13 MOBA Games You Can’t Miss

MOBA games pair heart-racing action with teamwork that requires sharp skills and even sharper strategy. Whether you take on a supporting role or dominate the lanes as a carry, the best MOBA games test your co-op skills, making them a great choice for fans of RTS games.

Below, we’ve curated a list of some of the best MOBA games you can play today. While there are similarities, such as the core features that make MOBAs the strategy games they are, these games differ in theme, characters, and more, creating an enjoyable experience for everyone.

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The Best MOBA Games at a Glance

With MOBAs covering so many different systems, we thought it would be best to break down the best MOBA games into platform types. This way, you can quickly find the biggest titles available for your gaming devices of choice.

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1. Dota 2

• Genre: Multiplayer online battle arena
• Release date: July 9, 2013
• Platforms: Windows, Linux, macOS
• Rating: 90/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Tower defense, strategy, 126 controllable characters, five-player teams
• Developer: Valve
• Best for: Players who enjoy a game with simple but difficult-to-master mechanics that lend to high levels of competitiveness and skill expression

For many MOBA fans on Reddit, Dota 2 is the first title that comes to mind when considering the best MOBA game. This game is highly competitive, and if you can handle its complex mechanics, it’s a title well worth trying. 

Once you pick the right character, you can take on an enemy team in an intensive 5v5 that balances strategy with classic MOBA features like tower defense. While it is one of the older titles on our list, it certainly hasn’t lost its charm or place as one of the best online games.

2. Heroes of the Storm

• Genre: Multiplayer online battle arena
• Release date: June 2, 2015
• Platforms: Windows, macOS
• Rating: 86/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Characters and settings from the Blizzard Entertainment universe, a variety of game modes, 90 playable characters, 5-player teams
• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
• Best for: Players looking for a game that blends traditional MOBA mechanics with in-game secondary objectives

Heroes of the Storm is Blizzard Entertainment’s take on the MOBA genre. However, this title also brings new life to the traditional mechanic, blending typical features like tower defense and base racing with in-game secondary objectives that keep tensions high.

In this title, you can choose from 90 playable characters for your 5v5 match, each originating from the Blizzard universe. There are also several other modes to enjoy if you want a break from the usual MOBA experience without downloading another title.

3. League of Legends

• Genre: Multiplayer online battle arena
• Release date: October 27, 2009
• Platforms: Windows, macOS
• Rating: 78/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Rotating game modes, two permanent 5v5 game modes, in-game currency for new characters and cosmetics, immersive lore and expansive universe, 170 playable characters
• Developer: Riot Games
• Best for: Players looking for a classic MOBA experience with various game mode options

With the original release in 2009, League of Legends quickly proved itself as a force to be reckoned with and earned itself the title of being one of the best PC games ever. League of Legends wasn’t just a popular title on release; it was also so successful that it proved free-to-play gaming was a viable funding strategy. Even 16 years later, LoL is still one of the best MOBA games, with an active community and a myriad of champion tier lists.

League of Legends highlights teamwork, skill expression, and strategy as you race to your opponent’s base, all while juggling map awareness and assisting your teammates as needed. It’s these features that help League remain a top-rated MOBA title.

4. SMITE

• Genre: Multiplayer online battle arena
• Release date: March 25, 2014
• Platforms: Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
• Rating: 80/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: A variety of playable characters based on mythology, different game modes, in-game character classes that dictate your gameplay, and a third-person perspective instead of the typical top-down view
• Developer: Titan Forge Games
• Best for: Fans of mythology interested in seeing those characters come to life in a MOBA setting

SMITE takes an interesting approach to MOBA games by basing its heroes on figures from human mythology and history. We’re not sure if this qualifies it among the most realistic games on this MOBA games list, but it does provide players with an interesting historical twist.

However, its mythology-based roster isn’t the only way this title stands out. Most MOBAs are played from a top-down perspective. SMITE, however, places you into the third-person perspective, giving you a different way of seeing the game’s action unfold.

5. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

• Genre: Mobile multiplayer online battle arena
• Release date: July 14, 2016
• Platforms: Android, iOS
• Rating: 4.1/5  on Google Play
• Gameplay features: 5v5 real-time PvP, rank system, tower defense, classic option with no ranks, rotating game modes
• Developer: Moonton
• Best for: MOBA fans looking for a mobile game that includes traditional battle arenas as well as other game modes

MOBA games aren’t just for PC. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is one of the best mobile MOBA games. It puts all the features you love, like RTS qualities and 5v5 matches, in a mobile app that lets you bring the fun on the go.

