Why Console MMORPGs Are Better Than Ever in 2026
While PC has long been the dominant platform for MMORPGs, console players haven’t been left behind. Over the years, the console MMO scene has quietly grown into something genuinely impressive, with a strong lineup of online games now fully playable on Xbox, PlayStation, and even Nintendo Switch.
Whether you’re looking for fast-paced action combat, sprawling open worlds, or more relaxed, social MMO experiences, there are plenty of options available on console in 2026.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best console MMORPGs you can play right now, highlighting what makes each game stand out, where they fall short, and how they compare for both casual players and those looking for a longer-term grind.
Best Console MMORPGs for Tank Players (Quick Picks)
- Best Overall Tanking: The Elder Scrolls Online
- Best Traditional Tank Roles: Final Fantasy XIV
- Best Action Tank Combat (Legacy): TERA
- Best Sandbox Tanking: Albion Online (Xbox 2026)
- Best Free-to-Play Tanking: Neverwinter
1. The Elder Scrolls Online
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation (Buy to Play)
Launched: June 9, 2015
Best for: Tanks • Story • Long-term progression
Elder Scrolls Online remains one of the strongest MMORPGs available on console, and for many players, it’s still the gold standard. It strikes an impressive balance between deep MMORPG systems and a controller-friendly design, offering an enormous open world that’s been steadily expanded for over a decade. Every quest and NPC is fully voiced, which adds incredible immersion to an already rich Elder Scrolls universe.
If you’re a fan of the Elder Scrolls series, ESO feels like a natural extension, combining detailed lore and storytelling with all the familiar MMORPG staples: dungeons, raids, PvP battlegrounds, arenas, and highly customisable builds for both combat and appearance. The playerbase is vast and active across all regions, making the world feel alive and populated no matter where you explore.
Things to keep in mind: ESO can feel overwhelming to new players, especially as the full experience relies heavily on expansions and DLC. While the base game alone offers hundreds of hours of content, the optional subscription becomes almost essential long-term due to the craft bag and access to DLC zones and dungeons.
My take: I’ve played ESO since its original launch and completed almost every piece of content over the years. It’s a game I truly love, not just for the gameplay, but for the friendships and community I found along the way. While I don’t log in as often now, my time in Tamriel over the past 10 years has been unforgettable.
While many MMORPG players criticise ESO’s combat, I’ve always felt it shines, especially from a tank’s perspective. The active playstyle, real-time blocking, and complete control over your character’s actions make it one of the most engaging tanking systems out there. Few other games offer such a hands-on, skill-based tanking experience.
Short version: Deep, immersive, and still my favourite MMO for tanking on console.
2. Final Fantasy XIV
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation (Buy to Play & Monthly Sub)
Launched: 14 April 2014 (PS) / March 21, 2024 (Xbox)
Best for: Traditional tank roles • Story • Structured group content
Final Fantasy XIV is one of the most popular MMORPGs in the world, second only to World of Warcraft in total active subscriptions, and it’s not hard to see why. With its strong focus on narrative, clearly defined roles, and an exceptionally welcoming community, FFXIV has built a reputation as one of the most polished and socially driven MMORPG experiences available on console.
At its core, FFXIV delivers a long-form, story-heavy experience that many fans consider one of the best narratives in the genre. But it’s the community that often surprises new players the most. In major cities, you’ll regularly find musicians performing, organised roleplay events, and even player-run house parties complete with DJs, lighting setups, and dance floors.
From a gameplay perspective, the job system is one of FFXIV’s strongest features. Players can level and switch between all available jobs including tanks, healers, DPS, and crafters on a single character, removing the need for alts entirely. This makes it easy to experience different roles and content types, whether you’re pushing high-end savage raids or relaxing with side activities like Chocobo Racing and the Triple Triad card game.
From a tanking perspective, FFXIV offers some of the clearest and most traditional tank roles in the genre. Jobs like Paladin, Warrior, Dark Knight, and Gunbreaker all have distinct identities, defensive cooldown kits, and clearly defined responsibilities in group content, making it an excellent choice for players who enjoy structured, role-driven tanking.
Things to keep in mind: FFXIV requires both a monthly subscription and the purchase of each expansion. While this can be a barrier, the free trial is exceptionally generous, currently including the base game and the first three expansions (up to level 70), offering hundreds of hours of content before you need to spend anything.
