If you have ever been unsure of what MMO to sink your teeth into and possibly dedicate hundreds upon hundreds of hours getting invested in, you’re not alone. In today’s market, the MMO genre has a plethora of options available, all with their own unique systems and quirks.

One system that is always something to think about, but maybe not while playing, is what exactly you are getting for your subscription. Every MMO is different, and some offer far greater value than others for their subscription price, so it never hurts to be aware of what exactly your money is getting you.

MMO Winter Holiday Featured EverQuest 2 Guild Wars 2 PlanetSide 2

8EverQuest 2

13 Years Of Content

When it comes to content, EverQuest 2 is hard to beat; the game has been running for almost a decade and a half, and it shows, as there are over 19 expansions to the game, making it an incredibly dense experience for newcomers. The game is free to play but offers a subscription model for more content and perks.

The subscription price is a decent proposition as well when you consider the sheer amount of content you will be getting. A single month costs $14.99, but a year’s subscription will only cost $9.99 a month billed annually and grants you extra character slots, numerous abilities, spell ranks, and more.

A small ship traveling through space with clusters of information on each side of the screen.

If you like exploring the vast unknowns of space while flying around in high-tech spaceships, then EVE Online just might be the MMO for you. Be a merchant, a pirate, or just wander aimlessly among the stars, the choice is yours.

Even though the game is free to play, the best ships, contracts, and skills are locked behind the paywall of a monthly subscription. The prices are quite hefty for this space, being $19.99 for a single month, but they have other tiers as well, and that could make paying a more worthwhile endeavor.

Artwork of the Final Fantasy 11 Shadow Lord from the game Puzzle & Dragons.

Another MMO of considerable age, Final Fantasy 11 was the series' first foray into the MMO genre and has become a beloved classic by all who have played it. Offering plenty of content and in-depth jobs for your characters to pursue, the game is still going strong all these years later.

Despite its age, and most likely due to the still sizable number of players that play, Final Fantasy 11 still requires a subscription. While you do get a free trial to start, you will need to pay $11.95 a month for a basic fee, and then an extra $1 for each character you create.

Four characters of different classes standing next to each other with their weapons on their hands, next to a cemetery.

Whether you are playing old school or the newer, more modern version,Runescape continues to be one of the most beloved MMOs on the market. Originally a browser-based MMO that was free to play, Runescape has since evolved into a game with a large scope, and a large player base to go with it.

When you decide to pay for their subscription plan and become a member, you gain access to a large map, new skills, and tons more content. Their subscription costs $12.50 a month and is quite worth the investment if you’re a fan of the game.

Interior of a Fury-class Imperial Interceptor from Star Wars The Old Republic

If you ever had dreams of being a Jedi when you were younger, then don’t sleep on Star Wars: The Old Republic. This MMO will give every Star Wars fan what they want: free rein to live out their dreams of lightsaber duels and using the force to solve problems.

Their subscription model includes multiple tiers ranging from $12.99 a month to $14.99 a month depending on how many months you’re subscribing for at once. They also include a non-recurring option for 60 days at a flat $29.99, so you have plenty of options to take a look at.

The Elder Scrolls Online Gold Road screenshot of a bosmer heading towards a crystal golem.

The Elder Scrolls Online finally brought an end to the question on everyone’s minds after Skyrim came out more than a decade ago: what would happen if we could visit all of Tamriel? The amount of content is staggering, and with new regular expansions, the game promises to still have plenty of new things to do and see far into the future.

While purchasing the game allows you to play, their subscription service is where a lot of the content can be found. By subscribing to ESO Plus, you get access to all the old content, as well as new DLC as it releases, and plenty of other perks; a single month will cost you $14.99, and other cheaper bundles are available.

world of warcraft image showing the statues at the city of stormwind

The MMO that puts the MMO genre on the map, World of Warcraft, is always a great option to invest your time in. With years of content, expansions, and regular updates, the game offers some of the best bang for your buck in the genre.

A single month costs $14.99, and a full 12-month subscription will cost $12.99 a month for the year. With competitive pricing and a well-fleshed-out game worldwith an enormousplayer base, it’s no wonder why World of Warcraft is seen as one of the best MMOs to spend your time playing.

The scions of the seventh dawn at the mothercrystal in Final Fantasy 14

Final Fantasy 14 has had its ups and downs throughout its life cycle, but the world’s greatest comeback story for a video game is only matched by the sheer enthusiasm the player base has for this MMO. With constant support and regular updates, the “critically acclaimed MMORPG with a free trial that includes up to Stormblood” keeps getting more and more to do with each patch.

Final Fantasy 14 offers three different subscription tiers, a 30-day subscription for $14.99, a 60-day subscription for $13.99 a month, and a 180-day subscription for $12.99 a month. The price is very much worth it for those charmed by the world of Hydaelyn.