To make it easier for you to keep track of the many new release announcements, below is a list of the most promising MMORPGs expected to be released in 2024, along with a dash of honest opinion on their potential!
In the current top lists for MMOs, we have been seeing the same big names for years, with World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2 and Final Fantasy 14 consistently at the forefront. Can the established MMOs expect serious competition in the near future? Many feel that it would be beneficial for the market.
With the use of Unreal Engine 5, long development times and promises of a no-pay-to-win model, it might be around the corner. In this article, you'll find the most important information about the upcoming MMOs and whether they truly have the potential to become the next big MMO or if they raise red flags instead.
MMO Titles Coming to PC in 2024 - How Promising Are They Really?
Ark 2
- Developer: Studio Wildcard, Grove Street Games
- Game Concept and More: Ark 2 or its full title ARK: Survival Ascended is a survival MMO where you find yourself on an unknown alien planet with dinosaurs and some dark stuff going on. You team up with others to fight against the dark forces.
Fast & Furious fans, listen up: One of the main characters in the game, Santiago, is played by Vin Diesel. Interestingly, Vin Diesel is a fan of Ark himself and has played the game for over a thousand hours. He has even taken on a role within the development team.
As for weapons, you've got everything from simple spears and bows to machine guns.A unique feature of Ark is the inclusion of mods. You'll have extensive options to generate dinosaurs, items, and maps yourself, both on PC and console.
Oh, and the game is made with Unreal Engine 5. Check out the trailer here.
- Monetization: The remaster of Ark will be offered as a buy-to-play, but the exact price is not yet known.
- Development Status and Release Date: Originally, Ark 2 was supposed to be released in 2022, but after multiple delays, it is now expected to be available to us by the end of 2024. However, the studio is already known for being behind schedule, so nothing is set in stone.
Cure Punk
- Developer: Artificial Core
- Game Concept and More: A Mashup of Styles and Genres - The trailer for Core Punk reveals a world and atmosphere that draw from both Cyberpunk and Steampunk aesthetics, combining Dark Fantasy and Science Fiction elements.
At first glance, this open-world MMO also reminds of League of Legends, thanks to its isometric camera perspective.
If you're familiar with games like Lost Ark or Diablo, you'll have an idea of how the PvE experience in such games feels. Additionally, there aren't many MMOs in a top-down perspective in general.
In Core Punk you can choose between various heroes. You can gather resources, craft and engage in both PvE and PvP gameplay.
The developers use a home-made engine that allows them to integrate special visual and stylistic features into the game, which is often not possible with other engines. Among other things, this gives Core Punk its distinct character.
- Monetization: Nothing has been announced yet.
- Development Status and Release Date: Core Punk has seen multiple delays, but given that the majority of the development studio was based in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, this is quite understandable.
The game had its alpha phase in mid-December and opinions are divided. Either way improvements will be probably made in upcoming testing phases. You can sign up for the beta on the developer's website. The release date is still uncertain.
Tarisland
- Developer: Tencent Games
- Game Concept and More: With Blizzard's games no longer available in China, Tencent Games decided to create their own version of World of Warcraft.
It's a cross-play platform game for PC and mobile, which, however, is not well-received in the West. On the other hand, some are excited about a simplified concept, as they find the sheer number of abilities, buffs and the trading system in WoW overly complex.
Visually, the game is very appealing. It is set in a fantasy world with a comic-like art direction. You can take a closer look at it in the trailer.
- Monetization: Tarisland will be available to us Free2Play and the devs labeled it as a non-pay-to-win MMORPG. Well, that aged poorly. In the last closed beta, clear pay-to-win elements were identified and the player base was NOT amused. The success will likely depend on how transparent the studio will be in the future about its principles. However, in this case, a mobile game will most likely remain just that – a mobile game.
- Development Status and Release Date: On November 15th 2023, the second Closed Beta took place. Visit the Tarisland website and join the Discord for more information. The MMO was initially expected to release by the end of 2023, but it is likely to be delayed to Q1 of 2024. The dev team is currently addressing certain criticisms, such as the gender lock on classes.
Ashes Of Creation
- Developer: Intrepid Studios
- Game Concept and More: In Ashes Of Creation, you find yourself in a fantasy world. The sandbox MMO stands out with its unique concept: Regions in the world are associated with what are known as Nodes. There are different types of Nodes and players can choose which one to apply for citizenship in.
This is designed to enable you to actively shape your environment through Nodes and spontaneous world events, including architecture and shops. Rogue guilds can attack your Node and Node governments can declare war on each other. You'll be able to engage in political intrigue, even within your guild.
