They say you only have one life to live.
Most of the time, that’s the case. Yet thanks to the internet, nothing could be further from the truth in these high-tech days. Now, your imagination is unfettered, and entire virtual worlds exist online for you to discover and explore.
So if you’re looking for something to do during the pandemic, consider losing yourself in another world. We’ve put together a list of the ten best virtual world games online, and there’s something here for everyone.
1. Second Life
Second Life could be the most famous online virtual game. It has to rank as among the best online games for PC even though it is not, in the strictest sense, a “game.”
Billed as the largest-ever 3D virtual world built by users, Second Life is just that: a virtual space wherein one can experience another life. It is an online world of rampant surreality, with environments, structures, creatures, and characters that spring from the endless creativity of its users.
You can do whatever you want in Second Life. Build, destroy, hook up with other characters, practice magical incantations—whatever floats your boat. Meanwhile, you’re interacting with the avatars of actual people from around the world.
Some romances begun in Second Life have even spilled into the “real” world.
2. Gaia Online
This one’s for you anime fans out there.
If you’re into cosplay, you’ll also find plenty here to amuse you. You can register for free, and customize your own avatar. Gaia Online developed as a standard discussion forum.
Since then, however, it has evolved into a complete virtual world. You can even buy a home and invite your (virtual) friends over for drinks and dinner.
3. IMVU
IMVU is a 3-D chatroom. In other words, rather than scanning lines of text, you can strike up conversations with virtual avatars.
You can even trick out your avatar with all kinds of accessories. It’s a livelier take on the basic instant messaging platform and leads to many intriguing possibilities.
IMVU also has a mobile version, so you can take your virtual world on the go.
4. Habbo
This curious offering is one of the best virtual world games online.
It uses some simple, old-school pixelated graphics to create a more classic feel. You can build up your own avatar, in the customary fashion, using the available hairstyles and clothing.
Then it’s off to the races in a giant, customizable hotel. Users can create a limitless array of “guest rooms,” where groups can self-segregate based on mutual interests.
5. MovieStarPlanet
We’re not going to lie to you. MovieStarPlanet is for divas.
But even divas need a virtual space to hang out and soak up the adulation of their admiring public. That makes MovieStarPlanet one of the more niche online RPG games for PC.
This virtual world skews to a younger target audience (kids between 8 and 15), and it is, therefore, family-friendly in its design and gameplay. Still, it’s a fun, entertaining game to while away an idle hour or two.
6. Chit Chat City
This virtual world is for those with an irrepressible artistic talent. And also for budding megalomaniacs.
Like the other virtual worlds on this list, Chit Chat City lets you customize an avatar and go around living a virtual life any old way you want. But there’s a twist. You can select a blank, unmodified avatar and design its features yourself.
This is a great idea if you have some artistic talent. It’s a terrible idea if you don’t.
But wait—there’s more! Chit Chat City allows you to construct an entire city of your own. So get out there and build the most fanciful city you can imagine, and then rule it with an iron fist.
7. Club Cooee
This is another great 3-D chatroom.
Club Cooee is perfect for those who are into music. There are plenty of spaces and “clubs” to create, and you can share your tunes with the in-world music system to play as background music in your club.
So get out there and crash someone’s party, or throw your own. And put your own personal soundtrack on a continuous loop for everyone to enjoy.
8. Red Light Center
Now we’re getting into the good stuff.
Red Light Center is an adult-themed virtual world. It’s raunchy and it likes it that way. True, you can enjoy boring, real-world equivalent activities, such as creating a business, designing clothing and products, or chatting with other avatars.
But that’s not the real reason why you come to the Red Light Center. There are plenty of fun things to do in this virtual world, including dancing, kissing, stripping, having sex, spooning, and even cuddling. Or just walk around naked.
In Red Light Center, you can let your hair down, and become the sex god or goddess that you always wanted to be.
9. RuneScape
Since 2001, RuneScape has been one of the most popular MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) in the world.
This fantasy-based virtual world is one of the best fantasy online games for PC, and it has come in many different versions over the years. One of the most popular is Old School RuneScape (OSRS), which takes players back to the halcyon days of 2007.
This version comes with much additional content and add-ons, including OSRS gold packages for in-game currency.
10. World of Warcraft
Finally, there’s World of Warcraft, another online fantasy virtual world.
World of Warcraft lets you interact with other avatars and cooperate in a vast and detailed virtual world. There are millions of players, so you’ll never want for new people to meet and friendships to form.
When it comes to PC games, it doesn’t get much bigger than this one.
Lose Yourself in the Best Virtual World Games Online
The truth is, if you’re looking for the best virtual world games online, there are plenty to choose from. So find whatever strikes your fancy, and dive in!
While you’re here, check out our great movie reviews and more.