Hmm..I thought ppl play MMORPGs to socialise, make friends and have fun? Why would anyone wanna go solo? I'd be dead bored if I play solo. If I wanna play solo, I'd play Sam and Max, or Day of the Tentacle anytime!
Why would you think that playing solo automaticly means you don't socialise? Hmm, you probably have the following reasoning: solo is alone and you can't socialise with yourself. However the situation is much different. Solo content doesn't result in such a black and white concept. You can chat in the different channels (guildchat, regionchat, globalchat, etc) while doing some quests on your own and quickly group up with a stranger every now and then for that nasty elite. Also more solo content in MMO's doesn't automaticly results in people never grouping up, it just means they ain't forced to group up all the time.
It may sound strange to you, but in general I meet more people when soloing than when grouped, more people and more that are willing to have some idle chat. People in PUGs are too often focussed on getting the instance done as fast as possible as easy as possible and just as often decide to only use the chat to whine and insult others.
Did anyone ever reply to the original question? I would like to know what are the best soloing mmo's.
Why do I like soloing? Several reasons
1) I have kids. I can't dedicate endless hours questing with a group. I have to be able to drop when my children need me.
2) I like the challenge of succeeding with my character without the chaos of a group. To me the formal "group" is nothing more than a gang bashing everything in sight. Little or no skill. Also, I have found that people don't chat when grouped because they are too busy hacking and slashing.
3) Too many groups end up with the loud mouth who complains about what everyone else does.
4) My pc isn't the most powerful, groups drag me down.
However, unlike eq1 where I could solo anything...and kite, games like WoW let me solo until I reach a certain level and then everything becomes group required. Or EQ2 which puts a sign on the dungeon door saying groups only.
Anyway, are there any mmo's that are solo friendly without treating it like a disease?
Solo MMORPG (possibly the biggest oxymoron in existance)
if you like the Solo aspect of it of MMOGs try oblivion. its a huge world that you can go anywhere gather gear farm grind and has multiple expansions, and the best part is that you do not pay a monthly fee.
any mainstreem EQ /WoW clone you can solo in them but that is a complete waste unless you enjoy giving out 15$/month. guildwars as well but if you want to enjoy its fullest potential you have to group with humans
Not true, just because i like to go to a restaurant for dinner does not mean i want everyone there at my table
Solo MMORPG (possibly the biggest oxymoron in existance)
if you like the Solo aspect of it of MMOGs try oblivion. its a huge world that you can go anywhere gather gear farm grind and has multiple expansions, and the best part is that you do not pay a monthly fee.
First off, it's not a MMORPG. It's a RPG. Plain and simple. Second, it only has ONE expansion. The rest are minor ADD ONS. Get it right.
That said I would only suggest two of these options (given the day and age): Eq2 and WoW. If you want more flash and are more worried about style over substance than go WoW. It's a great game but very simplistic, and very shallow (even/especially in end game content). In WoW there are really only 2 or maybe 3 (nowadays) leveling paths (Horde or Alliance). Pre level 10 (so about 2 hours of game play) there are maybe 9 leveling paths wich all begin to merge by level 10 and finish merging clearly by 20. Post 30 even those two paths (Horde/Alliance) blur (a few slight variances but really its the same instances and mobs). WoW is horibble for reusing art assets. Even the expansions only brought about a few new art assets. For the most part its all the same wireframes with new skins/textures (not truely real new art). EQ2 is much more in-depth and far more jam packed with content (at all levels of play). There are about 5 level paths until about 50 then they all begin to blur. That said EQ2 is not as flashy as WoW and does not run as smoothly (through it runs better than the vast majority of MMO's on the market). WoW is a nice starter game, but if your a gamer with a few years under your belt you may want to try EQ2. - imho.
Hmm..I thought ppl play MMORPGs to socialise, make friends and have fun? Why would anyone wanna go solo? I'd be dead bored if I play solo. If I wanna play solo, I'd play Sam and Max, or Day of the Tentacle anytime!
Why would you think that playing solo automaticly means you don't socialise?
