Alexis Kestler
Hi there! As a long-time MOBA gaming enthusiast, I wanted to share my top picks for the 10 best MOBAs on mobile. These real-time 5v5 multiplayer battle arenas require tactical thinking and quick reactions as you work with your team to take down enemy towers and bases. From hardcore esports favorites to more casual options, mobile platforms now provide a stellar selection of the MOBA genre‘s greatest hits.
Let‘s dive in and explore what makes each of these titles stand out!
A Bit About MOBAs
For anyone unfamiliar, multiplayer online battle arenas emerged in the early 2000s with PC games like Defense of the Ancients (Dota) built within strategy games like Warcraft 3. The addictive 5v5 team-based format blew up into seminal hits like League of Legends and Dota 2.
MOBAs pit two teams against each other on a map with distinct lanes and bases protected by defenses like turrets. Each player controls a unique hero with special abilities and grows stronger over match length. You cooperate with teammates to ambush enemies, push lanes and ultimately destroy the opposing base.
Matches reward quick thinking, map awareness and mastery of your chosen hero. Now with touch controls and shorter match times optimized for mobile, MOBAs are more accessible than ever.
The Mobile MOBA Boom
In recent years, MOBAs have exploded in popularity on mobile platforms. According to market researcher NewZoo, mobile MOBAs grossed $15.3 billion in 2020, led by titles like Honor of Kings, Game For Peace (the Chinese version of PUBG Mobile) and Mobile Legends. The genre generates over $5 billion in annual revenue in Southeast Asia alone.
Much of this growth comes from bringing PC/console favorites like League and Dota 2 to handheld devices. League developer Riot Games noted that Wild Rift on mobile amassed over 80 million players in its first year. Mobile MOBAs are clearly resonating across demographics from casual to pro players.
1. League of Legends: Wild Rift
The undisputed king of PC MOBAs finally arrived on mobile in 2020 and has quickly become one of the most popular multiplayer titles on Android and iOS. League of Legends: Wild Rift trims the classic 5v5 battle arena formula into faster 15-20 minute matches optimized for touch controls.
With over 80 champions spanning assassins, marksmen, mages, supports and more, there is a diverse range of abilities and playstyles. Wild Rift introduces new mobility-focused skills not present in the main League game to accentuate the mobile experience. Matches are action-packed yet tactical – communication and coordination with teammates are key.
Wild Rift features competitive ranked queues and hosts professional esports tournaments, appealing to the hardcore MOBA audience. Yet the streamlined approach makes it friendlier for new players compared to hardcore LoL on PC. With regular updates and events, this is the quintessential mobile MOBA experience.
Key Stats:
- Over 80 million mobile downloads in first year
- Over 80 champions from League of Legends
- Over $150 million revenue on mobile in 2021
My Take: Wild Rift perfectly captures the strategic 5v5 gameplay that made League an international phenomenon while adapting for mobile. Approachable for new players yet flexible enough for pros, it‘s an unrivaled MOBA showcase.
2. Arena of Valor
Also known as Honor of Kings in China where it has amassed over 100 million monthly active players, Arena of Valor was one of the first mobile MOBAs to take the world by storm.
With slick touch controls and fast-paced matches, Arena of Valor pits teams of classic MOBA hero classes like Tanks, Assassins, Mages and Supports against each other. There are over 90 heroes to choose from, each with four unique abilities. Multiple game modes like 5v5, 3v3 and 1v1 diversify the experience.
While not as hardcore as Wild Rift, Arena of Valor has a thriving esports scene in Asia. There are also casual, fun modes like the Super Bunny event where heroes turn into cute jumping bunnies! Approachable without sacrificing depth, Arena of Valor is a well-rounded mobile MOBA.
Key Stats:
- Over $4 billion revenue since 2015 launch
- Over 100 million monthly players in China
- Over 90 heroes and growing
My Take: Arena of Valor hits the sweet spot between depth and accessibility. With something for both casual and competitive players, it exemplifies the broad appeal of MOBAs on mobile.
3. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
With over 100 million downloads on Google Play alone, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a massively popular mobile-first MOBA, specially built for 5v5 multiplayer clashes on the smaller screen.
