Mastering the Meta: 20 Best Games Like League of Legends to Play in 2026

League of Legends has defined the MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) genre for over a decade, but the landscape in 2026 is more competitive than ever. While the classic “three lanes and a Nexus” formula remains, new challengers have introduced everything from third-person verticality to cross-genre “Battle Royale” mechanics. Whether you are looking for a deeper tactical challenge, a more casual brawler, or a fresh perspective on hero-based combat, there is a world beyond Summoner’s Rift waiting for you. We’ve analyzed the current meta to bring you the 20 best games like League of Legends available right now.

The Heavy Hitters: 2026’s Top 5 MOBA Rivals

1. Dota 2: The Ultimate Tactical Challenge

If you find League of Legends too “simple,” Dota 2 is the natural next step. In 2026, Valve’s masterpiece remains the most complex and rewarding MOBA on the market. Unlike League, every single hero is free from the start. Mechanics like “couriers” for item delivery, “denying” your own minions to starve enemies of gold, and a fully destructible environment (trees can be cut down to create paths) offer a layer of strategy LoL simply doesn’t have. With the “Great Confluence” update in 2026, the game has introduced new neutral objectives that make the mid-game more explosive than ever. It’s the home for players who want a “slower” pace but a much higher “brain-power” requirement.

2. Deadlock: Valve’s Hero-Shooter Revolution

Deadlock is the biggest story of 2026. After years in secret development, Valve has delivered a game that is 50% MOBA and 50% high-speed shooter. It features four lanes, “souls” to farm (instead of gold), and massive towers to destroy, but it’s played from a third-person perspective with vertical movement. You’ll be grinding rails over the city to reposition and using hero abilities that feel like a mix of Overwatch and Dota. The 6v6 format creates chaotic team fights where mechanical aim is just as important as your item build. For LoL veterans, the transition is easy because the “laning phase” and “macro strategy” are almost identical to what you already know.

3. Smite 2: The Battleground of the Gods (Reborn)

Smite 2 officially took over the scene in 2026, moving the classic “Third-Person MOBA” into Unreal Engine 5. You play as mythological gods (Zeus, Ares, Bellona) in a 5v5 battle where every basic attack is a skill shot. You can’t just click on an enemy; you have to lead your shots and dodge theirs. The 2026 version has introduced “Dual-Power” scaling, allowing gods to build both Physical and Magical items for wild, hybrid builds. It’s perfect for League players who love the “action” of a team fight but want to feel like they are right in the middle of the carnage rather than looking down from the sky.

4. Supervive: The MOBA-Royale Hybrid

Supervive (formerly Project Loki) is the “Wildcard” of 2026. Developed by former Riot and Blizzard leads, it combines the top-down combat of League of Legends with the map scale and “last-team-standing” thrill of a Battle Royale. You drop onto a massive, floating island with your squad, laning against other teams and hunting neutral bosses to level up. The movement is incredibly fluid, featuring jump-pads and gliders that allow for “outplay” potential that exceeds traditional MOBAs. If you love the “skirmishing” part of League but hate being stuck in a 40-minute lane phase, Supervive provides that high-speed hero-combat fix in 15-minute bursts.

5. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (The Global King)

While it started as a mobile-only title, Mobile Legends (MLBB) has become a 2026 powerhouse with a dedicated PC client and a massive professional scene. It is essentially “League of Legends on 2x speed.” The map is smaller, the gold gain is faster, and matches usually end in under 15 minutes. It’s the most accessible MOBA for players who want the LoL experience but don’t have an hour to spare. In 2026, the “Beyond the Dawn” update has added complex talent trees that allow you to customize your hero’s playstyle mid-match, adding a layer of depth that keeps even veteran players engaged.

