Steam has become a major platform for gamers, and with many MMORPGs listed on the platform, I decided to dive into the top 10 MMORPGs with the highest ratings on Steam. This list has a number of surprises, so you won’t want to miss it! Which MMO do you think will be number one?

Kicking off our list at number ten is Lost Ark. This fast-paced action MMORPG offers multiple classes, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Its emphasis on skill combos and fluid, visually stunning battles has many claiming it boasts one of the best combat systems in an MMO. Lost Ark’s main content revolves around its challenging dungeons and raids, where mastering mechanics and perfecting your build is key. While the game is free-to-play and loved for its raids and combat, it’s not higher on the list due to the significant grind, a poorly designed vertical progression system, heavy pay-to-win elements, and player gatekeeping in raids.

Sliding into ninth place is a somewhat surprising entry: Project Gorgon. This indie MMORPG is an old-school style game that’s been in early access on Steam since 2018. It has earned a ‘very positive’ rating from players thanks to its depth, great community, and free-form skill system. If you’re looking to scratch that nostalgic itch for a classic MMORPG that rewards exploration and can look past the dated graphics, Project Gorgon is the game for you.

In at number eight is AdventureQuest 3D, a free-to-play cross-platform MMORPG. I actually played this on iOS a few months back and had a blast! It’s an accessible MMO with a fun, bright cartoon art style that is updated weekly. You’ll often find fun, entertaining, and tongue-in-cheek humour and dad jokes littered throughout the game. This MMO doesn’t demand any spending to enjoy and provides hours of entertainment. If you want an enjoyable and accessible MMORPG experience that you can take with you in your pocket as well as enjoy on Steam, AdventureQuest 3D is your next MMORPG.

At number seven, we have Wizard 101. I recently played this game and found it to be a chill, fun experience. With its vibrant, cartoonish art style, you become a wizard on a magical journey. The quests are engaging, although they can sometimes send you all over the place. The turn-based combat starts off simple but requires strategy as you progress. This family-friendly game is perfect for playing with kids. With regular updates, tons of content, housing, pets, and more, Wizard 101 offers a magical adventure for young wizards and experienced ones alike.

Number six is The Lord of the Rings Online. This game immerses you in the richly detailed world of Middle-earth, letting you experience epic stories and landscapes reminiscent of the fantasy series. With a variety of races and classes to choose from, iconic locations to explore, and quests that parallel the events of the books, you’ll feel fully immersed in Tolkien’s world. Despite its dated graphics and various microtransactions, the comprehensive MMORPG experience and strong community make it a must-play for any Lord of the Rings fan.

Halfway through the list, we reach the classic RuneScape and Old School RuneScape. These two games share a spot due to their shared heritage. RuneScape offers a modern, evolving world, while Old School RuneScape retains the look and feel of the game as it was in 2007. Both versions feature an expansive world, diverse regions, and a wide range of skills to train. With hundreds of quests, stories, puzzles, and battles, both games provide a nostalgic journey and hours of adventure. Playable on mobile, these games remain popular and regularly updated, ensuring they stay fresh and engaging.

At number four, we have the critically acclaimed Guild Wars 2. Set in a high fantasy world, Guild Wars 2 is known for its innovative gameplay mechanics and dynamic events. Many players love its gear progression system, which allows them to leave the game and return years later without feeling left behind. The game offers a rich, immersive experience with its engaging personal story, action-packed combat, and emphasis on exploration and player choice. With regular updates and expansions, Guild Wars 2 continues to evolve, offering new challenges and adventures.

Flying into number three is Star Wars: The Old Republic. I played this game for a good period last year, and even though I’m not a huge Star Wars fan, I loved the MMORPG. The game features a fantastic story-driven experience with unique stories for each class, fully voiced characters, and cinematic cutscenes. Set thousands of years before the films, it offers dungeons and raids (Flashpoints and Operations), open-world PvP, space combat, world bosses, player housing, and more. If you even like Star Wars a little bit or you’re an MMORPG fan, you should definitely try this free-to-play game.

Coming in at number two is Final Fantasy XIV. Seen by many as the benchmark for MMORPGs, Final Fantasy XIV offers a rich, immersive experience blending elements of the Final Fantasy series with engaging online gameplay. With its deep storyline, flexible class system, and strong community focus, FFXIV provides endless adventures and opportunities for connection. Players love the story and character development, despite most of the game being unvoiced. Regular updates and expansions keep the game fresh and exciting. The game’s focus on dungeons and raids, along with its comprehensive roleplaying elements, make it a must-play for both Final Fantasy fans and MMORPG enthusiasts.

And the top-rated MMORPG on Steam is one of my personal favourites: The Elder Scrolls Online. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024, ESO is a game I’ve played since launch. It offers a vast, immersive experience that stays true to the Elder Scrolls series. With open-ended gameplay, rich storytelling, and a dynamic world, ESO provides endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whether you’re delving into dungeons, trials, or battling for your alliance in Cyrodiil, ESO offers a deep and engaging journey through Tamriel. Regular updates and expansions continue to deliver new challenges and content. Its deep housing system, action combat, and extensive skill customization allow you to create your perfect character. If you’re a fan of Elder Scrolls or looking for a comprehensive MMORPG, ESO is a must-play.

And that’s the end of my top 10 highest-rated Steam MMORPGs. Which one is your favourite? Which MMORPGs do you play that are missing from the list?