The best alternative to World of Warcraft depends on what you want to keep: a long story, a world to explore, console access, or slow, open-ended character progression. Beebom’s list of 15 games was marked “Updated: December 20, 2021” and framed as picks for 2022; it is a historical recommendation list, not a freshly tested ranking. Here’s how to use its selections to find a closer fit today, with current comparison guides offering context on several distinct play styles.
Which kind of WoW experience are you looking for?
“Like WoW” can mean very different things. You might want a large shared world and group challenges, but prefer a more prominent solo story; you might care more about exploration, console play, or a slower sandbox than about following the same progression loop. Start with that preference rather than assuming the games are interchangeable.
- Story and characters: Consider Final Fantasy XIV or Star Wars: The Old Republic.
- Exploration and dynamic world events: Look at Guild Wars 2.
- Tamriel and console play: Consider The Elder Scrolls Online.
- Slower, sandbox-style progression: Consider Old School RuneScape.
Those are comparison starting points, not a claim that every game on the historical list is currently available or supported in every region. Check the publisher or platform storefront for a specific game’s live-service status, supported platforms, and current terms before committing.
Five strong alternatives, matched to different priorities
Final Fantasy XIV: a story-first MMO with group challenges
Final Fantasy XIV is a natural place to start if you want a substantial solo narrative as well as raids and group trials. It’s the clearest match here for players who want story progression to sit alongside familiar MMO group activities, rather than treating the world chiefly as a setting for open-ended grinding.
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Guild Wars 2: exploration and events over a subscription-led rhythm
Guild Wars 2 puts emphasis on exploring regions and joining open-world events, with action-based combat. PC Gamer describes its PC business model as buy-to-play, a useful contrast for players who do not want the subscription-led pattern associated with some MMOs. Pricing and access terms can change; check the game’s current official listing before deciding.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel, quests, and console options
The Elder Scrolls Online is a strong choice if the appeal is exploring Tamriel and following story-led quests, or if you want an MMO with console editions. GameSpot lists PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. Its guide says the game does not support cross-play or cross-progression between platforms, so friends should confirm they are choosing compatible versions before buying or starting.
Rank #2
![Blizzard Entertainment - Wolrd of Warcraft 60 Days of Game Time [eGift Card] - $29.99](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41QpeBx10wL._SL160_.jpg)
- Azeroth Awaits! Join millions of players and enter a world of myth, magic, and endless adventure.
- With a single game time purchase you can access World of Warcraft and WoW Classic, including 20th Anniversary Edition, Cataclysm Classic, Season of Discovery, and Hardcore Realms.
- Embark on your epic adventure in Azeroth for 60 days with this pre-paid game timecard.
- Simply enter your code at battle.net/code then assign this game time to any new or existing World of Warcraft account to keep the adventures going. No game purchase required.
- Includes access to World of Warcraft and WOW Classic. The most recent modern WOW expansion is sold separately.
GameSpot describes the payment model as a base game with optional paid expansions and a subscription option. That description is not a guarantee of today’s prices or package contents: check the official store for your platform and region. If you are shopping specifically for a console copy, make sure the listing says The Elder Scrolls Online for your platform and identifies the edition and physical or digital format you want.
Star Wars: The Old Republic: class stories in the Star Wars universe
Star Wars: The Old Republic foregrounds class-specific stories and the Star Wars setting. It suits players who want their character’s narrative identity to shape the experience. A guide describes it as free-to-play with an optional subscription; confirm current access and subscription terms through the official game channels.
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Rank #3
- Master the Path of the Monk - Learn the mystic powers of the Monk, World of Warcraft's newest playable class. Destroy foes with the Windwalker's devastating attacks, replenish allies with the Mistweaver's spiritual energies, and shrug off enormous damage with the Brewmaster's unyielding strength.
- Battle to level 90 - Ascend to new heights of power as you explore the verdant reaches of the Jade Forest, war with the terrible Yaungol on Kun-Lai Summit, and unlock the secrets of the Mogu'shan Vaults.
