RuneScape has been a benchmark for MMORPGs since its launch, luring millions into its expansive worlds and dynamic economy. Its simplicity and depth created a global phenomenon. Yet, even devoted players sometimes seek something different—a fresh challenge, or perhaps just a modern twist.
The appeal of mobile games like RuneScape isn’t surprising. With over 1.5 billion MMORPG accounts worldwide and the mobile gaming market projected to grow at a 6.39% CAGR from 2024 to 2027, reaching $118.90 billion by 2027, players now want familiar mechanics that fit modern lifestyles. RuneScape still holds its charm, but the demand for innovation is undeniable.
This shift opens opportunities for creators. A bespoke mobile app development company like AppVerticals can help translate ideas into compelling games. We specialize in developing MMORPGs that capture RuneScape’s spirit while introducing fresh features.
In this blog, we’ll check out the eight RuneScape-like games. Each game offers its own take on the classic formula, proving the genre’s enduring appeal.
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Schedule Your Growth Call!The 8 Best Games Like RuneScape [Quick Overview]
Looking for games like Old School RuneScape? Here are eight alternatives offering unique experiences while staying true to the MMORPG spirit:
1. World of Warcraft (WoW): Complete quests, join raids, and explore one of the largest online game worlds.
2. Elder Scrolls Online (ESO): Play in a detailed universe where your decisions impact the story and gameplay.
3. Guild Wars 2 (GW2): Take part in a dynamic world that reacts to player actions and group events.
4. Albion Online: Build, trade, and fight in a player-driven economy with open-world PvP.
5. Black Desert Online: Experience action-heavy combat and a rich, open world without traditional MMORPG limits.
6. Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV): Follow a tightly woven story with cooperative gameplay and ongoing updates.
7. Lost Ark: Combine fast-paced combat with traditional MMORPG exploration and dungeons.
8. The Elder Scrolls: Blades (Mobile): Play a streamlined Elder Scrolls game designed for mobile with RPG elements.
The 8 Best Games Like RuneScape [In-Depth Exploration]
We’ve assembled eight incredible MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) that offer unique experiences sure to reignite your love for the genre.
1. World of Warcraft (WoW): The Granddaddy of MMORPGs (2004, Blizzard Entertainment)
WoW needs no introduction. It’s the game that defined the MMORPG genre, boasting over 100 million players at its peak. Stepping into Azeroth in 2024 means joining a vibrant world brimming with lore, iconic races like Orcs and Elves to choose from, and a plethora of classes to master, from the sword-wielding Warrior to the spellcasting Mage.
Feeling nostalgic for games like RuneScape? WoW offers a more traditional theme park MMO experience with instanced dungeons and raids. There’s a vast open world to explore, filled with quests, challenges, and a sense of community that’s hard to beat.
Unique Features
WoW stands out for its long-standing legacy, a massive player base fostering a vibrant community, and regular content updates that keep the experience fresh.
Visual Appeal
Imagine towering mountains, bustling cities teeming with players, and fantastical creatures to battle. WoW’s visuals might not be cutting-edge, but the art style holds a certain charm that’s captivated millions.
Are Games like WOW Similar to RuneScape?
If you enjoyed RuneScape’s focus on character progression, exploration, and skilling, games like WoW (one of the best games like RuneScape 2024 in our list) offers a similar experience with a more structured group content approach. This makes it a great choice for fans of best offline iOS games seeking a rich online MMORPG world to delve into.
2. Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) (2014, ZeniMax Online Studios)
Tamriel, the legendary continent from The Elder Scrolls series, beckons in ESO. Released in 2014, this MMORPG lets you explore every corner of this massive world, from the snow-capped peaks of Skyrim to the vibrant jungles of Elsweyr.
Unlike WoW, ESO offers a more open-ended, “go-at-your-own-pace” experience. You can delve into the main story, embark on countless side quests, or lose yourself in the beauty of the world. Character customization is top-notch, allowing you to forge your unique hero with a flexible combat system that adapts to your playstyle.
