RuneScape

Despite being one of the oldest continuously running games, and certainly the oldest MMO on this list, RuneScape has an impressive legacy that is often overlooked. For over two decades, it has allowed players to embark on fantasy adventures, hunt down other players for sport, or simply relax and farm. While it has grown significantly and is technically in its third iteration, the core of free-form adventuring that isn't too serious has been preserved.

It's full of oddities, such as the ability to bury fallen enemies and pray for their souls, which increases your corresponding skill. Sure, RuneScape is full of epic quests, gods, and dragons, but a welcome sense of levity pervades everything, aided by writers who never pass up an opportunity to include some jokes or puns.

While the main game has a lot to offer, those looking for a heady dose of nostalgia should check out Old School RuneScape. When RuneScape evolved into the game you know today, Jagex gave players the option to stick with what they knew, effectively creating a time capsule in which RuneScape remains as it was 'back in the day'. It's less friendly, ugly, and grindier, but it's fascinating as a living piece of history. It's also a testament to how compelling the original version was, with an immersive-sim quality reminiscent of Ultima and a plethora of entertaining, often tongue-in-cheek quests.

Steam rating: 9/10
Release date: 2001
Developer: Jagex
Payment model: Free to play
Buy now: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1343400/RuneScape/
Website: https://www.runescape.com/