With challenging quests, gripping graphics, and edge-of-the-seat battles, MMORPGs for Mac keep you captivated for hours. As the name indicates, massively multiplayer online role-playing games are all about escaping to other worlds where you can connect with thousands of players live across the globe. I love that community aspect and what’s even better is that many are free to play. So, if you’re in the mood to escape to some fantastic virtual worlds, try these best MMORPGs for Mac.
1. World of Warcraft
This is the most successful online multiplayer game ever, and for a good reason too. It has a gripping storyline set in the world of Azeroth, and you can explore it in first or third person views. I love teaming up with other players to complete quests and battling it out in PvP combat. At the same time, you have the option to play solo without interacting with others.
I appreciate how the focus is on growing your character by earning experience points. What makes the game so successful is how every expansion pack brings significant improvements and reinventions that keep players hooked. The latest eighth expansion pack is Shadowlands, and it boasts engaging missions, amazing graphics, and countless fun things to explore.
Price: Free trial up to level 20 and then $14.99 per month.
2. League of Legends
In this free multiplayer role-playing game, two teams of five players battle in PvP combat to defend their half of the map. Each player gets to control a character with distinct abilities, and the objective is to collect experience points to defeat the opponents.
What I love about this game is the realistic graphics and the multiple skills that each character has. There’s an immense amount of attention to detail, which adds complexity to the gameplay and keeps you at the edge of your seat. It’s one of the oldest and most popular PC games that is equally good on Mac.
Price: Free (In-game purchases)
3. Dota 2
Check out this multiplayer online battle arena game in which two teams, each of five players, have to defend a large structure they own while aiming to destroy the enemies. The ten players control one of the game’s 120 heroes.
There’s always something new to explore in Dota, no matter if it’s your 10th hour of play or 1000th. It is frequently updated to ensure a steady stream of new features and exciting gameplay. This game has gained much popularity in the esports arena, too, with teams worldwide playing in regular professional leagues and tournaments.
Price: Free
4. Runescape
Another one of my favorites, Runescape, is a choose-your-own-adventure style of MMORPG for Mac. It takes place in the medieval fantasy world of Gielinor, and I love the non-linear gameplay that gives you the flexibility to play it how you like without any specific route to follow.
The world is divided into various kingdoms, regions, and cities, which you can travel across by several methods such as walking, magical spells, ships, and more. Along the way, you’ll meet unique monsters and complete quests to progress in the game.
Price: Free ($9.49 monthly subscription)
5. Final Fantasy XIV
Welcome to the land of Eorzea. Do you have what it takes to save it from invasion by the Garlean Empire and other threats? You can play as one of five races that each have their unique features. You can take your pick from over 15 combat classes and 10 professions.
The storyline is enticing and profound, designed to keep you exploring for hours. Although it takes some time to really get into the interesting bits, you’ll be glad that you stuck with it. Once you get good at it, the game has ‘savage’ and ‘ultimate’ difficulty raids to challenge you.
Price: $19.99 for the base game
6. Dungeons and Dragons
Another classic, this one’s among the first online games I played, and even after all these years, it still holds up in the thrills quotient. The game witnessed a rise in popularity after featuring in the Netflix show ‘Stranger Things.’ (Fun fact: This game was also featured plenty of times in The Big Bang Theory).
I enjoy how it differs from other MMORPGs by letting you create your own character instead of a military formation. Further, the dungeon master serves as a storyteller and referee, which keeps things interesting. There are plenty of challenges to solve and battles to win in this immersive game.
Price: Free
7. Second Life
This one is much more than a game but rather, as the name suggests, a whole different virtual existence. You can live out your dream life in this massively multiplayer online phenomenon that’s been around since 2003 but still offers something unique.
I love Second Life because there is no conflict as such or a specific mission to accomplish. Instead, you can explore your creativity and imagination by building up your character and pursuing whatever you find interesting. This includes things like playing mini-games within the Second Life universe, enjoying live music, setting up a business and earning real-life cash, connecting with interesting people from across the globe, and much more.
Price: Free
8. War Thunder
Check out this thrilling combat game that’s all about World War II military aviation, armored vehicles, and fascinating fleets. It offers a massive selection of planes, tanks, and even navy vessels from various countries, including the U.S, Germany, Soviet Union, Japan, and more.
If you enjoy war games, I’m sure you’ll get immersed in the raw and real mid-20th-century combat. There are full-scale PvP battles, numerous solo missions, and cooperative multiplayer modes that are all worth trying out. It scores big on realistic graphics and fast-paced action.
Price: Free (premium accounts starting at $7.49 for 20 days)
9. Trove
This one’s for the Minecraft fans – it has a similar universe and focuses on cooperative multiplayer action. You can go off on underground as well as explore above ground adventures. Each world is progressively more challenging, but you can also earn higher levels of experience and better loot along the way.
I love how you can craft anything you want to use in the game, including entire worlds. You can do this solo or join hands with friends for that community vibe.
Price: Free (In-app purchases)
Enjoy the top MMORPG for Mac!
While Windows may be the more popular gaming platform, Mac users need not be left out. Have you tried any of these fantastic MMORPGs yet? Share your favorites with me in the comments below. You may also like to try other great online games for Mac.
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Great list! I’m excited to try out some of the MMORPGs you mentioned, especially Valheim. I’ve been looking for more options that run smoothly on Mac. Thanks for sharing!