My take: I’ve put over 300 hours into Final Fantasy XIV, and while I completely understand why it’s loved by millions, it’s never quite clicked with me personally. The sheer volume of unvoiced quests, especially when compared to something like ESO, where every NPC is fully voiced, often left me feeling drained, and I struggled to fully connect with the story as someone who isn’t already invested in the Final Fantasy universe.
That said, I did enjoy the dungeon and raid content, and rotating between four different tank jobs genuinely added variety to how the game played. Boss fights were often well designed, with clever mechanics and satisfying moments, but over time the dungeon flow began to feel repetitive, run forward, dodge AoEs, stack enemies at the entrance. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough to carry me through the thousands of mandatory quests needed to reach the latest content.
Short version: One of the best traditional MMO tanking experiences on console, but the story-first structure won’t suit everyone.
3. Wizard101
Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation & Nintendo (Free to Play)
Launched: October 9, 2025 (Xbox/PS) January 13, 2026 (Switch)
Best for: Casual play • Tactical magic combat • Family-friendly
Wizard101 is a long-running MMORPG that spent nearly two decades as a PC-exclusive before making a successful transition to consoles. With full releases now available on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, Wizard101 has proven that its formula still works attracting over a million console downloads and continuing to receive regular updates and new content.
Unlike most modern MMORPGs, Wizard101 uses a turn-based, card-driven combat system built around spell decks, status effects, and tactical decision-making. Combat is slower and more deliberate than action-based MMOs, but it becomes increasingly deep as you progress, with boss mechanics, resistances, and deck optimisation playing a major role. Each “school of magic” functions as a distinct class, giving the game clear build identity and long-term progression.
Outside of combat, Wizard101 offers a large, story-driven world with structured questing, instanced dungeons, group content, and a huge amount of PvE progression spread across dozens of worlds. Its colourful art style, clear language, and approachable systems make it one of the most accessible MMORPGs on console, particularly for younger players or those new to the genre.
Things to keep in mind: While Wizard101 is free to play, progression beyond the early game requires either a subscription or individual zone purchases. The monetisation can feel restrictive over time, especially compared to fully free MMORPGs, but it remains easy to try before committing.
My take: I’ve only spent a short amount of time with Wizard101 so far, but it immediately stands out as a relaxed, welcoming MMORPG. The art style and writing give it a light, casual tone, while the combat grows more tactical and engaging the deeper you go. As a father, I really appreciate having a more family-friendly MMORPG option on console that still offers genuine depth and long-term progression. After two successful decades on PC, Wizard101 feels like a natural — and overdue — addition to console MMORPGs.
Short version: A highly accessible, story-driven MMORPG with tactical turn-based combat, ideal for casual players, families, and anyone looking for a slower-paced but content-rich MMO on console.
4. Throne and Liberty
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation (Free to Play)
Launched: October 1, 2024
Best for: PvP • Large-scale events • Visual spectacle
One of the newest MMORPGs to arrive on console and completely free to play Throne and Liberty drew an enormous launch crowd, reportedly hitting nearly 15 million players during its release window. As one of the most anticipated MMORPG launches in recent years, it promised a next-generation experience built around large-scale battles, modern visuals, and a seamless open world.
Throne and Liberty aims to blend classic open-world PvP with more structured PvE content. Set in a high-fantasy universe with dynamic weather systems and shifting environments, it leans heavily into large public events, guild wars, world bosses, and fortress sieges. Combat is action-based, with real-time weapon swapping that allows players to adapt on the fly, giving the game a fast, fluid feel during moment-to-moment gameplay.
From a tanking perspective, Throne and Liberty leans more toward frontline disruption and survivability rather than traditional MMO tank roles. Tank-style builds can feel impactful during large-scale events and PvP encounters, but they lack the clearly defined responsibilities and mechanical depth found in more role-focused MMORPGs.
Things to keep in mind: While Throne and Liberty is visually impressive and easy to jump into, its monetisation model has been widely criticised. Pay-to-win elements are hard to ignore, with players able to purchase direct power advantages. Daily time-gated systems and repetitive login-driven progression can also lead to burnout, particularly for players looking for a long-term MMO commitment.
My take: I was initially put off by the heavy pay-to-win structure and skipped the game at launch. When I eventually gave it a proper try, I did find some casual enjoyment in levelling and exploring the world. Visually, it’s genuinely impressive, and the large-scale public events feel active and exciting, even at lower levels.
