The Best MMOs to Play With Friends in 2026

Solo MMO players are fine. Group MMO players need more answers.

Playing an MMO alone is straightforward. Pick one, make a character, go. Playing with a group of friends means asking a different set of questions. Can everyone afford it? Is it on everyone's platform? Does the game actually let you do meaningful things together at every level, or do you need to grind separately for 40 hours before the group content starts?

2026 has been one of the busiest years for MMOs in a long time. Here's what's out there for groups.

The established options

Final Fantasy XIV is still the gold standard for group PvE content. Dungeons, trials, raids, and a story you can now play through entirely with NPC companions if someone falls behind. The catch is the subscription cost. If five friends all need to pay monthly, that adds up. Crossplay between PC and PlayStation helps with platform flexibility, but Xbox players are still left out of some group features. World of Warcraft: Midnight launched in March 2026 and brought a huge wave of returning players. The new expansion is solid, and the group dungeon content is some of the best Blizzard has made in years. PC-only though, so console friends can't join. Elder Scrolls Online keeps chugging along with its "play anything at any level" scaling system, which is genuinely great for groups where everyone is at a different point. It's on PC, PS5, and Xbox, but crossplay only works between PC and Xbox through Game Pass. PS5 players are on their own servers. Guild Wars 2 remains buy-to-play with no subscription, which makes it the cheapest option for a group. The open world events are naturally group-friendly without needing to formally party up. PC-only.

The new arrivals

EverQuest Legends launched in August and is a reimagined version of the 1999 classic. It's designed to be more solo-friendly than the original, but it still has group content. PC-only at launch. Good for nostalgia, but it's a niche pick for most groups. Stars Reach entered early access in August as well. It's a sandbox MMO with a classless profession system and player-driven economy. There's no traditional endgame raiding here. Instead, groups coordinate around crafting, exploration, and building. PC-only, no PvP yet. If your group loved Star Wars Galaxies, this is the spiritual successor. Aion 2 is launching globally this month. Free-to-play on PC through Steam, with a heavy focus on PvP. If your group wants faction warfare and arena combat, this is the best option arriving in 2026. Cosmetic-only cash shop.

What matters for groups

The biggest factor for most groups isn't which MMO is "best." It's which one everyone can actually play. That means checking platforms, checking if anyone needs to buy it, and checking whether the game's group content starts early or requires hours of solo grinding first.

If your group is split across platforms, that narrows the list fast. FFXIV works for PC and PlayStation. ESO covers PC, PS5, and Xbox but with limited crossplay. Everything else is PC-only.

Finding the right fit

Instead of debating in the group chat for a week, try putting a few options to a vote. Set up a board on PickThe.Games, add your group's platforms, and let everyone swipe through MMOs. The app checks crossplay compatibility automatically, so you'll only see games that actually work for your setup.

Browse the best MMO games list or check crossplay options between PC and PS5 to get started.

Create a board here or try swiping first.