The Best MOBA Games Like League of Legends
Popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games like League of Legends have a lot of similarities. MOBA games pit two teams of players against each other in a quick match that is won when one team destroys the other team’s base. As they can only play their games online, MOBA players must adapt their strategies and tactics to a constantly shifting meta due to changes in patches and introductions of new characters to play.
In other MOBA games like League of Legends, players begin every game equal in power and must kill NPCs, gain gold, and battle opponents to level their characters up. Players who are more efficient at earning gold and experience usually win.
This is different from many RPGs where player level persists between engagements. Every player is on equal footing at the beginning of a MOBA game.
We’ll cover a variety of different games from more traditional MOBA games like League of Legends to shooters inspired by the genre shooters.
Traditional MOBA Games like League of Legends
For current League players looking to for a little variety, the best place to start is other MOBA games like League of Legends.
DOTA 2
The most popular MOBA game that is remarkably similar to League of Legends is Defense of the Ancients 2 (aka DOTA 2). It is published by Valve, which owns and manages Steam for PC games and software downloads. It’s regularly updated every year with new changes, heroes, and items.
The most popular MOBA game that is remarkably similar to League of Legends is Defense of the Ancients 2 (aka DOTA 2). It is published by Valve, which owns and manages Steam for PC games and software downloads. It’s regularly updated every year with new changes, heroes, and items.
Dota 2 has a great connection with League of Legends because the original DOTA inspired League of Legends, so both games share many components.
DOTA is a very similar game to LoL with lane minions, jungle monsters, defensive towers, and powerful heroes trying to destroy the opposing base. Yet, there are some notable differences between the two MOBA games.
However, the great thing about DOTA 2 is that it's more complex in some ways than League of Legends. The game comes with over 120 Heroes, and each hero comes with its abilities (just like in League of Legends). On top of that, there are regular items and neutral items which you can use to boost your attributes which makes the game very interesting.
Moreover, in DOTA 2, players can kill their own allied minions to deny the enemy kill gold. This makes the laning phase much more complex.
Yet, skill shots (which require accurate aim and anticipation) are much less common in DOTA 2 compared to LoL. This makes champion vs champion fights more challenging in LoL.
DOTA 2 has very different shop mechanics. Players can stay out of the shop indefinitely by making use of couriers to bring them their items. In League of Legends, players must return to the Fountain in order to buy new items. There are also secret shops scattered throughout the jungle in DOTA 2.
Furthermore, the map of DOTA 2 is very complex (players have much more freedom to roam through trees), which allows the teams to use it to their advantage and attack the opposite team. The game also offers a variety of gaming modes, including Ranked, Unranked, and Turbo, where you can use your strategic skills to defeat the opponent team.
The combination of skills & items makes Dota 2 very interesting and a great alternative to League of Legends.
If you are looking for other traditional MOBA Games like League of Legends, DOTA 2 is the best place to start looking. Another great choice from the makers of Starcraft and Overwatch is Heroes of the Storm.
Heroes of the Storm
Heroes of the Storm is another trendy game that shares many similarities with League of Legends. The game was released in 2015 for Windows and macOS Platforms.
You will find the famous characters from the World of Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo in the game. Like League of Legends, Heroes of the Storm also comes with tons of great heroes which you can play. Also, it comes with different roles such as Tank, Bruiser, Support, Healer, Melee Assassin, and Ranged Assassin, which you can pick depending on your choice.
You will find the famous characters from the World of Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo in the game. Like League of Legends, Heroes of the Storm also comes with tons of great heroes which you can play. Also, it comes with different roles such as Tank, Bruiser, Support, Healer, Melee Assassin, and Ranged Assassin, which you can pick depending on your choice.
The good thing about Heroes of Storm is that it comes with more than 12 unique battlegrounds with a unique layout and terrain to enjoy the game. On top of that, it also offers a variety of gameplay modes, including Quick Play, Unraked, and Custom Lobbies, where you can test your skills with other players.
It also offers the AI mode where you can battle against AI Controlled opponents and improved your skills. Overall, Game of Storm is a more streamlined MOBA Game that is fun to play, and it’s surely a great option to consider.
Smite
Smite is arguably one of the best games like League of Legends, launched in 2014. The unique thing about Smite is that it shares many similar features with League Legends, but at the same time, it comes with features of its own, making it an ideal option to consider.
One of the significant differences between League of Legends and Smite is that the former comes with the top-down view while the Smite comes with the third-person perspective, differentiating it from other MOBA games.
One of the significant differences between League of Legends and Smite is that the former comes with the top-down view while the Smite comes with the third-person perspective, differentiating it from other MOBA games.
