How to Make an MMORPG Avatar for Free

An avatar is a three-dimensional, computer-generated character that you control in an MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role playing game). Depending on the game you choose, your avatar can look like you, a Medieval gnome, a science fiction alien or a creature limited only by your creativity. You can create free MMORPG avatars whether or not the game charges a subscription fee.

Instructions

Finding an MMORPG With Free Avatars

1. Find out if a paid MMORPG offers a free trial period. For 7 to 14 days, you spend nothing to create an avatar and use it in the game. Google the MMORPG name with the words "free trial" in quotation marks if the freebie isn't obvious on the website. An example of a paid game that offers a free trial is "World of Warcraft."

2. Locate free MMORPGs with no-cost avatars by consulting game directories such as Onrpg. One free online game with an extensive avatar creation system is "Perfect World."

3. Try the free "Second Life" to create an avatar that is not limited by genre or game system. This online world offers you control of everything from the size, shape and species of the avatar, its movements and clothing to the buildings and environment in which the avatar exists. You can even upload your own skin and clothing textures, which you create in a third-party program like Photoshop.

Gaming With Your Avatar

1. Register an account with your chosen MMORPG, which may require a credit card. Paid subscription games won't charge you until after the trial, whereas free games that deal with adult themes use the card to verify age.

2. Download and install the game. Downloads can take 1 to 24 hours, so avoid any computer work that can affect the download time.

3. Run the game and follow the instructions for creating the avatar. Once you're finished, you'll be able to use your avatar to experience the MMORPG for free

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid unexpected charges from a free trial MMORPG by checking the terms of service and verifying what happens after the trial period. Ideally, your account is suspended, compelling you to sign up to continue the game. Otherwise, your credit card can be automatically charged not only for the first month's subscription fee but also for a copy of the game.

• Make sure that you have enough space on your hard disk for downloading the MMORPG, which can range from 3 to 20 GB. Otherwise, your download may terminate unexpectedly after several hours.

Resources

• World of Warcraft: Free trial signup for arguably the best subscription MMORPG
• Onrpg: List of free MMORPGs that can be sorted by genre, developer and rating
• Perfect World: Free MMORPG with an extensive avatar creation system
• Second Life: A virtual world whose avatars and environment offer unlimited customization