For genre newbies and seasoned veterans alike, there are a variety of MMOs to appeal to every taste and desire to play. Unlike other genres, like JRPGs or even CRPGs, the fanbase for MMOs is much wider and varied in what they're after. Besides the fact that grouping a genre around an RPG focus is inherently more focused, most MMO fans will only have one or two titles that they've invested time and money into thoroughly.
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Despite this variation in overall gameplay preferences, there are a few features that every MMO, from the early classics to today's behemoths, has had to get right in order to attract a stable fan base. One such feature is compelling music. An MMO's soundtracks and combat themes help shape its identity and provide a solid foundation for world-building. Notably, these MMOs have fantastic music attached, with soundtracks that are widely praised by their respective fan bases.
8 Everquest
Nostalgic, nostalgic ambient tunes
Everquest
- ISSUED
- March 16, 1999
- Developer
- Daybreak Game Company, Ubisoft, Sony Interactive Entertainment, 989 Studios
- Editor
- Daybreak Game Company, Ubisoft, Sony Interactive Entertainment, 989 Studios
A monolithic title, not just among MMOs or even RPGs, but video games in general, Everquest was way ahead of its time at release, as it has since been credited with pioneering the way MMOs are viewed today. Even at launch, this game worked and worked well, and subsequent updates have made it easier to use as time goes on.
The music in the game is often slower and heavier, but it picks up the pace when it needs to. It's a bold, dreamy soundtrack to the game with few equals, and beyond the nostalgia it might evoke in longtime fans of the game, it will stick with new and old players alike.
7 Maplestory
An idyllic and soothing soundtrack
MapleStory
- platform
- PC, Microsoft Windows
- ISSUED
- April 29, 2003
- Developer(s)
- Nexon, Wizet
The incredibly social MMOMaplestory it has many unique features that help it stand out among its peers despite its long shelf life. (Well, not 'shelves per se, the game is free, but you get the feeling.)
Despite the somewhat cartoonish art style that pervades this game, the music is often grand and spectacular – or sometimes, idyllic and quiet. It's a great mix that helps immerse players in this 2D world.
6 Black Desert Online
Music fit for epic battles
- ISSUED
- March 3, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Pearl of the Abyss
- Publisher(s)
- Pearl of the Abyss
A somewhat divisive MMO in terms of who loves it and who hates it, Black Desert Online it's still a staple in the MMO scene, known for its high quality, cinematic graphics, and incredibly stylish and unique charm.
While working in PvE or fighting competitively, players will be delighted with big, orchestral scores. The music in this game reflects the greatness of each weapon and armor set in perfect tandem with the player.
5 Line 2
An MMO with iconic music
Line 2
- ISSUED
- April 27, 2004
- Developer(s)
- NCSoft, E&G Studios
- Publisher(s)
- NCSoft, Tencent, Innova
Line 2 it might not be as prevalent on most people's radars as some of the other titles on this list, but there's an exceptional MMO here that strikes a balance between making paid content feel worthwhile and also , so that the free-to-play sections don't feel too much. I was walking.
The music is more than good in this game. It's amazing. It's an essential part of the experience – which should be the case for most games, of course, but here the score really goes above and beyond, with loud chest-pounding baselines and some perfect accompaniments to the plot's emotional beats.
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4 The Lord of the Rings Online
A soundtrack in classic movie style
- ISSUED
- April 24, 2007
- Developer(s)
- Standing Stone Games
With its many expansions and iconic design, it's no surprise The Lord of the Rings Online is still one of the most played MMOs today. Far from simply cashing in on an established IP, this game brings so much complexity to the world of Tolkien's design.
The music is just as fantastic here as in Peter Jackson's films, evoking the same images and feelings to long-time fans of the films and books as well as those wanting to try another MMORPG.
Music adds a new dimension to Tamriel
The The Elder Scrolls the series is known for a few things. Obscure, esoteric laws, completely deranged necromancers and – especially in the more recent titles – some fantastic music. Continuing the tradition of titles like Skyrim having some scores that are known for punctuating epic battle scenes, ESO has fantastic music.
Music accompanies the perilous dungeons and idle wandering over the world, providing just the right level of ambience or intensity when needed. The iconic refrain from the previous one The Elder Scrolls the titles also return at certain times.
2 Guild Wars 2
A game known for its exceptional music
- ISSUED
- August 28, 2012
- Publisher(s)
- NCSoft
Similar to titles such as Line 2music in Guild Wars as a series is one of the most memorable and well known things about it. The MMO continued to maintain its popularity even as giants like ESO, WOW or the most recent New World Aeternum keep filling space in the MMO scene.
The music is an enduring part of this title's success, alongside tight gameplay and impressive graphics that continue to hold up years later.
1 Final Fantasy 14
There are few soundtracks that compete with this one
Perhaps one of the best soundtracks ever put into a game, Final Fantasy 14's music is out of this world. This might not come as a surprise considering that Square Enix generally has a great reputation when it comes to their game scores.
Everything from the opening theme to merchant idle music stays with the player, and music is one of the most inviting parts of an MMO that already excels in so many areas.
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