Unique Features
ESO boasts a massive world filled with familiar locations from The Elder Scrolls series, allowing you to explore iconic places like Skyrim and Morrowind. Additionally, the flexible combat system adapts to your playstyle, offering a taste of action combat while retaining MMORPG elements.
Visual Appeal
Immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to vibrant jungles reminiscent of the diverse environments found in RuneScape. ESO boasts breathtaking visuals that bring the world of The Elder Scrolls to life in a way that would make any adventurer yearn to explore.
Is It One of the Games Similar to RuneScape?
If you enjoyed RuneScape’s open-world exploration, focus on lore, and the ability to progress through diverse activities, ESO (2nd in the list of online games like RuneScape) offers a similar experience within the beloved Elder Scrolls universe.
3. Guild Wars 2 (GW2) (2012, ArenaNet)
Guild Wars 2 (GW2) throws you right into the action! Released in 2012, GW2 offers a dynamic and fast-paced combat system where you dodge attacks, unleash skills, and strategize on the fly.
Unlike some MMORPGs with subscriptions, GW2 uses a buy-to-play model with optional expansions, allowing players to jump in without a monthly commitment.
Unique Features
GW2 features dynamic events that pop up all over the world, offering opportunities for group battles, resource gathering, and exploration. This keeps the world feeling alive and provides constant opportunities for adventure. Additionally, GW2 focuses on “horizontal progression,” where you unlock new ways to play your character instead of just chasing ever-increasing gear stats.
Visual Appeal
GW2 boasts a vibrant and colorful world, with stunning landscapes ranging from snow-capped mountains to lush forests. The art style is distinct and visually appealing, creating a truly immersive experience.
Is It One of the Games like RuneScape?
If you enjoyed RuneScape’s action-oriented combat, focus on player skill, and the ability to customize your character’s playstyle, GW2 (3rd best game similar to runescape) offers a similar experience with a more dynamic and fast-paced approach.
4. Albion Online (2017, Sandbox Interactive GmbH)
If you crave a truly player-driven experience, then Albion Online will throw you headfirst into a harsh but rewarding sandbox world. Unlike many MMORPGs, Albion features a completely player-driven economy. You’ll gather resources, craft items, and trade with other players to make your mark on the world. The world itself is divided into various biomes, each offering unique resources and challenges.
But beware, Albion features full loot PvP (Player vs Player) in open-world zones. So, if you’re looking for a relaxing experience, there might be a better game for you. However, for those who thrive on competition and building empires, Albion Online offers an unparalleled level of freedom and player agency.
Unique Features
Albion’s player-driven economy allows you to become a master crafter, trader, or even a fearsome warrior, shaping the in-game world through your actions. It’s a true sandbox experience with endless possibilities for those who enjoy forging their path.
Visual Appeal
Albion Online features a top-down isometric perspective with a charming, almost hand-drawn art style. The world itself is vibrant and diverse, with distinct biomes and player-built structures adding a layer of personality.
Is It One of the Games like RuneScape?
If you enjoyed RuneScape’s player-driven economy, focus on crafting and resource gathering, and the sense of risk and reward in open-world PvP, games like Albion Online (4th best game in the games similar to RuneScape) offers a similar experience with a more hardcore and player-driven approach.
5. Black Desert Online (2014, Pearl Abyss)
Prepare to be amazed! Black Desert Online (released in 2014) boasts some of the most stunning visuals in any MMORPG. Imagine exploring vast and detailed environments with weather effects that make you feel like you’re truly in that world – a step up from the blocky graphics of RuneScape.
Combat is another highlight, offering a fast-paced and action-oriented experience. You’ll chain together combos, dodge attacks, and unleash powerful skills to take down enemies, similar to the action combat you might have enjoyed in RuneScape.
Black Desert Online also features a robust life skill system, allowing you to become a master fisher, horse breeder, or even a skilled trader. While the game uses a buy-to-play model with optional purchases, some players have expressed concerns about the impact these purchases can have on character progression.
Unique Features
Black Desert Online goes beyond just fighting monsters. You can delve into professions like horse breeding, fishing, or trading, creating a truly unique experience within the MMORPG genre.