Maybe it is the part where you are solo, you know? By yourself, alone aka "solo". In Lord of the rings I have a hard time finding a group because everyone is just solo'ing. If I am lucking enough to get a group, they don't say anything and the moment the group quest is done they drop you.
Hmm, you probably have the following reasoning: solo is alone and you can't socialise with yourself. However the situation is much different. Solo content doesn't result in such a black and white concept. You can chat in the different channels (guildchat, regionchat, globalchat, etc) while doing some quests on your own and quickly group up with a stranger every now and then for that nasty elite. Also more solo content in MMO's doesn't automaticly results in people never grouping up, it just means they ain't forced to group up all the time.
It may sound strange to you, but in general I meet more people when soloing than when grouped, That doesn't make any freaking sense. If your solo, then you arn't around people, so how are you meeting anyone? and when your grouped with people, so your pretty much meeting people. *head explodes* that doesn't make any sense! more people and more that are willing to have some idle chat. People in PUGs are too often focussed on getting the instance done as fast as possible as easy as possible and just as often decide to only use the chat to whine and insult others. Yeah, those are the solo players. They wanna hurry up with this burden of "people" so they can get back to being alone.
Although I agree with most of the people saying, "If you want to solo play, X game"; I understand that you can't get wait around for a group or you need to water your babies. But you guys out there that are just solo'ing to max, you gotta understand that those other people you are playing with like fighting together as a team and well as solo. What most of you are asking is to play a multiplayer game alone (but with chat). Well in that case, play The Witcher or Oblivion and chat with your friends in Xfire..
Also, I noticed a lot of the defenders of solo'ing are really easily offended when people ask why play an MMO. They really don't understand that is why they're asking. Try not to call them idiots.
I think people were offended by the snide comments and being told to stick to single player games rather than innocent questions.
I read all of the comments before writing mine. The only one that seemed or was mean, harsh or rude in any way was the one where the user called the other an idiot for whatever reason.
Hi guys, I am looking to start playing a MMORPG but I really like the solo aspect of it. I want a game with a lot of quests and things I can do on my own besides just leveling up. Like I loved the Final Fantasy series and that style quest game play. Is there any MMORPG that offers this? Thanks
Paying 15$ a month is stupid to play solo game. There is really plenty of soloable MMOs on the market but its waste of money because there are much better solo RPG games on the market. As solo game can really suggest Elder Scrolls series and especially the last part: Oblivion.
Where themepark games try to hide that they are copying WOW, games like Mortal Online and Darkfall make no attempt to hide their inspiration ______\m/_____ LordOfDarkDesire
I solo alot in most mmorpgs because I have alot of time to play , usually more than my friends. Bearshaman beyond lvl 16 in vanguard was my best solo experience and I have played all of the major mmo's. Second would probably be Illusion / Radiation controller in COH thats a long time ago when I played that I'm sure much has changed.
Hi guys, I am looking to start playing a MMORPG but I really like the solo aspect of it. I want a game with a lot of quests and things I can do on my own besides just leveling up. Like I loved the Final Fantasy series and that style quest game play. Is there any MMORPG that offers this? Thanks
Paying 15$ a month is stupid to play solo game. There is really plenty of soloable MMOs on the market but its waste of money because there are much better solo RPG games on the market. As solo game can really suggest Elder Scrolls series and especially the last part: Oblivion.
Solo leveling, questing, and crafting, I'm sure everyones done it. I did it in WoW from 1 to 70 for 6 classes, Did it LoTR too 1-30ish with 3 classes, AO, UO , EQ, AC, AC2 , oh yeah in WAR too. Only game i couldn't solo level was FFXI, which pretty much forces you to group.
This I've come to understand, in any MMO there is alot of aspect people enjoy, example a friend of mine in WAR he doesn't do much in RVR , but a few instances. But his enjoyment comes from doing Auction House stuff and trying to be the richest man on our server, pretty much he controls the economy on our server (order side), but thats the point. he doesn't group for that, but he socializes in the MMO in his own way.
OP wants solo content but still socialize with people in genral chat or with the person standing next to her.
