The MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) genre is a giant in the gaming world, mixing the sharp tactics of real-time strategy with the teamwork of competitive play. In MOBA games, players usually control one character on a team, aiming to take down the enemy team’s main base. They move through a set map with paths and defensive towers. This genre first became popular with games like “Defense of the Ancients” (DotA), a modification for “Warcraft III,” and has grown to include big hits like “League of Legends” and “Dota 2.”
Rank | Game | Genre | Developer | Publisher | Platforms | Release Date | Revenue |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Honor of Kings | Multiplayer online battle arena | TiMi Studio Group | Tencent Games | Android, iOS | March 8, 2023 | $103 million |
2 | League of Legends | Multiplayer online battle arena | Riot Games | Riot Games | Microsoft Windows, macOS | October 27, 2009 | $24.12 million |
3 | Mobile Legends: Bang Bang | Multiplayer online battle arena | Moonton | Moonton | Android, iOS | July 16, 2016 | $17.29 million |
4 | One Piece: Bounty Rush | Action, Multiplayer online battle arena | Bandai Namco Entertainment | Bandai Namco Entertainment | Android, iOS | March 29, 2018 | $5.92 million |
5 | Garena RoV | Action, Multiplayer online battle arena | TiMi Studio Group | Tencent Games | Android, iOS | December 26, 2016 | $5.88 million |
Our list covers the whole range of MOBA games, from the early ones that started it all to the latest ones that keep adding new things. We’ve included both the classic games that built the foundation of the genre and the new hits that keep expanding it. Our goal is to connect with all kinds of gamers. Whether you’ve been playing MOBA games for a long time or are just getting started, our list gives you a full look at the games that have made and continue to make this genre so exciting.
Best Selling MOBA Games: Ranked by Revenue
1. Honor of Kings
According to Statista, in November 2023, “Honor of Kings” established itself as the highest-grossing mobile MOBA game worldwide, having over $103 million in revenue through in-app purchases (IAP). This impressive figure highlights the game’s dominant position in the MOBA market, particularly within China, where it’s exclusively available. The international counterpart, “Arena of Valor,” which is essentially “Honor of Kings” for markets outside China, generated around $137 thousand in the same period, indicating a significant disparity in revenue generation between the two versions.
The game is renowned for its engaging gameplay, where teams of five heroes battle against each other, and has been pivotal in popularizing the MOBA genre in China. Its success is also attributed to its broad appeal, including an unusually high female player base for the genre, and its integration with esports, which has further solidified its position in the gaming world.
2. League of Legends: Wild Rift
Following “Honor of Kings,” the Chinese edition of “League of Legends: Wild Rift” secured the second spot in the ranking, with a substantial monthly IAP revenue of $24.12 million. This showcases the enduring popularity and financial success of the “League of Legends” franchise in the mobile gaming sphere, particularly within the Chinese market.
“League of Legends: Wild Rift” is a mobile adaptation of the popular PC game “League of Legends,” developed by Riot Games. It’s a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game designed for Android and iOS platforms. The game maintains the core MOBA gameplay, where players control champions with unique abilities to battle against an opposing team, aiming to destroy the enemy’s Nexus. Wild Rift has been modified for mobile devices, offering a streamlined experience with shorter match durations compared to its PC counterpart.
3. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang ranks third in terms of revenue, having generated 17.29 million US dollars. This highlights the game’s popularity and financial success in the mobile gaming market.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) is a popular mobile MOBA game developed by Moonton. Since its release in 2016, MLBB has become particularly popular in Southeast Asia. The game features 5v5 real-time battles, with players controlling heroes with unique abilities to destroy the opponent’s base. It has a strong esports presence with regional tournaments leading to the Mobile Legends World Championships. The game has faced controversies, including a lawsuit from Riot Games for copyright infringement, and has been banned in India due to security concerns
4. ONE PIECE: Bounty Rush
ONE PIECE: Bounty Rush holds the fourth position in terms of revenue among MOBA games, with a revenue figure of 5,925,488. This indicates its strong performance in the market, contributing to the diverse and competitive landscape of MOBA games. “ONE PIECE Bounty Rush” is a mobile action game set in the “One Piece” anime and manga universe. It allows players to engage in real-time battles, capturing treasure and competing against others. The game features characters from the “One Piece” series, each belonging to different classes such as Fighters, Support, and Shooters, which influences their role in the game. Players can form teams of their favorite characters and strategize to control territories and collect the most treasure within a set timeframe. The game emphasizes strategic gameplay, character upgrades, and customization, providing a unique blend of MOBA elements with the adventurous spirit of the “One Piece” series.
5. Garena RoV: RoV Day
Garena RoV: RoV Day, also known as Arena of Valor in some regions, holds the fifth position in terms of revenue among MOBA games, with a reported revenue of 5,883,245. Garena RoV: RoV Day, also known internationally as Arena of Valor, is a mobile MOBA game developed by TiMi Studios and published by Tencent Games. It brings the depth and strategy of traditional MOBA gameplay to mobile devices, offering players intense 5v5 battles across varied maps and modes. The game features a broad roster of heroes, each with unique abilities and roles, such as tanks, mages, and marksmen, allowing for diverse team compositions and strategies. Arena of Valor has become notable for its vibrant graphics, smooth gameplay, and a strong emphasis on teamwork and strategic planning. It also supports a thriving esports scene, hosting numerous regional and international tournaments that contribute to its popularity in the competitive gaming community. With its accessibility and engaging gameplay, Arena of Valor continues to be a popular choice among MOBA enthusiasts around the globe.
Best MOBA Games: Ranked by Downloads
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
According to Statista, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang leads with 5,071,413 downloads, showcasing its immense popularity and widespread appeal across the mobile gaming community. This remarkable number of downloads reflects the game’s engaging gameplay, diverse character roster, and the strong community support it has garnered over the years. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has managed to create a vibrant ecosystem of players, ranging from casual gamers to competitive esports athletes, contributing to its sustained growth and prominence in the global gaming market. Its accessibility on mobile devices, combined with frequent updates and events, keeps the player base engaged and continuously attracts new players, further cementing its status as a top choice among MOBA enthusiasts.
Honor of Kings
Honor of Kings follows with 1,846,149 downloads, reflecting its significant impact, especially in the Chinese market where it’s most popular. This game has effectively captured the attention of a vast audience, becoming a cultural phenomenon in China. Its success is attributed to its deep integration with Chinese historical and mythological themes, appealing gameplay, and strong social features, making it more than just a game but a social platform where players interact and connect. This has propelled Honor of Kings to not only be a leader in the MOBA genre but also a significant contributor to the digital entertainment landscape in China.
Garena RoV: RoV Day
Garena RoV: RoV Day, also known as Arena of Valor in some regions, has 1,684,585 downloads, marking its strong presence in the MOBA genre on mobile platforms. This achievement underscores the game’s wide acceptance and popularity among players seeking a comprehensive and dynamic MOBA experience on their mobile devices. With its strategic depth, diverse hero pool, and engaging gameplay mechanics, Arena of Valor has successfully established itself as a key player in the competitive world of mobile gaming, appealing to both casual gamers and competitive players alike.
Pokémon Unite
Pokémon Unite, claiming the fourth position with 1,485,312 downloads, showcases its rising popularity among enthusiasts of the Pokémon franchise and MOBA gamers. This fusion of iconic Pokémon elements with strategic MOBA gameplay has created a unique and appealing experience, attracting a diverse audience. The game’s approachable design, coupled with the beloved Pokémon universe, has effectively broadened its appeal, drawing in not just established MOBA players but also fans of the Pokémon series looking for new ways to engage with their favorite characters.
