VR has many potential applications, but perhaps one of the most exciting is its ability to immerse us in massive virtual worlds.
The potential of VR when it comes to MMORPGs has arguably not been fully realised yet, but developers are already starting to take advantage of the capabilities of VR to create massively multiplayer games with the tech in mind.
Many of these games are still on the horizon, but some are available right now. There aren’t a huge amount of VR MMORPG experiences to play at the moment, but we’d like to take some time to look at the ones that are worthwhile, as well as the ones on the horizon that warrant your attention.
Here, then, are the 10 best VR MMORPGs of 2023, whether they’re out right now or scheduled for release in the future!
1. Zenith: The Last City
When we’re talking about VR MMORPGs, it’s impossible not to mention Zenith: The Last City, an anime-inflected RPG available right now across PC VR headsets and PlayStation VR.
With action-RPG combat, a world inspired by the likes of Phantasy Star Online, and plenty of content to keep you occupied, Zenith: The Last City is well worth a look if you want the best VR MMORPG 2023 has to offer. Just don’t blame us if you never want to log out!
2. OrbusVR: Reborn
Available across PC VR devices and Quest headsets, OrbusVR: Reborn comes complete with eight different classes to choose from, so you can live out your fantasy MMO life however you choose.
It offers a massive world designed for room-scale VR, as well as tons of quests, social features, and even group-based dungeons and raids to work your way through. Of course, if you don’t feel like engaging in combat, you can kick back and enjoy some fishing or gathering as well, in true MMO style.
3. Final Fantasy XIV Flat2VR mod
Square Enix is famously rather averse to the concept of modding Final Fantasy XIV, but hopefully, this excellent-looking VR mod escapes the studio’s notice.
As the title suggests, the Flat2VR mod for Final Fantasy XIV allows you to experience Eorzea with six degrees of freedom-based VR technology. Imagine being able to see the full scale of Shinryu, or watching as Susano’s massive sword comes crashing down on your head!
4. Ilysia
At time of writing, Ilysia is scheduled for an October 2023 Early Access release, but it’s making many of the right noises when it comes to bringing the world of the MMO to VR.
The developers of Ilysia say they’re inspired by the “glory days” of the MMORPG; think mid-2000s World of Warcraft and you’re most of the way there. The game promises immersive combat, plenty of social features, and a huge world to explore and get lost in, which is, in the end, all we want from a VR MMORPG!
5. VRKraft
Unfortunately, this is where we enter the realms of the speculative, because it’s actually pretty tricky to build an entire MMORPG in VR, which means many developers are still in the early phases of their projects.
VRKraft looks like exactly the kind of immersive, pseudo-realistic MMORPG we want to see from VR, though. You can gather resources, build your own gear, and then take that gear into combat as one of several different classes. The game will even support PvP, so you can take on your friends in Domination or Capture the Flag games.
6. Elysium VR
If the aforementioned games skew just a little too far towards fantasy for you, then you’ll probably want to check out Elysium VR, which, unfortunately, still doesn’t have a release date.
The game is inspired by Grand Theft Auto Online, as well as simulation games, and has you inhabiting a real world in which you can drive vehicles, take up professions, and generally try to build a life for yourself. You won’t be slaying orcs or building magic swords here; instead, you’ll be driving taxis, chopping down trees, or hunting animals.
7. Arch Gate
Arch Gate’s big boast is what the developers term “roleplay as a service”. The idea is that the studio employs professional actors and game masters to roleplay within the game world for you, creating a stronger sense of immersion.
Of course, since the game is still in development at time of writing, we don’t know how well that’s going to work, but the description alone has us very interested. After all, what good is a VR MMORPG if nobody around you is willing to commit to actually living in that world?
8. God’s Domain
This project, which is currently in development over at Kasumi Games, looks characteristically ambitious. The idea, according to the blurb, is to create a “separate reality” through which you can escape from your daily life.
You’ll be able to engage in either co-operative or PvP gameplay, assist NPCs with a variety of quests, and gather crafting materials with which you can create your own equipment. God’s Domain doesn’t have a release date yet, but fans of VR MMOs should keep their eyes on it.
9. UnboundedVR
Unfortunately, it’s been a while since we’ve heard anything concrete from UnboundedVR, which is a shame because it looks like exactly the kind of project we’d like to get excited about.
We’re including it on this list because there aren’t too many VR MMORPGs in active development right now, and we desperately want this one to come together. It’ll offer rich character creation, a full day-night cycle, and a rather adorable blocky world in which to immerse yourself.