While clearly taking inspiration from League and Dota, Mobile Legends carves its own niche with a roster of over 100 unique heroes, each with their own abilities and fighting styles. Matches are under 15 minutes, placing emphasis on nonstop skirmishes rather than farming. There are multiple fun game modes like the chaotic 10v10 battles.
Mobile Legends features excellent touch controls including a virtual joystick for easy, intuitive movement. With regular tournaments and a thriving community, it‘s one of the top MOBAs for mobile gamers worldwide. The game receives frequent updates, introducing new heroes, modes, events and skins.
Key Stats:
- Over 1 billion downloads across App Store and Google Play
- 100+ original heroes designed for mobile
- Over $4.5 billion revenue since 2016 launch
My Take: Mobile Legends proves MOBAs can be designed from the ground up for mobile and find massive success. Approachable gameplay and continuous updates keep players invested.
4. Heroes Evolved
One of the more distinctive mobile MOBAs, Heroes Evolved stands out for its extensive roster of over 70 heroes based on mythology and history like Achilles, Merlin and Joan of Arc. The lane-based 5v5 battles will be instantly familiar to MOBA veterans.
Heroes Evolved introduces some fresh gameplay elements as well. There is no mana limitation on abilities, instead using a cooldown system, enabling more aggressive play. The Glyph system allows you to customize stats and abilities, letting you tailor heroes to your strategy. With two maps to compete on, Heroes Evolved has enough variety and fast-paced action to keep matches exciting.
A lighter, friendlier aesthetic and shorter match times around 10 minutes make Heroes Evolved more accessible for casual players. If you want to try something different from the more hardcore MOBAs, this game offers a more relaxed experience while preserving deep gameplay.
Key Stats:
- Over 70 heroes from myth and history
- Over 50 million downloads across mobile stores
- Under 10 minute average match length
My Take: The hero roster pulls from diverse lore and the Glyph system provides welcome customization options. Ideal for players seeking a casual-friendly mobile MOBA.
5. Extraordinary Ones
A fresh, anime-style take on MOBAs, Extraordinary Ones features cute, cartoonish heroes along with stylish skill effects. Matches distill the core 5v5 MOBA gameplay into 5-8 minute bite-sized rounds optimized for mobile.
While games are short, they deliver an intense competitive experience with plenty of action. There is also compelling progression as you gain experience to level up your account, unlocking additional game features.
With a roster of over 50 uniquely designed original heroes, there are diverse playstyles to master. Classes range from Tanks and Assassins to veteran MOBA archetypes like ADC and Mages. Instead of individual last-hitting, gold is shared across your team, enabling cooperative play.
Thanks to its colorful graphics and approachable gameplay, Extraordinary Ones makes the MOBA genre more inviting and fast-paced for mobile gamers.
Key Stats:
- Over 50 original anime-inspired heroes
- Under 8 minute match times
- Shared gold mechanic for teamwork
My Take: The anime aesthetic gives this MOBA a very distinct personality. Bite-sized rounds cater well to on-the-go mobile play.
6. Vainglory
A long-running mobile MOBA, Vainglory has amassed a dedicated community over the years. It stands out for being one of the first to support cross-platform play between mobile, PC and Mac. This connectivity opens up exciting possibilities for playing with friends no matter their device.
The 5v5 matches unfold on the classic Halcyon Fold map featuring familiar MOBA objectives. An in-depth roster of 30+ heroes lets you tailor your playstyle and strategy. Recent updates have added new game modes like Blitz, which speeds up the pace into fast 5 minute rounds. There are also seasonal events and game-changing Talents to unlock for further hero customization.
Vainglory continues to improve the mobile MOBA experience with player-focused development. Whether you‘re a long-time fan or looking to start fresh, it deserves a look.
Key Stats:
- Over 4 million downloads since 2014 launch
- Supports cross-platform play
- 30+ heroes with Talent system
My Take: Vainglory‘s cross-platform functionality is a technical marvel for the genre. There‘s a hero for every playstyle.
7. Battle Bay
Looking for something a bit different from your standard MOBA? Battle Bay shakes up the genre by combining 5v5 multiplayer action with naval ship combat. Matches are fast-paced 5 minute skirmishes between two teams of players controlling customizable boats armed with cannons, torpedoes and mines.
