Browsing games on any app store may yield three kinds of results: blatant timewasters, promising games overrun by microtransactions, and the occasional mobile gaming gem. With all these games, it may be hard for you to decide what to download. Fortunately, we are here to help you with this.
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In this list, we’re going to take a look at some of the best mobile games that you can play on iOS and Android today. These games cover many different genre types. Many of these games are free as well, allowing you to head to your device’s app store and download one right now!
Updated November 20, 2024 by Jacqueline Zalace: Looking for more of the best mobile games of all time? We’ve updated this list with a few more of the best mobile games that you can try on iOS and Android today.
Skul: The Hero Slayer
Overall, roguelike games are pretty popular, so it only makes sense that some of the best mobile games out there are also roguelikes. The first game we have on our list is Skul: The Hero Slayer. In this game, you are not on the side of the good guys.
Instead, you are Skul, who is a skeleton serving the Demon King. By progressing through randomly generated areas, you will need to save allies who have been captured by heroes. This premise is quite unique, making Skul: The Hero Slayer worth trying.
Guncho
Ever dream of turn-based, roguelike, wild west shooter all combined into one? With Guncho, all of your dreams will come true! This game puts you in the shoes of a gunslinger and his donkey, letting you navigate through randomly generated maps.
Rather than taking to a giant map filled with difficult-to-navigate terrain and large expanses of land, Guncho is small and compact, with everything right in your sight. This game truly is bite-sized, especially as a run can take just 30 minutes.
Wayward Souls
Wayward Souls is another roguelike game set in a dark and grisly pixelated world. As a roguelike game, you will be able to play for short periods of time, as well as long stretches if you feel like it. Inspired by ’90s RPGs, Wayward Souls lets you choose between seven different classes, including Paladin, Cultist, and Spellsword.
Thankfully, this game is also highly replayable, as the maps are randomly generated. Since Wayward Souls is paid, there are no microtransactions that you need to worry about. All content that is added to the game is free!
Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis
Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis is a retelling of the original Final Fantasy 7 story, with a deeper look into Sephiroth’s past. As a mobile game, Ever Crisis also has a gacha system.
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Rather than summoning characters, you will summon unique weapons. For example, you may be able to get you may be able to get your hands on the Murasame, which is the most powerful sword in the game.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Hello Kitty Island Adventure may sound a bit childish, but did you know that this was nominated for best mobile game at The Game Awards in 2023? That’s right, this Sanrio game was up against Ever Crisis, but ultimately they both lost to Honkai: Star Rail. Still, Hello Kitty Island Adventure is worth playing if you are a fan of anything cute and cozy.
In this game, it’s up to you to restore an island “to its former glory. Rather than being Hello Kitty herself, you are aiding her. Thankfully, you can even make friends with the various Sanrio characters that appear, such as Chococat and My Melody.
Dead Cells
Dead Cells will give your mobile device an action game for the ages. The “Metroidvania” gameplay has plenty of depth, while still maintaining the addictive accessibility that makes you want to pick it up again and again.
Dead Cells has players fight through a dungeon with gruelingly combat, upgrading and unlocking new abilities with every death. Each new life comes with a new dungeon, and because of the game’s challenging difficulty, you’ll always want to come back for another run.
Words With Friends
Words with Friends is an absolute classic, launching back in 2009 for smartphones, as well as Facebook. This scrabble-like game was developed by Zynga, who also made Farmville. Don’t let this turn you off from the game though! Words with Friends is a multiplayer game of the classic crossword style board game.
The friends in question that you play with can be people that you know in real-life, as well as new internet friends. This gives you the freedom to play whenever you want, even if your real friends aren’t feeling up to it.
Oxenfree
If you haven’t played Oxenfree yet in the many years that it has been out, give it a download and kick yourself later. This story-driven indie darling is atmospheric and cinematic, and not enough people have given it a try.
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You play as Alex, a teen caught up in a supernatural mystery on a spooky island. The game consists of exploration and dynamic dialogue, where the player can have free-flow conversations with other characters. If you enjoy coming-of-age stories and have the time (a very long commute, per se), try Oxenfree and experience the mystery for yourself.
Alto’s Odyssey
Dozens of games are similar to Alto’s Odyssey, but none of them are quite as compelling. This relaxing endless runner has players snowboarding down gorgeous, ambient vistas while providing enough gameplay variety for every kind of player.
There are plenty of goals to work towards and mechanics that shake up the gameplay, but it also allows for totally endless playing. It’s simple, pretty, and satisfying on any level if you’re willing to engage with it. If you play mobile games for simple, relaxing fun, then this one is for you.
Monument Valley 2
With no shortage of puzzle games on mobile storefronts, Monument Valley and its sequel are some of the most unique experiences in the genre. You must guide the protagonists from one end of the level to the other — simple in concept. However, every level is like a living M.C. Escher piece, full of optical illusions that can be difficult to navigate.
