Massively multiplayer online roleplaying games (MMORPGs) represent one of gaming‘s most popular genres. The social, cooperative, and competitive elements keep players engaged across epic storylines and rich virtual worlds.
Monitoring player count offers crucial insight into the health and popularity of MMORPG titles. As gamers invest considerable time and resources into building up characters, higher player populations provide more opportunities for grouping, guilds, raids and economy activity.
Based on publicly available data and estimates, these are the top 16 MMORPGs globally by player count as of August 2023:
1. Guild Wars 2
ArenaNet‘s fantasy MMORPG first launched in 2012 and has maintained impressive staying power. The imminent End of Dragons expansion pack arriving February 2023 promises new elite specializations, maps, story content and features.
Guild Wars 2 eschews the subscription model common to competitors, with revenue stemming from expansions and microtransactions. This undoubtedly aids its accessibility and lasting player base.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 35,000
- Average daily players (August 2023): 22,500
- Total active players (August 2023): 5.6 million
Guild Wars 2 offers dynamic combat and horizontal end-game progression that continues capturing fans a decade from release. Its next expansion shows ArenaNet remains committed to churning out substantive content drops – crucial to player retention and driving returning waves of interest.
2. The Elder Scrolls Online
Since transitioning to buy-to-play in 2015, ZeniMax Online Studios‘ Elder Scrolls saga has solidified itself as one of the premier MMORPG franchises. 2023 brings High Isle – the next Chapter with a fresh zone, quests and companions.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 24,358
- Average daily players (August 2023): 10,230
- Total active players (August 2023): 15 million
The Elder Scrolls Online balances immersive wanderlust adventure with challenging PvE group raids and fierce Alliance PvP battling. Generous content updates and cross-play scale up its thriving community. Slick combat and diverse progression avenues capture Elder Scrolls faithful and newcomers alike.
3. Lost Ark
Smilegate RPG‘s isometric action-RPG launched in the West February 2022 to record-breaking Steam audiences. Despite post-launch turbulence around server queues, in-game store policies and botting issues – Lost Ark prevailed as a commercial hit.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 1.32 million
- Average daily players (August 2023): 580,000
- Total active players (August 2023): 17 million
In August 2023, Lost Ark remains one of Steam‘s 5 most-played games. Its compelling fusion of fluid combat, diverse classes and rich end-game appeals to seasoned ARPG fans. The August 2023 Rage with the Machinist update brings the Machinist advanced class, new Legion Raids and quality of life changes.
4. Final Fantasy XIV
Square Enix‘s payment model overhaul and A Realm Reborn relaunch in 2013 sparked a miraculous comeback story. Nearing its 10th anniversary, Final Fantasy XIV is enjoying record player numbers ahead of Endwalker‘s climactic conclusion to the Hydaelyn saga.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 73,000
- Average daily players (August 2023): 38,500
- Total active players (August 2023): 35 million
Buoying momentum is the recently announced 2023 roadmap detailing new storylines, zones, features and the next major expansion. Final Fantasy XIV balances casual storytelling with intense high-end duties for remarkable mainstream appeal given its subscription model.
5. Black Desert Online
Pearl Abyss‘ ultra-customizable fantasy sandbox launched on PC in 2016 before expanding across PlayStation, Xbox and mobile platforms. 2023 marks a console launch in South America alongside new classes, combat bonuses and enhancement systems.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 32,648
- Average daily players (August 2023): 23,630
- Total active players (August 2023): 35 million
A lately content-rich cadence addressing long-held requests around gearing, catch-up mechanics and account-wide progress helped Black Desert Online achieve a 31% player count jump in 2022. Its unrivaled character creator, expansive life skills and fast-paced combat retain a loyal audience.
6. Runescape
Jagex‘s browser-based MMORPG holds the Guinness World Record for longest-running fantasy game still actively supported by developers. Now over two decades from launch, both Old School Runescape and modern Runescape editions harbor vast playbases.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 103,491
- Average daily players (August 2023): 65,342
- Total active players (August 2023): 300,000+
Offering gameplay both nostalgic and contemporary, Runescape‘s non-linear sandbox retains remarkable longevity. Updates in 2023 add skilling bosses, new regions and quality of life perks. Forthcoming content roadmaps and Jagex‘s Amazon ownership transition excite what‘s already one of gaming‘s timelessly popular live services.
7. World of Warcraft
The undisputed juggernaut that trailblazed MMORPGs into the mainstream remains a top 10 staple despite subsiding from its peak. While subscriber data is no longer public, playtime metrics confirm WoW still commands a leading spot by sheer historical traction and Blizzard polish.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 120,000
- Average daily players (August 2023): 50,000
- Total active players (August 2023): Unknown (Previously over 100 million accounts created over 15+ years)
World of Warcraft in 2022 endured scandals around company culture alongside user discontent with design decisions. The divisive Dragonflight expansion may reverse dips given its back-to-basics philosophies around talent trees, professions and world content. With Microsoft‘s acquisition, WoW will see what a reinvigorated Blizzard can achieve.
8. Star Wars The Old Republic
EA Games‘ Star Wars MMORPG celebrates 10 years in 2021, a noteworthy feat given shifting industry landscapes and closing competitors. SWTOR retains a dedicated community through persistent content updates and fan servicing.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 17,130
- Average daily players (August 2023): 9,100
- Total active players (August 2023): Unknown (But earnings suggest steady)
Boasting eight unique class stories voiced by Star Wars acting talent, SWTOR offers cinematic, lightsaber-filled adventuring. Features like Galactic Seasons and character boosting lower barriers accommodating new players. The success of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Andor spotlights enduring Star Wars love – interest likely aiding SWTOR numbers.