Specialized & Strategic

6. Pokémon Unite

Pokémon Unite is the perfect “entry-level” MOBA that hides a surprisingly deep competitive ceiling. Instead of destroying a Nexus, you score points by dunking “Aeos Energy” into enemy goals. In 2026, the roster has grown to over 80 Pokémon, including fan-favorites from the latest generations. There are no items to buy mid-match, which removes the “learning curve” of a shop, but the “Held Item” system allows for pre-game strategic depth. It’s a great choice for LoL players who want a less toxic, more objective-focused experience where “clutching” a Zapdos or Rayquaza fight can flip the entire game in the final minute.

7. Heroes of the Storm

Despite being an older title, Heroes of the Storm (HotS) has seen a 2026 “Refurbished” community revival. Blizzard’s “All-Star” MOBA removes individual gold and items entirely, focusing on “Team XP.” Everyone on the team levels up together, which means no one gets “left behind.” The game is famous for its diverse maps—one match you’re collecting coins for a pirate ship, and the next you’re fighting to control a giant Grave Golem. If you’re tired of the “selfish” nature of solo-queue League, HotS rewards pure teamwork and objective-cycling above all else.

8. Predecessor

Predecessor is the true spiritual successor to Paragon. It’s a high-fidelity, third-person MOBA that uses a traditional lane structure but features incredible verticality. You can leap onto ledges to escape or drop down from a jungle cliff for a surprise gank. In 2026, the game has been praised for its “tactical weight”—attacks feel heavy and impactful, and the jungle is a dark, dangerous place that requires real coordination to navigate. It’s the “mature” version of Smite, offering a grittier art style and a more serious, competitive tone for players who want to feel the power of their abilities.

9. Eternal Return

Eternal Return is a unique “Anime MOBA” that blends survival, crafting, and hero combat. Set on Lumia Island, 24 players (in solos or squads) must scavenge for materials to “craft” their weapons and armor while fighting off opponents. It uses the same “click-to-move” and “Q-W-E-R” ability system as League of Legends, making it very easy for LoL fans to pick up. The 2026 “Season 12” has introduced a “Respawn” system that makes the early game more forgiving, allowing you to focus on building your “perfect gear” before the final, heart-pounding circles.

10. Arena of Valor

As the international version of Honor of Kings, Arena of Valor is a polished, fast-paced MOBA designed for quick sessions. It features a roster of over 100 heroes, including several licensed DC characters like Batman and Superman. The game emphasizes “Snowballing”—if you get an early lead, you can end the game very quickly. In 2026, the game’s “World Cup” is one of the most-watched mobile esports events, and the PC-port has made it a viable alternative for players who want a high-production-value MOBA that isn’t as demanding as Dota or League.

11. Honor of Kings

The original titan of the mobile MOBA world finally went fully global in late 2024, and by 2026, it is a top-tier competitor to League. Honor of Kings is famous for its “snappy” controls and beautiful character designs based on Chinese mythology. The game feels extremely “balanced” because it has been refined over a decade of high-level play in Asia. For League fans, the roles (Roamer, Jungler, Mid, Farm Lane, Clash Lane) are very familiar, but the “Active Equipment” system allows for more reactive counter-play than League’s current item system.

12. Battlerite (Royale & Arena)

While the developers have moved on to V Rising, the Battlerite community in 2026 has taken over private servers to keep the “Pure Combat” dream alive. There are no lanes, no minions, and no towers—just 2v2 or 3v3 arena combat. It is the most “skill-shot” dependent game on this list; even your basic heals and movement abilities can be missed. If your favorite part of League of Legends is the “Level 1 invade” or the “late-game team fight,” Battlerite gives you that non-stop action without the boring 20-minute buildup.

13. Omega Strikers

Imagine a MOBA mixed with Air Hockey. Omega Strikers features 3v3 matches where you use hero abilities to knock a “Core” into the enemy’s goal. While it sounds simple, the strategy is intense. You can choose to be a “Brawler” who tries to knock enemies off the map, or a “Sniper” who focuses on long-range core control. In 2026, the game’s “Pro Circuit” has highlighted the incredible depth of hero synergies. It’s a fantastic “side-game” for League players because it trains your ability-timing and positioning in a high-pressure, fast-moving environment.

