There isn’t much going on in the ARPG world come 2018 in terms of releases that we know of. Therefore, here are 5 of what we consider to be the most fun ARPGs from 2017 that will have a better year (we hope!) ahead. These are MMOs, Co-ops and MOBAS thrown in all together.

#1 Path of Exile

Path of Exile remains of the best ARPGs out there in terms of gameplay. It stands toe to toe with Blizzard’s Diablo 3, but with more to offer considering it’s buy-in price. The combat is satisfying, and there’s so many good updates added to the game that makes it all the more worthwhile. Somehow, deep down I really wished PoE was an MMO. Not meaning a grindier game, but the ability to play with more friends and do larger group content. Either way, for a single player game, Path of Exile is a must play if you love ARPGs.

#2 MU Legend

While PoE might not be an ARPG MMO, MU Legend certainly is. The follow up to MU Online is a vast, open MU world with lots of hack and slashing to be done. It takes plenty of inspiration from Diablo 3 aesthetically, but could not be farther from it when it comes to content. You can expect a decent lighthearted story, lots of Rift dungeons to do either solo or with a guild and more. The MMO layer is pretty prevalent, which also means there’s a cash shop. Worry not, the best items still only drops in-game, so everyone has a fair shot. The PvP is also pretty fun, so if you want a free to play ARPG MMO, check out MU Legend.

#3 Albion Online

Albion Online only released in July of 2017, and it’s one of the most talked about sandbox games of the year. This MMO ARPG offers a lot of nostalgia for players coming from games such as Runescape and Everquest. It probably has the worst graphics out of all on this list, but makes up for it with its huge online community in a persistent world. Guild vs Guild PvP is the main attraction, as is the required grind. Players are penalized upon death with their loot being taken in PvP zones, so there’s a real risk and reward element to the gameplay. You can either be a bandit, or farm and craft your way to riches. If PvP and domination is your thing, then get a guild and rule in Albion Online.

#4 Master X Master (MXM)

Representing the MOBA genre is MXM. NCSOFT’s Master X Master is fun, fast paced and offers lots of fan service for players familiar with NCSOFT games. In true MOBA fashion, you can select a ton of hero characters from NCSOFT games to use in any of the PvP and PvE modes. There’s Rytlock from Guild Wars 2 for example, and hanging out in the main lobby you’ll hear themes such as Blade and Soul’s soundtrack emitting from the jukebox. MXM offers a decent single player experience, but it’s all about the PvP modes. The learning curve is decent, and the crafting system ensures that progression is fair for all.

#5 Legends of Aria

For a more wholesome online experience, Legends of Aria could be your choice. Formerly known as Shards of Aria, the game has gone through a major overhaul. It’s got a living virtual world in which players can build the land around them with homes in addition to taming animals. There’s dungeon romps, PvP and open ended character development which makes this a top sandbox ARPG MMO. Legends of Aria is still in development, and to play the alpha you will need to pledge. Fortunately, the game is doing pretty OK so at least you know you’re investing in a decent game. Hopefully, 2018 will see its full release.

The post Top 5 Best Modern ARPG 2018 appeared first on Mmos World.

#1 Marvel Heroes – Sink or Swim

Superhero MMO-ARPG Marvel Heroes is in quite some trouble. Amid reports of Gazillion employees leaving, a controversial CEO at the helm and no new content in 2017, the next year could be crucial for the game’s survival. What’s gone so wrong? The studio has been tremendously silent on all fronts recently, which is not a good sign for any game. They’ve missed their usual Halloween event, and players are starting to wonder if this is the beginning of the end.

Hence, 2018 will be a huge year for Marvel Heroes, if they want to bounce back. Better communication between studio, community and players need to happen. On top of that and more importantly, the content needs to roll out fast and early next year, or it’s time shut shop and let Disney figure out something new.

#2 World of Warcraft – New Expansion/Classic Server

2018 will also be a huge year for Blizzard’s dearest title, World of Warcraft. The online world of Azeroth turns 14, and thanks to this year’s Blizzcon we have a very good idea of what to expect. Firstly, a brand new expansion is coming and it sounds great. Battle of Azeroth will be the seventh expansion, bringing with it a new level cap of 120. In addition, there’s going to be two new continents for both factions, 10 initial dungeons at release and plenty of changes to the gameplay.

Traditionally, a big expansion release would have been good enough for Blizzard to kick back and enjoy the rest of the year. Not 2018 though, as they have raised the bar higher. The studio also announced that they are working on World of Warcraft: Classic. Players will be able to experience the MMO as it was in 2004, before any of the expansions. If Classic comes out in 2018 alongside the expansion, this could be Blizzard’s best year ever.

#3 Secret World Legends – Brand New Content After 5 years

This year we said goodbye to The Secret World, and welcomed its successor in Secret World Legends. Its essentially the same game on the same engine telling the same story, albeit with new combat mechanics and stuff. And that’s one reason to keep your eyes peeled on Funcom’s cult thrilling MMORPG.

Since its launch in 2012 to the relaunch this year, its been using rehashed content. The stories and quests have all been done before, which is why 2018 will be exciting for SWL players. There’s a promise of Season 2, which will feature an entirely brand new continent to explore on top of new stories. And considering how good the story actually is, we hope the new content arrives early in the year.

#4 Guild Wars 2 – Living World Season 4

Guild Wars 2 has had a great 2017. This year so the wrap up of its Living World Season 3, which introduced a bunch of story content. It also set up the game’s main villain, the fiery god Balthazaar for the Path of Fire expansion that was released in September. What an expansion it was too – it’s got everything from new huge maps to explore, in addition to mounts which drastically changes the way players enjoyed the gameplay.

Guild Wars 2 will now have to follow that up in 2018 by keeping the ball rolling. One of the game’s criticisms is that developers ArenaNet takes too long to put out new content. However, whenever Living World Season 4 arrives, it will be worth the wait. It will continue the story of the Hero now facing a graver danger in the form of the dragon Kralkatoric, and who knows, what other new content awaits that makes use of new systems such as mounts? Only 2018 has the answers.

#5 The Elder Scrolls Online – Expect the unexpected

The last pick was between Star Wars the Old Republic and The Elder Scrolls Online, and after some consideration, we’re going with the latter. ESO has had a much better 2017 – Homesteads, Morrowind, Horns of the Reach and The Clockwork City – all excellent updates that added so much to the MMORPG for PvE and PvP. In contrast, SWTOR just can’t keep up.

In light of that, ESO’s 2018 looks incredibly promising. There’s talk of adventures taking place in more historic locations within the Elder Scrolls catalog for the next DLC. What’s more is that we don’t exactly know how many content updates Zenimax has in store for players. And that unpredictability makes ESO a super exciting prospect to keep an eye on in 2018.

Which one of the titles on our list of 2018 Top 5 Best MMORPGs do you think will be the best? please share your thoughts

The post 2018 Top 5 Best MMORPGs To Watch appeared first on Mmos World.