Also sometimes my play style doesn't match of the group I'm playing with. I like to get in and get out of a instance, I would like people to actually know how to play thier classes, and for people who i group with not be such greedy bastards when it comes to loot. Thats pretty much why i hate grouping and especially with PUGs. But thats why I join guilds, good to get groups, but also downside is guild drama.
but I also like to have friends to socilize with to enjoy the game, I don't need to group or join a guild to have friends though.
Hi guys, I am looking to start playing a MMORPG but I really like the solo aspect of it. I want a game with a lot of quests and things I can do on my own besides just leveling up. Like I loved the Final Fantasy series and that style quest game play. Is there any MMORPG that offers this? Thanks
Honestly, the best solo MMO - Asherons Call.
But it is very outdated nowdays... if you dont mind 10 year old graphics I would say give it a go.
I think people were offended by the snide comments and being told to stick to single player games rather than innocent questions.
I read all of the comments before writing mine. The only one that seemed or was mean, harsh or rude in any way was the one where the user called the other an idiot for whatever reason.
Yep, I entirely agree that the idiot thing was uncalled for. My comment was because I think you misunderstood / misrepresented why people were getting defensive about soloing.
PS - Bleh, I just reread the entire thread to make sure I wasn't out of line. I still stick to my original comment but yeah there was some overly harsh reaction aswell. Peace.
Lets look at the solo aspect of mmorpg's in a different light... mine. The way I actually measure the quality of an MMO is how much fun I can have by myself. Not that I don't group, I do. I have plenty of friends and belong to a couple different guilds... but lets face it, your friends won't always be playing. Nothing chaps my hide worse than an MMO that I log into and see that no one in my guild is playing and then I'm forced to log out because there is nothing worthwhile for me to do.
If you want something that you can still have fun playing by yourself you should stay away from the following. A note to all the people that are ready to pounce on this post like rabid lion thrown into a pool full of beef... this is just my "opinion" and is no way reflecting anyone elses thoughts but mine. I don't care why you disagree, this post requires no reply, except from the thread starter. Ok so back to the non-solo friendly titles to avoid:
1. World of Warcraft.
----- Yes, that is actually at the top of my list. Others may feel strongly opposite, but let me tell you... any game where you need to spend hours standing around trying to gather up teammates for an instance mission or a raid is definitely NOT solo friendly. And just stepping into a PvP area alone is absolute suicide.
2. City of Heroes.
----- Yeah the first few levels are fun by yourself but very soon you'll almost be relying on others to even dream of reaching the next level or accomplishing anything worth accomplishing.
3. Guild Wars.
----- Ok, so you might be able to recruit NPC team members to help you out, and it works like a charm in the beginning. But you'll soon realize that if you do this all the time, the true nature of the mindless bots that guard your back will be revealed. To get the fun factor going again, you'll definitely want player controlled allies.
There's more but let me change gears and tell you of a couple you may want to try if you want to have fun alone.
----- This is only a suggestion because the game has so many systems in effect that basically are there for the casual and sometimes solo gamer. Public Quests namely. The ability to walk into an area and just join a quest at will... even if others are already in the middle of it... is great. But, I'll admit after a while, I stopped playing when my friends weren't there. There is only so many times you can do the same PQs while biting back the boredom.
But my #1 choice for the best "SOLO MMORPG" (yes, I'm using this "oxymoron" on purpose) where you can play from n00b to maxed-out alone and enjoy it is:
This is one case where SOLO mmorpg isn't an Oxymoron. UO literally is a solo mmorpg due to the fact that you cannot join a group in the traditional sense of the term. There is no shared XP benefit (because there is no XP) nor is there an "invite player to group" option. You can join a guild, but if you want to play with someone it is quite literally playing with someone, by their side, fighting the beasts that they fight, going to the places that they go. This game is basically what Darkfall is trying to emulate but so far I believe they are missing the mark.
