The MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) genre has transformed the mobile gaming scene, delivering competitive, team-based gameplay straight to our phones. Inspired by classics like Dota 2 and League of Legends, these titles focus on last-hitting minions, buying items, and destroying enemy towers to claim victory.
But the mobile MOBA landscape is constantly shifting. Some games thrive with global communities and regular updates, while others fade into obscurity. Here’s an in-depth look at the most important mobile MOBAs—both the powerhouses still dominating and the pioneers that paved the way.
The Modern Heavyweights
These are the titles setting today’s standard, combining massive communities with strong developer support.
Onmyoji Arena
Developed by NetEase Games, Onmyoji Arena blends MOBA mechanics with stunning Japanese mythology. Players command mystical Shikigami, each with distinct abilities and visual flair.
Why it stands out:
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Fair, non-pay-to-win mechanics
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Gorgeous art direction and anime-inspired designs
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Popular collaborations with anime series like Bleach and InuYasha
Drawbacks:
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Smaller global player base compared to its competitors
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Reports of matchmaking delays and occasional bugs
Despite its hurdles, Onmyoji Arena remains one of the most stylish and strategy-focused MOBAs on mobile.
League of Legends: Wild Rift
As Riot Games’ official mobile adaptation of the legendary PC title, Wild Rift delivers a polished, authentic League experience optimized for shorter sessions.
Highlights:
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Faithful adaptation with updated mobile-exclusive mechanics
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Beautifully redesigned character models and smooth controls
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Regular updates with events, skins, and champions
Challenges:
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Region-locked accounts: Players cannot transfer progress across regions, a frustrating barrier for those who move or travel
Still, for players craving a true League of Legends experience on the go, Wild Rift is unmatched.
The Mainstream Contenders
These games dominate in popularity, especially across Asia, and have cemented themselves as the go-to MOBAs for millions of players.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Perhaps the most widely played mobile MOBA, MLBB is designed for quick, action-oriented battles that rarely last more than 15 minutes.
Strengths:
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Massive global player base
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Frequent updates and hero releases
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Easy to pick up for newcomers
Weaknesses:
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Costly cosmetics, sometimes linked to in-game advantages
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Simplified item system, which limits strategic depth
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Inconsistent visual design across heroes and skins
Despite criticisms, MLBB remains a cultural juggernaut, particularly in Southeast Asia.
Arena of Valor & Honor of Kings
Created by Tencent’s TiMi Studio Group, these sibling titles share much of their DNA.
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Honor of Kings dominates China’s mobile gaming scene with staggering player counts.
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Arena of Valor was designed for Western audiences, featuring early collaborations with DC superheroes like Batman and Superman.
While AoV’s crossover events have faded, Tencent is merging the Honor of Kings and AoV esports ecosystems into a global competitive network—an ambitious step that could reshape the future of mobile MOBA esports.
The Niche & The Fallen
Not every MOBA manages to stay on top. These titles either appeal to a niche audience or have already met their end.
MARVEL Super War
A dream come true for Marvel fans, Super War lets players battle as Iron Man, Spider-Man, Black Widow, and more.
The good:
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Faithful Marvel character abilities
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Familiar 5v5 MOBA mechanics
The bad:
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Mediocre cosmetic designs
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A frustrating gacha system for unlocking heroes like Thanos
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Limited innovation beyond the Marvel IP
Fun for Marvel loyalists, but lacking the staying power of bigger MOBAs.
Vainglory
Once hailed as the pioneer of mobile MOBAs, Vainglory delivered console-quality graphics and deep mechanics.
Legacy:
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Revolutionary touch controls
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Both 3v3 and 5v5 modes for flexible play
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A dedicated competitive community in its prime
Downfall:
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Aggressive monetization alienated players
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Poor management decisions stalled growth
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Official development halted; now run as a community edition with missing features
It remains playable but is only a shadow of its former glory.
Heroes of Order & Chaos
Gameloft’s Heroes of Order & Chaos was one of the very first mobile MOBAs. It introduced many players to the genre years before Wild Rift or MLBB even existed.
Sadly, despite its innovative rune and emblem system, the game was plagued by bugs, poor balance, and a pay-to-win model. Its servers were eventually shut down, cementing its place as a nostalgic but long-gone pioneer.
Conclusion
The mobile MOBA market in 2025 reflects both triumph and tragedy. Titles like League of Legends: Wild Rift, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, and Onmyoji Arena continue to thrive, each offering unique flavors of the genre. Meanwhile, the downfall of Vainglory and Heroes of Order & Chaos reminds us that even groundbreaking games can falter without consistent support.
For new players, the best choice depends on preference:
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Competitive depth: Wild Rift
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Fast fun with friends: MLBB
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Unique visuals and strategy: Onmyoji Arena
One thing is certain—the demand for MOBA experiences on mobile isn’t going anywhere. The battlefield is still evolving, and the next giant could be just around the corner.