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MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) – these are online games where the primary gameplay is focused on player battles. The boundaries of the “MOBA” concept are very blurred. Classic MOBA games are considered session-based arenas with 5 vs. 5 players, and each team’s task is to destroy the main building of the enemy base.
Usually, such games have one (or several) game maps, which are divided diagonally in half. Allied and enemy bases are connected by three roads, with a forest located between them. Towers are placed along the roads, automatically attacking players and must be destroyed sequentially. Only after that can players reach the enemy base and attack it.
Despite the fact that in recent years, the MOBA genre has practically stopped evolving, it remains popular and in demand. In this selection, I have gathered the most MOBA games for PC for you. To do this, I used AI search, visited dozens of websites with collections, and scoured Steam. I mainly checked the relevance using Steamcharts, which shows the online player count on Steam.
I would like to note that this selection mainly includes classic MOBA games in a 5×5 player format with a top-down view. Although there may be exceptions.
League of Legends
League of Legends, perhaps the most well-known and current of the best 5 vs 5 MOBA games, is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) developed by Riot Games in 2009. This game draws inspiration from Defense of the Ancients, a custom map for Warcraft III, and has become a standalone sensation. League is played on Microsoft Windows and macOS and is free-to-play with in-game character customization options for monetization.
In League of Legends, two teams of five players engage in intense player-versus-player combat, with each team defending its own territory. Each player controls a unique champion with distinct abilities and playstyles. Champions grow in power by gaining experience points, earning gold, and buying items to defeat their opponents. The primary mode, Summoner’s Rift, involves teams pushing through to the enemy’s base to destroy their Nexus.
This game has received acclaim for its accessibility, character designs, and production quality. Despite its age, it remains a popular and celebrated title. However, addressing negative player behavior remains a challenge. In 2019, League had eight million concurrent players, and its success has led to various spin-off games, including a mobile version, a collectible card game, and a turn-based RPG. A massively multiplayer online role-playing game based on the League of Legends universe is also in development.
Dota 2
Dota 2, the only worthy rival to League of Legends (and possibly the best free-to-play MOBA game), is a 2013 multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) created by Valve. It serves as a sequel to the original Defense of the Ancients (DotA), a Warcraft III mod. In Dota 2, two teams of five players battle to defend their individual bases on the map. Each player controls a unique “hero” with distinctive abilities. The objective is to gather experience points and items to defeat the opposing team’s heroes and destroy their “Ancient” structure within their base.
This game started development in 2009 under IceFrog, the lead designer of DotA, and was released in 2013 on Windows, OS X, and Linux via Steam. Dota 2 is fully free-to-play, with no need to purchase heroes or gameplay elements. Valve supports the game with loot boxes and a battle pass system called Dota Plus. It boasts a substantial esports scene, with The International offering significant crowdfunded prize pools. Despite its steep learning curve, Dota 2 is celebrated for its rewarding gameplay and faithfulness to its predecessor, making it one of the greatest video games of all time with a dedicated player base.
Game page on Steam / Official Website
Paragon: The Overprime
Many daring developers have attempted to create a third-person control MOBA game, departing from the traditional top-down approach. Paragon: The Overprime stands as one of the more successful endeavors in this direction. It is a free-to-play action TPS MOBA where players choose heroes with unique skills to conquer and seize the enemy’s base. With a synesthetic third-person perspective, players can explore numerous strategic possibilities through the synergy between heroes and in-game items, making each match a thrilling new challenge.
The game features dedicated cinematics for each hero, each drawn to the planet Prime for their individual reasons. Players can upgrade their hero’s distinct abilities to enhance their performance and tailor their mastery of the game. Prime continues to attract new original heroes, expanding the roster. Strategic teamwork is paramount on the planet, as tension escalates. Customizing various items allows players to craft powerful hero sets. By cooperating with teammates, players can uncover innovative ways to engage in battles. Unity, strategic planning, and leadership are keys to achieving victory.
Heroes of the Storm
To be honest, I’ve never played this game, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about it. Heroes of the Storm is a free-to-play MOBA developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It brings together characters from various Blizzard franchises and offers unique battlegrounds inspired by their worlds. In this 5-versus-5 online multiplayer game, teams aim to destroy the enemy’s “Core” while defending their own. Each hero, chosen from a diverse roster of 90 characters, fulfills specific roles with distinct abilities. The game emphasizes shared experience points and talent selection, promoting teamwork and strategy.
