Top 17 Most Played MMOs in 2025 (Ranked by Active Player Count)
The MMO (massively multiplayer online) genre remains one of the most popular categories in gaming, offering expansive worlds, deep lore, and unparalleled social interaction. Whether you’re grinding dungeons, crafting gear, or battling world bosses, MMOs continue to dominate the online gaming sphere.
In this guide, we break down the top 17 most played MMOs in 2025, ranked by active daily player counts from trusted sources like MMO-Population and Gitnux. Whether you’re a returning veteran or a curious newcomer, these are the games people are actually playing right now.
This list is purely by the numbers, no opinions, no reviews, just cold, hard stats about how many people are playing. You’ll see some familiar titles holding strong, others dropping sharply, and a few newcomers shaking things up. So, let’s get started with two games that have seen some significant shifts since our last update.
Most Played MMOS In 2025
17. Albion Online
Albion Online drops six spots this year, falling to number 17. This sandbox-style MMORPG features full-loot PvP, which is not for the faint of heart. In other words, when you die, your enemies can take everything you’re wearing. That said, most gear only represents about 1% of a player’s net worth, and you can easily re-equip with a single click.
What makes Albion Online stand out is its unique progression tree, the more you use a weapon or skill, the more you unlock. It doesn’t require a mandatory subscription, but an optional sub significantly speeds up your grind.
Though niche, the game has held on to a dedicated player base thanks to its blend of MOBA-style combat with a player-driven economy. However, a declining population and the emergence of new MMOs have pushed Albion further down the list.
16. Lost Ark
Lost Ark takes the biggest fall this year, dropping 10 places to number 16. This is partly due to competition from Throne and Liberty, which appeals to a similar audience, and partly due to its steep decline in Western engagement since its explosive debut.
Lost Ark is often described as a hybrid of Diablo’s top-down action, Final Fantasy’s narrative style, and the monetisation of a Vegas casino. It features fast-paced, visually spectacular combat and an impressive variety of classes, with more constantly being added. Sailing, collectibles, and progression through “power passes” offer long-term goals.
However, its pay-to-win mechanics and aggressive cash shop have deterred a large segment of Western players. Add in rampant botting, and it’s clear why the player base has dwindled. Still, those who stay often praise the combat system as one of the best in the genre.
15. EVE Online
EVE Online has slipped one spot down to number 15. After more than two decades, it still holds a loyal fan base, but its age and premium pricing are catching up with it. EVE features a complex player-driven economy, sprawling galactic politics, and high-stakes PvP where ship destruction is permanent — no respawns, no mercy.
While free-to-play in theory, many players consider the $20/month subscription practically mandatory to enjoy the full experience. The game’s strength lies in its sandbox nature: you build your ship, form alliances, and engage in large-scale space warfare for control of resource-rich sectors.
EVE Online is a game for planners, strategists, and economists. Its depth is unmatched, but its steep learning curve and punishing death mechanics make it a niche choice in today’s MMO market.
14. Lord of the Rings Online
Up three spots to number 14, Lord of the Rings Online is experiencing a quiet resurgence. Originally launched as a subscription MMO, it went free-to-play in 2010 and has since cultivated a dedicated community of Tolkien fans.
This theme-park MMO offers an immersive Middle-earth story, full voice acting, and nostalgic charm. While its systems are dated, there’s enough content and world-building to keep players engaged. However, unlocking all races, classes, and expansions still requires microtransactions or a $15/month subscription for convenience.
It’s not the most popular MMO, but it’s alive, well-supported, and worth revisiting if you’re a fan of the franchise or looking for a slower-paced, classic MMO experience.
13. EverQuest
EverQuest is the granddaddy of MMOs and holds the title for the oldest MMO on this list, still receiving content updates over two decades later. It climbs to #13 as others falter, though its population remains small and loyal.
This game set the foundation for the modern MMO formula: dungeons, raids, gear progression, and it retains its punishing mechanics: death can mean losing all your gear, and combat requires patience and teamwork.
While extremely dated in visuals and UI, EverQuest continues to evolve, with frequent expansions and a committed player base. If you want a piece of MMO history or a brutally old-school experience, this is the place to be.
