10 Best MOBA Titles That Will Keep You Hooked

My passion for MOBA games runs deep, with over 2,000 hours of gameplay under my belt, and the excitement never fades.

League of Legends’ intense 5v5 battles and DOTA 2’s strategic team fights are prime examples of multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games that deliver engaging competitive experiences in gaming. The genre has transformed dramatically, evolving from simple custom maps into a powerhouse that drives massive esports tournaments with million-dollar prize pools.

Seasoned players seeking fresh challenges and beginners ready to head over to their first MOBA will find our tested and ranked list of 10 best MOBA titles valuable in 2024. The selection has everything from PC giants to mobile sensations like Wild Rift, complete with detailed breakdowns of each game’s unique features.

League of Legends

_{Image Source: League of Legends}

League of Legends stands as a titan in the gaming industry among the best MOBA games. I’ve watched this game evolve from a modest beginning into one of the world’s most played games, ranking fifth globally behind only Minecraft, Roblox, Fortnite, and PUBG.

League of Legends Esports Scene

League of Legends’ professional scene has grown into an impressive ecosystem. The competitive structure now includes 5 major regional professional leagues worldwide. Here’s how the competitive structure breaks down:

League of Legends Learning Curve

My time with League of Legends taught me that success comes from understanding multiple layers of gameplay mechanics. Different roles have varying difficulty levels – Support remains the most beginner-friendly, while Mid lane just needs mastery of concepts from all other roles.

The game features 10 main different stats and many more abilities to learn. The sort of thing I love is how each champion brings unique mechanics to the table:

• Health and mana management
• Attack damage and ability power scaling
• Complex positioning and team coordination

League of Legends Community

The community’s numbers are mind-blowing – 151 million monthly players as of 2023. League has become deeply embedded in certain regions’ cultures. To cite an instance, South Korea’s dedication to the game shows in their server size – despite having a population 30 times smaller than China, their server is only 3 times smaller than the Chinese Super Server.

The game got a huge boost after “Arcane” released in 2021. League of Legends has surpassed its gaming roots to become a cultural phenomenon. The World Championship draws massive viewership consistently, cementing its place among the most-watched esports globally.

DOTA 2

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I’ve played many MOBA games, and DOTA 2 is the most complex and challenging one in the genre. The sort of thing I love about this game is its depth and complexity that remains unmatched.

DOTA 2 Professional Gaming

The International shines as DOTA 2’s competitive crown jewel and keeps breaking esports records. The tournament has grown from a modest $1.6 million prize pool in 2011 to an incredible $40 million in 2021. The tournament structure now looks impressive:

DOTA 2 Complexity Level

We found that there was something remarkable about DOTA 2’s learning curve. The game has over 120 heroes, each with their own abilities and playstyles. The complexity rating system has:

• Knowledge requirements (hero abilities, items, timing)
• Map awareness and positioning
• Farm efficiency and resource management
• Team coordination and communication

Players usually take around 200 matches to get reasonably good at the game. Becoming skilled at it might take thousands of hours of practice.

DOTA 2 Player Base

Recent data shows an interesting story about the player numbers. DOTA 2 has a healthy community with approximately 435,891 average players over the last 30 days. Players can choose between casual and ranked matchmaking systems. Their MMR (Matchmaking Rating) changes based on performance.

The game keeps its dedicated player base through regular updates and a reliable competitive scene. Players get matched with others at similar skill levels, though newcomers might struggle with the steep learning curve.

Heroes of the Storm

_{Image Source: Heroes of the Storm}

My experience with countless MOBA games has shown that Heroes of the Storm brings something new to the genre. This Blizzard creation unites characters from their popular franchises in team-based combat scenarios, boasting an estimated active player count of 5.1 million.

Heroes of the Storm Map Objectives

The game stands out through its battleground collection. Each map comes with unique objectives that shape how matches unfold. These battlegrounds need specific strategies, whether players collect doubloons or fight to control shrines. Here are some exciting elements I’ve seen in action:

• Alterac Pass: Features cavalry units that buff nearby allies
• Cursed Hollow: Focuses on collecting tributes to disable enemy structures
• Dragon Shire: Allows teams to control a powerful Dragon Knight
• Infernal Shrines: Rewards teams with mighty Punishers

Heroes of the Storm Team Dynamics

The game’s team composition follows a distinctive structure. Each role has clear definitions that create strategic depth:

Heroes of the Storm Community

The community has shown remarkable resilience despite Blizzard’s reduced development support. The game maintains a total player base of 10 million, with players concentrated in the U.S., China, and South Korea. Most matches last around 20 minutes, and Quick Match remains the most popular game mode.

