The live-service realm is full of different genres, with fantasy being one of the most popular. Some of these live-service games require an initial payment, some a monthly subscription, and others are free to play, with monetization built into other elements of the game.
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What makes live-service games unique is that they regularly receive new content and events to keep players engaged. This requires a lot of work from the studio, and sometimes that demand is too much to handle. Some studios give up on live-service projects and move on to others, while some manage to make it work.
10 Genshin Impact
Live-Service Meets Gacha
Genshin Impact
- Released
- September 28, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Teen / Alcohol Reference, Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items), Users Interact
- Developer(s)
- HoYoverse (Formerly miHoYo)
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- All platforms
- Genre(s)
- RPG, Action, Adventure, Gacha, Open-World
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, iOS, Android
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Genshin Impact is one of several live-service games developed by HoYoverse. Like most of the other titles in their catalog, it features an anime-inspired art style. However, Genshin Impact stands out with its open-world setting, which many have compared to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The game features an action-based combat system in which characters use elemental magic for both offense and defense. It is available on all major platforms and mobile devices, with cross-save support enabled.
Genshin Impact is free to play, but like most HoYoverse games, it uses gacha mechanics for monetization—a system that has drawn criticism from some players. Nevertheless, Genshin receives frequent updates and new characters, helping it remain one of the most-played live-service games today.
9 Infinity Nikki
Adventure In Style
Infinity Nikki
- Released
- December 5, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Blood, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Papergames, Infold Games
- Publisher(s)
- Papergames, Infold Games, Fearless
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Open-World, Dress-Up, RPG
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, PC, Mobile, Android, iOS
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Infinity Nikki combines adventurous gameplay with classic dress-up mechanics. The story takes players to various locations as they follow Nikki and her companion, Momo, on a journey to rescue a mystical god.
In addition to its dress-up elements and mechanics, Infinity Nikki features platforming and puzzle-solving, with some obstacles requiring specific outfits to overcome. Outfits can also grant abilities that players can use in other activities, such as grooming and fishing. The game’s monetization includes gacha mechanics, which can be accessed using in-game currency or real money.
8 Dota 2
MOBA As A Service
Dota 2
- Released
- July 9, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
Beginning as a community-made mod for Warcraft, Dota 2 has grown into one of the most-played MOBAs today—and one of the most-played games on Steam. While there are other popular MOBAs like League of Legends, Dota 2 features a more medieval-fantasy-inspired art style.
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What makes Dota 2 especially unique among MOBAs is that all heroes are available for free. While the game includes some loot box elements and a subscription service, these are entirely optional and limited to cosmetic content. Dota 2 is also a major title in the esports scene and offers mod support through the Steam Workshop.
7 Guild Wars 2
For Those Who Enjoy Storytelling
Guild Wars 2
- Released
- August 28, 2012
WHERE TO PLAY
Guild Wars 2 is a free-to-play MMORPG that uses expansions as its primary form of monetization. It serves as a sequel to the original Guild Wars. The story follows a guild that sets out to battle the Elder Dragons threatening the realm.
The game remains one of the most popular fantasy live-service MMOs, with consistent content updates since its release in 2012. Guild Wars 2 expansions often introduce new regions to explore and new elite specializations. The gameplay is skill-based and shaped by the race and profession chosen at the start of the game.
6 Path Of Exile
Multiplatform Adventures
Path of Exile
- Released
- October 23, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Intense Violence, Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Nudity, Language
- Developer(s)
- Grinding Gear Games
- Publisher(s)
- Grinding Gear Games
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox One, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
Path of Exile is an action RPG that has received continuous updates and content on both PC and consoles. In PoE, you assume the role of an Exile. After selecting a class, the players begin their journey to find their way back home.
This live-service title features expansive areas to explore and NPCs offering quests to complete. Its dark fantasy setting and overhead perspective help set it apart in the genre, while offering players a high degree of freedom in both exploration and role-play.
5 Neverwinter
The Online Edition Of D&D
Neverwinter
- Released
- June 20, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T For Teen due to Violence, Blood
- Developer(s)
- Cryptic Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Perfect World Entertainment, Gearbox Publishing
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Neverwinter transforms the tabletop world of Dungeons & Dragons into an MMO experience. At launch, Neverwinter used the Fourth Edition ruleset of D&D, later transitioning to the Fifth Edition, which offers eight character classes for players to choose from. Although the game shares its name with the Neverwinter Nights series, the two are not directly related.
What makes Neverwinter stand out as a live-service game, beyond its regular content updates and expansions, is its Foundry mode. The Foundry allows players to create and share custom-designed quests, adding a layer of community-driven content.
4 Sea Of Thieves
Fun Pirate Simulator
Sea of Thieves
- Released
- March 20, 2018
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Crude Humor, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Rare
- Publisher(s)
- Microsoft Game Studios
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Genre(s)
- Adventure
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
Although it was criticized at launch for lacking content, Sea of Thieves has grown into the ultimate playground for a pirate experience. The game receives frequent updates and new content, and while it requires an initial purchase, all post-launch additions are free.
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In Sea of Thieves, you can create your own pirate and choose your path—whether as a trader, bounty hunter, or treasure seeker in search of gold. You can play solo or with friends in the Safer Seas mode, or venture into Open Play to battle other players as you sail toward new adventures.
3 World Of Warcraft
One Of The First Live-Service
World of Warcraft
- Released
- November 23, 2004
WHERE TO PLAY
The term live-service wouldn’t exist without World of Warcraft. The franchise has had multiple entries over the years, and to this day, the game continues to receive new content.
World of Warcraft is an MMORPG set in the fantasy world of Azeroth. Players can experience the game in either third- or first-person view. There are countless quests to complete, and not only do expansions continue to release, but new game modes are also introduced regularly. The game offers a free trial, after which a subscription is required.
2 Final Fantasy 14
The Redeemed MMO
Final Fantasy 14
- Released
- August 27, 2013
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- T for Teen - Language, Mild Blood, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Square Enix
- Publisher(s)
- Square Enix
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Online Multiplayer
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
- Platform(s)
- PC, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
Final Fantasy 14 is one of the most popular fantasy live-service games. Developed by Square Enix, it shares some elements with other Final Fantasy titles, but takes place in its own distinct world and universe. Although its original release was met with negative reviews and player backlash, ultimately leading to the game’s cancellation, it was later re-released as Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn.
This new version introduced improved visuals, gameplay, and storytelling. While the game requires a monthly subscription, new players can start with a free one-month trial with no restrictions on playtime. Final Fantasy 14 continues to receive major expansions, such as Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail, along with regular free content updates.
1 The Elder Scrolls Online
Tamriel's Unlimited Content
The Elder Scrolls Online
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 71 /100 Critics Rec: 39%
- Released
- April 4, 2014
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence
- Developer(s)
- ZeniMax Online Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
WHERE TO PLAY
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Genre(s)
- MMORPG
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Fair
The Elder Scrolls series began as a collection of single-player RPG experiences, but that changed with the introduction of The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). ESO is an MMORPG that features more locations from the world of Tamriel than any other game in the series. Players can also explore new areas within familiar regions from previous Elder Scrolls titles, such as Western Skyrim.
The game requires an initial purchase, and expansions must be bought separately. However, these expansions provide a substantial amount of content and hours of gameplay. In 2025, ESO transitioned from its annual chapter model to a seasonal one, allowing players to receive new content more frequently.
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