Ranking moba games

What We Liked..

A fun twist on battle royales

Free to play

Fair way to earn cosmetics

.. and what we didn't

Lack of maps and modes

Queue times are long

Optimization issues

4.0 out of 5
Editorial vote: 8.0

Genre: MOBA, shooter

Setting: present

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvP all vs all


Cuisine Royal is a refreshing battle royale game that pits players against each other either in solo, duo or squad groups on a large open map. The game features similar gameplay to other battle royale titles such as gearing up through searching houses and other buildings on the map for weapons, and moving to secured locations when the safe timer is up. Cuisine Royale stands out by letting players use kitchen utensils like cooking pans, pots and chef knives as part of the equipment players can fight with.

For a free to play game, Cuisine Royale offers some limited character progression through its crafting system that lets you earn cool looking rewards like masks and outfits. While there are three sever locations currently, the player base fluctuates and it can be hard to find matches off prime time hours.

➔ Main points:

  • A battle royale game made unique thanks to its kitchen inspired theme of gear and weapons
  • Three server locations including NA/EU and Eastern Europe
  • Free to play with limited lootbox microtransactions

What We Liked..

Guardian vs. Guardian hook is unique

Plenty of hero builds and customization

Varied selection of heroes with multiple roles to choose from

Regular updates and new content

.. and what we didn't

Cash shop limits hero selection for new players

Matchmaking limited due to limited players

3.8 out of 5
Editorial vote: 7.5

Genre: action, MOBA, shooter

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: matches or duels


Overview

Your team of five must strategically capture points, called power circles, in order to grant your Guardian enough power to attack the enemy Guardian, at which point you get the awesome privilege of seeing your gigantic creature dart across the map to give the enemy a good walloping, causing the enemy Guardian to become vulnerable to damage. If your Guardian overpowers the enemy’s enough, then it will be instantly wounded, and you won’t even need to attack it yourself. Talk about a sense of satisfaction (or overwhelming weight of your failures if you’re on the other end).
The game currently features 21 heroes, with more arriving as time goes on, and three maps, plus the expected assortment of skins for both heroes and weapons.

➔ Main points:

  • 5v5 skirmishes
  • Fast-paced 3rd person action
  • Contribute to the battle in a wide variety of roles, including tanks, supports, and nukers.
  • Cartoonish, stylized graphics

What We Liked..

Unique hybrid MOBA and Battle Royale gameplay

Huge roster of playable characters

Plenty of customization

Play to earn

.. and what we didn't

Long queue times

Unbalanced matchmaking for PvP modes

3.4 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.8

Genre: MOBA, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy, present, sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvP


Eternal Return is a free to play multiplayer MOBA and battle royale hybrid game that's on the Steam platform. With its huge character roster of 59 unique personalities, players select which anime hero they'll use in matches that pits hem against 17 other players in solo, or can opt to team up to be the last ones standing in visually pleasing maps. The gameplay will feel familiar and fun due to popular mechanics, and earning currency to unlock more anime characters will ensure that you always have goals to grind towards. Matchmaking queues are long can somewhat unbalanced in competitive modes, but that doesn't detract away from the fun moments in game, even if you're playing against AI bots.

➔ Main points:

  • A rare MOBA and battle royale combination that works
  • Free to play with play to earn progression
  • Huge roster of characters to unlock
  • Seasonal events and battle passes available

What We Liked..

Fresh concept for a MOBA

Free to play with no pay to win

Great UI layout

.. and what we didn't

High learning curve with insufficient tutorial

Only 1v1 mode available

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, MOBA

Setting: sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvP


Beyond The Void is a free to play 1v1 MOBA that infuses RTS mechanics for a solid, fun and addictive gameplay. Matches are all about destroying the enemy's Mothership, while ensuring yours survives to upgrade, build and gather resources on an excellent evolving map that orbits around the sun.

The graphics are very attractive and the game run smoothly, but could use a better new player tutorial as the learning curve is high. The game also uses Ethereum blockchain to manage the in-game economy, allowing players to obtain cash shop cosmetics to be freely sold or traded with other players using the blockchain which creates a non pay to win environment.