League of Legends: Wild Rift
League of Legends: Wild Rift completes the top five with 963,329 downloads, symbolizing a successful transition of the iconic PC MOBA to mobile platforms. This adaptation has managed to capture the essence and complexity of the original game, while offering a tailored experience for mobile gamers. Its ability to maintain the strategic depth and competitive spirit of League of Legends, combined with optimizations for shorter, mobile-friendly gameplay sessions, has resonated well with both long-time fans of the franchise and new players exploring the MOBA genre on their mobile devices.
Best MOBA: Concurrent Viewers on Streaming Platforms
League of Legends
League of Legends stands at the forefront with 145,641 viewers, underscoring its enduring appeal within the streaming world. This significant viewership not only reflects the game’s engaging content and dynamic gameplay but also its vibrant community that spans across the globe. League of Legends has successfully cultivated a diverse and passionate fan base, partly due to its regular updates, expansive lore, and highly competitive esports scene. This has allowed it to remain a central figure in the streaming landscape, attracting both veteran players and newcomers to its ranks, thereby securing its position as a perennial favorite in the world of online gaming.
Valorant
Valorant commands attention with 72,843 viewers, demonstrating its significant impact even as a relatively new addition to the genre. This strong viewership indicates the game’s rapid ascent in popularity and its ability to captivate a substantial audience, highlighting the successful blend of strategic gameplay and immersive experience that Riot Games has brought to the competitive gaming and streaming arenas.
Dota 2
Dota 2 occupies the third position with 47,439 viewers, perpetuating its status as a cornerstone of the MOBA genre. This enduring viewership is a testament to the game’s deep strategic elements and rich competitive history, which have cemented its place in the hearts of MOBA enthusiasts and ensured its ongoing relevance in the gaming community. Dota 2 maintains a loyal fan base and attracts new players, contributing to its lasting presence on streaming platforms and its revered position within the esports landscape.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, with its 23,778 viewers, signifies its expanding allure within the realms of mobile gaming and streaming. This increasing viewership highlights the game’s dynamic combat system, diverse character roster, and engaging multiplayer experience, which have contributed to its rising popularity. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang’s success in the streaming domain also reflects the growing trend of mobile game streaming, as players and viewers alike seek high-quality gaming experiences on more accessible platforms, further establishing the game as a key player in the competitive landscape of MOBA games.
Brawl Stars
Brawl Stars completes the lineup with 3,864 viewers, underscoring its specialized but devoted fan base in the MOBA genre. Despite its smaller viewership compared to other giants in the MOBA space, Brawl Stars’ presence in the streaming community indicates its distinct charm and engaging gameplay mechanics. Its casual yet competitive nature, coupled with quick matches and a colorful aesthetic, offers a refreshing alternative to traditional MOBA games. This has allowed Brawl Stars to carve out its own niche, attracting players who appreciate its fast-paced action and the ease of jumping into games, further enriching the MOBA genre’s landscape.
How Top MOBA Games Shaped Online Culture and Gaming Communities
To sum up the best MOBA games of all time, their success goes beyond just being fun to play. They have become a big part of online culture, thanks to their high sales, big earnings, and lots of downloads. Games like League of Legends, Honor of Kings, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, each bring something special to the table. They have shaped the MOBA genre and shown how online games can grow, bring people together, and create competitive communities. As gaming keeps changing, these top MOBA games stand out as examples of creativity, player involvement, and the lasting power of engaging game worlds.
FAQ
In FPS games, you need quick aiming and shooting skills and sometimes you have to carry the team. MOBAs are all about teamwork, strategy, and patience, as games can last from 30 to 45 minutes. While you can play FPS games in many ways, MOBAs make you learn specific skills for each hero.
A study found that people who are good at MOBAs often have a higher IQ, but this doesn't mean playing these games will make you smarter. The study just suggests that smarter players might be better at strategy, giving them an advantage in MOBAs.
Dota 2 is known as the hardest game in the MOBA world. It's famous for its difficult learning curve, with lots of mechanics and game phases to understand.