Plarium Blog Gaming's Best Top 10 Games Like League of Legends
Collage of characters from games like League of Legends.

One of the highest grossing video games, League of Legends is a household name in the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre. This game focuses on strategic gameplay and collaboration and provides high replayability with various game modes. However, there may come a time when you’re interested in exploring other games like League of Legends, whether you’re looking for fresh content or want a similar MOBA-style game with different mechanics and gameplay.

Below, discover the top 10 most popular games like League of Legends. They vary in genre and player capacity but capture the key aspects of League of Legends, from strategic team fighting and fast-paced action to unique characters and immersive lore.

Top 10 Games Like League of Legends

1. Vainglory

Vainglory game in action.
Genre:Multiplayer online battle arena
Release Date:November 16, 2014
Platforms:iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
DeveloperSuper Evil Megacorp
Payment modelFree to play with in-game purchases
Rating84/100 on Metacritic
Gameplay features:Team-based PvP, cross-platform play, 3v3 and 5v5 match options
Best forMobile players looking for a traditional MOBA game with different match options and cross-platform availability

Although Vainglory was first released as a mobile-exclusive MOBA game, it later came to PC, making it popular among cross-platform players. Vainglory is similar to League of Legends in that its main game mode focuses on players battling across three lanes and a non-lane “jungle” position. It offers ranked and unranked game modes, as well as 3v3 and 5v5 match options.

Players can choose from over 50 diverse characters, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and designs. Like many other free-to-play MOBA games, players can earn or buy in-game currency, providing an opportunity for unlocking new champions and purchasing cosmetics.

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2. Arena of Valor

Arena of Valor game in action.
Genre:Multiplayer online battle arena
Release Date:October 12, 2016
Platforms:Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch
DeveloperTiMi Studio Group
Payment modelFree to play with in-game purchases
Rating79/100 on Metacritic
Gameplay features:Playable heroes with unique abilities, ranked gaming options, different game modes ranging from 1v1 to 10v10
Best forMOBA fans looking for an online game with various game options and support for higher player numbers

Unless they feature a battle royale option, most MOBA games cap their player support at five players per team. This allows for intense 5v5 matches that focus on strategic team composition and collaboration.

However, with Arena of Valor, players can also engage in 1v1, 3v3, 10v10, and even 2v2v2v2 battles. This provides a range of options for those looking to play alone or with one or more friends. There are over 100 characters, known as heroes, in Arena of Valor, and each is assigned a different class.

Overall, Arena of Valor is a fast-paced, strategic game that focuses on solo abilities and teamwork, similar to League of Legends. It can be a great choice for players looking for a game that challenges their communication and technical skills, whether they’re playing alone or with a team of nine others.

3. Dota 2

Dota 2 game in action.
Genre:Multiplayer online battle arena
Release Date:July 9, 2013
Platforms:Windows, Linux, macOS
DeveloperValve
Payment modelFree to play with in-game purchases and subscriptions
Rating90/100 on Metacritic
Gameplay features:Purchasable loot boxes and battle passes, 5v5 combat, base defense
Best forPlayers looking for base destruction-focused gameplay similar to League of Legends’ main game modes without any character unlocks

Many MOBA games introduce players to a limited number of characters when they first start the game. Then, as they play, they can gain in-game currency and rewards that allow new characters to be unlocked. This is not the case for Dota 2.

When you begin Dota 2, you’ll have every playable character at your disposal without needing to earn points or in-game currency to slowly unlock them. However, you can invest in battle passes that provide you with cosmetics, such as skins for your characters.

If you’re wondering if Dota 2 is like League of Legends, you’ll find the most similarities in gameplay. This is because Dota 2 also focuses on racing the other team to destroy their base, all while engaging in intense team fights.

4. Predecessor

Predecessor game in action.
Genre:Multiplayer online battle arena
Release Date:August 20, 2024
Platforms:Windows, Xbox, PlayStation
DeveloperOmeda Studios
Payment modelFree to play with in-game purchases
Rating7/10 on Steam
Gameplay features:5v5 combat divided into four different lanes, in-game currency and experience used for character and item upgrades
Best forPlayers familiar with League of Legends’ combat looking for a new experience with different settings and characters, players looking for a 5v5 MOBA available for consoles and PC

With over 30 different characters to choose from, Predecessor provides a traditional MOBA experience for players on PC and console alike. At the start of each game, players choose from one of five roles, ranging from Offlane to Jungle to Support. Then, they’ll battle in an epic 5v5 arena featuring linear lanes in a steampunk-inspired setting. 

Predecessor has a unique art style compared to many other MOBA games, with highly realistic character designs. The playable heroes in this game range from space-themed humanoids to fantastical creatures, each with their own backstory and abilities.

5. Ruined King: A League of Legends Story

Ruined King game in action.
Genre:Turn-based RPG
Release Date:November 16, 2021
Platforms:Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
Developer Airship Syndicate
Payment model$29.99
Rating80/100 on Metacritic
Gameplay features:Playable characters from League of Legends, turn-based combat focused on strategy, boss battles
Best forFans of League of Legends’ Bilgewater and Shadow Isles regions, players looking to experience League of Legends’ lore in a single-player game instead of MOBA

Straying from the multiplayer nature that’s common in games like League of Legends, Ruined King: A League of Legends Story is a single-player RPG that launches players headfirst into the lore of Runeterra.

