Roleplaying games are a cornerstone of the video game industry. But in an industry prone to change, naturally, a lot of elements will be introduced to the genre to transform it and make it more accessible. While classic roleplaying games continue to be popular, developers continue to launch alternatives to the traditional lengthy, single-player adventure.
For those who are looking for a multiplayer experience while keeping that roleplaying feel, this one goes out to you. Here are some multiplayer games to check out if you're an RPG fan looking for a co-op experience.
Updated April 27th, 2022 by Jerrad Wyche: The modern era of gaming is thriving because gamers have access to the largest variety of games that's ever existed. Free-to-play games have largely served fans of mobile games or first-person shooters, but RPG players also have access to a plethora of games they can go to for their role-playing fix, which also happens to be multiplayer titles. Look for more to enter the fray in 2022 and the years to come.
14 Fortnite
A part of RPGs that pull gamers toward the genre is the sense of ownership over the character thanks to customization and creation tools in many of them. Quests are also a big part of RPGs as they provide tangible tasks for you to accomplish. Fortnite may be a multiplayer battle royale title, but with tons of loadout options and plenty of in-game quests to go after it has plenty to offer fans of the role-playing genre. It also helps that Fortnite recently introduced a mode where no building is allowed, which helps to make the game more approachable to new players.
13 Warframe
Warframe is a free-to-play third-person action game that will mark its 10th anniversary in 2023. The game's setting is a beautiful blend of horror and science fiction elements that has players traversing speedily through its corridors and environments. Customization is the name of the game with Warframe, with plenty of upgrade paths and loadout options unlocking as you spend time in-game, allowing you to further tailor the experience to what you want. The game has survived for as long as it has for a reason: developer Digital Extremes has worked to cultivate a strong relationship with its dedicated player base.
12 Fallout Shelter
Fallout Shelter is a free-to-play mobile game, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth your time if you're a fan of the mainline series. Sure it includes many of the mobile systems that can become cumbersome, but there's enough flavor and charm to give Fallout fans a reason to play. The player is tasked with building up a vault that is self-sustaining and can support the numerous occupants trying to be contributing members of a post-apocalyptic society as you collectively try to rebuild the Earth from the ground up.
11 Dauntless
Have you ever wanted to play Monster Hunter, but it just seemed too intimidating to newcomers (or, you didn't have the cash at the moment to shell out for a full-price game)? Well, Dauntless was seemingly developed and designed to provide a similar experience to players.
The game is currently free-to-play and has many of the RPG systems and elements that made Monster Hunter so appealing to millions of gamers. Video games are known for letting you take down giant monsters and Dauntless does this in spades. The best part is that just like in Monster Hunter, you'll end up wearing the creatures you defeat as armor, provided you have enough time and patience on your hands.
10 Runescape (Yes, Really)
It may be a huge surprise to older gamers that Runescape is still strong and alive to this day. This is one of the oldest online RPGs out there, and while playing the game has changed a lot over the years due to changing platforms and servers, the core original game is still available and full of players after more years than nearly any game out there.
If you haven't played it before, or you want a different experience, there's also the modern version of Runescape that runs on a much better engine than the original pixelated design that's commonly referred to as Runescape 3. This provides a newer experience for fans of this classic gem of gaming history and is just as invigorating as it ever was.
9 Star Wars: The Old Republic
While Star Wars: The Old Republic wasn't universally loved upon its release, moving to a free-to-play model has helped it significantly. It's certainly not identical to the incredible Knights of the Old Republic games, but it still provides a Star Wars RPG like nothing else we've seen lately.
It's a great game if you want a sci-fi RPG in a well-known franchise and absolutely stands out in the huge world of medieval fantasy MMOs that dominate the genre.
8 Smite
Very few games in the MOBA genre have really persevered, but one that RPG fans might take extra notice of is Smite. This game takes a break from the top-down gameplay and gives you a third-person action perspective, letting you control gods and deities with extremely creative effects.
