What is MOBA?

MOBA hasn’t always been prevalent in gaming. It spun from the already existing strategy genre of games. Today, however, MOBA games have gained overwhelming popularity, enough to stand on their own two feet. Come along as we explore the definition of MOBA, its history, and the best MOBA games you can play right now.

What is MOBA?

MOBA is a shorthand for multiplayer online battle arena games. These are a subgenre of real-time strategy games that pit two teams against one another in a battle arena. Each team will typically have four to five players. Meanwhile, each player will control a single character that has a unique set of skills and abilities. 

The idea is for teams to work together to beat the competition. Specifically, each team will strive to defend their base. At the same time, they will attack the opposing team, decimating enemies and destroying their towers, turrets, and eventually, their base. 

The history of MOBA games dates back to real-time strategy games, particularly Warcraft III. The developing team gave players access to editing tools that they can use to design their own maps and characters through modding. As a result, the first MOBA game was born, called Dota. The mod became so successful that many more MOBA games were launched, paving the way for a thriving sub-genre to date.

Gameplay

Three main gameplay elements stand out in the MOBA sub-genre of gaming: multiplayer, online, and strategy. The games require multiple players who join the game online. Often, MOBA games will have teams of four to five players.

Gameplay, on the other hand, requires planning and tactical execution, often working as a team to scoop the crown. Check out some of the key features of MOBA gameplay below.

Maps

Players fight in a battle arena that is usually an expansive map that contains each team’s base. The map can include additional features like towers with turrets and shops to buy upgrades. 

Characters

MOBA games often have a whopping cast of characters to choose from. They’re often called “heroes” who vary in appearance, personality, skills, abilities, and more. 

Most games offer heroes who thrive in specific classes, including melee, ranged, and healing. Some characters are quicker on their feet, while others thrive in casting spells. Either way, though, teams must work together to defeat the competition.

Base

Each team will have a base that they need to protect because it’s the place where you will respawn if you die on the battlefield. However, you cannot always remain at the base as you must move toward the enemy to destroy their base.

Bots

Some MOBA games will add AI-controlled bots who attack both teams at once. That way, you not only have to worry about defeating the enemy but the bots, too. However, the bots will often be relatively weaker compared to human players. Also, they often serve as a tutorial to help you sharpen your skills while also granting you rewards when you defeat them.

Best MOBA Games

MOBA games are plentiful. However, the best MOBA games below stand the test of time.

5. Pokemon Unite

The Pokemon franchise finally ventured into the MOBA space. With Pokemon Unite, they crafted 5v5 strategic team battles. You can train your favorite adorable monsters and charge them into fierce combat. With each Pokemon’s signature attacks and abilities, battles seldom grow boring. If anything, battles are a blast, with a simplistic system that every gamer can jump into. Even more so, with the freedom to play casually or competitively as you like.

4. SMITE

The gods are at it again, bickering and about to descend their wrath on each other for once. You control powerful deities on an expansive map, taking down all who dare defy you. From Medusa’s ability to turn her enemies into stone to Thor’s mighty hammer, the gods vary in skill and origin. Moreover, combat itself requires taking a step back to assess your next move. And when you win, it feels immensely rewarding to have pulled off the perfect strategy.

3. Heroes of the Storm

Blizzard blessed us with Heroes of the Storm, featuring all your favorite characters from the studio’s works. Every universe has been featured in the game, whether sci-fi-inspired or fantasy. While the game soared in the skies on launch, it has declined in popularity over the years. As a result, finding players to battle with has been tricky. Still, the variety in the game is so intense, whether heroes or maps, that it feels incredible to experiment with it all.

2. Dota 2

By far and large, Dota (Defense of the Ancients) is the best MOBA game. It’s the OG that made the sub-genre possible. Still, you may want to check out Dota 2, a bigger and better version of the original. Over the years, developers have tweaked and added new gameplay elements. In the end, you access a deeply varied gameplay system that often has something new to discover. To date, millions of players have flooded the Dota servers. It’s the most played game on Steam, with almost always a packed lobby. Once in the game, you really take the time to plan your next move. Teamwork is also a must to win effectively.

1. League of Legends

The only MOBA game to come close to Dota’s overwhelming success is League of Legends. If you haven’t played the game already, over 140 champions await your command. You’ll pick one hero at a time, of course, but throughout your gameplay, you’ll grapple with deep mechanics. As plans unravel, you’ll feel pretty good to see your strategy pan through. You can also check out League of Legends: Wild Rift, a 5v5 MOBA for mobile. It runs faster, making it the perfect game to jump into on slow days. Plus, the content is overwhelming and has infinite replayability.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our best MOBA games? Are there more MOBA games we should know about? Let us know over on our socials here.