Visual Appeal
Black Desert Online sets a new standard for MMORPG visuals. Prepare to be awestruck by the detailed environments, weather effects, and character customization options that far surpass anything you might have seen in RuneScape.
Is It One of the Games like RuneScape?
If you enjoyed RuneScape’s focus on skilling and resource gathering, the thrill of challenging combat encounters, and the ability to pursue non-combat professions, Black Desert Online (5th in the list of games similar to runescape) offers a similar experience with breathtaking visuals and a deeper life skill system.
6. Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) (2010, Square Enix)
Ever dream of being the hero in a grand story? Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), released in 2010, delivers an epic narrative that unfolds over numerous expansions.
FFXIV offers a rich storyline that feels like playing through a massive Final Fantasy adventure. You’ll forge relationships with memorable characters, make impactful choices, and witness a story that rivals some single-player RPGs.
FFXIV also features a diverse range of classes to choose from, each with its unique playstyle.
Unique Features
FFXIV is known for its award-winning story that keeps players engaged for years. The game also boasts regular content updates, ensuring there’s always something new to experience.
Visual Appeal
FFXIV boasts a beautiful and whimsical art style, with vibrant environments and character designs that capture the essence of the Final Fantasy franchise. While not as graphically demanding as some other options, the art style creates a charming and immersive world.
Is It One of the Games like RuneScape?
If you enjoyed RuneScape’s focus on character progression through quests and exploration, the ability to choose from diverse character classes, and a strong sense of community within the game, FFXIV (6th in the list of the best single-player games like RuneScape online) offers a similar experience with a rich story and a focus on narrative.
Also read: cost to make a video game
7. Lost Ark (2019, Smilegate RPG)
Calling all action RPG fans! Lost Ark, released in 2019, brings the genre to the MMORPG scene with its exciting top-down isometric perspective and fast-paced combat. Imagine controlling your character from above, battling hordes of enemies with unique skills and combos, similar to how you might have fought monsters in RuneScape. You’ll choose from various classes, each offering exciting abilities as you explore a vast and vibrant world filled with secrets and challenges.
Lost Ark puts a strong emphasis on exploration and discovery, with hidden dungeons, epic boss battles, and exciting things to find around every corner, just like you might have explored the vast world of RuneScape.
While the game is relatively new, it has already garnered a dedicated player base.
Unique Features
Lost Ark combines the action-packed combat of an RPG with the vast world and social aspects of an MMORPG, offering a unique experience for players who enjoy both genres.
Visual Appeal
Lost Ark boasts a beautiful and colorful art style with detailed environments and character animations. The isometric perspective creates a unique view of the world, perfect for strategic combat and exploration, similar to the top-down view you might be used to in RuneScape.
Is It One of the Games like RuneScape?
Lost Ark (7th in the list of games similar to runescape) offers a similar experience with a more action-oriented approach and a vibrant top-down perspective.
8. The Elder Scrolls: Blades (Mobile) (2019, Bethesda Softworks)
Not everyone has hours to dedicate to an MMORPG. If you’re looking for a more casual experience you can enjoy on the go, then The Elder Scrolls: Blades on mobile might be the perfect fit, released in 2019.
This single-player RPG with online elements lets you explore a handcrafted open world filled with quests, dungeons, and familiar lore from The Elder Scrolls universe, similar to how you might have explored a smaller area in RuneScape.
You’ll build and customize your town, craft powerful weapons and armor, and battle a variety of enemies. While Blades doesn’t offer the same level of social interaction as traditional MMORPGs, it’s a fantastic option for those who crave a bite-sized Elder Scrolls experience on their mobile devices.
Unique Features
It offers an Elder Scrolls adventure tailored perfectly for mobile devices. It allows you to explore and fight even when you’re on the go.
Visual Appeal
Blades features impressive visuals for a mobile game, with detailed environments, character models, and combat animations. The world itself captures the essence of The Elder Scrolls universe, making it a joy to explore, just like venturing into a smaller, more detailed area of RuneScape.
Is It One of the Games like RuneScape?
If you enjoyed RuneScape’s focus on questing and exploration in a familiar fantasy setting, the ability to play at your own pace, and having an engaging experience on mobile devices, The Elder Scrolls: Blades (8th best game in our list of games like RuneScape on mobile) offers a similar experience within the beloved Elder Scrolls universe on your phone.
