Top 20 NEW MMORPG of 2021

 

#20 Odin Valhalla Rising

Platform: PC, iOS, Android

Release Date: 2021

Genre: MMORPG

Odin Valhalla Rising is quite the beautiful MMORPG from the marketing footage released so far. The video game is also just as impressive being a mobile title alongside the PC game release. We don’t have a ton of information out for the game quite yet but we do know that this is a Norse mythology-based RPG that features maps broken between several iconic realms such as Midgard and Niflheim. Being based around Norse mythology players will not only have come across some familiar gods but monstrous enemies as well. 

Just like with most MMORPG titles, there are a few different playable classes players will be able to choose from which are said to be Warrior, Sorceress, Priest, and Rogue. Ultimately, we’re left waiting for more details to come out about this title, but we shouldn’t have much of a wait to endure as Odin Valhalla Rising is slated to launch at some point during the second half of 2021.

#19 Final Fantasy 11 New Expansions

Platform: PC

Release Date: TBA 2021

Genre: MMORPG

It might come as a surprise for some of you buy Final Fantasy 11 came out back in 2002 and is still being supported today. This MMORPG puts players into the world of Vana’diel where players can not only explore, progress their character attributes but also complete a wide range of quests. There are certainly quite a few missions players can partake in as well since this game has been running for nearly two decades.

There was a brand new storyline expansion released last year called Voracious Resurgence. While at the forefront players had more story narrative quests to complete, there were additional new goodies added into the title. Even with the pandemic going on, Square Enix is still planning out more content for players to chew through as the producer behind Final Fantasy 11, Akihiko Matsui, announced during a New Year’s online greeting. According to the producer, fans of Final Fantasy 11 can expect more storyline expansion directed around Voracious Resurgence’s arc. With that said, we don’t know when exactly this expansion will release or the fine details of what it will include.

#18 Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis

Platform: Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox One

Release Date: 2021

Genre: RPG, Persistent Online, MMORPG

Phantasy Star Online is one of the more classic MMORPG titles over the years. This game launched in 2000 and grew a huge following which in 2012 allowed Phantasy Star Online 2 to happen. Unfortunately, for a lot of fans that sequel installment was only available in Japan with western markets not receiving the title until several years later in 2020. Now that the game is out, fans can not only play the title but expect the big new update coming out this year called Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis.

Since this game has been out in Japan for a good while now and has only just seen a launch in markets worldwide, it’s a bit dated. Sega felt that the best thing to do is offer an update. Rather than being a new all-around video game title, think of this launch as an update to Phantasy Star Online 2. New Genesis was set to come out after Episode 6 released in Phantasy Star Online 2. That just happened last month so we can expect Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis to come out next which will keep players going through the next narrative story while offering upgrades to the mechanics and visuals. Fortunately, your accounts will be set for the game’s release as well so don’t worry about losing any progress, characters, or gear from your time in Phantasy Star Online 2. With that said, if you haven’t played Phantasy Star Online 2 and want to experience the game and its narrative storylines then you’ll still be able to make a brand new account as both titles will coexist.

#17 Project TL

Platform: PC, iOS, Android

Release Date:  TBA

Genre: MMORPG

Project TL has quite a lengthy history behind it. The video game first started as a sequel to Lineage with the game even hitting beta during 2016. However, the development studio opted to scrap the project and rebooted the game. Since then it’s been subjected to several delays. We’re still waiting for more details to come out for the game as the development team is keeping a pretty low profile on the video game since its announcement. 

There have been talks of a closed beta hitting for this game in 2020 but that was only for South Korea which would have put this game’s release at some point in 2021 for other markets. However, with this worldwide pandemic going on right now, several projects have been delayed and this may be the reason we still haven’t heard much of anything about Project TL. Still, this title has gained a following of fans patiently waiting for the next shred of news from the folks over at NCSoft.