The movement system was a pleasant surprise, allowing you to transform into animals like birds, tigers, and otters to glide, sprint, or swim. It feels strange at first, but it’s surprisingly smooth and fun. Unfortunately, the story didn’t leave much of an impression, the in-game chat often felt toxic, and after dipping into dungeons and structured content, I found myself drifting away. Not because I was frustrated, but because nothing really pulled me back in. It’s fine for casual play, but not a game I could personally invest in long-term.
Short version: Visually impressive and fun in short bursts, but heavy monetisation and shallow long-term depth hold it back.
5. Black Desert Online
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation (Buy to Play)
Launched: March 12, 2019
Best for: Action combat • Sandbox progression • AFK-friendly play
Black Desert Online is one of the most visually impressive MMORPGs available on console. Its incredibly detailed character creation system is widely considered the best in the genre, allowing players to sculpt almost every aspect of their character. But it’s far more than just a good-looking MMO. Black Desert’s real-time action combat is fast, fluid, and feels excellent on a controller, particularly for melee and mid-range classes.
The game features a massive, seamless open world with no loading screens between zones. Players can take part in node wars, life skilling activities like fishing, farming, trading, and horse training, as well as world bosses, high-end PvP, and gear-driven PvE grind spots that scale as your character improves. While Black Desert leans heavily into its sandbox design, it still offers structured content through story quests, seasonal servers, and guided progression systems. Combat often draws players in, but it’s the economy, long-term progression, and PvP systems that keep many invested for years.
From a tanking perspective, Black Desert doesn’t feature traditional MMO tank roles. Instead, survivability comes from class mechanics, gear, evasion, and sustain rather than defined aggro management or group responsibilities. While some classes can feel durable and frontline-focused, tanking in the classic sense isn’t really part of BDO’s design.
Things to keep in mind: Black Desert can be extremely overwhelming, especially for new players. The user interface is cluttered, tutorials are limited, and the game introduces a huge number of systems and items with minimal explanation. Gear progression revolves around enhancement, an RNG-heavy system that can be frustrating and punishing. While there’s no subscription, the in-game shop is filled with pay-for-convenience items, which has led to long-standing pay-to-win criticism. That said, for players who enjoy complex systems and don’t mind researching mechanics outside the game, there’s an enormous amount of depth to explore.
My take: Strangely, the thing I enjoyed most about Black Desert was its AFK gameplay. I know that’s controversial, but as someone juggling work and raising three kids solo, time is always limited. Black Desert allowed me to make meaningful progress even when I wasn’t actively playing. I could AFK fish, process materials, or train horses during the day, then jump into quests or combat in the evenings. That flexibility is how I somehow ended up with over 1,000 hours in the game.
At the same time, it’s one of the most confusing MMORPGs I’ve ever played. You’re constantly showered with items, but most of them make little sense without external guides, and the storage system is a nightmare to manage. I genuinely enjoyed systems like crafting, gathering, the economy, workers, and housing, but eventually I realised I was logging in mostly to manage AFK tasks rather than actually playing. That’s when I stopped. Black Desert is brilliant in certain areas, but it’s definitely not for everyone.
Short version: Incredible combat and depth, but overwhelming systems and monetisation mean Black Desert demands a very specific type of player.
6. DC Universe Online
Platforms: Xbox. PlayStation & Nintendo Switch (Free to Play)
Launched: April 29, 2016
Best for: Superhero fans • Casual play • Controller-friendly combat
DC Universe Online is a superhero-themed MMORPG set in the DC Comics universe, where players can create their own hero or villain and fight alongside — or against — iconic characters like Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Lex Luthor. It’s one of the longest-running MMORPGs on console and continues to receive regular updates in the form of new episodes, powers, and seasonal content.
Gameplay is fast-paced and action-oriented, using a hybrid combat system that blends real-time targeting, melee combos, and superpowers mapped directly to controller inputs. Players can choose from different movement styles such as flight, super speed, or acrobatics, and pair them with power sets like fire, ice, gadgets, sorcery, or electricity to create a distinct playstyle. DCUO supports a wide range of PvE and PvP activities, including solo missions, duos, alerts, raids, and large open-world zones set in locations like Metropolis and Gotham City.
The game leans heavily into its comic book roots, with stylised visuals, voiced storylines, and narrative-driven episodes built around original DC-inspired plots. Whether you’re stopping Brainiac’s invasion or teaming up with (or opposing) characters like The Joker, DCUO offers plenty of fan service for those invested in the franchise.