➔ Main points:

  • 1v1 free to play MOBA with RTS elements
  • High replay value due to map placements constantly moving
  • No pay to win cash store due to blockchain technology
  • Excellent graphics and aesthetics

What We Liked..

Retains best aspects of MOBAs

New gameplay elements are excellent

Great graphics

Little use for real money

.. and what we didn't

Difficulty curve is a little steep for newbies

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, action, MOBA

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: matches or duels PvP


Dawngate is a MOBA released by Waystone Games, a company under the umbrella of Visceral Games, which is under EA. With those names involved, you’ll expect a high quality product and Dawngate does not disappoint. Even in open beta, the graphics are great in this title – vivid and lush, though undeniably similar in palette to the game Dawngate is competing with, League of Legends.

But Dawngate isn’t just another clone in the crowded MOBA genre. It does add some real originality to its gameplay – narrowing down to just two lanes, adding roles for your heroes (called Shapers here) to focus on and granting bonuses to your minions when you destroy enemy Bindings or towers.

There is certainly enough new content being brought to the table here to intrigue any MOBA fan.

What We Liked..

Fast-paced gameplay

Convincing atmosphere

.. and what we didn't

Lacks some content

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: MOBA, mmorpg

Setting: fantasy, present, anime

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvP all vs all


Embark on the immersive world of Naraka: Bladepoint, a distinctive battle royale game released in August 2021 and converted to Free-to-Play in late 2023 by 24 Entertainment and NetEase Games Montreal. Set on Morus Island, the game accommodates up to 60 players, allowing them to choose from a diverse roster of heroes, each equipped with unique skills.

Naraka: Bladepoint stands out with its focus on martial arts-inspired melee combat and a rock-paper-scissors combat system, creating a dynamic and challenging gameplay experience.

Whether venturing solo or teaming up in trios, players navigate the island, adapting to a shrinking safe zone and strategic encounters with other squads.

With a global player base surpassing 6 million copies sold, the game transitioned to a free-to-play model, extending its reach across PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PlayStation 5 platforms.

Naraka: Bladepoint offers an engaging and accessible entry into the world of battle royale, where players can enjoy the thrill of combat and strategic gameplay in a visually captivating environment.

➔ Main points:

  • Martial Arts Mayhem: Get ready for melee combat like you've never seen! It's like Bruce Lee meets a rock-paper-scissors showdown, with weapons, grappling hooks, and skills that'll make you go "whoa!"
  • Solo or Trio Tango: Play it your way - solo or team up with two buddies. Because why fight alone when you can have a squad with you? Teamwork makes the dream work, baby!
  • Chaos on Morus Island: Explore, fight, and survive on this crazy island. As the safe zone shrinks, the shadow corruption spreads, and you'll be praying at Buddhist sites, dodging enemies, and respawning like it's a wild, action-packed game of tag.
  • Global Gaming Galore: With over 6 million copies sold worldwide, Naraka: Bladepoint is strutting its stuff on PC, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PlayStation 5. Plus, it went free-to-play, so now everyone can join the party without breaking the bank!

What We Liked..

New take on the genre

Easier to pick up than traditional MOBAs

System to disable abusive players

Excellent graphics

.. and what we didn't

Less challenging for seasoned players

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: MOBA

Setting: fantasy

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions PvP


Strife is a new MOBA by S2 Games, the maker of Heroes of Newerth. Despite its name, Strife has been trumpeted as the answer to the MOBA genre’s highly competitive - even toxic – community, and playing the game it’s easy to see why. S2 have worked hard to create a softer, more accessible game without compromising on the key elements that make MOBAs so enjoyable.

From changing the farming system so that gold is shared among team members when one makes a successful kill, to the introduction of a rating system that rewards good behavior and bans multiple offenders from in-game chat, Strife is all about encouraging team play and a friendlier online environment. Gamers who love a serious challenge might prefer to stick to the high-stakes play in other MOBAs, but Strife is perfect for new and casual gamers.