12. Throne and Liberty
Despite being the newest game on this list, Throne and Liberty lands at a disappointing number 12. Developed by NCSoft over 12 years, this MMO launched with high expectations and a massive budget but quickly fell short.
Its PvP-centric design, aggressive pay-to-win monetisation, and lack of PvE content made it feel like a cash grab rather than a fully fleshed-out MMO. Players were particularly turned off by the auction house system, which relies on real-money currency bought by whales, making progression nearly impossible for average players.
While visually polished and promising on paper, Throne and Liberty is a cautionary tale of poor monetisation practices. Unless NCSoft changes direction, its shrinking player base may soon vanish entirely.
11. Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR)
Climbing two spots to number 11, SWTOR is hanging on thanks to its compelling storylines and recent early-2025 population bump. Now managed by a new studio after BioWare’s exit, its future is uncertain, but not without hope.
This MMO is best known for its fully voice-acted class stories, each with up to three unique endings shaped by your choices. The core game is free, but the $15/month sub unlocks all zones, making it nearly essential for new players who want the full experience.
SWTOR emphasises storytelling over gameplay challenge, making it a great MMO for solo or story-focused players. While the community is shrinking, it remains one of the best examples of narrative in an online game.
10. MapleStory
MapleStory, a long-time favorite since its launch in 2003 in the East and 2005 in the West, has seen a decline, moving from the #4 spot to #10. The recent controversy over misleading item drop rates for paid microtransactions resulted in a $9 million fine for the developer.
Despite this, the game remains a titan, with over 260 million registered users and $3 billion in lifetime revenue, second only to World of Warcraft. MapleStory continues to offer a vast array of over 40 classes and two decades’ worth of content, making it accessible even on lower-end systems. However, the recent scandal has shaken trust among some of its player base, impacting its once-strong position.
9. Black Desert Online
Released in 2015, Black Desert Online (BDO) is known for its stunning graphics, fluid combat, and open-world gameplay. However, it has seen a drop from #5 to #9, as its population declines following the release of its latest expansion. BDO is a grind-heavy game, with players often spending hours in the open world to gain small amounts of progression.
One of its unique features is the always-on PvP aspect once players hit level 50, where anyone can attack you at any time. While the game had a rocky history with monetisation, especially when it was under a previous publisher, the current developer has improved the situation, making it more accessible for players who enjoy PvE content.
Even though the player base is on a slow decline, recent updates have added new questing and PvE content, keeping some players engaged.
8. Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2, which launched in 2012, continues to hold steady in the #8 spot, showing its long-term appeal. The game is famous for its free-to-play model (up to level 80) and a unique approach to questing, encouraging exploration and dynamic events rather than traditional questing with exclamation points.
The game is often praised for its world events, where up to 100 players join forces to take down massive bosses like dragons. However, the absence of a traditional tank-healer-DPS system has limited the game’s mass appeal. Despite this, Guild Wars 2 remains a favorite for players who appreciate its flexible playstyle.
However, its population has been tapering off since the End of Dragons expansion in 2022, and with hints of Guild Wars 3 being in development, the future of this game seems uncertain.
7. Wizard101
Surprising many, Wizard101 has climbed five spots, from #12 to #7. Originally launched in 2008, this kid-friendly MMO remains popular for its card-based combat system and casual gameplay.
It continues to receive regular content updates, which help maintain a loyal fan base. While the game markets itself as free-to-play, veterans note that it’s more accurate to call it “free-to-try,” as access to many of the game’s most enjoyable features requires a subscription.
Despite its humble beginnings, Wizard101 has endured for over 16 years and continues to attract new players.
6. New World
New World has experienced a major resurgence, jumping from #15 to #6. Released in 2021, the game has significantly improved since its rocky start, with its recent expansion to consoles bringing in new players.
New World features an expansive, seamless open world where players can gather resources, craft, and quest in a way that feels organic and immersive. The game is praised for its fair monetisation model, being buy-to-play with an optional battle pass. Its inclusion of a traditional tank-healer-DPS combat system and challenging dungeons makes it an attractive choice for those seeking PvE content.