#16 Ember sword

Platform: PC

Release Date: 2021

Genre: MMORPG

If you’re limited to what your PC can handle then you might want to check in with Ember Sword. This is an MMORPG but it’s a browser-based video game so you can enjoy this title right on your web browser. From what it looks like this is more of a community-focused game with players having the ability to go through Ember Sword as a sandbox-style of game. There’s a variety of things you can do in this game from unlocking new skills, exploring what the world has to offer, and partaking in the player economy. 

Ember Sword is still a ways off as it looks like we’re just going to see a closed alpha build this year, but there’s a chance we’ll see a more open beta hit before 2022 arrives. Of course, that might be wishful thinking on our part. With that said, players can expect this game to hit PC first but then afterward the developers will put their attention towards a mobile release. From there we could potentially see Ember Sword hit console platforms, but that’s the future goals charted out by the developer team right now.

#15 Corepunk

Platform: PC

Release Date: TBA 2021

Genre: RPG, MMORPG

Corepunk is a top-down MMORPG that plays a bit similar to Diablo but far more colorful. In this game, players are dropped into a seamless open-world filled with places to discover, and from the footage showcased it looks like you can end up in the scorching deserts to a metropolis city. Much like other MMORPG titles, players will start by picking their class and then can build their character up with new skills and gear sets. Meanwhile, as you venture out into the world you’ll come across several NPCs all with quests to take on. There’s of course some of the standard MMORPG elements to the game such as trading, dungeons clearing, and PvP battles.

From the footage showcased, the combat is done with keyboard commands with enemies having a range of attacks of their own. This could ultimately mean that players might need to think strategically when coming across an assortment of enemies. Better yet, you can group up in a guild to clear some of those tougher missions. Again, visually, this game looks quite appealing and at the moment we know the title has hit the alpha stage. Currently, the development team behind the game has plans to see Corepunk hit a closed beta by the spring of this year.

#14 Mad World

Platform: PC

Release Date: TBA 2021

Genre: MMORPG

Mad World from Jandi Soft has a unique look to it. Visually the game has a hand-drawn aesthetic and that’s going to be the very first thing you take notice of when it comes to Mad World. Set up as a 2D isometric MMORPG, players will find that Mad World is set up in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s all about combat in this game with the survival of the fittest in-mind. Players will have to face off all sorts of boss encounters as they venture into the open world collecting loot and gear that further buffs their characters up. 

What you might enjoy most from this game is that it’s a browser MMORPG experience. Much like Ember Sword, there’s no need to install anything to enjoy this game. All players have to do is log online and from there you should have no problems playing this game on your favorite web browser. Again, much like Ember Sword, after the game launches one of the goals, developers have with this project is to see it launched on console platforms as well. For now, Mad World is still set to launch in late 2021.

#13 Project BBQ

Platform: PC

Release Date: TBA 2021

Genre: MMORPG

Project BBQ was something teased a couple of years ago and it was last month that we got new gameplay footage for the game. This is an upcoming anime MMORPG from Neople Action Studio. If you’re familiar with Dungeon Fighter Online MMO this game acts as a parallel universe of that title. It’s through this game that we’ll see certain characters live and the actions it had on the world. Much like other games on this list, we’re still waiting for more information to come out on this game. Still, visually the gameplay as us excited to jump in and see what this game is all about. Of course, if you want to get the full experience then you might want to go ahead and dive into Dungeon Fighter Online MMO.

#12 Ashes of Creation

Platform: PC

Release Date: TBA

Genre: RPG, MMORPG

Ashes of Creation is a game that has quite a few people hyped. Visually from the game marketing material released, it looks a bit like a supernatural Assassin’s Creed style game with a focus on using bows and stealth to sneak around enemies. However, there’s a ton of mythical creatures such as dragons and spellcasting as well. Overall, the game is set in a medieval fantasy world where civilization is consistently disrupting the natural order leaving behind more fierce monsters attempting to overtake the world once again. Players will be able to freely explore and shape this world up as a big aspect of this open-world MMORPG is the fact that the choices players have made through this game will either close off certain quests or open up new quest opportunities, thus altering the storyline for your player.

