Games like DDO and Neverwinter provide an outlet for further exploration. Neverwinter may not support cross-platform play at this time, but the fact that its available to a wider audience definitely gives it an edge.Īs the last few years have seen Dungeons & Dragons basking the mainstream spotlight, avid players seek to expand or continue their time in treasured settings. This significantly broadened the game's fanbase, granting console-only players access to an online game to share with friends playing on the same console.
One of the most compelling reasons Neverwinter is the superior MMORPG was its transition from PC to consoles, starting in 2015 with the Xbox One, then PlayStation 4 in 2016. Related: Dungeons & Dragons: Why Your First Session SHOULDN'T Start In a Tavern In contrast, Neverwinter areas are generally teeming with so many players the system can barely handle it, and many of them are happy to help when a confused player has questions or finds themselves struggling to meet an objective. DDO is slightly more advanced, following the actual Dungeons & Dragons rules more closely, but this also makes it more difficult to play.Īdditionally, because DDO lacks a broad player base, it also lacks the guidance that more seasoned players can offer.
Both have somewhat dated graphics, but the fact of the matter is that, year after year, Neverwinter continues to grow, while DDO's player base steadily dwindles. Which One Is Better?ĭungeons & Dragons Online and Neverwinter have their merits, but when it comes down to it, Neverwinter is the superior game.
Neverwinter continues growing by frequently releasing new modules, updating and expanding on old ones, raising the level cap and remaining highly competitive with other free-to-play MMORPGs on the market. Going beyond PC gamers to appeal to console players was a huge step toward ensuring the game's continued growth and success. RELATED: Dungeons & Dragons: The Wizard's Arcane Tradition Options, Ranked Then, they can then be refined and traded on the market for currency that can be used to buy VIP levels and other game content without ever spending actual money. Neverwinter has earnable in-game currency called Astral Diamonds, which are rewarded for completing random quests, dungeon runs, PVP and skirmishes. To date, the game has released 20 expansion modules, exploring everything from the Feywild and the Underdark to Barovia and Chult.įollowing the FTP model, all players have access to new modules and areas, though the game does support in-game microtransactions to buy upgrades, gear, rare items and equipment and rare races. It has expanded its player base by releasing on consoles in 2015 and has received a steady stream of new modules over the years. Set on the Forgotten Realms' continent of Faerûn, Neverwinter began public beta-testing in 2012 and then officially released for PC players in 2013. This created an unfortunate level gap between players, making it difficult to find people at higher levels who were able to quest together. One unique aspect of the game was the ability to "Reincarnate," which allowed a level 20-30 player to sacrifice their current experience points and start anew at a lower level with the ability to respec their character, change their appearance or choose a new path. Related: Dungeons & Dragons: 5 Ways DMs Can Deal With a Dysfunctional Party There are 10 playable races, and 14 customizable classes, though half of the player races can only be unlocked through in-game purchases. Over the last nine years, DDO has received six major expansions, exploring everything from the Underdark and the Feywild to the Shadowfell and Ravenloft, though it mainly focuses on Eberron and Sharn. This lack of regular new content has made it hard to the game to sustain player interest.ĭDO's first major content expansion module wasn't released until 2012 - six years after the game's initial release. Like the tabletop game, DDO released new content updates as modules, but there were often large gaps between major releases.
After two years of development, Turbine issued a nationwide alpha test, offering free test keys in issues of PC Gamer magazine, but the fact that it originally cost money to play stood in the way of it taking off once if actually released.Įventually, DDO shifted over to a free-to-play model, creating a paid structure that allowed VIP players to access more content than those who didn't spend money on the game. However, early on, the game struggled to satisfy its player base. With 15 years on the market, Dungeon & Dragons Online has had a lot of time to hone its model.