The community has found new reasons for optimism. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard might lead to wider platform availability. The development team has sparked fresh interest by releasing patches that fix bugs and improve quality-of-life as of November 2023.

Smite

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My trip through the MOBA world took an exciting turn when I found that there was Smite, the most successful third-person MOBA that brings a fresh view to the genre.

Smite Combat System

Smite stands out with its impressive roster of 130 playable gods from mythologies and pantheons of all types. The combat system really shines with its five distinct class archetypes:

Smite Game Modes

Smite has grown to offer gameplay experiences in a variety of modes:

• Conquest: Traditional 5v5 three-lane map
• Arena: Ever-changing 5v5 combat with ticket-based scoring
• Assault: Single-lane random god selection
• Joust: Compact 3v3 single-lane battles

Each mode keeps its unique objectives while staying true to the core MOBA elements of minion waves and structure destruction.

Smite Player Experience

The new role preference system has boosted the player experience by a lot. Players get their least preferred roles only about 4% of the time now, down from the previous 16%. This change creates more satisfying matches and better team compositions.

The competitive scene might not be as big as other MOBAs, but it has a dedicated following. The Smite Pro League (SPL) keeps growing, especially with live LAN events at venues like the HyperX Arena. The production value might not match bigger MOBAs, but the competitive spirit stays strong.

The sort of thing I love about Smite is its dedication to helping new players. Everyone starts with 12 permanent free gods, two from each class, plus access to five rotating gods weekly. New players can try different playstyles without feeling pressured to unlock everything right away.

Wild Rift

_{Image Source: Wild Rift – League of Legends}

My time with PC-based MOBAs led me to find that Wild Rift brings a fresh point of view to mobile gaming. This simplified version of League of Legends caught my eye with its new take on the MOBA genre.

Wild Rift Competitive Scene

The Wild Rift esports scene has grown faster than expected. It appeals to a younger and more varied audience compared to traditional MOBAs. The competitive structure targets major mobile gaming markets like China, India, South America, and Southeast Asia.

Riot Games has done something amazing with the viewing experience for mobile audiences. They’ve built an easier-to-follow esports format that includes:

Wild Rift Accessibility

My testing shows that Wild Rift really shines in its accessibility. Games are substantially faster, averaging just 15 minutes instead of the usual 30-minute MOBA matches. The game comes with several smart changes:

• Simplified item system with boot enchantments
• Increased gold generation from minions
• Adjusted champion abilities for touch controls

The game features around 60+ champions, each redesigned to work naturally on mobile devices. The sort of thing I love is how they’ve changed traditional point-and-click abilities into skill shots that respond better to touch controls.

Wild Rift Social Features

Wild Rift’s social features are really impressive in their depth. The Close Friends system is a chance to build lasting connections. Players can earn Friendship Points through:

• Playing matches together (5 points per game)
• Gifting items to friends
• Reaching 100 points to establish Close Friend status

You can keep up to 20 close friendships once you reach Close Friend status. Each friendship comes with special perks like champion sharing in PvP matches. The system rewards regular interaction – just one game a week keeps your friendship status active.

The social features create a more connected experience for mobile gamers new to MOBAs. This approach builds a welcoming community, especially for players who like shorter gaming sessions.

Pokemon Unite

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Pokemon Unite stands out as a fascinating blend of accessibility and strategic depth in the ever-changing world of mobile MOBAs. The game brings Pokemon’s beloved characters into competitive team battles.

Pokemon Unite Strategy Elements

The game’s roster has 69 playable Pokemon spread across five distinct battle types. Here’s how the roles break down:

Pokemon Unite Team Composition

My experience shows that winning teams need a careful balance of roles. A strong team typically needs:

• One Tank (high defense, crowd control abilities)
• Two Damage Dealers (consistent offensive output)
• One Support (team buffs and healing)
• One Jungler (central area control)

The game encourages different strategies while keeping team balance intact. Your Pokemon selection depends heavily on path advantage and objective control, which makes each match unique and challenging.

Pokemon Unite Rankings

The ranking system uses an innovative diamond-based structure that needs 4 diamonds for each class increase. The performance points system has some interesting features:

• Win streaks can give you bonus points (up to +50 for 6+ consecutive wins)
• Fair play earns you sportsmanship bonuses
• Performance points help prevent ranking losses

Players need to reach Trainer Level 6 and own at least 5 Pokemon to join ranked matches. The sort of thing I love about this game is its six-tier performance tracking system. You’ll progress from Beginner to Master as you win more matches.