With 15 different battlegrounds, each introducing varied metagames and objectives, Heroes of the Storm offers a dynamic and engaging MOBA experience. Heroes also have “heroic abilities” chosen at level 10, adding depth to the gameplay. Additionally, players can utilize “Hearthstone” for quick base teleportation and various mounts for increased movement speed. This game provides an accessible and exciting entry into the MOBA genre.
Awesomenauts
Who said that MOBA games cannot be 2D? The old but still popular Awesomenauts completely breaks this stereotype. In this free-to-play action platformer, one can join their friends online or in local splitscreen and fight in 3-on-3 battles across the galaxy. A diverse roster of Awesomenauts awaits, each with their own skills, upgrades, skins, and themes. One can customize their character to fit their play style and devise strategies to overcome their opponents. Whether one prefers classes, creeps, turrets, bases, or map editor, Awesomenauts has it all.
With regular updates, new content, and crazy community creations, there is always something new to explore. Awesomenauts is one of the top moba games that combines fast paced platforming action with tactical depth and cartoon style. It is a game where one can push their limits and face melting battles across multiple exotic planets and alien spaceships.
Battlerite
Battlerite isn’t quite a classic MOBA, but rather a PC PVP arena. In this battle, one finds oneself in a world where Champions dedicate their lives to the Arena. It’s a unique blend of a top-down shooter and a fast-paced fighting experience. The battles are highly competitive and adrenaline-fueled, taking place in 2v2 and 3v3 formats. Each Champion possesses unique abilities to master. The action is quick and intense, with total control over the Champion being crucial.
The Arena is mastered through explosive battles of reaction. Skill-shots are aimed and projectiles dodged using WASD movement and cursor-based aiming. Strength is gained and abilities upgraded using rites, allowing for strategic customization of play style. A vast variety of cosmetic customizations are available, from weapons and outfits to victory stances, allowing skills to be shown off in style. All this makes Battlerite one of the best MOBA games on PC.
Predecessor
Predecessor – another successful fusion of third-person action and MOBA. In this title, players immerse themselves in fast-paced battles, controlling heroes with unique abilities and varied designs. Objectives, like slaying minions, towers, and rival heroes, earn gold, which heroes can exchange for game-altering items from the shop. These items enable teleportation, invisibility, and time manipulation, making heroes more formidable with boosted attributes.
Unlike most MOBAs, Predecessor offers a third-person perspective that places players at the heart of the action, where foes emerge from shadowy corners and over ledges. In this competitive arena, two teams of ten heroes clash, each seeking victory on the three-lane battlefield, complete with an interactive jungle and formidable monsters. It’s a fresh experience in the world of top PC MOBA games.
Eternal Return
Eternal Return is more of a 2.5D battle royale than a classic MOBA, but excluding it from the list wouldn’t be fair, given its popularity on Steam. The game unfolds on the secluded Lumia Island, where the secretive AGLAIA organization conducts experiments to create extraordinary humans. On this island, players must work together, crafting essential weapons and armor to survive. Teams of characters with distinct abilities join forces to outlast the competition. As they explore, craft, hunt, and fight, a battle for supremacy ensues, and only the last one standing will emerge victorious.
Eternal Return features a diverse cast of unique characters, each with their own gameplay styles to master. It offers various game modes, including Squad Mode, tutorials to learn the ropes, practice modes, and even AI battles for those looking to hone their skills. As one of the best free-to-play MOBA games it offers an intriguing blend of genres, combining the elements of battle royale and MOBA, and it has garnered significant attention from the gaming community on Steam.
Smite
Smite, the third-person MOBA, has won over a whopping 40 million players. Despite its age, it’s still going strong, receiving frequent updates to keep the fun fresh. In Smite, you get to be legendary mythological beings, selecting from various pantheons, each with their own unique abilities and roles. What makes it stand out is the third-person view, giving you a fresh perspective for strategic plays, from sly ambushes to pinpoint shots.
You have a range of game modes and a diverse cast of characters. As you dive into team-based battles, you face off against gods and pesky minions. These characters come in various classes, and team composition is the key to success. Your characters level up, gaining and improving their abilities through experience and gold. The battlegrounds have lanes, where minions march, and jungles filled with monsters that offer buffs when you take them down.
