MMOs hold a special place in our hearts for creating some of the most beautiful locations you can experience in a virtual world. We wanted to walk down memory lane and look at some of the most iconic locations in MMORPGs that we’ve visited over the years. Needless to say, this list is heavily biased by nostalgia so bear with us as we talk about some of our most beloved cities, dungeons, and locales from our favorite MMOs.
The Shire (Lord of the Rings Online)
The Shire in Lord of The Rings Online is one of our most beloved locations in any MMORPG. It faithfully recreates what J. R. R. Tolkien envisioned, and I wish more locations could replicate its charm in other games.
LOTRO pays meticulous attention to detail in its depiction of the Shire, staying true to Tolkien's descriptions and illustrations. From the cheerful hobbit holes of Hobbiton to the rustic inns of Michel Delving, every corner of the Shire feels authentic and true to the source material.
For many players, the Shire holds a special place in their hearts as the starting area of their journey in LOTRO. It evokes a sense of nostalgia for the beloved characters and landscapes of Tolkien's novels, allowing players to relive moments from "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" in an interactive and immersive way. It is one of the few locations that truly feels like “home.”
Blackrock Depths (World of Warcraft)
This iconic dungeon in World of Warcraft is a dark and foreboding place filled with lava, fire elementals, and dwarven ruins. Blackrock Depths was one of the most challenging dungeons in the game's early years and it is one of the few locations that got us hooked to World of Warcraft.
The dungeon features a wide range of environments, from fiery forges and dark prisons to opulent halls and ancient ruins. Each area has its own unique atmosphere and challenges, keeping players engaged as they progress through the dungeon.
At the time, Blackrock Depths was one of the first MMORPG dungeons I experienced that encouraged exploration and uncovering secrets. Instead of trying to complete BRD as efficiently as possible, it felt like an actual dungeon where you navigate your way around the area to find secret encounters. While it might not hold up in 2024 for first-time players, it definitely holds a special place in many WoW players’ hearts.
Calpheon City (Black Desert Online)
Calpheon boasts impressive architecture characterized by grandiose buildings, ornate bridges, and towering statues. The city's aesthetic is reminiscent of Renaissance-era European cities, with a mix of classical and medieval architectural styles. The first time you enter the city, you are taken aback by the architecture and how detailed everything feels.
As one of the largest cities in Black Desert Online, Calpheon serves as a cultural center where players can immerse themselves in various activities. The city features museums, libraries, theaters, and other cultural institutions where players can learn about the world's lore and history. It is reminiscent of the city of Baldur’s Gate in the Forgotten Realms. No matter how I feel about Black Desert Online, Calpheon City is one of the most visually stunning cities I’ve seen in any MMO.
Limsa Lominsa (Final Fantasy XIV)
Founded by pirates and sustained by a strong maritime culture, Limsa Lominsa is a hub for adventurers and a crucial center of trade and commerce within the world of Eorzea. Players who begin their adventures in Limsa Lominsa as Arcanists or Marauders will forge a special connection to the city as their starting point. The Limsa Lominsa soundtrack and the beautiful aesthetics gel together to create one of the most memorable hubs in any MMORPG.
Beyond its lore significance, Limsa Lominsa functions as a major social hub for players throughout Final Fantasy XIV and it feels like one of the liveliest places in all of FFXIV where you can engage with other players. The vibrant colors of the buildings, the constant hum of activity on the docks, and the salty spray of the ocean all come together to create a convincing and lively port atmosphere like no other.
Black Citadel (Guild Wars 2)
The Black Citadel is one of the major cities in Guild Wars 2, serving as the capital of the charr race. It's a sprawling, industrial fortress located in the Heart of the Mists, the homeland of the charr in the game world of Tyria.
the Black Citadel is a visually striking and thematically rich location in Guild Wars 2, offering players a glimpse into the culture, history, and society of the charr race. Its industrial aesthetic, combined with its military focus, makes it a memorable and distinctive city within the game world. It is strikingly different from most of the fantasy-themed cities that we are used to and exploring Citadel was a breath of fresh air.
Rivenwood (Elder Scrolls Online)
Rivenspire in The Elder Scrolls Online is characterized by its gloomy, gothic architecture, with towering castles, crumbling ruins, and mist-shrouded forests. The region's aesthetic contributes to its eerie atmosphere and sense of mystery. When you visit Rivenwood, you become aware of the political struggles between House Montclair, House Tamrith, and House Dorell.
Despite its eerie atmosphere, Rivenwood has a special charm about it. The area is full of secrets and is a lot of fun to explore. If you enjoy gothic landscapes, Rivenwood is one of the best locations you can visit in any MMORPG.
Velika (Tera)
Velika is a melting pot of cultures, with representatives from various races and factions coexisting within its walls. Players can encounter NPCs from different backgrounds, including humans, elves, aman, poporis, and castanics, each with their own unique customs and traditions.
The architecture of Velika is grand and majestic, with towering spires, intricate bridges, and ornate buildings that reflect the city's status as a center of power and culture. You will notice that it has a mix of fantasy and steampunk themes and I loved exploring the city.
Varrock (Runescape)
Varrock is a bustling city in RuneScape's fictional world of Gielinor. It's one of the oldest and most iconic cities and the Grand Exchange is where you’d find players trading with each other. It is on this list solely due to nostalgia and I’m sure the area would make the cut for a lot of players’ top ten MMO locations.
Varrock has a long history within the world of Gielinor. It's the capital city of the kingdom of Misthalin, and players can uncover bits of lore by exploring the city and completing quests set there. This adds depth to the location and makes the world feel more grounded compared to some of the other locations in the game. It continues to be one of our favorite locations in Runescape to this day.
Divinity’s Reach (Guild Wars 2)
ArenaNet did a fantastic job with Divinity’s Reach and it continues to be one of a fan favorite locations in the game to this day. Divinity's Reach is known for its stunning architecture and grandiose design. The city is divided into several districts, each with its own distinct architectural style, ranging from opulent palaces to bustling marketplaces.
Built in 1220 AE by King Baede as a response to the Rising of Orr that flooded Lion's Arch, Divinity's Reach represents the last bastion of human glory. The city boasts a sturdy stone and mortar construction, contrasting with the surrounding wilderness. Interestingly, it was built hastily on a cliff's edge above pre-existing underground crypts and is easily one of the best designed cities I’ve seen in any MMORPG.
Suramar (World of Warcraft)
Suramar is one of my favorite locations in World of Warcraft because it is filled with towering arcane structures, overgrown with ancient nightborne flora. As you explore the area, you'll find remnants of the once grand elven civilization alongside the corrupting influence of the Burning Legion.
Suramar has a unique phasing system that alters the zone depending on your progress in the Legion storyline. As you complete quests and drive back the Legion's influence, you'll see the magical barrier recede and Suramar slowly restored to its former glory. It continues to be one of our favorite locations in WoW.
There are countless well-designed cities and we couldn’t include all of them on this list. While some of them do not hold up visually in 2024, the experience of exploring them for the first time when we played our favorite MMORPGs will always be special. What are your favorite locations in MMOs?
