The best free MOBAs to start playing in 2024

MOBAs demand intense time investment to master, but with the best free MOBAs of 2024, players don’t have to make any monetary investment to start. 

Multiplayer online battle arenas, or MOBAs, can be intimidating for new players. However, the beauty of this genre is that if one game doesn’t resonate, there’s always another with a unique twist. Looking for a more beginner-friendly MOBA? We’ve got it covered. Craving a third-person perspective? There’s a fantastic free option available. No matter their gaming preference, there’s a MOBA that’s just right for everyone. 

With almost all major MOBAs in 2024 being free to play, there isn’t much risk in trying them out to see which is your jam. 

The best free MOBAs of 2024

League of Legends is fast and fun 

League is not the first MOBA to enter the market, but it is undoubtedly among the most popular globally. The game is much more accessible than other famous MOBAs, namely Dota 2. LoL’s roster offers colorful characters with unique personalities to play as. The game also welcomes gamers who are new to the genre. The gameplay is streamlined, but players still need a solid understanding of their champion to stand a chance against advanced players. Thankfully, matchmaking does an excellent job of pairing like-skilled players together.

Riot Games, the developer behind League of Legends, has made a fortune with millions of players playing the game daily. The revenue has allowed them to venture into mobile with Wild Rift and launch a successful Netflix animation titled Arcane. Players interested in flashy characters, fast matches, and straightforward gameplay should check out this free-to-play MOBA in 2024.

Dive deep into the world of Dota 2

Dota 2 is a game that rewards dedication and skill. Its deep mechanics will take dozens of matches to learn, but the feeling of winning a match is unparalleled. Team composition, synergy, and map awareness are all crucial, and mastering these aspects is a journey. The learning curve is steep, but the sense of accomplishment when contributing to a win is worth every effort. 

Valve’s MOBA is constantly improving and offering players new experiences. There is no better time to dive headfirst into the world of heroes, creatures, villains, and wizards. The game has a very active community, and unlike most big MOBAs in 2024, all characters are completely free to play. Dota 2 is also an esports phenomenon, with millions of players enjoying the pro scene for free. 

Smite remains one of the best free MOBAs in 2024

Smite differentiated itself from the competition by being a third-person MOBA back in 2014. Almost a decade later, it is still going strong with a healthy community of players. While Smite 2 is also around the corner, the original is still supported by Titan Forge Games. Unlike other MOBAs exclusive to PC, Smite is also available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, making it accessible to a larger pool of gamers. 

The third-person gameplay is markedly different from isometric views of other MOBAs. Smite features playable gods ranging from Zeus to Ganesha, all from a third-person perspective. The change of view brings fights to life with skirmishes looking more like arcade brawlers than a MOBA. Smite 2 is set to launch early next year, so now is the best time to check out the original with its years’ worth of updates.