So 2016 is nearing the halfway mark and there have been only a handful of MMORPGs released this year that are free to play. So compiling what is available The Salamander is recommending these F2P MMOs for their solid gameplay and generous Free to play system. Here they are in no particular order:
Aion
There is one thing I miss in many games and it is something that Aion
wants to give me. The ability to soar, to fly free of the bounds of
silly gravity. This year the Winds of Fate have bouyed up players and
brought two new zones for people to romp around in. Atreia has been with
us for a few years but none of its beauty or grace has been lost in
that time.
Echo of Soul
Though it shut down in several countries in Asia, this year saw the
western launch of Echo of Soul. Since launching they’ve introduced one
new class, two dungeons, and started a PvP season which will continue
until March 2016.
Guild Wars 2
Since January we’ve been hearing all about the Heart of Thorns expansion
for Guild Wars 2. Something that
probably doesn’t get as much fanfare but definitely should get more
notice is the fact that the base game of Guild Wars 2 went from a buy to
play model to free to play. There’s no longer any cost between you
and the world of Tyria.
ASTA
Dubbed the Asian World of Warcraft. This Free to Play game is actually a very solid game. It is a more traditional MMORPG with tab-targeting, Each race has their own starting area, classic trinity play. Great soundtrack, CryEngine 3 graphics, good dungeons and mounts and great PvP systems. The only knock on the game is hardly anyone is playing it. The Salamander has been playing this since November and I highly recommend it if you like WOW or a more traditional MMO.
Path of Exile
As an action role playing game, Path of Exile is rather unique on this
list. We could add in Devilian but that would hardly be fair as it’s
only just out. That and Path of Exile doesn’t pull any punches when it
comes to a fight. If ARPGs are your thing and you like the idea of a
tough world out to do it’s damndest to break you, well the Path is right
there.
Rift
RIFT has been free for a while now but it hasn’t been idle. This year
saw the release of RIFT 3.4 Into The Wilds. The strenght of the Soul
system in RIFT has always meant that any of the four callings could in a
pinch fufill any of the standard roles you’d expect. Tanking Mages and
healing Warriors are admittedly a little odd, Trion has also brought the
Primalist out to play on Telara. If you’ve never played, there is still
something just so… inspiring about coming out of the tutorial and
watching the skies tear open with a planar invasion. Be sure to give it a
look.
SWTOR
When the MMOGames team was at Gamescom there was a question put to the
Bioware team that was dealing with the buildup for Star Wars: The Old
Republic and in particular the then upcoming Knights Of The Fallen
Empire update. The question was simply, how is it Bioware could in four
minutes make us care more about a character than any of the three
prequel movies could about anything. Simply put, Bioware are masters of
story and the Knights of the Fallen Empire is their return to form for
players out for that sort of experience.
TERA
TERA is undergoing a metamorphosis or at least that is how it seems.
This year has seen more than a few updates to Aborea. Notably this year
the Gunner came blasting onto the scene with the Brawler all but upon us as well. Mayhem has never been hard to find in TERA but now there is more motion to go with it.This game has seen a massive influx of players since moving onto Steam.
Blade and Soul
Blade and Soul took it's sweet time coming West but now that it is here we are glad it is. The game is beautiful and beyond that has just about the best action combat found in an MMO.(Sorry TERA) The questing and non combat activities are not quite up to it's competition but the Dungeons and Combat alone make this one to play regardless.
EQ2
Though a bit more restricting than some on this list for free players. If you buy one expansion pack you get every other expansion pack that came before it. The sheer amount of content to be had in EQ2 is almost unmatched in the genre. This is a game that you can lose weeks in not just hours.From Questing, to Crafting, to Decorating your house there is always something to do. After all these years it still has a healthy population and a massive amount of content.
So there you have it. SalamanderHam's list of the best F2P MMOs out right now. This list will change as more games come to market. I am playing the Korean Bless Online right now and once it comes West (Which is confirmed!) We shall see if it launches Free to Play or not.