Ultima Online, in my opinion (again just an opinion) is the best mmo based on gameplay alone. the 2D graphics feel outdated but if you value fun over "flash" than this is the game for you. No XP because technically there are no levels. Its a skill based system with natural progression. Natural progression is the best thing that has ever happened to mmorpg's since customizable avatars. and if there is a skill you don't feel like learning from ground zero you can always ask an appropriate NPC to train you. A TON of skills and a limited number of statistic points and skill point almost assure a uniquely developed character. I have many Legendary and Grand Master characters, and all are different. This is kind of like a fantasy life simulation, like Mabinogi attempts to be but doesn't come close.
Trust me. Give it a try. You can get the anniversary edition for about 14.99 USD and that includes a free month (and the monthly subscription is lower than the norm... i think it's about $10 - $12 USD) and all expansions. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. But be cautious that its not an extreme self-teaching experience. Lucky for you, it has a great, dedicated, and friendly community with a lot of players who will gladly show you some ropes and get your momentum going.
Now, if you're more on the "what can I play for free" mentality, a solo-friendly game you can find in:
Ryzom is a free and unique mmo with fairly decent visuals. It also has an in depth campaign designer (not too user friendly though) where you can make your own senarios and share them and play them with others in the game. It focuses on three basic skills: Melee, Harvesting, and Magic. Naturally some races are better at one skill than others will be. You should also give this a try. Its densely populated with enemies so there's always something to beat the snot out of. A crafting system that is quality and attribute based, so a shield could have more physical defense or it could protect you against cold and fire damage depending on the ingredients you choose to make it with. There's more I could say about the enjoyment of soloing in Ryzom but since it's free... why don't you just take it for a test drive and see for yourself.
So there it is, Mindwonder. Hope this post made your decision a bit easier or at the very least enlightened you to try something you may not have usually tried. Have fun.
the game is free but uses the "micro payment" thing(cash shop or w/e)
its basicly just a grind, there are quests ofc but they're also basicly just a grind but the game is still suprisingly good, its free and it has a somewhat large community
the game lets you play with 3 characters at the same time so you can mix and match your team exactly how you like it, 1 tank 1 healer 1 damage, 3 tanks, 3 healers, 3 damage, whatever you feel like
there is some "endgame" that needs groups but ive played the game on/off for about 3 years now and never had to group for anything and i got plenty of chars at max level.
(sorry if this game has been mentioned already, didnt read the entire thread)
I'm sure many will disagree but for me the true spirit of an MMO is being an individual in a dynamic, populated world; able to progress in power/stature by my own merits rather than coasting along as a (relatively) insignificant member of a large group.
Enjoyed that aspect in UO and SWG, but most modern MMO's seem hell-bent in making me raid/group, though I'm comforted that the likes of WoW are reducing the sizes and reward differential of raids.
Playing: EVE, Final Fantasy 13, Uncharted 2, Need for Speed: Shift
since when was solo a synonym for anti-social? Just because you solo doesn't mean you dont socialize.
Playing: EVE Online Favorite MMOs: WoW, SWG Pre-cu, Lineage 2, UO, EQ, EVE online Looking forward to: Archeage, Kingdom Under Fire 2 KUF2's Official Website - http://www.kufii.com/ENG/ -
since when was solo a synonym for anti-social? Just because you solo doesn't mean you dont socialize.
I don't think that is what anyone is saying. The thing is, a lot of people (aparently in the minority now) like to group and level that way. Doesn't really have anything to do with socializing. There are so many "solo" players that the ones who want to group with strangers can't. Myself included. I end up being a solo player because I can't find anyone to group with so I'm stuck fighting alone.
And to me, fighting alone is boring. I might as well be playing another game. Add to the fact that non of my friends play MMO's (or games for that matter). So the only chance I have to group are with strangers which all want to solo.
since when was solo a synonym for anti-social? Just because you solo doesn't mean you dont socialize.
I don't think that is what anyone is saying.
i saw a post or 2 with people asking if someone wants to solo, then why play mmorpgs. I assumed they meant that people who solo dont even socialize.
