of 2018.
Trove is an amazingly fun Voxel MMO that allows you to build and destroy the world around you. It is a mishmash of different genres and styles that throws in a bit of Minecraft and fantasy adventure. It is totally free to play and while also including some microtransactions, that include mounts and cosmetics. The game is full of loot and dungeons to explore either solo or with friends. Players are able to craft weapons, armor, mounts, and forts, truly the world is only limited by a players imagination.
Trove recently released a new Battle Royale mode, that has been received with acclaim, in it 20 Trovians fight to the last man (or Cubeian) and must survive a dangerous environment in addition to the players. If one is looking for a different kind of MMO that offers quirky action and a even quirkyer stories then this is the game for you!
From En Masse Entertainment, Tera is an MMO with over 4 million players, it is truly free with 100% of the game available without paying a penny. The game is interesting because it employs a combat system that is very dynamic and requires a player to use strategy and precision. The game world is also vast, with thousands of quests, thousands of monsters and epic PVP battles. The game offers microtransactions, but only for things like accessories and cosmetics, Tera is a fun game that is crafted in the style of Asia MMORPGS, if you are looking for a large, vibrant MMO to play with friends or by yourself this would not be a bad choice.
With its vast world available free of charge and its innovative combat system, Tera more then earns its spot on Viralhares top 5 list.
Crossout is what you would expect to get if World of Tanks and Fallout had a baby and the result was made of Legos. This vehicular battle royale is set in a post-apocalyptic wasteland and offers players an expansive map to explore – and fight over! And fight you will, Crossout’s central game mode is centered around large-scale battles that pit you against a wide variety of competition. The crafting aspect of the game means that no two players will ever drive the same car. You are not class-locked which means that you are free to experiment with a ton of different options. You could start out as a speedy buggy strapped with the best firepower, or move into a massive armored fortress if that suits you better. In a game with no classes, the choice is entirely up to you!
One of the most interesting aspects of the game is the full destructibility of vehicles. As the match goes on your vehicle will experience Your vehicle will take realistic damage as the match goes on. This means that placing your weapon precariously on the roof will make it an easy target. And when your weapon gets blown off there isn’t much you can do! This is an exciting feature and adds strategy to the building aspect of the game.
In the runner-up position goes Star Trek: Online. Run by Cryptic Studios this game is a love letter to Star Trek fans while also allowing new players who have no idea what Star Trek is to jump right in. The game is famous for offering both dynamic space exploration and combat to third person landing missions with a full bridge crew. The game is totally free to play and does feature microtransactions to buy uniforms and ships, as well as themed lockboxes, however, if a player wishes they can experience the whole game without paying a dime.
Cryptic offers multiple events a year that gives away Tier 6 ships and the tailor offers many interesting uniform options for those who wish to play for free. Star Trek: Online has been dedicated to releases a steady stream of content over the last few years. With a large expansion just released that will include content based on the new TV show Discovery. STO features hundreds of hours of gameplay in the form of “Episodes” that below to seasons, these are stand-alone missions that tell their own story while also setting up a serialized narrative. If you are looking for a great MMO that has more free content then you know what to do with and always has new updates and events coming out then STO may be the game for you.
Viralhares number one free to play game of 2018 goes to The Secret World: Legends. The name The Secret World may be familiar to you, as it was originally released in 2012. The game was rebranded in 2017 as “Legends” and also featured a totally revamped combat and skill system. The biggest change was the game was now totally free to play, while the game does feature microtransactions, they are not game breaking. The game is unique in that each map only allows for a limited number of players to be in it at once, the game is best when you feel most isolated, the maps are huge and running around alone is genuinely scary at times and so when you do see another player you feel a sense of relief. The game offers a lush and deep game narrative for the player to engage with, and also has a decent soundtrack.
Another interesting aspect is that even though your class will come to with its own weapons, you are not bound to them. Any player can use game currency to buy and train with different weapons. For example, I started out with twin pistols and a shotgun then switched to a katana and twin pistols. Overall its one of the few horrors themed MMO’s out there and successfully blended the feel of the X-Files, Steven King, and H.P Lovecraft into a delightfully scary game. The developers are also starting to move out new content with a new expansion of fresh content being released not long ago, and more to come according to the creators. Most MMO’s nowadays are woefully short on story, yet TSWL has story in spades and will have you ask “What the heck is going on?” before it reveals shattering truths!
Did your favorite MMO make it onto the list? If not let us know which is your favorite in the comments below!
I can’t say that it’s a “favorite” per say but back in the day, when I was first getting into MMOs, my friends and I would play this terrible Korean MMO called 9Dragons. I’m pretty sure it still exists too!
Such a shame that DC Universe and LotR Online didn’t make the list! Also Neverwinter is probably one of the best free fantasy MMOs I’ve played in a long while!
Regardless, this was a great article! Totally checking out Trove!
That brings back memories! I use to play a Korean MMO called “Sword of the new world” just a huge grind-fest haha, still some of the best clan memories I have ever hat though. Neverwinter is indeed a great game! Did you hear a new LotR Online is coming?