Here are some games similar to World of Warcraft that offer both free-to-play and pay-to-play options:
Blade and Soul: Known for its stunning visuals and gameplay similar to WoW, Blade and Soul is a popular MMORPG with no pay-to-win mechanics12.
TERA: Offers beautiful graphics, over 80 zones, 12 playable classes, and 7 races. It's highly inspired by WoW but has its own unique spin1.
Path of Exile: Set in a dark fantasy world with a strong focus on item economy and competitive PvP. Entirely free without any need for spending money to gain an edge16.
Rift: Originally pay-to-play but now free with optional premium features for paying players3.
Guild Wars 2: The base game is free; however, expansions require purchase37.
The Lord of the Rings Online: Explore Middle Earth in this expansive MMORPG with both free play options and subscription benefits7.
RuneScape: Offers both old school and new versions with optional subscriptions but remains accessible as a free game67.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn - While not entirely free (it offers a limited trial), it requires a subscription after reaching certain levels or completing the trial content.
Some games like Guild Wars 2 offer the base game for free but require purchases for expansions or additional content.
For those looking specifically at "pay-to-play" models similar to WoW's traditional model before it went buy-to-play (with an optional subscription), Final Fantasy XIV is one of the few remaining major MMORPGs requiring ongoing payments beyond initial purchase costs.
If you're interested in games that have elements similar to WoW without necessarily being identical or requiring ongoing payments, many of these alternatives provide engaging experiences at no upfront cost!