Despite a slight decline in PC player numbers, the console release has helped breathe new life into the game.
5. Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)
Elder Scrolls Online has moved up from #7 to #5, largely benefitting from the drop in population among other MMOs.
The game continues to offer a wealth of content, including 12-player raids, four-player dungeons, and a significant amount of solo story-driven content. ESO has traditionally followed an annual chapter expansion model, but it recently announced a shift toward seasonal content. This change aims to provide more varied and frequent updates, though some players are concerned about its impact on long-term content.
ESO remains a buy-to-play game with an optional subscription that unlocks significant additional content. However, despite being one of the most story-rich MMOs available, ESO has been seeing a slow decline in its player base.
4. Final Fantasy XIV
Final Fantasy XIV has experienced a noticeable decline, dropping from the number one spot to #4, marking its lowest rank in the four years since the list has been compiled. There are two primary reasons for this fall:
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Player Drop-off Post-Expansion: The recent launch of Dawntrail, the latest chapter of the game, saw a larger-than-expected drop in player retention. Many players who joined for the new expansion didn’t stay long-term, which contributed to a fall in player numbers. This isn’t unusual for MMOs, where the initial excitement of a new release often fades as the novelty wears off.
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Increased Competition from Other Titles: Another factor is the surge in players flocking to other popular MMOs, particularly the game ranked just above it on this list. These games, which are gaining momentum, are syphoning away some of FF14’s player base.
Despite this drop, Final Fantasy XIV remains one of the top-performing MMOs, with its reputation for fair monetisation and a strong focus on the narrative. The game’s unique approach of prioritising the story before other content has garnered it a loyal following.
Its gameplay is structured around a robust, class-based system with 22 distinct classes that span the roles of tank, healer, and DPS (damage dealer). FF14’s free trial allows players to experience up to level 70 and the first two expansions at no cost, making it an appealing choice for newcomers. What sets it apart is the lack of pay-to-win mechanics, such as loot boxes or pay-to-progress features, with most cosmetics and mounts available through in-game effort.
Though it has dropped a few places on the list, Final Fantasy XIV’s loyal fanbase and commitment to high-quality content ensure it remains one of the most well-regarded MMOs in the market.
3. World of Warcraft Classic
World of Warcraft Classic has made an impressive comeback, rising from #10 to #3. This resurgence is thanks to two significant developments:
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Launch of “Fresh Classic” Servers: The return of World of Warcraft Classic on fresh servers has reignited interest, drawing in both veteran players and newcomers who wanted to experience the game in its purest form. These fresh servers offer a reset for all players, starting from the game’s original content, bringing a wave of nostalgia to long-time fans.
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The “Only Fangs” Guild: The rise of the Only Fangs guild, made up of popular Twitch streamers, has been a game-changer. The attention these influencers have brought to the game has led to a huge influx of players, making these fresh servers some of the most popular in WoW’s history. Their participation has been a kind of organic marketing campaign, drawing in more players than any traditional advertising could achieve.
World of Warcraft Classic appeals to players seeking a return to the original MMO experience, with slower combat and a strict adherence to the traditional MMO roles of tank, healer, and DPS. The game’s challenge lies in requiring players to use crowd control and group strategies in a way modern MMOs do not. This retro MMO experience resonates with players seeking the nostalgia of an older, simpler time in gaming.
However, the future of WoW Classic might hinge on its ability to evolve. Perhaps in the same way Old School RuneScape did, by potentially diverging from retail WoW into a unique, standalone experience.
2. Old School RuneScape
Old School RuneScape continues its impressive rise, jumping to #2 on the list. What’s remarkable about this game is its ability to buck the typical MMO trend of aging poorly and losing relevance over time. Several factors contribute to its ongoing success:
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Low System Requirements: Old School RuneScape is accessible to almost everyone, with incredibly low system requirements. Players can enjoy the game on even the most basic computers and mobile phones, making it one of the most inclusive MMOs out there.
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Player-Driven Development: Unlike many modern MMOs, Old School RuneScape is run by its community. Significant changes to the game are voted on by the player base, which means that players feel directly involved in shaping the game’s future. This player empowerment keeps the community active and invested in the game.
