Best Tab Targeting MMORPGs
Not everybody wants the latest spam-fest happy action combat system when they're playing MMORPGs, so we've compiled list of some of the best tab-targeting MMORPGs you can play right now. The list is not all-inclusive. We've handpicked what we felt represented the best of the genre as of today. If you feel like a game should be on this list let us know in the comments below.
The Best Tab Targeting MMORPGs
While Riders of Icarus does offer a pseudo action combat system, it’s core gameplay mode shines through as tab-targeting. String together flashy abilities from the ground, or hop on a winged mount and knock players and formidable enemies out of the skies. If you choose to play a melee class you can activate action combat to negotiate enemy attacks, and dodge around them. But it manages to feel like tab-targeting: almost exclusively single-target based. Rider of Icarus is a go-to tab-targeting MMORPG thanks to its challenge and freshness in the market.
Since 2007, Lord of the Rings Online has offered traditional tab targeting combat against the backdrop of one of the most expansive fantasy universes ever created. LOTRO is the MMORPG for players who want to be absorbed in Toklien's story, in retracing the steps of Frodo, Bilbo, The Silmarillion, and others. Kill plenty of vicious wolves, master professions, explore ancient ruins steeped in mythology, and forge your own tales worthy of a book in Lord of the Rings Online.
In many player’s eyes Rift has fallen from grace but that hasn’t diminished its appeal as a tab-targeting MMORPG. Players create unique play styles by stringing together three archetypes under the header of one generic class, keeping combat interesting by allowing for mix-and-matching rather than feeling trapped as one static archetype. As you complete quests you’ll often be given the opportunity to engage in large-scale group content, working with other players to push back against waves of enemies spawning from the mouth of a rift. It's world brimming with enemies and content to conquer makes Rift a worthwhile tab-targeting MMORPG.
Of course, we have to mention World of Warcraft: the most popular tab-targeting MMORPG on this list. WoW shines for changing how players approach combat through its roster of classes, making it so that no two classes approach fights the same way. Chain abilities, picking a single loadout from your classes talent trees, and wham away at mobs and players. It’s easy to switch between trees if you’re seeking novelty. And streamlined combat makes it easy to understand how each class is played but difficult to master.
If you own, or have read and enjoyed, an expanded universe Star Wars book then Star Wars: The Old Republic is the right tab-targeting MMORPG for you. Each of the eight classes features its own personalized storyline, and much of the fun derives from exploring the narratives. Dunegons—and the need to cooperate with other players, at least in the early game—have been somewhat diminished. But Star Wars: The Old Republic doesn't emphasize challenge. Rather it immerses you in its deep universe with a easy-to-use tab-targeting system.
Revelation Online is another MMORPG offering multiple modes of play but its combat orients itself to tab-targeting. With six classes, each takes a unique approach to its role in combat, e.g. Swordmages cast powerful spells powered by their sharp blade while Gunslingers dual-wield pistols and fire off sniper shots. Regardless, you’re constantly thrust into combat, whether through daily kill count quests or dungeon running to defeat eastern fantasy bosses, and players quickly discover they have to make use of a large array of skills to successfully defeat their enemies.
Final Fantasy XIV is home to countless players thanks, in part, to its refined tab-targeting combat. Some players find FFXIV a nuisance because of its global cooldown, but it leads to slower, more precise fights where there’s little room to make mistakes if you want to maximize your classes potential. Players can freely bounce between classes on one character, enabling them to experiment with which combat style they prefer, showing off how FFXIV approaches tab-targeting to keep it fresh for each of its classes.
I've been playing games before I could walk, and MMOs since Earthlink 5.0, a terrible way to play. I bounce around between games a lot, from EVE Online back to Vanilla and forward to whatever Indie title can keep my interest.