In this game, players control six different champions from League of Legends: Ahri, Braum, Illaoi, Miss Fortune, Pyke, and Yasuo. The goal of this game is to navigate immersive dungeons, defeat enemies and bosses through turn-based combat, and save the region of Bilgewater from the clutches of Viego and the Shadow Isles. As a result, players can enjoy the lore, art style, and characters of League of Legends without playing a MOBA, making it one of the best PC games.

6. Heroes of the Storm

Heroes of the Storm game in action.
Genre:Multiplayer online battle arena
Release Date:June 2, 2015
Platforms:Windows, macOS
DeveloperBlizzard Entertainment
Payment modelFree to play with in-game purchases
Rating86/100 on Metacritic
Gameplay features:Characters and settings based on Blizzard Entertainment games, 5v5 combat, multiple game modes
Best forFans of Blizzard Entertainment games like Diablo and Overwatch, players looking for gameplay with similar mechanics as League of Legends but also secondary objectives

One of the most popular free PC games, Heroes of the Storm is a multiplayer online battle arena game in which players can play as characters from other Blizzard Entertainment titles, including popular games like Diablo and Overwatch. As a result, this crossover MOBA is best for players who enjoy League of Legends 5v5 gameplay and mechanics and are also fans of the Blizzard universe. 

Overall, the matches in Heroes of the Storm are shorter than many other traditional MOBAs, with each match lasting around 20 minutes. Although the core objective is to destroy the opposing team’s base, there are secondary objectives throughout the game as well, which offer a powerful team boost.

7. Apex Legends

Apex Legends game in action.
Genre:Battle royale, hero shooter
Release Date:February 4, 2019
Platforms:Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
DeveloperRespawn Entertainment
Payment modelFree to play with in-game purchases
Rating89/100 on Metacritic
Gameplay features:Several game modes ranging from solo royales to trios, different game seasons and events that provide new characters and items, gun-based combat
Best forPlayers looking for a collaborative shooting game against multiple teams in a single arena

Apex Legends blends the mechanics and combat of a first-person shooter with the gameplay of a battle royale game. Players can choose to play solo or as a duo or trio and take on a map full of other teams using gun-based combat. However, battle royale isn’t the only game option available — teams are also able to play round by round in an arena-style mode.

This game is free to play, although players can choose to invest in in-game purchases. There are also periodic seasons and events, which can provide players with new characters and items.

8. Smite

Smite game in action.
Genre:Multiplayer online battle arena
Release Date:March 25, 2014 
Platforms:Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
DeveloperTitan Forge Games
Payment modelFree to play with in-game purchases
Rating80/100 on Metacritic
Gameplay features:Multiple PvP game modes, a wide range of mythology-based characters to choose from, different in-game character classes
Best forPlayers looking for a mythology-based MOBA game

One of the most popular aspects of League of Legends is its deep, immersive lore, which has spawned spinoffs in the form of other games and shows. Along with traditional MOBA gameplay across various PvP modes, Smite allows players to dive deep into the lore of different mythologies, with characters originating from Greek mythology, Japanese mythology, and more.

Each character in Smite has a specific in-game role, with some characters better suited as tanks and others as healers or damage dealers. As a result, team composition requires communication and strategy, making it a popular game to play with friends.

For players who enjoy the depth of League of Legends’ lore, Smite has interesting characters based on global mythology, each with its own history and background to explore. The gameplay mechanics are also similar to League of Legends, providing an easy transition for those familiar with the Riot game.

9. Valorant

Valorant game in action.
Genre:Hero shooter
Release Date:June 2, 2020
Platforms:Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
DeveloperRiot Games
Payment modelFree to play with in-game purchases
Rating80/100 on Metacritic
Gameplay features:Several game modes, including ranked and unranked, 5v5 or deathmatch options, gun- and ability-based combat
Best forFans of League of Legends-style abilities for a tactical combat game to play alone or with others

Also from the creators of Riot, Valorant is a hero shooter that allows players to choose from characters, known as agents, and engage in tactical combat. However, guns aren’t the only weapons at your disposal, as each agent also has three unique abilities plus an Ultimate, like in League of Legends. 

There are several game modes in Valorant, including 5v5 matches and deathmatches. In the main game mode, players choose their agent and compete in several rounds focused on defending or attacking sites from a bomb plant.

While Valorant has different gameplay from League of Legends, instead focusing on tactical combat, many key elements, such as character depth and the game’s overall art style, are similar to League of Legends. There are also several League of Legends Easter eggs to find in Valorant, posing a fun challenge for fans of both games. 

