Best MOBA games for Android phones and tablets
When a genre becomes popular, there are often an overwhelming number of options. We've tried to narrow that down for you with our list of the best Android MOBA games.
Updated by Jupiter Hadley on September 13th - removed one game that's no longer available.
What exactly is a MOBA? Well, it's a bit of a tactical hodge-podge, combining elements of real-time strategy with hero shooter and action-RPG elements.
Generally, it's a multiplayer experience where you're often asked to pick a superpowered hero, team up with a couple of teammates, and assault an opponent's base across a symmetrical battleground.
These games started out on PC but have gradually moved across to mobile, where they currently thrive. Here, it's taken on a life of its own and is a lot more varied than the League of Legends or Dota 2-likes commonly found elsewhere. Not that we don't love those too, of course. It's just nice to see more variety in the genre. On mobile, you'll find card battlers, third-person shooters, and more casual takes on the genre.
Here, then, is an eclectic list of the best Android MOBA games.
1
Honor of Kings
Honor of Kings is the most popular Android MOBA game out there. Currently, it has over 10 million downloads on Google Play alone, which is a small percentage of its popularity and active player base.
It's a bit awkward, as Arena of Valor, the next entry on the list, was released as an EU and Americas version of it, but Tencent has still decided to release Honor of Kings on its own as well. The gameplay is perfectly smooth, and everything works as intended, every skill used is clear, and there aren't any bugs that will hamper you. The characters are well balanced, as you can see on our tier list for Honor of Kings. It's a standard 5vs5 map with three minion lanes and a jungle in between them. If you've played Lol, you'll feel right at home.
2
Arena of Valor
Created by Level Infinite and TiMi Studio, Arena of Valor is ludicrously popular. At the time of writing, it's enjoyed 10 million downloads and boasts an average rating of 4.1 stars. And you know, a few of those poor reviews lowering the average score come from sore losers.
Arena of Valor offers multiple game modes where you can experience action-packed 5v5 battles that can last for less than 15 minutes - and the matchmaking is quick, too. You can choose from over 100 heroes with different skills and roles to create a strong team. You can also team up with your friends, strategise, and work together. It's the best way to play if you have four other pals.
It also features constant updates, but doesn't have much that sets it apart from Wild Rift or even Mobile Legends. Nonetheless, it's a popular game with many players active on a daily basis, which gives it a place on this list. We also have a list of Arena of Valor codes to help you get some freebies, so if you're going to try out AoV, don't forget about these codes!
3
Dragon Ball Gekishin Squadra
Newest sweetheart from the oven of far-known Bandai Namco is focusing on one of the favourite anime of all time - Dragon Ball. However, this time they are trying what no one has done before; the game is a MOBA. It works so perfectly that it's strange how no one thought of it before.
The artwork is cartoony, exactly in the spirit of the whole anime, and although it's not a dazzling display, it looks clean and clear. Your favourite characters like Vegeta, Goku, Krillin and the rest are in the game already, and we made a quick tier list for Gekishin Squadra just so you can get a grasp of who's the best. The gameplay is very flashy, just as you'd expect from DB, and it's 4vs4, so it doesn't follow the usual 5v5 formula. Still, it's a must-play for any DBZ fans.
4
Thetan Arena
Thetan Arena is another popular offering that offers more than just multiplayer battles. When you enter the game, you can choose from 25 heroes, and each has special abilities, making it possible to form different battle strategies.
Further, Thetan Arena has free-for-all brawls, which is exactly what it sounds like. You can jump into the battlefield, test your skills, and climb up the leaderboard. The best part is that you can play with your friends.
Thetan Arena is fast-paced and action-packed - so you will be on the edge of your seat most of the time. There’s a lot happening - guild quests, tournaments, and much more.
Another thing to note is that Thetan Arena also has a play-to-earn model, which means you can earn cryptocurrency while playing. That's not something that appeals to me, but some people are into that stuff, so I figured I'd point it out.
If you need help picking the right characters, feel free to take a peek at our Thetan Arena tier list of characters, which we update regularly.
5
Onmyoji Arena
Onmyoji is a well-known series by NetEase, and Onmyoji Arena is one of the titles that evolved from it. It features original characters from the franchise and puts them into a MOBA - so players get a full-fledged 5v5 experience.
In addition to the 5v5 battles, you can also check out other modes like 3v3v3 Royal Battle, Shikigami Defense, and Mahjong Chess.
