MOBA games, or multiplayer online battle arenas, have become massively popular over the last decade. These team-based, competitive games pit groups of players against each other in a battle of strategy and skill. With the rise of eSports and streaming, MOBAs like League of Legends, DOTA 2, and Heroes of the Storm have developed huge player bases and tournament scenes.
While known more for first-person shooters and adventure games, the PlayStation 4 has hosted its fair share of excellent MOBA titles as well. Combining fast-paced action with complex gameplay, these 10 PS4 games represent the absolute best the genre has to offer.
What Defines a MOBA?
Before counting down the top titles, let‘s outline the core components of a MOBA game:
- Teams: MOBAs feature 5v5 team matches, with each player controlling a single "hero" character
- Lanes: The map is divided into 3 lanes connected by a "jungle" area, with bases at both ends
- Objectives: The goal is to penetrate the opposing team‘s defenses and destroy their base
- Leveling: Heroes become more powerful by accumulating XP and gold during matches
With these key elements in mind, here are the 10 best MOBAs available on PS4:
10. Games of Glory
- Free-to-play title with 16 unique heroes and custom loadouts
- Features competitive ranked play and solo/co-op modes against AI
- Unique ultimate abilities give each hero to chance to turn the tide of battle
- Mixed reviews, but easy to pick up for casual players
Games of Glory doesn‘t have the depth of DOTA 2 or polish of League of Legends, but its fun cast of characters and variety of game modes make it a decent casual-friendly MOBA. And since its free-to-play, it‘s at least worth a download just to test out the basic mechanics of the genre.
9. Pirates: Treasure Hunters
- Cartoon graphics and pirate theme give this MOBA mass appeal
- Up to 12v12 matches mean battles feel truly epic in scale
- Co-op vehicles and abilities require coordination between players
- Lots of long-term progression as you level up multiple hero classes
Embrace your inner pirate with this high seas take on MOBAs. The large team sizes lend an additional layer of depth, while the localized servers ensure smooth performance. If you enjoy a lighthearted environment with goofy characters, Pirates: Treasure Hunters is a great option to dive into the genre.
8. Dead Alliance
- Integrates zombies both as environmental hazards and weapons
- 28 playable hero characters, each with unique stats and abilities
- PS4 Pro enhanced visuals and effects
- Mixed reviews for generic design and repetitive maps
While Dead Alliance treads familiar ground with its visuals and gameplay, the dynamic use of zombie hordes adds a nice twist. If you‘re looking for a polished, albeit standard, take on MOBAs, it‘s a decent option for those seeking to avoid complex menus and systems.
7. Dungeon Defenders II
- Blends tower defense, RPG, and MOBA elements together
- Bright, vibrant art style
- Heroes can directly participate in combat as well
- Slower pace rewards planning and strategy over twitch gameplay
- Cross-platform play with PC
Offering a creative take on the MOBA framework, Dungeon Defenders II fuses tactical base-building with hero combat. With 5 distinctive heroes to master and co-op play available, it‘s a unique title for players looking for something beyond the standard 3-lane setup.
6. AirMech
- Fast-paced battles focused on controlling major objectives
- Top-down RTS-style gameplay similar to Herzog Zwei
- Pilot transforming mechs with specialized weapons and gear
- Supports 1v1 competitive ranked matches or 2v2 co-op
AirMech strikes a brilliant balance between tactical unit control and hero-based dueling. As one reviewer stated, "It feels refreshingly hostile for a MOBA while retaining a degree of depth." For those seeking a hybrid between arcade action and strategic depth, AirMech hits the sweet spot.
5. Awesomenauts Assemble!
- Vibrant 2D graphics and design showcase personality and humor
- Accessible controls optimized for console gamepads
- Over a dozen unique heroes to unlock and customize
- No cross-play support limits player base size
Awesomenauts Assemble! products cartoonish charm with nuanced gameplay across 3v3 matches. It may lack some refinements of its PC counterpart, but solid netcode and an approachable style make it an easy recommendation – especially for younger or casual audiences.
4. Overwatch
- Blizzard‘s hugely popular hero shooter has clear MOBA inspirations
- Synergy between tank, damage, healing heroes drives team composition
- Highly-balanced casting constant updated through patches and seasons
- Emphasis on reflex-driven combat over last-hitting or build orders
While debates rage whether Overwatch qualifies as a "true" MOBA, its FPS/MOBA hybrid style has become a benchmark for modern titles. Creative hero designs, fun casual play, and a vibrant eSports scene demonstrate Overwatch‘s crossover appeal. It may not have defined roles, but the strategic team-play creates thrilling matches.
3. Battleborn
- 25 playable heroes across 4 distinct classes to choose from
- Story mode can be played solo or co-op with friends
- Multiplayer includes of co-op PvE as well as competitive PvP
- Each hero has unique upgrade path tailored to player preference
Despite lukewarm initial reception, Battleborn deserves credit for marrying FPS gameplay with MOBA-like progression and variety. With a roster to rival any classic MOBA title, it offers players both short-term excitement and long-term mastery.
2. Paladins
- F2P hero shooter with clear MOBA inspirations
- 4 character classes – Front Line, Damage, Support, and Flank
- Cards system allows players to customize champion abilities
- Available across multiple platforms with shared progression
Expanding on Overwatch‘s formula, Paladins provides greater build diversity through its card mechanic. With a rapidly evolving meta, it ensures players must adapt their champion and gear loadouts to counter the latest strategies. Thriving tournaments and consistent content updates have built Paladins into a well-balanced eSport.
1. SMITE
- All gods and maps available for free, only cosmetics require purchase
- Third-person camera provides uniquely immersive experience
- Easy to pick up for both console gamers and MOBA newcomers
- Features the most playable deities of any MOBA title
SMITE remains the king of PlayStation MOBAs by specializing its core systems for controller support. Intuitive combat and simple purchases allow players to focus on teamplay strategy over memorizing shop recipes. With continued god additions and cross-play support, Hi-Rez studios has ensured SMITE‘s ongoing prominence within the competitive community.
For those looking to expand their multiplayer gaming horizons, PlayStation 4 hosts a stellar lineup of top-tier MOBAs. Approachable adventures like Awesomenauts Assemble! serve as perfect on-ramps for the genre, while hardcore eSports staples like SMITE and Paladins allow veterans to test their skills against the best players around the world.
Have you played any great PlayStation MOBAs we might have missed? Let us know in the comments below!
