The 10 Best Free MOBA Games

The realm of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games has witnessed an unprecedented surge in popularity, captivating millions of gamers worldwide with their strategic gameplay and intense team-based battles. For enthusiasts seeking thrilling gaming experiences without breaking the bank, the free-to-play MOBA genre stands as a beacon of excitement and camaraderie. In this extensive guide, we delve into the vibrant world of the best free MOBA games, showcasing titles that deliver adrenaline-pumping action, strategic depth, and a sense of community.

Dota 2

Platforms: PC

Dota 2, short for Defense of the Ancients 2, is a popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game. It is a free-to-play title developed and published by Valve Corporation, released as a sequel to the original Dota, which was a community-created mod for Blizzard Entertainment’s Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and its expansion, The Frozen Throne.

Dota 2 is known for its complex and strategic gameplay, where two teams of five players each, known as “heroes,” compete against each other with the ultimate goal of destroying the opposing team’s Ancient, a heavily guarded structure located within their base. Players control unique heroes, each with distinct abilities and roles, contributing to the overall synergy and strategy of the team.

Overwatch 2

Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Overwatch 2, which is a mixture of MOBA and FPS game genres with its original characters and stories, is played in teams of 5 people. There are three different character types with Damage, Tank and Support abilities. Featuring 22 maps, 6 different modes and 35 heroes, Overwatch 2 is one of the best free MOBA games.

Overwatch 2, positioned as a successor to the 2016 hero shooter Overwatch, is designed to foster a cohesive multiplayer environment, initially featuring both player-versus-player (PvP) and cooperative modes. However, plans for persistent cooperative modes were abandoned in 2023, refocusing the game’s emphasis on PvP experiences. Notably, a significant alteration in PvP dynamics involved scaling down team sizes from six to five, accompanied by substantial reworks of key characters in the game.

Arena of Valor

Platforms: iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch

Arena of Valor, also known as Honor of Kings in some regions, is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed and published by Tencent Games. Initially released in 2015 for iOS and Android platforms, Arena of Valor quickly gained popularity, particularly in Asian markets. The game follows the standard MOBA format, where two teams of five players each compete to destroy the opposing team’s core, known as the Nexus.

Players choose from a diverse roster of heroes, each with unique abilities and roles, contributing to various strategies and team compositions. Arena of Valor emphasizes fast-paced, action-packed gameplay with matches typically lasting around 15-20 minutes. The game’s success has led to its widespread adoption in the esports scene, hosting competitive tournaments and leagues globally.

Also Read: Top Games Like League of Legends

Battlerite

Platforms: PC, Xbox One

With the Battlerite game, where each game character has their own unique abilities, you can set up teams of 2 and 3 to dust the arena. You can damage your opponents with your teammates and become the winner of the arena by using your aiming abilities and the abilities you can develop.

In Battlerite, players control unique champions, known as Battlerites, each with their own set of abilities and roles. The game emphasizes skill-based combat, requiring players to aim and dodge abilities manually. Matches are fast-paced, typically lasting around 10 minutes, and take place in compact, circular arenas.

Heroes of Storm

Platforms: PC

Played in teams of 5, Heroes of Storm has many features that you can add to the power of your team. There are ten maps in the game with four types of characters, Warrior, Assassin, Support and Specialist, and a few of them are named Battlefield of Eternity, Sky Temple, Cursed Hollow.

In Heroes of the Storm, two teams of five players each compete against each other on unique battlegrounds. The game deviates from traditional MOBA mechanics by incorporating multiple maps, each with its own objectives and challenges. Players must work together to complete map-specific goals, such as capturing objectives, defeating powerful bosses, or escorting payloads.

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Awesomenauts 

Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360

In Awesomenauts, two teams of three players each select characters known as “Awesomenauts,” each with distinctive abilities and playstyles. The goal is to destroy the opponent’s Solar Drill, a core structure located on their side of the map. The side-scrolling format introduces platforming aspects, adding an extra layer of strategy to battles.

