Heroes of Newerth vs Awesomenauts
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Heroes of Newerth (HoN) is a free‑to‑play multiplayer online battle arena that launched in 2010 for Linux, PC, and Mac. It offers a roster of over 70 heroes, each with unique abilities, and pits two teams of five against each other in intense, objective‑focused matches. The game emphasizes high skill ceilings, fast respawns, and a competitive ladder, catering to both casual pick‑up games and serious esports competition. Its community‑driven updates keep the meta fresh and the experience engaging.
Awesomenauts is a side‑scrolling multiplayer online battle arena that blends platforming, strategy, and comedy. Players choose from a roster of quirky heroes, each with unique abilities, and fight to destroy the enemy base while navigating dynamic maps. The game offers both solo and cooperative modes, supporting competitive multiplayer matches across PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360, delivering a vibrant, fast‑paced experience for teams of up to five players.
- High skill ceiling rewards mastery
- Cross‑platform support includes Linux
- Robust competitive ladder and ranking system
- Active community with regular updates
- Fast‑paced, accessible MOBA gameplay
- Humorous sci‑fi setting with vibrant art
- Wide variety of heroes and abilities
- Cross‑platform multiplayer support
- Steep learning curve for new players
- Microtransactions limited to cosmetics only
- Occasional matchmaking imbalances
- Steeper learning curve for new players
- Limited post‑launch content updates
- Occasional matchmaking latency on older consoles
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Heroes of Newerth
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A fast‑paced fantasy MOBA that pits mythic heroes against each other in epic battles
Alternatives to Awesomenauts
View all →A fast‑paced fantasy MOBA that pits mythic heroes against each other in epic battles
A fast‑paced, skill‑driven MOBA that blends hack‑and‑slash action with strategic depth
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataAwesomenauts offers a one‑time paid, cartoon‑style MOBA with cross‑platform play and a single‑player campaign, while Heroes of Newerth is free‑to‑play, supports Linux and has deeper competitive features but relies on cosmetic microtransactions.
Key differences
- •Awesomenauts is a paid game ($19.99) with a single‑player campaign; Heroes of Newerth is free‑to‑play with cosmetic microtransactions only.
- •Heroes of Newerth runs natively on Linux, Windows, and macOS; Awesomenauts does not list Linux support.
- •Heroes of Newerth includes a ranked ladder, spectator mode, and mod support; Awesomenauts offers ranked/unranked but no spectator or mod tools.
- •Awesomenauts provides cooperative missions against AI and interactive map hazards; Heroes of Newerth focuses on PvP with no mention of co‑op AI missions.
- •Both have steep learning curves, but Awesomenauts notes occasional matchmaking latency on older consoles, whereas Heroes of Newerth notes occasional matchmaking imbalances.
Pricing & value
Heroes of Newerth is free‑to‑play, offering full access without upfront cost; Awesomenauts costs $19.99.
Platform availability
Heroes of Newerth runs on Linux, Windows, macOS; Awesomenauts only lists cross‑platform multiplayer, no Linux support.
Gameplay & fun factor
Awesomenauts adds a single‑player campaign and cooperative AI missions, broadening play styles beyond pure PvP.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Awesomenauts supports up to five‑v‑five teams, co‑op AI missions, and voice chat; Heroes of Newerth lacks AI co‑op modes.
Content & replayability
Heroes of Newerth offers regular balance patches, seasonal events, mod support, and spectator mode, extending longevity.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both games have steep learning curves for new players; neither is noted as more accessible.
Graphics & performance
Awesomenauts features vibrant cartoon art and interactive map elements; Heroes of Newerth’s graphics are not described.
Choose Heroes of Newerth if…
Players who want a free entry, need Linux support, and value deep competitive features and community mods.
Choose Awesomenauts if…
Players who prefer a one‑time purchase, want a single‑player story, and enjoy cooperative AI missions.
Common questions
Is there any cost to start playing Heroes of Newerth?
No, it is free‑to‑play; only optional cosmetic microtransactions are available.
Can I play Awesomenauts on a Linux PC?
Not specified; Linux support is not listed for Awesomenauts.
Which game offers a single‑player experience?
Awesomenauts includes a single‑player campaign; Heroes of Newerth does not mention a single‑player mode.