What is the best game similar to Ultima Online?

The closest game to Ultima Online is Black Desert, scoring 90/100 on our similarity scale. They share 13 gameplay attributes, including deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.

What are the top games like Ultima Online?

The three closest games to Ultima Online are: 1. Black Desert (90/100, 13 shared attributes) 2. RuneScape (88/100, 14 shared attributes) 3. Tera (88/100, 13 shared attributes). All share Ultima Online's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 43 candidates across 17 dimensions.

Is RuneScape similar to Ultima Online?

Yes, very much so — RuneScape scores 88/100 similarity to Ultima Online. They share 14 attributes, including deep RPG systems and MMO world and community. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.

What RPG games are similar to Ultima Online?

The best RPG games similar to Ultima Online are Black Desert, RuneScape, Tera and Albion Online. All share the RPG genre alongside other key Ultima Online attributes like deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom.

How is similarity to Ultima Online calculated?

We compare Ultima Online against every game in our catalog using 17 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Ultima Online experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.

Are there free games similar to Ultima Online?

Yes — Trove and Lost Ark are free and score well on similarity to Ultima Online. They're a great way to test whether the play style clicks before investing in other paid titles.

43 Games like Ultima Online that you should try

Games like Ultima Online · Find similar →

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Ranking compiled by Lluis Enric Mayans, Founder & Head of ContentUpdated May 19, 2026How this is calculatedOrdered by an attribute-similarity model, not editorial opinion.

Ultima Online is hard to replace: few games combine deep RPG systems, dark, oppressive atmosphere and sandbox world in quite the same way. We compared Ultima Online against over 6,700 titles across 17 gameplay attributes and found 43 genuine alternatives — not generic genre suggestions. Black Desert, RuneScape and Tera lead the list, with Black Desert reaching a 90/100 similarity score. Every game here is ranked by how closely it replicates what makes Ultima Online special.

iRank81/ 100

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GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreSandbox MMO

Top games similar to Ultima Online

43 similar games foundUpdated May 2026

Handpicked by our similarity algorithm, these are the titles with the highest gameplay match to Ultima Online. Each one has been evaluated across 17 real attributes — from combat style and progression mechanics to world structure and visual perspective — so every recommendation is based on how the game actually plays, not just its genre label.

#1Black DesertClosest overall match

iRank74

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreSandbox MMO

MultiplayerOnlineMagicRangedMeleeOpen WorldSandbox WorldFantasyMedievalExploration

Steam👍 74%· 93KIGDB75· 5

Year 2019Dev Pearl AbyssOn iOS · Android

✓ Same family of sandbox MMORPGs: deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, action RPG combat and historical setting, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

▶Black Desert Mobile◀ The critically-acclaimed game with users in over 150 countries all over the world! Experience the amazing adventure in Black Desert on Mobile. [Black Desert Mobile Official Website] https://www.world.blackdesertm.

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: visuals.

Released 22 years after Ultima Online.

Genre100Combat100World100Progression76Setting75Game mode74

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreSandbox MMO

MultiplayerOnlinePvPMagicRangedMeleeOpen WorldSandbox WorldFantasyExplorationIsometric

Steam👍 82%· 27K

Year 2001Dev JagexOn Linux · Android · PC

✓ Fits the sandbox MMORPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, puzzle design and strong narrative focus, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: tone.

Released 4 years after Ultima Online.

Genre100Combat100World100Game mode92Setting65Progression65

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Steam

#3Tera

iRank77

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreSandbox MMO

MultiplayerOnlinePvPMeleeRangedOpen WorldSandbox WorldFantasyMedievalExploration

Steam👍 79%· 15KIGDB73· 5

Year 2011Dev Bluehole Studio · En Masse EntertainmentOn PS4 · PC · Xbox

✓ Fits the sandbox MMORPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, action RPG combat and historical setting, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: visuals and progression.

Released 14 years after Ultima Online.

Genre100World100Game mode84Combat75Setting65Progression49

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Steam PS

#4Albion OnlineClosest on setting

iRank81

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreSandbox MMO

MultiplayerOnlinePvPMeleeOpen WorldSandbox WorldFantasyMedievalExplorationIsometric

Steam👍 79%· 91KIGDB88· 4OC79· 10

✓ Fits the sandbox MMORPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with survival mechanics, deep simulation and co op, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

A sandbox MMORPG where players craft, trade, and fight in a persistent world.

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: combat and progression.

Genre100Setting100World100Game mode95Visuals81Progression43

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreSandbox MMO

MultiplayerOnlinePvPMagicMeleeOpen WorldSandbox WorldFantasyExploration

Steam👍 52%· 7.3KIGDB94· 1

Year 2013On PC

✓ Same family of sandbox MMORPGs: deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, co op and crafting mechanics, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: visuals.

