Top 5 Best MOBA Games on PC
Nothing can compare to fast-paced, strategic, and intense team gameplay, right? Well, that’s exactly what the best MOBA games offer!
We have come a long way since Aeon of Strife, the first MOBA game that was ever launched. As it stands now, this gaming category has sky-rocketed with a large number of developers competing to excel.
MOBA, short for Multiplayer Online Battle Arena games, started with player-made custom games. But with time, games like DOTA and League of Legends were released which completely changed the genre and even the entire world of gaming.
A typical MOBA features a 5v5 team-based match. The primary objective is to gather experience points (XP), upgrade your heroes/characters, accumulate resources, and destroy the enemy bases to claim victory.
However, it isn’t as easy as it looks. These games require complete knowledge of the maps, heroes, power-ups, upgrades, and everything else related to it. Moreover, your team must have excellent synergy to execute your chosen strategies in-game.
If you are new to this genre and find yourself puzzled about where to start, then don’t worry! We have handpicked the five most popular, competitive, and exciting MOBA games you can enjoy on your PC right now.
Battlerite – For Quick Games
Free To Play | Download Battlerite on Steam
Battlerite is one of the most unique and underrated MOBA games out there. It was developed and released by Stunlock Studios in 2016. What sets it apart from the other options is the absence of destructible bases that you have to destroy or defend. This makes the game even more action-filled than other MOBA games.
The game has a touch of arena-brawler in it, as you engage in 3v3 battles. If you’ve played Brawl Stars, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
There are three roles in the game: range, support, and melee. Once the heroes are selected, the battle begins. The aim is to kill the enemies while surviving yourself to emerge victorious.
Games in Battlerite usually don’t take too much time, so it’s great for a quick fix of MOBA action in case you’re not in the mood for a full-length 5v5 match in one of the more traditional MOBA games.
How each match plays out is highly dependent on a few factors. Your firepower, strategy, on-the-spot decision, communication, and team plays all play an important role.
Unlike other MOBAs, Battlerite features a few minutes of adrenaline-filled gameplay with no artificially intelligent hurdles such as creeps or minions.
Battlerite features a small set of champions with distinct play styles. Winning the games unlocks newer abilities and chests that are opened to yield rewards and the game is free to play.
If you’re looking for some quick and satisfying MOBA action without having to worry too much about pesky details such as bases and towers, you should definitely try out Battlerite.
Smite – For Players Who Like Variety
Free To Play | Download Smite
Launched in 2014 by Hi-rez Studios and Titan Forge Games, Smite has maintained its popularity and love from the MOBA gaming community. If you are into ancient mythology, this game is perfect for you, as it features ancient gods such as Zeus, Thor, and Ganesha instead of heroes or champions.
The objective is to move across the three-lane map, conquer the enemy territory, kill phoenix guardians, destroy the Titan, and at the same time, counter the defense of the enemies.
In addition to the classic Conquest mode, Smite offers various game modes like:
- Arena: Team-based arena battle in a colosseum. The fight goes on until the tickets of one team end.
- Assault: The map has a single lane and your god will be selected randomly.
- Clash: A mixture of Conquest and Arena.
- Domination: Control and hold the Sand Guardian until the enemy team’s tickets run out.
- Joust: It’s a typical 1v1 or 3v3 battle in a single lane.
- Match of the Day: A special game mode that changes every day.
Moreover, Smite has an exciting competitive community with regular tournaments and a World Championship that enables experienced players to showcase their talents on a global stage.
Heroes of the Storm – For Beginners To The Genre
Free To Play | Download Heroes of the Storm
Heroes of the Storm has some of the best characters and brilliant gameplay courtesy of Blizzard, the developers of games like Overwatch, Diablo, Warcraft, and StarCraft.
It is currently one of the most critically acclaimed in the MOBA category with a big fan following.
Like in most MOBA games, you have to engage in 5v5 battles, capture opponent’s hideouts, kill the enemies, gather resources, and race to victory.
But there are some twists. You can summon cannons and spawn destructive monsters during the game. This helps your team and puts the opposition on the backfoot.
Moreover, a game lasts no more than 20-22 minutes, and there is no hassle of combating minions since there aren’t any.
Heroes of the Storm is one of the best MOBAs if you’re a beginner. The mechanics aren’t very difficult to master if we compare them to the likes of DOTA 2 and others. Also, there are multiple game modes that you can explore.
Even though the number of active users is substantial, Heroes of Storm won’t receive new updates, as indicated by the developers. This means that the game isn’t the optimal choice for future esports prospects. Still, there is a really solid game to be found here, and if you’re looking to get your bearings in the MOBA genre then Heroes of the Storm is still a great choice.
DOTA 2 – For Gamers Who Like To Go Deep
Free To Play | Download DOTA 2 on Steam
A name that every gamer knows, Dota 2! Developed by Valve as an official sequel to Defense of the Ancients, Dota 2 has reigned as the most popular multiplayer game for many years.
The game is loved for its extremely competitive nature, beautiful visuals, and extraordinary attention to detail.
As one of the founding fathers of today’s MOBA market, its gameplay will no doubt sound familiar. You initiate by choosing one of the best Dota 2 heroes, and 5v5 battles take place on a three-lane map. The team that overpowers the other in gaining control of bases wins the game!
The mechanics of Dota 2 are a bit more complex. You need to kill minions, ship goods using couriers, and master a massive roster of extremely unique characters.
The community of DOTA 2 is evergreen and the game has maintained its massive popularity over time. It is also featured in esports ventures around the globe with a huge prize pool for the winners, with the game’s ‘world championship’ (called The International) still being one of the most prestigious gaming events in the world.
However, it must be noted that Dota 2 is considered one of the most difficult MOBA games. It is super complicated with a great number of heroes. Mastering their powers and making new strategies can make it hard for beginners to excel in a short time!
In short, it requires hours of practice and gameplay knowledge to become a credible Dota 2 player, but it is oh so rewarding when you finally master the game.
Read: DOTA 2 Best Settings and Options
League of Legends – The Most Popular MOBA Game
Free To Play | Download League of Legends
Hands down the most popular MOBA game! League of Legends by Riot Games is one of the most popular PC games in general, and it is not only loved by fans but spectators as well. The game supersedes all others when it comes to esports! It has one of the biggest gaming communities, with millions playing the game daily.
The gameplay is similar to the basic blueprint of MOBA Games. Players choose from a roster of over 150 champions, each with their own unique abilities, roles, and play styles.
Champions are categorized into roles such as tanks, mages, marksmen, assassins, and supporters. Each match is a 5v5 battle held on a map named Summoner’s Rift, though there are other maps as well.
Teams combat each other, gain control over each other’s territories, strategize to make use of harvested gold, and defeat the enemies. The gameplay maintains an optimal mix of sharp tactics and lightning-fast mechanics.
The game is loved by enthusiasts for the exciting and fun atmosphere, cooler and more modern characters, regularly updated optimal strategies, frequently added new heroes and excellent graphics.
Moreover, the game is comparatively easier to become proficient in as compared to Dota 2. If you are an avid MOBA fan and still not playing the legendary League of Legends, you are missing out on something really good.
Read: League of Legends Best Settings and Options
Conclusion – Best MOBA Games
The popularity of MOBA games is second to none and will remain this way for a long time. Not only are the older games still worth playing, but the newer ones are taking the gameplay experience to a different level.
Each of the games we mentioned has a huge fan base and is one of the most played MOBAs currently, so whatever you fancy: you’ll be sure to find something you like here!
