With TERA releasing on PS4 and Xbox One, there are now more massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) on consoles than ever before. From big hitters that require a subscription like Final Fantasy XIV to smaller free-to-play titles, there’s no shortage of MMOs looking to eat away at your free time. While many MMOs are free to download, they’re all a considerable time sink. Since your time is just as important as your money, this article will help players find the best console MMOs that are right for them. The following games are vastly different, and there should be something for everyone no matter what preferences you have in terms of gameplay or setting.
APB: Reloaded (PS4, Xbox One)
All Points Bulletin was a mess when it released in 2010 as a paid product, and sadly a free-to-play rebranding didn’t help things. The competitive shooter has some neat ideas, and there’s Grand Theft Auto influence all over the end product, but now it’s an outdated product with little to offer besides some trophies and achievements.
Crossout (PS4, Xbox One)
Despite having a really awesome Mad Max-esque post-apocalyptic world to explore, Crossout is a rather forgettable MMO. An unbalanced reliance on microtransactions really hurts the overall experience, and the vehicle combat isn’t great enough to redeem it. If you don’t mind a grind then you’ll find some enjoyment, but otherwise, this is one to largely skip.
DC Universe Online (PS4, Xbox One)
Going strong since 2011, DC Universe Online is still getting updates and new content for players to experience. If you’re a fan of DC Comics then you’ll likely find plenty to enjoy here, as players get to interact with nearly every notable hero or villain in DC’s roster with their own created character. It’s worth noting that while the game is free-to-play, players will have to purchase the DLC episodes or subscribe to a Legendary Membership in order to see all of the in-game content.
The Elder Scrolls Online (PS4, Xbox One)
While it didn’t have the strongest launch, Bethesda has continually improved The Elder Scrolls Online since it launched in 2014. The game also moved to a buy-to-play business model, and has a new expansion taking place in the Summerset Isles releasing in June (a location last seen in The Elder Scrolls: Arena). If you dig the single-player RPGs in the series then you’ll find a lot to like here, and it has some of the highest production values of any MMO on the market.
Final Fantasy XIV (PS4)
Final Fantasy XIV is the best console MMO of the bunch, but it’s also the one that requires a monthly subscription in order to play. Those that don’t mind the financial hit will be treated to one of Square Enix’s finest role-playing games in the past decade, and one that continues to get better due to great expansions like Stormblood. Not only is the new content great, but series veterans will get a kick out of some of the nostalgia elements, as iconic characters like Kefka can be fought. There’s also a free trial, so players can at least try before they decide to buy.
Neverwinter (PS4, Xbox One)
Dungeons and Dragons fans will be glad to know that Neverwinter is one of the best MMOs available on consoles. Not only does it have a great fantasy world to draw from, the quests feature surprisingly strong writing that will appeal to more traditional role-playing game fans.
Onigiri (PS4, Xbox One)
This action MMO has a cool anime look and some decent hack-and-slash gameplay, but not much else. Sadly, there’s just little that really stands out in Onigiri as it’s largely a forgettable affair. You’ll likely have a fine time playing through it, but it’s hard to recommend when there are so many better games on this list.
PlanetSide 2 (PS4)
If you’re looking for an MMO with some solid shooting then PlanetSide 2 should do the trick. There’s a pretty steep learning curve due to some poor tutorials (I’d recommend looking online instead of in-game), but the core gameplay grind winds up being quite enjoyable once you start getting a hang of the game’s massive battles (they can feature hundreds of players). Like developer Daybright’s other games, this is also free-to-play.
Roblox (Xbox One)
A PlayStation 4 version is in development, but currently, Roblox can only be played on Xbox One if players want to experience the creation suite on consoles. While there’s plenty of Minecraft-style brick building to be had, there’s actually a wide range of user-created gameplay types that players can experience within the game. From snowboarding adventures to more traditional action games, there’s no limit to the different types of experiences that can be had. They aren’t always the most polished games, and those looking for a deeper experience will want to look elsewhere, but Roblox has proven to be a perfect title for kids.
Skyforge (PS4, Xbox One)
If you’re not a fan of the passive combat systems that many MMOs employ then you’ll want to check out Skyforge. It plays more like a traditional action game, and that means a satisfying gameplay loop. Unfortunately, the quest design leaves something to be desired, as they rarely feel unique, but it’s still one of the better free-to-play offerings currently available.
Star Trek Online (PS4, Xbox One)
Originally released in 2010, Star Trek Online made its way to consoles six years later. It’s not quite as polished as Neverwinter or the other top-tier of the genre, but Star Trek fans will find plenty of worthwhile references and a generally fun game. So, if you either dig science fiction over fantasy, or are a Trekkie, then this might be the MMO for you.
TERA (PS4, Xbox One)
The latest MMO on the console block, Bluehole’s TERA has found an incredible amount of success in Korea. Sadly, the early state of the game has been rough with some server issues plaguing what is otherwise a really interesting fantasy MMORPG. The real-time combat feels more versatile than many of its competitors, and it could wind up being something special as long as the console versions continue to be supported and the issues get ironed out. Since it’s free-to-play, it’s at least worth a try.
Trove (PS4, Xbox One)
Trove falls more into the sandbox side of things as Minecraft has been a huge inspiration for it both aesthetically and gameplay-wise. Despite this similarity, it’s more of a traditional role-playing game in how it plays, as there are different classes to master and loot drops to unlock. Unfortunately, there’s just not much depth to the entire experience, and it’s largely boring after the initial novelty wears off.
War Thunder (PS4)
While not yet available on Xbox One, Gaijin Entertainment’s vehicular combat MMO has found quite the audience on PS4. Spanning both air and sky (and naval forces are on the way), there are over 800 vehicles to wage war with. If you dig the idea of World of Tanks but want more variety in combat, then this is the way to go.
World of Tanks (PS4, Xbox One)
Wargaming has found themselves a huge hit with World of Tanks, and their free-to-play MMO features some of the best player vs. player gameplay in the genre, along with tons of single- and co-op multiplayer content through its War Stories, a feature that is completely unique to the console versions of the game. From light tanks to self-propelled guns, there are over 660 armored vehicles to choose from. If you’ve got a competitive streak and love mid-20th-century history, then this is one title worth checking out.