You view the action from a top-down perspective, using touch or controller support to maneuver your ship and aim weapons. Strategy and positioning are essential to dominate the aquatic arenas. Teamwork pays off as you coordinate to set up ambushes and overruns.
With daily challenges and events, Battle Bay incentivizes regular play. Unlock blueprints as you progress to access stronger hulls, gear and weapons to upgrade your ship and be victorious over opposing crews. If the classic MOBA gameplay feels stale, this creative maritime twist should provide some fresh fun.
Key Stats:
- Average 5 million monthly players
- Over 850,000 clans formed
- Matches under 5 minutes
My Take: The naval ship combat theme gives Battle Bay a distinct edge. Quick rounds and progression make it rewarding.
8. Marvel Super War
For fans of the Marvel universe who want to battle it out as legendary superheroes and villains, Marvel Super War brings an all-star roster over 55 characters like Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, Loki and Deadpool to the fight.
This MOBA translates abilities and backstories from the comics and movies into unique skillsets. Duke it out 5v5 to destroy towers and the enemy base while slinging powers like Captain America‘s shield toss or Doctor Strange‘s magic spells. Matches are under 15 minutes for nonstop action.
Marvel Super War features familiar MOBA modes like ranked play and also fun themed events like Infinity Rift. With new heroes constantly added, you‘ll expand the possibilities for assembling your dream Avenger or X-Men team. For casual Marvel fans and competitive players alike, this complete MOBA experience hits the mark.
Key Stats:
- 55+ playable Marvel superheroes/villains
- Over 50 million downloads across mobile stores
- Matches under 15 minutes
My Take: A fantastically faithful adaptation for Marvel devotees who want to take their favorite comic book characters for a spin in a crisp mobile MOBA.
9. Brawl Stars
With vibrant cartoony graphics and varied multiplayer modes, Brawl Stars provides a fun casual-friendly take on the MOBA genre. Matches distill the team-based showdowns into 3v3 or 4v4 formats across an array of maps with differing objectives.
There‘s Gem Grab where you collect gems from the mine, Bounty which rewards takedowns of opponents, Brawl Ball resembling a MOBA take on soccer, and more! With a cast of over 45 unlockable Brawlers, there is diverse appeal. Competitive players can push trophies and leaderboards while others enjoy the quick chaotic matches.
Accessible touch controls including a virtual joystick make Brawl Stars easy to pick up. With matches under 3 minutes, it‘s great for short bursts of gaming on the go. The progression system showers you with rewards, and there are always fun events and game modes rotated regularly to keep the experience fresh.
Key Stats:
- Over 275 million downloads
- 45+ playable Brawlers
- Less than 3 minute match times
My Take: Brawl Stars borrows MOBA fundamentals but packages them into bite-sized rounds accessible for all. Vibrant gameplay keeps pulling you back.
10. Clash Royale
Clash Royale brings the charm of a MOBA together with collectible cards and tower defense. Two players face off in 3 minute battles where the goal is to take down the enemy towers and base. But units are summoned into the arena using an 8 card battle deck with characters from the Clash universe like Knights, Archers and Dragons.
Matches are fast-paced as you constantly assess when to place troops, initiate a push or counterattack. There is substantial strategy around building your card collection and curating the most effective battle deck. With a roster of 100 cards to unlock and upgrade, no two matches play out the same.
Approachable enough for mobile gamers of all levels with its simple controls and short game length, yet boasting hidden depth for veterans, Clash Royale strikes an excellent balance. Regular updates introduce new modes and cards, sustaining engagement.
Key Stats:
- Over 1 billion downloads across stores
- 100+ collectible cards to master
- Matches under 3 minutes
My Take: Blending card collecting with MOBA lane combat is a masterstroke. Matches are snappy yet intensely strategic.
Time to Play!
Thanks for reading my breakdown of the top 10 MOBAs on mobile! Hopefully you‘ve found a great match to unleash your inner warrior, whether you‘re a competitive esports enthusiast or just seeking fun casual face-offs.
MOBAs continue to thrive on mobile platforms with their addictive strategic team-based tug of war gameplay. And there are always new titles on the horizon as developers try to put their own spin on the formula.
Let me know which of these games you enjoy most or if you have a favorite I missed! Now get out there, assemble your squad and battle your way to victory. Game on!