Bloodsports.TV
Bloodsports.TV, an unconventional and relatively lesser-known MOBA, stands out from Dota and League of Legends clones. In this top-down Hero Defense game set in the world of Krater, you and your crew of Gladiators fend off waves of foes and bosses while protecting the Missile Silo. Team up with friends, choose from a diverse roster of Gladiators, and ascend the global leaderboards in a fast-paced, strategic co-op experience.
BATTLE CRUSH
BATTLE CRUSH, a promising upcoming game, pits Calixers against each other in fast-paced battles. In rounds lasting up to 8 minutes, up to 30 players from around the world fight to be the last one standing. Each Calixer wields a variety of special skills, and treasure chests offer gear and powerful weapons. Choose from a diverse cast of mythological Calixers, each with a unique story and abilities. The game offers different modes, including Battle Royale, Brawl, and Build Up, providing a fresh take on the popular MOBA genre.
Warlander
The concept of Warlander is promising, but the realization, as usual, appears rather hasty. The game falls into the casual category and lacks variety in builds and mechanics. Despite this, Warlander manages to appeal to its own audience. It offers a blend of MOBA, RPG, and Hack & Slash elements, accommodating up to 100 players in a medieval fantasy world marked by warfare over mystical entities called Cores.
Battles in Warlander revolve around capturing strategic points, destroying enemy defenses, and wielding formidable siege weapons. Victory hinges on skillful battlefield navigation and coordinated teamwork. The deep combat system emphasizes tactical elements like blocks, guard breaks, parry counters, and combo attacks.
Mobile MOBAs you can play on PC with emulators
There is a large number of MOBA games for Android, many of which are really good. If you have a reasonably powerful computer, you can play these games using emulators. I recommend using Google Play Games (Google’s official emulator) or BlueStacks (a well-known, reliable, and high-performance emulator). Below is a list of games that, in my opinion, deserve to be included in this selection.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is perhaps the most renowned mobile MOBA. In this multiplayer online battle arena, two teams of five clash in real-time matches. Players select unique Heroes with distinct abilities across roles like Tank, Marksman, and Mage. The goal is to breach the enemy’s defenses, destroy their turrets, and ultimately their base for victory.
The game offers ranked and classic modes, allowing players to strategize and battle against opponents matched by their skills. In addition to these modes, there are various sub-games, including Magic Chess and arcade modes, adding diversity to the gameplay. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has gained immense popularity, especially in Southeast Asia, and it’s a prominent player in the mobile MOBA genre.
League of Legends: Wild Rift
League of Legends: Wild Rift, in a way, brings the beloved LOL experience to mobile. It offers faster-paced battles but doesn’t compromise on the excitement. With unranked and ranked modes, every champion, item, and objective can make the difference. In Wild Rift, you can team up with friends for intense classic 5v5 online multiplayer matches, where teamwork is the key to success. The game’s unique champions and abilities allow you to adapt to your playstyle, whether you prefer melee, ranged, magic, or attack-damage champions.
With its vibrant style, beautiful graphics, and constantly updated content, Wild Rift is ideal for both casual and hardcore mobile gamers who crave thrilling online multiplayer experiences. This free-to-play MOBA prioritizes player skill in 5v5 combat, ensuring a fair and balanced gameplay without the need to pay for power or playtime. At least, that’s how developers themselves describe this…
Game page on Play Store / Game page on Apple Store
Vainglory
Vainglory is another popular mobile MOBA with gameplay and visual style reminiscent of League of Legends. Two teams, each with three or five players, engage in a battle to destroy the enemy’s base while defending their own. The game revolves around control over three connecting lanes and the jungles in between, where creatures and objectives can be found. Players control heroes, each with unique abilities, and face off against computer-controlled minions who march down the lanes. Turrets line the lanes, protecting the bases and posing a significant challenge. The primary goal is to demolish the enemy’s turrets and ultimately shatter the “Vain crystal” in their base.
Vainglory initially featured seven heroes and has expanded its roster to 56 heroes. Each hero has distinct skills and abilities, offering a variety of gameplay styles. Players can earn in-game currencies, Glory and ICE, through regular play and missions, and they can unlock new heroes and skins. Vainglory’s communication options include team emoticons, strategic pings, chat lines, party voice chat, and in-game chat.
