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Games Like 'New World' to Play Next

Looking for a fuller MMO? Try these 10 games.
by Jon Bitner — 
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New World

Amazon Games

New World launched in September 2021, marking Amazon's first foray into the world of MMORPGs. It has you (and millions of other adventurers) exploring the mystical land of Aeternum. After shipwrecking on its shores, you'll set out to discover a secret hiding at the heart of the territory, joining factions, partaking in PvP, and exploring an ever-changing landscape along the way.

One of the best things about New World is the freedom it gives players to explore at their own pace. Whether you want to dive into quests or run around chopping trees, there's no wrong way to experience New World. Most activities come with their own progressions systems that generously reward you regardless of how you spend your time in Aeternum. Gathering resources and crafting are just as viable as heading out into PvE or PvP combat, and there's tons of money to be made using the player-driven Trading Posts.

When New World first launched, it pulled in millions of players and would go on to break some impressive records just days after launch. However, its community began to thin as adventurers reached endgame and were met with a limited amount of content and a growing number of bugs. That has slowly changed (thanks to frequent updates from Amazon), but some players might be seeking an MMO that's already flush with content. If you fall into that category, you'll be glad to know there's no shortage of incredible games that offer a similar experience.

Here are 10 games like New World to play next, listed by Metascore.


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World of Warcraft

Blizzard Entertainment

World of Warcraft (PC)

Metascore: 93
Best for: Fans seeking a classic MMORPG
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

World of Warcraft is often hailed as the best MMORPG ever made — and for good reason. Like most in the genre, you'll first customize a character, pick a class to play as, then embark on an epic journey that takes you to hundreds of unique biomes. What separates World of Warcraft from the competition, however, is the sheer amount of content and the incredible level of detail given to every inch of Azeroth. Diving into a raid, growing wealthy on the player-driven Auction House, or simply following a chain of quests are all viable ways to play, and you'd be hard-pressed to find an MMO that does it all better than this one.

"This is the best example of what a massively multiplayer online game can offer, and is highly recommended to anyone who simply enjoys playing games." — G4 TV


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Guild Wars

NCSoft

Guild Wars 2 (PC)

Metascore: 90
Best for: Fans of timeless visuals and action-based combat
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

Guild Wars 2 released over a decade ago, but still looks incredible thanks to colorful, stylized graphics. Many locations look like paintings come to life, with lush jungles, barren deserts, and sprawling metropolises making it easy to get lost in its vibrant world. Beyond good looks, Guild Wars 2 employs an action combat system that rewards fast-reflexes just as much as careful strategizing. Throw in plenty of PvP and PvE content — along with world events that bring together players from across the map — and it's easy to see why Guild Wars 2 continues to be popular.

"An explorative PvE packed with dynamic events, PvP competitive challenges, a new crafting system, and many more innovations make Guild Wars 2 an MMO for everyone." — Eurogamer Italy


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Old School RuneScape

Jagex Limited

Old School RuneScape (iOS)

Metascore: 87
Best for: Fans of simple gameplay with hidden complexity
Where to buy: App Store
Also available on: PC

Dismissing Old School RuneScape because of its graphics would be a mistake. It might not share the graphical appeal of New World, but its core gameplay philosophy is incredibly similar to Amazon's MMO. You're thrust into the world of Gielinor with almost no direction, and it's up to you to forge your own path. Become a blacksmith, fisherman, or deadly warrior — the game won't hold your hand, but it will give you the freedom to chase whatever goal you set your mind to. And after sinking a few hundred hours into the game (and barely scratching the surface of what it offers), the minimalist graphics might start to grow on you.

"Without a central story or campaign to anchor you…you're left to do practically anything you like in a world that contains well over a decade's worth of gameplay for newcomers." — Metro GameCentral


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Final Fantasy XIV

Square Enix

Final Fantasy XIV (PS4)

Metascore: 86
Best for: Fans of engaging narratives
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, PS3, PS5

Final Fantasy XIV didn't get off to a strong start. Its combat system was clunky, technical issues reared their head around every corner, and the Fatigue System limited the amount of experience you could gain after hitting a certain time limit. Fast forward to today, and Final Fantasy XIV is practically a different game. Not only does it look great and offer a robust combat system, but you'll also get a housing system, several DLC expansions, and deep storylines that are brought to life with impressive cutscenes. The game does require a monthly subscription, but a generous free trial lets you play up to level 60 without any playtime limits.

