10. Trove
![Trove](https://culturedvultures.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Trobe.jpg)
Developer: Trion Worlds
Publisher: Trion Worlds
Trove is another sandbox MMO game that echoes the block-based aesthetic of Minecraft, though that’s the most extreme of its similarities. From that point, Trove follows a very familiar RPG-style formula.
Characters have special classes that give them access to specific abilities. The gameplay loop revolves around leveling up, collecting loot, and exploring increasingly difficult areas for greater rewards. Plus, it’s free-to-play, so giving it a go would only cost time.
9. Elite Dangerous
![Elite Dangerous](https://culturedvultures.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Elite-Dangerous.jpg)
Developer: Frontier Developments
Publisher: Frontier Developments
When I first saw Elite Dangerous, I immediately thought it’d be 4D chess in space. After a bit more time, it turns out it’s not quite that level of complexity, but there is a very steep learning curve for this MMO space simulation (so consider that before you buy).
The game also has multiple modes to choose to help you understand the mechanics of flight and managing your ship’s power. Once you get the hang of it, Elite Dangerous is a breathtaking, immersive game with detailed graphics and audio work that’ll make you feel like you’re in a spaceship.
8. PlanetSide 2
![planetside 2](https://culturedvultures.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/planetside-2.jpg)
Developer: Rogue Planet Games
Publisher: Daybreak Game Company
Some games boast vast open worlds while others feature intricate stories and progression systems. Then, we have PlanetSide 2. This game barges in with the largest first-person shooter fights you could witness (and even holds the Guinness World Record at 1158 players in a single battle).
The game has six different classes to give players some mechanical variation. PlanetSide 2 is all about that massive battle action, and the fun lies in defeating enemy players, capturing areas, and surviving long enough to do it all over again.
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7. TERA
![Tera game](https://culturedvultures.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Tera-game.jpg)
Developer: Krafton
Publishers: En Masse Entertainment/NHN Corporation/Gameforge
TERA is a free-to-play game that features class-based progression, magic, questing, crafting, and more. Essentially, the whole fantasy MMORPG shebang. To the game’s credit, the landscapes look very pretty, and the character models are very well done, especially in designing the armor and weapons (for most character races, at least).
What helps set TERA apart lies in its more hack-and-slash style combat system that requires players to aim, dodge, and generally be mindful of spacing, which happens to work fantastically with PS4 controllers.
6. Ark: Survival Evolved
![Ark Survival Evolved](https://culturedvultures.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Ark-Survival-Evoled.jpg)
Developer: Studio Wildcard
Publisher: Studio Wildcard
You get to tame and ride dinosaurs in this survival MMO. What more is there to say? Well, a lot. Ark: Survival Evolved has stunning graphics that will make you want to see more of its vast, open world and all the creatures therein — whether they want to kill you or not.
The game encourages you to explore, gather materials, and craft items that will help you survive. Once you get a feel for Ark: Survival Evolved, you can branch out into different servers that can change how you play the game.
5. Destiny 2
![Destiny 2](https://culturedvultures.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Destiny-2.jpg)
Developer: Bungie
Publisher: Bungie
Like its predecessor, Destiny 2 is an MMO-shooter game that combines weapon play with class-specific abilities. It’s the type of game that really rewards you for playing and branching out in the game modes you participate in with the goal of collecting the best gear and loot around.
Following Destiny 2’s evolution over the years has been a real ride, especially as it went free-to-play just last year. The move certainly helped bring in newer players, while veterans may have been enticed with Shadowkeep, the latest of the game’s many expansion packs.
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4. Black Desert
![Black Desert](https://culturedvultures.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Black-Desert-e1560286944616.jpg)
Developer: Pearl Abyss
Publisher: Kakao Games
With many fantasy MMORPGs on the market, Black Desert has managed to become noteworthy for being — quite frankly — a beautiful game. From the characters and animations to the terrain and wildlife, the graphics really are gorgeous. Combat demands more micro-managing compared to standard target lock and hotkey-spam, but that’s more a boon for engagement than not.
Black Desert hit the PS4 in 2019, about four years after its first release. You have to buy the game to play, and unfortunately, there is a cash shop that provides more than just cosmetic items. While you can technically do well without spending real money, prepare for a good ol’ time sink—but if you enjoy the gameplay enough, that might not matter.
3. Warframe
![Warframe](https://culturedvultures.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Warframe.jpg)
Developer: Digital Extremes
Publisher: Digital Extremes
You get to pilot space ninjas. To be more accurate, sci-fi cybersuit ninjas in space that have superpowers.
Ultimately, Warframe is a game for collectors as progression lies in acquiring, using, and upgrading new warframes (essentially the game’s different “characters” or “classes”), weapons, and even pets or vehicles. There’s certainly enough options for trying out different playstyles.
Whether you choose to toss money at the game or not, the core gameplay loop doesn’t change extensively in order to get the items you want. Overall, the game has one of the better free-to-play systems I’ve seen in an MMO — and I’ve seen a lot — that can still make the time investment feel satisfying.
2. The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited
![Elder Scrolls Online](https://culturedvultures.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/613440ad084048d420247f6d8bb40d13.jpg)
Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Bethesda’s launch of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim rocketed the franchise into levels of success and popularity unmatched by any previous game in the series — and they certainly had good ones with Oblivion and Morrowind.
Released in 2014, The Elder Scrolls Online sought to bring a similarly enjoyable fantasy RPG experience that echoed gameplay from previous titles, but this time you got to play with your friends.
While you do have to purchase the game and additional content, Bethesda’s taken the time and care over the years to expand on the lore for Tamriel (the continent that serves as the primary setting for the games) with numerous DLCs. Expect to spend hours completing quests, powering up characters, and just experiencing a fantastic open-world.
1. Final Fantasy XIV
![Final Fantasy XIV](https://culturedvultures.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Final-Fantasy-XIV.jpg)
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
First released in 2010, Final Fantasy XIV has risen through the ranks to become one of the best MMORPG titles on many platforms. Dive into the world of Final Fantasy with all its magic, mayhem, and chocobos! Unlike some other popular MMOs, Final Fantasy XIV features a leveling system that lets you change classes with relative ease (given you’ve reached certain milestones), so players are encouraged to shake things up if a playstyle starts to get stale.
For players to get the full FFXIV experience, they’ll need to nab the three major expansion packs: Heavensward, Stormblood, and Shadowbringers. At the least, you get what you pay for as all these expansions provide oodles of fantastic content.
Moreover, the game has an excellent community, which always helps when working up to that end-game content. Once you start playing, you’re guaranteed to have years of fun gameplay ahead should you choose that path. If you’re looking for the golden MMORPG experience on the PS4, then Final Fantasy XIV cannot be beaten.
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