5 Oldest MMORPGs That Are Still Running Today

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Massively multiplayer online role-playing games, or MMORPGs, are incredibly popular – games like World of Warcraft have had a huge impact on culture. While many MMORPGs have come and gone, with their online worlds no longer accessible, some surprisingly old ones are still running. Here are five of the oldest MMORPGs that were still active as of early 2026.

5) Ultima Online (1997)

First launched on September 24, 1997, Ultima Online quickly became a leading massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). Set within the Ultima universe, the game has been consistently updated with eight expansions, free content, and other improvements, keeping it fresh for over two decades. A major graphical overhaul with a new game engine in 2007 helped maintain its appeal, and it continues to be actively played today. You can even play Ultima Online for free directly from its website.

4) Tibia (1997)

Tibia is a classic massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) with graphics, and it’s still played today! It first launched on January 7, 1997. The game features a 2D world made of tiles, with some text-based interactions, all set in a vast fantasy environment. Players view the world from above, a common style when the game was released, and can explore a huge landscape. While originally inspired by settings like Middle-earth, Tibia has evolved over time to include a wider range of fantasy influences. You can download and play Tibia for free directly from the game’s website.

3) Meridian 59 (1996)

Meridian 59 first launched in early access on December 15, 1995, and officially released on October 7, 1996. It holds the distinction of being the very first 3D graphical MMORPG, and remarkably, it’s still playable today! While initially similar to other MMORPGs, Meridian 59 has evolved over time into a world largely centered around player-versus-player combat. It’s a classic sword and sorcery setting with a wealth of interesting locations and monsters to discover. You can download and play Meridian 59 for free directly from the game’s website.

2) Furcadia (1996)

Released on December 16, 1996, Furcadia is a long-running online game set in a large, magical fantasy world. Players enjoy exploring, role-playing, and building their own content using the game’s creative tools. In fact, Furcadia holds the Guinness World Record for being the oldest continuously operating social MMORPG! The game is kept up-to-date and running thanks to a dedicated team of volunteer contributors known as the Beekin Helpers. You can play Furcadia for free directly on its website.

1) Gemstone IV (1988)

Though Furcadia has been around the longest as a graphical MMORPG, Gemstone IV actually holds the title of the first-ever MMORPG. Launched in April 1988, it’s unique because it doesn’t use graphics. Instead, it’s a text-based online RPG, often called a MUD (Multi-user Dungeon). Gemstone IV pioneered the genre before the term “MMORPG” even existed, and it’s still running today. Unlike many other games, Gemstone IV isn’t always free to play; it offers several subscription levels, but also has a limited free-to-play option. You can find more information on the game’s website.

What’s the oldest massively multiplayer online role-playing game you’ve ever played? Share your answer in the comments below and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-16 17:11