"A Realm Reborn is one of the biggest reversals in fortune we've seen for a game in many, many years. A must for MMO and Final Fantasy fans alike." — Gameplanet


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Destiny 2

Bungie/Activision

Destiny 2 (PS4)

Metascore: 85
Best for: Fans of looter shooters
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, PS5, XB1, XBX

Although Destiny 2 is an FPS, fans that loved New World's sense of progression will be right at home with Bungie's popular shooter. The game gives you dozens of ways to watch your stats go up, with unique weapons and gear handed out for most activities. Diving into competitive, team-based PvP is one of the most popular activities, although you'll also find dedicated PvE content that requires a group of Guardians to attempt, along with several years' worth of quest to undertake if you'd rather venture out as a solo player.

"A massive and rewarding game that offers the potential for hundreds of hours of fun and discovery with friends." — Game Informer


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Star Wars: The Old Republic

EA/Lucasarts

Star Wars: The Old Republic (PC)

Metascore: 85
Best for: Fans of sci-fi adventures
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

Star Wars: The Old Republic is a sweeping MMORPG that dives deep into the popular sci-fi universe. Whether you choose to play as a Jedi, Sith, or something in between, you'll set out on an adventure that takes place thousands of years before the iconic films. The narrative will change based on your in-game actions, with cinematic cutscenes scattered throughout your journey. Its not quite as popular as it was in 2011, but the developer is still churning out updates and in-game events, and The Old Republic remains a great choice for players seeking an MMO off the beaten path.

"Star Wars: The Old Republic is the fresh breeze the MMORPG genre so urgently needed." — GamingXP


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Lost Ark

Smilegate

Lost Ark (PC)

Metascore: 81
Best for: Fans of chaotic ARPGs
Where to buy:


Also available on: N/A

Lost Ark is another ambitious MMO from Amazon, although it uses a top-down camera instead of the traditional third-person camera seen in New World. It's essentially an ARPG with deep social elements, as you'll face off against hordes of enemies and make use of various skills to eliminate them in a matter of seconds. Action is fast paced but strategic (endgame battles require careful teamwork and timing of your attacks), and side activities like sailing, crafting, and foraging give you plenty of ways to stay busy when not on the battlefield. Like New World, Amazon has big plans for Lost Ark, with dozens of updates already live and a packed roadmap for the future.

"An absolute blast thanks to its perfect blend of visceral ARPG combat and steady MMO progression." — Digital Trends


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The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited

Bethesda Softworks

The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited (PS4)

Metascore: 74
Best for: Fans of The Elder Scrolls universe
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, XB1

Much like Final Fantasy XIV, The Elder Scrolls Online had a rocky launch. ZeniMax Online managed to turn the ship around by fixing many of its launch-day bugs and by scaling the player's level to their current zone. That means regardless of your level, you're free to explore Tamriel as you see fit. This includes its premium DLC, which can be enjoyed by newcomers and veterans alike. You'll still grow stronger by collecting new armor and weapons (and unlocking new skills), but being able to tackle your favorite content at any level makes The Elder Scrolls Online a game that's approachable for everyone.

"Great progression, tons of options, fun combat, an insane amount of content and a very promising PVP are some of its virtues." — Meristation


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Black Desert Online

Pearl Abyss

Black Desert Online (PC)

Metascore: 73
Best for: Fans of sandbox MMORPGs
Where to buy: Steam
Also available on: N/A

The first thing you'll notice about Black Desert Online is how good it looks. The game is playable on mid-range PCs, but it truly shines when ramping up the graphics and playing with a high-end GPU. With flashy special effects, a stunning variety of biomes, and hordes of enemies that fill your screen, Black Desert makes it hard to look away. While the graphics might draw you in, it's the gameplay that'll have you playing late into the night. It's a bit light on cooperative PvE, but with a wealth of PvP content and a ridiculously deep life skills system, Black Desert is the perfect alternative for New World fans seeking a new sandbox.

"A gorgeous world that feels truly alive, Black Desert Online is a solid entry into the sandbox subgenre of MMOs." — GamingTrend


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Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning

EA

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning (PS4)

Metascore: 72
Best for: Fans of single-player RPGs
Where to buy:


Also available on: PC, Switch, XB1

Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning is a single-player RPG that plays a bit like an MMO. It's also a remaster of a game from 2012 (Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning), so some of its systems are starting to feel a bit dated. But despite its rough edges, the game is still worth picking up for its fluid combat system and unique, original universe. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning was created by Todd McFarlane, the creator of Spawn, and Ken Rolston, one of the minds behind Oblivion, and that expertise shines through as you explore this enthralling fantasy kingdom.

"A great remaster of the best 'single-player MMORPG' ever. The remastering was done expertly and this charming, fun, unpretentious game…is still worth both its price and all the hours needed to complete it." — CD-Action