In the massive world of online gaming, there are countless MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games) to choose from. For players who enjoy a rich and interactive economy, the in-game marketplace can be a major factor in choosing which game to play. Trading, crafting, and resource management can be as much a part of the gaming experience as leveling and questing.
In this article, we’ll rank the top 14 MMOs with the best economies and provide details on each game’s unique trading experience. Get ready to flex your entrepreneurial spirit and delve into the virtual worlds of these top MMOs for traders.
12. Ragnarok Online
- Developer: Gravity
- Release Date: 2002
- Platform: PC
- For fans of: Classic MMOs, Anime MMOs
Ragnarok Online, a classic MMO released in 2002, features an economy that revolves around the game’s unique currencies, crafting, and trading systems. Despite its age, the game still maintains a dedicated player base, who actively participate in the economy.
The primary currency in Ragnarok Online is Zeny, which is used for buying, selling, and trading items among players. Players can earn Zeny through various methods, such as completing quests, hunting monsters, or selling crafted items and looted equipment.
Trading plays a significant role in Ragnarok Online’s economy. Players can buy, sell, and trade items with each other through direct player-to-player trading or through the use of “Vending” skill, which allows merchants to set up their shops in designated areas. These player-run shops provide a dynamic marketplace where players can find unique items, rare drops, and crafted goods.
11. EverQuest
- Developer: Daybreak Game Company
- Release Date: 1999
- Platform: PC
- For fans of: Classic MMOs, High Fantasy
EverQuest, launched in 1999, is one of the pioneers in the MMO genre and has maintained a loyal player base throughout the years. Its economy is built on the game’s currency system, crafting, and trading mechanics. While the game’s age and declining player base may have affected the dynamics of its economy, EverQuest still offers a nostalgic trading experience for its players.
The main currency in EverQuest is Platinum, which can be further divided into Gold, Silver, and Copper coins. Players can earn currency through various means, such as completing quests, hunting monsters, or selling crafted items and looted gear.
Trading is an essential aspect of EverQuest’s economy. Players can buy, sell, and trade items with each other through direct player-to-player trading or by using the Bazaar, an in-game marketplace where players can set up their shops to sell items to other players. The Bazaar facilitates the exchange of goods and services, enabling players to find rare items, crafted equipment, and more.
10. World of Warcraft
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
- Release Date: 2004
- Platform: PC
- For fans of: High Fantasy, Action-packed Gameplay
World of Warcraft (WoW), released in 2004 by Blizzard Entertainment, has become one of the most popular and enduring MMOs in the gaming world. The game’s economy is built on a solid foundation of currency, crafting, and trading systems, which have evolved over the years through various expansions and updates.
The primary currency in World of Warcraft is Gold, which can be further divided into Silver and Copper coins. Players can earn currency through a multitude of activities, including completing quests, hunting monsters, participating in player-versus-player (PvP) combat, or selling crafted items and looted gear.
WoW offers a wide array of crafting professions which enable players to create weapons, armor, potions, and other valuable items. Some of the Tradeskills available in the game include Blacksmithing, Tailoring, Alchemy, and Engineering. Players can gather resources and ingredients from the game world or through secondary professions like Mining, Herbalism, and Skinning to create items that can be sold or traded on the marketplace.
Trading plays a vital role in World of Warcraft’s economy. Players can buy, sell, and trade items with each other through the in-game Auction House system, which is available in most major cities. The Auction House provides a centralized marketplace for players to exchange goods and services, making it easier for them to find rare items, crafted equipment, and more.
9. Final Fantasy XIV
- Developer: Square Enix
- Release Date: 2010
- Platform: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- For fans of: Anime MMOs
Final Fantasy XIV boasts a detailed crafting and gathering system, with a strong player-driven economy.
In Final Fantasy XIV, players use Gil as the primary form of currency, which can be earned through numerous activities such as completing storyline and side quests, vanquishing monsters, participating in PvP encounters, and selling crafted items or looted treasures.
Final Fantasy XIV offers players various ways to engage in trading. The Market Board, an in-game feature accessible in major city-states, allows players to buy, sell, and trade items with one another. This centralized trading hub makes it easy for players to search for and acquire rare items, hand-crafted gear, and other sought-after commodities.
8. Guild Wars 2
- Developer: ArenaNet
- Release Date: 2012
- Platform: PC
- For fans of: High Fantasy, PvP MMOs
Guild Wars 2 offers a robust trading post system and an active player economy. Its emphasis on exploration and discovery adds to the thrill of finding valuable resources and crafting materials.
In Guild Wars 2, the primary currency is Gold. Players can earn currency through various activities, such as completing dynamic events, participating in PvP or World versus World (WvW) combat, and selling crafted items or looted equipment.
The Trading Post serves as the central hub for players to buy, sell, and trade items in Guild Wars 2. This in-game feature offers a user-friendly interface that allows players to search for specific items, place buy and sell orders, and monitor market trends. The Trading Post enables players to exchange goods and services easily, fostering a thriving and competitive marketplace.
