League of Legends has entertained millions of people since it came out, and although you may love the game, it won’t hurt to play some adjacent games to experience something fresh.
Here are the top ten games that are best like League of Legends, in gameplay and/or theme. These are all free to play, too, so it won’t hurt to give all of them a chance. And no, I will not be including any other League of Legends games.
DOTA 2
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that DOTA 2 is on this list. Like League of Legends, the game has players jumping into 5v5 matches, with over 100 Heroes to choose from. It’s rather common for ex-League of Legends players to jump ship to DOTA 2, and to sing the game’s praises.
Although it’s a fallacy to say that League of Legends is simplistic, DOTA 2 does raise the bar, with enhanced team synergies, longer games, and a higher skill cap, meaning you may get even more hours of enjoyment out of this title.
With longer games and as adjacent gameplay, as you’re gonna get, DOTA 2 should be on your short list of games to try next.
Vainglory
Vainglory is like a more straightforward League of Legends in that there is less focus on fighting other NPC enemies, allowing for a more focused PvP experience.
Largely, it has the same sort of aesthetics and gameplay loop. Fighting enemies to destroy their bases. Vainglory also benefits from many different game modes spanning different lengths, so you can hop into some smaller games to see how you feel about it.
It’s also cross-platform for mobile and PC, so you can play it on the go, too.
Smite
Smite is a MOBA that allows players to take charge of over 100 mythological titans, from Thor to Medusa to Nut, the Egyptian Goddess of the Sky. Although Smite is like a typical MOBA in gameplay, it takes the third-person perspective instead of the top-down like League, allowing for a unique perspective.
Fighting as Gods in mythical arenas is enticing for many, and accessible features like auto-buying and auto-leveling means less admin for those who want to jump straight into battle. It also has a sequel in the works, so stay tuned for that!
Although League has some fantastical heroes of its own, you can’t beat the classics.
Arena of Valor
Arena of Valor is another 5v5 MOBA that has all the typical trimmings that you’ll have gotten used to with League of Legends, although it’s exclusively on mobile. This game, however, has fewer heroes than average, but you can form synergies with each of them as you play with them.
With faster, more action-packed battles, Arena of Valor is great to scratch that MOBA itch even if you don’t fully commit to the game.
If you grow tired of the more methodical and tactical approach of League of Legends, then Arena of Valor is sure to give you the adrenaline kick you need.
Bloodline Champions
Bloodline Champions is as up-front a hack-and-slash MOBA as you could ask for. Unlike League of Legends, it has no jungles to hide in, so you’ll always be on the front lines. Also dissimilarly to League of Legends, you won’t just be choosing from heroes, but Bloodlines,
Bloodline Champions does enough to be a League-adjacent game, but also walks its own path with many of its design features, great for players wanting a change of pace that’s still in line with the genre they love.
With choices of 2v2, 3v3, or 5v5 games, there is a lot of choice for those wanting quicker or longer matches, which is great for giving it a try.
Heroes of the Storm
Heroes of the Storm is a MOBA that makes slight tweaks to the typical League of Legends formula you may be used to. There are enough to keep it fresh, although it won’t be a revolutionary experience.
One of the biggest differences players like to bring up is that laning is a lot different here, as it occurs more naturally as you play the objectives. With lots more healing, the Time To Kill is longer in Heroes of the Storm, allowing for more strategy and teamwork.
If you’re looking for a game that’s slightly different from League of Legends, then Heroes of the Storm could be a great next step.
Eternal Return
Eternal Return is more of a Battle Royale than a MOBA, although League players will be able to jump right in without a hitch.
With synergies for your team, you will need to fight strategically to remain the final ones standing. Unlike League of Legends, crafting is a feature, so finding resources whilst in a game is a secondary objective that makes games more interesting and varied.
Eternal Return won’t be for everyone, but it may be for you.
Paragon: The Overprime
Paragon: The Overprime may be in Early Access, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great substitute for League of Legends. It has a few dozen characters to choose from to play in fast-paced action.
With third-person action in the battle-wrought Prime Battlefield, you’ll work with your teammates to defeat enemy teams and claim their base – typical League of Legends gameplay. You can also customize your hero and find new synergies with your teammates to find better ways to fight your enemies.
Many players have expressed sadness and frustration over the game’s tumultuous development, but maybe checking it out and appreciating the game will help the cause.
Valorant
Valorant is a first-person action shooter MOBA that pits teams of five players against each other. Although more limited in character choice than other MOBAs, especially League of Legends, there is enough variety to get lost in.
Valorant offers a faster-paced and action-packed game, with a different angle of strategy. The difference in perspective comes with unique pros and cons that League players will have to get used to. But that’s a part of the fun.
Don’t think Valorant is a game like Call of Duty or Fortnite, as it plays more similarly to League than those other titles.
Warframe
Warframe naturally didn’t come to mind when thinking of games like League of Legends, however, I have to add it as so many League players recommend Warframe, or play both games in tandem. Although Warframe doesn’t follow the same formula as League of Legends, it does feature “champions” to play as and team games to enjoy.
Warframe is admittedly more of an action shooter than a MOBA, with lots of fights against NPC enemies, but if so many League players have enjoyed Warframe, then it can’t be that dissimilar.
With lots of modifications and features to make your chosen character more powerful, and so many different types of team games to indulge in, Warframe may be the refreshment you need from typical MOBAs.
I hope you have fun checking out all of these great games that play similarly to League of Legends. But always remember, it doesn’t hurt to dip your toes into the waters of other genres, especially if they’re free.
