With over 300 million accounts and the Guinness World Record recognition, Runescape has become the popular choice among gamers. From exploring kingdoms to battling ancient Gods, gamers have developed a taste for the MMORPG experience. And honestly, who doesn’t like a variety in gameplay? Runescape was the foundation for gamers to build a fondness for MMORPG games, leading gamers to explore games like Runescape.
So, if you are an old-school Runescape fan craving a new world to explore and fresh quests to conquer, look no further! The popular game Runescape was released in 2001 by three Brits in the garage, and by 2021, millions of people worldwide had discovered the mastered piece.
But as we all know, the gaming industry is constantly evolving and growing so rapidly that Runescape like games have flooded the market.
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Moving on, let’s devote our attention back to exploring the best games like Runescape. Whether you’re looking to recapture that magic or explore similar adventures, here are some fantastic alternatives to dive into in 2024.
Top 7 Games Like Runescape
RuneScape is a game where players can set goals and objectives, such as fighting monsters, completing quests, or improving their skills. Here is a list of top 7 games like Runescape:
- Black Desert Online
- Albion Online
- The Elder Scrolls Online
- Final Fantasy XIV
- World of Warcraft
- Guild Wars 2
- Neverwinter
1. Black Desert Online

Developed by: Pearl Abyss
Available on: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Mobile
Black Desert Online takes the sandbox MMO concept to a whole new level. This visually stunning title boasts a vast open world teeming with life, intricate crafting systems, and a focus on player-driven economies. Similar to computer games like RuneScape, Black Desert Online offers a deep dive into life skills like fishing, trading, and horse breeding alongside intense combat and challenging boss fights.
Some Key Features include:
- An active combat system similar to third-person shooters. Players can also engage in mounted combat.
- In-depth character customization options.
- Trade routes, fishing, skinning animals, and landlording.
- An extensive skilling system that allows players to travel the world, gather, process, sail, and breed.
- Players can have housing and participate in a player-driven economy.
- Players can choose different quest lines that lead to distinct boss fights.
2. Albion Online

Developed by: Sandbox Interactive
Available on: PC, Mobile
Albion Online offers a unique blend of sandbox freedom and guild-centric gameplay on PC and Mobile. This title throws you into a player-driven world where guilds control territories, engage in large-scale battles, and shape the in-game economy.
Like games like RuneScape, Albion Online emphasizes guilds and player interaction, making it perfect for those who thrive in a collaborative environment.
Some Key Features include:
- Players create almost all the weapons and buildings in the game
- The game has different PvP zones with varying levels of risk and reward
- Players can customize their characters without being limited to a class
- Players can challenge themselves with intense PvP fighting in the open world of Albion, teaming up with others to use their gear and drive enemies off the battlefield.
- The game offers both PvE and PvP experiences.
3. The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO)

Developed By: ZeniMax Online Studios
Available on: PC, Mac, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5
The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO) lets you explore the sprawling world of Tamriel from the popular Elder Scrolls series in an MMO format. Similar to RuneScape, ESO offers a vast world filled with lore-rich quests, dungeons to delve into, and epic boss encounters.
While ESO’s combat system is more action-oriented than RuneScape, the focus on exploration, character customization, and lore will appeal to many RuneScape veterans.
Some Key Features include:
- Players can travel anywhere in the game without worrying about being underpowered, including dungeons and PvP areas.
- Players can choose from ten races, including humans, elves, and orcs, and customize their gear’s appearance.
- Players can summon animal companions.
- Players can choose from specializations like Winter’s Embrace or Green Balance.
- Players can unlock side content like the Tales of Tribute card game and the Integrity system.
- ESO Plus members get access to additional content, including DLC areas, quests, and dungeons, as well as other benefits.
4. Final Fantasy XIV

Developed By: Square Enix
Available on: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) is a critically acclaimed MMORPG known for its engaging storyline, stunning visuals, and diverse content. In this game, players create a Warrior of Light and explore the world of Hydaelyn. Players can choose from various races and backgrounds, customize their character’s appearance, and play with friends.
While games like RuneScape focus on player-driven stories, FFXIV offers a more structured narrative experience with regular expansions and updates. However, both games love character progression, challenging encounters, and a strong sense of community.
Some Key Features include:
- The game focuses on player interaction, such as completing missions, large skill battles, and group content.
- Players can customize their characters in depth and switch between different classes and jobs without creating a new character.
- Players can accept quests from NPCs, complete them, and battle enemies.
- The game includes new jobs, such as the Viper, who deals swift strikes with dual blades, and the Pictomancer, who uses a specialized brush to bring creations to life.
5. World of Warcraft