Navigating these mazes makes for a fun brain teaser, and the game’s presentation only adds to the experience. It’s all so pretty… and confusing. The series is definitely worth checking out if mobile puzzle games are starting to feel the same.
Spaceteam
Of course, some of the most popular mobile games are the ones you play with the people around you. Instead of recommending a reliable game of headbands or charades, you might want to try Spaceteam. It’s pretty old, but it is still one of the best party games on mobile devices.
Once all participants have downloaded the game, they can engage in some of the silliest cooperative experiences they will ever have. Spaceteam has players commandeer a spaceship, with each player manning ridiculously named controls. The only way to keep things running smoothly is to call out commands to the rest of your team.
Gris
Gris is a puzzle-platformer with the aesthetics of a hand-drawn animated film. The narrative is open to interpretation, but the gameplay follows a girl named Gris as she navigates surreal watercolor environments.
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Both stylish and ethereal, Gris is an experience well worth having. These titles follow the mold if you just can’t get enough.
There are plenty of great platformers on mobile devices, but Gris is a standout for its stellar sound and animation. Put some headphones on, immerse yourself, and let Gris wash over you. It’s a game that will stick with you, which is increasingly hard to find on the mobile market.
Pokemon GO
- Released
-
July 6, 2016
- Developer(s)
-
Niantic
, The Pokemon Company - Multiplayer
-
Online Multiplayer
- Engine
-
Unity
- ESRB
-
e
- Platforms
-
ios, andriod
- X|S Optimized
-
n/a
- Steam Deck Compatibility
-
n/a
- Cross Save
-
yes
- Cross-Platform Play
-
ios, andriod
Say what you want — Pokemon GO was an inherently great concept when it first launched, and the game has only improved since. It’s the closest thing fans of the series will ever get to an authentic mobile experience, and it encourages healthy physical activity and urban exploration.
With new Pokemon, community events, and several additional features, the game is objectively better than when it started and — despite its obnoxious popularity — is still a solid mobile game.
Pocket City
Pocket City
Simulation
Strategy
Indie Games
- Released
-
July 28, 2018
- Developer
-
Codebrew Games
- Publisher
-
Codebrew Games
- Engine
-
unity
- ESRB
-
e
Plenty of city builders and “idle” games flood app stores week to week. While most of them are just vehicles for advertisements and microtransactions, Pocket City is probably the closest thing to a proper Tycoon game on mobile that won’t waste your time; it’s a micromanager’s dream come true.
You won’t have to worry about premium currency or arbitrary build times. Simply build your city, manage your economy, and create without the constant annoyances featured in similar mobile titles. It doesn’t necessarily have the depth of a PC copy of Sim City, but it feels perfectly downsized for a satisfying experience on your phone or tablet.
Transistor
Transistor is a beautiful game brought to us by Supergiant Games, who are known for their top-notch games. In Transistor, you play as Red, a once-famous singer. The story isn’t too clear at first, but as the game progresses, the world will unfold around you.
The game has smooth real-time combat, but in an interesting twist, you can also pause battle to plan your next moves. In the end, you may even be left with a tear or two. If you are a fan of Supergiant Games, you’re in luck! You can also play Pyre, Bastion, and Hades.
Fantasian
Fantasian
- Released
-
April 2, 2021
- Developer(s)
-
Mistwalker
- Publisher(s)
-
Mistwalker
- Engine
-
Unity
- ESRB
-
t
Fantasian is a JRPG that really blows other mobile RPGs out of the water. Since it’s only on Apple Arcade, you won’t encounter any microtransactions to ruin the immersion.
If you are a fan of Final Fantasy games, then Fantasian is right up your alley. The mobile game was developed by Mistwalker Corporation, which was founded by Hironobu Sakaguchi, who happens to have created Final Fantasy. Additionally, the music for the game was composed by Nobuo Uematsu, who also composed music for the series.
League of Legends: Wild Rift
League of Legends needs no introduction. If you are a fan of the game, then you probably know about Wild Rift, which is essentially a mobile version of the game. Based on this, it would make sense that they are pretty similar.
Interestingly, Wild Rift was rebuilt from the ground up. The original League of Legends couldn’t be implemented on mobile, so Wild Rift was rebuilt. Overall, the game is still free and fun, making it a must-have for all fans of the original.
Among Us
Chances are, you know what Among Us is. This game took the world by storm when it was first launched, making it a great game for groups of friends. This worldwide hit is also available on mobile for free.
Now, you can play Among Us with friends while on the go. Thankfully, this mobile version of Among Us is also cross-platform, allowing you to play with others even if they just have it on PC.
Stardew Valley
At this point, Stardew Valley is practically a household name. This charming farm life simulator hit the gaming scene in 2016, and has since spread across different platforms. Now, you can tend your farm and live life in the valley, right from your phone.
Developer ConcernedApe ensures that mobile players will have the same experience as those playing on other platforms. Updates are a bit behind, but this is, by no means, a ‘lite’ version of the game.