Recommend me a MOBA and an MMO

[Jandau]

My dear friends of the Escapist, I call upon you for assistance. My work schedule is likely to clear up soon and give me more time for some proper gaming in the near future, and I decided I want to start playing a MOBA and an MMO, and would like your suggestions for each. However, as I'm a jaded old fart who's gotten picky over the years, there are some parameters:

The MMO:

1. PvE focused. Mandatory PvP or a major PvP component are a turnoff. PvP as a side activity to maybe partake from time to time is alright.

2. Monthy sub isn't an issue. Neither is F2P, assuming you can get a full experience for a reasonable price and it isn't pay to win.

3. WoW is off the table, as I played it earlier this year and had my fill (yes, I know WoD is coming out, but I think I want something new). Also off the table are DDO, LotRO, TOR, Guild Wars 2, Secret World and TERA, as I've either played them or tried them and hated them.

Currently leading my list in this category is Final Fantasy 14, since it really looks solid since its re-release and seems to be focused more on small scale PvE.

The MOBA:

1. Casual is better. I love DOTA2, but I don't want to commit the time and energy needed to master that game. It's just too stressful. I'll stick to watching tournaments on Twitch.

2. LoL is also off the table. Played it on and off for years, had my fill of it.

Currently leading in this category is Heroes of the Storm, but it's a long way off before open beta or release. Maybe Dawngate?

Also, as a bonus round, games of the online variety that don't really conform to the two above categories, as long as they aren't pure competitive FPS games (CoD, TF2, Titanfall, etc). For instance, I heard good things about Warframe.

In any case, I'm open for suggestions...

 

[Elfgore]

For your MMO, I'd say Final Fantasy 14. I haven't had the chance to give it a go myself, but multiple people in a user group here have vouched for it. I'd say I generally trust these people, so I'd give that a whirl. I hear The Escapist has a guild as well, you may want to investigate that if you consider playing it.

For MOBA, I'd try Smite. A little more action-oriented. You have to move and do basic attacks for your character, but they keep the standard four moves thing. It's based of multiple ancient religions with the gods acting as champions. You've got a standard PvP map, with lanes and the like. A 5v5 arena, a 3v3 arena, and a 3v3 single lane. I'm not sure if the pack is still available, but you could purchase all of the gods for 30 USD.

I've played Warframe and it is... nifty. Free to play, so you can't get that wronged by it. I thought it would be PvP only to find out it's PvE. The currency system is a little wack and confusing. I honestly have no clue how to buy shit, with in game money or purchased money. But what I've played has been very fun. I'd recommend it.

 

[VanQ]

Yeah, looks like Final Fantasy XIV is probably your best bet for an MMO. It's got next to no grind and you can enjoy it purely for the story that begins at level 1 and goes all the way to level 50 and into the end game. So if you don't intend to get too deep into end game raids and things that's a good option, a good option if you DO intend to try that too.

As for MOBAs. I'm not a big fan of the genre whatsoever. Heroes of the Storm looks okay though so I'm waiting for that.

 

[DazZ.]

For a moba that isn't Dota. Strife just went into open beta and I'm genuinely surprised by it. It's got bits that I love about both Dota and LoL and highly recommend it after my first 2 games.

I'm going to stick with Dota overall, but as you don't need to unlock heroes in Strife I feel I'll play it every now and and again as well.

 

[someonehairy-ish]

DOTA2 is casual enough if you just do matchmaking vs bots. I've also heard good things about Smite and Dawngate, so I'd give those a shot.

I'm not much of an MMO fan but... is City of Heroes still a thing? I remember it being decent but I think it may have disappeared now. I still think WoW is king of MMOs, seeing as it's been the best part of a decade and noone seems to have really improved on the formula much.