Mobile Legends also includes rotating game modes. This allows you to stray away from the traditional MOBA PvP experience and experience other ways to play.

6. Honor of Kings

• Genre: Mobile multiplayer online battle arena
• Release date: November 26, 2015
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Harmony iOS
• Rating: 78/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Quick matches, social features such as friends and invites, multiple PvP and PvE game modes, special rotating game modes, 125 playable characters
• Developer: TiMi Studio Group
• Best for: Players looking for a mobile MOBA with several different ways to play alone and with friends

The first TiMi Studio Group title on this list, Honor of Kings is a classic mobile MOBA with a large global fanbase. It focuses on creating a gaming experience that is reminiscent of other MOBAs and games like League of Legends while highlighting the best that the platform has to offer.

One unique feature with Honor of Kings is its quick matches, which work perfectly with mobile gameplay. Plus, you can enjoy PvE and PvP games alone or with friends. Overall, Honor of Kings offers a fresh take on the genre, and it’s become one of the most popular MOBA titles.

7. Deadlock

• Genre: Multiplayer online battle arena, third-person shooter
• Release date: TBD
• Platforms: Windows
• Rating: TBD
• Gameplay features: 6v6 battles, over 30 playable characters, tactical gameplay, fantasy elements
• Developer: Valve
• Best for: Players who want to see a new shooter-based take on the classic MOBA formula

From the same developers as Dota 2, Deadlock is an upcoming MOBA game for Windows. Not much is known about this title yet, including when you can expect to see it available for download, but so far, it appears that this title will blend tell-tale MOBA characteristics with fantasy and tactical mechanics for a unique gunslinging experience.

8. SUPERVIVE

• Genre: MOBA, hero shooter
• Release date: November 20, 2024
• Platforms: Windows
• Rating: 9/10 on Steam
• Gameplay features: Unique art style, dynamic movement, multiple game modes, over 18 playable characters
• Developer: Theorycraft Games
• Best for: Players looking for a newer title that blends MOBA gameplay with hero shooter elements

Although SUPERVIVE is currently in early access, you can experience the entire game now. This title pushes the limits of MOBA gameplay, seamlessly blending the mechanics you know and love with open-ended combat highlighted by dynamic movement and hero shooter qualities.

There are multiple ways to enjoy SUPERVIVE, either as a trio or in an action-heavy 4v4 match. Plus, you can even enjoy private lobbies with custom game options. This gives you more control over how you play this game, whether you opt to do so alone or with a friend.

9. Arena of Valor

• Genre: Mobile multiplayer online battle arena
• Release date: October 12, 2016
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Switch
• Rating: 79/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Various PvP game modes, a co-op racing modes, team sizes varying from 1 to 10 players, 123 playable characters
• Developer: TiMi Studio Group
• Best for: Those interested in a MOBA game that offers classic gameplay with larger team sizes and non-MOBA game modes

Arena of Valor nails many of the key features that make MOBA games what they are. However, this title goes beyond the classic mechanics to include various game modes, even a racing co-op, that keep gameplay feeling fresh and interesting.

Plus, with AoV, you’re not limited to the usual 5v5 matches. Instead, you can play solo or enjoy teams of up to 10 players. As a result, if you’re looking for a blend of tell-tale MOBA mechanics and unique features, Arena of Valor is a must-try title.

10. Pokémon Unite

• Genre: Mobile multiplayer online battle arena
• Release date: July 21, 2021
• Platforms: Switch, Android, iOS
• Rating: 70/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: 62 playable Pokémon, quick matches, 5v5 gameplay, no in-game scoreboard
• Developer: TiMi Studio Group
• Best for: Pokémon fans looking for a game featuring familiar characters paired with traditional MOBA mechanics

Building on the broad Pokémon game legacy, Pokémon Unite lets players directly control their pocket monster of choice as they go into battle. Each game is limited to 10 minutes for fast action, perfect for on the go.

One thing that may stand out is that Pokémon Unite lacks an in-game scoreboard. While it may seem strange at first to have no way to keep score, this can help keep frustrations down and allow you to play at your very best.

