MOBA stands for Multiplayer Online Battle Arena. It's a genre of online multiplayer games that blends elements of real-time strategy (RTS) and role-playing games (RPGs). The defining feature of MOBAs is the strategic team-based gameplay where two teams, usually consisting of five players each, compete against each other.
Here are some key characteristics of MOBA games:
Teams: Two teams compete against each other, with each player controlling a unique character, often referred to as a "hero" or "champion."
Objective: The primary objective varies, but it often involves destroying the opposing team's main structure or base. This central structure is usually called the "Nexus," "Ancient," or something similar.
Heroes/Champions: Players select a hero or champion with distinct abilities and roles at the beginning of the match. Each character has unique strengths, weaknesses, and a specific playstyle.
Levels and Experience: Players gain experience points (XP) during the match, allowing their heroes to level up and unlock or enhance abilities.
Minions or Creeps: AI-controlled units, often referred to as minions or creeps, spawn periodically and move along set paths toward the enemy base. Players can farm these for experience and gold.
Items and Gold: Players earn in-game currency (gold) by defeating enemies, including other players and AI-controlled units. Gold is used to purchase items that enhance a hero's abilities.
Map Complexity: MOBA maps are designed with specific structures, objectives, and paths, creating strategic elements beyond direct combat.
Team Coordination: Successful gameplay requires coordination and communication among team members to plan strategies, execute attacks, and defend against the opposing team.
Here are 10 MOBA games that have been well-received:
League of Legends (2009): A pioneer in the genre, featuring diverse champions, strategic gameplay, and a massive player base.
Dota 2 (2013): Known for its deep mechanics, a plethora of heroes, and an annual championship with a massive prize pool.
Heroes of the Storm (2015): Blizzard's take on the MOBA genre, featuring characters from various Blizzard franchises like Warcraft, Diablo, and StarCraft.
Smite (2014): Uniquely played from a third-person perspective, featuring gods and mythological figures from different pantheons.
Vainglory (2014): Originally a mobile MOBA, it stood out for its high-quality graphics and intuitive touch controls.
Arena of Valor (2016): A mobile MOBA that gained popularity worldwide, featuring a variety of heroes and fast-paced matches.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (2016): Another popular mobile MOBA with a large player base, offering quick matches and a wide range of heroes.
Paragon (2016): Though officially discontinued, it was notable for its stunning graphics and unique third-person perspective.
Honorable Mention - Garena Free Fire (2017): While primarily a battle royale game, it introduced the "Battle Arena" mode, combining MOBA elements with battle royale gameplay.
Arena of Fate (Cancelled): Although it never fully released, it was anticipated for its unique concept featuring historical and mythical characters.