The competition in the free MMORPG space has gotten remarkably intense in the past few years, as more and more top notch games get converted to free-to-play models, and new games hit the market reveling in their unabashed freeness. Because of all the fierce competition, free games are no longer guaranteed to develop large fanbases just because they’re free, like many of the first free MMORPGs did.

This is of course good news for all of us gamers, as it means free-to-play MMORPGs are higher quality than ever, and there are more sub-genres and styles of free MMO’s available than ever before. With all these games on the market it can be hard to separate the nooby games from the leet ones. So check out our list of the top 10 free MMORPG’s to play in 2011.

10. Aika Online

Aika is a free to play massive game centered around five warring kingdoms. PvP plays a large role in Aika, and battles can be truly massive affairs, with hundreds of players battling it out. The game can become somewhat of a grind at higher levels, but this true of many MMO’s. Worth a look if you love PvP.

9. Atlantica Online

Atlantica Online is more strategy than RPG, and has flourished because of that. It offers an entirely original and compelling combat system akin to classic video games like Shining Force and Final Fantasy Tactics. Atlantica Online has a wealth of content, challenging dungeons and quests, and some of the best PvP action you’ll find in any MMO. If you’re not turned off by turn-based combat, you should definitely give this one a go.

8. Forsaken World

Forsaken World is a nice-looking new free MMORPG from Perfect World. 5 Races, 7 classes, and a wealth of character customization options ensure your avatar will stand out from the pack. FW gives you plenty to do on top of the usual questing and monster slaying, with many different jobs like botany and mining. Forsaken World shows a lot of promise. Don’t let it pass you by in the rush of games on the market.

7. Perfect World

Perfect World was one of the first free-to-play MMORPGs that actually offered a vast and compelling experience that rivaled some of the best subscription-based MMORPGs, and it’s still quite enjoyable today. A massive world and tons of content make it a near limitless journey, though the endgame grind may wear on some gamers. There’s also a rather harsh death penalty that harkens back to older, more core MMO’s, so do be warned.

6. Allods Online

It’s easy to make the comparison to World of Warcraft when looking at Allods Online. The graphical style is eerily similar, though the art direction is actually quite original, and melds fantasy and sci-fi elements like few other MMO’s on the market. Allods features two distinct races in conflict with each other, and this conflict spills over into the game’s PvP mode. Humorous writing and scenarios are another hallmark of this charming little game. Don’t be put off by the WoW look, and give this one a shot.

5. Vindictus

Vindictus was probably the most hyped free MMORPG ever when it released last year. The combination of stunning graphics and an action-based battle system that still retained the RPG elements we all know and love had gamers giddy with excitement. While the hype surrounding Vindictus has now died down somewhat, it still remains an enjoyable and unique game, with some thrilling combat. And those graphics… (drool).

4. Champions Online

The superhero themed Champions Online has lived up to some of the hype surrounding it. A robust character creation system was absolutely vital, and CO has one. It also has a great combat system, which was another must. Other unique features abound, such as the nemesis system, and crafting also plays a role in the superhero’s daily life. So if you’re tired of playing as yet another Elf or Dwarf, check out CO and get your superhero on.

3. Dungeons and Dragons Online

DDO seemed to have everything going for it upon its initial release, but never seemed to find an audience. It had great graphics, a unique play style, and the pedigree of one of the best MMO developers behind it in Turbine. Despite its failure as a pay-to-play game, don’t be fooled into thinking that was due to the quality of the game. Though it suffers from some of the repetition that other instance-based games suffer from, it’s still an incredibly challenging and enjoyable experience.

2. The Lord of the Rings Online

LoTRO went free-to-play last year, and surely stands as one of the best free-to-play games on the market. A massive world, challenging combat, haunting music, and beautiful graphics await all those who wish to enter the enchanted realm of Middle-Earth. Player-owned houses and mounts, a unique monster-play PvP system, epic raids and gear, legendary crafted gear, and much more exists in Turbine’s masterpiece.

