Despite new releases, there’s no point in going through all of them. Almost every new MMORPG copies what has already been done in other projects, whether it’s gameplay mechanics or even storylines. Developers often focus on monetization, such as skins or additional services, while neglecting player comfort, making it almost impossible to retain users in the game itself.
However, there are developers who listen to players’ wishes and create projects not merely to earn as much money as possible but to offer something genuinely new and unseen in this genre. We’ve compiled a list of five of the most anticipated MMORPGs for the next year. The list is arranged by increasing popularity, so the biggest hit of 2025 awaits you at the end. Fans of exploring and adventuring in open worlds will surely find this article engaging.
Chrono Odyssey
We start with a game that’s been in development for 25 years. Yes, you heard that right. It’s been in the making even longer than the well-known Star Citizen, but the release window is now set. Players will have six classes to choose from: swordsman, ranger, mage, berserker, paladin, and assassin. You’ll explore a vast world that’s been radically transformed both ecologically and historically, making it unrecognizable. Interestingly, the game promises a seamless world, meaning no loading screens throughout the gameplay. The combat system is based on dodges and parries, which will appeal to fans of Souls-like games, though character skill progression will be a significant aspect too.
The game’s main feature is the “Chronotector”—an artifact capable of altering time and space. It allows you to stop time or rewind it, adding more combat options and a way to save yourself in many battles—for example, when surrounded by enemies or severely wounded. How this will work in PvP, or if PvP will exist at all, remains unknown, as maintaining two simultaneous game modes is extremely challenging. The Chronotector will also aid in exploring the open world.
Upon release, the game will feature challenging dungeons and raids, which, according to the developers, cannot be completed solo. But we all know some grandmaster will solo these raids and dungeons just hours after release.
Lord of the Rings MMO
Let’s meet the successor to The Lord of the Rings Online from Amazon Games. Information about the game is scarce; there’s not even an official trailer yet. However, the company claims the story will cover the events of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” books. Amazon promises no ties to its “Rings of Power” series. Although combining them might boost the popularity of both products, as seen with Fallout.
According to insiders, the game will feature an open world and a non-linear storyline. The developers are using a new game engine, so the project promises to be visually stunning. However, they haven’t disclosed which engine it is. Many fear it could be Unreal Engine 5, which could lead to frame rate drops on mid-range PCs. The game will also be available on iOS, so optimization will be crucial despite the power of the platforms the game targets. Mechanics will draw inspiration from projects like New World and Lost Ark.
Past Fate
Meet a game that closely resembles The Elder Scrolls Online. For some TES fans, this might be the most anticipated game of 2025, given the lack of updates in the online version. Past Fate is set in a Nordic environment but offers unique mechanics, such as the ability to create your own army, crucial for waging wars, capturing territories, and defending them. For those who prefer peaceful gameplay, there will be PvE modes for exploring the world. The game will initially launch in early access to polish the project and raise additional funds since its budget is just $25,000—a modest sum for such an ambitious project.
Aion 2
The story of the game unfolds 900 years before the events of the first part. Players can expect a vast open world, three-dimensional battles, and the absence of a class system, allowing characters to use any weapon and tactics. Developers have added new mechanics such as boss battles, server-wide invasions, and regularly updated content. Although the focus is on PvE, PvP enthusiasts will enjoy cross-server battles with exclusive rewards.
ArcheAge Chronicles
The most anticipated MMORPG of 2025 is ArcheAge Chronicles, set 50 years after the original. Players will embark on a journey across Auroria in search of civilization. The game promises unique experiences, trading, settlement building, and numerous new mechanics, including farming and crafting. Developers claim ArcheAge Chronicles will set a new standard for the genre.
Conclusion from our store
At least two projects on this list raise questions due to a lack of information, but their release windows are known. We’re looking forward to high-quality new releases that won’t disappoint fans of the genre. A quick release of Ashes of Creation is also unlikely, as its development has been ongoing for several years.
