Here’s a full list of games like DotA that will allow you to take a break from the iconic action RTS while still indulging in something similar. It’s amazing how PC game mods sometimes show so much potential, that they downright force developers to turn them into full-bodied products. Defense of the Ancients started off as a mod for World of Warcraft III, and soon managed to surge in popularity among gamers. Valve observed this and decided to make the upcoming DotA 2 – its ultimate tribute to the original mod.
What’s interesting is that some of the most successful games of recent times have stemmed from mods for other titles. These include the likes of Counter-Strike which was a mod for Half-Life, and Team Fortress Classic which emerged from a mode for Quake. The games we’ve listed below are some of the best out there when it comes to rendering similar gameplay to that of the Defense of the Ancients mod. Most of them are free-to-play, and hence won’t hurt your wallets dearly. So, without much ado, let’s have a look at them.
1 – Bloodline Champions:
First among our compilation of games similar to DotA is Bloodline Champions which grants you an easy-to-learn MOBA experience. Its gameplay model is a basic one, with two teams (Warm and Cold) of five, pitched against each other completing objectives. These depend on the different modes that are available in the game.
Bloodline Champions is currently available exclusively for PC as a free-to-play model.
2 – Heroes of Newerth:
As known as HoN, Heroes of Newerth draws heavy influences from the Defense of the Ancients mod. The Legion and the Hellbourne are the two teams in this game which are occupied by five players each. The ultimate goal of these teams is the destruction of enemy bases.
A polished user interface, team matchmaking, an in-game store and an offline map editor are some of its highlights. It is available now for PC, Mac and Linux.
3 – Super Monday Night Combat:
Released in April 2012 for PC, this game can easily be pointed out as an oddball among these games like DotA, for at first glimpse it doesn’t seem like one. However, fans of Defense of the Ancients will start feeling right at home once they get on with playing it.
This free-to-play shooter revolves around destroying the Moneyballs of opposing teams. It can be identified for its art style which is strikingly similar to that of the hugely popular Team Fortress 2.
4 – Demigod:
Unlike the first three games, this one is not a free-to-play title. Purchasable through Steam for PC at a price of 9.99 USD (approx. Rs. 555), this amalgam of action, strategy and role-playing can be noted for its beautiful graphics that add an extra touch to the overall experience.
Its fast-paced battles are accompanied by a riveting soundtrack as well as other audible pleasures in its sounds.
5 – League of Legends:
The fifth game on our list is probably the most recognizable titles around when it comes to similarities with Defense of the Ancients. This PC and Mac title came in 2009 and has since been delighting tons of gamers with its outstanding action RTS offerings.
It can be played in a total of five different modes. These include tutorial, custom, co-op vs. AI, normal and ranked. Apart from rich and vivid graphics, it also kicks in an innovative game design which deserves applause.
6 – Avalon Heroes:
Unlike the titles mentioned above, Avalon Heroes falls under the slightly lesser known category. But it’s as exciting as the others are, if not more. Its main highlights are the Battle mode and the Arena mode. While the former lets you vie against other factions, the latter has you clashing against the Legendary Mob.
Moreover, there’s even an Adventure mode which renders pure tactical gameplay, and a Plaza mode where you may converse with your friends while creating a guild or upgrading your equipment. This game has a free-to-play model, and can be downloaded now via its official website.
7 – Realm of the Titans:
The final title in our catalog of games similar to DotA has players battling it out in a total of three lanes in order to build up XP and gold. Available only for PC as a free download, this game enables players to apply four skills to their characters.
And while these are upgradable with XP, a fifth skill is also available to be changed every three minutes. Another area where it defers from usual MOBA titles is its placement of NPCs and bosses at the four corners of its maps.
Conclusion:
All these seven games like DotA have their own unique flavors that set them apart from Defense of the Ancients, even though they draw immense inspiration from the mod in question. These are excellent choices for eSports tournaments as well. So, as you wait the long wait for the release of DotA 2, you won’t regret jumping into these above listed options.