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Anarchy Online similar games & best alternatives

Anarchy Online

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2017

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Quick resume

Anarchy Online – the first ever science fiction MMO – is now on Steam! Compete and cooperate with thousands of players simultaneously on a vast, alien world. Join humanity nearly 30,000 years in the future in a world of perpetual conflict and scientific marvel.

Global score

83/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Free To Play, Massively Multiplayer, Role-playing (RPG), Strategy

Similar games

    Pros

    • Extensive character customization and twinking
    • Deep and complex gameplay systems
    • Strong and helpful community
    • Large and immersive sci-fi world
    • Free-to-play with substantial content

    Cons

    • Dated graphics and interface
    • Steep learning curve for new players
    • Low population and maintenance mode development
    • Presence of exploits and cheating
    • Subscription cost and content restrictions for free players

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Competition, Fellowship, Domination, Status. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Story, Intimacy, Exploration.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players have extensive freedom to build and customize characters with complex skill and equipment systems, allowing creative experimentation and personal playstyles."

    • Competence
      5

      "The game demands mastery of complex mechanics, skill-based PvP, and strategic character twinking, rewarding player effectiveness and technical skill."

    • Competition
      3

      "There is competitive PvP with skill-based challenges and territory control, but also solo and cooperative play options."

    • Continuation
      4

      "Players report long-term engagement spanning years, with habitual play and deep investment in character progression."

    • Cooperation
      4

      "Strong emphasis on social interaction, guilds (organizations), group raids, and community support."

    • Creativity
      5

      "High creativity in character builds, equipment twinking, crafting implants, and diverse class combinations."

    • Domination
      2

      "Some players engage in dominating others in PvP and territory control, but community is generally cooperative and respectful."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players use the game as a deep immersive sci-fi world to escape real life, with exploration and roleplaying."

    • Expectation
      -3

      "Players engage voluntarily out of personal interest and nostalgia, with little external pressure or obligation."

    • Experimenting
      5

      "The game encourages trying new builds, experimenting with gear and skills, and exploring complex mechanics."

    • Exploration
      4

      "Large open world with many areas, dungeons, and secrets to discover, supporting curiosity-driven exploration."

    • Expression
      3

      "Customization of characters and social outfits is available, supporting self-expression."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Sci-fi setting with imaginative elements, lore, and some fantasy aspects in expansions."

    • Fellowship
      4

      "Strong community bonds, long-lasting friendships, and active guilds foster a sense of belonging."

    • Growth
      5

      "Steep learning curve with continuous skill acquisition, knowledge growth, and character development."

    • Health
      -4

      "Typical sedentary MMO gameplay with no physical activity elements."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention and active engagement, not suited for idle or background play."

    • Intimacy
      3

      "Players form meaningful social connections and real-life friendships through in-game interactions."

    • Leadership
      3

      "Guild leaders and experienced players guide others, but collaboration and shared decision-making are common."

    • Progression
      5

      "Strong emphasis on leveling, item acquisition, twinking, and character power growth."

    • Relaxation
      1

      "Some players find flow and enjoyment, but the game can also be challenging and demanding."

    • Sensation
      1

      "Visuals are dated and sensory stimulation is moderate; enjoyment comes more from gameplay depth."

    • Status
      3

      "Recognition through guilds, PvP rankings, and community respect is valued."

    • Story
      3

      "Rich lore and narrative exist but are optional; players can engage with story or focus on gameplay."

    • Strategy
      5

      "High mental challenge with strategic character builds, combat tactics, and resource management."

    • Thrill
      3

      "PvP and raids provide suspense and excitement, though some gameplay is predictable."

    • Value
      3

      "Free-to-play access with optional subscription offers good value for time invested, though some find subscription costly."

    • Violence
      3

      "Combat and PvP are core elements involving destruction and fighting."

    • Survival
      2

      "Players manage threats and resources in PvE and PvP, though not a hardcore survival game."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026