9. Phantasy Star Online 2
Sega‘s anime action-RPG originally launched in 2012 but only arrived West in 2020. It shook up tired tropes via invigorating combat, multiplayer integration and a contemporary F2P model attaining quick uptake.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 13,637
- Average daily players (August 2023): 5,300
- Total active players (August 2023): 1.5 million
Phantasy Star Online 2 enjoyed breakout success through Xbox Game Pass diffusion. Still, player sentiment soured around alleged predations monetizing character power. Server merging may consolidate communities; the delayed console launch hampers growth potential. Still, it retains an audience awaiting new regions.
10. Eve Online
CCP Games‘ spacecraft-piloting sandbox MMORPG harbors unmatched freedom alongside staggering complexity since 2003 launch. Major ‘Quadrant‘ updates in 2023 expand quality-of-life and new player experience efforts to ease its notoriously steep learning curve.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 17,566
- Average daily players (August 2023): 14,266
- Total active players (August 2023): 300,000+
Eve Online spotlights hardcore gameplay managing economies, coordinating massive battles and scamming rivals. 2013‘s reorientation toward contained gameplay opened accessibility while retaining depth. Recent policies against misconduct and improved tutorials lower skill floor entry barriers that may have intimidated interested players previously.
11. Neverwinter
Cryptic Studios delivered another D&D hit with 2013‘s Neverwinter beyond predecessor Star Trek Online‘s spacefaring adventures. 10 years later, this classic fantasy MMO prevails via regular content drops and console launch expanding its reach.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 8,399
- Average daily players (August 2023): 3,050
- Total active players (August 2023): 2 million+
Slick combat and F2P accessibility accelerated Neverwinter‘s initial appeal. Patches frequently add themed zones and campaigns preventing stagnation amidst steep competition. Still, concerns around increasingly aggressive monetization and bugs persist. But accessible adventures through Forgotten Realms canon anchors an evident loyal player base.
12. Destiny 2
Bungie‘s innovative ‘shared world shooter‘ straddles genres, bringing MMO staples like clans, raids and live events into a slick FPS package. September 2023‘s Lightfall expansion accompanies a base F2P model transition lowering entry obstacles.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 274,861
- Average daily players (August 2023): 95,209
- Total active players (August 2023): 61 million
Destiny 2 overcame a rocky 2017 launch with vast improvements earning redemption in fans‘ eyes. Bungie‘s separation from Activision granted creative independence allowing focused game direction. Commitments to accessibility help Destiny 2 ascend as a hybrid MMO meeting both casual and hardcore needs.
13. TERA
Bluehole Studio (PlayerUnknown‘s Battlegrounds‘ developer) tried shaking MMO foundations with action-oriented TERA in 2012 South Korea launch before approaching Western shores in 2013. A lively fantasy realm boasting indulgent character aesthetics built a niche.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 5,305
- Average daily players (August 2023): 1,600
- Total active players (August 2023): Unknown
TERA tries distinguishing itself through skillshot-heavy combat eschewing tab-targeting familiarity. Narrative and questing fail fostering lasting investment outside visual spectacle. Controversies around sexualized females and cash grabbing monetization also eroded goodwill. But niche loyalty perseveres from fans valuing its combat.
14. Albion Online
Sandbox Interactive‘s hardcore sandbox MMORPG dating back to 2017 sports uncompromising gameplay catering specifically for cutthroat PvP enthusiasts. It‘s since built a thriving ecosystem around player-driven conflict, drama and economies.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 28,176
- Average daily players (August 2023): 22,000
- Total active players (August 2023): 800,000
By focusing squarely on emergent player narratives rather than heavily scripted stories, Albion Online breeds passionate investment spurring logged hours and premium purchases. It proves niche appeal executed well brings financial success and stability. Recent mobile client addition grew access and populations more.
15. RuneScape 3
Jagex‘s other contemporary RuneScape iteration (compared to Old School RuneScape) also maintains an impressively sizable player base given its age and dated aesthetics. Content updates in 2023 add skilling variety alongside economic balance.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): Unknown
- Average daily players (August 2023): 30,000
- Total active players (August 2023): Unknown
Visibleplit between modern and old school RuneScape editions spotlights tensions studios weigh chasing new audiences without alienating loyal longtime fans. Victories on either front expand overall brand longevity. RuneScape 3 may lack old school‘s viral nostalgia traction but it demonstrates substantitive appeal in its updated incarnation.
16. Star Trek Online
Rounding off the list, Cryptic Studios‘ free-to-play sci-fi MMORPG permits living out Enterprise fantasies as Federation, Klingon or alien champions roaming the final frontier.
- Peak daily players (August 2023): 3,681
- Average daily players (August 2023): 1,300
- Total active players (August 2023): Unknown
Content updates bridge Star Trek generations through storylines starring Patrick Stewart‘s Picard or bringing back Voyager‘s Janeway. Playable ships, customization depth and planetside adventuring realize fantasy Starfleet life for Trekkies. Modest populations benefit from IP strength retaining dedicated phasers firing years later.
The preceding 16 titles paint an image showcasing varied MMORPG business models sustaining substantial player bases aligned with specific game interests. Subscriptions sustain pillars like Final Fantasy XIV; microtransactions and accessible progression cater Guild Wars 2‘s model.
Upcoming launches from Riot Games, Amazon and global eastern developers expand MMORPG choice diversity in late 2023 into 2024. Major shifts in most played titles seem inevitable given past genre life cycles. But current top performers have demonstrated the resilient stickiness around accrued avatar and gameplay investments even against fierce competition.