10 MMOs To Watch in 2026?

This article is a look at the most promising new MMOs, betas and early access releasing in 2026 

The MMO genre has had a rough few years. Delays, shutdowns, disappointing launches — you name it. But as we move into 2026, there’s still reason to be cautiously optimistic. Despite popular belief, MMOs aren’t dead just yet. 

Apogea 

Inspired heavily by Tibia, Apogea leans into classic MMO design:

• Multiple classes and weapons
• PvP flagging
• First-come, first-served loot
• A strong social focus

A new playtest is scheduled for January 2026, and early impressions suggest a game that values old-school RPG mechanics over modern convenience. For players craving a more social, risk-driven MMO experience, this is one to watch.

Anvil Empires

From the creators of Foxhole, Anvil Empires is a massively multiplayer warfare MMO where each player controls a single unit in a larger army.

Key features include:

• Persistent online world

• Large-scale faction warfare

• Heavy emphasis on coordination and voice chat

There’s no firm release date yet, but another playtest is expected in 2026. If you enjoy teamwork-driven gameplay and organized chaos, Anvil Empires could be a standout.

Drakantos

A 2D MMO that came out of nowhere and surprised a lot of people.

• Free-to-play 

• A less chaotic Realm of the Mad God

• Multiple classes and progression

• Actively listening to player feedback

The developers’ willingness to iterate based on feedback gives Drakantos a real chance to grow into something special.

Stars Reach

Stars Reach is Raph Koster, a well-known figure in the industry for his work on classic titles like Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies. The game is being developed by his studio, Playable Worlds. Stars Reach blends MMO systems with survival gameplay.

What makes it interesting:

• Shared-world survival MMO

• Strong sandbox elements

• Fully funded Kickstarter

• Clear vision for a niche audience

A full release is currently planned for 2026, and it could become a major hit for players who miss the freedom of classic sandbox MMOs.

Light No Fire

Hello Games’ follow-up to No Man’s Sky trades an infinite universe for a single massive planet.

Expected features include:

• Multiplayer-focused exploration

• Crafting and base building

• Flying mounts

• Multiple playable races

While the release date is unconfirmed, it could arrive as early as 2026. After No Man’s Sky’s rocky launch, the developers are clearly being cautious this time.

Fellowship

An MMO that strips the genre down to its core: endgame PvE dungeons.

• No open-world exploration

• No main story quests

• Instant dungeon access from a player hub

• Quick and easy grouping 

Currently in early access, Fellowship targets players who love dungeon content without MMO bloat. Full release is expected sometime in 2026.

Monsters & Memories

A love letter to classic MMOs like EverQuest.

• Slow-paced gameplay

• Heavy social reliance

• Increasingly popular playtests

Even younger players are showing interest, suggesting that nostalgia-driven MMOs may still have a future.

Adrullan Online Adventures

Formerly known as Evercraft, this MMO combines:

• Classic MMO mechanics

• A Minecraft-like aesthetic

• Accessible UI and systems

Multiple stress tests in 2025 were well received, and more are expected in 2026. This game has a very cosey appeal whilst also being a serious MMO. One to keep an eye on in 2026. 

Hytale

Is it a MMO? Is it a MMO-Lite? Does it just have a big fancy player hub? This is one that might just be something special in 2026, but it’s still very early to tell. 

• Large player hubs

• Modding support

• Community servers

• Early access planned for January 2026

After being cancelled by Riot Games and later revived by its original developers, Hytale’s future is uncertain — but its potential is undeniable. 

ArcheAge Chronicles

Not marketed as a traditional MMO, but rather an online RPG.

• Shared world with optional multiplayer interaction

• Strong single-player focus

• Eye-catching visuals

• Action / Souls like Combat

A beta is expected in 2026, with a possible full release later. It’s a fresh approach that may suit players tired of mandatory group content. It is not Archeage 2, it’s going to be something slightly different… Maybe more of a Where Winds Meet type of vibe to it. 

 

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If you want a list of MMOs that you can currently play and are free, maybe check out this article: 

Top 10 Free To Play MMOs in 2025

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