Best For You
Unleashing the Champions: Top-5 Alternatives to "League of Legends"
League of Legends (LoL) has reigned supreme in the world of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games for over a decade. However, the gaming industry has never been one to rest on its laurels. Several developers have taken their shot at the MOBA crown, producing games that offer unique gameplay mechanics, immersive storylines, and appealing settings. If you're looking for a new challenge or a different environment in which to unleash your strategic prowess, here are the top five alternative games to League of Legends.
1. Dota 2
Developed and published by Valve, Dota 2 is often considered the main rival to League of Legends in the MOBA genre. Released in 2013, it has remained one of the most popular games on the Steam platform.
Gameplay
Matches in Dota 2 are played between two teams, each consisting of five players. Each team is tasked with occupying and defending their individual base on the map. Each player controls a character, known as a "hero", who has unique abilities and differing styles of play. The game's objective is to destroy the opponents' Ancient, a large structure located within their base.
Story and Setting
Dota 2 takes place in a high-fantasy setting and features characters and factions from its predecessor, Defense of the Ancients. The lore, while not front-and-center during gameplay, provides a rich backstory for each hero and their motivations.
2. Smite
Smite, developed and published by Hi-Rez Studios, offers a unique take on the MOBA genre by introducing mythological deities into the mix.
Gameplay
In Smite, players control gods, goddesses, or other mythological figures and participate in team-based combat. Unlike most MOBAs, Smite features a third-person perspective, which brings players closer to the action. The game has multiple modes, but the primary one is Conquest, in which two teams of five players try to destroy the enemy's Titan.
Story and Setting
Smite is set in a rich, mythological universe where gods from different pantheons battle it out. While the game doesn't have a narrative-driven story, each character has a backstory derived from real-world mythology, which adds depth to the game.
3. Heroes of the Storm
Heroes of the Storm, developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, is a MOBA that brings together characters from various Blizzard franchises.
Gameplay
Heroes of the Storm stands out with its variety of distinct battlegrounds, each offering its own set of tactical objectives to contemplate. Setting itself apart from other games in the MOBA genre, it eliminates the requirement to eliminate minions to accrue experience. The game instead opts for a shared experience system that benefits the entire team, promoting a gameplay style that is heavily centered around teamwork.
Story and Setting
The game takes place in the Nexus, a cosmic storm where worlds from the Blizzard Universe intersect. The lack of a concrete storyline allows characters from different franchises to interact and battle without narrative constraints.
4. Vainglory
Vainglory, developed by Super Evil Megacorp, is a MOBA specifically designed for mobile devices, though it is also available on PC.
Gameplay
Vainglory offers 3v3 and 5v5 matches in which the objective is to destroy the enemy's base while defending your own. The game is praised for its strategic depth and precise controls, which are uncommon in mobile MOBAs.
Story and Setting
Vainglory is set in a fantasy world with rich lore. Each hero has a unique backstory, and the world itself has a history that is revealed through in-game events and media.
5. Arena of Valor
Arena of Valor, developed by TiMi Studios and published by Tencent Games, is another MOBA designed for mobile platforms that has gained a substantial following.
Gameplay
Arena of Valor plays similarly to traditional MOBAs, with the usual 5v5 matches, lanes, and jungle areas. What sets it apart is its relatively short match times, making it perfect for quick gaming sessions.
Story and Setting
Arena of Valor doesn't focus much on story and setting. However, the game does feature characters from DC Comics, adding an extra layer of appeal for comic book fans.
Each of these games offers a different take on the MOBA genre, with unique gameplay features, settings, and characters. Whether you're a seasoned League of Legends veteran looking for a change of pace, or a newcomer to the MOBA scene, these games offer diverse experiences that are sure to please.
