10. Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen
Take the large environments of an MMORPG and throw in combat that’s a mix of what you’d find inDark Soulsand aMonster Huntergame, and you’ll get something resembling this game.
The original release ofDragon’s Dogmadidn’t sell well, but positive reviews and word of mouth eventually brought a decent following to the game. The re-release,Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen, is the best way to play the game.
Related:What Are Soulslike Games? The History and Appeal, Explained
9. Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age
Final Fantasy XIIwas developed shortly after the MMORPGFinal Fantasy XI, which helps explain why the combat system is such a radical departure from what the series had done before.
While the Gambit system and other features keep it from feeling exactly like an MMO, the combat combined with the sprawling outdoor areas certainly feel like they’d be right at home in an online game.
8. Dragon Age: Inquisition
While it was fairly well received on release, it seems people forgot aboutDragon Age: Inquisitionfairly quickly. It certainly didn’t have the staying power of a game likeSkyrim.
If you’re looking for a game to fill the MMO-shaped hole in your life, however,Dragon Age: Inquisitionmay actually be a better fit.
The game’s zone-based exploration feels more like an online game, and it even has online multiplayer if you actually feel like playing with other humans.
Related:The Best Nintendo Switch Games for D&D Fans
7. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
It’s hard to find anything to say aboutSkyrimthat hasn’t already been said. This is as single-player as games get, but the massive world feels like there have to be other players there somewhere.
This game is available on nearly every platform nowadays too, which is a bonus! If you haven’t playedSkyrimyet, you’re seriously missing out on one of the best offline RPG experiences!
6. Xenoblade Chronicles 2
Every game in theXenobladeseries feels slightly like an MMO, thanks mostly to the combat. The games also feature large areas to explore that wouldn’t look out of place in an online game.
This game’s predecessor,Xenoblade Chronicles Xis probably the most MMO-like, but the Wii U didn’t sell nearly as well as the Nintendo Switch, so you’ll probably have an easier time playing the most recent entry in the series.
Related:The Best Nintendo Switch RPGs
5. Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning
While it doesn’t pretend to be an MMO in any way,Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoningis set in a world that it was supposed to share with a real MMORPG that never saw the light of day.
Maybe that’s why it feels a little more like an offlineWorld of Warcraftthan it does other single-player RPGs.
This game also features some impressively deep lore, something that isn’t so surprising once you learn it was crafted by prolific fantasy author R.A. Salvatore.
Related:The Best Fantasy RPG Soundtracks
4. Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet
If you like the “virtual MMO inside a real game” aspect ofSword Art Onlinebut wish it played a little more likeDestiny, check outSword Art Online: Fatal Bullet.
Instead of the game from the other titles, this takes place inside Gun Gale Online, a different fictional game. You also create a character here instead of playing as Kirito from the beginning, though it isn’t long before he and his crew show up.
3. .hack//G.U. Last Recode
The.hackfranchise has been around since the PlayStation 2, and has always followed the format of playing a virtual MMO within the actual game.
This is actually a remaster of.hack//G.U.from the PS2, so it feels a little dated, but it combines all three games in that series, so you’re getting plenty of game time for your money.
Related:The Best PS2 RPGs Worth Revisiting
2. CrossCode
Another game using the “game within a game” motif,CrossCodeplays like a mix between an old-school MMO and an action RPG in the style ofSecret of Mana.
The graphics fit this gameplay mechanic as well, since they would look perfectly at home on a Super Nintendo.
Though this is an indie game by a small developer, it somehow manages to absolutely nail the feeling of playing a real MMORPG, which is no small feat.
1. Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization
If you’re a fan of the popularSword Art Onlineanime, you probably already have an idea what this is about. The series follows Kirito, a character who along with 10,000 other players is trapped within the titular MMO.
The game takes place in this setting and, fitting right in with the anime, plays very much like an MMORPG, just minus the other players, though it does feature optional online multiplayer as well.
Related:The Best RPG Games on Xbox Game Pass Worth Playing
