Lane

What does Lane mean in MOBA games?

Path on a MOBA map

In Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games like Dota 2, the maps are usually split into one or more routes, known as lanes. These are the areas where a lot of the fighting happens.

On the main game map of Dota 2, there are three distinct lanes. These are typically called top, mid, and bottom, which is based on their location on the map.

The objective in a MOBA match is for your characters, known as champions, to make their way through the enemy’s lanes. These lanes are guarded by several towers that need to be taken down. The ultimate goal is to destroy the enemy’s base.

While most of the player vs player (PvP) battles happen in these lanes, some fights can also take place in the map’s jungle areas. The lanes, therefore, play a crucial role in the gameplay of MOBA games.

Example for using ‘Lane’ in a conversation

Hey, have you played that new MOBA game?

Yeah, I’ve been playing League of Legends.

Nice! Do you know what ‘Lane’ means in the game?

Yeah, it’s basically the paths where most of the fighting happens.