Things to keep in mind: While DCUO is free-to-play, many features and episodes are locked behind a membership or individual purchases. Without paying, players face restrictions on currency, inventory space, and endgame progression. The visuals and user interface are also beginning to show their age, and some older content feels dated in terms of design and balance. Even so, for superhero fans looking for an accessible, controller-friendly MMORPG, DC Universe Online remains a solid console option.
Short version: A long-running, easy-to-play MMO that’s ideal for DC fans, just be aware of its age and free-to-play limitations.
7. New World
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation (Buy to Play)
Launched: October 15, 2024
Best for: Action combat • Crafting & gathering • Short-term progression
Originally a PC-exclusive, New World made its long-awaited console debut in late 2024 and it’s a surprisingly strong fit. Set in the supernatural world of Aeternum, the game blends colonial-era exploration with mystical elements, offering a setting that feels distinct from traditional high-fantasy MMORPGs.
New World features fast-paced, action-based combat that rewards positioning, timing, and mechanical skill. There are no fixed classes; instead, players build their character around weapon combinations such as sword and shield, great axe, bow, musket, or magical gauntlets. PvP plays a major role through faction wars and territorial control, while PvE players can focus on expeditions (dungeons), world bosses, open-world exploration, and one of the deepest crafting and gathering systems in the genre.
On console, the game benefits from native gamepad support and a clean, responsive user interface. Full crossplay between Xbox, PlayStation, and PC helped maintain healthy population levels during seasonal updates and major patches, particularly throughout 2024 and early 2025.
Things to keep in mind: Amazon Games has officially confirmed that New World: Aeternum will be permanently shut down on January 31, 2027. The game has already been delisted and is no longer available for purchase, with no additional content planned beyond the extended Nighthaven season.
Players who already own the game can continue playing until the servers go offline, and limited maintenance and bug fixes will remain in place. However, in-game purchases will be disabled later in 2026, and there will be no new expansions, content updates, or major system changes going forward. Because of this, New World should be approached as a finite MMO experience, rather than a long-term world to invest in for years.
My take: New World was once a brutal gear grind, but that’s something the developers eventually addressed. Group-finding for expeditions became smoother, and the days of needing multiple specialised gear sets just to function were mostly left behind. Crafting and gathering remain standout systems, easily some of the most satisfying progression loops in any modern MMORPG.
The Brimstone Sands expansion was excellent, and early-zone revamps meant console players ultimately received a far stronger first experience than PC players did back in 2021. But even at its best, New World always felt like a fantastic foundation that never fully evolved into a complete MMORPG. With its shutdown now confirmed, it’s best enjoyed as a time-limited adventure rather than a world to fully commit to.
Short version: Excellent combat and crafting, but with the shutdown confirmed, New World is now a limited MMO experience rather than a long-term investment.
8. Neverwinter
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation (Free to Play)
Launched: March 31, 2015
Best for: Dungeon crawling • D&D fans • Controller-friendly combat
Neverwinter is a free-to-play action MMORPG set in the Dungeons & Dragons universe, centred on the city of Neverwinter and the surrounding Sword Coast. Based on the 4th Edition D&D ruleset, it offers a more arcade-style take on tabletop RPGs, with fast-paced combat and a heavy focus on instanced dungeon content.
Unlike traditional tab-target MMORPGs, Neverwinter uses a reticle-based combat system that translates well to controllers. Players can choose from iconic D&D classes such as Paladin, Wizard, Cleric, Barbarian, and Rogue, each with distinct abilities and progression paths. Character customisation follows familiar RPG conventions, races, stats, feats, and paragon paths, giving players a clear sense of build identity early on.
In terms of content, Neverwinter revolves around instanced dungeons, skirmishes, campaign zones, and story-driven questlines tied to major D&D events and settings. Over the years, expansions like Undermountain, Avernus, and Dragonbone Vale have added new zones, bosses, and lore. Endgame progression is layered around companions, mounts, boons, and gear refinement systems, creating a long, and often grind-heavy path to optimisation.
Things to keep in mind: While Neverwinter is free to play, many quality-of-life features and progression systems are heavily monetised. Inventory space, companions, mounts, and refinement resources can all be accelerated through premium purchases, leading to long-standing pay-to-win criticism at endgame. The game is also showing its age visually, with older content feeling dated compared to more recent updates. Despite this, it remains one of the most accessible and controller-friendly MMORPGs available on console, particularly for fans of D&D-style dungeon gameplay.
