I used to resist using the term MOBA because I thought it was too obscure. These days, I’m pretty confident that you’ve all at least heard of the term before.
The multiplayer online battle arena is a newish type of video game that features teams of player-controlled heroes battling each other, towers, and computer-controlled minions, all in the hope’s of destroying the other team’s base. Two MOBAs, League of Legends and Dota 2, are consistently the most-played PC games every month, and they bring in millions of dollars with their free-to-play models.
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Infinite Crisis
Above: Joke’s on you! Heh, original comic book humor.
Developer: Turbine
Current status: Open beta
Infinite Crisis gives some comic book love to the MOBA formula by adding characters from the DC universe of superheroes and supervillains, like Superman, the Joker, and the Green Lantern. It’s also in open beta, so you can play it right now.
Heroes of the Storm
Above: I know who Diablo and Kerrigan are, and I don’t want either of them anywhere near me.
Developer: Blizzard
Current status: Alpha
Heroes of the Storm is Blizzard’s take on a genre that actually got its start as a modified map for its Warcraft III real-time strategy game. Heroes of the Storm brings together characters from its three big franchises: Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo. It’s also a friendlier sort of MOBA, ditching the complicated shopping mechanic from League of Legends and Dota 2.
Strife
Above: How are we supposed to make a fun acronym out of a name like Strife?
Developer: S2 Games
Current status: Closed beta
Strife is actually S2 Games’ second MOBA. It already has Heroes of Newerth, a successful if formulaic title that never quite reached the mass appeal of League of Legends and Dota 2. Strife seeks to improve the player experience by removing a lot of the toxicity usually associated with MOBAs. You can only chat with players on your own team, so that elimates at least half of the people who can yell at you. You share resources with your teammates, which S2 hopes will foster better teamwork and better manners.
Dawngate
Above: EA’s Dawngate certainly looks like a classic MOBA.
Developer: Waystone Games
Current status: Open beta
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Dawngate represents megapublisher Electronic Art’s entry into the MOBA arena. It has a similar structure to Dota 2 and LoL, but it promises a stronger metagame with flexible characters that don’t get stuck into specific roles. Since it’s in open beta, you can try it right now.
Battleborn
Above: Do you notice how all these MOBA characters start to look the same after a while?
Developer: Gearbox Software
Current status: In development
A 2K representative told us that the recently announced Battleborn isn’t a MOBA but rather that it’s a hero-shooter. I don’t buy it. Some publishers seem terrified of the MOBA moniker, probably because they’re avoiding comparisons to LoL and Dota 2 (and thus look like another copycat), so they invent their own genres like “hero shooter.” Well, a MOBA is pretty much nothing more than two teams of heroes fighting against each other. Making it a shooter doesn’t change that. In fact, Super Monday Night Combat is an existing shooter-based MOBA, so it’s hardly unprecedented. I mean, just look at that picture of those five heroes up there. If that doesn’t scream “MOBA,” I don’t know what does.
Sins of a Dark Age
Above: Well, it’s certainly dark.
Developer: Ironclad Games
Current status: Steam Early Access
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Most MOBAs are cartoony and colorful, so Sins of a Dark Age stands out a bit thanks to its darker, more medieval look. It’s from the same developer responsible for the popular strategy game Sins of a Solar Empire. You can try Sins of a Dark Age right now on Steam Early Access for $5.
Deadbreed
Above: How can you breed when you’re dead? Yuck.
Developer: Deadbreed AB
Current status: Steam Early Access
While most MOBAs feature two teams of five fighting each other, Deadbreed features 3-on-3 battles. It also features tools that enable for deeper character customization than those you find in most of its competitors. Like Sins of a Dark Age, it features a darker art style. You can also play it now via Steam Early Access, although it’s a bit more pricey than other MOBAs (most of which are free-to-play) at $20.
Dead Island: Epidemic
Above: The MOBA epidemic might actually be worse than the zombie one.
Developer: Stunlock Studios
Current status: Steam Early Access
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Dead Island: Epidemic claims that it’s the first ZOBA (zombie online battle arena). Cute. It’s an action-focused take on a MOBA that’s also a spinoff of the open-world Dead Island series. It’s available right now on Steam Early Access for at least $17 (you can buy more expensive bundles that give you more content).
Magicka: Wizard Wars
Above: Kill it with lightning!
Developer: Paradox North
Current status: Steam Early Access
Magicka: Wizard Wars is a competitive take on the Magicka series, a cooperative action role-playing game that already had plenty of elements similar to most MOBAs. Like in the original, teammates can combine spells for powerful effects. It’s also on Steam Early Access, but it’s free-to-play.
Arena of Fate
Above: Arena of Fate features an interesting collection of heroes.
Developer: Crytek Black Sea
Current status: Steam Early Access
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Arena of Fate is publisher Crytek’s bid for MOBA dominance. It features characters from history and legend, like Little Red Riding Hood, Joan of Arc, and Tesla. It promises a streamlined experience that’ll give new players greater accessibility.
Transformers Universe
Above: Transformers, MOBA meets the eyes. Transformers, MOBA in disguise.
Developer: Jagex Games Studio
Current status: Open beta
Transformers Universe brings everyone’s favorite Decepticons and Autobots into the world of MOBAs. Developer Jagex is hoping to create an experience accessible for the franchise’s younger fans. It just entered open beta, so you can try it for free right now.