MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) games have exploded in popularity over the past decade, emerging as one of the most exciting and competitive gaming genres out there. And now with powerful mobile devices, MOBA gameplay once restricted to PCs has been adapted for on-the-go play. For those new to the genre, MOBAs feature two teams battling it out player vs player style to destroy their opponent‘s base. It‘s fast-paced gameplay that rewards teamwork, strategy and quick reflexes.
In this guide, we dive into the 9 top MOBAs currently available on Android and iOS platforms. Whether you‘re a grizzled MOBA veteran or looking to try this addictive genre for the first time, these mobile titles deliver all the team-based battles you crave. Fight with friends and foes across vivid fantasy worlds, feudal kingdoms and futuristic arenas. Unleash devastating magical powers and precision skillshots. And most importantly, destroy enemy towers on your way to sweet victory!
Arena of Valor
Developer: Tencent
Release Date: 2015
Platforms: Android, iOS
As one of the longest running and most popular mobile MOBAs, Arena of Valor transports players to a fantasy-themed battlefield as they control heroic Champions ranging from powerful mages to agile assassins. With intense 5v5 matches, AoV matches the polished gameplay and strategic depth of leading PC titles, while introducing innovative modes like the turn-based Chess Rush.
Key Features:
- Over 100 unique heroes to master
- Regular updates including new Champions, skins and battle passes
- Multiple competitive and casual game modes
- Great balance of depth and accessibility for new players
- Strong eSports scene in Asia with major tournaments
With Tencent‘s financial backing, Arena of Valor continues to be one of the slickest and most updated mobile MOBAs out there. Its anime-inspired graphics and atmospheric fantasy world also help it stand out from grittier rivals.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Developer: Moonton
Release Date: 2016
Platforms: Android, iOS
Featuring 5v5 team-based combat, Mobile Legends delivers slick arcade-style gameplay perfectly tailored for mobile. Matches are tight, tense affairs lasting under 20 minutes, with well-designed touch controls letting you easily activate abilities and launch attacks.
Key Features:
- Huge roster of 120+ heroes, divided up by class and difficulty
- Multiple gameplay modes including classic 5v5, survival, chess-inspired draft games
- Great progression system and frequent events that reward play
- Intuitive virtual joystick control scheme
- Surprisingly deep laning, jungling and teamfight strategy
While simpler than hardcore PC counterparts, Mobile Legends does a great job introducing new players to core MOBA strategy like poking, ganking and pushing lanes. And its short 15-20 minute 5v5 battles prevent the fatigue of hour long matches. Fast, focused and rewarding gameplay makes this one hard to put down.
League of Legends: Wild Rift
Developer: Riot Games
Release Date: 2020
Platforms: Android, iOS
When developer Riot Games set out to translate their PC mega-hit League of Legends to mobile screens, many fans were skeptical. But Wild Rift impressively recreates LoL‘s signature 5v5 MOBA gameplay in slick, streamlined form. Iconic champions like Darius, Ahri and Lee Sin make their appearance with new models and visuals upgraded for modern devices. Matches have been sped up to around 15-18 minutes, but all the laning, ganking and brawling fans love is intact.
Key Features:
- Roster includes many popular League of Legends champions
- High quality graphics and animations
- Simplified items system and controls optimized for mobile
- Matches limited to under 20 minutes
- Weekly events and updates from Riot Games
By leveraging one of gaming‘s most famous IPs and developers, Wild Rift stands poised to expand beyond LoL‘s PC player base by delivering a remarkably robust mobile experience. Streamlining systems and cutting match times makes jumping in less intimidating for newcomers.
Heroes Arena
Developer: efune
Release Date: 2016
Platforms: Android, iOS
One of the most popular "bang bang" MOBAs on mobile, Heroes Arena impresses with a roster featuring 80 heroes with dozens of skins to unlock. Matches distill all-out 5v5 arena combat down to 5-7 frenetic minutes.
Key Features:
- 80+ heroes covering mages, tanks, fighters and more
- Matches are quick 5v5 brawls lasting 5-7 minutes
- Multiple competitive and casual gameplay modes
- 1v1 and 2v2 options available
- Optional joystick and auto-attack controls
While very fast-paced, Heroes Arena still offers solid 3-lane map strategy and opportunity for players to out-micro opponents. The wide hero roster gives newcomers plenty of options to find their perfect main.
