in Gaming
by Bilawal Bashir about
Plenty of MMORPGs are on PlayStation consoles and while starting one might be daunting, there are few better options for getting mileage out of a PS4 or PS5.
A good MMORPG has the perfect mix of consistent updates and engaging gameplay. Many players crave the vastness of MMOs but love questing solo. A successful MMO should have content for both solo and party players. PlayStation has hosted a ton of the top MMORPGs over the years, and plenty of them are still going strong. Some are great for the engaging story, some are a hit among party adventurers, while some provide a solid solo experience.
Many MMORPGs on PlayStation are free to play, lowering the barrier to entry. Some also offer subscriptions or one-time purchases, so there is something for everyone.
Monetization system: Pay-to-start, paid expansions, in-game purchases, optional subscription that offers access to expansions
The Elder Scrolls series is one of the biggest RPG names. The last game in the series, Skyrim, has been virtually ported to every modern device, achieving great success. The Elder Scrolls Online converts the same formula into an MMORPG that can be enjoyed on PlayStation consoles. Players are free to explore in any direction they like without many restrictions. The Elder Scrolls Online is one of the best MMORPGs to enjoy solo. So much so that it’ll make the wait for The Elder Scrolls 6 go easy.
Apart from events designed to be tackled with friends or other players, most of the game can be played and enjoyed solo. The enemy scaling is dynamic and automatically adjusts to accommodate any party size. Fans of the Elder Scrolls will love to see familiar places; from Cyrodil to Solitude, there is much to explore.
DC Universe Online
Monetization system: Free-to-play, one-time $5 purchase premium pass, in-game purchases, optional subscription that offers in-game items
Fans of DC Comics will love diving into the world of DC Universe Online on the PlayStation. While it’s been a while since the game debuted, it’s still going strong with a great community of DC fans.
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The game has one of the best character creation features in the genre, giving players significant control over their online avatars. While players can’t play as Batman, they can make an animal-themed justice seeker of their own.
DC Universe Online features more dynamic and up-close combat; after all, players control a superhero. The game also needs more player input than clicking and getting work done. The MMORPG has iconic locations from DC Comics, plenty of recognizable characters, and some good missions to keep players engaged. It’s a must-play for any DC Comics fan.
Black Desert Online
Monetization system: Pay-to-start in Europe and North America, in-game purchases, free expansions, no subscription required
Few MMORPGs look as gorgeous as Black Desert Online, a free-to-play option that landed on PlayStation in 2019. South Korean developer Pearl Abyss has done a great job of delivering high-action gameplay and beautiful graphics in Black Desert Online.
Combat is the highlight here. It’s fast-paced, visceral, and a visual spectacle. It’s strong enough that the studio planned to release a single-player spin-off, though delays have seen it pushed back years.
Gamers looking for a more action-oriented MMORPG will find Black Desert Online a satisfying experience. There is no “point and click” gameplay here; everything works great with the PlayStation controller. The controller also lends well to the game’s unique style of hack-and-slash. The one major catch is that the game lacks Y-Axis inversion, which could be a deal-breaker for some gamers.
Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn
Monetization system: Pay-to-start, mandatory subscription fee, paid expansions
Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn endures after years of persistence from the developers. The original version of the MMORPG had a rocky start and started losing players almost immediately. The developers took the game down and relaunched it after reworking nearly every aspect.
The result was one of the biggest turnarounds in gaming history, one of the top MMORPGs on the market, and arguably the best one on PlayStation consoles.
The game deviates from the general MMORPG formula by focusing on story progression and guiding players through the vast world of Eorzea. Players seeking a deep MMORPG with a healthy community should try Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn for its excellent combat and engaging story. It’s the perfect game to dive into while waiting for all those Final Fantasy remakes or to enjoy a crossover with the major single-player releases.
The one big knock on it is its price. Final Fantasy 14 requires an upfront payment and has a subscription fee that is paid monthly or purchased in bulk. A free trial is available, but those who get attached to their characters will be emptying their wallet.