Each match lasts exactly 10 minutes, making it perfect for mobile gaming. The first three minutes are vital to build team momentum through wild Pokemon encounters and early scoring opportunities.

Battlerite

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I found that Battlerite gives players a refreshingly pure combat experience that focuses on player skill and team coordination. This game breaks away from traditional MOBA conventions.

Battlerite Arena Combat

Battlerite’s unique Team Arena Brawler format strips away traditional MOBA elements like minions and towers. The game puts all its focus on combat. Players compete in intense 2v2 or 3v3 matches where every ability needs precise timing and aim.

The combat system interests me because of its depth:

• WASD movement with cursor-based aiming
• Energy-based ultimate abilities
• Strategic use of counters and immunities
• Customizable battlerites for ability modifications

Battlerite Champion Mastery

The champion progression system is rewarding. Each character has a unique path to level 20. The reward structure looks like this:

Daily quests and achievements keep players motivated to improve. Players get special rewards when they reach level 10 with multiple champions of the same role. This system provides clear goals while keeping players engaged.

Battlerite Community

Battlerite stands out because of its welcoming community. The smaller team sizes of 2v2 and 3v3 create a closer social environment. Players often exchange “gg” after matches and show better sportsmanship than in other competitive games.

The competitive scene has a dedicated following despite being smaller than major MOBAs. The Battlerite Pro League continues to grow with qualifiers that attract passionate players. The matchmaking system shows players exactly how their rating changes based on round results.

The development team added strict matchmaking features after listening to player feedback. This created a fair and balanced competitive environment. Players focus more on improvement than toxicity, thanks to this attention to competitive integrity.

Arena of Valor

_{Image Source: www.arenaofvalor.com}

Arena of Valor stands out in the mobile MOBA scene with its unique experience on smartphones. The game has 117 heroes as of 2024 and brings the depth of PC MOBAs right to your mobile screen.

Arena of Valor Mobile Optimization

The game’s mobile interface keeps getting better. The dev team created a true full-screen display for mobile devices and made match results show overall performance better. The sort of thing I love is how players can select heroes at the same time, so nobody falls behind during the selection phase.

Loading screens run smoothly with minimal lag compared to other mobile MOBAs. The easy-to-use controls and straightforward layout make hero abilities and movement feel natural on your touchscreen.

Arena of Valor Team Play

Team composition is a vital part of winning matches. The game has six distinct roles:

• Tank: Soaks up damage with highest health pool
• Warrior: Melee heroes with high attack stats
• Assassin: Roaming specialists focused on ganking
• Mage: Burst damage dealers
• Marksman: Sustained damage carries
• Support: Team sustainers and healers

The gold system caught my attention with its four main ways to earn: killing minions, destroying towers, defeating jungle monsters, and taking down enemy heroes.

Arena of Valor Rankings

The ranking system is one of the most detailed I’ve seen in mobile MOBAs. The progression system has sections that look like this:

The sort of thing I love is the proficiency system that makes players reach Expert level with a hero before ranked matches. This will give a higher quality of competitive play.

The competitive scene stays active with tournaments like the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games scheduled for November 2024. Regular updates and focus on competitive integrity keep the game’s popularity strong.

Vainglory

_{Image Source: www.vainglorygame.com}

My deep dive into MOBAs led me to something exceptional in Vainglory, an award-winning title that redefines the limits of cross-platform gaming.

Vainglory Cross-platform Features

Vainglory stands out because of its innovative approach to controls and accessibility. The game uses a clever two-finger touch system that eliminates cluttered virtual joysticks from the screen. The core team created competitive gameplay that works equally well on all platforms:

Vainglory Strategic Depth

Looking at the game’s strategic elements, Vainglory has 48+ heroes with unique combo systems. The game brings several fresh mechanics that keep players engaged:

• An adrenaline system that rewards precise stutter-stepping
• Ability overdrive system giving powerful skill bonuses
• Complex vision system to control the map
• Objective-focused gameplay with unique jungle mechanics

The jungle mechanics are fascinating. The Gold Miner appears at 5 minutes and the game-changing Kraken shows up at 15 minutes. These objectives often determine who wins the match.

Vainglory Social Elements

The social side of Vainglory changed substantially with the Community Edition. The game became a player-driven experience where community members run their own servers. Players now have the chance to:

• Pick server locations for the best ping
• Get all in-game cosmetics
• Make custom game modes
• Run community events

The team’s steadfast dedication to the community showed when they added server browsing, letting players pick their preferred servers. The game supports 14 different languages, which helps encourage a global community.