It may be easier, but that doesn’t mean it’s without challenge. Strife does try to change things up. There is a giant ape who can be freed by one side to wreak havoc on the other, super useful pet companions to train and customise and a crafting system that rewards loyal players. Far from just being a novice version of a regular MOBA, Strife is a serious step in a more positive direction for the genre, and a great opening point to any gamer who’s hung back from MOBAs so far.

What We Liked..

Tactical team-based fun

Great graphics and sound

Good amount of freelancers

Easy to learn

.. and what we didn't

Must pay to unlock all freelancers

No built-in voice chat

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, war, MOBA

Setting: city, sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: PvE PvP


Atlas Reactor by Trion Worlds is a refreshing turn-based tactical team PVP game that pits two teams of four players against each other. The game's unique gameplay is its selling point, proving that MOBA isn't the only option when it comes to competitive group play.

The game boasts well designed and balanced heroes called Freelancers, and their ability to influence games is largely down to the skill of the player, the strategy of the team and how well they communicate as a group, rather than the strength of the Freelancer.

Overall, Atlas Reactor is a very fun game to play and offers hours of strategic fun for both hardcore and casuals. The game is easy to learn but hard to master, and considering that it's free to play, it will keep gamers coming back for a long time to come.

➔ Main points:

  • Refreshing turn-based tactical team PVP that challenges traditional MOBAs
  • 16 Freelancers to choose from that are unique and balanced
  • Requires team strategy and communication over individual skill
  • Great graphics that doesn't require high-spec computers to play
  • Small download size

What We Liked..

Original concept that's fun

Great visuals and audio

Wide selection of vehicles

.. and what we didn't

Plenty of intervals during matches

Limited game modes

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: action, MOBA

Setting: sci-fi

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: guild or factions matches or duels PvP


Heavy Metal Machines is a 4v4 vehicle PVP game that's set in a post-apocalyptic world. Players compete in team matches using one of three car classes, and the objective is for one car on either team to pick up and deliver the bomb to destroy the opponent's base, while the other cars get to work on stopping each other. Matches are fast-paced and incredibly fun to play thanks to the game's one of a kind mechanics.

There are two game modes currently which is a little low, but more will be added in time. The game also uses progression mechanics for players to earn currency to gain ranks and purchase better performing cars from the in-game store without spending real money. When it comes to presentation, Heavy Metal Machines scores very high points for graphics, setting and atmosphere. Overall, it's a fantastic free to play MMO that is likely to keep players hooked for a long time to come.

➔ Main points:

  • Unique concept that's very original and fun to play
  • Great visuals and audio for a free to play game
  • Wide selection of vehicles
  • Unobtrusive cash shop without pay to win elements

What We Liked..

Solid MOBA gameplay

Good variety of heroes

Refreshing customization options

.. and what we didn't

Poor matchmaking system

Lacks a decent practice mode

Only one server in North America

3.2 out of 5
Editorial vote: 6.5

Genre: strategy, action, MOBA

Setting: fantasy, anime

Graphics: full 3D

PvP: matches or duels PvP


Heroes Evolved by R2 Games is unmistakably a MOBA that takes its inspiration from fan-favorites DOTA 2 and League of Legends. Don’t write off its resemblance as just a copy though, as the game tries to be different and succeeds by introducing interesting gameplay mechanics such as a Glyph system, which allows players to alter the stats of their heroes like an RPG game.

Players will also have access to a large pool of heroes at release, and all 58 heroes are uniquely themed, well designed and come fully voiced. The MOBA gameplay feels both fresh and familiar and there are two types of match modes available alongside two maps. While it isn’t the best looking game out there graphically, it does hold its own style with a mix of LoL’s comic and cartoon design with a bit of anime.

Overall, Heroes Evolved is a worthy alternative in the MOBA universe. The game’s easy accessibility thanks to its quick client download and free to play fee makes it hassle-free to jump in and start a few games. Heroes Evolved does have a few issues ranging from balance to match-making, but as with any other game it will only get better in time.

➔ Main points:

  • Familiar MOBA gameplay with new mechanics
  • Over 50 unique and fully voiced heroes to pick from
  • Light and fast client download
  • Daily rewards for just logging in