1. Runes of Magic

Runes of Magic was dismissed by some people as a World of Warcraft clone upon its release, but others viewed this as a great compliment. While there was a definite comparison to be made in terms of graphical and gameplay style, the overall quality that exists in every aspect of this game was also comparable to WoW, and cause for celebration. RoM’s most unique feature is its dual class system, which allows you to choose two different classes for your character and enjoy the skills of both. This adds a great deal of flexibility to the game, as each class combo comes with unique skills, though it also makes each individual class overly common in the game world. Runes of Magic has enjoyed numerous major updates which introduced a lot of new content to the game – Frogster has done and continues to do a great job. If you’re looking for a free MMORPG that rivals the best games in the genre, RoM is it.

Remember that we are featuring only the most recent free to play MMORPGs so we are not including big free mmorpg classics such as Maplestory, Ragnarok Online, RuneScape, and others. We wanted to include all the relevant MMORPG games but we can only choose 10 of the most important nowaday.

With these and other great free games on the market, 2011 promises to be an amazing year for MMORPG lovers the world over. So grab your favored weapon of choice and maybe an energy drink or two and get prepared for thrills to last a lifetime.

*This page will be updated from time to time so don´t forget to share your top 10!

After months of preparation, the Open Beta Test (OBT) for Elfender is ready to kick off! The OBT is open to all interested players on Mar. 31st. To celebrate the launch of the OBT, we have prepared a series of activities and recharge bonuses for the players. We welcome all of you to join this wonderland. Your suggestions and feedbacks will be most appreciated.

Elfender is a free to play tower defense game that does not require any downloads. It features lovely cartoon style artwork and multiple battle modes like PvP and PvE. Elfender also introduces a Dress-up System and a Talent System, which will definitely bring you an exciting, interactive and cheerful gaming experience.

Please keep in mind that all gaming files and player data during this period will be deleted at the end of the beta testing. Your assistance and support will kindly help direct us further in creating the best gaming experience possible!

Petroglyph Games has announced that they will begin closed beta testing for Rise of Immortals, their upcoming free-to-play MOBA (DotA style game), on April 5.

Closed beta registration is still being accepted, and the thousands of players who get into closed beta will earn an exclusive “Metal God” skin for the Immortal hero Lazarus during beta and at release.

Rise of Immortals will include not only the usual PvP modes for players to battle on, but will also include PvE, pets, and persistent character growth (rather than per-game).

Battlestar Galactica Online is a free-to-play space-themed browser game set in a universe torn by an epic war. You must choose from one of three races to staunchly represent, and immediately join in the intense intergalactic battle that is raging in the universe.

Battlestar Galactica Online: Explore the faraway reaches of the universe in this thrilling game!

The online game Battlestar Galactica Online takes you a stellar journey to a futuristic universe. Amongst the planets and stars exists a cynical war between the Cylon, cyborgs and the human race. These races are brutally clashing in the ultimate bid for territory control and new resources. The free-to-play browser game is based on the popular television series Battlestar Galactica, adopting some of the original storyline as well as adding fresh components. You will be called upon to take control of a fleet of your own space ships and participate in epic tactical intergalactic combat.

In addition to intense battles, players also have the opportunity to embark on story-based missions and quests in order to explore more of the vast depths of the Battlestar Galactica Online universe. The browser game combines elements of action, strategy and role-playing as you take charge of your own character. As you gain experience and earn victory in battle, your character will have the chance to progress and obtain new skills and knowledge. This will be crucial in determining the success of future battles. Command multiple powerful space ships in this intense 3D space-themed game and loyally fight for the future of your race in Battlestar Galactica Online.

There is an unceasing work going on on Céiron Wars. Having been praised by gamers with its constant updates since its release on February 15, 2011, Céiron Wars now presents the “Arena” module with its latest update.

Players will now be able to challenge their relentless enemies in the “Arena” and support the progress of their soon to be implemented alliances with the honor points they earn. Also, the resources that are required for their lordships’ economy will be obtainable through the “Pit” module.

In browser game Pockie Ninja, you experience the adventure in the figure of lovely and cute heroes. The publisher nGames revealed that there will be some exciting in-game events during the open beta phase, where players can win in-game items. To participate in the events you have to log in and play.

At the moment, five events and gift promotions are announced in the start of Open Beta.

The gifts can enhance the players to comeplete some tasks easily. Also you can get daily rewards as long as you log in the game.