Moreover, there will be a hybrid combat system, a blend of tab-target and action combat. They aim to avoid stunlock (the term "stunlock" brings back PvP flashbacks from Lost Ark for me).
In 2022, the game received an upgrade to Unreal Engine 5, so it should have a lot to offer visually. Be sure to check out the trailer if you want to get a firsthand impression.
- Monetization: The game is likely to be offered with a monthly subscription model. In the United States, the subscription is expected to cost $14.99 per month.
- Development Status and Release Date: Ashes Of Creation has been in development since 2015 and was initially expected to be released in 2019. So, don't get your hopes up for a near-term release.
The second alpha test is scheduled for Q3 2024. However, a release date is not on the horizon yet. It's estimated for 2025 now. If you want to stay up to date, visit the Ashes Of Creation website or tune into their live streams on Twitch.
Throne and Liberty
- Developer: NCsoft (Publisher: Amazon)
- Game Concept and More: The Throne symbolizes the PvP aspect of the Fantasy MMO, while the Liberty represents the PvE and exploration. The upcoming MMO from the developers of Blade & Soul distinguishes itself with some unique elements.
Firstly, your characters are shape-shifters. So, basically you don't need mounts; you are the mounts! Your character can transform into a land-, water-, or flying creature, depending on what you need to cross over. Moreover, the weather actively influences you, such as redirecting a lightning attack to multiple targets during a rainstorm.
The game was developed in Unreal Engine 4. You can find a trailer here.
Although all of this sounds very promising, the criticism after the closed beta in May was devastating. T&L was originally supposed to be a mobile game and this seemed to be noticeable on the PC. The biggest points of criticism were the static tab-target combat, auto-play and auto-combat features, as well as a forced PvP aspect.
However, recent news give us a reason to have hope again. The developers have accepted the player's feedback. They addressed every point of criticism. For example, all auto-play elements have been removed from the game.
- Monetization: Now, we may come to the potential downside of T&L. There are concerns that it may lean towards being pay-to-win, as the developer has not taken a clear stance against it. The game will be available as Free-to-Play and it will offer a Battle Pass as well as a premium version of it.
In the in-game shop, cosmetic and convenience items will be available for real money. The fact that Amazon is the publisher for T&L in the West may help mitigate the pay-to-win aspect.
- Development Status and Release Date: The game has been in development since 2011 and the release has been postponed several times. T&L was released in Korea on December 7, 2023, and is set to open its doors worldwide in early 2024. Opinions vary among player reviews. If you want to follow the game's progress, you can visit T&L's website.
Pax Dei
- Developer: Mainframe Industries
- Game Concept and More: Pax Dei is a low-fantasy sandbox MMO set in a realistic medieval world. Notably, many of the Pax Dei developers have experience from their work on Eve Online.
Pax Dei aims to offer players the opportunity to be the masters of their world, as the focus is on the players themselves. They will construct all the cities and the best gear can only be crafted.
The developers place a strong emphasis on immersing players in social structures and the endgame, which can be reached in Pax Dei without extensive grinding. The game is designed without typical NPC quests. Instead, players must actively interact with their environment to discover their quests. Additionally, clans have no member restrictions.
The MMO will completely forego instances, offering a pure open-world experience for exploration. PvE content includes dungeons and raids and while PvP is not forced, wars are part of the game.
Regarding the class system, the holy trinity remains intact, but your class is based on the weapon you're wearing, like in New World.
As you can see in the trailer, the game seems to offer stunning visuals, as it has been developed with Unreal Engine 5.2.
- Monetization: The payment model is not confirmed yet, but the developers mentioned it will be one of the following options:
1. a one-time initial purchase
2. a regular subscription fee
3. a Token (similar to WoW) or PLEX (like in Eve Online) system.
Players are expressing concerns about the third option, as it could lead to a Pay2Win scenario. This is because players can buy Tokens with real money and sell them in-game for currency, granting them more playtime.
Additionally, there might be a free, limited access version of the game and optional extra services.
- Development Status and Release Date: The release date is estimated for late 2024 and in the spring, the MMO enters paid Early Access. Given that the developers are already experienced, Pax Dei could be promising, although the statements regarding monetization still leave me somewhat cautious. Check out their website for more information.
The Quinfall
- Developer: Vawraek Technology Inc.
- Game Concept and More: In The Quinfall, you will find yourself in a medieval setting with fantasy elements. If you believe the developers' promises, The Quinfall could be considered the prodigy of MMORPGs, as it aims to offer everything MMO players desire and more. It boasts the largest map ever seen in an MMO, a highly detailed character creation, eleven professions, underwater expeditions, animal breeding and so much more.
