7 Free-To-Play MMOs You Can Actually Play On Your Steam Deck (No PC Needed)

While I greatly prefer playing MMOs on my PC with a keyboard and mouse, some of you are perfectly fine doing so on the Steam Deck. And thanks to SteamOS and Proton, this is not just possible but actually comfortable too. Many of today’s most popular free-to-play titles in the genre are fully and completely playable on the Steam Deck. Below are seven free-to-play MMOs, all available directly through Steam, that run well on the Steam Deck.

Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 is a fantasy MMORPG known for its dynamic event system, rich world-building, and action-oriented combat. Guild Wars 2 is available on Steam and fully playable on the Steam Deck using Proton. While Guild Wars 2 lacks native controller support, Steam Input configurations make Guild Wars 2 very playable on the Steam Deck, and performance remains solid even in populated areas.

Final Fantasy XIV

Final Fantasy XIV is a story-driven MMORPG with a vast, immersive world and a strong emphasis on cooperative gameplay and raids. The free trial of Final Fantasy XIV, including the Stormblood expansion, is available on Steam as long as you start your account through the Steam version. Final Fantasy XIV is one of the best-optimized MMOs for the Steam Deck thanks to its full controller support and intuitive UI design.

Lost Ark

Lost Ark is an action MMORPG featuring fast-paced combat, a deep progression system, and a mix of PvE and PvP content. Lost Ark is available on Steam with full support for the Steam Deck via Proton. After initial issues with anti-cheat, Lost Ark now runs reliably and is playable with custom or partial controller support.

RuneScape 3 / Old School RuneScape

RuneScape is a long-running MMORPG with two versions: RuneScape 3 offers modern graphics and quests, while Old School RuneScape sticks to the nostalgic, classic experience. Both RuneScape 3 and Old School RuneScape are on Steam and run well on the Steam Deck. Old School RuneScape, in particular, is perfect for mobile-style gameplay, offering a touch-friendly interface and minimal system requirements. RuneScape 3 is more graphically intense and benefits from community controller profiles, though touch and trackpad inputs also work well.

Tower of Fantasy

Tower of Fantasy is an open-world sci-fi MMORPG with an anime art style, featuring exploration, combat, and character customization. Tower of Fantasy is available on Steam and is playable on the Steam Deck using Proton. Tower of Fantasy performs decently with adjusted settings and supports controller mapping through Steam.

Albion Online

Albion Online is a sandbox MMORPG focused on player-driven economy, guild warfare, and territorial conquest in a medieval fantasy setting. Albion Online is one of the few MMOs with native Linux support, making Albion Online an easy fit for the Steam Deck without Proton. The UI can be a bit cumbersome on a smaller screen, and Albion Online plays best with touch, trackpad, or external inputs.

EVE Online

EVE Online is a sci-fi MMORPG set in a vast persistent universe where players engage in complex economics, space battles, and alliances. EVE Online is available on Steam and is functional on the Steam Deck via Proton. EVE Online is technically playable but best experienced with a keyboard and mouse due to its detailed, click-heavy interface. That said, dedicated players have made EVE Online work on the Steam Deck with creative control setups.

The Steam Deck offers an impressive and versatile platform for enjoying a wide range of free-to-play MMOs, whether you prefer native controller support or rely on Proton and community configurations. Handheld MMO gaming is more accessible and comfortable than ever. While some titles perform better with a keyboard and mouse, the combination of SteamOS, Proton, and Steam Input opens up many possibilities. Hopefully, with some tinkering, you can enjoy your favorite MMO while cozy in bed or on the go without significant compromises.