It borrows mechanics from action RPGs but applies them to a different game mode with surprisingly satisfying results. Building items and leveling skills on the fly become extremely exciting when you're trying to keep up with your opponents. If you've never been huge on the this genre but love RPGs, Smite might just be the game that makes you a MOBA fan.
7 Genshin Impact
Whether you're a JRPG fan, or just love RPGs with a heavy online presence, Genshin Impact is well worth your time. This popular online game serves up an experience that is far more action-packed and exploration-based than many of the MMOs of the past.
The reason to play this, though, is the massive population of players to get involved with. All of these games certainly have fanbases and active players, but Genshin Impact is enough of a worldwide phenomenon that it's absolutely worth getting into while the energy and community are so spectacularly active.
6 TERA
Developed by Bluehole, TERA is a game for those who enjoy the gameplay elements of an RPG. While the lore and story are lacking compared to its contemporaries and competition, the shining point of TERA is the fluid and seamless True Action Combat system.
Timing is key when engaging against the rather competent enemy AI. The player also needs game sense, aim, and other aspects of tactical combat to conquer their enemies. This makes it a wonderfully careful experience, and a significantly slower RPG than many of the more popular free-to-play games out there.
5 Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2 is a classic fantasy RPG adventure that includes solo, co-op play, and PvP opportunities. Though it started out with an upfront price tag, GW2 went free-to-play in 2015. Unlike many classic MMOs, this game takes pride in its ability to passively join up with other players, with constant public events and no need to team up before taking on big quests.
This makes it especially easy to play if you don't have many friends who enjoy RPGs but still want a multiplayer experience. It's the perfect amount of light-social time that's great when playing independently, but just as fun with a group of friends leveling and exploring together.
4 Paladins
Paladins is a hero shooter that followed shortly after Overwatch in 2016. The free-to-play alternative to its contemporaries, Paladins offers a wide variety of different heroes to play as. There are four roles: front line, damage, support, and flank. No one hero is alike, and each one offers a different approach to combat.
While this game is much more action-based than the other entries on this list, there's a surprising amount of stat customization that can help players modify themselves between games. It's a great way to add RPG elements to a more competitive experience, and optimizing your build becomes just as important as the fast-paced action gameplay.
3 Path Of Exile
This dark fantasy RPG game is jam-packed with lots of activities to do and learn in the game and is a great example of a polished dungeon crawler with a smooth top-down gameplay style.
This game also has an interesting take on the skill tree system that fans of deep RPGs will absolutely enjoy. Players gain abilities by equipping gems, which are found in drops from enemies and bosses. Gems can be leveled up and traded, meaning you always have something to do to upgrade your character.
2 Final Fantasy 14 Online
This is probably one of the biggest multiplayer games for an RPG fan. You might think it's just a cash-grab based on the classic Final Fantasy brand, but Final Fantasy 14 is stellar as a team-based and independent experience and gives an extremely satisfying open-world RPG adventure that any fan of MMOs will absolutely enjoy.
The game is free up until Level 35, but afterward, players need to pay a monthly subscription and will need to purchase expansion packs. However, that’s a great amount of time to decide whether you want to purchase it or not, and there is all sorts of content you'll get to experience to help you with that decision as you make it up to the maximum free level.
1 Destiny 2
A game that is made to keep you busy, Destiny 2 is packed with everything from campaigns to quests and activities that gift weapon upgrades, armor, gear, and other interesting items. Players may look at this game and expect a serious first-person shooter, but the polished platforming and melee combat give it a playstyle that classic RPG and MMO fans will find even more satisfying than other shooters on the market.
This game also has tons of customization options, with many different armor types and weapons being unlocked constantly with new and still-relevant appearances. It's an extremely complex game and might not be the best for those who don't enjoy the first-person action, but it's one of the greatest crossovers between shooters and RPGs out there right now.