5 Buy-To-Play MMORPGs That Should Be Free-To-Play

When players come across a new MMO that appears promising, they hope it is free-to-play. Let us be real here. The rise of free-to-play MMORPGs such as MapleStory back in the day and online co-op open-world games like Genshin Impact has shifted expectations across the gaming landscape. In 2025, the buy-to-play model no longer feels like a viable path forward. What once served as a middle ground between costly subscription-based games and exploitative pay-to-win free titles has now become a barrier to entry.

Buy-to-play games now risk alienating new players, especially when those titles already include extensive monetization. In an era where visibility, accessibility, and community engagement are crucial for survival, it is time to reevaluate whether charging an upfront fee makes sense. The following five games, while successful in their own right, are especially well-positioned to thrive in a free-to-play environment.

The Elder Scrolls Online

The Elder Scrolls Online is technically a buy-to-play game, but the reality is far more complicated. Its base game is frequently handed out for free or sold at significant discounts. However, nearly all meaningful content — including expansion zones, dungeons, and core quality-of-life improvements — is locked behind the The Elder Scrolls Online Plus subscription. This model already mimics a free-to-play structure, where the base experience serves primarily as a gateway to more valuable paid content.

Given that The Elder Scrolls Online behaves like a free-to-play title in practice, there is little reason for it to maintain the initial purchase requirement. Removing this barrier would allow the game to expand its console player base, where casual players are typically less willing to pay upfront for games they are unsure about. It would also invite new audiences into its vast, evolving world without demanding an investment just to try it out.

Black Desert Online

Black Desert Online is a glaring example of buy-to-play in name but free-to-play in spirit. Its monetization strategy revolves around cosmetics, pets, weight and inventory expansions, and numerous other convenience items that players are expected to purchase over time. Despite this extensive post-purchase monetization, the game still requires an entry fee — a decision that feels increasingly outdated.

In some regions, Black Desert Online has already experimented with limited-time free access, and those events often correlate with player spikes. Making this change permanent, particularly for Western audiences, could provide the shot in the arm the game needs as it faces increasing competition from newly launched Eastern MMOs. With its core gameplay already monetized and systems in place to support live-service sustainability, there is no compelling reason for Black Desert Online to remain behind a paywall.

New World

New World is a prime candidate for a free-to-play transition. The game launched with strong numbers but quickly faltered due to a combination of shallow content and design missteps. However, recent efforts to refine its systems and deliver seasonal updates have started to rebuild player trust. Unfortunately, the buy-in remains one of the few remaining friction points for new players who are curious about what the game has become.

New World has successfully avoided pay-to-win elements and instead relies on cosmetics and seasonal passes for revenue. These systems are already ideal for a free-to-play model. Eliminating the upfront cost would dramatically increase its visibility, improve player retention, and provide the kind of momentum needed to become a live-service staple. With so much groundwork already laid, the only thing standing in the way of growth is the entry fee itself.

Temtem

Temtem is a colorful and competitive creature-collection MMO that draws heavy inspiration from the Pokémon franchise. While it boasts a dedicated player base and compelling gameplay, the buy-to-play requirement prevents it from reaching the broader audience it was clearly designed to attract. Younger players, casual fans, and curious Pokémon enthusiasts may be hesitant to invest money upfront, especially when so many competing titles are available for free.

The game already features cosmetic monetization and rotating seasonal content. These systems are well-suited for a free-to-play framework. Making the switch could breathe new life into Temtem, particularly since the game entered maintenance mode over a year ago. A free-to-play relaunch would likely capture renewed attention and bring a wider, more active community into the fold.

Chrono Odyssey

Chrono Odyssey is a newcomer that will soon be entering a crowded and competitive MMO marketplace. In 2025, unless a game carries strong brand recognition or is attached to an established intellectual property, launching with a price tag is a significant gamble. Free-to-play titles enjoy instant visibility and give players a risk-free way to engage with a new world. For a game like Chrono Odyssey, this could make all the difference.

If Chrono Odyssey truly aims to be a long-term contender in the MMO space, then it should consider launching as a free-to-play title from the outset. By doing so, it can focus on delivering a fair and engaging monetization model while building its player base from day one, instead of fighting to overcome an initial paywall.

Each of these MMOs already follows the blueprint of a free-to-play experience. Their developers rely on ongoing monetization through cosmetics, expansions, and subscriptions, while the initial purchase cost serves only to limit access. At least for these titles mentioned, the buy-to-play model ain’t working.

It just causes friction, reducing visibility, shrinking potential audiences, and slowing momentum. These games would not just compete but grow in today’s evolving MMO market. So, open the gates! Eliminate the silly paywalls and welcome new players in.