The Most Popular MMO in Japan, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the MMO you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 10, 2024 06:44
With the plethora of MMOs available in Japan, distinguishing which game captures the interest and dedication of players can be quite a challenge. A clear understanding of what resonates with the audience can guide new players toward engaging experiences that match their tastes. By ranking these games, we offer a snapshot of current preferences and trends within the vibrant gaming community.
This dynamic ranking evolves through direct input from users like you, who vote based on their personal experiences and enjoyment. Each vote contributes to a more accurate reflection of what is truly captivating the hearts of gamers. Such insights are not only valuable for players making informed choices but also for developers seeking to refine their creations.
What Is the Most Popular MMO in Japan?
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165votes
Manuelt15 · Public domainFinal Fantasy XIV
Square EnixThis game has a huge following in Japan and has consistently been one of the top-rated MMOs in the country. It has a rich story, stunning graphics, and immersive gameplay.Final Fantasy XIV is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) that takes place in the fantasy world of Eorzea. It offers a rich and immersive gaming experience with captivating storylines, breathtaking visuals, and an extensive range of activities for players to enjoy. Players can explore diverse landscapes, battle formidable enemies, undertake challenging quests, and interact with a vibrant community.- Release Date: September 30, 2010
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, macOS
- Game Engine: Crystal Tools
- Genre: MMORPG
- Subscription Model: Pay-to-play
Final Fantasy XIV in other rankings- Position 2 of 10 in Most fun MMO
- Position 5 of 10 in Most popular MMORPG on Xbox
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224votesThis is a free-to-play MMO that has been popular in Japan since its release in 2012. It is known for its fast-paced action combat and customization options.Phantasy Star Online 2 is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Sega. It is the sequel to the original Phantasy Star Online and has become one of the most popular MMOs in Japan.
- Release Date: July 4, 2012
- Platforms: Windows, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
- Genres: Action, RPG
- Game Modes: Multiplayer
- Player Limit: Up to 12 players in an instance
Phantasy Star Online 2 in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular MMORPG on Xbox
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325votes
Monster Hunter World
CapcomWhile not technically an MMO, Monster Hunter World has a massive fan base in Japan and offers multiplayer options for up to four players. It is known for its challenging gameplay and cooperative elements.Monster Hunter World is an action role-playing game developed and published by Capcom. It is the latest installment in the Monster Hunter series and has gained immense popularity in Japan and worldwide. Players take on the role of hunters and explore a vast open world, engaging in thrilling battles with huge monsters and collecting resources to create powerful weapons and armor. The game features both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing players to team up with friends to take down challenging monsters. With its stunning graphics, immersive gameplay, and deep customization options, Monster Hunter World has become a favorite among MMO enthusiasts in Japan.- Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows
- Release Date: January 26, 2018
- Genre: Action role-playing
- Game Modes: Single-player, Multiplayer
- Open World: Yes
Monster Hunter World in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Monster Hunter game
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421votes
Dragon Quest X
Yuji HoriiThis is an MMO based on the popular Dragon Quest franchise. It has a large and loyal fan base in Japan, and its turn-based combat system is beloved by many.Dragon Quest X is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed and published by Square Enix. It is the tenth main installment in the Dragon Quest series and was initially released in Japan in 2012 for various platforms. The game features a persistent online world where players can create their own custom character and explore the vast fantasy universe of Dragon Quest.- Platforms: Nintendo Wii, Wii U, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Nintendo 3DS
- Genre: MMORPG
- Modes: Multiplayer
- Release Date: August 2, 2012 (Japan)
- Languages: Japanese
Dragon Quest X in other rankings- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular Dragon Quest game
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525votes
Ragnarok Online
Gravity InteractiveThis classic MMO has been around since 2002 and is still popular in Japan today. It has a unique art style and offers a variety of classes and customization options.Ragnarok Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) primarily popular in Asia. It was developed by Gravity Interactive and released in South Korea in 2002. The game takes place in the fantasy world of Midgard, where players navigate through various cities, fields, and dungeons, battling monsters and completing quests to level up their characters and acquire equipment. With its visually appealing anime-inspired graphics, a wide range of character classes and customization options, and engaging community-driven gameplay, Ragnarok Online has garnered a dedicated player base over the years.- Release Date: South Korea: 2002
- Genre: MMORPG
- Platforms: PC
- Game Engine: Athena Engine
- Player Base: Millions of players worldwide
Ragnarok Online in other rankings- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular game in Asia
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68votes
Granblue Fantasy
CygamesThis is a mobile MMO that has gained a cult following in Japan. It has beautiful artwork, a compelling story, and a gacha system that keeps players coming back for more.Granblue Fantasy is a highly popular free-to-play Japanese mobile and web-based role-playing game (RPG) developed by Cygames. It was first released in 2014 and has since amassed a huge following in Japan, known for its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and compelling storytelling. The game takes place in the mystical world of Granblue, where players embark on a grand adventure as they gather a crew of characters, explore various islands, and engage in strategic turn-based battles.- Release Year: 2014
- Platform: Mobile and Web-based
- Genre: Role-playing Game (RPG)
- Gameplay Style: Turn-based Battles
- Free-to-play: Yes
Granblue Fantasy in other rankings- Position 6 of 10 in Most popular mobile game in Japan
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79votes
Sword Art Online: Integral Factor
Bandai Namco EntertainmentThis mobile MMO is based on the popular Sword Art Online anime and manga series. It has a unique storyline and offers players the chance to explore the world of Sword Art Online in a new way.Sword Art Online: Integral Factor is a popular massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) in Japan. It is based on the popular Sword Art Online franchise, which includes light novels, anime, and manga. The game takes place in the virtual reality world of Aincrad, where players assume the roles of characters trapped in a virtual MMORPG. They must clear various levels of the game to escape. Sword Art Online: Integral Factor offers immersive gameplay, intense battles, and a captivating storyline that fans of the franchise can enjoy.- Platform: Android, iOS
- Release Date: March 28, 2018
- Genre: MMORPG
- Game Modes: Online multiplayer
- Graphics: 3D
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86votesThis is a classic MMO that has been popular in Japan since its release in 2003. It has a charming 2D art style and offers a variety of classes and customization options.MapleStory is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by the South Korean company Wizet. It was initially released in South Korea in April 2003 and has since gained immense popularity in Asia. The game takes place in the fictional Maple World, where players embark on quests, battle monsters, and interact with other players in a vibrant and colorful 2D environment.
