5 MMOs with the Best Crafting Systems

In the vast expanse of massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, the crafting system serves as an detailed and essential component that adds depth and complexity to the gameplay. It's not merely about collecting resources and creating items; it's about weaving into the very fabric of the game's economy, supporting both the casual and hardcore player bases, and offering a path that is as engaging as the main storyline for many. Crafting in MMOs can turn a simple adventurer into a renowned artisan, whose wares are sought after across virtual continents. In this comprehensive exploration, we dig deep into five MMOs that have elevated crafting from a mere sideline activity to an art form, enriching the player experience and creating vibrant in-game economies. These are "Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn,", "Elder Scrolls Online,", "Guild Wars 2,", "World of Warcraft," and "Star Wars: The Old Republic"."

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, A Crafter's Dream

"Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn" (FFXIV) presents a universe where crafting and gathering are not mere afterthoughts but pivotal elements of the gameplay. What sets FFXIV apart is its approach to the crafting classes, known in-game as the Disciples of the Hand and Land. Unlike many MMOs where crafting is an added skill to the primary combat classes, in FFXIV, crafting and gathering are classes in their own right, complete with unique abilities, quests, and storylines.

The crafting system in FFXIV is nuanced and demands engagement from the player, transcending the rudimentary "click and wait" mechanic found in many other titles. Crafting an item involves a mini-game where the player must carefully manage their actions to improve the item's quality while ensuring the crafting process isn't interrupted. This adds a layer of plan and skill, making the act of crafting feel rewarding and engaging.

Furthermore, FFXIV's economy thrives on the contributions of its artisans and gatherers. High-quality, player-crafted gear often rivals and sometimes surpasses what is found in end-game dungeons, making crafting a viable path to gearing up. Special projects like the restoration of the Holy See of Ishgard offer community-driven goals that bring crafters and gatherers together for a common purpose, fostering a sense of community and achievement.

Elder Scrolls Online: Crafting Your Way Across Tamriel

"Elder Scrolls Online" (ESO) takes the rich lore and expansive world of Tamriel and adds a crafting system that is both accessible to newcomers and complex enough to interest experienced. ESO's crafting system stands out for its flexibility, allowing players to create gear that is not just powerful but also visually distinctive, thanks to the game's in-depth style and trait system.

A standout feature of ESO's crafting is the research mechanic, where players can learn new traits for their gear by deconstructing items that carry those traits. This system encourages exploration and experimentation, as players seek out rare traits to give them an edge in combat or trade. The ability to craft set items, which provide potent bonuses when worn together, further adds to the depth of ESO's crafting system, making it a crucial part of character progression.

Crafting in ESO is not confined to a subset of the player base. The game's design encourages all players to engage with crafting at some level, integrating it seamlessly with the exploration and questing that define the Elder Scrolls experience. Whether forging weapons, brewing potions, or crafting magical glyphs, crafting in ESO adds a layer of immersion and personalization to the journey through Tamriel.

Guild Wars 2: Mastering the Art of Crafting

"Guild Wars 2" abandons the traditional MMO formula in many respects, and its approach to crafting is no exception. Here, the crafting system is designed to be both a means to an end and an end in itself. The game encourages players to craft not just for the end product but for the experience and discovery process involved.

One of the most inventive aspects of Guild Wars 2's crafting is the discovery system. Instead of working from a set recipe list, players can experiment by combining ingredients to discover new recipes. This encourages a trial-and-error approach, rewarding curiosity and experimentation. The thrill of discovering a new, powerful recipe on your own adds an element of surprise and satisfaction that is often lacking in more straightforward crafting systems.

Guild Wars 2 also integrates crafting into its level progression, with crafting experience contributing to a player's overall level. This means that players who enjoy crafting don't have to choose between progressing their character and indulging in their crafting passion. Crafting is also tied into the game's dynamic world events and storytelling, with specific items and equipment playing roles in the larger tale, making crafters feel like an integral part of the world and its unfolding story.

World of Warcraft: The Joy of Crafting

"World of Warcraft" (WoW) is a behemoth in the MMO space, and its crafting system, while more traditional, has evolved with the game to offer a rich and rewarding experience. Crafting in WoW is tied closely to its expansive world, with resources, recipes, and crafting opportunities tied to the exploration of Azeroth.

WoW's crafting system is divided into professions, allowing players to specialize in areas that match their interests, whether forging armor, concocting potions, or inscribing magical glyphs. The introduction of profession quests in recent expansions has added depth to these professions, with unique storyline quests that burrow into the lore and significance of each crafting discipline.

The game also fosters a thriving in-game economy built around crafting. Rare materials and high-quality crafted items are highly sought after, making professions a viable path for players looking to earn in-game gold. The Auction House serves as a bustling marketplace where crafters can sell their wares and buyers can find gear, consumables, and other items to elevate their gameplay experience.

"Star Wars: The Old Republic": Crafting for the Galactic Economy

"Star Wars: The Old Republic" (SWTOR) brings the rich Star Wars universe to life, with a crafting system that emphasizes player choice and economic prowess. Crafting in SWTOR is handled through the game's companion system, where players can assign their companions to gather resources, craft items, or undertake missions to obtain rare materials. This allows players to focus on exploration and combat while still participating in the crafting economy.

The crafting system in SWTOR is designed around the needs of the player base, with crafted items playing a significant role in equipping characters for the game's content. Crafting is also tied closely to the player's chosen faction, with some items and recipes unique to either the Galactic Republic or the Sith Empire, adding an element of faction pride to the crafting experience.

In SWTOR, crafting is more than just a means to gear up; it's a path to wealth and influence within the game's economy. The Galactic Trade Network offers a platform for crafters to sell their creations to other players, with high demand for end-game gear, consumables, and cosmetic items. This economic aspect adds a layer of scheme to crafting, as players must direct the supply and demand of the market to maximize their profits.