Top MMORPGs Coming in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

The MMORPG Landscape in 2024

As we enter 2024, the MMORPG genre is poised for an exciting year with numerous highly anticipated titles on the horizon. While 2023 brought us some intriguing announcements, 2024 promises to deliver more in terms of actual releases. However, it's important to approach these upcoming games with measured expectations, as delays and disappointments are not uncommon in the world of MMO development.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the most promising MMORPGs slated for release in 2024 and beyond, ranked from most to least optimistic prospects. Let's dive into the future of online gaming!

Ashes of Creation: A New Hope for Sandbox MMOs

Ashes of Creation stands out as one of the most ambitious and promising MMORPGs in development. Throughout 2023, the game made significant strides, showcasing various core systems during development update livestreams.

Key Features:

• Caravan system
• Crafting
• Player housing
• World boss fights
• Event system
• Improved combat with new ranger class gameplay

Ashes of Creation aims to cater to both PvP and PvE players, offering a sandbox experience with a fair business model. The game will feature a subscription fee, no box cost, and a cosmetic-only cash shop, avoiding pay-to-win elements.

Development Progress and Release Timeline

The game's Alpha 2 phase is confirmed for Q3 2024, indicating steady progress. However, a full release is likely to come later, possibly in late 2025 or even 2026. For those eager to follow the game's development, there are regular update livestreams that provide insights into the ongoing work.

Pax Dei: The Cloud-Native Medieval Fantasy

Pax Dei is an upcoming social sandbox MMORPG set in a vast fantasy world inspired by medieval legends. What sets this game apart is its cloud-native approach, allowing seamless play across various devices and screens.

Standout Features:

• Player-created settlements with advanced building mechanics
• Resource gathering and crafting
• Exploration-focused gameplay
• Mix of PvP and PvE content

Pax Dei has drawn comparisons to a medieval version of EVE Online, emphasizing player-driven content and complex social interactions. Recent alpha tests have shown promising progress, generating excitement among potential players.

Release Information

Early access for Pax Dei is confirmed for spring 2024, though a full release date has not yet been announced.

The Riot MMO: A Mystery with Massive Potential

Despite the lack of concrete information, the upcoming MMORPG from Riot Games has generated significant buzz in the gaming community. The hype stems from Riot's impressive track record of creating successful, broadly appealing games.

Expectations and Potential

Given Riot's resources and reputation for producing high-quality, polished games, their MMORPG has the potential to be one of the most impactful entries in the genre since World of Warcraft. It could potentially set new standards for modern MMORPGs.

Development Updates

The only significant news in 2023 was the departure of Ghost Crawler, the game's executive producer, who left to start a new MMO studio. This change in leadership has led to some uncertainty, but anticipation for the game remains high.

Project Ghost: A New Direction from a Veteran Developer

After leaving Riot Games, Ghost Crawler founded Fantastic Pixel Castle studio and began development on a new MMORPG codenamed "Ghost." This project aims to revitalize core MMO experiences that have been somewhat neglected in recent years.

Unique Concepts:

• Emphasis on playing with friends and building community
• Shard system with private "Blue Shards" and public "Red Shards"
• Blend of solo and multiplayer experiences

Development Timeline

While the project is in its early stages, Ghost Crawler has stated that development is progressing rapidly. However, a release before 2028 seems unlikely given the scope of the project.

Chrono Odyssey: Unreal Engine 5 Spectacle

Chrono Odyssey is a visually stunning Korean MMORPG developed using Unreal Engine 5. Set for release on both PC and consoles, this game promises to deliver a graphically impressive experience.

Game Elements:

• Classic fantasy RPG classes (Archer, Warrior, Berserker, Mage)
• Unique additions like guns and hammers
• Time-bending abilities
• Epic combat and giant monsters

The game's recent gameplay trailer has generated excitement, showcasing its impressive visuals and dynamic combat system. While details about gameplay mechanics and systems are still limited, the visual fidelity alone has piqued the interest of many MMORPG enthusiasts.

Potential Release Window

While an optimistic estimate might place Chrono Odyssey's release in late 2024, a more realistic expectation would be 2025 or beyond.

Throne and Liberty: From East to West

Throne and Liberty, which launched in Korea in December 2023, is scheduled for a Western release in 2024. Published by Amazon Game Studios, the game underwent significant changes based on feedback from closed beta tests.