7. The Elder Scrolls Online
- Developer: ZeniMax Online Studios
- Release Date: 2014
- Platform: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Mac
- For fans of: Open-world RPGs, High Fantasy
The Elder Scrolls Online has a vibrant player-driven economy with a focus on crafting and trading. The game’s unique guild store system encourages cooperation and competition among players, though it can be somewhat difficult for newer traders to break into the market.
In The Elder Scrolls Online, the primary currency is Gold, which players can obtain through various activities such as completing quests, defeating monsters, participating in PvP or Alliance War battles, and selling crafted items or looted gear.
Unlike some MMOs that feature a centralized trading hub, The Elder Scrolls Online uses a decentralized trading system through Guild Traders. Players can join various player-created trading guilds, which can then bid on and hire Guild Traders. These NPC merchants are scattered across the game world and serve as a platform for guild members to sell their items to other players. This unique trading system promotes cooperation and collaboration among players, fostering a sense of community within the game.
6. Black Desert Online
- Developer: Pearl Abyss
- Release Date: 2016
- Platform: PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
- For fans of: Sandbox MMOs, Action-Combat MMOs
Black Desert Online, an MMO developed by Pearl Abyss and released in 2015, is known for its grind-focused gameplay and intricate economy that emphasizes the accumulation of wealth and power. While this approach may not be for everyone, many players find satisfaction in the pursuit of Silver, the game’s primary currency.
The Importance of Silver: In Black Desert Online, Silver is the lifeblood of the economy and plays a crucial role in character progression. Players can earn Silver through various activities such as completing quests, defeating monsters, participating in PvP battles, and selling crafted items or looted equipment. Acquiring wealth is a central aspect of the game, as players often invest significant time and effort into grinding for Silver to purchase powerful gear, consumables, and other valuable items.
The game features a regionalized marketplace system, which divides the game world into different regions, each with its marketplace. Players can buy, sell, and trade items within their region, but can also engage in cross-region trading by physically transporting goods from one region to another. This unique trading system promotes strategic trading and creates opportunities for players to profit from regional price differences.
Black Desert Online introduces an innovative worker system that allows players to employ NPC workers to gather resources, craft items, and perform other tasks on their behalf. Players can hire workers in various cities, assign them to various nodes, and manage their tasks through the game’s user interface. This worker system adds an extra layer of depth to the game’s economy, enabling players to generate passive income and streamline their crafting efforts.
5. ArcheAge
- Developer: XL Games
- Release Date: 2013
- Platform: PC
- For fans of: Sandbox MMOs, Naval Combat
ArcheAge features a dynamic economy where players can engage in trade runs, crafting, and resource gathering. Its unique land ownership and farming systems contribute to an immersive trading experience, but the game’s controversial cash shop and player-driven politics can create challenges for casual traders.
In ArcheAge, the primary currency is Gold, which players can accumulate through various activities such as completing quests, defeating monsters, participating in PvP battles, and selling crafted items or trade goods. Gold is essential for purchasing powerful gear, consumables, and other valuable items that enhance character progression and gameplay experience.
One of the unique features of ArcheAge’s economy is the trade pack system, which encourages players to transport goods between different regions for profit. Players can create trade packs using resources and materials they’ve gathered and then transport them to other regions where they can be sold for Gold. Trade routes can be dangerous, as players may encounter pirates or other hostile players who seek to steal their valuable cargo. This aspect of the game promotes cooperation and teamwork, as players often band together to protect their trade convoys and ensure the safe delivery of their goods.
4. New World
- Developer: Amazon Game Studios
- Release Date: 2021
- Platform: PC
- For fans of: Open-world MMOs, PvP MMOs
New World offers a player-driven economy with a focus on territory control, crafting, and gathering. Its regional marketplace system adds a layer of strategy to trading, while the game’s emphasis on PvP can create both opportunities and challenges for traders.
In New World, the primary currency are Coins, also called Gold, which players can obtain through various activities such as completing quests, defeating monsters, participating in PvP battles, and selling crafted items or resources. Gold is essential for purchasing powerful gear, consumables, and other valuable items that enhance character progression and gameplay experience.
Unlike some MMOs that feature a centralized trading hub, New World uses a territory-based trading system. The game world is divided into different territories, each with its trading post. Players can buy, sell, and trade items within their territory, but can also engage in cross-territory trading by physically transporting goods from one trading post to another. This unique trading system promotes strategic trading and creates opportunities for players to profit from regional price differences.
3. Star Wars Galaxies: Legends
- Developer: SWG Legends Team (originally developed by Sony Online Entertainment)
- Release Date: 2015 (originally released in 2003)
- Platform: PC
- For fans of: Sandbox MMOs, Star Wars Universe
Star Wars Galaxies: Legends, an emulator project for the beloved MMO Star Wars Galaxies, which was originally developed by Sony Online Entertainment and released in 2003, breathes new life into the game’s economy.
SWG has been labeled as one of the greatest sandbox games ever, and players can craft pretty much anything, and even the cities and towns are made and run by the players.
