Ever since the first MMORPG debuted in the 90's, it's been a long journey. And throughout that time, countless games have flown under the radar - either because they weren't as successful in their time or they just weren't as popular. But now, on the 20th anniversary of Everquest, it's the perfect opportunity to look back and reminisce over some of our favorite MMOs from years past. So without further ado, let's begin!

Maple Story

Maple Story is one of the most popular classic MMOs of all time. The game was originally released in 2003 and is still going strong today. Maple Story is set in the fantasy world of Maple World and has a unique 2D side-scrolling gameplay.

Players take on the role of a MapleStory character and must complete quests, defeat monsters, and level up their characters to progress through the game. There are dozens of different areas to explore in Maple World, and hundreds of different quests to complete. With such a huge amount of content, it’s no wonder that Maple Story is still one of the most popular MMOs today.

Dark Age of Camelot

The Dark Age of Camelot was one of the first truly great MMOs. It was released in 2001 and was a massive success, with millions of players worldwide. The game is set in the Arthurian legend, with three warring factions - the Britons, the Saxons, and the Picts. Players can choose to align themselves with any one of these factions, and must help their chosen side to victory. The Dark Age of Camelot has an excellent combat system, which was ahead of its time when the game was released. The game also has a deep and complex lore, which is one of its most appealing features.

Ultima Online

Ultima Online is one of the first, and most popular, MMORPGs ever released. It was published by Origin Systems in 1997 and is still going strong today with an active player base. The game is set in the fantasy world of Britannia and has a rich history and storyline. Players can choose from a variety of races and classes, and there is a wide range of PvP and PvE content to enjoy. Ultima Online is truly a pioneer in the MMO genre and is well worth checking out for any fan of online gaming.

World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is the most popular and well-known MMORPG in the world. It was released in 2004 and has since been through many expansions, with the latest, Battle for Azeroth, released in 2018. WoW remains one of the most popular MMOs today with millions of active subscribers. The game is set in the fantasy world of Azeroth and players can choose to play as one of two factions, the Alliance or the Horde. There are many different races and classes to choose from, each with their own unique abilities and skills. The world is vast and filled with hundreds of quests and activities to keep players busy for hours on end. WoW is truly a timeless classic that has stood the test of time.

Asheron's Call

Asheron's Call was released in 1999 and was one of the first 3D massively multiplayer online role-playing games. The game is set on the fictional island of Auberean and has a unique subscription model where players can pay a monthly fee or purchase prepaid game cards that grant them access to the game for a set number of days. Asheron's Call is known for its large and dedicated player base, as well as its rich and detailed world. The game has undergone several major updates since its release, including the addition of a free-to-play option in 2014.

RuneScape

There are a lot of great classic MMOs out there, but one that always stands out is RuneScape. Released in 2001, RuneScape is one of the oldest MMORPGs still running and has a massive player base. The game is set in the medieval fantasy world of Gielinor and has a unique skill-based progression system. There are dozens of skills to train, hundreds of quests to complete, and tons of areas to explore. The game is constantly updated with new content, making it a truly endless MMO experience.

Star Wars Galaxies

Star Wars Galaxies was one of the most ambitious MMOs ever released, and while it didn't quite live up to the hype, it was still a fascinating game. Set in the Star Wars universe, players could choose to play as any number of iconic Star Wars characters, from Jedi to smugglers. The game's biggest selling point was its huge open world, which allowed players to explore and interact with the Star Wars universe in a way that had never been possible before. While the game was plagued by technical issues and poor design choices, it was still a milestone for MMOs and is fondly remembered by many players.

City of Heroes and Villains

City of Heroes and Villains was one of the best classic MMOs of all time. It was a superhero-themed game that allowed players to create their own superhero or villain, and then battle it out in an online world. The game had great graphics for its time, and a deep customization system that allowed players to really make their character their own. The combat was also very well done, and had a unique feel compared to other MMOs.

Guild Wars Nightfall

Guild Wars Nightfall is one of the best classic MMOs of all time. It features a unique and engaging storyline, excellent graphics, and a great community. The game is set in the continent of Elona, which is threatened by an evil force known as the Nightmare Court. The player must choose one of three factions to join in order to protect Elona from this threat. There are also many side quests and activities to keep players busy.

Final Fantasy XI Online

Final Fantasy XI Online is widely considered to be one of the best classic MMOs of all time. The game was originally released in 2002, and is still going strong today with a loyal playerbase.

What makes Final Fantasy XI so great? For starters, the game has an incredible amount of content. There are hundreds of hours worth of quests to complete, and a huge variety of areas to explore. The game also features a deep and strategic combat system that is very rewarding to master.

Additionally, Final Fantasy XI has one of the best communities out of any MMO. The game has been around for over 15 years, and as a result, there is a wealth of knowledge and experience amongst the playerbase. No matter what question you have, or what problem you're facing, you can be sure that someone in the community will be able to help you out.

Finally, Final Fantasy XI is just a lot of fun to play. The game has a great sense of humor, and the characters are all very likable. If you're looking for an MMO that you can really sink your teeth into, then Final Fantasy XI is definitely worth checking out!

EverQuest

EverQuest was one of the first truly successful MMOs, and it remains popular to this day. Launched in 1999, EverQuest set the standard for many of the features that are now common in MMOs. It was one of the first games to offer player-versus-player combat, and it featured a large and detailed world to explore. EverQuest's success led to a number of sequels and spinoffs, including the highly successful EverQuest II.