11. League of Legends: Wild Rift

• Genre: Mobile multiplayer online battle arena
• Release date: October 27, 2020
• Platforms: Android, iOS
• Rating: 89/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Two game modes, quick matches, characters, and mechanics from the original League of Legends game
• Developer: Riot Games
• Best for: Fans of League of Legends interested in a mobile version with similar mechanics

Although League of Legends is one of the best MOBA games, it’s not for mobile. However, you can take your favorite characters and gameplay on the go with League of Legends: Wild Rift.

Wild Rift tailors the classic League experience for mobile, although some options, such as character selection, may be more limited. However, while it relies on touch-screen rather than traditional QWER-key gaming, many mechanics and character abilities are the same.

12. VainGlory

• Genre: Multiplayer online battle arena
• Release date: November 16, 2014
• Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
• Rating: 84/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Cross-platform play, various match options with three- and five-person teams, ranked and unranked modes, over 50 playable characters
• Developer: Super Evil Megacorp
• Best for: Players looking for a MOBA game to enjoy on the computer or on the go

Few MOBA games truly embrace cross-platform play, and this is where VainGlory stands out. Available on Android, iOS, Mac, and PC, downloadable titles like this can let you connect and fight with friends no matter your system of choice.

VainGlory offers both ranked and unranked modes, letting you show off your skills when you want intensive gameplay and providing a more casual approach to MOBA gaming when you don’t. Along with ranked and unranked game modes, you can play as a trio or team of five.

13. Brawl Stars

• Genre: MOBA, hero shooter
• Release date: December 12, 2018
• Platforms: Android, iOS
• Rating: 72/100 on Metacritic
• Gameplay features: Option to play against other real players or AI enemies, various game modes including battle royale and sports, casual and ranked play, unlockable cosmetics
• Developer: Supercell
• Best for: Players interested in a mobile MOBA title packed with multiple game modes, unlockable rewards, and cosmetics

Have you ever wished for a mobile title that paired your favorite genres? Look no further than Brawl Stars. This title offers both MOBA and hero shooter elements in its gameplay, but the variety doesn’t stop there.

From battle royales to deathmatches to king of the hill, Brawl Stars provides a range of game modes to enjoy from your phone. Plus, you can hone your casual skills or advance through ranked gameplay. There’s even the option to make and play on your own map.

How To Choose a MOBA

Although MOBA games often share features, gameplay mechanics, and even game modes, they’re not all the same. In fact, even titles that seem similar at a glance can differ in game time and team size. Here are a few of those differentiating factors to keep in mind when picking your next MOBA game.

• Check the match length: Consider how long you want to dedicate to a single match and pick games that match your expectations. If you know you’re only interested in quick matches, stick to titles like Pokémon Unite with a time limit. 
• Look for a game with an active player base: Player base determines many factors for MOBA games, including the tutorials available for learning new skills and how long it takes to find a match. Before downloading a title, see if it has an active player base. 
• Consider how complex the mechanics and learning curve are: MOBAs are known to be more challenging. If you’re new to the genre, you may benefit from a game with less complex mechanics and more tutorial and training options.
• Choose a game with graphics and art style you actually enjoy: When deciding how much you’ll enjoy a game, the gameplay is only one factor. You should also consider aesthetic appeal and choose a game you’ll enjoy watching and playing.
• Make sure it runs well on your preferred device: Not all MOBAs are available for all platforms. When looking into the best MOBAs for you, consider if you want to play on computer, console, or mobile, and then dive deeper into the specifics of each title. 
• Read recent reviews: In many cases, MOBA games experience regular updates that can impact gameplay, available content, and quality of life. Taking time to read recent reviews can give you a good idea of how players respond to the game in its current state.

Your Next MOBA Obsession Starts Here

MOBA games are a great way to test your strategy and PvP game skills in a team-oriented environment. They also happen to be some of the best free PC games, with many of the top titles like League of Legends coming with no initial price tag. However, as popular as they are, MOBAs aren’t the only action game available.

There are hundreds of fighting games available for download today. Whether you’re looking for your next skill-intensive title or need a way to pass time while waiting for your favorite MOBA’s next update, you can download your next game and start playing today.

MOBA FAQ

MOBAs combine competitive gaming with immersive lore and strategy, making them popular among gamers of all skill levels. Before you dive into your next battle arena, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked MOBA questions.