#11 Blue Protocol

Platform: PC

Release Date: TBA

Genre: RPG, MMORPG

Blue Protocol is a game being developed and published by Bandai Namco. It’s an anime-style action RPG and from the footage showcased it looks like there are plenty of big monsters to fight off but again there’s not a lot to highlight at this point. Originally, this game was only set to be available in Japan with no plans of bringing it to other markets. That has since seemingly been changed as we might find Blue Protocol getting a global expansion. If that’s the case the title could release this year worldwide, but as of right now, it’s looking like the market in Japan is the only one diving into this game.

#10 Chrono Odyssey

Platform: PC, IOS, Android

Release Date: TBA 2022

Genre: RPG, Persistent Online, MMORPG

Chrono Odyssey is a relatively new video game announcement from Npixel. The title is a typical fantasy medieval video game set where players are battling an assortment of mythical creatures using an array of melee weapons and magic. What has been unveiled so far is that the title will put players into the role of a special organization called Idraiginn that’s in the battle against the fabled 12 gods. 

We know that his story will have some kind of aspect with time and space as well. Not to mention that the composer is behind the title is Cris Velasco, who is known for a few video game franchises such as God of War and Overwatch. Currently, the game is slated for a planned release in 2022 for both PC and mobile platforms. With that said, it does look like there will be betas going on this year which means you might get a chance to get into Chrono Odyssey before 2022 hits.

#9 Crimson Desert

Platform: TBA

Release Date: Q4 2021

Genre: RPG, MMORPG

Crimson Desert is a title to not miss out on. This comes from the same developers as Black Desert and originally the game was meant to be a prequel to the Black Desert MMORPG before it was transitioned into its own standalone experience. With that said, you can expect the title to share some gameplay similarities. In Crimson Desert you’re thrown into the fantasy world of Pyrel that’s inhabitant by not only man but non-human races as well. It’s here that you step into the role of Macduff, a leader of a band of mercenaries as you venture through a world taking on the odd job which usually lands you into difficult battles. This is also said to be a solo experience but with multiplayer aspects to the game but we’re waiting to hear more about how the two experiences will differ when it launches sometime later this year.

#8 Crowfall

Platform: PC

Release Date: TBA 2021

Genre: MMORPG

Crowfall mixes elements of action-RPG and real-time strategy where players will seek out glory, wealth, and ultimately power. Though, regardless if players opt to go through the world on their own, Crowfall will push for more player interactions. Originally, the title was featured within Kickstarter for a pledge goal of $800,000, the Kickstarter has since managed to bring over a million dollars in funding. However, it’s been a long waiting game to see this title released into the marketplace. Fortunately backers have been able to dive into the live beta to try the game out.

#7 Elyon

Platform: TBA

Release Date: TBA 2021

Genre: MMORPG

Elyon was a game that originally went by the name Ascent: Infinite Realm before the developers decided to make some revamps and adjustments to the title. Now we have Elyon which is slated to release this year. The video game mashes up steampunk and magic whereas the story puts you into a war-torn world. Two factions are seeking control of the world as they attempt to turn it into their home but a third mysterious group called the Dark Apostles may pose another new threat. 

Much like other MMORPG titles, you’ll have to select your class and slowly unlock the various skills that may appeal to your playstyle. Meanwhile, the open-world is filled with unique interesting locations to visit from old fantasy ruins to new lively city locations. 

#6 Lost Ark

Platform: PC

Release Date: TBA

Genre: Action, RPG, MMORPG

Lost Ark is another MMORPG title that’s been available in certain markets for years while those in the west are still waiting to get their hands on it. This Diablo-style video game title has had a strong following since it was released in Korea in 2018. Players are tossed into an open world to sail out to unique lands and hunt down treasure.

From there it’s all about taking on quests, completing mini-games, gathering resources, and eventually taking control of your very own island. As mentioned, the game was available for a few years now but we are set to receive Lost Ark here in the west at some point this year. Just when exactly the title will launch this year will remain to be seen, but it’s a lot shorter of a wait than what Phantasy Star Online 2 players had to endure.

