Free-to-Play Console MMORPGs You Can Play Right Now
Console MMORPGs are more popular than ever, and if you’re curious about the genre, free-to-play games are the easiest way to jump in and see what clicks. Whether you’re looking to test the waters or sink hundreds of hours into a new MMO, there are some genuinely strong options available on console right now, with even more on the way in 2026.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the best free-to-play MMORPGs you can play on console, covering Xbox, PlayStation, and even Nintendo Switch. Each game offers something slightly different, and these are the free MMOs that are genuinely worth your time in 2026.
This list focuses on free MMORPGs available on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, including both fully free games and generous free trials
1. Final Fantasy XIV
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation
Final Fantasy XIV isn’t technically a free-to-play console MMORPG, but its free trial is so generous that it earns a place on this list without question. The trial now includes multiple expansions and allows you to play all the way to level 70 with no restriction on playtime, which is easily equivalent to hundreds of hours of content. For one of the best MMORPGs in the entire genre, that makes it an easy recommendation, even if you’re just trying it out.
FFXIV is known for its deep, story-driven approach, a flexible job system that lets you play and level every class on a single character, and a huge range of PvE content including dungeons, trials, and raids. On top of that, it offers a large open world, frequent updates and expansions, regular seasonal events, and one of the most active roleplaying communities in MMORPGs today.
If you’re looking for a free way to experience a premium MMORPG on console, Final Fantasy XIV’s free trial is one of the best places to start.
Good to know: You can’t trade, use the market board, or join Free Companies on the trial, which limits social features.
2. Throne and Liberty
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation
Throne and Liberty is currently one of the strongest free-to-play MMORPGs available on console, and for many players it will be the easiest recommendation on this list. It’s the newest major MMO on console, completely free to start, and backed by frequent updates and ongoing content support, with a very large active playerbase.
The game offers a visually impressive open world filled with large public events, world bosses, and large-scale PvP, including guild-focused siege content. Combat is fully action-based and built around weapon swapping, movement, and positioning, which translates well to a controller. Whether you’re focusing on PvE activities or open-world PvP, there’s always something happening, especially during peak hours.
You can enjoy a large amount of content without spending any money, particularly during the early and midgame. However, progression becomes far more competitive over time. Gear optimisation, character power, and long-term progression are heavily tied to grinding, and the monetisation becomes more noticeable the deeper you go, especially if you want to stay competitive at the top end.
Good to know: Throne and Liberty is a very grind-heavy and guild-focused MMORPG. To get the most out of it long-term, you’ll need to join an active guild and commit a lot of time to gearing and progression. It’s best suited to players who enjoy competitive environments and structured group play.
3. Neverwinter
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation
Neverwinter is a long-running free-to-play console MMORPG that’s very accessible at a surface level and easy to jump into. Levelling is fast, reaching the level cap doesn’t take long, and there’s a wide range of zones, quests, and campaign content to work through. Combat is simple and fast-paced, with a small number of active abilities, which makes it feel comfortable on a controller and easy to pick up even if you’re new to MMORPGs.
As you’d expect from a Dungeons & Dragons–based MMO, Neverwinter is packed with staple MMORPG content, including dungeons, raids, skirmishes, and story-driven zones, all wrapped in familiar D&D themes and settings. There’s plenty to do, frequent expansions and updates, and a steady stream of events, many of which feel genuinely unique compared to other MMOs on console.
Despite being well reviewed, Neverwinter’s playerbase is smaller than it once was, though this rarely stops you from finding group content or seeing other players out in the world. The real hurdle comes at the highest end of the game. If you want to push into the hardest endgame content, progression becomes extremely specific and grind-heavy. Many key items rely on long RNG-based grinds, while most things can technically be earned for free, doing so can realistically take years even when playing constantly.
Good to know: There’s also an undeniable pay-to-win element at endgame, where spending money significantly speeds up access to high-end companions, mounts and artifacts. As a result, Neverwinter works best as a casual-to-midcore MMO that you enjoy at your own pace, rather than a game to fully min-max unless you’re prepared for a very long grind or some financial investment.
4. DC Universe Online
Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation & Nintendo Switch
DC Universe Online is one of the longest-running console MMORPGs, letting you create your own hero or villain and fight alongside iconic DC characters in a fast-paced, action-oriented MMO. It supports solo play, group content, PvP, and regular episodic updates, making it easy to jump in whether you want a quick session or something more long-term.
The free-to-play version gives access to a large amount of content, including core storylines, open-world zones, and group activities. Some restrictions do apply, such as limited inventory space and locked episodes, but these don’t stop you from experiencing the game or getting a strong feel for what it offers. As a result, DCUO remains one of the most accessible MMORPGs on console, especially for fans of superhero themes.
The game leans heavily into its comic book roots, with stylised visuals, fully voiced storylines, and narrative-driven episodes built around original DC-inspired plots. Even after more than 15 years, DC Universe Online continues to receive new chapters, regular updates, and quality-of-life improvements, and there are no real signs of it slowing down anytime soon.