10. Rec Room
Last but not least, we’re being slightly cheeky by including this game here, because Rec Room isn’t technically a VR MMORPG; it’s more of a modular experience in which players can create their own fun games for everyone else to enjoy.
Still, Rec Room does rely rather heavily on its community to generate content, and it’s principally intended to be enjoyed as a VR experience, so we’re including it here anyway. If you’re looking for a game that recreates the experience of playing dodgeball in your school’s gymnasium, look no further than Rec Room.
FAQs
1. What is the potential of VR in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs)? VR has the potential to immerse players in massive virtual worlds, enhancing the MMORPG experience.
2. Are there currently any noteworthy VR MMORPGs available in 2023? Yes, there are VR MMORPGs available in 2023, and some are already accessible to players.
3. What is “Zenith: The Last City,” and what platforms is it available on? “Zenith: The Last City” is an anime-inspired VR MMORPG available on PC VR headsets and PlayStation VR, offering action-RPG combat and a vibrant virtual world.
4. What does “OrbusVR: Reborn” offer to players in terms of classes and gameplay experiences? “OrbusVR: Reborn” provides players with a choice of eight different classes and offers a vast VR world with quests, social features, and group-based activities, including dungeons and raids.
5. How does the “Final Fantasy XIV Flat2VR mod” enhance the VR experience in the game? The “Final Fantasy XIV Flat2VR mod” allows players to experience the game world with six degrees of freedom-based VR technology, offering a more immersive perspective.
6. What is “Ilysia,” and what kind of MMORPG experience does it aim to provide? “Ilysia” is an upcoming VR MMORPG scheduled for an October 2023 Early Access release. It is inspired by classic MMORPGs like mid-2000s “World of Warcraft” and promises immersive combat, social features, and a vast virtual world.
7. What features does “VRKraft” offer in the realm of VR MMORPGs, and what sets it apart? “VRKraft” is a speculative VR MMORPG that emphasizes immersive, pseudo-realistic gameplay, including resource gathering, crafting, and PvP combat, offering a unique experience in the VR MMORPG genre.
8. What is “Elysium VR,” and how does it differ from traditional fantasy-based MMORPGs? “Elysium VR” offers a virtual world inspired by simulation games and Grand Theft Auto Online, allowing players to engage in real-world activities like driving vehicles, professions, and more, rather than traditional fantasy elements.
9. How does “Arch Gate” aim to enhance immersion in the VR MMORPG experience? “Arch Gate” introduces “roleplay as a service,” where professional actors and game masters engage in roleplay within the game world, creating a deeper sense of immersion for players.
10. What do we know about “God’s Domain,” and what are its ambitious goals for the VR MMORPG genre? “God’s Domain” is an ambitious VR MMORPG project that aims to create a “separate reality” for players, offering cooperative and PvP gameplay, quests, crafting, and more. While it lacks a release date, it holds promise for VR MMO enthusiasts.
11. What can players expect from “UnboundedVR,” and what sets it apart from other VR MMORPGs? “UnboundedVR” is an intriguing VR MMORPG project offering rich character creation, a dynamic day-night cycle, and a unique blocky world for immersive experiences, although it has seen limited updates recently.
12. What is “Rec Room,” and how does it fit into the VR MMORPG landscape, despite not being a traditional MMORPG? “Rec Room” is a VR modular experience that allows players to create their own games and activities, fostering a community-driven environment, making it an unconventional yet noteworthy inclusion in the VR MMORPG scene.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of VR MMORPGs in 2023 offers an exciting glimpse into the future of online gaming. While this genre is still evolving, there are promising options available now and on the horizon that cater to diverse player preferences.
From the anime-inspired action of “Zenith: The Last City” to the immersive world of “OrbusVR: Reborn” and the creative possibilities of “Final Fantasy XIV Flat2VR mod,” VR MMORPG enthusiasts have much to explore. Upcoming titles like “Ilysia,” “VRKraft,” and “Elysium VR” aim to capture the essence of classic MMORPG experiences in virtual reality.
Furthermore, innovative concepts like “Arch Gate,” with its professional roleplaying elements, and “God’s Domain,” with its immersive gameplay, offer intriguing glimpses into the potential of VR as a gaming platform.
While some projects, like “UnboundedVR,” await further development, and unconventional titles like “Rec Room” foster community-driven experiences, the VR MMORPG landscape is evolving, promising more immersive and interactive gaming adventures in the years to come. VR enthusiasts can anticipate an exciting future as technology continues to advance, providing new possibilities for virtual worlds and social gaming experiences.