#5 Magic Legends

Platform: PC, PS4, Xbox One

Release Date: Q2 2021

Genre: RPG, MMORPG

Magic The Gathering is a massively popular trading card game and soon it will have an MMORPG set within the card game universe. This title was unveiled during The Game Awards 2020 which was only a month ago. As a result, some details are a bit limited for this title, but we do know that players will be stepping into this MMORPG as a Planeswalker. 

These beings have unique magical powers and they are broken down into five individual classes that further offers unique attributes such as a Necromancer that can control the dead and a Geomancer which are capable of controlling the ground. The gameplay is also set up similar to Diablo where players have an isometric view as they explore the open-world or battle against enemies. For now, we know that this game action RPG is set to come out within the year across PC and console platforms.

#4 Hytale

Platform: PC, macOS

Release Date: 2021

Genre: Sandbox, role-playing, Massively Multiplayer

Minecraft is a massively popular video game title that’s suitable for an audience young and old. The creativity players could showcase within the world of Minecraft is incredible as players can replicate real-world locations to even fictional makeshift adventure titles. If you’ve played Minecraft for very long you might have dabbled into the various servers online that offer minigames or simply a world to freely create with other players. These minigames can range from simple hide-and-seek to a massive battle royale. However, one server grew so popular that it was transformed into a standalone video game.

Hypixel was a massive Minecraft server that featured a wide range of mingames and online multiplayer hangouts. This influx of popularity spewed into a standalone video game experience called Hytale which is slated to launch this year. As you can likely imagine Hypixel is a sandbox MMORPG title that offers the same kind of gameplay from the Minecraft server. There’s a load of popular minigames available but on top of that players can freely explore and quest in a world that resembles the classic Minecraft video game. Whether you’re after an adventure, casual minigames, or just want to get creative, Hytale will have something readily available.

#3 Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen

Platform: PC

Release Date: TBA 2021

Genre: Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game

Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen is an upcoming video game by developers Visionary Realms. The story revolves around several pantheon gods which have fallen in devotees causing them to be ripped from their planar realms and tossed into the world as living godkings. Seeking to reclaim their planar power, these godkings and their followers will stop at nothing to regain their divine position. Though players can go through some of the campaigns by themselves, progression within Pantheon really puts a focus on player interactions, friends, and lastly, trustworthy allies.

#2 Wild Terra 2: New Lands

Platform: PC

Release Date: 29 Jan, 2021

Genre: Action Games, Indie, Massively Multiplayer, RPG

Wild Terra Online isn’t necessarily an old release. This title came out in 2017 as a sandbox RPG. Players were tossed into a medieval world with the the goal of simply trying to survive from the various predators and enemies that inhabit the land. Visually the game looked rather dated and the reviews of this game’s release were mixed with the gameplay quests not as thrilling as some would hope, while some attributes made the game appealing such as the crafting system and the freedom to do whatever you pleased in the game.

Now we have Wild Terra 2 which is essentially the developer’s way of making some upgrades. With new technologies and experience from their last release, this new title should have support for several years to come if players take up with the game. With that said, we do know that Wild Terra 2: New Land will have new areas to explore that weren’t featured in the first installment along with new bosses. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait very long before we can get a chance to play this game as it’s slated for a launch later this month.

#1 New World

Platform: PC 

Release Date: Early 2021

Genre: MMORPG

Amazon doesn’t have a track record when it comes to games that are not mobile based but there is one title that has plenty of attention and that’s New World. In this game, players take the role of an explorer set in the 17th century where we find ourselves on the shores of new land. It’s here that we discover that the land contains a deep and rich magical source which has left other explorers fighting to claim the area for themselves. 

You’ll need to battle against not only other explorers but the wide range of creatures that have made a home in this land long before your arrival. We know that the gameplay has been compared to the likes of Dark Souls which could turn some players away. However, if you’re up for a challenge then you might find New World a game well worth investing time into when it releases sometime this spring. Hopefully, this game does a bit better than Amazon’s previous release, Crucible.