Game page on Play Store / Game page on Apple Store
Arena of Valor
The list of the best 5v5 MOBA games would be incomplete without Arena of Valor, which enjoys great popularity on Google Play Store. Its gameplay closely resembles League of Legends, offering fast-paced battles where players control heroes, each with unique abilities. These heroes start at a low level and can gain gold and experience in various ways. Matches typically last around 12 to 18 minutes, with players aiming to destroy enemy turrets and secure objectives like Abyssal Dragon and Dark Slayer.
The game has various modes, including 5v5 Grand Battle, 1v1 Black City Arena, and 3v3 Shadow Duel. Arena of Valor boasts a diverse roster of 115 heroes, each falling into one of six categories, from marksmen and mages to assassins and support. Players can purchase items to customize their hero’s stats and playstyle.
Heroes Evolved
Heroes Evolved offers players a traditional MOBA experience with a unique twist. In this free global strategy and action MOBA, you become part of a 5-member team with a mission to destroy the enemy base. With over 100 unique heroes to choose from, you’ll engage in fair and competitive hardcore battles against real opponents worldwide, making the most of your skills, teamwork, intelligence, and strategy to secure victory.
The game provides diverse game modes, including 5v5, 3v3, and 1v1, as well as custom and other multiplayer battle modes like auto-chess, where you can climb the rankings and earn plentiful rewards. Heroes Evolved ensures fair gameplay, with well-balanced abilities and skills for heroes, allowing each character to showcase their unique advantages and strengths. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive player, Heroes Evolved offers a stage to demonstrate your incredible skills.
Game page on Play Store / Game page on Apple Store
Onmyoji Arena
Onmyoji Arena is another popular mobile MOBA, played by millions worldwide. It’s a true homage to the original Onmyoji series, maintaining Japanese aesthetics and a stellar voice cast for an authentic experience. The game introduces a unique Onmyodo system, replacing traditional runes, allowing for fair 5v5 battles. There’s no need for amulets, and players can create their combinations of abilities. This adds a new layer of strategy to the game. The balance of power is meticulous, with each Shikigami being equally strong but possessing unique charm. They have four abilities and two general spells, offering diverse tactics.
The innovative Battle Royale mode is a three-party showdown, with multi-team battles and resource competition. Onmyoji Arena offers a captivating experience for fans of popular MOBA games, featuring beautiful Shikigami, unique abilities, and strategic depth that sets it apart in the world of mobile gaming.
Game page on Play Store / Game page on Apple Store
Marvel Super War
Fans of the Marvel cinematic universe will undoubtedly enjoy stepping into the shoes of their favorite superheroes in the MOBA game Marvel Super War. With iconic characters like Iron Man and Captain Marvel, as well as Spider-Man and Deadpool, this 5v5 real-time battle will ignite epic clashes.
The game offers over 50 unique heroes and villains from the Marvel universe, each with distinct abilities and styles. Battles are fair and balanced, requiring skill and perseverance to earn reputation and achievements. Players can take control of their favorite heroes, unleashing special attack combinations and dynamic movement abilities to create exciting moments on the battlefield. Marvel Super War promises an action-packed experience for fans of MOBA games.
Game page on Play Store / Game page on Apple Store
Legend of Ace
Legend of Ace inherits the gameplay experience of popular mobile MOBA games, offering a 5v5 MOBA experience with a unique twist. Unlike traditional item systems, LoA introduces a card system, allowing players to customize and enhance their heroes with a wide variety of cards. The game is known for its fast-paced matches, each lasting only 10 minutes, ensuring players can enjoy quick bouts of action without taking up too much time. Teamwork is essential, with five players on each team selecting different roles like Tank, Healer, Shooter, Mage, and Ganker to collaborate and defeat their opponents.
Legend of Ace provides a platform for players to showcase their skills, thanks to its ranking and matchmaking systems. It brings together players from around the world, offering fame to those with exceptional abilities.
Game page on Play Store / Game page on Apple Store
Conclusion
If you haven’t found a suitable game for yourself, please don’t get upset. Remember that I don’t create games; I only gather information about them 😄. If you know of any other popular and high-quality MOBA games worth playing on PC, you can share them in the comments, which will be a great help to other readers!