Developed By: Blizzard Entertainment
Available on: PC, Mac
World of Warcraft (WoW) is the undisputed king of MMORPGs, boasting a massive player base and a rich history. WoW offers a wealth of content, from sprawling raid encounters and challenging dungeons to solo adventures and crafting professions.
The game focuses on character progression. Players earn experience points by killing creatures to level up their characters. As characters level up, they gain more power and can buy and sell items to acquire better equipment.
Some Key Features include:
- It is a classic MMORPG experience with a focus on progression.
- Gearing up your character.
- Conquering ever-increasing challenges.
6. Guild Wars 2

Developed By: ArenaNet
Available on: PC, Mac
Guild Wars 2 takes a unique approach to the MMORPG genre, focusing on dynamic events and exploration over traditional questing. Players can explore the world to gain experience points and rewards, learn their profession, and get their bearings. Completing the starting zone is a good way to get used to the game if it’s new and to get to know the world and its inhabitants.
While RuneScape offers a more traditional quest structure, both games encourage a sense of discovery and reward exploration. Guild Wars 2 also features a dynamic combat system that feels more action-oriented than RuneScape’s, adding a layer of excitement to battles.
Some Key Features include:
- Combat is a central aspect of the game, with PvE activities, PvP, and WvW modes all involving fighting.
- Players can join guilds to connect with a community, make friends, and cooperate with other members.
- Players can choose from eight crafting disciplines and practice two at a time.
- Dynamic events are a RuneScape type games feature of PvE content that provides an alternative to quest-based gameplay.
- Players can join forces with organizations like the Durmand Priory, the Order of Whispers, and more.
7. Neverwinter

Developed By: Cryptic Studios
Available on: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Neverwinter is a free-to-play MMORPG set in the Forgotten Realms of Dungeons & Dragons. This title offers a familiar D&D experience with character classes, spells, and lore inspired by the classic tabletop RPG.
Neverwinter is known as the “City of Skilled Hands” because of its large population of trained artisans and craftsmen. The city’s merchants trade extensively with Waterdeep, and Neverwinter’s water clocks and multi-colored glass lamps are found throughout the Realms.
Similarly, in games like RuneScape, Neverwinter features various dungeons to conquer, epic boss battles, and a thriving in-game economy.
Some Key Features include:
- Players can choose their character’s race, class, skills, and appearance.
- Players can request companions to join their game and support co-op multiplayer in every module.
- Players can join online persistent worlds and play with others in ongoing adventures.
- Players can create their own stories and quests using a player-created content system.
- The Dungeon Master guides players through the story and controls the server. The DM Client allows players to engage in regular campaigns and spawn and manage large groups of monsters and NPCs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Runescape has gained immense popularity in the gaming community, with millions of players exploring its vast world and engaging in various quests and activities. However, as the gaming industry continues to evolve, numerous similar games like Runescape offer similar MMORPG experiences. Some top games include Black Desert Online, Albion Online, The Elder Scrolls Online, Neverwinter, and many more.
Ultimately, choosing which game to explore will depend on individual preferences and interests. Whether you are interested in sandbox MMOs or more structured narrative experiences, plenty of options are available to satisfy your MMORPG cravings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best MMORPG in 2024?
There are many MMORPGs to choose from in 2024, including new releases, games with stories, and games with customization. Some of the popular Xbox combat games and other console games include:
- Raven Dawn
- War Frame
- Lost Ark
If you are looking for popular games like RuneScape, these are:
- Black Desert Online
- Albion Online
- Guild War 2
In addition, with the booming gaming industry, you can also develop games like RuneScape with the assistance of a prestigious digital technology company and generate revenue.
What game is closest to RuneScape?
Some of the closest MMORPG games like RuneScape are:
- The Elder Scrolls Online
- Final Fantasy XIV
- World of Warcraft
- Guild Wars 2
- Neverwinter
What is the best version of RuneScape to play?
Both RuneScape 3 (RS3) and Old School RuneScape (OSRS) have strengths, and the “best” version depends on what you’re looking for in a game. OSRS has a smaller development team and a slower update schedule than RS3. However, its player base has grown consistently since its release in 2013, which has also made games like RuneScape hog the gaming industry.
Is RuneScape still a thing?
Yes, as of January 2021, RuneScape is still a living and evolving game with millions of players exploring the fantasy world of Gielinor. The game’s product director, Matt Casey, says that RuneScape is continually changing to provide players with new experiences and adventures and that players can have a say in the game’s future through polls, surveys, and other methods. Moreover, this RuneScape board game has been in the market for some time due to the immense popularity of the original video game.