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Second job: 7 best free and unusual MMORPGs

 Games in which you can not only relax but also live


Today, when buying games and paying for subscriptions has become problematic, you have to abandon the usual leisure options and look for new ones. In the segment of role-playing games, those that are distributed according to the shareware model (free-to-play) come to the fore. We have selected 7 of the most unusual MMORPGs that are noticeably different from each other.


Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2

In 2012, ArenaNet created a game that has not lost its uniqueness and relevance in 10 years. And it's not even about the number of classes, specializations, professions, or modes where you can arrange wall-to-wall battles. The world itself, with its vertical levels and story quests that immerse the races in the political struggle and introduce the structure of the universe, will give odds to any competitor. And that's not to mention the mechanics and mounts, which are truly unique and designed to travel to certain locations in the game.

Today, the basic version of Guild Wars 2, which has thousands of hours of content, is completely free. It has its limitations, but they are mostly minor. From paid content - to cosmetics and three expansions, which are now not so easy to acquire. However, you shouldn't worry about it. Moreover, a release on Steam is scheduled for the end of 2022, for which the authors are updating the engine, graphics, and game in every possible way.


Neverwinter

Neverwinter

The legendary series of games that has existed for the last 9 years in the MMO format. If you've played Neverwinter before, forget about the past. In 2021, the authors released a patch that turned everything upside down. Today, the maximum level is limited to 20, just like in the desktop version. Growing up to him is not so difficult, since experience is generously awarded for completing story missions.

The main emphasis in Neverwinter is on the end game, when you need to knock out things, look for suitable runes, sharpen weapons, as in Korean MMOs, get pets and collect horses since all this affects the strength and effectiveness of the character. At first, it may seem that there are a lot of systems, but in fact, they are not so difficult to understand. Moreover, the game has enough story content (the best is hidden in adventures) and PvE activities. You love farming dailies, right?


LOST ARK

LOST ARK

While Blizzard is working on Diablo in the open world, LOST ARK has already been invented in South Korea. There are many complaints about the project in Russia and abroad because of the monetization model. However, if you are not going to turn your passion into a second job, then you can enjoy the process and get the most out of the game. Exploring the world, raiding bosses, fighting other users, crafting, or searching for collectibles - there is always something to do depending on the mood. In addition, LOST ARK has a large number of classes, each of which is decomposed into several archetypes (from 3 to 5). And given the regularity of updates, thematic events, and entertainment content, you definitely won’t be bored here.


Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact

The game that predetermined the development of the miHoYo studio ( sometimes this happened to Blizzard because of World of Warcraft ). If at first three students were involved in everything in the company, now the staff has increased to 2,400 people. How and why Genshin Impact became so popular among teenagers and adults (the average age of players is 35 years old) is hard to say. from a well-developed and deep combat system to cultural references that are found in each region. But the main driver of popularity is the community, which constantly comes up with theories related to history, ranks items for dungeons, and full guides for each of the heroes (there are 48 of them here). An important nuance is that all story branches today are closed with a free set of characters that are well written and skillfully built into the narrative.



Dauntless

Dauntless

Monster Hunter: World at minimum wages. Ideal for those who want to get acquainted with the genre and join the group extermination of giant monsters. You destroy monsters and upgrade your equipment to go hunting again, but for bigger creatures. Considering that there are 6 different elemental elements in the game, each of which is connected to the others and each of which needs its own body kit, the to-do list will always be extensive.

Since its release in 2019, Dauntless has grown in size and is now able to offer a unique experience. There are many monsters, they are all different and each has its own model of behavior. Fights take place at high speeds, and require reaction and knowledge of timings. So if you're just out of Elden Ring and want to fight monsters in company, you'll feel right at home.

Star Wars: The Old Republic

Star Wars: The Old Republic

The case when the Star Wars multiplayer game will give odds to any franchise project. This is because Bioware has written a separate storyline for each of the 8 classes. And if anyone doubts the legendary studio's ability to tell stories, any SWTOR fan will tell you that it isn't (the dialogue and quests are top notch). In addition, in the latest update to The Legacy of the Sith Expansion, the authors introduced combat styles to the game, making each class feel more varied (although with a variety of mechanics and abilities there has never been a problem here). The only caveat is that the number of combinations is limited in the free version. But even they will be enough for you to complete the story campaigns.

Path of Exile

Path of Exile


Diablo 2 on steroids. For 8 years, the creators of Path of Exile have piled up so many game systems, mechanics, classes, and additional activities that the authors have no choice but to start developing a new part. However, in its current form, the project is able to give the maximum experience, introduce the basics of the genre and immerse you in a fascinating story. The only downside to PoE is that you play by guides, without following which you will not be able to get to high levels. However, if you do not set yourself the goal of becoming the owner of the coolest equipment, which, by the way, can be exchanged for in-game currency, then Path of Exile will pleasantly surprise you.

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Bonus: Final Fantasy XIV

Bonus: Final Fantasy XIV

A project that at first hardly corresponded to the spirit of the times and almost closed, if not for the timely appointment of Naoki Yoshida to the role of producer. He was not only able to change the overall vision of the team but also successfully restarted the game in the international market. Today, Final Fantasy XIV is one of the most successful MMORPGs out there. For the convenience and growth of the audience, the authors have added a free demo version that allows anyone to get acquainted with the world and get to level 60. Upon reaching the mark, the user will be asked to purchase the game and a subscription (the first month is free). Although the full version of Final Fantasy XIV is temporarily not available in the store, payment for services through Steam is still working.


Naturally, this is not a complete list. There is also ArcheAge, Allods Online, EVE Online, Runescape, and many others. But about them some other time.

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