10. Pokémon Unite

Pokémon Unite game in action.
Genre:Multiplayer online battle arena
Release Date:July 21, 2021
Platforms:Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
DeveloperTiMi Studio Group
Payment modelFree to play with in-game purchases
Rating70/100 on Metacritic
Gameplay features:Over 62 playable Pokémon characters, 5v5 combat paired with secondary objectives, in-game announcements in place of an in-game scoreboard
Best forFans of Pokémon looking to experience a MOBA game similar to League of Legends

One of the best mobile games like League of Legends, Pokémon Unite combines the characters and art styles of Pokémon with the gameplay of League of Legends. Matches start with players controlling a weak Pokémon — and there are over 62 to choose from. They earn experience as they play, becoming stronger and unlocking different moves to help them in this 5v5 battle. 

One unique feature of Pokémon Unite is that it lacks an in-game scoreboard. Instead, players receive in-game announcements at key milestones, such as five minutes before the end of the match. The purpose is to encourage players to continue playing until the end of the game rather than conceding over early losses.

The Best Games Like League of Legends at a Glance

Although many League of Legends alternatives are also MOBA games, no two games are the same. So, when picking the best LoL alternative, it’s important to consider what makes it unique, along with its platform availability.

GameBest forPlatforms
VaingloryMobile players looking for a traditional MOBA game with different match options and cross-platform availabilityiOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Arena of ValorMOBA fans looking for an online game with various game options and support for higher player numbersAndroid, iOS, Nintendo Switch
Dota 2Players looking for base destruction-focused gameplay similar to League of Legends’ main game modes without any character unlocksWindows, Linux, macOS
PredecessorPlayers familiar with League of Legends’ combat looking for a new experience with different settings and characters, players looking for a 5v5 MOBA available for consoles and PCWindows, Xbox, PlayStation
Ruined King: A League of Legends StoryFans of League of Legends’ Bilgewater and Shadow Isles regions, players looking to experience League of Legends’ lore in a single-player game instead of MOBAWindows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
Heroes of the StormFans of Blizzard Entertainment games like Diablo and Overwatch, players looking for gameplay with similar mechanics as League of Legends but also secondary objectivesWindows, macOS
Apex LegendsPlayers looking for a collaborative shooting game against multiple teams in a single arenaWindows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Xbox
SmitePlayers looking for a mythology-based MOBA gameWindows, PlayStation, Xbox
ValorantFans of League of Legends-style abilities for a tactical combat game to play alone or with othersWindows, PlayStation, Xbox
Pokémon UniteFans of Pokémon looking to experience a MOBA game similar to League of LegendsNintendo Switch, Android, iOS

How To Choose a League of Legends Alternative

League of Legends is similar to many other types of MOBA games, especially in terms of objectives. However, along with technical differences like platform availability and player capacity, no two LoL alternatives are the same. When choosing the right game like League of Legends for you, it’s important to consider your own playstyle and preferences, as well as other essential criteria:

  • Evaluate the balance between strategy and action: League of Legends is a MOBA game, which is a subgenre of real-time strategy games. However, not every game like League of Legends is a MOBA, nor does every one focus on strategy and action. Pick a game that has the right balance of strategy and action for you, whether you prefer dynamic gameplay like in Valorant and Pokémon Unite or a linear storyline like in Ruined King.
  • Assess the complexity and depth of the mechanics: One key feature of many games like League of Legends is various abilities. These mechanics can range in difficulty, with some games having more complex mechanics and strategies than others. If you’re a beginner, you may prefer a less complex game that’s easier to learn.
  • Consider solo versus multiplayer options: MOBA is a popular online game genre because of its multiplayer options, with most games featuring 3v3 or 5v5 teams. However, some games, like Valorant and Apex Legends, offer single-player options, which may suit you better if you prefer playing solo.
  • Look at how long the matches usually last: On average, a League of Legends match can last 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re looking for a shorter game with less of a time commitment, then you may want to explore other game options, especially those that include alternative game modes that tend to take less time.

Find Your Next Adventure

There are many games like League of Legends, varying in genre, player capacity, and more. Whether you’re interested in trying out your first MOBA match or finding different games more suited to your playstyle, there are hundreds of titles to explore for your next virtual adventure.

FAQ

What Type of Game Is LoL?

League of Legends is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, a type of real-time strategy game in which two teams compete against each other in a single arena, or map.

In League of Legends, two teams compete on Summoner’s Rift, a map featuring three lanes and a jungle, to destroy the other team’s base first. Most MOBA games share this objective, although specifics such as secondary objectives may vary.

Is League of Legends Free To Play?

Like most of Riot’s games, League of Legends is completely free to play. However, you can purchase in-game currency, which allows you to buy cosmetics and other champions.

Spending real money isn’t necessary to have the champions and skins you like, though, as you have the chance to unlock them at random or earn in-game currency as you play.

Are There Beginner-Friendly Games Like League of Legends?

League of Legends offers an in-depth tutorial, as well as unranked and alternative game modes that allow you to learn the mechanics of the game. But because of its 5v5 competitive nature, it can be difficult for beginners to get started. 

For those interested in a beginner-friendly introduction to games like League of Legends, Ruined King: A League of Legends Story can be a good place to start. As a single-player game, you can learn the lore and background of several League of Legends characters without worrying about the competitive nature of a team-orientated game.

Apex Legends is also a good beginner choice, as it offers competitive gameplay without needing a team in its solo battle royales.

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