Released 16 years after Ultima Online.

Genre100World100Game mode95Combat76Setting65Progression52

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Steam

#6New World: Aeternum

iRank71

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreSandbox MMO

MultiplayerOnlinePvPMeleeDarkOpen WorldSandbox WorldFantasyExploration

Steam👍 67%· 297KIGDB76· 7OC72· 66

Year 2021Dev Amazon GamesOn Xbox · PC · PS5

✓ Same family of sandbox MMORPGs: deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and co op, while skipping combat magic

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: visuals and combat.

Released 24 years after Ultima Online.

Genre100World100Game mode86Tone65Setting59Progression57

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Steam Xbox

#7Old School RuneScape

iRank81

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreSandbox MMO

MultiplayerOnlinePvPOpen WorldSandbox WorldFantasyExplorationIsometric

Steam👍 83%· 20KIGDB77· 1

Year 2013Dev JagexOn Android · PC · iOS

✓ Both are sandbox MMORPGs — sharing deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, strong narrative focus and co op, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: tone.

Released 16 years after Ultima Online.

Genre100World100Game mode90Setting67Visuals65Progression58

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreSandbox MMO

MultiplayerOnlinePvPMeleeOpen WorldSandbox WorldExplorationIsometric

Steam👍 73%· 39KRAWG👍 49%· 365MC88IGDB79· 3

Year 2003Dev CCPPlaytime ~3hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Fits the sandbox MMORPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, combat tactical and setting space, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Eve Online is a massively multiplayer role-playing game and space simulator. The games initially required the monthly subscription but later got the limited free-to-play version. EVE Online is set in an expansive sci-fi world.

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: setting and combat.

Released 6 years after Ultima Online.

Genre100World100Game mode86Visuals47Progression35Combat34

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Steam

#9Guild WarsClosest on tone

iRank90

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreTheme Park MMO

MultiplayerOnlinePvPMagicMeleeRangedDarkFantasyMedievalIsometric

IGDB90· 3

Year 2005Dev ArenaNet · NCSOFTOn PC

✓ Shared with Ultima Online: deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, historical setting and post-apocalyptic world, while skipping sandbox freedom

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: visuals.

Released 8 years after Ultima Online.

Combat100Tone100Game mode80Genre75Setting62Visuals47

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#10WAKFUClosest on progression

iRank66

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreSandbox MMO

MultiplayerOnlineMeleeOpen WorldSandbox WorldFantasyExplorationIsometric2D

Steam👍 76%· 11KRAWG👍 44%· 127MC76

Year 2014Dev Ankama Studio · Ankama GamesPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Fits the sandbox MMORPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, turn-based strategy and vibe casual, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Wakfu is a turn-based MMORPG developed by Ankama games. This is an indirect sequel to 2004 game Dofus. ###Setting The game takes places in the same universe as Dofus but in 1000 years after the events of the previous game. The player must defeat an ogre named “Ogrest” which presumably made the world flood.

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: tone and combat.

Released 17 years after Ultima Online.

Genre100World100Progression100Visuals100Game mode72Setting47

Details →

Steam

#11Shroud of the Avatar: Forsaken Virtues

iRank39

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreSandbox MMO

MultiplayerOnlinePvPMeleeSandbox WorldOpen WorldFantasyMedievalExploration

Steam👍 53%· 3.2KRAWG👍 19%· 27

Year 2014Dev PortalariumPlaytime ~2hOn PC · Apple Macintosh · Linux

✓ Same family of sandbox MMORPGs: deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom

≠ Its own twist: adventure storytelling, card game strategy and survival mechanics, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

WARNING: THIS GAME IS IN EARLY ACCESS. PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE IT UNLESS YOU WANT TO ACTIVELY SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF THE GAME VIA CROWD FUNDING, BUG TESTING, AND FEEDBACK. PLEASE ONLY PURCHASE IF YOU ARE ALSO PREPARED TO HANDLE SERIOUS ISSUES AND INCOMPLETE CONTENT.

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: tone and visuals.

Released 17 years after Ultima Online.

Genre100World100Setting82Game mode81Progression47Combat38

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Steam

#12The Elder Scrolls® Online

iRank72

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreTheme Park MMO

MultiplayerOnlinePvPMeleeMagicRangedDarkOpen WorldFantasyExploration

Steam👍 81%· 160KRAWG👍 63%· 134MC71IGDB70· 16OC71· 54

Year 2014Dev Zenimax Online Studios · Bethesda SoftworksPlaytime ~19hOn PC · Apple Macintosh

✓ If you enjoyed Ultima Online, expect deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Where it differs: brings adventure storytelling, action RPG combat and strong narrative focus, while skipping sandbox freedom

Includes The Elder Scrolls Online base game and the Morrowind Chapter. Join over 10 million players in the award-winning online multiplayer RPG and experience an ever-expanding story set across Tamriel.

