Most MMORPGs follow similar themes and game styles of hard grinding and fun quests. But one place where game developers can mix it up is in combat. The combat for many MMOs is centered around dice-rolled auto attacks mixed with abilities, but some players yearn for a more strategy-based game. Most of the games use real-time combat, as this is the classic MMO experience, however, some have taken the turn-based route. The turn-based gameplay allows for a different dynamic and the game can implement a more strategic flow, although some real-time combat is equally strategic.
Brave developers have innovated on the classic MMORPG formula to create more strategic games. While there are not many, the ones that have tried really hit upon something special. The games below have all added a strategic element to their gameplay, whether it's player-vs-player combat, turn-based player-vs-everything, or grand strategy, there's something for lovers of strategy in each of the titles.
6 Age Of Conan - Unchained
Conan the Barbarian has spanned into multiple media releases over the years due to the amazing worldbuilding and lore, and one entry in the franchise happens to be a very good MMORPG. Age of Conan: Unchained was released around 2008 and is still here today, free to play. The combat system is very technical, as when fighting, players will use directional swings to attack and block. This can include ranged and spell casting. It is not all 1v1 battles though, as there are instances that force players to work together and this is where it gets even more strategic and where a lot of players can make some new friends. A well-rounded team will consist of different classes, and therefore, complement each other with perks and bonuses.
There are also huge sieges that players can take part in and require a guild to participate in. Sieges can be tactically challenging as players must work in a tight-knit team. Players must build siege weapons and then destroy walls and buildings until the attacking team builds up a greater number of siege points than the defenders, at which time the attackers have won.
5 Atlantica Online
A lot of the pure strategy MMORPGs are not as well known as the classics, like World of Warcraft, but they offer a different experience. One of these is Atlantica Online which was perhaps the first MMORPG that fused turn-based gameplay with the broader concept of MMORPGs. A lot has changed in this classic MMORPG like questing, traveling the world, and crafting, but with a twist. The combat is based on three-by-three grids and is turn-based rather than real-time, but the game still has a lot of enjoyable RPG elements.
There is strategic combat but also a greater, more grand strategy to comprehend, as the game focused on guilds. If enough guilds joined forces they would become a nation and could then go to war with other nations. This added more intrigue to the game by creating genuine animosity between guilds and nations. While the game is free to play it does feature microtransactions, but for the most part, there is a lot to go through even without paying for content.
4 Dofus
Dofus is a game that is well known in its country of origin: France. The game was originally only released in its native tongue but has risen to become a popular game worldwide, featuring many languages and playable on a mobile phone. The reason for its popularity is that Dofus has a great universe and story to explore. Not only that, it has some great turn-based tactical combat for players to enjoy. Players control their character in the main world until a battle begins, in which case the players are then placed on a battle map. This is where turn-based combat begins.
The combat is simplistic and follows the usual MMORPG format. Players will have a choice of different classes (including 19 classes to choose from each with unique abilities and class traits), spells, and attacks to utilize during combat. There are action points and move points like in many turn-based games and players must think strategically before using them. Dofus is definitely an all-out strategic gem.
3 Wakfu
Following on from Dofus, Ankama Games released a second MMORPG: Wakfu. Wakfu takes place 1,000 years after the original game but keeps a lot of the core features, specifically the combat. This game has turn-based combat in which players can combine their powers and skills for a unique combat experience. The game allows players to become stronger in specific spells or combat skills they use.
One interesting feature of the game is that the quicker a player completes their turn, the more action and movement points they are given. The game rewards players that can abuse this fast-thinking strategy combat. This is a must-try for any MMORPG fan as it is just a different experience entirely.
2 Stash
Stash was a short-lived game that was released back in 2017 but has since shut down its servers from May 1, 2022. The game suffered from a lack of updates and the player base slowly dwindled making playing it almost a solo experience. The combat in the game, however, was a big upside for players who like strategy combat games. The game focused on raiding dungeons and searching for loot. Players could also customize their characters and player homes.
The combat took place on a tactical grid that contained enemies, loot, and traps. While combat was simple to learn, there was no tutorial to introduce it to newcomers. Players were expected to follow game guides and do their own research to learn the basics. This learning curve may have contributed to the downfall of the game. Overall Stash had great strategic combat blended with all the customization and loot that MMORPG players love.
1 Guild Wars 2
Guild Wars 2 is one of the most successful MMORPGs of all time and its success lies in that it does some things that its competitors don't. Combat is one of these niches. The combat in many MMORPGs wouldn't be described as strategic, as they can often contain randomized elements. In Guild Wars 2, however, the combat is much more strategic and can be compared to games like Dota or League of Legends.
It is much more than just spamming abilities, as each choice will make a difference. This means that sequencing the wrong ability could mean the difference between winning and losing. Timing is everything and much like in League of Legends, if a player meets a more knowledgeable, skillful player, then it's usually game over. Another comparison to make is that if a team composition lacks some variety, the enemy team may have an advantage. This is what makes Guild Wars 2 a strategic game for players that love PVP since it's all based on the skill of the player rather than dice rolls or character skills.