Players collect Solar, the in-game currency, by defeating enemy characters and structures, which can be used to purchase upgrades and enhancements for their Awesomenaut. Teamwork and strategic planning are crucial as players navigate the dynamically changing battlefield, incorporating both ground and air combat.

Also Read: The Best MOBA Games for Android

Paladins

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Paladins in the MOBA and FPS game genre is a complete team game with many different characters. You will experience the excitement of the arena to the fullest as you collide with the players of the opposing team on different maps in the game with nearly 20 champions, namely sheep characters. In order to strengthen your character, you can buy various boosters such as defense, attack and healing with the money you earn in the game.

With regular updates introducing new Champions, maps, and features, Paladins continues to evolve, keeping the player experience fresh. The game’s blend of fast-paced action, strategic decision-making, and a variety of playable characters contributes to its appeal in the competitive gaming landscape. Whether you’re a casual player or a seasoned shooter enthusiast, Paladins offers an exciting and dynamic gaming experience.

SMITE

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One

Smite is a MOBA game with a third-person perspective. In the Smite game, it is possible to see many different gods in the books and mythology. In SMITE x Avatar: The Last Airbender, we see the characters Aang, Zuko and Korra in the cartoon series Avatar: The Last Airbender. The game features the struggles of these characters against ancient myth gods such as Hades and Medusa.

With regular updates introducing new gods, skins, and balance adjustments, SMITE maintains a dynamic and evolving environment. Its engaging mix of mythology, strategic gameplay, and immersive perspective makes SMITE a compelling choice for MOBA enthusiasts seeking a fresh and captivating gaming experience.

Also Read: The Best Games to Kill Time on Mobile and PC

Vainglory

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android

Vainglory, a standout in the world of mobile gaming, has firmly established itself as one of the best free MOBA games. Developed by Super Evil Megacorp, Vainglory delivers a high-quality multiplayer online battle arena experience tailored for mobile platforms. Released in 2014, it gained acclaim for its stunning graphics, intuitive controls, and strategic depth.

The game features a diverse roster of heroes, each with unique abilities, fostering strategic team compositions and dynamic gameplay. With its 3v3 format, Vainglory strikes a balance between accessibility and depth, making it suitable for both newcomers and seasoned MOBA players.

Vainglory’s success lies in its continuous updates, introducing new heroes, skins, and balance adjustments to keep the gameplay fresh. The game’s competitive scene has also thrived, showcasing the skill ceiling and depth that mobile MOBAs can offer. For those seeking a compelling and visually stunning MOBA experience on their mobile devices, Vainglory remains a top choice in the ever-expanding world of mobile gaming.

Blood of Steel

Platforms: PC

Blood of Steel stands out as one of the best free MOBA games, blending historical warfare with intense multiplayer battles. Developed by YC Games, this game takes players on an epic journey through different eras, allowing them to control legendary commanders and iconic soldiers. The fusion of strategic gameplay and historical authenticity sets Blood of Steel apart in the crowded MOBA genre.

What makes Blood of Steel noteworthy is its emphasis on realistic combat scenarios. Players can lead armies across various historical periods, from ancient Rome to medieval Europe, experiencing diverse battlefields and tactics. The attention to detail in weaponry, armor, and unit formations adds an immersive layer to the gameplay. The game’s innovative approach to MOBA mechanics, incorporating elements of strategy and skill, provides a unique and engaging experience for players seeking more complexity in their mobile gaming adventures. Blood of Steel is a testament to how the MOBA genre can evolve, offering a fresh take on historical warfare within the palm of your hand.

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As the world of free-to-play MOBA games continues to evolve, these titles stand out as shining examples of immersive gameplay, strategic depth, and a sense of community. Whether you’re a seasoned MOBA veteran or a newcomer eager to explore this exciting genre, the diverse offerings in this guide ensure that there’s a free MOBA game tailored to every player’s preferences. So, gear up, assemble your team, and embark on epic battles in the ever-expanding landscape of free MOBA gaming.