Beyond the Chosen Few: A World of Possibilities Awaits (More Games Like RuneScape)
Our list focused on eight incredible MMORPGs, but the adventure doesn’t stop there! The MMORPG landscape is vast, offering something for everyone who enjoys old games like RuneScape. Let’s delve into a few other notable options you might find exciting, categorized by theme and core mechanics:
Fantasy Fans, Rejoice!
Everquest (1999, Daybreak Game Company)
Feeling nostalgic? This granddaddy of 3D MMORPGs offers a classic, group-oriented experience in a sprawling fantasy world, similar to the sense of community you might have found in RuneScape. If you love games like RuneScape, this will never disappoint you!
RuneScape Classic (2007, Jagex)
Take a trip down memory lane! Relive the original RuneScape experience with its iconic click-and-wait combat and deep skilling system, perfect for those who miss the charm of the early days.
The Secret World of Legends (2012, Perfect World Entertainment)
Calling all urban fantasy fans! This unique MMORPG throws you into a modern-day world filled with myths and legends, offering a distinct experience from the traditional fantasy setting found in RuneScape. It provides the fun similar games like RuneScape.
Sci-Fi Seekers, Look Up!
Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR) (2011, BioWare)
Immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe, forge your path as a Jedi or Sith, and experience a story-driven adventure with branching narratives, similar to how choices mattered in some quests within RuneScape.
EVE Online (2003, CCP Games)
This complex and player-driven sandbox MMORPG throws you into a vast and unforgiving galaxy, much like the open-world freedom you might have enjoyed in RuneScape. Build your spaceship, choose your profession, and forge your destiny among thousands of players.
Sandbox or Themepark? Choose Your Path!
The core mechanics of MMORPGs can be categorized as either sandbox or theme park:
Sandbox MMORPGs
Offer a high degree of freedom, player-driven economies, and open-ended gameplay. Examples like Albion Online and Black Desert Online offer a similar level of player agency compared to RuneScape’s open-world approach.
Themepark MMORPGs
Feature structured content like quests, dungeons, and raids. Examples on our list include World of Warcraft (WoW) and Guild Wars 2 (GW2). These offer a more guided experience, similar to how some areas in RuneScape had clear objectives.
Also read: How to make a mobile game!
Choosing Your Path: Charting Your Course in the Vast MMORPG Universe (games like RuneScape)
So, you’re ready to embark on your own epic MMORPG adventure, but with so many options, where do you begin? Don’t worry, adventurer; this guide will help you navigate the exciting world of MMORPGs and find the perfect fit for you (games like RuneScape)!
Know Your Preferences
Before diving in, take a moment to consider what kind of experience you seek. Do you crave heart-pounding combat and challenging boss battles? Perhaps exploration and uncovering hidden secrets are more your style. You may crave the social aspects of online gaming and building friendships with fellow adventurers.
Additionally, consider your preferred setting: a fantastical world filled with magic and mythical creatures or a futuristic universe brimming with spaceships and alien technology. Finally, think about your time commitment. Some MMORPGs require significant time investments, while others offer more casual experiences you can dip in and out of.
Trial and Error is Your Friend
With so many MMORPGs offering free-to-play options or trial versions, you don’t have to commit unquestioningly. Take advantage of these opportunities to test the waters and see if a game clicks. Experiment with different genres, combat styles, and social aspects to discover what ignites your passion for adventure.
Community Connection is Key
MMORPGs are vibrant online communities, and tapping into them can significantly enhance your experience. Guilds, groups of players who band together for adventures, offer camaraderie, support, and a sense of belonging. These communities can be invaluable resources for finding helpful advice, tackling challenging content, and simply having fun with fellow adventurers.
Also read: How to code a game!
Wrapping it Up!
We’ve explored eight incredible MMORPGs, each offering a unique experience. From the sprawling world of World of Warcraft (WoW) to the action-packed combat of Black Desert Online, there’s something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for, brave adventurer? Gear up, choose your path, and embark on your own epic MMORPG journey!
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