My take: Neverwinter is easy to get into and very approachable for new players. With the revamped levelling experience, it doesn’t take long to reach max level and start engaging with group content. The real problems begin at endgame. If you want to be accepted into high-end dungeon groups or raids, you’re often looking at either an enormous time investment or significant spending to stay competitive.
That said, the game still has a small but active community, regular events, and occasional genuinely fun updates. Neverwinter continues to receive new content, and as a console-friendly MMORPG it remains a solid option, just be realistic about the time or money required if you plan to push deep into endgame progression.
Short version: A great dungeon-focused MMO for D&D fans, but endgame progression is grindy and heavily monetised.
9. Trove
Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation & Nintendo Switch (Free to Play)
Launched: 2015
Best for: Casual play • Loot grinding • Sandbox creativity
Trove is a voxel-based MMORPG that blends fast-paced action combat, sandbox building, and loot-driven progression in a colourful, cube-shaped world. At first glance it looks like a mix between Minecraft and a traditional MMO, but beneath the blocky visuals is a surprisingly content-rich game built around constant progression and variety.
Players can choose from a wide range of classes, each with completely different abilities and playstyles, from gunslingers and knights to candy barbarians, pirates, and even spellcasters that raise the dead. Combat is real-time and arcade-like, focusing on dodging, aiming, and ability cooldowns rather than traditional tab-target mechanics.
Outside of combat, Trove leans heavily into its sandbox roots. Players can build and customise their own “Cornerstone” base, reshape parts of the world using crafting tools, and take part in procedurally generated dungeons, lairs, and biomes. Loot drops frequently, gear progression is constant, and there’s a steady stream of mounts, cosmetics, and upgrades to chase.
Things to keep in mind: Trove is extremely grind-heavy, especially once early progression is complete. Advancement slows significantly at higher levels, with many systems gated behind currencies, crafting materials, or long play sessions. While the game is free to play, its monetisation focuses heavily on convenience and cosmetics, encouraging purchases to reduce grind. Performance and UI can also feel clunky on console, particularly during world loading or large group events.
Short version: A colourful, loot-heavy sandbox MMO that’s fun in short bursts, but very grindy long-term.
10. Star Trek Online
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation (Free to Play)
Launched: September 6, 2016
Best for: Star Trek fans • Space combat • Story-driven content
Star Trek Online blends traditional MMORPG questing with tactical starship combat and on-foot missions, all set within the expansive Star Trek universe. Players create their own captain, choose a faction such as Starfleet or the Klingon Empire, and command a customisable starship while recruiting a bridge crew and progressing through story-driven arcs across space and planetary locations.
Space combat is where the game truly shines. Encounters are slower-paced and more tactical than most action MMOs, with a strong emphasis on ship positioning, shield management, power distribution, and ability timing. Ground combat exists alongside this but is generally more action-focused and often considered the weaker part of the experience. One of STO’s standout features is its narrative content, with regular story arcs fully voiced by actors from the Star Trek franchise, making it especially appealing to lore fans.
Things to keep in mind: The user interface can feel cluttered and dated on console, and performance may suffer during large-scale space battles or busy missions. While the game continues to receive seasonal updates and new story episodes, much of the older content can feel repetitive. Monetisation is also layered, with a heavy reliance on premium ships and loot boxes, which can create noticeable power gaps at higher levels.
Short version: A story-rich MMO with excellent space combat that’s best enjoyed by Star Trek fans, but shows its age and has heavy monetisation at endgame.
11. Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis
Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation & Nintendo Switch (Buy to Play)
Launched: June 2021
Best for: Action combat • Sci-fi MMO fans • Short session play
Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis is a full-scale overhaul of the original PSO2, reimagining the game as a modern, semi–open-world action MMORPG. Set over a thousand years after the original storyline, New Genesis introduces a new engine, improved visuals, and larger exploration zones, while retaining the fast-paced, sci-fi anime aesthetic the series is known for.
Combat is fluid and highly responsive, with flashy animations, real-time combos, and action-heavy encounters that feel comfortable on a controller. Each class offers a distinct playstyle built around specific weapons, from close-range melee options to ranged firearms and tech-based casting. Multi-weapon setups and subclass systems allow for flexible builds without becoming overly complex.
