The 6 Most Popular Free-To-Play Mobile MMORPGs Today

MMORPGs are best experienced on a PC. However, in recent years, mobile gaming has significantly closed the gap in quality and performance. While there is still room for improvement, playing an MMORPG on a phone or tablet is no longer the frustrating experience it once was. Modern mobile MMORPGs can now deliver expansive worlds, deep customization, and engaging multiplayer communities. These games are capable of providing nearly everything fans love about the genre, right in the palm of your hand. Here are some of the most popular free-to-play mobile MMORPGs available today, along with their release dates, estimated player bases, and the studios that developed them.

Black Desert Mobile

Released in December 2019 by Pearl Abyss, Black Desert Mobile is one of the most visually impressive mobile MMORPGs available. It is based on Black Desert Online, which is known for its high-end graphics, fluid action combat, and expansive sandbox world. The mobile version retains much of the original’s depth, including life skills such as fishing, trading, gathering, and crafting. Players can engage in massive PvP battles, tackle challenging world bosses, and explore large regions filled with quests. While the game does include microtransactions for cosmetic items, boosts, and convenience features, there is plenty of content for those not looking to spend a cent. The title has reached over 10 million downloads worldwide, with an active player base estimated in the hundreds of thousands.

Old School RuneScape

Old School RuneScape, developed and published by Jagex, first launched in 2013 on PC as a revival of the classic 2007 version of RuneScape. It arrived on mobile in October 2018, bringing its deep, nostalgic experience to smartphones and tablets. The game is fully cross-platform, meaning mobile players can seamlessly interact with those on PC. Known for its freedom, Old School RuneScape allows players to pursue countless goals, from questing and boss hunting to skilling and merchanting on the Grand Exchange. The world is vast, the economy is entirely player-driven, and the community is passionate. It currently boasts over 100,000 concurrent players across platforms, making it one of the most active MMORPGs in the world.

Albion Online

Albion Online, developed by Sandbox Interactive, was officially released in July 2017 and expanded to mobile devices in June 2021. This sandbox MMORPG emphasizes player freedom and a unique gear-based progression system where abilities depend entirely on what equipment is worn. Players can change roles at any time by swapping gear, creating a dynamic and flexible gameplay experience. The economy is entirely player-driven, with crafting, trading, and gathering playing central roles. PvP is an important part of Albion, featuring full-loot combat in certain zones and massive guild-versus-guild battles over territory control. Albion Online has over 5 million registered accounts, with an active player base that often hovers around 200,000.

EVE Echoes

Released in August 2020 by NetEase Games in partnership with CCP Games, EVE Echoes is a mobile adaptation of EVE Online. Set in the same massive galaxy, it offers a deep economic system, political intrigue, and large-scale space battles. Players can choose careers as traders, pirates, miners, industrialists, or corporate leaders, shaping the game’s universe through their actions. The market is completely player-controlled, and alliances frequently wage wars that reshape territorial borders. Fleet battles can involve dozens of ships at once, requiring both strategic coordination and personal skill. EVE Echoes has surpassed 5 million downloads, with a core player base estimated in the tens of thousands daily.

Toram Online

Toram Online, developed by Asobimo, launched in May 2015 and has maintained a loyal community ever since. It is known for its anime-inspired art style, vibrant world, and flexible skill system. Players can combine abilities from different categories to create completely unique builds. The game also offers extensive appearance customization, allowing players to design characters exactly to their liking with a variety of clothing and accessories. Cooperative boss battles encourage teamwork, and the community is generally welcoming and social. Toram Online has been downloaded over 10 million times, with a small yet dedicated global fan base.

AdventureQuest 3D

AdventureQuest 3D, developed by Artix Entertainment, entered open beta in October 2016 and officially launched in October 2019. It serves as the modern, cross-platform successor to AdventureQuest Worlds. Known for its humor, colorful art style, and lighthearted tone, AdventureQuest 3D offers a casual MMORPG experience that is easy to jump into for short play sessions. The game features frequent events, comedic quests, and accessible combat mechanics. Cross-platform functionality allows mobile players to join their friends on PC without restriction. AdventureQuest 3D has been downloaded over 5 million times and maintains a bit of a cult following.