Dota 2
You either Dota or you don’ta know about this one already. This is the sequel to the original “MOBA,” and while League of Legends has the biggest worldwide following, it’s Dota 2 that reigns on Steam.
There are problems: The initial learning curve is almost a vertical cliff to scale, and newbies will need to use notes in order to remember how to build characters and which gear to buy for their character initially. And the player community is renowned for being a bit on the prickly side, shall we say.
But if you’re willing to get over these obstacles, Dota 2 is a worldwide phenomenon that inspires almost cultish devotion. That you’re teamed up in 5v5 matches makes each game a tense experience, and a lot of the saltiness you find in Dota players comes from the fact that by design, you must rely on your teammates to win. And when the wins do come, they're amazingly satisfying.
Dota 2 also boasts one of the most fair and unobtrusive business models in the industry – you’ll win “chests” to open that require some small cash outlay to open, but it’s important to remember that these are completely superfluous to the game itself. From the moment you install the game, you have access to every hero and every item you’ll be able to actually use while playing.
And now, with the Reborn update live, Dota 2 is more accessible than ever before, boasting a new levels system and fan-created game modes.