New Genesis takes place across interconnected exploration zones rather than a traditional fully open world. Content includes roaming events, large boss encounters like Gigantix and urgent quests, instanced combat activities, seasonal events, and an evolving main story. Visual customisation is a major draw, with a deep character creator, layered outfits, emotes, and cosmetic-focused progression.
Things to keep in mind: While New Genesis is technically buy-to-play, its monetisation leans heavily toward cosmetics and quality-of-life convenience items. Content updates tend to arrive slowly, and players looking for dungeon-heavy endgame loops or frequent expansions may find the experience lacking between major updates. Performance issues have also been reported on older consoles, particularly base PS4 and Xbox One models.
Short version: Stylish, fast-paced action MMO with great combat, but limited long-term depth.
12. TERA
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation (Free to Play)
Launched: April 3, 2018
Best for: Action combat fans • Nostalgia • Legacy MMO experiences
TERA was once a standout in the MMORPG genre thanks to its fast-paced, skill-based action combat. Dodging, blocking, and aiming were fully active at all times, giving players complete control in battle. Each class felt distinct and weighty, with impactful abilities and some of the flashiest animations of its era. Even today, TERA’s colourful art style still holds up surprisingly well compared to many older MMORPGs.
The world of TERA offered a wide range of content, from large open zones and iconic BAMs (Big-Ass Monsters) to instanced dungeons and large-scale PvP battlegrounds. It particularly appealed to players who valued mechanical skill, timing, and positioning over traditional tab-target combat, setting a benchmark for action-based MMO design that many games have since tried to replicate.
Things to keep in mind: While TERA’s PC servers were shut down in 2022, the console version remains playable and has recently received limited updates from KRAFTON, including balance changes and the addition of new dungeon content. Despite this, population levels are still relatively low, and TERA continues to exist largely as a legacy MMO with occasional console-only support, rather than a fully active, long-term MMORPG
My take: I recently asked the MMORPG community what their favourite MMO for tanking was, and the answer was overwhelmingly TERA. Veteran players consistently described it as the most fun, responsive, and engaging tanking experience they’d ever played. As someone who mains tanks and loves action combat, it’s genuinely disappointing that I missed TERA in its prime.
Even though it’s still accessible on console, the lack of content updates and an active playerbase makes it difficult to recommend today for anything beyond a nostalgic look back at one of the genre’s best combat systems.
Short version: A legendary action MMO remembered for its incredible combat, now a legacy experience with limited ongoing console support.
Worth noting: Several MMORPG news outlets have reported that a new TERA project “TERA 2” may be in development. At the time of writing, no official announcement, gameplay footage, or confirmed platforms have been revealed, and it’s unclear whether the project would ever come to console.
13. Dragon Quest X
Platforms: PlayStation & Nintendo Switch (Buy to Play)
Launched: August 17, 2017
Best for: Dragon Quest fans • Story-driven MMO play • Solo-friendly progression
Dragon Quest X is the only mainline Dragon Quest MMORPG, but it has remained largely exclusive to Japan despite long-standing interest from Western players. It features the iconic art style of Akira Toriyama, turn-based combat with modern MMO systems, and a strong narrative that stays true to the series’ traditional charm.
Players explore a large fantasy world, progress through story arcs across multiple regions, and take on jobs (classes) that evolve as they level. The game supports both traditional multiplayer dungeons and raids, as well as solo-friendly AI party systems that allow players to experience much of the content alone.
Things to keep in mind: There is no official English localisation, making the game difficult to access without Japanese language knowledge. Despite its age, Dragon Quest X continues to receive regular updates and maintains a healthy playerbase in Japan. If it were ever released globally, it would be an instant must-play for fans of the franchise.
Short version: A fantastic story-driven MMO for Dragon Quest fans but language barriers keep it niche.
14. Boundless
Platforms: PlayStation (Buy to Play)
Launched: July 17, 2018
Best for: Building • Crafting • Relaxed social play
Boundless is a voxel-based sandbox MMO that focuses heavily on creativity, exploration, and a player-driven economy rather than traditional combat or questing. In concept, it aims to be a shared online universe where players build cities, run shops, explore procedurally generated planets, and craft everything from basic tools to complex machines.
The core systems are well designed, with deep crafting, large-scale building tools, and portal networks that were intended to connect player hubs across multiple worlds. Combat exists but plays a minor role, with the real appeal centred around long-term construction projects, community marketplaces, and collaborative world-building.
Things to keep in mind: While Boundless is often praised for its ideas and systems, it struggles to deliver on its MMORPG ambition due to an extremely small active playerbase. With very few players online at any given time, the world can feel empty, and many of the social and economic systems simply don’t function as intended.
