Modern MMOs often come with in-game cash shops, loot boxes, or premium currency. For players who miss the days of simply paying a subscription or one-time fee and enjoying the full game, finding an MMO with absolutely zero microtransactions can be challenging.

Fortunately, there are still some online worlds, both classic and new, where you won’t be nickel-and-dimed for mounts, boosts, or cosmetics. Below we highlight the top 10 MMOs (across various eras and platforms) that feature no microtransactions whatsoever, making them perfect picks for 2025.

1. Embers Adrift

Embers Adrift is a newer indie fantasy MMORPG (launched in 2022) that embraces old-school design and a subscription-based model. It forgoes any cash shop entirely, you pay for the game (or now even play free with limitations) and optionally a low-cost sub, and that’s it. The developers explicitly lowered the box price and sub fee to avoid other forms of monetization and focus on delivering content instead of running a digital storefront.

Embers Adrift offers a group-focused PvE experience reminiscent of early 2000s MMOs, with challenging combat and exploration. With no microtransactions, its economy and progression remain purely in-game. If you long for a community-driven MMO where everyone is on equal footing (no XP boosts or cash shop gear), Embers Adrift is a refreshing choice. The game prides itself on this purity, no cash shop or additional monetization beyond the subscription.

2. Final Fantasy XI

Final Fantasy XI is a classic MMORPG from 2002 that is still officially running and remains a subscription-only title. Square Enix never added a cash shop to FFXI, so there are no microtransactions, no XP boosts, no cosmetic outfits to buy, nothing. You pay the monthly sub and get access to all content (aside from the one-time purchase of expansions).

FFXI may be over twenty years old, but it offers a rich, group-oriented experience with tons of content and a dedicated community. Its party-focused gameplay and deep job system still hold up. It’s arguably one of the only big MMOs where you cannot spend extra money for advantages.

3. Mortal Online 2

Mortal Online 2 (released 2022) is a sandbox, hardcore PvP MMORPG known for its full-loot mechanics and player-driven world. It has no cash shop and no microtransactions whatsoever. The developers chose a buy-to-play + subscription revenue model, you purchase the game and pay a monthly sub, and in return there are zero in-game purchases.

For those who enjoy unforgiving, open-world PvP and crafting, Mortal Online 2 provides that experience without any pay-to-win concerns. You can’t buy better gear, materials, or boosts, everything must be earned in-game. The game continues to evolve with new content and balance updates, funded purely by subscribers.

4. Temtem

Temtem is a creature-collection MMO inspired by Pokémon. Initially launched with a cosmetic shop and battle pass, a major 2024 update removed all microtransactions. Patch 1.8 eliminated the premium currency and in-game store, all cosmetic items are now earned via gameplay using an in-game currency called Feathers.

Temtem now offers a full MMO-like experience with zero extra charges beyond the base game. It’s one of the only games in its genre to be completely free of monetization, allowing players to unlock everything through play.

5. City of Heroes: Homecoming

City of Heroes was officially shut down in 2012, but lives on through City of Heroes: Homecoming, a community-run server operating with NCSoft’s tacit blessing. It is completely free-to-play with no microtransactions, funded entirely by player donations. All former paid expansions are now integrated into the base game.

Create your own superhero, fight crime, and access all powers and costumes without paying a cent. The community frequently updates the game with new content and improvements. It’s a rare MMO where you truly cannot spend money even if you wanted to.

6. EverQuest (Project 1999)

While modern EverQuest has microtransactions, Project 1999 (P99) recreates the game as it was from 1999 to 2001, completely free, fan-run, and non-commercial. There’s no Krono, no XP potions, and no cosmetics for sale.

Project 1999 offers the ultimate old-school MMO experience. Servers like Green follow a progressive timeline, and everyone plays on equal footing. Hardcore, social, and nostalgic, it’s the EQ experience as it was meant to be.

7. Neocron Evolution

Neocron is a cyberpunk MMOFPS from the early 2000s. Neocron Evolution is a community project that keeps the game alive for free, no cash shop, no microtransactions, and no paid boosts.

A gritty blend of FPS combat and MMO progression in a dystopian city. Dated but unique, and totally free to play without any monetization barriers.

8. Asheron’s Call (Fan Servers)

Asheron’s Call was officially closed in 2017, but lives on via community-run private servers using open-source emulators like ACEmulator. These servers are free and legally prohibited from charging or monetizing.

No classes, full skill customization, player-driven world, and huge seamless zones. If you want a true 1999 MMO experience without a store or subscription, AC’s fan servers are a gem.

Conclusion

Each of these MMOs proves that you can have a thriving game and community without microtransactions. Whether through an old-fashioned subscription or the dedication of fans, these ten titles let you enjoy the MMO experience in 2025 with no cash shops, no loot boxes, and no pay-to-win.

Your progression and cosmetics are earned by gameplay alone, delivering that classic satisfaction that every reward was hard-fought. If you’re tired of modern monetization tactics, give one of these microtransaction-free MMOs a try, your wallet will thank you, and you just might rekindle that old-school MMORPG magic.