World of Warcraft, released in 2004, revolutionized the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) genre and continues to attract millions of players even two decades later. While WoW offers endless content, players who've invested countless hours might seek alternative challenges. This list provides compelling options for those looking for a change of pace, offering similar gameplay experiences without being exact replicas.

Updated January 10, 2025 by Mark Sammut: Late 2024 saw several significant game releases, but none directly comparable to WoW's style. While Infinity Nikki deserves mention for its immersive open world, it lacks the core MMO elements of Blizzard's title. Path of Exile 2's early access release also presents a solid choice for action RPG enthusiasts.

A single-player Final Fantasy title has been added to the recommendations.

20. Throne and Liberty

A Lineage-Inspired Modern MMORPG