Mobile Legends Bang Bang In 2020: A Deep Dive

Hey guys! Let's dive into the awesome world of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) as it stood in 2020. It was a wild year for everyone, and that includes the gaming scene. So, buckle up as we explore everything that made MLBB such a hit back then, from the heroes to the meta, and everything in between!

The Meta in 2020: What Was Hot?

Understanding the meta is super important in any MOBA, and 2020 in Mobile Legends was no exception. The meta basically refers to the most effective tactics available, which heroes are the strongest, and which strategies are most likely to lead you to victory. In 2020, we saw a fascinating evolution of the meta, shaped by patches, hero releases, and pro-scene play.

Dominant Hero Classes

During 2020, certain hero classes shined brighter than others. Fighters were incredibly versatile, capable of dishing out significant damage while also being durable enough to survive skirmishes. Think heroes like Chou and Paquito, who could dive into the backlines, disrupt the enemy, and still make it out alive. Their ability to adapt to different roles made them invaluable in almost any team composition. Mages, with their burst damage potential, controlled the mid-lane and played a crucial role in team fights. Heroes such as Esmeralda and Pharsa could turn the tide of battle with their powerful ultimates and area-of-effect spells.

Key Strategies and Team Compositions

Team compositions in 2020 often revolved around a few core strategies. Hyper-carry compositions, where one hero is heavily protected and fed resources to become an unstoppable force, were quite popular. This strategy required excellent coordination and map control to ensure the carry could farm efficiently and safely. Another common strategy was the split-push approach, where teams would apply pressure on multiple lanes simultaneously, forcing the enemy to divide their attention and creating opportunities for objectives. This required heroes with strong mobility and wave-clearing abilities.

Items and Adjustments

The item builds also played a significant role in shaping the meta. Certain items, like Endless Battle for fighters and Glowing Wand for mages, were almost mandatory due to their powerful effects and synergy with hero abilities. Adjustments to items and hero stats through patches frequently shook up the meta, forcing players to adapt and experiment with new builds and strategies. Understanding these item dynamics was crucial for maximizing a hero's potential and staying ahead of the competition. In summary, 2020’s meta was a dynamic landscape influenced by hero classes, strategic team compositions, and item adjustments, making it a constantly evolving challenge for players.

Top Heroes of 2020: The Stars of the Show

Every year, some heroes just dominate the scene. In 2020, these heroes were picked and banned constantly because of how strong they were. Let's break down some of the most impactful heroes.

Core Heroes and Their Impact

Esmeralda was the mage to fear in 2020. Her ability to absorb shields and convert them into her own made her incredibly tanky while still dealing tons of damage. She was a nightmare to deal with in lane and team fights, often requiring multiple players to focus her down. Granger, as a marksman, consistently delivered high burst damage from a safe distance. His kit allowed him to quickly eliminate key targets, making him a priority pick for teams looking to secure objectives. Paquito, the new kid on the block, quickly rose to prominence thanks to his incredible mobility and damage output. He could dash in and out of fights, making him difficult to pin down while constantly harassing the enemy.

Why They Were So Strong

These heroes weren't just strong by accident. Their kits synergized perfectly with the meta. Esmeralda's shield absorption countered many burst strategies, while Granger's range and burst damage made him ideal for dealing with tanky compositions. Paquito's mobility allowed him to thrive in the fast-paced, skirmish-heavy meta of 2020. Moreover, their scaling and itemization options were incredibly flexible, allowing them to adapt to different team compositions and enemy strategies. Regular adjustments and balancing by the developers kept the hero pool fresh, but these core heroes consistently found ways to remain relevant due to their inherent strengths and adaptability.

Honorable Mentions

Of course, other heroes also made a significant impact. Ling, with his unmatched mobility, was a terror in the hands of skilled players. Wanwan, another marksman, could shred through entire teams with her ultimate if she managed to trigger it. And let's not forget Atlas, whose crowd control abilities could single-handedly win team fights. These heroes, while not always the top picks, were still incredibly valuable and could swing games in the right hands. Their versatility and potential for high-impact plays made them staples in many competitive and casual games throughout the year.

Key Events and Tournaments in 2020

MLBB's esports scene was thriving in 2020. Despite the challenges posed by the global situation, there were some unforgettable tournaments.

