8 Best Turn-Based MMORPGs (2024)

When you think of MMORPGs, the big ones come to mind, like Final Fantasy 14 and World of Warcraft. for example, each have familiar combat styles that involve managing your cooldowns. Yet, in the cracks of the gaming landscape, some MMOs decided they wanted to try something new.

These games, most being free to pick up and try out, decided that they were going to go back to the roots of RPGs and embrace the turn-based gameplay that people grew up and fell in love with. If you find yourself with some free time and want to play something outside of your box, you might want to give these a try.

8 Kingdom of Loathing

Release Year - 2003, Status - Active

At first glance, there is nothing that gives the inclination that Kingdom of Loathing is an MMO. It’s a web-based adventure, where you point and click through some surprisingly well-drawn stick figures. That feeling grows when you are coming from one of Asymmetric Publications’ other works, such as West of Loathing and Shadows over Loathing, both single-player games.

Once you open up the world of Kingdom of Loathing, however, you’ll find a thriving in-game community where you can in PvP, create or join clans, and a full-on active economy where you can buy or sell goods. There’s even a live convention that takes place every year.

7 Dofus

Release Year - 2004, Status - Active

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The oldest game of a trilogy of tactical MMOs from the developer Ankama Games, Dofus is a vibrant and frankly beautifully drawn world, which could give you a false sense of the game being ‘easy’ and rejectable. Once you get past the looks, you’ll find a deep game that offers you 19 unique classes to choose from.

As a new player, you are tasked to find the six dragon eggs hidden around the World of Twelve, aptly named for the 12 gods who created the world. As you enter battles, other players have the option of joining your fights, or, you can also engage in some good old-fashioned PvP, which given the type of game it is, creates unique fights you can enjoy.

6 Atlantica Online

Release Year - 2008, Status - Active

Upon release, Atlantica Online provided players with turn-based combat that scratched the itch for people into single-player versions of the genre, while opening the world up and creating a unique experience for fans of both types of RPGs. The fanbase was excited about the game, and for a while, it seemed idyllic to play.

Sadly, the formerly optional cash shop became the main focus, with players complaining that the game crept to pay-to-win over the years, making the game lose steam just as it was hitting its peak. There are still hopes that the game can grow from this, as the loyal fanbase that still plays believes, but only time will tell.

5 Waven

Release Year - 2023, Status - Active

The latest entry from Ankama Games, Waven, places you in the shoes of a pirate sailing the flooded world in hopes of finding fortunes and glory. Waven takes the best from games like Dofus and Wakfu, and puts a more humorous twist to the game. You choose from five different classes from the beginning and can play others as you expand on the game’s story.

In addition to the PvP and PvE experiences the previous games offer, Waven offers Island Defense, where you can protect your island from attackers, or if you’re feeling mischievous, you can attack other player’s islands for loot and resources.

4 Aether Story

Release Year - 2018 And 2022, Status - Early Access

Don’t let the fact that Aether Story is in early access deter you from trying the game out. The game’s retro 8-bit-like visuals are bright and almost comforting, if not for the world being destroyed by mysterious dark forces.

The combat is turn-based, resembling traditional RPGs, while utilizing a stamina system that is more like the old-school Mana games from Square. So, gather you and two of your best friends and ride off to explore the deepest of dungeons, or maybe save the world once the game is fully released.

3 Wakfu

Release Year - 2012, Status - Active

Ankama Games is on an impressive roll by going three for three in wonderful releases. Wakfu is the most popular of the three, so much so that an animated series was also produced and well received by fans of the game and inspired many fans of the show to give it a try.

The story’s timeline takes place 1000 years after the events of Dofus when an Ogre who slayed his love cries on top of the highest mountain until the start of Wakfu, where it was widely believed that he caused the world to flood. The story cuts pretty deep, despite the colorful and cute art style, so come prepared.

2 Pirate 101

Release Year - 2012, Status - Active

Being a pirate in a game is one thing, it’s cool and all, but familiar. Being a sky pirate and sailing between worlds, however? Now that doesn’t happen too often in games anymore. But, Pirate101 is doing it, and doing it well. There are seven worlds, so far, for you to explore and possibly save, and the combat takes place on a grid reminiscent of chess.

There is one glaring issue that holds this game from being in the top spot, as it’s often regarded as the better of the two 101 games: the rate of updates. A lot of the game’s fans feel as though the game doesn’t get the same love that its ‘older brother’ does, which is a shame.

1 Wizards 101

Release Year - 2008, Status Active

With at least 18 worlds to explore and 5 million total players, Wizard 101 it was destined to reach the top. You take your place as a student wizard of Earth sent to learn magic and protect the universe, known as Spiral in the game, from anyone who would want to harm it. From former teachers to an elderly spider.

In your downtime from being the Spiral’s protector, you’ll be able to play minigames, race on your flying broom, or play classic games like Doodle Dug (101’s rendition of Dig Dug) to pass the time, recharge your mana, and gain some gold with other items to boot. Just be aware, there’s a paywall for some of the other games and features.