The Appeal of MMOs for Solo Players

When I think about the game genres I love playing, the first that comes to mind is the massively multiplayer online role-playing game, or MMORPG for short. There’s something captivating about stepping into a virtual world created by other people, exploring every inch of it, and meeting interesting characters along the way. It’s like living out a novel, and in some cases, that’s exactly what it is. A prime example of this is Lord of the Rings Online (LOTRO).

However, there’s a question I sometimes hear, one that I’ve even asked fellow gamers in the past: “Why do you prefer to play these games alone? Are you antisocial? MMOs are designed for group play, after all.”

Maybe it will surprise you to know, but I agree. MMOs are designed around group play and teamwork. That’s why almost every one of them has some manner of dungeons for groups to challenge themselves against. Everything from skirmishes and instances in LOTRO to expeditions in New World requires multiple people. Yet, despite this, I often find myself adventuring solo. So, why is that?

Well, the most obvious reason is that I lack the time and, frankly, the energy to dedicate large chunks of it to one game. Once upon a time, I had both, but those days are long past. I’ve grown older and no longer have the desire to stay up until all hours, unlike even a decade ago. This focus on a single game also meant missing out on countless other gaming experiences. And yes, that game is LOTRO. Don’t get me wrong; I still love LOTRO and will continue to play it until the lights go out in Bree for the last time. But, there are so many other games and worlds crying out to be explored.

Having such limited time means that, even if I joined a kinship, guild, or company, my availability would be inconsistent at best. I can’t promise to show up more than I can, and most groups want someone who can show up consistently. I also admit I’m not the best player, and my gear is rarely top-tier, a big consideration for any group heavily into doing group content.

Being a solo player does have benefits, however. You’re not tied to anyone else’s schedule or quest log. If I want to spend my limited game time leisurely exploring an area, I can. Or if I want to go all-out and finish a slew of quests, I can do that too.

Despite that, I am a relatively social animal for an introvert. I enjoy talking to people, getting to know them, and doing quests with them when possible. I’ve had some memorable experiences in the instances of LOTRO in the past, and I highly recommend the ones in Angmar—they’re great fun!

Can playing solo get lonely? Admittedly, yes. But seeing other people running around the same world, whether they’re on the same quests as me or just passing through the area, gives a sense of community that solo RPGs can’t replicate. Sometimes just knowing there are others in the game by seeing chat can do that.

In recent years, I’ve noticed a trend with MMOs—efforts to make certain aspects less challenging and to accommodate a more solo-centric playstyle. I know that LOTRO certainly has. New World introduced alternate paths for advancing the main story that don’t involve group expeditions. Guild Wars 2 seems very solo-friendly, allowing players to join events without the need to form groups.

Let everyone know in the comments, what are your experiences with MMOs? Do you play with a group or prefer to play solo and why? And what are your favorite MMO games to play?

In all, while MMOs are fundamentally designed for group play, they can also offer an enjoyable experience for those who prefer to set out on their own. So, go forth, explore, and perhaps we might even cross paths out there.

Until next time, bye for now!