To the untrained eye, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and League of Legends might seem like two versions of the same game — both are multiplayer online battle arenas (MOBAs), both feature five-versus-five matches, and both have a roster of colorful heroes with unique abilities.
But despite surface similarities, these two games are fundamentally different — not only in their platforms and development history but also in gameplay structure, legal controversies, and community culture.
Different Origins, Same Genre
League of Legends was launched in 2009 by Riot Games and is widely credited with bringing the MOBA genre into the mainstream. Designed for PC, it evolved from the popular Defense of the Ancients (DotA) mod for Warcraft III, and has since become one of the most-played games in the world.
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, developed by Chinese company Moonton, was released in 2016 as a mobile-first MOBA. It quickly gained popularity in Southeast Asia and other mobile-centric markets, bringing the MOBA experience to players without access to gaming PCs.
While both games belong to the same genre, their development paths and intended audiences have been vastly different from the start.
Platform and Gameplay Differences
At the core, both games feature:
- A symmetrical 5v5 map with three lanes (top, mid, bottom)
- Turrets, minions, and a jungle
- A large pool of champions or heroes
- Gold and experience-based progression
- Strategic team-based combat
However, the execution diverges significantly:
| Feature | League of Legends | Mobile Legends: Bang Bang |
| Platform | PC | Mobile (iOS, Android) |
| Game Duration | 25-40 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
| Controls | Keyboard & mouse | Touchscreen joystick |
| Graphics/Detail | Higher, PC-optimized | Simplified for mobile |
| Strategic Depth | More complex item builds, macro play | More fast-paced, simplified strategy |
| Ranked System | 10 tiers (Iron–Challenger) with divisions/LP | Distinct tiered system (e.g., Warrior, Elite, Grandmaster, Epic, Legend, Mythic, Mythical Glory, Mythical Immortal) with unique progression mechanics, especially at higher tiers. |
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Community and Esports Scene
Both games have cultivated massive player bases and thriving esports scenes, though in different regions and formats.
League of Legends boasts global competitions like the World Championship, with top-tier teams from North America, Europe, China, and Korea. Mobile Legends has found particular success in Southeast Asia, with leagues like the Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) drawing huge audiences in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
The two titles rarely compete head-to-head, as they cater to different types of players: PC-based core gamers vs. mobile-first casual and regional audiences.
Enter Wild Rift: Riot’s Mobile Answer
In 2020, Riot released League of Legends: Wild Rift, a mobile and console version of League, built from scratch for shorter, mobile-friendly matches. While Wild Rift directly competes with Mobile Legends on mobile platforms, it retains League’s core feel and IP.
This move signaled Riot’s commitment to defending its mobile territory and offering a polished alternative to titles like Mobile Legends.
Conclusion: Similar, But Not the Same
Mobile Legends and League of Legends are not the same game, though they share genre roots. One was born on PC, the other on mobile. One emphasizes depth and esports prestige; the other focuses on quick, accessible gameplay for casual users. And while Mobile Legends undoubtedly took heavy inspiration from League, it has evolved into its own phenomenon.
In the end, both games coexist within the MOBA universe — and players can choose the battlefield that suits their style best.
Written by:
Christian