There is a lot to explore, including cities on mountains and islands in the sea that can be conquered. During wars, the characteristics of a city provide either a strategic advantage or disadvantage. For instance, islands can only be captured by ships. Bosses are scattered throughout the world, including underwater, in the form of sea monsters. You can choose from various professions and even become a pirate or a chemist.
If you come across an elephant, monkey, or other animals, they can apparently be tamed and even bred. If you want more details, you can watch the trailer.
The classes are divided into subclasses. For example, there's a category for Sword and Shield with Guardian and Swordmaster as subclasses. The classic trinity seems to be preserved here.
Developed with Unity, this MMO seems too good to be true. We are very eager to see what the final product will look like.
- Monetization: It will be a buy-to-play game, but the exact price is not known yet. You can already wishlist The Quinfall on Steam.
- Development Status and Release Date: Development Status and Release Date: Officially, the MMO was supposed to be released by the end of 2023. However, it has been pushed back to early 2024 and many have doubts about this timeframe.
I, too, believe that the release will be further delayed for the following reason: The Quinfall has only been in development for two or three years and promises a lot. Other MMOs of this scale usually take over five years to be released.
In a trailer we could see that the devs of the game have adopted most of its assets from the Unity Store, which could explain its rapid progress. That means there's a risk that the game could become 'soulless' but that doesn't mean the gameplay itself can't still be enjoyable, which is ultimately the most important aspect.
In any case, January 30th is set as the date for the closed beta and you can register for it here. Perhaps, after that we'll find out how well all the features will work together.
Blue Protocol
- Developer: BANDAI NAMCO Studios (Publisher: Amazon)
- Game Concept and More: For those of you who are into MMOs and anime-style settings, Blue Protocol might pique your interest. The world resembles a futuristic fantasy realm developed using Unreal Engine 4. The game offers exploration, life-skilling and PvE content. However, there is no PvP; instead, players can compete with each other in PvE group content, such as which group can clear a dungeon the fastest.
The class system is not based on the traditional trinity, but it has something special: you can change classes at any time, similar to Final Fantasy 14 and even borrow skills from other classes, allowing you to define your role individually. The trailer will give you some more impressions.
Since Blue Protocol was already released in Japan in June 2023, there are already many reviews and impressions. While the game seems to be enjoyable, there have been criticisms regarding class balancing, endgame grind and gacha mechanics in the cash shop. Also, some found the dungeon mechanics too simple. As the Western release is still some time away, there's a possibility that some improvements will be made by then.
- Monetization: Blue Protocol is Free-To-Play and sustains itself through a premium battle pass and a cash shop that primarily offers cosmetic and convenience items. However, many outfits can only be obtained through a gacha mechanic, even with real money. Since Amazon will be the publisher for us, there is a possibility that the monetization may be more player-friendly for Western audiences.
- Development Status and Release Date: As mentioned earlier, Blue Protocol is already available in Japan. The global release is scheduled for 2024, with no specific date confirmed yet. A closed beta will be held soon and you can sign up for it here.
ArchAge 2
- Developer: XL Games (Publisher: Kakao Games)
- Game Concept and More: First and foremost, there's still much we don't know. From what we can gather from the interview with the lead developer and the trailer, it features a medieval fantasy setting with action combat, including dodging and combo mechanics.
Popular features from ArcheAge, released in Korea in 2013, are set to be carried over and improved in ArcheAge 2, such as housing. You'll be able to live in a house with friends and guilds can construct entire cities. Furthermore, sea battles are planned and the trading system is expected to play a central role.
There will be various races, but we have no information yet about the class system. The story and the leveling process are going to be separated from each other and I'm genuinely curious to see how they plan to implement this. All of that will be running on Unreal Engine 5.
In general, the developers do not plan to cram every possible feature into the game but instead focus on specific features to ensure they are well-polished. So, quality over quantity. Sounds promising, doesn't it?
- Monetization: Hopefully, the developers will learn from their mistakes and avoid the pay-to-win issues that affected ArcheAge. However, there are no specific details about the monetization yet.
- Development Status and Release Date: Since the announcement is relatively recent, testing phases are not available at this time. That also means we don't have a release date yet. However, after watching the trailer, you can get a better idea of what to expect.
These were the upcoming MMOs for 2024 that we are very excited about. The list will be updated regularly, so check back from time to time if you want to stay up to date on these MMOs.