We’ve got a good collection of best 2D MMORPG which aren’t heavy on graphics and are wonderful to play. Most new releases in this genre tend to offer 3D visuals thanks to the improvements in 3D rendering directly on web browsers and new development technologies for standalone apps. But if you have a rather old PC or laptop, or you rather prefer basic graphics that still look good, there are plenty of options out there and we’ve picked the most enjoyable ones. So get ready to be transported to mystical worlds filled with endless things to do, loads of exploring and new people to meet as well as interact with online.
1. Realm of the Mad God:
Designed by Wild Shadow Studios, Realm of the Mad God is a free to play release which features 8-bit visuals for a retro-style appearance. Gameplay is pretty simple and there’s a leveling system implemented where you go all the way up to level 20. Controls and navigation aren’t exactly the same as your normal MMORPG. You can move your character around with the WASD keys and use the mouse to control shooting.
This Bullet Hell release has around 12 classes to offer and a lot of collectable items which include weapons, potions, armors and rings. You can even team up with others and dying means permanent death of the character. Real money micro-transactions are included, but are optional.
2. Grand Chase:
Next we have is a fantasy anime based MMO which offers side-scrolling gameplay and fighting elements. Grand Chase lets you choose between one of three characters at the start, while many more playable options will be available later on as you complete missions. Speaking of which, you can take part in individual missions, dungeon quests and even indulge in PvP combat. There are different gameplay modes as well.
Team battles are pretty self explanatory, while survival is a free for all kill zone where the last standing player wins. Winning battles will award you with experience points which help you level up and currency that can be used to purchase items to make your character stronger.
3. MapleStory:
MapleStory is a 2D side-scroller from Korean developer Wizet and it’s only available for specific locations across the globe. Set in the world of Maple, you start off with a training session where you can decide your character class which includes explorers, Cygnus knights, heroes and resistance, based on which, a specific path to journey on is assigned.
Additionally, there are subclasses which can be assigned for every branch. MapleStory also allows you to create multiple avatars in each world. The main goal here is to improve your skills and status by defeating monsters, earning experience and collecting items amongst others.
4. LaTale:
LaTale is yet another side-scrolling title with anime-style graphics. Here, you enter into a world filled with players from around the globe, where you can perform quests and even indulge in other activities. Each account receives three character slots as default and there’s a plethora of customization options available.
You can select from five classes, namely engineer, explorer, wizard, knight and warrior. The title lets you maintain pets which go through three stages, egg, baby and adult, and even take part in PvP battles. The game is free to play, but real-money purchases for items and equipment are accepted.
5. AdventureQuest Worlds:
AdventureQuest Worlds is one of the most enjoyable MMORPG you’ll find on the internet. Being a browser-based release, the title allows you to enter a vast world filled with monsters and quests. There are over 60 character classes to choose from and you’ll be able to team up with other players to fight monsters. Loot drops are provided to all participants and PvP combat is permitted in dueling arenas.
The storyline here isn’t exactly fixed. The developer advances the narrative each week by including new quests and activities. Additionally, side stories and occasional events also take place. The entire main story is accessible for free, but if you want to support the development, you can upgrade your account to gain access to many new features by shelling out cash.
6. Angels Online:
Angels Online is a game of love and revenge where the archangel Lucifer falls for a girl who’s already in love with another angle. He then separates them forever through transmutation and attempts to overthrow the reign of God. After being unsuccessful and banished to hell, he vows recent on the Garden of Eden. You start off as a little angle training to become a protector.
There are 14 classes available, each having 6 unique skills. On completion of training, you can choose between four factions where you’ll encounter monsters, receive quests and a lot to explore. The developer has also added pets and mini-games.
7. Heroes of The Realm:
Heroes of The Realm isn’t your normal MMORPG. This release also features side-scrolling gameplay with a good dose of card collecting and turn-based elements. You start off by creating a character from a pre-designed set of avatars which aren’t really customizable followed by a kingdom where you start off your journey. The title offers a large map where you’ll have to raise building like in RTS titles.
Cards are automatically added to your stack as you progress and there are over 350 different heroes to collect as well as enhancement cards that improve certain skills. Battles take place against AI and other players and creating strategies by different card formations is of key importance for earning victory.
Conclusion:
Most of the best 2D MMORPG on this list are available for free and while some are browser-based, other will need you to download a client or install as standalone.