The Best One-Handed Games On iOS And Android

With so many games available on mobile phones, sometimes you just want to relax and hold your phone, perhaps while commuting or even lying on your side. And we’ve all been there, wishing for a game we could enjoy with one hand that is actually immersive.

Some of these games are our favorites, ones we’ve played for ages, and it’s only fair that we share them with you as well. Games like Subway Surfers are gems that have certainly stood the test of time, and rightly so.

8 Tetris

Available On: Android And iOS

There is very little to say about a game that potentially every person on Earth has heard of. What can we say? It’s Tetris. You can play it with one hand, and it’s one of the best puzzle games of all time.

The game is incredibly intuitive. Blocks fall from the top, and your goal is to use spatial reasoning to align them into complete rows before they pile up completely. Tetris is the go-to game to kill time and is a unique title that nearly every generation can relate to.

7 Color Switch

Available On: Android And iOS

Color Switch has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. It started off as a simple game with a single goal: move a ball upwards by constantly tapping the screen to make it go higher. The catch is that the ball’s color changes periodically, and it can only pass through obstacles of the same color. Another key mechanic is gravity, so if you’re not focused, you’ll likely fall and lose.

It’s an endless game, making it the perfect way to kill time. Over the years, the game has added a variety of other mini-games, all housed within the same app, waiting to be explored. There’s also a level system, so if you prefer completing levels rather than playing endlessly, it offers that option as well.

6 Cut The Rope

Available On: Android And iOS

Cut The Rope is an old game that was released in 2010. Nevertheless, it’s still one of the best games around that can be played with one hand.

The goal is to feed candy to your adorable creature, Om Nom. The game is exactly what it sounds like. You have to cut the ropes that hold the candy until the candy falls in the mouth of Om Nom. It makes use of a lot of physics. Although the controls are simple, they can often challenge a player, just enough to always keep them interested.

5 Arcadium – Space Shooter

Available On: Android And iOS

Arcadium – Space Shooter is a lot like Space Invaders but enhanced with modern gameplay mechanics. It’s an action-packed game where you control a spaceship, defending against relentless waves of enemies and obstacles in space.

The gameplay is fast-paced, with endless waves of enemies to keep you engaged at every moment. It’s pixelated graphics and vibrant retro vibe set the perfect nostalgic tone. If you’re looking for a classic arcade feel with a modern twist, Arcadium is definitely worth a try.

4 Temple Run

Available On: Android And iOS

Ever since Imangi Studios released Temple Run back in 2011, it has positioned itself as a cult classic, becoming one of the most beloved games in smartphone history. The game is played in a third-person perspective, with basic mechanics focused on avoiding obstacles, collecting coins, and surviving as long as possible.

Players can jump, change directions, and slide, but the character runs constantly, never giving players a moment to relax (unless they pause the game, of course). Visually, it’s refreshing, and despite being over a decade old, Temple Run still holds up well against newer titles.

3 Subway Surfers

Available On: Android And iOS

Subway Surfers is a lot like Temple Run but with a unique theme and more diverse mechanics. You dash between three lanes of subway tracks, dodging trains and obstacles with a relentless policeman on your tail. Along the way, you can collect boosters, power-ups, and activate different hoverboards, each with its own advantages.

Visually, it’s very engaging and has earned a lasting spot in the world of smartphone gaming.

2 Paper.io 2

Available On: Android And iOS

Paper.io 2 is a lot like Snake.io, bringing an intense competitive edge to the world of territory-building games. Played online with other players, your goal is to move around and create loops with your character’s movements.

As you move, your character leaves a trail, and completing a loop secures that territory as your own. What makes this game even more interesting is the real-time competition with other players, keeping the gameplay fast-paced and strategic. It’s incredibly addictive, easy to pick up, and perfect for quick, on-the-go gaming sessions.

1 Tomb Of The Mask

Available On: Android And iOS

Words cannot describe how beautiful this game is. Surprisingly, so many people are still unaware of it despite it being almost a classic at this point. The indie mobile game is visually stunning, with a dark neon theme that takes you back to the 80s retro arcade style. The mechanics are extremely responsive and engaging and don’t even get us started on the music. It’s a treat. At its core, Tomb of the Mask is a puzzle game where you navigate through a maze, avoiding traps until you reach the endpoint.

The ads can be a bit annoying, but the paid version takes care of that and doesn’t cost a lot. Currently, there are more than 700 levels, but that’s not all. The game also features an infinite arcade mode, where your only enemy is time. It’s safe to say that this is one of the best games on mobile phones and undoubtedly deserves its reputation as a modern classic.