Notable Tournaments and Their Highlights

One of the biggest events of the year was the Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) series across different regions. In Southeast Asia, MPL Indonesia, MPL Philippines, and MPL Malaysia/Singapore saw intense competition among the top teams. These leagues were not only crucial for regional dominance but also served as qualifiers for international tournaments. Matches were filled with innovative strategies, surprising hero picks, and nail-biting comebacks, providing endless entertainment for fans. The finals often broke viewership records, showcasing the growing popularity of MLBB esports.

Impact on the Competitive Scene

These tournaments had a huge impact on the competitive scene. They showcased the highest level of play, inspiring aspiring players and influencing the meta. Winning teams and standout players became household names, celebrated for their skill and dedication. The tournaments also provided valuable data and insights for the developers, helping them balance the game and address any issues. Moreover, the competitive scene drove innovation in strategies and team compositions, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in MLBB.

Community Engagement

The events weren't just about the pro players. The community was super involved, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch the matches, participating in prediction events, and engaging with the content on social media. The tournaments often included community-focused activities, such as fan votes, cosplay competitions, and giveaways, further strengthening the bond between the game and its players. The success of these events highlighted the importance of community engagement in the growth and sustainability of MLBB esports. In short, 2020 was a landmark year for MLBB esports, marked by thrilling tournaments, intense competition, and passionate community involvement.

How the Game Changed in 2020: Updates and Patches

Moonton, the developer of MLBB, kept the game fresh with constant updates and patches. These changes affected everything from hero balance to item stats.

Major Updates and Their Impact

Throughout 2020, MLBB received several major updates that significantly altered the gameplay experience. Hero adjustments were a regular occurrence, with buffs and nerfs aimed at balancing the hero pool and preventing any single hero from becoming too dominant. These adjustments often led to shifts in the meta, forcing players to adapt and experiment with new strategies. Item reworks and additions also played a crucial role, providing new options for players to customize their builds and counter specific threats. The introduction of new game modes and features kept the gameplay experience fresh and engaging, catering to different player preferences.

Hero Balancing and Adjustments

Hero balancing was a continuous process. Some heroes received buffs to increase their viability, while others were nerfed to tone down their dominance. These changes were often based on data collected from both casual and competitive games, ensuring that the adjustments were relevant and impactful. For example, a hero with a low win rate might receive buffs to their damage or survivability, while a hero with an excessively high win rate might have their damage or crowd control abilities reduced. These adjustments aimed to create a more diverse and balanced hero pool, encouraging players to explore different options and strategies.

New Features and Content

Beyond hero balancing, Moonton introduced new features and content to enhance the overall gaming experience. New skins were released regularly, allowing players to customize their favorite heroes and express their individuality. Events and collaborations brought unique challenges and rewards, keeping the game engaging and rewarding. The introduction of new game modes, such as Arcade modes, provided alternative ways to play the game and cater to different player preferences. These additions kept the game fresh and exciting, ensuring that players always had something new to look forward to.

The Community's Role: Fan Theories and More

The MLBB community is huge, and in 2020, they were more active than ever. From creating fan theories to sharing memes, they added so much to the game.

Fan Theories and Speculations

The MLBB community is known for its creativity and passion, and fan theories are a testament to this. Players often speculate about the lore and backstories of heroes, creating intricate narratives that connect different characters and events. These theories are shared on forums, social media, and in-game chats, sparking discussions and debates among fans. Some theories even predict future hero releases or plot twists, adding an element of excitement and anticipation to the game. While not always accurate, these fan theories demonstrate the deep engagement and investment that players have in the world of Mobile Legends.

Community-Driven Content

Beyond theories, the community also contributes a wide range of content, including fan art, cosplay, and memes. Talented artists create stunning illustrations of heroes, capturing their personalities and abilities in unique and creative ways. Cosplayers bring their favorite characters to life, showcasing their dedication and craftsmanship. Memes provide a humorous take on in-game situations, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared experience among players. This community-driven content enriches the MLBB experience, making it more than just a game.

Impact on the Game's Popularity

The community's involvement plays a crucial role in the game's popularity and longevity. Their passion and creativity attract new players, while their feedback helps shape the development of the game. Moonton actively engages with the community, listening to their suggestions and incorporating their ideas into the game. This collaborative relationship fosters a sense of ownership and pride among players, further strengthening their bond with MLBB. In conclusion, the MLBB community is a vibrant and integral part of the game, contributing to its success in countless ways.

Conclusion: Why 2020 Was a Great Year for MLBB

So, there you have it! 2020 was a fantastic year for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. The meta was ever-evolving, new heroes shook up the scene, the esports tournaments were thrilling, and the community was as vibrant as ever. It's no wonder MLBB continued to grow and thrive!