Non-MMO Multiplayer RPGs 2009 - 2013

The purpose of my Single Player RPGs article was to prove that the single player RPG genera was not going away due to the increase of MMO options. Its been about 2 years, since I wrote that article, and with 22 games listed, the attitude has changed. In fact, with key releases such as Mass Effect, Dragon Age, and Fallout 3, single player RPGs are stronger then ever. Now, that said, it would seem the non-MMO multiplayer RPG genera is what's really on the verge of extinction (ie Baldur's Gate). So, this article will monitor the RPGs that are available for those RPG gamers that like coop, but prefer a scripted ending ...and have social lives outside of gaming.

[2012 Update] - Traditional RPGs are non-existent, as publishers favor F2P-MMORPG.  The Action RPG genera is way over-saturated, to the point, even the mighty Diablo took harsh criticism.  Currently, there are no new "traditional" multiplayer RPGs planned for 2013.  The Shooter RPG coops will continue to grow.

[2013 Update] - There just may be a "traditional" coop RPG in the works.

For a complete list of all PC coop games per year

For a list of the Best Non-MMO Multiplayer RPGs of all time



Traditional RPG

Divinity: Original Sin - 2013

Prequel to Divine Divinity. This could very well be the next Baldurs Gate like traditional coop RPG. Yes, the combat is turn based. Yes, the view is overhead. Yes, it has level editing/campaign creation tools. Yes, you have a party or characters. As an added bonus, the in game dialog lets you disagree with your teammate.

Two Worlds 2 - 4 player - 2011
Can not coop single player campaign. Instead, coop campaign will take place between the first and second game.
Metacritic -76

Fable 3 - 2 player - 2011
Features drop in/drop out multiplay; you can carry over items and gold; plot progression does not transfer; enemies do not scale up; and something about marring your coop buddy...
Metacritic -75

Action RPGs

The Incredible Adventures Of Van Helsing - 4 player - 2013
Sacred 3 - 4 player - 2013
Blood Knights - 2 player - 2013
Marvel Heroes -  2013
Grim Dawn -  4 player - 2013

Dungeon Siege 3 -  4 player - 2011
Gas Powered Games will not be developing this next entry, but rather Obsidian. The DS series is best known for being a good Diablo clone, although DS2 fell a bit short in my book.
Metacritic -71

Magicka - 4 player - 2011
Diablo clone with just wizard types.  Lots O'magic options.  Satires overplayed ARPG genera.
Magicka: Vietnam - 4 player - 2011
Expansion to Magicka, only it has goblins with guns.
Metacritic -74

Torchlight 2 - 4 player - 2012
The first Torchlight was sortta the dev testing the waters to see how they can fare with a new IP  in the ARPG market.  With some success, they push forward with the ever excepted multiplay element.

Diablo 3 - 4 player - 2012
A continuation of the Diablo series. The original talent is no longer on the license, but the new team has a great resume.
Metacritic - 90

Free 2 Play:

Path of Exile - ARPG - 2012
Another Diablo clone, with more blood.  It dabbles into MMO space, so I'll need more info on this title. Defiantly another Free-to-Play micro-transaction game.

Legends of Aethereus - 4 player - 2013

Poorly rated:

All Zombies Must Die! - ARPG - 4 player - 2012
Metacritic - 58

The First Templar - (FPS) 2 player  - 2011
Metacritic -57

Lord of the Rings: War in the North - 3 player - 2011
Metacritic -68

Dungeons & Dragons: Daggerdale - 4 player - 2011
Metacritic - 49

Darkspore -  4 player - 2011
Metacritic - 65

Shooters with RPG elements

Borderlands - (FPS) 4 player - 2009
Borderlands 2 - (FPS) 4 player - 2012
Considered the fastest selling original title of 2009. Could it be ...people really still crave this genera, numbers don't lie.
Metacritic - 81 & 89

Dead Island - (FPS) 4 player - 2011
Dead Island: Riptide - FPS - 4 player - 2013
A cross between L4D and Borderlands.  Game is nothing like its mind blowing trailer.
Metacritic - 80

Mass Effect 3 - (shooter) - 4 player - 2012
Fight alongside your friends as the galaxy goes to war.  This mode will enhance the single play experience without directly effecting the storyline of single player.


For a complete list of coop games per year