5 MMOs You Should Play Before Chrono Odyssey

There still remains doubt about when exactly Chrono Odyssey will hit the market. For now, the next-gen MMO is presumed to release sometime in 2023. However, that can still change with the way game releases often undergo delays. Nevertheless, anticipation continues to build up, thanks to a recent trailer reveal that completely blew the MMO RPG roof off. For an everyday RPG, it would come as no surprise to showcase the power of the Unreal Engine 5 in such impeccable glory. However, for an “MMO” RPG, that changes things because they’ve not always held their ground as far as graphic appeal is concerned. 

Developers often direct all resources toward gameplay and sustaining the multitude of servers needed to run the game. On the other hand, from the trailer, Chrono Odyssey looks astoundingly beautiful. It showcases a Western-style open world brimming with magic and wonder. Day and night cycles shine in their own right while the world submits to an ever-evolving spree of changing seasons. If the actual game looks this good, Chrono Odyssey will turn the tides on MMOs for good. But before a concrete release date is set, perhaps you want to keep yourself busy with games of the same caliber. Well, check out these MMOs you should play before Chrono Odyssey to get started.

5. New World

Released in 2021, New World is an Amazon baby that gradually builds up tension until the last bits of the game. All along, it feels like a rewarding journey to craft new weapons and equipment and explore the depths of the magical island of Aeternum from quest to quest. Lots of danger and magic lurk in the corners, with brushes of colonial and old-world pioneers highlighting your path.

Unfortunately, New World fails to sustain its hype from launch. The combat is largely the same, and it seems to struggle with securing its identity in the MMO world. It can feel like a single-player crafting adventure, which is perhaps not the perfect way to claim flagship status as an MMO. 

Currently, the daily player count has drastically dropped to thousands from a previous boom and bust at launch. Still, there’s genuine fun here worth exploring, even if for a short while in anticipation of Chrono Odyssey.

4. Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 has won many awards since its release in 2022. It’s a free-to-play MMO RPG that combines fast-paced action combat, deep character customization, and immersive adventures into one experience. Kicking it off with the open world is an absolute sight to see. The landscapes look vibrant and free to roam around in. In fact, you’ll find yourself constantly getting a nudge to explore as far as you can.

Journeying into Guild Wars 2 is never a solo experience. You’ll either meet a diverse cast of interesting characters along the way or make friends with the more than 17 million players, the highest so far in the MMO world. In addition to a refreshing cast, you constantly experience ever-changing environments, and the immersive stories don’t shy away from throwing unexpected twists and turns. It’s a world so expansive, with equally tons of customization options, skills, classes, and plenty more to keep you on your toes and engaged throughout your time here.

3. World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft is no stranger to MMO fans. Since its inception in 2004, online players have constantly returned to the world of Azeroth to pick up where they left off. Despite the many years World of Warcraft has graced us with its presence, it still remains popular among fans thanks to its boundless world of magic and uncapped adventures. Each player jumps into World of Warcraft as a hero destined to fight against powerful monsters, scour dangerous dungeons, and defend Azeroth from all harm. 

If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry. World of Warcraft adopts a steady pace. You slowly start to learn new skills as you get familiar with the lay of the land. Battles start easy, too, slowly building in difficulty as you progress. By the time you get to the first dungeon, it starts to feel like home. Plus, all the skills you pick up will prove useful down the line. Will you fight for the Horde or the Alliance? The choice is yours.

2. The Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls was so good that there had to be an MMO set within the Elder Scrolls universe. You’re free to do anything you please here, whether it’s exploring the rich, living world of Tamriel or uncovering the ever-expanding gripping story. You can craft, steal, explore, or battle in your special kind of way. There are no set linearities to stick to or a timer that hovers over you.   

With the overwhelming content The Elder Scrolls Online provides, it could take whole years of exploring every nook and cranny, and even then, you may never discover everything The Elder Scrolls has to offer. After all, Elder Scrolls Online is described as a persistent and limitless adventure for a good reason.

1. Final Fantasy XIV

Released in 2010, Final Fantasy XIV remains an impeccable MMO to date. It hasn’t lost its charm, with millions of players still jumping in on a daily basis. As the Warrior of Light, it’s up to you to defend the realm and deliver it from doom. There are up to 60 levels, though you’re still free to continue playing past that, although you won’t gain additional skills. 

If you want to clear as many levels as possible in a day, feel free to do so, as there are no restrictions on playtime. Rest assured, all of the cogs that make Final Fantasy XIV run smoothly, from the mechanics to the story mode to the graphics to the soundtrack, will keep surprising you and giving you goosebumps for days.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with the MMOs you should play before Chrono Odyssey? Are there more MMOs like Chrono Odyssey we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here.