Good to know: A subscription removes many quality-of-life restrictions and unlocks additional content, but it isn’t required to get started or enjoy the game casually.
5. Trove
Platforms: Xbox, PlayStation & Nintendo Switch
Trove is a voxel-based MMORPG that blends fast-paced action combat, constant loot grinding, and sandbox-style building. It’s much lighter and more arcade-like than traditional MMORPGs, which makes it ideal for short sessions, casual play, or players who don’t want to commit to long, structured MMO grinds every time they log in.
It’s also a long-running game that many players feel nostalgic about. While Trove is no longer at the height of its popularity, it still maintains a small but dedicated community, and the core gameplay loop remains easy to jump into and satisfying in short bursts.
Progression is frequent and rewarding, with loot dropping constantly and a huge variety of classes to experiment with, each offering a very different playstyle. There’s no shortage of dungeons, events, and activities to work through. That said, the grind ramps up significantly at higher levels, and while the cash shop doesn’t lock content, it does exist mainly to speed up progression and reduce friction.
Good to know: Trove is a very grind-heavy game, especially long-term. It’s best enjoyed as a casual MMO you dip in and out of rather than a full-time MMO commitment.
6. Star Trek Online
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation
Star Trek Online is a unique MMORPG that blends traditional questing with tactical starship combat set in the Star Trek universe. While there is on-foot combat, space battles are very much the highlight, focusing on ship positioning, shield management, power distribution, and well-timed abilities rather than fast reflexes.
One of STO’s biggest strengths is its story content. A huge number of narrative-driven episodes are available completely free, many of which are fully voiced by actors from the Star Trek franchise. This makes the game especially appealing to fans of the series, as it often feels more like playing through extended Star Trek story arcs than a typical MMO grind.
While the gameplay and interface do feel dated in places, the free-to-play experience is far more forgiving than it used to be. Many of the pain points that once frustrated players have been softened over time, making it easier to enjoy the game casually without spending money. Monetisation mainly revolves around premium ships and loot boxes, which can create noticeable power gaps at higher levels, but this rarely impacts the story content itself.
Good to know: Star Trek Online is very free-to-play friendly for story-focused play, but monetisation becomes more noticeable if you’re aiming for high-end optimisation or competitive builds.
7. TERA
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation
TERA is still widely remembered for its true skill-based action combat, where dodging, blocking, and aiming were fully manual. Even today, its combat feels responsive and satisfying on console, and it remains one of the strongest action combat systems ever put into an MMORPG.
While TERA’s PC servers were shut down in 2022, the console version continues to live on. After years of being largely dormant, the game has recently started receiving limited updates again, including balance changes and even small pieces of new content. For a game that many assumed was permanently in maintenance mode, this has come as a surprise to its small but passionate console community.
That said, long-term support remains uncertain. Population levels are still low, and while the recent updates have given some players renewed interest, it’s unlikely that TERA will ever return to its former popularity. There have also been reports of a new TERA-related project in early development under former TERA developers, which makes the future of the franchise unclear and further reinforces TERA’s current position as a legacy MMO rather than a long-term investment.
Good to know: TERA is absolutely worth trying for its combat alone, but it’s best approached as a legacy experience rather than a main MMO to commit to long-term.
Upcoming Free-to-Play Console MMORPGs (2026)
Albion Online (Spring 2026)
Platforms: Xbox
Albion Online is confirmed for an Xbox release in Spring 2026. Already one of the most successful sandbox MMORPGs on PC, Albion focuses on player-driven economy, full-loot PvP, and large-scale guild warfare.
Its simple movement, limited active abilities, and classless gear-based system make it a strong fit for console controls. If the Xbox launch is stable, Albion Online could become one of the most important free-to-play MMORPGs ever released on console.
ArcheAge Chronicles (Expected 2026)
Platforms: Xbox & PlayStation
ArcheAge Chronicles is a new MMORPG set in the ArcheAge universe and built on Unreal Engine 5. According to the game’s official FAQ, ArcheAge Chronicles will be free to play, confirming that players will be able to jump in without an upfront purchase when it launches.
The game is designed with a more action-oriented combat system and a shift toward structured progression compared to the original ArcheAge. This approach should make it far more approachable on console, while still retaining core MMORPG elements like exploration, crafting, housing, and long-term character development.
Which Console MMORPG Is Right for You?
Free-to-play console MMORPGs offer a great way to explore the genre without committing money upfront but each one comes with different trade-offs. Some are generous and player-friendly, others rely heavily on monetisation at endgame, and a few are best enjoyed casually rather than long-term.
If you’re looking for the most complete free experience, Final Fantasy XIV’s trial and the upcoming Albion Online release stand out. If you want something you can jump into immediately with no barriers, games like Neverwinter, DC Universe Online, and Throne & Liberty offer plenty to explore as long as you understand where the limits are.
This list will continue to evolve as new MMORPGs arrive on console and existing games change over time, but these are the strongest free options available right now.
Useful Links
- The Best Console MMORPGs 2026
- 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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