How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 79 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 65 | 37 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 38 | 173 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (8)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 80
“Tencent is hoping Arena of Valor’s new console port will bring its eSports success on mobile to Nintendo Switch, and with a solid netcode, an accessible and enjoyable take on the MOBA template and a free-to-play model, there’s no reason it can’t achieve that goal in the months (and years) to come. While it does have a few technical issues at launch, they don't detract from the fact Nintendo Switch now has a proper MOBA to add to its library of supported genres. One of the world's biggest games is now on Switch, and that's something to celebrate.”
read full review ↗ - 70
“Arena of Valor is one of the best of the few MOBA games on the Switch. If you’re looking for something fun but want something that isn’t a complete time-sink, then this game is for you.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“This is the absolute premier way to play the game. Arena of Valor may have been born on mobile, but on Switch is where it feels at home.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“A great appetizer to the greater world of MOBA games. It’s definitely got to be one of the best mobile takes on the genre I’ve ever played, and there’s no doubt I’ll boot it up every so often on my Switch.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Arena of Valor is probably one of the best MOBAs to get into if you’re new to the series. With its beginner-friendly features and plenty of heroes to choose from, it’s fairly easy to learn your way around and start competing against other players. On the other hand, Arena of Valor offers just enough depth and a spice of variety to entice MOBA veterans to pick up the game on the Nintendo Switch.”
read full review ↗ - 78
“A true and solid Moba. Technically better than the mobile version its really enjoyable even if it shows its smartphone origins. Perfect Matchmaking.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Aesthetics aside, Arena of Valor sets a very high bar for MOBAs on consoles with its easy control scheme and competitive gameplay. This is as close to the authentic LoL/DOTA 2 experience as a home console has gotten so far, and I’m excited to see the game grow and prosper on the Switch. The MOBA might have found a new home on the Nintendo Switch, and Arena of Valor started it all.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Arena of Valor it's an awesome MOBA to play on Nintendo Switch. The new control system it's pretty neat and it works really well with the Joy-Con. If you love the genre you can't miss the opportunity to jump in and start playing right now.”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
Switch Player
Destructoid
DualShockers
Twinfinite
Spaziogames
COGconnected
Multiplayer.it