If you’ve always wanted to immerse yourself in a enjoyable MMO game but can’t be bothered to join a guild or persuade friends to join, you’re not alone.
Many players crave expansive open-world experiences with tons of story and gameplay content but none of the multiplayer hassle that’s typically associated with the MMO genre.
In this list, we’ll help cure your single-player woes by highlighting the best MMOs for individual players in 2025 that let you grind your way to the summit as a lone hero.
For more MMO recommendations, check out our growing library of curated gaming lists, and comment below with your favorite selections for solo player MMOs.
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Lost Ark
Platform: Windows
If you’re looking for a laid-back MMO that’s suitable for a single-player-minded approach, games like Lost Ark are going to be your best bet.
This is due to its gameplay and progression being equally satisfying as other popular MMORPGs and showering you with rewards for completing checklists of tasks.
There’s also not much of a distinction in playing Lost Ark solo versus with friends as most of the classes are designed for PvE rather than PvP combat.
Bear in mind, like many MMOs the end-game grind can feel monotonous at times, especially without a companion to keep you company.
Fallout 76
Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One
Fallout 76 has come a long way since its initial pitch, which placed a much bigger emphasis on social interactions in a sprawling, irradiated wasteland.
These days, the game is a lot more solo-player-friendly thanks to the addition of NPCs offering main missions and side quests that can be tackled completely alone.
While some in-game events play out better with a few lending hands, with the right build and strategy, you can take on just about any challenge on your own.
If you’re truly dedicated to taking on the Wasteland alone, we suggest switching on Pacifist mode to prevent other players from being able to attack you.
Destiny 2
Platforms: Windows, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One
Aside from co-operative raids and the apparent PvP modes, Destiny 2 has always been very solo-player friendly as most activities can be completed alone.
Of course, you’ll still find yourself matchmaking with other players for strikes and world instances but you’re never compelled to communicate or even coordinate your attacks.
With that said, players hell-bent on isolating themselves can install the Destiny 2 Solo Enabler, a fan-made script that blocks communication with Destiny 2’s servers without altering the game.
It’s exceptional for some peace of mind if you don’t like the idea of seeing other players pop up on your screen in the Tower, on planets, or during strikes.
New World
Platform: Windows
Of all the new MMOs that have come out recently, Amazon Games’ New World has been the most accommodating of solo players, going as far as to include an “Only Plays Solo” title.
This minimizes any uncomfortable expectations of playing with others when you join a Faction, allowing you to focus solely on PvE content.
The majority of the early game can be tackled alone and even includes some soothing quests that revolve around fishing, gathering resources, and creating items.
However, like numerous MMOs, some end-game content will require you to join a group, namely New World Expeditions and PvP War Campaigns.
Neverwinter
Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One
Neverwinter is another excellent MMO for solo players that doesn’t force teaming up with other players, although doing so will definitely make it easier to level up swiftly.
The same applies to any solo players who want to get the best end-game gear, as many of these quests require a group to have any chance of coming out victorious.
At the same time, you can make a substantial amount of progress simply by trading in-game currency with Bounty Master NPCs in exchange for equipment enhancements.
This is feasible all the way up to around level 60, at which point solo play starts to have decreasing returns without the assistance of sturdy classes like Fighter or Paladin.
The Elder Scrolls Online
Platforms: Windows, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Mac
Solo players hungry for a substantial MMO with years of content to sift through will find comfort in experiencing everything the Elder Scrolls Online has to offer.
From lore-rich main story quests to side activities, daily missions, DLC content, and free-roaming exploration, you’ll find there’s no shortage of things to do as a solo player.
Additionally, you can join groups, acquire new abilities, and dedicate time to crafting the ideal design for your characters. This should ensure an enjoyable solo gaming experience, at least until reaching higher levels.
With the correct build, you’ll find you can even bring down some of the game’s world bosses all on your own, though others are virtually impossible without a group.
Guild Wars 2
Platforms: Windows, Mac
Despite having the term “guild” in its title, nearly all of the content in Guild Wars 2 can be experienced as a solitary player, except for raids.
Granted, it will take a considerable amount of time and grinding to reach end-game power levels but that’s the sacrifice you make when playing an MMO alone.
For your hard work and commitment, the game rewards you with a highly individualized storyline whose content is shaped by your actions.
Should you ever want to move on to more challenging activities like large events and world bosses, you’ll find the Guild Wars 2 playerbase is as helpful and welcoming as MMO communities come.
Warframe
Platforms: Windows, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch
If you’re in the market for a non-fantasy MMO that focuses on combat and exploration while being appropriate for solo play, we suggest giving Warframe a try.
