Breathtaking MMO Landscapes

More often than not, gameplay and the online community are the top reasons why players get hooked on MMOs. Of course, you play because you want to try something you haven’t played before, or you like to interact with your friends and other like-minded individuals online. But there’s another very compelling reason...

The excitement of stepping into another realm and discovering environments gamers only dream about is what drives them to continue playing. Amazing worlds are said to be one of the top ingredients that make a good game within the MMO genre.

In a more serious study, exploration of game worlds, maps or zones was found to be among the leading factors in motivations for playing. These landscapes are great influencers why players want to navigate around and roam the vast worlds of MMOs.

There are numerous games that have breathtaking landscapes, but for this piece, the focus will be about games within the MMO genre. I played most of the games here, though I don’t normally take screenshots to share or show online as I prefer to keep things to myself, in my personal memory, as most introverts do.

So I looked for other players who were more fond of taking those beautiful screenies and sharing them online, or search game world images from the developers/publishers themselves. Without further ado, take a look at some of the most beautiful sceneries and environments from different MMOs.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn

There are good reasons why Final Fantasy titles are frequently included in lists of the best video games of all time. They have challenging gameplay, interesting characters, excellent storylines, and of course, wonderful worlds. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, the franchise’s MMO title, is no exception.

(credit: sggaminginfo.com)Dry, barren, desert-like landscapes are rarely captivating, but how can you not admire this? It’s somewhat reminiscent of the Grand Canyon. It’s like you yourself feel the heat and thirst, but you’re refreshed by the sight of greeneries scattered all around. I believe that’s the essence of great game environments. They not only let you see, but feel as if you’re in there as well.

A look at another location:

(credit: hellandheavennet.com)

The Elder Scrolls Online

Bethesda’s multi-awarded game series is another franchise famous for its massive game worlds. The series’ online multiplayer installment did not disappoint in continuing that trend.

(credit: lolboostingupdate.com)Pardon me, I know I said screenshots but please allow me to make an exception. This concept art deserves to be recognized. The image just oozes mystical and magical elements. The ruins are definitely the highlight of the scenery, while the cliffs and trees make for a nice backdrop. The green marsh, mist and birds are great accents that add to the secluded feel of the place.

Another location:

(credit: esotgc.blogspot.com)

TERA

TERA’s greatest appeal lies in its unconventional combat system. Nevertheless, the game world is nothing short of stunning.

(credit: YouTuber Yaouify)That pylon in the center, which seems to be emitting a beam of light infinitely to the sky, is awe-inspiring. Add to that the two stranded ships on top of the waterfall and it’s a mind-blowing image altogether. The relaxing scenery below, in contrast to the other side, makes you feel that you’re undoubtedly transferring to another map, and on a Pegasus at that. FTW.

Another location:

(credit: redditor kobrakae)

Archeage

Archeage features ship customisations and naval combat so it’s no surprise that the water sceneries are as breathtaking as its inland counterparts.

(credit: archeage.xlgames.com)Welcome to Long Plains Coast! Colours are vibrant and the waves looks really smooth. Great job on rendering the sea weeds and corals. Those wooden houses are surprisingly life-like too!

Another location:

(credit: feelgrafix.com)

Guild Wars 2

Guild Wars 2 has a healthy number of players, so much so when it became F2P. You can also see that developers took the time to polish its game world.

(credit: guildwars2guru.com)Beautifully designed floating plateaus will mesmerize any player. That portal in the middle tells you that you’re now in a different zone, or realm if you like. Oh, and did you notice the flickers of light flying around? Particles do make an environment more magical.

Another location:

(credit: ign.com)

Black Desert Online

Black Desert Online is among the top rated MMOs to feature stunning graphics and an expansive game world. The artistic maps certainly add to its value.

(credit: black-desert.com)Look how meticulously detailed those roofs, walls and windows are! On the other side of the river, the fields and greens invoke a quiet, countryside ambience. Plus, the mountains on the far back seemingly imply that you have a lot of ground to explore. It’s easy to lose track of how long you’ve been playing if the world you’re moving in is like BDO’s.

Another location:

(credit: blackdesertblog.wordpress.com)

World of Tanks

World of Tanks has been around for quite a while now, first released in Russia back in 2010. Still, battling in tanks within its fantastically rendered locations prove to be an effective combination for many players.

(credit: gamegpu.com)This shot of a war-torn city is hauntingly beautiful. That church-like structure in the foreground is alluring with its maroon pillars and faded blue top sections. Need I mention that the sky looks incredibly real?

Another location:

(credit: worldoftanks.com)But of course, aside from PCs and consoles, MMO creators ventured onto mobile platforms. Smartphones and tablets are increasingly becoming able to run graphics-intensive games, including MMOs with rich, detailed environments due to the combined power of improving hardware and software updates through registration with major providers like O2 or manual installations. Gaming is one of the top activities in smartphone usage now, and given the evolving technology, it’s not far-fetched to imagine exploring an MMO world through VR goggles!

Izanagi Online

If you like ninjas, samurais, and warriors, then Izanagi Online may be for you. The settings and premises are in line with its theme, evident in the game’s maps and zones.

(credit: apk-dl.com)Those towers remind me of medieval movies/TV shows like Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones, with all their watchtowers. The sky is wonderfully rendered here as well, and that lens flare effect is rad!

Another location:

(credit: app4smart.com)

Avabel Online

Avabel is one of the strongest MMORPG titles for mobile. The graphics is one aspect its developers are proud of, and considering it’s a mobile game, its design including the environment is indeed among its biggest selling points.

(credit: dotmmo.com)Check out how far that mountain range is at the back. Not many mobile MMOs have that much depth and view in their game worlds. The way the sun’s light shines through the gaps on the leaves of that tree is also a detail which deserves appreciation. The flora on top of the ground is a nice touch that adds to the realism of the environment.

Last, but not the least, MMOs.com’s very own screenshot!

There you have it. Although many more MMOs have beautiful sceneries, these are the ones that I've had the pleasure of exploring myself, or have seen at least a preview.

Do you have games you want to add to the list? Do leave them in your comments!