In the world of MMORPGs, player population is a crucial factor for an enjoyable gaming experience. After all, who wants to play a dead game where half the content is non-existent due to lack of players to group up with or compete against? With that in mind, let’s take a look at the most played MMORPGs heading into 2023. These games not only receive regular updates but also boast sizable player populations, ensuring a thriving community throughout the year.
Star Wars: The Old Republic stands out as a theme park MMORPG with a tab-targeting combat system. Released in 2011, it has since seen eight notable expansions, with the latest expansion, Legacy of the Sith, launching in February 2022. The game maintains a steady player base and has garnered positive reviews on Steam. It offers a diverse range of content, including PvP and PvE activities such as group dungeons, solo dungeons, raids, quests, PvP arenas, battlegrounds, galactic starfighter battles, and player housing in the form of strongholds. While actual player numbers are undisclosed, it is estimated to have a concurrent player base of 10 to 20k.
Eve Online, the oldest MMORPG on this list, continues to thrive even after its release in 2003. Thanks to websites like eveoffline.net, we can see real-time concurrent player numbers for each of the game’s servers. Impressively, Eve Online consistently maintains a player count ranging from 20k to 35k. This space sandbox MMORPG has undergone numerous updates over the years, ensuring a modern gameplay experience despite its age. It is known for its rich history, with stories of legendary battles and massive spaceship losses. Eve Online caters to a niche audience but remains accessible as a free-to-play game.
RuneScape 3 also boasts accurate concurrent player data, typically ranging between 20k and 35k players online at all times. As one of the two versions of RuneScape, RuneScape 3 may be the less popular choice, but it still receives regular content updates and has a dedicated player base. The game differentiates itself from Old School RuneScape with updated graphics, animations, combat systems, skills, and quests. RuneScape 3 offers fully voice-acted quests, making it a standout feature among MMORPGs. It is considered a chill and enjoyable MMO experience that can be played alongside other activities.
Guild Wars 2 is highly recommended for players who prefer MMOs they can drop in and out of as they please. Its horizontal progression system ensures that players are never left behind, making it easy to pick up where you left off. While concrete player numbers are not available, it can be estimated to have between 30k and 50k players online at all times. Guild Wars 2 boasts various content, including an ongoing main storyline, dungeons, raids, PvP arenas, large-scale World vs. World battles, fashion collections, and epic map-wide meta events culminating in challenging world boss fights.
Released in 2021, New World experienced a peak player count of 1 million shortly after launch. However, the game encountered several issues, causing the player population to drop significantly. Nevertheless, with the release of the Brimstone Sands expansion in October 2022, New World has managed to regain positive reviews and attract more players. Currently, it averages around 50k to 60k concurrent players, and its player numbers can be accurately determined through Steam charts. New World offers open-world action combat, impressive gathering and crafting systems, PvP in various forms, and PvE content such as events, dungeons, and elite mob encounters. With continued positive updates, New World is expected to thrive further in the coming year.
Elder Scrolls Online has been a popular MMORPG since its release in 2014. It receives frequent updates, maintains positive reviews, and receives ample coverage from content creators. The game offers a variety of content, including both PvP and PvE activities such as open-world PvP, battlegrounds, duels, solo dungeons, group dungeons, raids, crafting, gathering, player housing, and immersive main storylines for each zone. Determining exact concurrent player numbers is challenging due to the game’s availability on multiple platforms. However, an estimated player count of 75k to 100k across all platforms ensures a lively and populated gaming experience.
As for the most popular version of RuneScape, Old School RuneScape typically has between 57k and 107k players online at any given time. Known for its strong and dedicated community, Old School RuneScape offers a sandbox experience where players create their own goals and progress at their own pace. Hardcore players even partake in Ironman mode, where they are unable to trade or receive assistance from other players. This version of RuneScape is available on both mobile and PC platforms, making it easily accessible to players.
Albion Online is a notable success story in the MMORPG genre, having thrived after a successful crowdfunding campaign. Since releasing cross-platform support, the game has experienced a surge in player population. As of June 2021, Albion Online boasted 271k daily active accounts. With subsequent updates, it is likely that the game’s player numbers have increased even further. Albion Online offers a true sandbox experience, with player-crafted gear, full-loot PvP zones, and a robust variety of both PvP and PvE content. The game’s dedicated mega-server ensures a vibrant economy and a world brimming with players.
In conclusion, these MMORPGs offer a range of gameplay experiences, from story-driven theme park adventures to sandbox worlds and space exploration. While player numbers may vary, these games maintain a significant player base and receive regular updates to keep the community engaged. Whether you enjoy immersive quests, intense PvP battles, or a relaxed sandbox experience, there is an MMORPG on this list to suit your preferences. Dive into one of these games and join the thriving communities in 2023.
Remember, nobody wants to play a dead game, so choose wisely and embark on your MMORPG journey with a game that offers a vibrant and populated world to explore.