In Star Wars Galaxies: Legends, the primary currency is Credits, which players can accumulate through various activities such as completing quests, defeating enemies, participating in PvP battles, and selling crafted items or resources. Credits are essential for purchasing powerful gear, consumables, and other valuable items that enhance character progression and gameplay experience.
The economy in Star Wars Galaxies: Legends is primarily driven by its players, who participate in various in-game activities, gather resources, and engage in crafting and trading. The game features a player-driven marketplace, where players can buy, sell, and trade items with one another. This open market encourages player interaction and fosters a sense of community within the game.
2. Albion Online
- Developer: Sandbox Interactive
- Release Date: 2017
- Platform: PC, iOS, Android
- For fans of: Sandbox MMOs, Cross-platform Gaming
Albion Online’s economy is entirely player-driven, with a strong emphasis on crafting, gathering, and trading. Its regional marketplace system, open-world PvP, and full-loot mechanics create high-stakes opportunities for enterprising players.
In Albion Online, the primary currency is Silver, which players can acquire through various activities such as completing quests, defeating monsters, participating in PvP battles, and selling crafted items or resources. Silver is essential for purchasing gear, consumables, and other valuable items that enhance character progression and gameplay experience. Additionally, the game has a premium currency called Gold, which can be purchased with real money or earned in-game by trading with other players.
Albion Online uses a localized marketplace system. The game world is divided into different cities and regions, each with its marketplace. Players can buy, sell, and trade items within their region, but can also engage in cross-region trading by physically transporting goods from one region to another.
1. EVE Online
- Developer: CCP Games
- Release Date: 2003
- Platform: PC
- For fans of: Sci-fi MMOs, Sandbox MMOs
EVE Online is widely regarded as having the most complex and intricate economy of any MMO. Its player-driven market, intricate crafting system, and emphasis on risk-versus-reward gameplay make it a top choice for traders looking to test their skills in a virtual marketplace.
With its massive scale, persistent universe, and thriving player community, EVE Online is the ultimate MMO for those interested in the world of trading and market manipulation.
In EVE Online, the primary currency is Interstellar Kredits (ISK), which players can earn through various activities such as completing missions, mining resources, participating in PvP battles, and selling crafted items or resources. ISK is essential for purchasing ships, gear, consumables, and other valuable items that enhance character progression and gameplay experience.
The economy in EVE Online is primarily driven by its highly interconnected marketplace, where players can buy, sell, and trade items with one another. The game features a regional marketplace system, which divides the game world into different regions, each with its market. Players can engage in cross-region trading, but they must physically transport goods from one region to another, which can be risky due to the potential for piracy and hostile encounters.
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of online gaming, particularly within the MMO genre, I bring to the table a wealth of firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the intricate economies that drive these virtual worlds. Over the years, I've delved into numerous MMOs, immersing myself in their trading systems, crafting mechanics, and player-driven economies. My expertise extends beyond mere gameplay; I've also closely followed industry developments, expansions, and updates, allowing me to offer comprehensive insights into the evolving landscapes of these virtual realms.
Now, let's delve into the concepts utilized in the provided article, which ranks the top 14 MMOs with the best economies and details their unique trading experiences:
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Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOs): These are online video games that support a large number of players simultaneously. They often feature persistent virtual worlds, where players can interact with each other and the environment.
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In-game Marketplace: This refers to a virtual space within the game where players can buy, sell, and trade items with each other using the in-game currency.
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Trading: The act of exchanging goods or services between players within the game's economy. This can be facilitated through direct player-to-player trading or through designated in-game systems like marketplaces or auction houses.
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Crafting: The process of creating new items within the game using various resources, materials, or skills. Crafted items can range from weapons and armor to consumables and decorative items.
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Resource Management: This involves the strategic allocation and utilization of resources within the game, whether it be currency, materials, or other assets, to optimize progress and achieve desired goals.
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Currency Systems: Each MMO typically has its own currency system, which serves as the medium of exchange within the game world. Players earn currency through various activities such as completing quests, defeating monsters, or selling items.
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Player-driven Economy: Refers to an economy largely influenced by player interactions, where supply and demand dynamics are determined by player actions such as trading, crafting, and resource gathering.
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Marketplace Systems: In-game systems that facilitate buying, selling, and trading of items between players. These systems may include auction houses, trading posts, or player-run shops.
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Character Progression: The advancement of a player's in-game character through various means such as leveling up, acquiring new skills or abilities, obtaining better gear, and enhancing overall capabilities.
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Player Interaction: The social aspect of MMOs, where players collaborate, compete, and engage with each other within the virtual world. This interaction can range from cooperative gameplay to player-versus-player encounters.
By understanding these fundamental concepts, players can navigate the diverse and dynamic economies of MMOs, strategically leveraging their resources and skills to thrive in these virtual landscapes. Whether it's mastering the intricacies of trading, honing crafting abilities, or delving into the complexities of resource management, MMOs offer a rich and immersive gaming experience for players to explore and conquer.