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: visuals.

Released 17 years after Ultima Online.

Combat100Game mode80Genre75Tone70Setting68World67

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Steam Epic

#13Trove

iRank61

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreSandbox MMO

MultiplayerOnlineMeleeSandbox WorldOpen WorldFantasyExploration

Steam👍 80%· 93KRAWG👍 24%· 474MC65IGDB62· 1OC67· 12

Year 2015Dev Trion WorldsPlaytime ~3hOn PC · PS · Xbox

✓ Fits the sandbox MMORPGs cluster, with deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, action RPG combat and precision platforming, while skipping dark, oppressive atmosphere

Trove mods come to the Steam Workshop!Trove’s modding community is one of our greatest assets. The creativity and passion shown by so many players allows endless customization and limitless imagination! To better support you, and your creations, we’re proud to bring modding to the Steam Workshop.

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: tone and visuals.

Released 18 years after Ultima Online.

Genre100World79Game mode68Setting65Progression35Combat34

Details →

Steam Xbox PS

#14World of WarcraftClosest on game mode

iRank90

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreTheme Park MMO

MultiplayerOnlinePvPMagicDarkOpen WorldFantasyExploration

MC93IGDB86· 8

Year 2004Dev Blizzard EntertainmentPlaytime ~1000h

✓ Like Ultima Online, it's known for deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and dark, oppressive atmosphere

≠ Stands apart with adventure storytelling, combat tactical and loot and gear systems, while skipping sandbox freedom

The legendary MMORPG that defined the genre with vast worlds and epic adventures.

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: visuals and combat.

Released 7 years after Ultima Online.

Game mode100Tone100Genre75Setting63World62Progression50

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#15Mabinogi

iRank73

GenreRPGSubgenreMMORPGSub-subgenreTheme Park MMO

MultiplayerOnlinePvPMeleeMagicRangedOpen WorldFantasyExploration

Steam👍 74%· 4.1KIGDB70· 1

Year 2008Dev NEXON KOREA · NexonPlaytime ~2hOn PC

✓ Like Ultima Online, it's known for deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and open world exploration

≠ Its own twist: deep simulation, adventure storytelling and vibe casual, while skipping sandbox freedom

Enter the mystical land of Erinn, where a century-old battle threatens the balance of the known world. Explore exotic locales, defeat mighty foes and follow the path to destiny.

Where it drifts furthest from Ultima Online: tone and setting.

Released 11 years after Ultima Online.

Combat100Game mode81Genre75Progression66World63Setting37

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Steam

Complete list of Ultima Online alternatives

The full catalog of games sharing gameplay DNA with Ultima Online, ordered from highest to lowest similarity score. Use the filters above to narrow down by genre, setting or game mode and find the alternative that best fits your playstyle.

Explore games similar to Ultima Online by category

Rankings in the same genre

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best game similar to Ultima Online?: The closest game to Ultima Online is Black Desert, scoring 90/100 on our similarity scale. They share 13 gameplay attributes, including deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom. It's the most faithful alternative currently available.
What are the top games like Ultima Online?: The three closest games to Ultima Online are: 1. Black Desert (90/100, 13 shared attributes) 2. RuneScape (88/100, 14 shared attributes) 3. Tera (88/100, 13 shared attributes). All share Ultima Online's most important gameplay attributes, ranked out of 43 candidates across 17 dimensions.
Is RuneScape similar to Ultima Online?: Yes, very much so — RuneScape scores 88/100 similarity to Ultima Online. They share 14 attributes, including deep RPG systems and MMO world and community. It's one of the most direct alternatives available.
What RPG games are similar to Ultima Online?: The best RPG games similar to Ultima Online are Black Desert, RuneScape, Tera and Albion Online. All share the RPG genre alongside other key Ultima Online attributes like deep RPG systems, MMO world and community and sandbox freedom.
How is similarity to Ultima Online calculated?: We compare Ultima Online against every game in our catalog using 17 gameplay attributes: genre, atmosphere, world structure, play modes, combat style, and more. Each category is weighted differently — genre matters more than visual style, for instance. The result is a 0-100 score reflecting how closely a game replicates the Ultima Online experience, not just whether it shares the same genre label.
Are there free games similar to Ultima Online?: Yes — Trove and Lost Ark are free and score well on similarity to Ultima Online. They're a great way to test whether the play style clicks before investing in other paid titles.