These are the 6 MOBA games you should try this year

The MOBA genre is one of the most popular among players, as the tactical and strategic requirements are quite intense for a multiplayer, free-to-play game. League of Legends stands at the forefront of the industry, but World of Warcraft and Dota paved the way for this massive sensation. Gamers are known for playing for endless hours, developing skills, and learning everything there is to know about a game or its characters, which makes multiplayer considerably fun for groups of friends or solo players.

However, besides the well-known games, there’s a lot of unexplored potential in the MOBA industry. The introduction of VR (Virtual Reality) and Artificial Intelligence delivers new social dimensions, intuitive interactions, and improved NPCs (non-playable characters), taking gaming to the next level.

So, let’s explore some of the most promising MOBA games for 2026 and explore what makes them interesting.

Pokemon Unite

Coming from one of the most beloved and well-known anime of all time, Pokémon Unite is a free-to-play MOBA game developed in 2021 by TiMi Studio Group, a renowned video game developer known for many other similar titles. Pokémon Unite is available on the Nintendo Switch, as well as Android and iOS.

The game uses standard ten-minute matches with two teams of five players. Each user starts with a low-level Pokémon that grows overnight throughout the game by capturing other Pokémon and knocking out enemies. Although it has features different from the usual MOBAs, such as the lack of an in-game scoreboard, the game won several awards, including “Mobile Game of the Year” at the 25th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards. Pokémon Unite received exposure through its massive worldwide fanbase and ongoing anime figures & merch collaborations.  

League of Legends: Wild Rift

League of Legends: Wild Rift is the perfect option for those who want to experience the game on a mobile device. The game was released in 2020 and is available on iOS and Android through Riot Games, which seized on the demand for mobile-based LOL. The matches last 15 to 20 minutes and still carry the essence of the PC version.

The Wild Rift experience includes a total of 136 champions out of all available in the LOL game, and they even have some of their abilities changed in order to be better played on mobile or console. The artwork has also been adjusted to match mobiles' capabilities and basic features. The Wild Rift continues the popularity of the original game, with millions of monthly active users.

Heroes of the Storm

Heroes of the Storm is a great MOBA game for teamplay tinkerers created by Blizzard Entertainment and released in 2015. It offers numerous game modes so users can choose to play against computer-controlled characters or other players, with a new feature that lets them bat against AI opponents.

What is best about this MOBA is the lack of toxic communities, so players are mostly welcoming and happy to play in a team. The game also requires strong strategies to win, with players sharing XP and fast-paced matches that don’t rely on last-hitting. Another great thing about the game includes the diverse battlegrounds and the option to customize characters with the Talents system. Moreover, the game is receiving new patches to fix bugs and ensure a balanced experience.

Honor of Kings

For those who like mythology-inspired games, Honor of Kings is the right MOBA for them. The 2015 game developed by TiMi Studio Group reached international momentum fast after its release on the market. The game features quick matches of 15 to 20 minutes and is available on mobile devices, including Android, iOS, and HarmonyOS. Gamers can experience it with characters that gain experience points, so they can upgrade their skills.

Besides the smooth performance and highly polished visuals, the heroes’ designs and features are inspired by Chinese mythology. They can be played in a diverse range of modes, from the Rift of Kings (5v5) to the Battle of Changping (3v3). The gameplay is also a great experience due to the soundtrack by Hans Zimmer or Lorne Balfe.

Smite

Smite is one of the oldest games on this list, being released in 2014 and developed by Hi-Rez Studios. It is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One, bringing a new light to what we know MOBAs are and allowing gamers to play from a third-person perspective in an amazingly immersive experience. Smite focuses on intense combat movements that blend RPG-like features, such as customizable builds.

The game is similar to Honor of Gods, with its mythology-based background and the characters (gods) playing in it. The visuals are even more impressive during esports matches, where fans compete in multiple tournaments, such as the well-known Smite World Championship. For those who love the game, a sequel follows the original: Smite 2 is currently in Open Meta mode and can be explored by anyone.

Dota 2

Last but not least, Dota 2 will always be a favorite in the MOBA world as the best strategic competitive game. Since its 2013 release, the Valve developer has received a lot of praise for the game’s design, dynamics, and teamwork. It’s got high-stakes battles with an impressive hero roster that keeps players engaged and competitive.

Dota 2 is still relevant because the team behind it continuously releases patches and updates, and it continues to thrive due to free rewards at seasonal events, the fun of international tournaments, and the free Compendium from Valve. With a recent player resurgence, we can say that Dota 2 will be timeless.

Conclusion

MOBA games are among the most popular in gaming history, as they’re immersive and bring out players' competitiveness. The market takes advantage of enhanced technologies and rising multiplayer demand by creating more MOBA games, but some stand out for withstanding the test of time. These include the Pokémon Unite game, as well as the Wild Rift from League of Legends. Other, less popular but amazing games include Smite and Heroes of the Storm.