Top 10 Indie MMOs You Should Check Out In 2025
Why Choose Indie MMOs?
If you was to name the top 10 MMOs or watch any slop tier list , you’re guaranteed to not hear about a single indie MMO and I think that’s criminal
Don’t get me wrong , some of these triple AAA studios have produced pure gold but in today’s video , I want to give a shout out to the hipsters of the MMO genre, the little guys, those trying to be different.
So let’s jump into the top 10 indie MMOs , you should check out in 2025 …god what’s happened to me . When did I become another slop tuber
10. Realm of the Mad King
Few games embody the indie spirit quite like Realm of the Mad God. This pixel-art roguelike MMO combines fast-paced bullet-hell combat with permadeath mechanics. You only get one life, and when you die, your character is gone forever.
Levelling is quick—you’ll hit max level 20 in just a couple of hours—but survival is the real test. With dungeons, guilds, pets, and crafting, the game still captures that MMO energy. Best of all? It’s free-to-play with an optional cash shop. If you’re after a roguelike MMO hybrid, this one’s a gem.
9. Haven & Hearth
Haven & Hearth is a survival-focused sandbox MMO where every player begins with nothing. You’ll forage, craft, farm, and fight your way to survival in a persistent open world.
The game features a unique learning point system, earned by discovering items and experiences, which can be invested into professions and skills ranging from farming to magic. While permadeath exists, you can recover your body and regain experience and gear. Despite its hardcore systems, the community is surprisingly welcoming. It’s free and available on Steam.
8. Wurm Online
Before Minecraft, there was Wurm Online. This survival MMO is as complex as they come—building a single house might take you days. From chopping down trees to smelting iron for nails, every step requires effort.
The result is a game that feels deeply rewarding, with a world shaped by its players. If you’re creative and patient, you’ll find this free-to-play title a fascinating, community-driven experience.
7. Ethyrial Echoes of Yore
Originally launched under Getty Berry Studios, Ethyrial Echoes of Yore flopped on release. But a fan purchased the rights, dropped the subscription model, and transformed it into a free-to-play MMO.
Blending classic RPG mechanics with MMO features, the game feels like a scrappier RuneScape. Though rough around the edges, its player-driven improvements and social focus give it plenty of charm.
6. Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen
A Kickstarter success story, Pantheon has finally made its way to Steam via early access. Inspired by EverQuest, it emphasizes social interaction and group play over solo grinding.
Though still evolving, the game has a solid foundation, with expansions and new classes on the horizon. It’s a slower-paced, classic MMO experience that appeals to veteran players looking for nostalgia.
5. CorePunk
CorePunk brings steampunk flair to the MMO genre. With top-down ARPG combat, deep crafting, and gearing systems, it stands out from the pack.
Players select from six preset heroes (with more planned), rather than creating their own character. Currently in early access, it’s expected to fully launch by the end of 2025. While still on a standalone launcher, it’s worth keeping an eye on for fans of experimental MMO design.
4. Mortal Online 2
Star Vault’s Mortal Online 2 is one of the most immersive sandbox MMOs out there. Featuring a first-person-only perspective, localized economies, and full-loot PvP, it forces players to rely on one another for survival and trade.
While performance issues and its subscription-plus-purchase model hold it back, the game’s strong social interactions and unique single-server community make it unforgettable.
3. Foxhole
Foxhole redefines what an MMO can be. Instead of medieval fantasy, this indie MMO puts you in a persistent war effort reminiscent of Company of Heroes.
Players cooperate in logistics, resource gathering, base building, and massive PvP battles. With consistent player numbers and a spiritual successor (Anvil Empires) in development, Foxhole remains a standout MMO that challenges the mold.
2. Project: Gorgon
Quirky, charming, and deeply addictive, Project: Gorgon feels more like an RPG with MMO elements. Its standout feature? Freedom. Want to transform into a deer and roleplay by a lake? Go ahead.
With a bustling in-game economy, a friendly community, and a free demo on Steam, it’s an easy recommendation for players who miss the weirdness of old-school MMOs.
1. Albion Online
The crown jewel of indie MMOs, Albion Online has grown into one of the most successful titles in the genre. With its top-down sandbox design, robust economy, and PvP-driven world, it has carved out a unique identity.
Despite its PvP focus, there’s plenty for non-combat players—crafting, gathering, housing, and PvE dungeons. Its cross-platform availability (even on mobile) makes it one of the most accessible MMOs on the market. Simply put: if you haven’t tried Albion Online yet, you should.
Final Thoughts
Indie MMOs prove that creativity and passion can still thrive in a genre dominated by giants. From the punishing permadeath of Realm of the Mad God to the player-driven economy of Albion Online, these games showcase what happens when developers take risks.
Which of these have you played, and which ones would make your list?
For more articles about MMOs and which ones you should play, maybe check out one of the following: