The best MOBA games

Multiplayer Online Battle Arena games are just as popular now as they were when DOTA first popularised the genre. However, there are many more to choose from, so here is a list of the best MOBA

Arena of Valor

Since its launch in 2016 by Tencent Games, Arena of Valor has carved out a formidable niche in the MOBA landscape, particularly because it is created from the ground up for mobile devices. Unlike its contemporaries, the game offers a uniquely accessible experience with well-optimised controls that cater perfectly to touchscreen devices. It is also available on Switch, iOS, and Android. The game features an impressive roster of heroes, ensuring players can find characters that suit various tactical styles, adding layers of strategy and personalisation. The visual presentation of Arena of Valor is particularly striking, with vibrant graphics and animations that bring the battles to life. The game is free to play with a balanced approach to in-game purchases, and it delivers comprehensive, engaging action without ever feeling pay-to-win.

DOTA 2

DOTA has still not lost its place amongst the best, merely replaced by the older version with DOTA 2. Developer Valve hired the original developers of the game to produce this title. If you haven’t played a MOBA before, this game takes a bit of getting used to. Most players on the scene have been playing for years and will curse you out for “acting like an idiot”, but if you persevere, you will be rewarded with one of the most balanced and well-thought-out games out there. The game is deeply engaging, and there is always so much to learn and strategy involved. Not to mention, you don’t have to spend any money to play this game; it is entirely free.

Smite

Smite has been around a while and has stood the test of time, remaining relevant more than ten years after its release. Smite hits differently from DOTA and League of Legends, giving you more control of individual characters and letting you take the first to the opposition on a granular level. The most exciting part of Smite is its Arena mode, where you participate in a free-for-all death match, and your goal is to defeat as many players and their minions as possible. There are also a lot of gods to choose from, and if you don’t want to earn your gods, you can also play to access the whole stable. Smite also feels like the learning curve is slightly more eased, with good instructions and tutorials to help you adapt and learn quickly.

League of Legends

League of Legends is another MOBA that gets it right. Like any game in this genre, it has five-on-five showdowns, but it sets itself apart with its vibrant array of champions and a deeply strategic yet accessible gameplay that appeals to both newcomers and seasoned players. The game’s signature map, Summoner’s Rift, is a battleground adorned with intricate terrains and strategic hideouts that promote aggressive plays and sneaky ambushes. Champions each bring unique abilities and styles, enhancing the rich tactical fabric of the game. Free to play, League offers spontaneous matches and high-stakes competitive play.

Heroes of the Storm

Blizzard missed out on DOTA despite being the base for the game, and they quickly engaged themselves in building their own MOBA. The result was Heroes of the Storm. Despite the pause in further development, this game is still tonnes of fun and has a lot of content. Unlike traditional MOBAs that focus on gold and item builds, this one streamlines the experience with a talent system and shared team experience, emphasising cooperative play over individual gains. Heroes of the Storm is particularly compelling for fans of Blizzard’s games, offering a nostalgic roster. The game also simplifies some of the more complex aspects of traditional MOBAs. However, it keeps the core strategic gameplay intact, making it accessible for newcomers while offering depth for veterans.

Pokemon Unite

If you are a fan of the Pokemon Universe, you will appreciate the subtle complexities of playing this MOBA. It combines a deep knowledge of Pokemons with strategic gameplay, creating an accessible yet deep experience that appeals to fans from both realms. Launched as a free-to-play game, it features a familiar  5v5 format on a symmetrical map, with matches capped at 10 minutes to keep the action brisk and engaging. Instead of traditional MOBA turrets, players score points by dunking “Aeos Energy” into the opposing team’s goal zones. The game offers a decent roster of Pokémon,  each bringing unique abilities to the fray.

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