Recent Changes and Features:

• Removal of autoplay features
• Implementation of a more dynamic combat system
• Traditional approach to MMO mechanics
• Similarities to Lineage 2, but with modern updates

Western Release and Platforms

The Western release is expected in the first half of 2024 for PC, with console versions (Xbox and PS5) to follow. However, concerns about pay-to-win elements have already surfaced, which may impact its reception in the Western market.

Path of Exile 2: The ARPG Evolution

While not strictly an MMORPG, Path of Exile 2 is worth mentioning due to its popularity among MMO players. This free-to-play next-gen ARPG aims to surpass its successful predecessor and offer a more in-depth experience compared to competitors like Diablo IV.

Key Information:

• Closed beta begins June 7th, 2024
• Promises to build upon the depth and complexity of the original
• Aims to set new standards for the ARPG genre

Even though it's not a traditional MMORPG, Path of Exile 2 is likely to attract a significant portion of the MMO community due to its depth, complexity, and social elements.

ArcheAge 2: A New Direction

ArcheAge 2 represents a bold new direction for the franchise, moving away from the large-scale faction-based PvP that defined its predecessor. This shift aims to align more closely with Western market preferences.

New Focus and Features:

• Emphasis on single-player content for progression
• Retention of core elements like trading and sea combat
• Developed using Unreal Engine 5

Development and Release Timeline

Kakao Games is targeting Gamescom 2024 for a gameplay reveal of ArcheAge 2, suggesting a potential release in 2025. Despite the changes in direction, the game remains an intriguing prospect for fans of the original and newcomers alike.

Perfect New World: Unity-Powered MMORPG

Perfect New World, developed using the Unity engine, was a surprise announcement that seems to be well into its development cycle.

Game Characteristics:

• Hybrid combat system with animation lock features
• Four gender-locked classes
• Mix of PvP and PvE content
• Visually appealing graphics

Feedback from playable tests has been mixed, but the game's visual quality and ongoing development leave room for improvement. A full release is expected sometime in 2024.

Corepunk: Bridging MOBA and MMO

Corepunk aims to create a unique blend of MOBA and MMORPG elements, offering a fresh take on the genre.

Distinctive Features:

• Top-down gameplay
• Fog of war mechanic to encourage exploration
• MOBA-like combat system
• Traditional MMO elements (crafting, quests, dungeons, raids)

The game recently held a beta test, and while not all content creators had the chance to participate, the feedback has been generally positive. Corepunk is looking likely to release sometime in 2024.

Soulframe: A New Direction from Digital Extremes

Developed by the creators of Warframe, Soulframe offers a fantasy-themed alternative with slower, more deliberate gameplay.

Game Concept:

• Similar gameplay features to Warframe
• Fantasy setting instead of sci-fi
• More grounded and methodical combat

While no specific release date has been announced, development updates suggest a potential late 2024 release.

Star Citizen: The Eternal Work in Progress

Star Citizen remains one of the most ambitious and controversial projects in gaming history. With over $500 million in crowdfunding, the game continues to expand its scope and features.

Recent Developments:

• Release of Squadron 42 gameplay trailer
• Ongoing updates to the playable alpha version
• Continuous expansion of features and content

While a full release date remains elusive, Star Citizen continues to attract a dedicated community and shows potential to become a groundbreaking sci-fi MMO if it ever reaches completion.

Tarisland: Tencent's Global MMO Venture

Tarisland, developed by Tencent, is a cross-platform MMORPG for PC and mobile devices. Despite initial skepticism due to Tencent's involvement, the game has shown promise.

Key Features and Changes:

• Seamless open world
• Traditional tab-target combat system
• Global server for PC and mobile
• Removal of gender lock based on player feedback
• Classic-themed, WoW-inspired gameplay

Tarisland faced controversy during its closed beta test regarding potential pay-to-win elements, but developers have since reaffirmed their commitment to a non-pay-to-win model for the full release.

Release Information

Tarisland is scheduled to launch in Q1 2024.

The Quinfall: Ambitious Open World MMO

The Quinfall makes bold claims about offering the largest open world ever seen in an MMORPG.

Promised Features:

• Class system based on weapon combinations
• Player-owned shops
• Mini-games and board games in taverns
• Secret dungeons with puzzles
• Extensive crafting and gathering systems

While the game's ambitions are impressive, there's skepticism about whether the development team can deliver on all these promises. The Quinfall recently launched a closed beta test, replacing its initially planned January 2024 release.

Blue Protocol: Anime-Inspired Action MMO

Blue Protocol, an anime-style action MMORPG, has already launched in Japan and is set for a Western release in 2024.