In it, players take on the role of a Tenno, agile and well-equipped space ninjas tasked with defending their race against alien factions throughout the galaxy.
This boils down to a lot of grinding as you hunt down the finest weapons and mods to enhance your character’s build and unlock its true potential.
While some aspects of Warframe can start to feel monotonous without friends to distract you, the core gameplay is extremely captivating and rewarding.
RuneScape
Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android
One of our favorite enduring MMOs, both old and new RuneScape have always supported the single-player approach on any given server.
While there is some reliance on your server’s player economy to obtain certain items, you can get by just fine without such interactions.
In fact, the game includes a devoted “Ironman” challenge mode that removes trading, free XP gains, and multiplayer altogether, leaving you entirely to your own devices.
If you’re an experienced player, this can be a great way to revisit RuneScape from a fresh perspective and have some old-school MMO fun.
Rift
Platform: Windows
Rift is another renowned MMORPG with about a decade under its belt that continues to cater to both individual and team-oriented players.
This fantasy-inspired MMO puts a cosmic spin on its setting by having you defend the world of Telara from otherworldly foes pouring in from different elemental rifts.
After creating a character according to six distinct races, you’ll join a faction and embark on a challenging adventure with rewards for enhancing your skills and equipment.
You’ll find leveling up your character solo is relatively easy in Rift compared to other MMOs but the downside to this is that dungeons and raids require a squad to complete.
Albion Online
Platforms: Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, Android
Anyone tired of the MMO loop of having to grind an entirely new character just to explore a different class will find solace in Albion Online.
The game sells itself on its distinctive “classless” progression system where players are free to swap between abilities based on items they’ve equipped.
This pairs nicely with Albion Online’s content, which is naturally suited for solo-play as players can establish their own island and spend the days farming, fishing, and tending to the land.
Getting the best gear will take a lot of effort but if you’re readily entertained just by leveling and crafting, you should have a lot of fun along the way.
Final Fantasy XIV Online
Platforms: Windows, PS5, PS4
It seems like we never run out of positive things to say about Final Fantasy XIV Online and now we can add “solo-player friendly” to the list of pros for Square Enix’s continuing MMO.
What makes the game so great for single-player is that it was designed for people who don’t have much time to spare throughout the day, with many features and activities streamlined for convenience.
Many missions can be completed in 15-30 minutes and there are weekly quests and tasks that can be turned in for XP to level up rapidly.
Nevertheless, individual gamers will predominantly appreciate FF14’s Trust mechanism, allowing players to engage in main storyline quest dungeons alongside non-player character assistants rather than other human participants.
Black Desert Online
Platforms: Windows, PS4, Xbox One
Black Desert Online takes a much more unrestricted approach to progression than other MMOs that lends itself to solitary play.
This can be attributed to life skills, a set of vital activities that include typical things like farming, fishing, and hunting as well as more specific ones such as alchemy and sailing.
Players are free to concentrate on the life skills that are most relevant to their playstyle, with new careers becoming available based on your expertise in a given area.
The best part is most skills can be improved with little to no interaction with other players, allowing you to shape your path without involving anyone else.
Blade u0026 Soul
Platforms: Windows, iOS, Android
Another solitary-player MMORPG that lets you play as you see fit while embarking on a magnificent adventure is Blade & Soul.
Developed and published by NCSOFT, the game has amassed an extensive amount of story content in the decade-plus since it was released.
Solo players can work their way through Blade & Soul’s extensive quests at their own tempo while mastering a entertaining and fast-paced PvE combat system.
This includes taking on solo instanced dungeons and limited-time seasonal events that help break up the occasionally tedious grind found in many MMOs.
Star Wars: The Old Republic
Platform: Windows
A notable entry in a long line of Star Wars games and direct successor to KOTR, Star Wars: The Old Republic is a beloved MMORPG that favors solo play.
This is due to its considerable focus on character-driven storytelling wherein players make decisions that affect the game’s universe.
To this point, the game gives you the liberty to work your way through all of its content at your own speed as you travel to various planets and meet new characters.
It even includes an optional companion system that assigns you an AI ally that will fight your side and make specific challenges easier to handle.
The Lord of the Rings Online
Platforms: Windows, Mac
To wrap things up, we suggest solo MMO players check out The Lord of the Rings Online, a woefully underrated contender in the genre that works flawlessly as a single-player game.
In it, players can experience the entire main story alone and choose from various classes like Captain, Champion, and Guardian, all of which are designed for solo play.
Like many MMOs on this list, some end-game activities in LOTRO are admittedly better suited for groups but can ultimately be eluded.
If you’ve never given it a chance or it’s been a long time since you last played, you’ll be surprised to find just how active the game’s community and development still are after all these years.