This is a selected list of notable massively multiplayer online games which are free-to-play in some form without ever requiring a subscription or other payment. These are commonly MMORPGs or MMOFPSs, but could be of any genre.
Free play These MMOGs provide client software free of charge and allow users to play the game without requiring payment. The games' expenses are typically funded by sponsors or through donations (which have no effect in the game itself).
Developer(s)Release datePlatform(s)GenreSynopsisType Allegiance Microsoft Research Windows Space Sim/RTS Hybrid 3D Space Combat with teamwork and RTS elements 3D Astonia III Intent Software/open source Windows, Linux Fantasy MMORPG MMORPG with an isometric view, originally was pay-to-play from 2001 until 2014 when the official servers shut down and the creator released the source code; thus, creating free-to-play fan-made communities. 2D Astro Battle Lava Lord Games Windows, Linux Multi-directional shooter Overhead multi-directional shoot-em-up where players design their own ships 2D Crossfire n/a Multi-platform, including Windows, OS X, Linux and others. Medieval fantasy MMORPG Open source cross between NetHack and Gauntlet. 2D Gekkeiju Online Coolhouse Productions Windows Medieval fantasy MMORPG Players control an anime like character in a medieval fantasy world. 3D Infantry Online Harmless Games LLCSony Online Entertainment Windows Action Players take the role of soldiers on an isometric battleground and fight in a variety of gametypes. 2.5D Meridian 59 Archetype Interactive (original)Near Death Studios (current) Windows Role playing Play as an adventurer in a medieval sword-and-sorcery world alongside other adventurers 3D Myst Online: Uru Live Cyan Worlds (first release ) Windows Adventure MMORPG Players explore different worlds, uncover clues and solve puzzles together 3D Omerta Omerta Game Limited Browser-based MMORPG, Mafia Text PlaneShift Atomic Blue 2016 (first release )Windows, OS X, Linux Medieval fantasy MMORPG An open source, fantasy MMORPG with strong emphasis on roleplaying. 3D SubSpace Burst, Virgin Interactive, fan community Windows Action Players fly, fight and play a variety of games with spaceships. 2D Terra Kaon Interactive (original)Terra Outlands (current) Windows Action Play as a vehicle operator in a 24/7 3D virtual world individual or clan based battle game 3D Underlight Lyra Studios Windows Medieval fantasy MMORPG Play as a dreamer in the city of dreams, in a unique role-playing environment (in-character at all times). The game features live action FPS combat, an advancement system where players write quests for other players, and a unique faction system with fixed houses that are player run. 3D Urban Dead Kevan Davis Browser-based Survival horror Play as a human or a zombie trying to survive in the undead-infested city of Malton. Text Virtual Air Traffic Simulation Network(VATSIM) n/a n/a Flight simulation Uses existing flight simulation software with custom plug-ins, players may interact with the network as either pilots or air traffic controllers. Wyvern Steve Yegge, Cabochon, Inc. Windows, OS X, Linux, iOS, Android Fantasy MMORPG Crossfire and NetHack inspired game where players take on the mantle of adventurer and battle monsters in their quest. 2D
Free play with advertising These MMOGs are free to play. They are funded through advertising, either in-game or through pop-ups.
Developer(s)Release datePlatform(s)GenreSynopsisType Agar.io Zeach April 28, 2015 Browser-based Action Thousands of Cells compete for survival. Eat or be eaten. Web Anarchy Online Funcom Windows MMORPG, Science-fiction Two factions fight for control of a distant desert planet. 3D Jennifer Government: NationStates Max Barry Browser-based Government simulation game Players build nations and run them according to their political ideals. Web Slither.io Steve Howse Browser-based Casual Hundreds of worms in the same area eat dots to get bigger without running into each other's tails. Web
Free play with micro-transactions These MMOGs are free to play, but players may optionally purchase in-game items or currency. KeyServers are currently availableServers have been discontinuedServer status is unknown