The game has also seen very little in the way of major updates or new content in recent years, leading to a cycle where veteran players drift away due to a lack of progression, new players struggle to find activity, and those who do try the game often leave quickly because the universe feels inactive. With minimal marketing and development momentum, Boundless currently sits closer to a shared sandbox experience than a living MMORPG.
Short version: A creative sandbox with strong ideas but the lack of players and long-term support severely limits its MMO potential.
Upcoming Console MMORPGs to Watch in 2026
Beyond the established console MMORPGs, 2026 could finally be the year we see more meaningful new arrivals on console. While many upcoming MMOs still prioritise PC first, several high-profile projects are either confirmed for consoles or positioned in a way that makes a console release increasingly likely.
Albion Online
Confirmed Xbox release: Spring 2026
Albion Online is widely regarded as one of the strongest sandbox MMORPGs on the market, with a heavy focus on full-loot PvP, player-driven economy, and large-scale guild warfare. Its classless “you are what you wear” system allows players to build freely around weapons and armour rather than fixed roles, giving the game enormous depth and replayability.
Albion is particularly well suited to console play. Movement is simple and precise, builds are limited to a small number of active abilities, and moment-to-moment combat translates cleanly to a controller. With thousands of active players, frequent major updates, and years of live service refinement behind it, Albion offers something currently missing from the console MMO landscape: a true, large-scale sandbox MMO with real risk, player consequence, and long-term progression.
If the Xbox release lands in a stable state, Albion Online has the potential to become one of the most important console MMORPG launches of the year.
Secret Forest
Secret Forest is one of the more interesting upcoming MMORPGs because it’s aiming for true cross-platform support across PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch 2. Set in a fantasy world shaped by the conflict between Light and Darkness, the game focuses heavily on player choice, faction alignment, and narrative-driven progression. If it delivers on its cross-platform ambitions, Secret Forest could become one of the most accessible MMORPGs available on console, especially for players looking for a shared experience across multiple platforms.
Chrono Odyssey
Chrono Odyssey is a next-generation action MMORPG built on Unreal Engine 5, with a strong emphasis on cinematic PvE, large-scale encounters, and time-manipulation mechanics that directly affect combat and exploration. Designed from the ground up for both PC and consoles, it features a seamless open world and a more modern, action-focused approach than many traditional MMOs. If it launches in a stable state, Chrono Odyssey could become one of the most visually impressive and mechanically ambitious action MMORPGs available on console.
ArcheAge Chronicles
ArcheAge Chronicles is a full MMORPG developed by XLGames and set roughly fifty years after the original ArcheAge. Built on Unreal Engine 5 for PC and consoles, it retains core MMORPG pillars like exploration, crafting, housing, and life skills, while moving away from tab-target combat and large-scale zerg PvP. Instead, it appears to be leaning toward a more action-oriented combat system and structured progression. This shift toward more action-oriented combat and structured progression could make ArcheAge Chronicles far more approachable for console players than the original game.
Hytale
Hytale is a voxel-based sandbox RPG that sits somewhere between a traditional MMORPG and a fully moddable survival game. Originally planned for console before its cancellation, the project was later revived under new ownership and is now moving forward as a PC-first release. While a console version hasn’t been reconfirmed, Hytale’s structured gameplay, creative tools, and multiplayer focus make it a strong candidate for consoles once the core game fully launches. That said, porting a heavily moddable sandbox title to console is no small task, so any console release would almost certainly come well after the core PC launch.
Which Console MMORPG Is Right for You?
Console MMORPGs have come a long way, and in 2026 there are more genuinely worthwhile options than ever before. Whether you’re looking for deep, long-term progression, action-heavy combat, social sandbox gameplay, or something you can enjoy casually on a controller.
Some games on this list are thriving, others are more niche or legacy experiences, and a few are best approached with clear expectations. That’s the reality of the genre on console right now. The best choice ultimately depends on how you want to play, how much time you want to invest, and whether you’re looking for a long-term MMO home or a shorter, self-contained experience.
If you’re still undecided, exploring individual game guides can help you dig deeper into mechanics, roles, and progression before committing your time.
Useful Links
- The Best FREE MMORPGs on Console
- The Tank Club ESO Hub
- Get ready for Albion Online with our Tank Builds
- Browse more Tank Builds on The Tank Club
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