5 Games Like RuneScape You Must Play If You Are A Fan Of MMORPG Video Games

Whenever we hear the word RuneScape, people of that generation can feel the nostalgic vibe. There may be several games like RuneScape, but it is considered one of the classic games. Launched in January 2001 by Jagex, Runescape is a widely known game around the globe in the MMORPG genre. It gives a virtual playground gaming experience with multiplayer fantasy characters. 

What are MMORPG Games?

MMORPG stands for Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game. These are a genre of video games that allow a large number of players to interact with each other in a virtual world. Here’s an overview of what MMORPG games are:

Key Characteristics of MMORPGs:

1. Massive Multiplayer Environment: MMORPGs support a large number of players online at the same time, often in the hundreds or even thousands. Players coexist and interact in a shared game world.
2. Role-Playing Elements: Players take on the roles of characters within the game, often controlling a specific avatar with customizable traits, such as appearance, abilities, and personality. These characters may have particular classes (e.g., warrior, mage, healer) that define their skills and strengths.
3. Persistent World: The game world continues to evolve even when the player is not logged in. Events, quests, and other activities continue to unfold, making the world dynamic and ever-changing.
4. Exploration and Questing: Players can explore vast virtual worlds, take on quests, and interact with non-playable characters (NPCs). Quests often help progress the story or provide rewards like experience points, in-game currency, or new abilities.
5. Social Interaction: MMORPGs often emphasize social interactions between players. This can include teaming up for quests, trading items, forming guilds, participating in player-versus-player (PvP) combat, or just chatting and socializing.
6. Character Progression: As players engage in the game, they earn experience points (XP), level up, and unlock new skills, items, and abilities, creating a sense of growth and accomplishment. Progression is often central to the gameplay experience.
7. In-Game Economy: Many MMORPGs feature in-game economies where players can trade, buy, and sell items. Some games have their own currency (gold, silver, etc.) that players can earn and spend on various goods.

Types of MMORPG Gameplay:

• PvE (Player vs Environment): Players compete to defeat AI-controlled enemies and complete quests.
• PvP (Player vs Player): Players compete against each other, either in structured arenas or open-world battles.
• Raids and Dungeons: Group activities where players take on challenging content for rewards.
• Crafting and Trading: Many MMORPGs feature systems where players can gather resources, craft items, and trade with others in the game world.

Overall, MMORPGs offer a combination of cooperative play, social interaction, character progression, and vast worlds. That eventually makes them highly engaging and long-lasting for players.

The Evolution Of MMORPG Games Like RuneScape

It was a whole classic aura of RuneSpace, as every other person was highly invested in playing it and building thousands of players at one time. Now, time flies, and things are changing, or you can say everything is evolving to be parallel with innovation. Games like RuneScape are still ruling the world and providing a similar experience with innovation. 

In this article, I will list 7 Games like RuneScape that can surely hit nostalgia but in a unique way. However, if you dream of building games like RuneScape, MMC Global is your partner in turning it into reality. We are a game app development company in US, UAE, Canada, and almost across the globe, with extensive experience. It means your dream is going to come true! Our like-minded team specializes in building gaming apps with the latest gaming engines like Unreal Engine game development, Unity Game Engine, Cry Engine, etc.

Well, let’s return to the topic and set everything aside. I want to share some games like RuneScape with you. We just sat with our team and figured out the list of games like RuneScape so that we could play together. So I realized why not share with our audience to rejuvenate their nostalgia vibe. In case those who didn’t play RuneSpace Classic can also join us in this exciting venture. 

Popular MMORPG Games: A Detailed Overview

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) have grown into one of the most popular genres in gaming. These games allow players to explore expansive virtual worlds, engage in complex social interactions, and immerse themselves in rich stories and adventures. Below is a detailed look at some of the most popular MMORPGs, their features, and what makes them stand out in gaming.

World of Warcraft (WoW)

In the list of games like RuneScape, World of Warcraft (WoW) is arguably the most famous MMORPG of all time and remains a benchmark for the genre. Set in the rich, fantasy-filled world of Azeroth, the game allows players to choose from various races (such as Humans, Orcs, Elves, etc.) and classes (Warrior, Mage, Priest, etc.) to embark on quests, explore dungeons, and battle powerful enemies.