14. Vainglory (Community Edition)

Vainglory was the first game to prove that a “hardcore” MOBA could work on touch-screens, and in 2026, the “Community Edition” has kept it alive for purists. It features a unique 3v3 “Single Lane” map with a massive jungle below it. The game is known for its “Crystal vs Weapon” power system, which is much more intuitive than League’s AP/AD system. The graphics still hold up remarkably well, offering a vibrant, painterly art style that feels distinct from the “neon” look of most modern competitors.

15. Paladins (The MOBA-Shooter Hybrid)

Paladins is often called a “Hero Shooter,” but its heart is pure MOBA. Unlike Overwatch, you cannot change heroes mid-match, and you must “buy” items (Items/Burn Cards) using credits earned during the round to counter the enemy team. If the enemy has a lot of healing, you buy “Cauterize.” In 2026, the “Crystal Core” update has added a traditional 3-lane MOBA map as a permanent mode, making it a perfect bridge for League players who want to try the First-Person perspective without losing the strategic “item-shop” gameplay they love.The New Frontier & Hybrids

The New Frontier & Hybrids

16. Marvel Rivals

Marvel Rivals is a 6v6 hero shooter that feels like a “Team Fight” simulator. While it lacks the laning of League, the way heroes interact is very “MOBA-like.” Characters have specific roles (Vanguard, Duelist, Strategist), and the “Team-Up” abilities create synergies that feel like a Wombo Combo. For example, Rocket Raccoon can ride on Groot’s back, providing a defensive buff while Rocket rains down damage. In 2026, the “Galactic Battle” season has added maps with moving objectives, requiring the same “map awareness” and “rotations” that a high-level League player uses to win games.

17. 2XKO (Riot’s Fighting Game)

While not a MOBA, 2XKO is the 2026 “must-play” for League of Legends fans. It is a 2v2 tag-team fighting game featuring League champions like Darius, Ahri, and Ekko. Every champion’s move-set is a “translation” of their MOBA abilities—Darius uses his axe for massive “bleed” damage, and Ekko uses time-winding clones for “mix-ups.” It allows you to experience the world of Runeterra from a completely different perspective. If you love the “Champion Mastery” aspect of League, you’ll find that same satisfaction here as you learn the frame-data and combos of your favorite characters.

18. Fangs

Fangs is a “Hero Brawler” that focuses on fast-paced, 4v4 combat with a heavy emphasis on “Augments.” Before each round, you choose a “boon” that changes how your abilities work—much like League’s Augments in the “Arena” mode. It removes the “frustration” of laning and focuses entirely on the “Clash.” In 2026, the game has been praised for its accessibility; there are no shops or gold, just pure mechanical skill and team coordination. It’s the perfect game to play with friends who find traditional MOBAs too intimidating or “boring” during the early game.

19. Prime World: Defenders

Prime World is a unique mix of MOBA and “Castle Building.” Between matches, you manage a persistent “Hero Castle” where you research new talents and upgrade your roster. The actual 5v5 matches feature a “Terraforming” mechanic where you can claim territory on the map to buff your team’s stats. In 2026, the game’s “Empire” update has introduced cross-server clan wars, making the “strategy” extend far beyond a single 30-minute match. It’s a great choice for players who want their progress in a MOBA to feel “permanent” and RPG-like.

20.Brawl Stars

Brawl Stars is the “Pocket MOBA” that everyone is playing in 2026. While it’s a 3v3 game with simple controls, the “strategy” at high ranks is incredibly deep. You have to manage “lanes,” “map control,” and “super-meter economy.” The matches are only 2-3 minutes long, making it the ultimate game for when you’re on the bus or waiting for a League queue to pop. With over 70 “Brawlers” to master, each with unique gadgets and “Star Powers,” it offers a surprisingly high “skill-cap” that rewards the same “spacing” and “dodging” skills you’ve developed in League of Legends.