Playing: EVE Online Favorite MMOs: WoW, SWG Pre-cu, Lineage 2, UO, EQ, EVE online Looking forward to: Archeage, Kingdom Under Fire 2 KUF2's Official Website - http://www.kufii.com/ENG/ -
Best " SOLO " mmorpg Am sorry to be rude but please dont play a mmorpg if you wanna do the solo multiplayer thing just go play oblivion and games in that genre . MMORPG were made to play with groups overall and acheive things with a guild or a corp , yes am aware you can solo in some of them like wow or eq2 . but realise the best loot and gear is gotten by group content so dont waste peoples time here .
You aren't being rude. You are just being presumptuous, ignorant and wrong.
Forced grouping is older than MMORPGs. It existed in MUDs, for example RetroMUD has forced grouping.
Similarly MUDs without forced grouping existed far before MMORPGs. Probably they are older than the forced grouping MUDs. They were also fairly popular.
Sorry but your narrowminded attitude is not supported by anything even resembling a fact.
First post on site, but couldn't resist.. If your looking for a great 'console' style MMO similar to Final Fantasy, you could try Atlantica Online. It's free to download, no subscription, and the #1 Voted Release on this site. You fight timed turn-based battles (similar to Final Fantasy/Suikoden), with a Main class + 8 other mercenaries (from over 20 classes you quest for, etc). I quit my subscriptions to AoC, EQ2, and WAR a week after finding this game, and haven't lost the funfactor after a month.
Hi guys, I am looking to start playing a MMORPG but I really like the solo aspect of it. I want a game with a lot of quests and things I can do on my own besides just leveling up. Like I loved the Final Fantasy series and that style quest game play. Is there any MMORPG that offers this? Thanks
Comments
Why would you think that playing solo automaticly means you don't socialise? Hmm, you probably have the following reasoning: solo is alone and you can't socialise with yourself. However the situation is much different. Solo content doesn't result in such a black and white concept. You can chat in the different channels (guildchat, regionchat, globalchat, etc) while doing some quests on your own and quickly group up with a stranger every now and then for that nasty elite. Also more solo content in MMO's doesn't automaticly results in people never grouping up, it just means they ain't forced to group up all the time.It may sound strange to you, but in general I meet more people when soloing than when grouped, more people and more that are willing to have some idle chat. People in PUGs are too often focussed on getting the instance done as fast as possible as easy as possible and just as often decide to only use the chat to whine and insult others.
Did anyone ever reply to the original question? I would like to know what are the best soloing mmo's.
Why do I like soloing? Several reasons
1) I have kids. I can't dedicate endless hours questing with a group. I have to be able to drop when my children need me.
2) I like the challenge of succeeding with my character without the chaos of a group. To me the formal "group" is nothing more than a gang bashing everything in sight. Little or no skill. Also, I have found that people don't chat when grouped because they are too busy hacking and slashing.
3) Too many groups end up with the loud mouth who complains about what everyone else does.
4) My pc isn't the most powerful, groups drag me down.
However, unlike eq1 where I could solo anything...and kite, games like WoW let me solo until I reach a certain level and then everything becomes group required. Or EQ2 which puts a sign on the dungeon door saying groups only.
Anyway, are there any mmo's that are solo friendly without treating it like a disease?
Not true, just because i like to go to a restaurant for dinner does not mean i want everyone there at my table
First off, it's not a MMORPG. It's a RPG. Plain and simple. Second, it only has ONE expansion. The rest are minor ADD ONS. Get it right.
I have been able to solo to max level in:
EQ2
WoW
DDO
SWG
VG
AC1
DAOC
etc
etc
That said I would only suggest two of these options (given the day and age): Eq2 and WoW. If you want more flash and are more worried about style over substance than go WoW. It's a great game but very simplistic, and very shallow (even/especially in end game content). In WoW there are really only 2 or maybe 3 (nowadays) leveling paths (Horde or Alliance). Pre level 10 (so about 2 hours of game play) there are maybe 9 leveling paths wich all begin to merge by level 10 and finish merging clearly by 20. Post 30 even those two paths (Horde/Alliance) blur (a few slight variances but really its the same instances and mobs). WoW is horibble for reusing art assets. Even the expansions only brought about a few new art assets. For the most part its all the same wireframes with new skins/textures (not truely real new art). EQ2 is much more in-depth and far more jam packed with content (at all levels of play). There are about 5 level paths until about 50 then they all begin to blur. That said EQ2 is not as flashy as WoW and does not run as smoothly (through it runs better than the vast majority of MMO's on the market). WoW is a nice starter game, but if your a gamer with a few years under your belt you may want to try EQ2. - imho.