- Unleash the Mighty Pandaren - Set out as a member of the enigmatic Pandaren -- World of Warcraft's first neutral race -- and join the ranks of either the Horde or Alliance as you enter the conflict brewing on Pandaria's shores.
- Discover a Lost Continent - Explore the ancient kingdoms of Pandaria and mount your defense against a newly awakened evil stirring in the continent's dark corners.
Old School RuneScape: a slower sandbox
Old School RuneScape is the outlier for players who want a more gradual, sandbox-oriented progression style rather than a close match to WoW’s presentation. Its slower pace is the point: choose it if you enjoy setting your own goals and building progress over time.
How the 15 games on the original list compare
Beebom’s December 2021 list, presented as “games to play in 2022,” named the following titles in this order. The order below preserves that historical list; it should not be read as a current ranking or confirmation of present availability.
Rank #4
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- Wield a mythic weapon
- Battle to level 110
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| Historical order | Game | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blade and Soul | The historical list’s selection; check current official availability and service status for your region. |
| 2 | TERA | The historical list’s selection; check current official availability and service status for your region. |
| 3 | Warframe | The historical list’s selection; check current official availability and service status for your region. |
| 4 | Final Fantasy XIV | Story-first play alongside raids and group trials. |
| 5 | The Elder Scrolls Online | Tamriel, story-led quests, and listed PC and console editions; no cross-play or cross-progression, according to GameSpot. |
| 6 | Rift | The historical list’s selection; check current official availability and service status for your region. |
| 7 | Path of Exile | The historical list’s selection; check current official availability and service status for your region. |
| 8 | Age of Conan | The historical list’s selection; check current official availability and service status for your region. |
| 9 | Guild Wars 2 | Open-world events and exploration; PC Gamer describes a buy-to-play model. |
| 10 | Neverwinter | The historical list’s selection; check current official availability and service status for your region. |
| 11 | Black Desert Online | The historical list’s selection; check current official availability and service status for your region. |
| 12 | Skyforge | The historical list’s selection; check current official availability and service status for your region. |
| 13 | Dragon Age: Inquisition | The historical list’s selection; treat it as a broader fantasy-RPG pick rather than assuming every entry shares the same MMO format. |
| 14 | Star Wars: The Old Republic | Class-specific stories and a Star Wars narrative; a guide describes free-to-play access with an optional subscription. |
| 15 | Destiny 2 | The historical list’s selection; check current official availability and service status for your region. |
The historical list mixes games with different formats and styles; it is not a promise that all 15 offer the same kind of persistent-world MMO experience. For entries without a detailed comparison above, the available current guide evidence does not establish their present service status, platform coverage, or business terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check platforms and payment terms before choosing
Platform fit can matter as much as genre. GameSpot lists The Elder Scrolls Online for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, but says there is no cross-play or cross-progression between platforms. If you plan to play with someone else, verify the exact platform combination rather than relying on the game’s name alone.
Best Value
Business models are not interchangeable, and even a previously accurate guide can go stale. The available guides describe Guild Wars 2 as buy-to-play on PC, The Elder Scrolls Online as a base game with optional paid expansions and a subscription option, and Star Wars: The Old Republic as free-to-play with an optional subscription. Treat those as guide descriptions, not current quotes: check official storefronts for the edition, region, and terms you intend to use.
Quick Recap
How to make a practical shortlist
- Pick your main priority. Choose story, exploration, console access, or sandbox progression before comparing individual features.
- Match the priority to a game. Start with Final Fantasy XIV or SWTOR for narrative, Guild Wars 2 for exploration and events, ESO for Tamriel and console options, or Old School RuneScape for slower sandbox play.
- Confirm who and where you will play. Check platform support and multiplayer compatibility for your own platform and any friends’ platforms.
- Check current access and cost. Use the official listing for your country and platform to verify service status, editions, and payment terms; historical list entries do not establish those details today.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
