Normally, it’s not something I would play, considering that it somehow casualized the MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) genre, which is something I personally can’t get over. Plus, I’m a console main and I’ve honestly received a few “you’re not a gamer if you don’t play Mobile Legends” barbs from some kids. However, in the aforementioned timeframe, my perspective changed a little about the game. Mobile Legends is a fun MOBA with a ton of depth despite being “a game for everybody”.

With that said, it’s easy to see why millions of people have become enamored with it. In a way, it somehow defeated the internet cafe culture of playing MOBAs with friends in a public space. Moreover, it attracted both hardcore players and those just wanting to kill time.

Thing is, why? Why is it such a global craze?

Accessible - anyone can play and learn it

In a nutshell, Mobile Legends is easy to learn yet hard to master. It’s like an entry point for people wanting to try out and play MOBAs, but if you want to truly excel in it, there’s a need to master hero skills and abilities, as well as the builds and items.

With that in mind, the player-base ranges from huge fans of the game, casual players looking to kill time, and gamers wanting to play a few games right before bed. It attracts everybody from all walks of life.

Unfortunately, this is evident in the quality of the player-base. A lot of players, especially those in the lower ranks, aren’t exactly intelligent when it comes to playing the game. They do a lot of bone-headed moves and are just...terrible. Fortunately, these occurrences are fewer when you reach the higher-ranked tiers, enabling you to play with higher-level players who only make fewer mistakes.

It scratches your competitive itch

If there’s one thing Mobile Legends does well is it manages to make you feel competitive. You want to win every match and be of a higher ranking than your friends and peers. Plus, let’s say you’re a hardcore gamer and with a lot of pride with that you do. In this game, you may get matched up with players who don’t classify themselves as gamers. Of course, you’d get competitive and don’t want to lose to casuals. In a way, the game makes you draw out your desire to win and get that MVP award.

It gives fun in bite-sizes

In my experience playing older MOBA titles like Warcraft III (DOTA), Heroes of Newerth, and DOTA II, matches sometimes take more than an hour or so. This limits the number of matches you can play with friends. Mobile Legends addresses this by perfecting the mobile MOBA formula. Matches are quick and fast-paced, lasting an average of 10-20 minutes. This makes it a great game to play during long commutes and for waiting in long lines.

Robust ranking and multiplayer elements

Mobile Legends has a multi-tiered ranking system that classifies players according to their matches won and of course, their records. This isn’t revolutionary by any means, but it’s amazing in lessening the gripe of knuckleheaded players who only want to play marksmen yet end up being fodder for opposing teams.

Apart from its ranking elements, there are also mentorship programs and leaderboards to help you see where you rank against the world and even in your country.

New and varied content

Apart from the MOBA aspect, Mobile Legends also has a number of game modes. There’s even an auto chess mode which is a fantastic addition. This adds more flavor to the game and gives players new things to try out.

In addition to the game modes, players are also treated to new heroes, skins, and other pieces of content. Moonton managed to build an entire global franchise and kept it sustainable and competitive with new content and ample community support. Note that it’s also a major eSports title and is even a major event in athletic meets in some parts of the world.

Bottomline: it’s a great game

Yes, Mobile Legends is a great game. It’s stable, well-managed, and provides an optimum experience for most of its players. Matchmaking is quick and easy, and you can even play the game with a budget smartphone running on a slow mobile connection. Heroes are varied and for a mobile MOBA, it has deep strategic elements especially when it comes to building a well-balanced team and character builds.

Personally, it’s still something I’m not crazy for and though won’t play it for long stretches, Mobile Legends should undoubtedly be one of your go-to games. Best-played with your friends and peers, it’s a great way to kill time and is something you’d want to invest in if you’re looking for a new MOBA title to play.