FINBAR
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Although I agree with most of the people saying, "If you want to solo play, X game"; I understand that you can't get wait around for a group or you need to water your babies. But you guys out there that are just solo'ing to max, you gotta understand that those other people you are playing with like fighting together as a team and well as solo. What most of you are asking is to play a multiplayer game alone (but with chat). Well in that case, play The Witcher or Oblivion and chat with your friends in Xfire..
Also, I noticed a lot of the defenders of solo'ing are really easily offended when people ask why play an MMO. They really don't understand that is why they're asking. Try not to call them idiots.
I think people were offended by the snide comments and being told to stick to single player games rather than innocent questions.
I read all of the comments before writing mine. The only one that seemed or was mean, harsh or rude in any way was the one where the user called the other an idiot for whatever reason.
Paying 15$ a month is stupid to play solo game. There is really plenty of soloable MMOs on the market but its waste of money because there are much better solo RPG games on the market. As solo game can really suggest Elder Scrolls series and especially the last part: Oblivion.
Where themepark games try to hide that they are copying WOW, games like Mortal Online and Darkfall make no attempt to hide their inspiration
______\m/_____
LordOfDarkDesire
I been there...I was a hard core raider in WoW, raided about 6 days a week, played like ...well alot of hours a week.
But now I'm a casual gamer , because of work and most of the time on call. The games I found soloable so far for a MMO is Guild Wars.
Guild Wars
Guild Wars II will be coming out in the near future as well, which has stunning graphics and will somewhat be a persistant world.
I hope that helps you out a little.
I solo alot in most mmorpgs because I have alot of time to play , usually more than my friends. Bearshaman beyond lvl 16 in vanguard was my best solo experience and I have played all of the major mmo's. Second would probably be Illusion / Radiation controller in COH thats a long time ago when I played that I'm sure much has changed.
Paying 15$ a month is stupid to play solo game. There is really plenty of soloable MMOs on the market but its waste of money because there are much better solo RPG games on the market. As solo game can really suggest Elder Scrolls series and especially the last part: Oblivion.
Solo leveling, questing, and crafting, I'm sure everyones done it. I did it in WoW from 1 to 70 for 6 classes, Did it LoTR too 1-30ish with 3 classes, AO, UO , EQ, AC, AC2 , oh yeah in WAR too. Only game i couldn't solo level was FFXI, which pretty much forces you to group.
This I've come to understand, in any MMO there is alot of aspect people enjoy, example a friend of mine in WAR he doesn't do much in RVR , but a few instances. But his enjoyment comes from doing Auction House stuff and trying to be the richest man on our server, pretty much he controls the economy on our server (order side), but thats the point. he doesn't group for that, but he socializes in the MMO in his own way.
OP wants solo content but still socialize with people in genral chat or with the person standing next to her.
Also sometimes my play style doesn't match of the group I'm playing with. I like to get in and get out of a instance, I would like people to actually know how to play thier classes, and for people who i group with not be such greedy bastards when it comes to loot. Thats pretty much why i hate grouping and especially with PUGs. But thats why I join guilds, good to get groups, but also downside is guild drama.
but I also like to have friends to socilize with to enjoy the game, I don't need to group or join a guild to have friends though.
Honestly, the best solo MMO - Asherons Call.
But it is very outdated nowdays... if you dont mind 10 year old graphics I would say give it a go.
I read all of the comments before writing mine. The only one that seemed or was mean, harsh or rude in any way was the one where the user called the other an idiot for whatever reason.
Yep, I entirely agree that the idiot thing was uncalled for. My comment was because I think you misunderstood / misrepresented why people were getting defensive about soloing.
