The genre of massively multiplayer online role-playing games has been existing for a few decades; it truly is one of largest and attracts a lot of people as players are able to take on the role of a significant character or hero to finish all evil. Though still making their presence strongly felt on the PC market, the gaming industry is also reaching for the mobile market now, as there are way more potential gamers and thus more opportunities in this emerging market due to the increasing number of users.
In order to populate this new mobile market, the industry takes different approaches, with developers either entirely focusing on the new market or just branching out onto it, while there are also some all-new companies which are exclusively founded for that reason. There furthermore is quite a number of indie developers who produce software for these new type of users. There is a continuous stream of new titles being released, as this market is pretty flexible and easy to enter for new developers.
There are 2 main operating systems the stores of which cover more than 95% of these new gaming applications; one of them, however, is distinguishing itself with its toolbox for developers as well as its solidity and straightforwardness in regards to creating and uploading software. You may have already figured it out but we’re going to mention it nonetheless: iOS.
We therefore surfed the net, looking for the most interesting iOS compatible MMORPG titles to give them a try and compile a list of those that are, at least in our opinion, the best free-to-play MMORPGs on the iOS market.
Tribal Wars, a sequel to which, Tribal Wars 2, is in development, has been available for browsers for quite a while now; the game is tremendously successful and very respectable. In addition to the mobility factor, the game’s mobile game grants players the same options as the PC version.
This medieval management title tasks players to evolve their settlement into a huge, flourishing town and set up a powerful military force to conquer their opponents. They are able to research technologies, construct and upgrade structures and enlarge their territory.
The MMO features both PvP and PvE elements, although primarily focusing on conflicts between single players and groups of players banded together in tribes to help each other and defend themselves.
Running on iPhones and iPads alike, Avabel Online just hit iTunes and is already rocking it. With its gorgeous graphics, the game has content for all tastes to offer, from solo to multiplayer PvE and PvP arenas.
The MMO delivers solid and polished gameplay, allowing up to 1,000 players at once to fight each other in real-time, which, if you stop for a while and think about it, just seems incredibly insane for a mobile title. It regularly receives updates that add new content, events and more to keep players engaged and prevent from boredom.
Built to be played online and therefore strongly focusing on cooperative gameplay as well as player vs. player conflicts, Grepolis is another browser game trying to conquer the mobile market. The title distinguishes itself from the majority of competitors though, as players slip into the role of a Greek god and lead their own faction against other gods and their followers.
The game features the common management mechanics with a twist as their status of a god allows players to use some tricks and affect the pace of development or the outcome of battles by summoning powerful monsters and other creatures from beyond. In addition, users may help each other in defending their territories or destroying their common foe to acquire the latter’s lands.
A colourful pixelated success on PC, the 2D sandbox game Terraria has been adapted to the mobile format. With its intuitive and easy to handle touch screen controls, the game is even more fun now that it can be played on your couch.
You will set out to collect resources to construct a base, a shelter, or simply anything you are in the mood of constructing, craft new gear from a multitude of available materials and sooner or later destroy some bosses roaming the entire map.
The map is generated when players first create their world to play in, ensuring that it will run smoothly on their device from beginning to end and allowing them to play solo or with friends on the same world.
Though not on iTunes yet, we already had the chance to play Dawn of the Immortals and couldn’t but put it on this list. We simply had to let you know about this amazing game, which will be available for download soon, its high-quality graphics and responsive controls.
As this is an action MMORPG, great controls are the key to success, but it of course also offers the common features players expect from MMO games, such as instances, bosses, PvP competitions, group content, and so on.
Star Legends has been available for a few months now and got decent reviews, but the most important thing to mention is that it’s a sci-fi MMO which is quite hard to find these days. Featuring the same elements as its predecessor Arcane Legends and everything players can expect from an MMORPG, this title revolves all around high-tech gear and lasers.
In addition to multiple social mechanics to find your friends and play with them at any given time, it also offers solo and group content to enjoy at times when you only have a couple of minutes or are unable to get involved too much. Its cartoon -styled graphics run smoothly on iPhones and iPads.
The game also offers a premium currency to allow players to purchase cosmetic items and save time during the process of advancing their character.
Since launching on iTunes a few months ago, SevenSwords has been warmly welcomed by the community. This MMORPG features action controls and allows players to choose from 4 classes to join their friends and allies in large-scale PvP battles with up to 120 players involved.
And in case players prefer just burning through PvE content in a party, the MMO offers a variety of options as well. Enter hazardous caverns and crush giant bosses to gain experience, levels and enhance your character by acquiring new weapons and gear.
For the rare occasions when you can’t avoid logging in, a password manager is a saviour.