MMORPGs are right up there as one of the most popular genres on mobile, and it’s easy to see why. The genre is pretty much defined by grind, and mobile has made this a lot more palatable thanks to the ability to take your gaming device everywhere, whether it’s the toilet or an important work meeting. So that’s why we put together this list of the best Android MMORPGs.
Having said that, this has resulted in some controversial mechanics, like autoplay, offline modes, and heavy pay-to-win – the latter of which can mitigate the grind completely for those with heavy purse strings. Still, it remains an intensely popular genre, and there are games that tend to avoid the worst of mobile practices.
We’re going to highlight a range of our favourite options in this guide, including free-to-play-friendly options, the best autoplay MMORPGs, and more. No matter your tastes, you’ll find something to enjoy here.
Beast Android MMORPGs
On with the rankings!
Old School RuneScape
For our money, it just doesn’t get any better than Old School RuneScape. This grind-heavy experience features none of the more nefarious mechanics like autoplay, offline play, or pay to win, and has almost too much content if anything.
As a result, it can feel overwhelming to the newcomer, who won’t quite know where to begin. Quite quickly, you’ll realize that it really doesn’t matter. There isn’t a right way to play RuneScape, and you’ll have the most fun by just dedicating yourself to whatever you feel like in that moment.
You can grind monsters, craft gear, cook, fish, parkour, mine, decorate your home – the possibilities are endless, and the grind to achieve all of it is deliciously addictive stuff.
Old School RuneScape features a free-to-play mode, which is pretty barebones but does have it’s own hardcore community. You’ll likely want to get the membership fairly quickly though, as it opens up a lot of content, including new skills, quests, areas, and equipment. You also get regular RuneScape’s membership in a single purchase, too.
Notice: More recently a lot of players have experienced potentially game-breaking issues with the game’s launcher for Android. This has meant a lot of players haven’t been able to use it on Android devices, and we’re not sure when a fix will arrive. Keep this in mind, especially if you’re thinking about spending money.
Villagers & Heroes
Villagers & Heroes is a solid alternative to RuneScape, for those that don’t really like either of them. It’s got an odd art style that’s like a cross between Fable and World of Warcraft and a world that’s reminiscent of Divinity: Original Sin’s crazier moments, but there’s a lot to like here.
Combat is fun, there are a lot of character customization options, and you can dedicate yourself to lots of non-combat skills just like you can in RuneScape. The community isn’t enormous, but you’ll rarely find yourself alone, and you can play across PC and mobile.
The only caveat is that we’ve received reports that the optional subscription is a little on the expensive side. We’re not entirely sure what it offers, so you’re better off reaching out to the community to see if it’s worth it.
Adventure Quest 3D
If you were a gamer in the Flash era you might remember Adventure Quest, the online turn-based RPG with a pretty tongue-in-cheek approach to fantasy games. Well, Flash might have gone, but Adventure Quest is still here.
Adventure Quest 3D has grown all of its own.
There are tons of quests to complete, areas to explore, and gear sets to grind, and you can enjoy the entire experience entirely for free. There is an optional membership and cosmetics to purchase, but none of it is by any means essential. If you really don’t want to spend a penny, Adventure Quest 3D is the friendliest option out there.
The developers run regular events too, which are often genuinely a lot of fun. These include the Battle Concert events, in which real-life bands play a set in-game for a period of time, and holiday events that feature awesome cosmetic items to unlock.
Toram Online
If Adventure Quest 3D doesn’t do it for you, Toram Online is a solid alternative. It’s also one of the most customizable out there, with loads of cosmetic options, and you’re never locked into a specific class. Just like with Monster Hunter, you can swap your fighting style at any point.
In fact, it borrows a lot from Monster Hunter, with you summoning your friends to help you head out into the world to slay monsters. There’s a huge world to explore, and a storyline to beat for those that like that sort of thing.
Given that there’s no PvP, there’s no real pay-to-win on offer in Toram Online. There are optional purchases that make the game easier, or speed up progress, but who are you really competing with?
Darza’s Domain
Regrettably, Realm Of The Mad God isn’t available on Android, but you can get most of the intense, spell-filled experience of the roguelike MMO by playing Darza’s Dominion. This strips MMORPGs down to a basic loop you can hop into and out of. Pick a class, level up, loot and die, all in record time. Great if longterm grinding isn’t your idea of a good time.
Black Desert Mobile
It seems that a lot of you have already, as Black Desert Mobile remains a fiercely popular entry in the genre following its launch.
Black Desert Mobile’s combat system is the best in the business – especially on mobile – and there are deep crafting and non-combat skill systems in play for those who don’t fancy hitting monsters with massive swords.
Sky: Children Of The Light
A very unique game from the creators of Journey, Sky is a game where you take to the air through vast landscapes, collect candles and hearts, or just chill with other players. Communication is limited until you’ve added a player as a friend, so it’s also a remarkably low toxicity and low spam environment.
Albion Online
Another Runescape-escape top-down MMO, Albion Online has both PVP and PVE, and doesn’t box you into classes. You can switch up your build simply by swapping equipment, so you can try all it has to offer.
DOFUS Touch
A super stylish rework of the iconic WAKFU prequel DOFUS. It’s a turn-based affair, with an option to party up and all hop in on a fight. It also has the art style that made the previous games really memorable.
mo.co
Supercell’s approach to the MMO genre has a lot of what you’d expect from the dev. It’s colorful, lively, and easy to dip in and out. Perhaps more important, it is now proudly non-pay-to-win. The only paid items are cosmetics. That’s very nice to see.
Eterspire
A real MMORPG experience. This game is a full-featured affair, with a player-driven economy, full controller support, and genuine progression that doesn’t require you to engage in microtransactions to get the best gear.
Aurcus Online
An MMO from the same stable as Toram Online, which looks charmingly similar to a PS2-era JPRG. Despite the appearance, it’s firmly an action RPG, with a focus on cool aerial combat maneuvers that feel satisfying. Want something where you’re actually playing it? Aurcus is a good option.
So that’s our picks for the best Android MMORPGs. Want some more roles to play? Check out the best Android ARPGs.