PS - Bleh, I just reread the entire thread to make sure I wasn't out of line. I still stick to my original comment but yeah there was some overly harsh reaction aswell. Peace.
Lets look at the solo aspect of mmorpg's in a different light... mine. The way I actually measure the quality of an MMO is how much fun I can have by myself. Not that I don't group, I do. I have plenty of friends and belong to a couple different guilds... but lets face it, your friends won't always be playing. Nothing chaps my hide worse than an MMO that I log into and see that no one in my guild is playing and then I'm forced to log out because there is nothing worthwhile for me to do.
If you want something that you can still have fun playing by yourself you should stay away from the following. A note to all the people that are ready to pounce on this post like rabid lion thrown into a pool full of beef... this is just my "opinion" and is no way reflecting anyone elses thoughts but mine. I don't care why you disagree, this post requires no reply, except from the thread starter. Ok so back to the non-solo friendly titles to avoid:
1. World of Warcraft.
----- Yes, that is actually at the top of my list. Others may feel strongly opposite, but let me tell you... any game where you need to spend hours standing around trying to gather up teammates for an instance mission or a raid is definitely NOT solo friendly. And just stepping into a PvP area alone is absolute suicide.
2. City of Heroes.
----- Yeah the first few levels are fun by yourself but very soon you'll almost be relying on others to even dream of reaching the next level or accomplishing anything worth accomplishing.
3. Guild Wars.
----- Ok, so you might be able to recruit NPC team members to help you out, and it works like a charm in the beginning. But you'll soon realize that if you do this all the time, the true nature of the mindless bots that guard your back will be revealed. To get the fun factor going again, you'll definitely want player controlled allies.
There's more but let me change gears and tell you of a couple you may want to try if you want to have fun alone.
1. Warhammer: AoR
----- This is only a suggestion because the game has so many systems in effect that basically are there for the casual and sometimes solo gamer. Public Quests namely. The ability to walk into an area and just join a quest at will... even if others are already in the middle of it... is great. But, I'll admit after a while, I stopped playing when my friends weren't there. There is only so many times you can do the same PQs while biting back the boredom.
But my #1 choice for the best "SOLO MMORPG" (yes, I'm using this "oxymoron" on purpose) where you can play from n00b to maxed-out alone and enjoy it is:
Ultima Online
This is one case where SOLO mmorpg isn't an Oxymoron. UO literally is a solo mmorpg due to the fact that you cannot join a group in the traditional sense of the term. There is no shared XP benefit (because there is no XP) nor is there an "invite player to group" option. You can join a guild, but if you want to play with someone it is quite literally playing with someone, by their side, fighting the beasts that they fight, going to the places that they go. This game is basically what Darkfall is trying to emulate but so far I believe they are missing the mark.
Ultima Online, in my opinion (again just an opinion) is the best mmo based on gameplay alone. the 2D graphics feel outdated but if you value fun over "flash" than this is the game for you. No XP because technically there are no levels. Its a skill based system with natural progression. Natural progression is the best thing that has ever happened to mmorpg's since customizable avatars. and if there is a skill you don't feel like learning from ground zero you can always ask an appropriate NPC to train you. A TON of skills and a limited number of statistic points and skill point almost assure a uniquely developed character. I have many Legendary and Grand Master characters, and all are different. This is kind of like a fantasy life simulation, like Mabinogi attempts to be but doesn't come close.
Trust me. Give it a try. You can get the anniversary edition for about 14.99 USD and that includes a free month (and the monthly subscription is lower than the norm... i think it's about $10 - $12 USD) and all expansions. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. But be cautious that its not an extreme self-teaching experience. Lucky for you, it has a great, dedicated, and friendly community with a lot of players who will gladly show you some ropes and get your momentum going.