FAQ & Conclusion

Q: Which game is the easiest for a League player to learn? A: Mobile Legends or Honor of Kings. They share the same map layout, roles, and “Nexus” objective, just at a slightly faster pace.

Q: Is Dota 2 really that much harder than League? A: Yes. Dota 2 features mechanics like “Active Items” (almost every item you buy has a button you must press), “Turn Rates” (characters take time to turn around), and “High-Ground Miss Chance.” It takes more time to learn, but many find it more rewarding.

Q: Are there any MOBAs with no toxic chat? A: Pokémon Unite and Brawl Stars use “Quick Chat” systems that prevent players from typing custom messages, making them much “friendlier” environments for new players.

Final Thoughts

The “MOBA” is no longer just a 5v5 battle in a forest. By 2026, the genre has evolved to include shooters, brawlers, and even fighting games. Whether you want the deep complexity of Dota 2, the high-octane action of Deadlock, or the quick fun of Brawl Stars, the spirit of League of Legends—teamwork, strategy, and hero mastery—is everywhere.

Which champion are you taking into the arena today? Tell us your favorite MOBA alternative in the comments!

From Summoner’s Rift to Dota 2

If you play (LoL)	Play this in Dota 2	Why it feels the same
Garen	Juggernaut	Both have a “Spin-to-Win” (Blade Fury) ability that grants magic immunity and a high-damage ultimate.
Darius	Axe	Axe’s Culling Blade is a literal “execute” that resets on kill, exactly like Darius’s Noxian Guillotine.
Ashe	Drow Ranger	Both are frost-themed archers whose basic attacks slow enemies to keep them at a distance.
Shaco	Riki	Riki is permanently invisible and deals bonus damage when attacking from behind (Backstab).
Amumu	Tidehunter	Tidehunter’s Ravage is a massive AoE stun that functions exactly like Amumu’s ultimate in team fights.
Blitzcrank	Pudge	The “Hook” king. Pudge’s Meat Hook is longer and harder to land, but even more devastating.
Master Yi	Juggernaut / Anti-Mage	Use Juggernaut for the “alpha strike” feel or Anti-Mage if you like high-speed blinking and mana-burning.
Karthus	Zeus	Zeus’s ultimate strikes every single enemy hero on the map, no matter where they are.

From Summoner’s Rift to Smite 2

If you play (LoL)	Play this in Smite 2	Why it feels the same
Lux	Ra	Ra’s ultimate is a giant, long-range solar beam that snipes enemies through walls, just like Lux.
Annie	Hera	Hera summons Argus, a massive construct that fights for her, mirroring Annie’s Tibbers.
Yasuo	Susano	While their kits differ, Susano captures the “wind-samurai” aesthetic with high-mobility dashes and a cyclone ultimate.
Shen	Athena	Athena’s ultimate allows her to teleport to any ally on the map to save them, identical to Shen’s Stand United.
Leona	Athena / Terra	If you like Leona’s “Lockdown,” Athena has a taunt that forces enemies to look at her while her team collapses.
Thresh	Sobek	Sobek features a “pluck” (dash-and-throw) and massive displacement that feels like a Thresh hook/flay combo.
Gnar	Cu Chulainn	Cu Chulainn transforms into a massive “Rage” form after building up a meter, gaining entirely new, tankier abilities.
Ziggs	Vulcan	Vulcan is the king of artillery poke, using long-range bombs and a turret to zone out the enemy.

Top Tips for 2026 Transitions

Dota 2 (Turn Rates): In LoL, your character turns instantly. In Dota, characters have a “turn rate.” It will feel “laggy” at first, but it is a balance mechanic—don’t give up!

Smite 2 (Look Up): Unlike League, enemies can be above you or behind you. Use your ears and the 3D space to avoid being ganked from the jungle.

Deadlock (New Meta): If you are moving to Deadlock, look for Abrams if you like LoL tanks (like Malphite) or Vindicta if you like long-range snipers (like Caitlyn).