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While PCs are the traditional domain of MMOs, the range of options available on Android means PCs are no longer the best place to play MMOs. Not only does Android boast ports of some of the best MMOs like Old School RuneScape, but it also is home to some fantastic original games.
Playing on a mobile device does mean that you don’t have access to the functionality of a keyboard and mouse. Thankfully, the developers of these MMOs have incorporated some nifty tricks to make each game a full-fledged MMO. Unfortunately, there are still plenty of cheap, pay-to-win games out there, so we’ve sifted through them to find the best games for Android for you. If you’re looking for a game with a focus on single-player, try one of the best RPGs for Android.
Old School RuneScape
Old School RuneScape for Android is a direct port of its PC counterpart. It offers the same experience but is tweaked for mobile gameplay. It’s point-and-click controls, combined with its simple yet addictive gameplay, make this MMO a smooth experience.
If you’re seeking cutting-edge graphics that can push your phone to its limits, go elsewhere; this is for those who are willing to overlook dated graphics and animations for an experience that never stops satisfying. Even if you do achieve what most don’t and manage to max out all your skills, you’ve still got the mountain that is Ironman to climb. Good luck.
DOFUS Touch
Like Old School RuneScape, DOFUS Touch is a port of a popular PC MMO. However, that’s where the similarities end. DOFUS Touch is a completely free game with a tactical turn-based combat system and a focus on creating player parties. While it does offer microtransactions, you can experience the majority of the game without them.
If you’re familiar with the PC version, you’ll notice that DOFUS Touch has noticeably less content. However, this doesn’t mean it’s lacking content compared to other games on this list. Play DOFUS Touch if you want an MMO that doesn’t rely on “click and wait” game mechanics.
MU Origin 3
MU Origin 3 isn’t a particularly innovative MMO, but it is one of the most spectacular. While the sheer amount of features can seem overwhelming at times, its balance of automatic and manual controls means things never get too grindy or become boring.
One thing that sets Mu Origin 3 apart from its competition is the combat system. It’s fast-paced, fluid, and easy to learn. Combat in MMOs tends to range from relaxing to boring, but MU Origin 3 keeps things lively at all times. Try it out if you want a modern game that doesn’t stray too far from the classic MMO formula.
Toram Online
Toram Online is a refreshingly open MMO that encourages exploration and customization. It doesn’t limit you to skill trees, and its world genuinely feels worth exploring. The graphics of Toram aren’t groundbreaking, but careful world design means you’ll regularly encounter beautiful panoramic vistas throughout your adventure.
Toram Online doesn’t shake up the classic MMO formula too much, but some unique features and smooth gameplay make it worth a shot.
Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds
Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds is the newest game on this list. Its MMO features are polished and smooth, but its graphics are what make this game shine. All the animation is produced by Studio Ghibli, and its expertise in creating lifelike characters shows.
This game offers a rich storyline and characters alongside stunning graphics. It’s a brilliant creation that shows just how good a mobile MMO can be. Play this to experience a modern, polished MMO that shouldn’t disappoint.
Adventure Quest 3D
Not all MMOs are meant to be eternal. If you’re looking for an MMO you can actually complete, give Adventure Quest a whirl. By playing a couple of hours every other day, you’ll reach the max level within a year. You won’t find large-scale PvP battles or massive questlines here; instead, you get a funny, straightforward and relaxed MMO.
Monetization isn’t a big part of this game either; like all MMOs, there are options to pay for various classes and cosmetics, but there aren’t any pay-to-win mechanics. So if you’re looking for a fun, casual MMO, or have never played an MMO before, this is an ideal start.
Eve Echoes
Eve Online, the enormous MMO for PC, has a reputation for being extraordinarily complex, packed with menus and lists that also serve as an accountant training program. Eve Echoes is the opposite.
Eve Echoes is a refreshing twist on the traditional MMO formula; rather than finding yourself plonked into another fantasy world full of Orcs and Elves, you’re given a starship and told, “Good luck!” It’s designed to be a sandbox from the ground up, so you won’t find yourself running into brick walls too often. It’s a fairly complex MMO, pretty much the polar opposite in every way to Adventure Quest, but unlike its bigger brother Eve Online, you won’t be needing spreadsheets.
However, for veterans of Eve Online, it’s hard to recommend. It cuts out a lot of features, that, while fantastic for the mobile gaming experience, will be sorely missed for those players. But for those who just want a fun space-themed MMO, this is a must-play
Black Desert Mobile
Players who care about graphics over all else have to give this a shot. Black Desert aims for an ultra-realistic appearance and gets it dead on. It’s an impressive-looking game and becomes even more impressive once you start playing.
Black Desert is pretty standard when it comes to MMO mechanics: You have your main quest, your side quests, a rather limited PvP mode, and various other bits and bobs that make for a decent attempt at an MMO.
What it does nail, however, is the presentation. It’s not just the static scenes that are pretty to look at. Combat is flashy and extravagant; you can’t help but feel a little impressed after the dust has settled. If Black Desert has one significant drawback, it’s that the graphics can be too detailed, and occasionally blur together into a confusing mess. But when it all pops together, it’s by far the most impressive-looking game on this list.
Maple Story
It might be hard to imagine a 2D side scroller being a fully-fledged MMO, but Maple Story wraps that up in a charming chibi-style package and presents it with a smile. I wholeheartedly recommend Maple Story to anyone even remotely interested in MMOs, as it’s rare that a game manages to be this cheerful, with enough content to keep you coming back for months on end.
Maple Story’s strength lies in the fact that it has just as much content as RunesScape or Albion, but is streamlined into a 2D package. This results in a game with less grinding or repetitive clicking, and more jumping around and whacking monsters.
Immerse Yourself in an Online World
The growing popularity and quality of mobile MMOs mean that they are no longer an amusing side quest to the main quest that is PC MMOs. There’s plenty of variety for all types of gamers, whether you like to min/max your character or explore quests. For more brilliant Android games, check out our roundup of the best games available.
UPDATE: 2022/07/01 9:00 EST BY Jon Gilbert
New games have been added to this roundup