Now, if you're more on the "what can I play for free" mentality, a solo-friendly game you can find in:
Ryzom
Ryzom is a free and unique mmo with fairly decent visuals. It also has an in depth campaign designer (not too user friendly though) where you can make your own senarios and share them and play them with others in the game. It focuses on three basic skills: Melee, Harvesting, and Magic. Naturally some races are better at one skill than others will be. You should also give this a try. Its densely populated with enemies so there's always something to beat the snot out of. A crafting system that is quality and attribute based, so a shield could have more physical defense or it could protect you against cold and fire damage depending on the ingredients you choose to make it with. There's more I could say about the enjoyment of soloing in Ryzom but since it's free... why don't you just take it for a test drive and see for yourself.
So there it is, Mindwonder. Hope this post made your decision a bit easier or at the very least enlightened you to try something you may not have usually tried. Have fun.
sword of the new world(http://swordofthenewworld.gamersfirst.com/) is a pretty good game if you want to solo
the game is free but uses the "micro payment" thing(cash shop or w/e)
its basicly just a grind, there are quests ofc but they're also basicly just a grind but the game is still suprisingly good, its free and it has a somewhat large community
the game lets you play with 3 characters at the same time so you can mix and match your team exactly how you like it, 1 tank 1 healer 1 damage, 3 tanks, 3 healers, 3 damage, whatever you feel like
there is some "endgame" that needs groups but ive played the game on/off for about 3 years now and never had to group for anything and i got plenty of chars at max level.
(sorry if this game has been mentioned already, didnt read the entire thread)
LotRO
I love solo-friendly MMO's.
I'm sure many will disagree but for me the true spirit of an MMO is being an individual in a dynamic, populated world; able to progress in power/stature by my own merits rather than coasting along as a (relatively) insignificant member of a large group.
Enjoyed that aspect in UO and SWG, but most modern MMO's seem hell-bent in making me raid/group, though I'm comforted that the likes of WoW are reducing the sizes and reward differential of raids.
Playing: EVE, Final Fantasy 13, Uncharted 2, Need for Speed: Shift
since when was solo a synonym for anti-social? Just because you solo doesn't mean you dont socialize.
Playing: EVE Online
Favorite MMOs: WoW, SWG Pre-cu, Lineage 2, UO, EQ, EVE online
Looking forward to: Archeage, Kingdom Under Fire 2
KUF2's Official Website - http://www.kufii.com/ENG/ -
I don't think that is what anyone is saying. The thing is, a lot of people (aparently in the minority now) like to group and level that way. Doesn't really have anything to do with socializing. There are so many "solo" players that the ones who want to group with strangers can't. Myself included. I end up being a solo player because I can't find anyone to group with so I'm stuck fighting alone.
And to me, fighting alone is boring. I might as well be playing another game. Add to the fact that non of my friends play MMO's (or games for that matter). So the only chance I have to group are with strangers which all want to solo.
I don't think that is what anyone is saying.
i saw a post or 2 with people asking if someone wants to solo, then why play mmorpgs. I assumed they meant that people who solo dont even socialize.
Playing: EVE Online
Favorite MMOs: WoW, SWG Pre-cu, Lineage 2, UO, EQ, EVE online
Looking forward to: Archeage, Kingdom Under Fire 2
KUF2's Official Website - http://www.kufii.com/ENG/ -
You aren't being rude. You are just being presumptuous, ignorant and wrong.
Forced grouping is older than MMORPGs. It existed in MUDs, for example RetroMUD has forced grouping.
Similarly MUDs without forced grouping existed far before MMORPGs. Probably they are older than the forced grouping MUDs. They were also fairly popular.
Sorry but your narrowminded attitude is not supported by anything even resembling a fact.
First post on site, but couldn't resist.. If your looking for a great 'console' style MMO similar to Final Fantasy, you could try Atlantica Online. It's free to download, no subscription, and the #1 Voted Release on this site. You fight timed turn-based battles (similar to Final Fantasy/Suikoden), with a Main class + 8 other mercenaries (from over 20 classes you quest for, etc). I quit my subscriptions to AoC, EQ2, and WAR a week after finding this game, and haven't lost the funfactor after a month.
WoW
I don't think that is what anyone is saying.
i saw a post or 2 with people asking if someone wants to solo, then why play mmorpgs. I assumed they meant that people who solo dont even socialize.
No, they mean you can play Fallout 3 with a chat program running to socialize.