Best Free MOBA Games: LoL vs Dota 2 Compared

The MOBA genre is dominated by two free giants: League of Legends and Dota 2. Both are excellent. Both are completely free. But they play very differently — here's how to pick yours.

League of Legends: The Accessible Giant

Best for: new MOBA players, faster matches, competitive polish

160+ champions, unlocked one at a time with free currency (or buy)

Matches run 25-35 minutes

Clean ability-based combat with clear power spikes

The biggest esports scene in the world

The pitch: LoL teaches you the genre gently. Champions have defined roles, the meta is well-documented, and matchmaking is fast at every level.

Dota 2: The Deep One

Best for: strategy lovers, tinkerers, chess players

**All 120+ heroes are free from day one** — no unlocking, ever

Matches run 30-50 minutes

Nothing is simplified: denying creeps, item actives, couriers, day/night cycles

The International's prize pools are the largest in esports history

The pitch: Dota hides nothing. Everything is available immediately; mastery is the long game. If you love systems interacting, Dota is the deepest competitive game ever made.

Head to Head

**Learning curve:** LoL weeks, Dota months

**Everything free?** Dota gives all heroes day one; LoL earns them over time

**Match length:** LoL shorter, Dota longer

**Community size:** both massive — tens of millions monthly

**Beginner friendliness:** LoL, clearly

The Other Free MOBAs

**Pokemon Unite** — streamlined MOBA, great for absolute beginners, on mobile/Switch

**Heroes of the Storm** — Blizzard's team-brawler take, no items, all teamfights

**Smite** — MOBA from third-person view, gods instead of champions

Which Should You Start With?

Honestly: the one your friends play. MOBAs are team games, and a duo partner beats every other consideration. Solo? Start with League — then try Dota at level 30 and see which philosophy fits you.

Play More Free Strategy Games

Both giants (and more) live in the MOBA genre on FreeDeck, alongside 400+ free games. Check the giveaways too — free skins and champion bundles pop up regularly.