Strategy runs deep in the macro game, emphasizing team compositions and vision control. Players with good map awareness and rotation knowledge gain a substantial advantage. The game’s mechanical design rewards skilled execution through effective last-hitting and trading mechanics.

Awesomenauts

_{Image Source: Steam}

The rise of MOBA games has led me to find that Awesomenauts stands out by blending classic platforming with team-based strategy. This 2D MOBA caught my attention because of its fresh take on the genre.

Awesomenauts Unique Features

Awesomenauts shines because it combines 2D platforming with traditional MOBA elements. Matches stick to a 3v3 format where teams try to destroy the enemy’s Solar Drill while protecting their own. The sort of thing I love about this game includes:

• Platforming-based combat mechanics
• Customizable character loadouts
• Steam Workshop integration for community content
• Face-melting battles across planets
• Regular balance updates and character additions

Players can earn Awesomepoints to unlock new characters and customization options, which adds another layer of depth to the game.

Awesomenauts Team Strategy

The game’s roster shows that each character brings unique abilities and playstyles to the battlefield. Here’s a breakdown of the main character roles:

Characters like Froggy G excel at catching enemies with their speed to make up for low health. The game’s strategic depth comes from getting skilled at characters like Ksenia, who dominates 1v1 fights but doesn’t deal very well with groups.

Awesomenauts Player Base

The player community shows some interesting patterns. The game has earned 84% positive reviews from 26,648 users. Players are most active around 4:00 PM Central Time, which makes it the best time to find matches.

These numbers paint an interesting picture:

• Average monthly players: 32.91
• Peak players in last 30 days: 73
• All-time peak: 12,050 players

The community’s dedication to this niche game is remarkable. Its unique 2D design attracts players who want a simpler yet strategic alternative to traditional MOBAs.

The smaller player pool affects matchmaking, but the game makes up for it with engaging features. Regular updates from the development team and Steam Workshop integration let players create content, which adds tons of replay value.

Players often spend about 60 hours to learn the basic mechanics. This depth creates a rewarding experience for dedicated players. Characters like Penny Fox represent this learning curve perfectly, offering a challenging but fun playstyle that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Conclusion

MOBA games keep evolving and adapting to offer something for every type of player. My extensive testing and analysis of these top 10 titles shows how each game creates its unique path while staying true to the core MOBA experience.

League of Legends and DOTA 2 stand as the genre’s powerhouses. They attract millions of players with their deep strategic gameplay and thriving esports scenes. Mobile titles like Wild Rift and Pokemon Unite demonstrate that competitive MOBA gaming extends beyond PC platforms.

The sort of thing I love is how newer entries like Battlerite and Awesomenauts challenge traditional MOBA conventions. They bring fresh views through innovative gameplay mechanics and unique visual styles. Heroes of the Storm and Smite prove that gaming companies can successfully reimagine the MOBA formula.

Modern MOBAs’ accessibility really stands out, especially when you have games like Arena of Valor and Vainglory. These games prove that touch controls and shorter match times don’t sacrifice competitive depth. Such adaptations make the genre more approachable for newcomers while keeping veterans involved.

Players can choose between traditional PC MOBAs’ strategic depth or mobile alternatives’ ever-changing action. These 10 games represent the genre’s finest offerings, and each title adds its own flavor. Every player can find their perfect MOBA match.

FAQs

1. What is currently the top MOBA game?

   • League of Legends holds the title for the best MOBA game at present. It uniquely blends elements from role-playing, tower defense, and real-time strategy, setting it apart from other similar MOBA games.

2. Which MOBA game was the most popular in 2024 based on revenue?

   • In April 2024, the most popular MOBA games globally were ranked based on their revenue in million U.S. dollars.

3. Which MOBA game is considered the most complex?

   • Dota is regarded as one of the most complex MOBA games, largely due to its extensive development and the depth of strategies developed by its player base over a decade. Deadlock is also noted for its potential complexity, benefiting from a development team similar to Dota’s.

4. Which MOBA game won the “Esports Mobile Game of the Year” in 2024?

   • Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) was awarded the “Esports Mobile Game of the Year” at the Esports Awards 2024, marking its second consecutive win in this category.

5. As a newcomer, which MOBA should I start with, League of Legends or Dota 2?

   • If you’re new to MOBA games and looking for a good starting point, both League of Legends and Dota 2 are excellent choices. League of Legends might be particularly appealing if you enjoyed the LoL: Arcane series, while Dota 2 is a solid choice if you have had positive experiences with other Valve games like Team Fortress 2 and Portal.