Onmyoji Arena keeps the original Japanese theme but brings in a breathe of fresh air with different skins like Steampunk and Fairytale. Further, this game does not have the amulet system, so players can combine whatever attributes they like to their character.
If you're about to check out Onmyoji Arena, you should also read our Onmyoji Arena guides - we've got an up-to-date tier list, beginner's guide and more!
6
Overdox
Overdox is a beautiful hack ‘n slash game, where the goal is to become the surviving champion. You can choose from a variety of maps, pick their favourite weapons, and head into the battlefield.
It offers quite a few maps, including the Ancient Temple and the Land of Solitude. Beyond that, you can gear up your arsenal with over 100 weapons, and even customise the gear to get the most out of your equipment.
Along with the Normal Mode, you can play a Friendly Match, climb up the ranks in Royal Rumble, or go head-to-head in a one-shot battle in the Challenge Mode.
7
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is immensely. At the time of writing, it has surpassed a staggering 500 million downloads and has a rating of 4.2 stars. MLBB offers genre-classic action in the usual 5v5 format, where you can go head-to-head with real players.
It has everything you could ask for - 2 epic bosses, 3 lanes, 4 jungle arenas, 18 defense towers, and loads and loads of action. The best part is that you get easy and intuitive controls - so there’s no steep learning curve.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang promises to match you with your team within 10 seconds, and then the battle lasts for around 10 minutes. Plus, you can continue to play offline, as the game offers smart AI assistance.
There are constant updates, in-game events, a battle pass and much more. It's basically everything you need to keep you playing for hours! We know that was the case for us, and the result is our growing collection of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang guides. If you are just starting out, you should check them out! We've got atier list, ML codes, champion guides and everything else you need to start the game on the right foot.
8
Wild Rift
League of Legends is something most of us are familiar with, and in 2020, Riot Games finally brought the MOBA game to Android. League of Legends: Wild Rift gives you a mobile-first PvP experience with the familiar LOL gameplay.
The goal is to build a strong team of five players, strategise in real-time, and emerge victorious. You can bring your friends, pick your champions, and head out into the battle arena. You can choose to play in casual mode or ranked mode.
Wild Rift is free to play and fair to play. This means you can expect to win the games based solely on your skills and strategy.
If you are new to Wild Rift, make sure to check our Wild Rift guides. We've got a tier list, builds for each champion, and much, much more. We're keeping these up to date, so it could be your one-stop shop for everything Wild Rift-related.
9
Heroes Evolved
Heroes Evolved describes itself as a ‘free global strategy and action game’ - so your 5-member squad can have players from all over the world. The goal is, unsurprisingly, to form a powerful team and destroy the enemy base.
It boasts over 100 heroes that you can choose from, and you can customise the character with various skins. The heroes can be assassins, warriors, or take on any other role.
You can take your hero in different game modes, which include 5v5, 3v3, and 1v1. There are multiplayer modes like auto-chess available too. Plus, you can even customise some of the modes to your liking.
10
Pokémon Unite
Pokémon Unite was released in 2021 and became an instant hit. This PvP Pokémon game currently has over 50 million downloads and a rating of 4.4 stars.
Pokémon Unite is probably the game we all didn’t know we needed. Once again, you get to be a real trainer, catch and train them. However, it goes beyond that - you will form the best squad of five Pokémon and battle other players’ squads.
It also has cross-platform support with the Nintendo Switch, making it even easier to find a game. If you are a Pokémon fan who enjoys these types of games, Pokémon Unite is perfect for you! If you decide to try it out, we have made a Pokémon Unite tier list in which you can find the current meta characters that you should pick.
11
Brawl Stars
Compared to other entries on the list, Brawl Stars has a more laid-back, goofy vibe. This MOBA game for Android comes from Supercell, the makers of iconic games like Clash of Clans and Clash Royale - so you can expect it to be a lot of fun.
Brawl Stars offers action-packed ‘Gem Grab’ 3v3 multiplayer battles as well as other exciting modes like Showdown, Brawl Ball, Heist, Bounty, and much more. Further, it receives frequent updates, so you can expect seasonal and special events. It gets even better - you can join the esports scene by participating in the Championship Challenge.
As you progress through the game and level up, you can unlock new and powerful brawlers of various rarities. Plus, you get rewards from the Brawl Pass, which includes skins for your brawlers.