Furthermore, the gameplay of Smite is also different from League of Legends. In the game, you will be controlling three characters: God, Goddess, and a Mythological figure. Smite comes with team-based combat, where you will have to defeat the opponent team and get the glory.
Another thing that makes the Smite more interesting than League of Legends is “Modes.” The game comes with various gaming modes, including 1v1 Jousting mode, random god selection mode, domination, and others where you can demonstrate your skills.
You can play Smite on PC, XBox, Switch, and Playstation.
Overall, if you are tired of League of Legends and looking for a game like league of legend but with unique gameplay, then Smite is a solid option for you.
MOBA Shooters
MOBA games started off with games like League of Legends and DOTA, yet they are branching into exciting new variants, such as Blizzard’s Overwatch and Amazon’s Crucible.
Shooters in the MOBA genre are fun variants on traditional MOBAs. They focus a lot more on player skill and allow for more interesting positioning in 3D. Beyond that, games like Overwatch often have better graphics than LoL and DOTA 2.
Overwatch has a lot more variety in its maps than traditional MOBA games. They are usually played on one or a small number of maps.
Paladins
Paladins is one of the most popular MOBA games, with more than 25 million active players worldwide. The game shares the same genre with League of Legends, and both games also share some components, but Paladins comes with many of its own unique features.
For starters, you get the first-person view, and it comes with a lot of abilities that you can use to defeat the opponents. The story of Paladins revolves around the two factions who are in conflict, and the champions are hired to minimize the casualties.
For starters, you get the first-person view, and it comes with a lot of abilities that you can use to defeat the opponents. The story of Paladins revolves around the two factions who are in conflict, and the champions are hired to minimize the casualties.
The Champions are the main heroes, and they are categorized into different categories such as Front Line, Damage, Support, and Flank, which you can pick depending on your role. If you are looking for an action-packed MOBA Games with some League of Legend elements, Paladins is surely a solid option for you.
Valorant
While Valorant isn't exactly a MOBA game, it does bear a lot of similarities to League of Legends. For instance, there are essentially 2-3 lanes in almost all maps from one team's base to the other team's base. Furthermore, you can buy items to improve your character back at your base. Additionally, your character progression is reset each game and there are no pay-to-win features in the game.
Mobile MOBAs
There are a number of MOBA games coming to mobile. Riot Games recently released League of Legends: Wild Rift on mobile with console versions coming soon. Wild Rift is a faster, simpler version of League of Legends intended to be played on mobile screens.
There is even a MOBA version of the popular mobile game Rise of Kingdoms planned.
Arena of Valor
Arena of Valor is one of the best games like League of Legends. Tencent Games develops it. In the game, you get over 100 heroes, and each hero comes with abilities of its own.
When it comes to gameplay, it’s very similar to League of Legends, but this one comes with a unique map and heroes. In the game, you will be killing non-player creatures and destroy structures just like League of Legends. However, the remarkable thing about Arena of Valor is that the matches in this game are not long, and most matches would last only 15 minutes which is a big plus.
When it comes to gameplay, it’s very similar to League of Legends, but this one comes with a unique map and heroes. In the game, you will be killing non-player creatures and destroy structures just like League of Legends. However, the remarkable thing about Arena of Valor is that the matches in this game are not long, and most matches would last only 15 minutes which is a big plus.
Arena of Valor also comes with tons of game modes which make the game very fun to play. Some popular game modes are Abyssal Clash Mode, Ranked Match, Hook Wars, Solo Battles, and the Classic 5V5 Mode. It also comes with the 3v3 mode where you can team up with 2 other players and play against a team of 3 players.
Also, the game gets regular updates, and developers regularly add new heroes and features to the game to make it more interesting. Overall, if you are looking for a game like League of Legends for smartphones, you can’t go wrong with Arena of Valor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What game is more popular than League of Legends?
League of Legends is arguably the most popular MOBA game, but it’s not the most popular game overall. Currently, Minecraft is the only PC game more popular than League of Legends worldwide.
What should I Play After League of Legends?
League of Legends is a pretty exciting game, but if you are done with it and want something new but still familiar, you can go with Dota 2. Alternatively, if you want to explore a new genre, you can consider games like Fortnite or PUBG, which share similar mechanics with LoL.
Do League of Legends and Dota 2 have the same developer?
No, League of Legends is developed by Riot Games, while Dota 2 is developed by Valve. Both games have different developers, but they share many similar game elements.
Final Thoughts
While LoL is a great game with lots of depth and a huge player-base, there are many other great games like League of Legends for you to choose from. If you love the MOBA genre but want a break from the Rift, check out one of these games. If you are a newbie to LoL coming from one of these other MOBA games, check out our guide to the top League champions for beginners.