I started playing HoTS last April. I played until I hit level 30 and I played some Hero League in it too. I started playing League (consistently, I believe I made my account months before I actually played much) sometime around last September/October. I loved HoTS as it was my first MOBA, but the more I played League, the more I liked it and the less I enjoyed playing HoTS. I can, without a doubt, say that HoTS has simpler mechanics and is more "noob friendly" than League. No items and team XP (also team shared kills when I played but I see they don't do that anymore) make solo play much easier, but it also makes solo carrying much harder. As for tactics, the two games are completely different. HoTS has more interactive maps, objectives that can win/lose a game very easily, MUCH smaller maps and a completely different dynamic behind how you play. League has items, solo XP, and many other things that make solo play more difficult, but solo carrying easier. In conclusion, the 2 games are so outrageously different, especially for both being MOBAs, that comparing them is completely pointless and irrelevant.