Can you Recommend me an MMORPG?

I want to find a single game that I could get addicted to so I would have something to play without spending money every few months. I'll write down what things are important for me:

• It doesn't have to be free but if I need to buy it - I want at least a free trail. I'm not willing to pay for subscriptions though. I'm only interested in a one-time purchase.
• I would prefer a fantasy setting and third person 3D graphics.
• It's important for me to customize how my character looks like. I would like character creation that is more in-depth than just picking up a face and a hairstyle. It would also be nice to be able to pick some sort of fantasy race (Preferably something more than just humans of various heights and skin colors. ).
• An actual visual selection of gear at start. I would like to have at least a broad choice of clothing/armor.
• Focus on PvE but an option to consensually duel another player would be cool as well.
• Not sure if it's not too much to ask for but story and world that at least attempt to not be cliché.
• Mechanics that are simple to understand or at least well-explained. I often give up on games like this because I simply don't know how to play them.

I have couple hundred hours in GW2 but I've bought an expansion instead of leveling up and just follow my friend around rather than actually play it. I've bought ESO several years ago as well but I feel a bit repulsive towards it. I have a decent PC, I'm fine with dated graphics but as I said - I would like a decent character creator and a 3rd person perspective.

It's not really an MMO but you should consider Valheim, it offers pretty much everything you are asking_

Haven't played it personally but read a lot of convincing and positive responses regarding the game.

ESO got a lot better with the tamriel unlimited update. So you may wanna try that again. While its main story is still pretty forgettable, its side quests are some of the best in the genre, and definitely the best side quests in the TES franchise. While your choices didnt really have much in terms of consequence, the moral dilemmas were nonetheless VERY interesting. I would love to see the devs translate this to a SP game, where they can explore C&C more freely.

FF14 has a trial up to level 60, which is to say, a trial that covers content all the way up from base game, to its first proper expansion: Heavensward. Just be warned it does not allow you to duel anywhere in the world, duelling is limited to a small area. But still, with ibkt Heavensward it is arguably the best FF game since 9 (Shadowbringers made it only rivalled by FFT).

I can attest that Heavensward is fantastic. Being able to play through it for free is a fantastic offering. Definitely give FFXIV a try.

And after that, get Shadowbringer. Definitely the best FF story in the modern era, heck I would even say in any FF story.

It's making me so hyped for Endwalker. I lost my shit when I found out we're FINALLY going to Garlemald! I've been wanting to go there since 2.0! But yeah, not only is Shadowbringer's story great, I personally feel it's the most fun to play. I'm on the long road to max leveling all my jobs.

I assume you've heard of World of Warcraft.

If not, that's your best bet.

I have played it and it's a fantastic game. Def not an MMO, but it does hit some of your points. Not really much for character customization at the start. Your gear is really the fashion show. I would suggest playing with a group of friends on a privately hosted server. Also it's early access so it's not finished yet - still a lot of content. Valheim is a co-optional survival crafting game.

Sounds like you want WoW. I heard the latest expansion is good.

I would also suggest Eve Online.

Enlisted looks pretty good if you like shooters.