Key Features:

• Expansive World: WoW features a vast, ever-expanding world that has evolved over time with multiple expansions, such as The Burning Crusade, Wrath of the Lich King, and Shadowlands.
• PvE and PvP Content: Players can team up for dungeon raids or engage in PvP in battlegrounds and arenas.
• Character Customization: WoW offers deep customization of characters through talent trees, gear, professions, and abilities, allowing players to tailor their gameplay style.
• Endgame Raids and Content: WoW is known for its challenging endgame content, including high-level raids and world events requiring coordination between large players.

Why It Stands Out:

• WoW’s lore and world-building are incredibly detailed, offering an immersive experience. With millions of active players worldwide, It has become more than just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon that has continued to evolve through updates and expansions.

Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV)

Initially launched in 2010 and failing to meet expectations, Final Fantasy XIV was relaunched in 2013 as A Realm Reborn to critical acclaim and declared one of the games like RuneScape. Set in the world of Eorzea, the game features a deep storyline, stunning visuals, and extensive content updates.

Key Features:

• Epic Storytelling: FFXIV is renowned for its captivating narrative, especially the expansion packs, which continue to build on the world and characters.
• Class System: Players can switch between various classes without creating new characters, allowing them to experience different gameplay styles on the same avatar.
• Raids and Dungeons: Players can participate in large-scale raids, challenging dungeons, and multiplayer content that requires teamwork.
• Crafting and Gathering: Beyond combat, crafting as well as gathering play an essential role in the game, providing economic and creative outlets for players.

Why It Stands Out:

• FFXIV is often praised for its rich storylines like RuneSpace, community-focused gameplay, and impressive expansions, making it a standout MMORPG that appeals to solo players and groups.
• The game strongly emphasizes player interaction and community building, with in-game activities like player-run companies (guilds) and a robust player-driven economy.

The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)

Set in the same universe as the Elder Scrolls single-player games (like Skyrim and Oblivion), The Elder Scrolls Online lets players explore the continent of Tamriel in a massive, open-world MMORPG format. The game offers rich lore, open-world exploration, and both PvE and PvP elements like RuneScape.

Key Features:

• Rich Lore and Storytelling: Like other Elder Scrolls games, ESO features a deep and immersive world full of detailed history, factions, and quests.
• Flexible Class System: Players can customize their characters’ skills, choosing from multiple combat styles, magic abilities, and crafting skills, allowing for great flexibility.
• PvP in Cyrodiil: The game features large-scale PvP warfare, particularly in Cyrodiil, where players fight to control fortresses and territories in a 3-faction war.
• Expansions and DLCs: ESO regularly receives significant expansions, such as Morrowind, Summerset, and Blackwood, each introducing new zones, quests, and storylines.

Why It Stands Out:

• ESO’s focus on a seamless open-world experience allows players to explore the massive world of Tamriel solo or with others. Its connection to the Elder Scrolls franchise will enable fans to experience the world online.
• Furthermore, the combination of exploration, questing, and PvP offers a balance that suits casual players and hardcore adventurers.

Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 is known for its emphasis on dynamic events and flexible combat systems and is considered one of the games like RuneScape that actually matches the vibe. Unlike many traditional MMORPGs, it removes the “holy trinity” (tank, healer, DPS) in favour of more action-oriented combat, making it accessible and fun for solo and group play.

Key Features:

• Dynamic Events: Instead of static quests, Guild Wars 2 uses dynamic events that change based on players’ actions. It creates a world where events can succeed or fail depending on how players interact.
• No Subscription Fee: Unlike many MMORPGs, Guild Wars 2 uses a buy-to-play model with no monthly subscription fee, making it more accessible for players who don’t want recurring costs.
• Player Choice: Decisions made during events and storylines have real consequences, allowing players to influence the world around them.
• Structured PvP and WvW: Guild Wars 2 features various PvP options, including structured PvP (1v1, 2v2, etc.) and World vs. World (WvW), where entire servers fight for control over territory.

Why It Stands Out:

• Guild Wars 2 is known for its dynamic event system, which keeps the world feeling alive and reactive. Additionally, the game’s unique combat system and lack of a subscription model make it a standout in the MMORPG space.

Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR)

Set in the Star Wars universe, Star Wars: The Old Republic is an MMORPG that combines deep role-playing elements with space combat, lightsaber duels, and galactic exploration. The game’s narrative and solid focus, led by BioWare’s reputation for storytelling, make it a standout in the MMORPG genre.

Key Features:

• Story-driven Gameplay: SWTOR is built around a rich story with fully voiced dialogue, giving players a cinematic experience while they explore the galaxy.
• Faction Choices: Players can be part of the Galactic Republic or the Sith Empire, with each faction offering unique quests and storylines.
• Companion System: Throughout the game, players can recruit companions who join them on their adventures and offer additional dialogue, quests, and combat support.
• PvP and Space Battles: SWTOR features large-scale PvP content as well as space battles, allowing players to engage in combat on the ground and in space.

Why It Stands Out:

• For fans of the Star Wars universe, SWTOR provides an immersive experience filled with lore and iconic characters. The game’s focus on narrative-driven content is a rare feature in the MMORPG genre.

What is the Cost Of Building a Game App like RuneScape?

The cost to build a game like RuneScape can vary greatly depending on several factors, including:

• Team Size and Expertise: A larger, more experienced team will naturally cost more, but they can also work more efficiently and produce a higher-quality product.
• Game Scope and Complexity: A game with a vast world, complex systems, and a deep storyline will require more development time and resources.  
• Art Style and Visuals: Realistic graphics and animations are more expensive to produce than simpler, stylized visuals.
• Technology and Tools: The choice of game engines, servers, and other tools can significantly impact the cost.
• Marketing and Launch Costs: Promoting the game and acquiring players can be a substantial expense.

Here’s a rough estimate:

A basic, simplified version of RuneScape could be developed for a few million dollars, with a smaller world and fewer features. However, you could easily be looking at tens of millions of dollars to create a game on par with the original RuneScape, with its vast world, deep lore, and constant updates.

Additional Considerations:

• Ongoing Costs: Even after the initial development costs, there are ongoing expenses like server maintenance, customer support, and updates.
• Monetization Strategy: How you plan to monetize the game (e.g., subscription fees, microtransactions, advertising) will also impact the overall cost and revenue.

It’s important to note that these are just estimates, and the actual cost can vary significantly.

To get a more accurate estimate, you should consult with game development studios or experts like MMC Global who can provide a detailed breakdown of costs based on your specific project requirements.

Ready To Build a Game Like RuneSpcape With MMC Global?

MMC Global is the top choice of game app development company in the US, completing a diverse range of gaming projects and delivering effective gamification marketing strategies. I know you might not believe it, but here is the link to our portfolio if you still have any doubts, let’s catch up on the call to go through our creativity, storylines, action, thrill, and much more that you expect to be in a single game development process. Moreover, we use state-of-the-art technologies to build ideal game leagues, particularly the Unity game engine, virtual reality, unreal engine, CryEngine, etc. We challenge that you have yet to encounter this much witty-minded and humorous game development team like us.

Let’s Sums up

• World of Warcraft (WoW): One of the most iconic MMORPGs, featuring a vast fantasy world filled with quests, raids, and player-versus-player content.
• Final Fantasy XIV: A critically acclaimed MMORPG known for its rich storytelling, beautiful visuals, and expansive world-building.
• The Elder Scrolls Online: Set in the Elder Scrolls universe, offers a mix of role-playing, exploration, and combat in a vast open world.
• Guild Wars 2: Known for its emphasis on dynamic events and player choice, emphasizing cooperation over competition.
• Star Wars: The Old Republic (SWTOR): An MMORPG set in the Star Wars universe, featuring deep storylines and choices that affect gameplay.

Each of these MMORPGs offers a unique experience, whether it’s the rich lore and expansive worlds of World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV, the dynamic events and combat in Guild Wars 2, or Star Wars: The Old Republic cinematic storytelling. What unites them is their ability to provide an immersive world where players can interact, cooperate, and explore vast virtual environments, making them some of the most beloved games in the genre. Whether you’re looking for intense PvP, epic PvE, or a world to get lost in, there is an MMORPG for every type of player.

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