The MOBA genre, short for multiplayer online battle arena, has become massively popular in recent years. These competitive team-based strategy games pit groups of players against each other in a bid to destroy the opposing team‘s base. With their intense competitions, roster of unique playable characters, and devoted fanbases, it‘s not hard to see why MOBAs like League of Legends and Dota 2 have become such blockbuster hits.
The good news is that PlayStation 4 owners have some excellent MOBA options to choose from as well. While not as numerous as on PC, there are a number of great titles that capture the strategic team-based battles the genre is known for. Whether you‘re a MOBA veteran or newcomer, PS4 has offerings sure to provide hours of competitive fun.
Here are my picks for the absolute best MOBA games you can play right now on PlayStation 4.
1. Smite
Developer: Titan Forge Games
Release Date: September 8, 2015
The top MOBA game you can currently play on PS4 is without a doubt Smite. What sets Smite apart from its competition, even on PC, is its third-person camera perspective compared to the typical top-down view. This over-the-shoulder vantage gives Smite‘s gameplay a distinct feel that plays almost like a third-person action game.
Choose from over 100 playable Gods derived from mythologies around the world. Zeus, Thor, Loki and more battle 5v5 across a variety of modes like Conquest and Arena. With continual updates and new Gods added over its lifespan, Smite has cultivated one of the most dedicated communities around. Strong gameplay foundations combined with regular injections of new content make Smite the cream of the crop.
2. Paragon
Developer: Epic Games
Release Date: March 15, 2016
Before Fortnite took over the world, Epic Games dabbled in the MOBA genre with Paragon. The game fascinated with its gorgeous graphics and third-person perspective. Heroes with firearms gave it almost a hero shooter flavor at times. The gameplay focused on traditional MOBA tropes of lane defense supplemented by jungle area buffs.
While Paragon built up a small community, it never achieved the success Epic hoped for. The game shut down in 2018 as resources shifted to Fortnite. But during its two years of operation, Paragon delivered a polished MOBA experience that in many ways was ahead of its time. For those who missed out the first time around or fondly remember the game, private servers allow Paragon‘s legacy to live on.
3. Arena of Valor
Developer: TiMi Studios Group
Release Date: January 24, 2020
One of the biggest MOBAs on mobile devices made its transition to PS4 in early 2020 with Arena of Valor. The game closely follows established MOBA conventions with 5v5 matches aiming to take down the enemy‘s base. Shorter average match times around 15 minutes cater well to the console audience and make Arena of Valor easily digestible even for newcomers.
With over 40 heroes to choose from, there‘s a character type and playstyle for everyone. Fighters bruisers, mages, marksmen, tanks and support classes make up the roster. Balancing caters towards console with less demanding mechanics and aiming requirements compared to its mobile version. Arena of Valor brings together the polish and approachability expected of a leading mobile MOBA tailored for living room enjoyment.
4. Megabyte Punch
Developer: Reptile Games
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Megabyte Punch puts a creative spin on the standard MOBA formula. The game blends battle arena bouts with fighting game mechanics for a unique hybrid experience. You‘ll face off 1v1 rather than the typical teams, with seven robot fighters to pick from. Matches take place on a 2D plane reminiscent of Smash Bros, as you aim to deplete three hit points from your mechanized opponent.
Special abilities liven up the punch-fests with options like rocket boots and EMP blasts. Power ups randomly spawn on stages to help shift the tide of battle if things aren‘t going your way. The visualsadopt a vibrant, blocky voxel style that really pops on PS4. For MOBA fans thirsty for something different, Megabyte Punch delivers a fresh take perfect for couch competitions.
Where to Buy PS4 MOBAs
The games listed above can all be purchased digitally through the PlayStation Store on your PS4 console. Most also have physical retail editions you can buy at major gaming stores. Check discounts sites as well for potential sales or secondhand copies.
For free-to-play titles, simply search and download directly from the PlayStation Store without needing to pay. Just set up a PSN account if you don‘t already have one.
Match Up Against Other PlayStation Owners
Sony‘s PS4 has emerged as an unlikely destination for some quality MOBA experiences. The more accessible and casual offerings cater extremely well to the console crowd. And free trials or downloads make it easy to try out some of the most popular options.
MOBA veterans can also find plenty of depth in leading titles like Smite and Arena of Valor. So gather up some friends, form a team, and battle for bragging rights over your fellow PlayStation owners. Just don‘t blame me if you find yourself sacrificing sleep to the gritty competition MOBAs relentlessly deliver.