Game Overview:

• Free-to-play model

• Anime-inspired graphics and storytelling

• Action-oriented combat

• Similarities to games like Genshin Impact, but with more MMO elements

The Western release, published by Amazon Game Studios, is expected around Q3 2024, possibly preceded by beta tests.

Dune: Awakening - Survival MMO in the Dune Universe

Developed by Funcom, creators of Conan Exiles, Dune: Awakening is an open-world survival MMO set in the Dune universe.

Game Elements:

• Gathering, exploring, and hunting mechanics
• Emphasis on social interaction in a persistent world
• Unique setting based on the popular Dune franchise

The game has announced its first beta test, with sign-ups available on the official website. A potential release in Q4 2024 seems likely.

Project LLL: NC Soft's Third-Person MMO Shooter

Project LLL represents NC Soft's venture into the third-person MMO shooter genre, set in an alternate reality Seoul.

Game Concept:

• Fully explorable open world
• Dynamic events
• Inclusion of mechs
• Inspiration from Philip K. Dick novels

Development appears to be progressing well, with a probable release in 2024 on both PC and console platforms.

Profane: Player-Driven Sandbox MMO

Profane aims to be an authentic player-driven sandbox MMO set in a traditional fantasy environment.

Key Features:

• Dynamic world responding to player actions

• Open-world PvP

• House construction

• Skill-based action combat

The game has undergone multiple tests in 2023 and presented a playable version at the Brazil Game Show. A release in late 2024 or 2025 seems probable based on current progress.

Past Fate: Viking-Themed Indie MMO

Past Fate is a Viking-themed open-world indie MMORPG offering five distinct classes and a Souls-style action combat system.

Game Elements:

• Crafting and gathering systems
• Quests and various monster types
• Steady improvements based on player feedback

The game is likely to enter Early Access on Steam in 2024.

DokeV: Creature Collecting MMO

DokeV is a creature-collecting open-world MMO developed by Pearl Abyss, aiming to appeal to both young and older MMO players.

Game Concept:

• Casual tone compared to other Pearl Abyss games
• Creature collecting and battling mechanics
• Vibrant, colorful world

While initially revealed in 2019, development updates have been scarce. A late 2024 release is possible, but 2025 or beyond seems more likely.

Other Noteworthy Mentions

Several other MMORPGs are in various stages of development, though information and release dates for many remain uncertain:

• Plan 8: An MMO shooter by Pearl Abyss, announced in 2019 but with little information since.
• Eternal Tombs: An indie MMORPG with unique ideas like GM-run events and no cash shop.
• Ashfall: A post-apocalyptic MMO RPG shooter set for Q3 2024 release.
• Into the Echo: An Unreal Engine 5 MMO focusing on time travel and inclusive gameplay.
• Pioneers of New Dawn: A settlement-building MMO with survival elements.
• Playable Worlds: An early-stage MMO from industry veteran Ralph Koster.
• City of Titans: A spiritual successor to City of Heroes, currently in backer-exclusive testing.
• Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen: A long-awaited MMO with recent graphical overhauls.
• Camelot Unchained: A crowdfunded MMO that has faced significant development challenges.

Conclusion: A Promising Yet Uncertain Future

The MMORPG landscape in 2024 and beyond looks both exciting and uncertain. With a mix of ambitious new titles, sequels to beloved franchises, and innovative takes on the genre, there's potential for significant growth and evolution in the MMO space.

However, as with any game development, especially in the complex world of MMORPGs, it's important to temper expectations. Delays, changes in direction, and even cancellations are not uncommon. The games that do make it to release may not always live up to the hype or may need time to find their footing.

Despite these challenges, the sheer variety and ambition of the upcoming titles suggest that the MMORPG genre is far from stagnant. From the grand visions of Ashes of Creation and Star Citizen to the innovative approaches of games like Pax Dei and The Quinfall, there's something for every type of MMO fan on the horizon.

As we move through 2024 and beyond, it will be fascinating to see which of these games can successfully launch, which will carve out their niche in the market, and which might become the next big thing in the world of MMORPGs. Whether you're a fan of traditional fantasy settings, sci-fi epics, or something entirely new, the future of MMORPGs looks bright and full of possibilities.

Remember to approach each new release with an open mind but measured expectations. The MMORPG that becomes your next favorite might be one you least expect. Happy gaming, and may your adventures in these new virtual worlds be epic and memorable!

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VOMA5GJ1l0