The best games like League of Legends for mobile are Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) titles that replicate the core formula of 5v5 matches, lane-based combat, hero selection, and base destruction objectives, adapted with touch controls and shorter match lengths. These games capture the strategic depth and competitive thrill of League of Legends while being optimized for on-the-go play on iOS and Android devices.
What makes a great mobile game like League of Legends
The defining mechanics that make a great mobile MOBA are the same ones that drive League of Legends: two teams of five players battle on a pre-determined map, each controlling a unique hero with distinct abilities. Players must work together to push through three lanes, destroy enemy turrets, and ultimately demolish the opposing team's Nexus or base. Mobile-specific considerations include responsive touch controls, match lengths typically under 20 minutes, and stable performance on a wide range of devices. The goal is to capture the same tactical teamplay and progression loop without requiring a desktop PC.
Best games like League of Legends for iOS and Android
The following curated list selects mobile MOBA alternatives that deliver authentic League of Legends-style gameplay. Platform availability is verified where official documentation exists; otherwise, the games are widely available on both major app stores.
1. League of Legends: Wild Rift
Riot Games' official mobile port of League of Legends is the most direct alternative available. It faithfully recreates the core League experience with controls and pacing built specifically for smartphones. Verified system requirements: iPhone 6s and above on iOS 15 and above with 2 GB RAM and an Apple A9 dual-core 1.84 GHz processor / PowerVR GT7600 GPU. For Android, the game requires Android 8 and above with 3 GB RAM and a Quad-core Cortex-A53 2.0GHz processor (Exynos 850, Helio A22) with a Mali-G52 MP1, PowerVR GE8320, or Adreno 610 GPU. As of Patch 7.0, the Apple minimum remains unchanged.
2. Arena of Valor
Developed by Tencent's TiMi Studio Group as the international version of Honor of Kings, Arena of Valor is one of the largest mobile MOBAs in the world with over 100 million active users. It plays similarly to League of Legends and is considered the Asian equivalent, with a massive player base that outpaced Wild Rift's adoption in many regions.
3. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
Moonton's MOBA dominates Southeast Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern esports scenes. While early iterations drew comparisons to League of Legends, the game has since developed its own identity through unique hero lore and franchise collaborations, including partnerships with King of Fighters and Star Wars.
4. Pokémon UNITE
The Pokémon Company's take on the MOBA genre, Pokémon UNITE is available on Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android (Android 5.0 or later required). Instead of traditional base destruction, teams compete to score points by depositing Aeos energy into the opponent's goal zones, offering a simplified scoring mechanic that makes it accessible to younger players.
5. Onmyoji Arena
NetEase's MOBA offers more than just 5v5 matches, including 3v3 and Battle Royale modes. Its primary player base is in East and Southeast Asian regions, but the game maintains separate World servers for North America, Europe, and South America. Note that Asian servers cannot share data with World servers. Onmyoji Arena's Asian servers cannot share data between them, so players should choose their server wisely.
6. Heroes Evolved
NetDragon's MOBA features over 120 playable heroes, three PVP modes (5v5, 3v3, and 1v1), and a robust clan management system. Its in-game ranking system provides clear eSports potential, with HD graphics and responsive touch controls that make it a solid entry for competitive play.
7. Legend of Ace
Standing out from traditional item builds, Legend of Ace replaces them with a card-based system featuring over 100 equipable cards to customize and strengthen characters. Matches are fast-paced with 10-minute limits, pushing teams to coordinate creatively under time pressure.
8. Marvel Super War
NetEase's Marvel-themed MOBA lets players control superheroes like Iron Man and Spider-Man in 5v5 battles. It is exclusively available in Southeast Asia, Oceania, Japan, and South Korea, meaning players outside those regions will need a VPN to access it.
9. One Piece Bounty Rush
Bandai Namco's anime MOBA uses a unique third-person perspective that lets players control Straw Hat Pirates like Luffy, Zoro, and Robin in close-up action. This perspective blends third-person shooter gameplay with traditional MOBA mechanics.
10. Extraordinary Ones
NetEase's visually distinct MOBA adopts an anime art style blending influences from Persona, My Hero Academia, and One Punch Man. It emphasizes fun and wacky gameplay rather than competitive seriousness, making it a lighter alternative in the genre.
11. ShellFire
An FPS-MOBA hybrid, ShellFire features 5v5 matches with predetermined lanes and base capture objectives. Its gameplay is closer to Valorant than traditional MOBAs, offering a shooter-based twist on the genre's conventions.
12. Vainglory
Vainglory was first released to iOS in 2014 as a demonstration of the iPhone 6's graphics capabilities. It offers cross-platform play across iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac, with Super Evil Megacorp balancing gameplay for all platforms.
13. Heroes of Order and Chaos
Heroes of Order and Chaos has been available on mobiles since 2012 and features 57 unique heroes.
14. Heroes of Soulcraft
Heroes of Soulcraft has two main playing modes: 3v3 and 5v5, with match times of 3 and 15 minutes respectively.
15. Heroes Arena
Heroes Arena gives heroes five normal abilities, one ultimate ability, and another three leader abilities.
Which mobile MOBA should you try first
Your choice depends on device compatibility, regional availability, and preferred playstyle. For a direct experience identical to League of Legends, Wild Rift is the obvious starting point, but verify your device meets its requirements (iPhone 6s+ on iOS 15+ or Android 8+ with 3GB RAM). If you prefer a simplified, family-friendly version with Pokémon characters, Pokémon UNITE is the best alternative with verified compatibility for Android 5.0 and above. For the largest player base outside the West, Arena of Valor dominates Asian markets, while Mobile Legends: Bang Bang leads in Southeast Asia and Latin America. If you want to see the best mobile games by genre overall, consider checking recommendations for gaming phones or tablets to ensure your device can handle these titles smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these mobile MOBAs pay-to-win?
Most of the games on this list, including Wild Rift, Arena of Valor, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, are free to play with in-app purchases primarily for cosmetic items like skins. No official sources indicate that purchases provide gameplay advantages that cannot be earned through regular play.
Can I play these games with a controller?
Pokémon UNITE supports controller play on Nintendo Switch, and some mobile MOBAs offer controller support on iOS and Android, but it is not guaranteed for every title. Wild Rift, for example, primarily relies on optimized touch controls, and official documentation does not specify controller compatibility.
Do these games have cross-platform play?
Pokémon UNITE supports cross-play between Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. Vainglory also offers cross-platform play across iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac. Most other titles restrict play to within the same platform (iOS vs. Android or mobile only).
How long does a typical match last in mobile MOBAs?
Most mobile MOBAs aim for match lengths between 10 and 20 minutes. Legend of Ace enforces a 10-minute limit, while Wild Rift and Arena of Valor matches typically last 15 to 20 minutes. This is significantly shorter than a standard League of Legends game on PC.