Vainglory
Developer: Super Evil Megacorp
Release Date: 2014
Platforms: Android, iOS
A longtime favorite on iOS, Vainglory offers perhaps the most polished graphics and gameplay among "built for mobile" MOBAs. Matches feature classic 3-lane 5v5 battle arena action perfect for 20-25 minute sessions.
Key Features:
- 30+ heroes with full roster available to all players
- Thorough matchmaking system leads to competitive games
- Refined touch and joystick control options
- Cross-platform accounts lets you play on mobile or PC
- Regular developer updates and events
Vainglory deserves credit for pushing the limits of mobile gaming. Its third-person gameplay and vibrant style make it perfect for phones and tablets. And it offers welcome quality of life improvements like rapid match startups.
Brawl Stars
Developer: Supercell
Release Date: 2018
Platforms: Android, iOS
Having found massive success with Clash of Clans and Clash Royale on mobile, the wizards at Supercell turned their attention to the MOBA genre by mashing it up with hero shooters and battle royale. The result is Brawl Stars, a rambunctious genre blender perfectly tailored for quick mobile sessions.
Key Features:
- 35+ quirky heroes with their own skills and abilities
- Variety of 3v3 and battle royale style competitive modes
- Cartoony action that‘s less violent than other MOBAs
- Great progression system with Club social features
- Matches last just a few minutes
While very fast-paced and chaotic, Brawl Stars is easy to pick for MOBA newcomers and young gamers. Yet there‘s still ample room for strategy in planning attacks, coordinating teammates and unlocking new Star Powers for your Brawlers.
Heroes Evolved
Developer: RHG Studio
Release Date: 2016
Platforms: Android, iOS
It‘s easy to mistake bright and cartoony Heroes Evolved for a mobile cash-in of DOTA 2. But this fully-featured MOBA stands on its own merits. The roster has ballooned to 132 unique heroes derived from mythology, history and fantasy. There‘s surprising depth to upgrade paths and equipment choices. And matches feature distinctive twists like collectible glyph buffs as you battle 5v5.
Key Features:
- 132 heroes ranging from Zeus to Sun Wukong
- Matches last 15-20 minutes
- Innovative glyph system provides buffs
- Multiple maps and game modes
- Frequent heroes and skins added
While featuring familiar 5v5 laning and tower offense/defense, Heroes Evolved isn‘t afraid to put its own stamp from vibrant graphics to computer-controlled jungle monsters offering unique upgrades and buffs.
Extraordinary Ones
Developer: NetEase Games
Release date: 2021 (China), 2023 (Global)
Platforms: Android, iOS
While still only available in China, Extraordinary Ones by developers NetEase is worth mentioning as it expands worldwide in 2023. As a hero-based MOBA featuring Japanese anime-inspired characters, EO brings welcome style and personality that‘s rare in the genre. This personality extends through stylish skins and standout finishing moves.
Key Features:
- Characters right out of an anime or comic book
- Quick and chaotic battles
- Region-based guild systems promotes social engagements
- Multiple maps with day/night aesthetics
- Great music and Japanese voice acting
Built strictly for smartphones, Extraordinary Ones offers full 3D graphics and modern conveniences like third-person camera options. Its upcoming launch in North America and Europe will expose more players to anime-flavored MOBA madness.
Closing Thoughts
The MOBA genre has successfully made the leap from PC power users to mainstream mobile gamers thanks to approachable titles like Mobile Legends Bang Bang and Brawl Stars. And simplified adaptations of DOTA and League of Legends have further widened the audience. At the same time, MOBA veterans have immersive options like Vainglory that don‘t compromise on depth. Whether you‘re a fan of Western fantasy, Eastern martial artists or comic book heroes, there‘s a mobile MOBA waiting to welcome you to intense 5v5 arena battles.
The titles above give a glimpse into the current state of the genre on Android and iOS. And with mobile devices and internet connectivity improving each year, there‘s still so much room for innovation when it comes to battle arena gameplay on the go. Augmented reality could enable real-life neighborhood showdowns. Casual modes might let friends jump into a quick lunchtime match. However the genre evolves, the competitive thrill and teamwork of MOBAs will no doubt translate smoothly to whatever the next generation of mobile games shapes up to be!