- Genre: MMORPG
- Release Date: April 2003
- Platform: Microsoft Windows
- Graphics: 2D
- Playable Characters: Multiple character classes to choose from
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94votesThis MMO has a large following in Japan and is known for its action combat system and detailed character customization options. It also has a strong emphasis on PvP gameplay.TERA is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in a beautifully crafted fantasy world. It offers a thrilling action combat system and a vast open world for players to explore. With its stunning graphics, intense battles, and unique class-based gameplay, TERA provides an immersive gaming experience like no other.
- Genre: MMORPG
- Platform: PC
- Release Date: January 25, 2011 (Korea), May 1, 2012 (North America)
- Developer: Bluehole Studio
- Publisher: En Masse Entertainment
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106votesThis sandbox MMO has gained a following in Japan for its open-world gameplay and sandbox-style mechanics. It offers players the chance to explore and build in a vast and immersive world.ArcheAge is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by XL Games. It features an expansive open-world environment where players can engage in various activities such as questing, crafting, trading, and PvP battles. The game incorporates a sandbox-style gameplay, allowing players to shape their own destiny and experience a dynamic world.
- Player Count: Massively Multiplayer
- Release Date: January 15, 2013
- Platform: PC
- Genre: Fantasy MMORPG
- World Size: Enormous
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Ranking factors for popular MMO
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Active player baseThe number of active players who log in regularly is a strong indicator of a game's popularity. The higher the active player base, the more popular the game is in the region.
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Subscriptions and in-game purchasesRevenue generated from game subscriptions and in-game purchases can also be an important factor in determining the popularity of an MMO. This metric shows how invested the players are in the game.
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User engagementThe amount of time players spend playing the game, participating in in-game activities, and socializing with other players can serve as a measure of how engaged the player base is, and thus the game's popularity.
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Japan-specific contentLocalized content, such as language support, culturally relevant themes and storylines, and in-game events relevant to the Japanese market can significantly influence the popularity of the MMO in Japan.
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Japanese community presenceThe prominence of the game's online community, including active forum discussions, fan websites, and social media engagement within the Japanese market, can highlight the game's popularity.
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Rankings and awardsIndustry awards, gaming publications and websites that rank MMOs on the basis of various criteria can provide insight into the popularity of the game within the Japanese market.
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Media coverageThe amount and nature of media coverage the MMO receives in Japan, including articles, live streams, and YouTube videos, can be a helpful indicator of the game's presence and popularity.
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Professional gaming sceneThe presence of the game in professional gaming circuits, such as eSports tournaments or gaming events in Japan, can contribute to the game's overall popularity.
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Post-launch content and updatesThe amount and quality of post-launch content and updates that cater specifically to the Japanese market can help maintain and increase the game's popularity.
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Influencer campaigns and partnershipsCollaborations with popular Japanese gaming influencers, content creators, and celebrities can significantly boost the game's visibility and popularity among Japanese gamers.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular MMO in Japan. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or MMO is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 5155 views
- 186 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each MMO once every 24 hours. The rank of each MMO is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular mmo in japan
Japan is known for its love of gaming, and massively multiplayer online (MMO) games are no exception. With a strong gaming culture and a large player base, it's no surprise that Japan has a thriving MMO scene. In fact, Japan has some of the most popular and successful MMO games in the world.
One of the most popular MMO games in Japan is Final Fantasy XIV. Developed and published by Square Enix, Final Fantasy XIV has been a huge success in Japan and worldwide. The game allows players to create and customize their own characters, explore a vast world filled with quests and adventures, and engage in battles with other players.
Another popular MMO game in Japan is Dragon Quest X. Developed by Square Enix, Dragon Quest X is the tenth installment in the Dragon Quest series and features a unique blend of traditional RPG elements and MMO gameplay. Players can create their own characters, join forces with other players to tackle quests and take on powerful enemies, and explore a vast world filled with magic and adventure.
Other popular MMO games in Japan include Phantasy Star Online 2, Monster Hunter Frontier, and Ragnarok Online. With so many great MMO games to choose from, it's no wonder that Japan has such a vibrant and thriving gaming community. Whether you're a fan of traditional RPGs or cutting-edge MMO gameplay, Japan has something for everyone.
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