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Sandbox Gameplay: Rather than following a linear storyline, Old School RuneScape offers players the freedom to choose their own path. Players can engage in a wide range of activities, from monster hunting and questing to leveling up various skills like fishing or crafting. This open-ended gameplay is a huge draw for players who enjoy the “make the numbers go up” style of progression. The game’s pace is slow, which appeals to players looking for a more relaxed, grind-heavy experience.
Despite its clunky combat system and interface, Old School RuneScape has managed to climb steadily up the ranks, even though it originated as a simple browser game released in 2001. Its longevity and rise to the #2 spot are testaments to its unique appeal and community-driven success.
1. World of Warcraft (WoW)
After several years of turbulent expansions, World of Warcraft has regained the top spot, thanks to the success of its War Within expansion. Public opinion surrounding WoW has shifted dramatically since the disappointing Shadowlands expansion, and the two most recent expansions have brought renewed interest to the game. Here’s why it remains the #1 MMO:
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Timeless Scale and Immersion: World of Warcraft continues to impress with its massive, seamless world. The ability to see locations from miles away and travel across vast zones without loading screens is something few other MMOs can match. This massive scale gives players a sense of awe and immersion that is hard to replicate in more recent titles.
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Well-Executed Combat and Content: WoW’s combat system, based on the Trinity of tank, healer, and DPS roles, remains a core element of its gameplay. The game features 13 distinct classes, each with multiple specs, offering a diverse range of playstyles. Players can enjoy solo content as they level up, along with engaging dungeons and raids that provide group-focused challenges. Although World of Warcraft isn’t as dominant as it once was, it still stands as the gold standard for many aspects of MMO design.
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Ongoing Evolution: What sets World of Warcraft apart is its continued evolution over two decades. With frequent engine overhauls and art style updates, the game feels modern despite its age. It remains a benchmark for what an MMO should look and feel like, even though it no longer holds the untouchable position it once did.
Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving World of MMOs in 2025
As we step into 2025, the MMO landscape remains as vibrant and competitive as ever. While newer titles continue to emerge, it’s the classics: World of Warcraft, Old School RuneScape, and Final Fantasy XIV—that dominate the top spots, showcasing their enduring appeal and adaptability.
World of Warcraft, once the untouchable titan of MMOs, has experienced ups and downs but remains at the top due to its vast, immersive world and continued evolution. With the success of recent expansions, WoW has proven that even after two decades, it can still captivate millions of players. However, its position at the top is no longer guaranteed, as competition continues to rise from both nostalgic and fresh titles.
Old School RuneScape continues to surprise, with its player-driven development and low system requirements keeping it accessible to a wide range of players. Its ability to climb the ranks despite being a product of the early 2000s speaks to the deep connection it has fostered with its community. The game’s open-ended nature and sandbox appeal continue to make it a standout in the MMO genre.
Final Fantasy XIV, though currently slipping in the rankings, remains a favourite for many. Its strong narrative-driven gameplay, diverse class options, and fair monetisation model keep it a favourite among those seeking a more traditional MMO experience. Despite a dip following its latest expansion, its loyal community and emphasis on a rich story ensure that it will remain a major player in the genre.
Meanwhile, the resurgence of World of Warcraft Classic and the rise of influencer-driven guilds like Only Fangs show that nostalgia for the classic MMO experience is stronger than ever. As these titles continue to thrive, it’s clear that there is still a massive appetite for MMOs that focus on core, time-tested gameplay mechanics, such as the Trinity system, slower-paced combat, and community-driven progress.
Looking forward, the future of MMOs lies in balancing nostalgia with innovation. While classic experiences continue to draw players in, the demand for new and exciting MMOs that push the boundaries of technology and design remains high. With several promising titles on the horizon, it will be fascinating to see which game can carve out its own place in this highly competitive space.
In conclusion, while the top MMOs of 2025 reflect a wide array of playstyles and preferences, one thing is clear: the genre is alive and well, with both veterans and newcomers continually shaping its future. The journey is far from over, and the competition to stay at the top is fiercer than ever.
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