The best mobile games to play now: iOS and Android

As a seasoned mobile gamer with years of thumb-blistering experience under my belt, I must say that the games listed here are nothing short of extraordinary. From the heartwarming simplicity of Stardew Valley to the thought-provoking dilemmas presented in Papers, Please, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Just obtained a brand-new sleek smartphone? Keen on stocking it with top-notch mobile games? Let us guide you as we share our recommendations for the cream of the crop available on iOS and Android platforms.

There’s something for everyone on mobile, from devilishly difficult card games to casual farming sims and sports games and even full-on first-person shooters.

On the Apple side, you could likewise test a complimentary trial for Apple Arcade, which grants access to over 200 games on your iPhone or iPad.

For an enhanced mobile gaming experience, consider utilizing controllers like the Razer Kishi or Backbone One. These devices transform your phone into a powerful gaming device.

Is your phone equipped with any games? Indeed, here are some top-tier recommendations for mobile games that you can download instantly.

Best games on mobile: iOS and Android

Here’s a list of top-notch mobile games that you might enjoy playing at this moment. Keep visiting us regularly as we frequently update our collection with fresh games to cater to your gaming cravings!

If you choose to play these fantastic games, be prepared to invest several hours from your day, and in most instances, at no cost to you!

Balatro

Ever since its debut, the innovative blend of poker and roguelike elements in Balatro has captivated the globe. After trying this game, you might find yourself yearning for a more engaging version of traditional poker.

Pokémon TCG Pocket

Experience the excitement of collecting Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) right on your smartphone! This modernized take on the beloved game ensures a constant supply of fresh, exciting content to keep your passion for card collection burning.

Download Pokémon TCG Pocket for free on iOS or Android

Star Wars: Hunters

An action-packed pocket game that merges the universe of Star Wars with the style of Overwatch, offering hero arena shooting matches. Could anything be better? It delivers an enjoyable and swift gaming experience, ideal for quick, engaging online multiplayer rounds.

Download Star Wars: Hunters for free on iOS or Android

Call of Duty: Mobile

I’ve always been a fan of the Call of Duty series, and my enthusiasm reached new heights when the franchise found its groove with Call of Duty: Mobile. This game, packed with content from across the series, has masterfully recreated the iconic multiplayer mode, offering a diverse range of maps and weapons. Notably, it also includes the beloved Zombies mode and an intense 100-player battle royale free-for-all, pushing the boundaries of what app-based gaming can deliver.

Ardent Call of Duty: Warzone enthusiasts might prefer to hold off for the launch of Warzone Mobile, yet for first-person shooter (FPS) aficionados, it’s one of the top-notch mobile gaming spectacles currently available.

Download Call of Duty: Mobile for free on Android or iOS

Rise of Cultures

Although some questionable advertisements may initially discourage you, let me assure you that the game itself is quite enjoyable. Many mobile games fall into the category known as “idle games,” meaning that over time, the game essentially runs on its own, requiring you to periodically check back in.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say Rise of Cultures is an excellent choice when you’re crunched for time and still want that immersive gaming experience. It’s perfect for history buffs who share my fondness for Age of Empires, but might not have the same level of dedication or free time to invest in a core game. It’s more casual-friendly, making it a great addition to any gaming collection.

Download Rise of Cultures for free on Android or iOS

Fortnite

Beyond simply being a battle royale game, Fortnite has become a cultural sensation, offering various play styles. The game is constantly evolving, yet there’s usually an enticing reward system in the battle pass that players strive to unlock over time by earning experience points across all the different game modes.

This activity is fantastic for filling up your leisure hours, and luckily, it’s completely cost-free to begin participating! It operates smoothly with portable controllers such as the Backbone One. However, do keep in mind that you’ll require a reliable internet connection to fully enjoy its benefits.

Play Fortnite on mobile with Xbox Cloud Gaming

Honkai: Star Rail

Hailing from the same studio as Genshin Impact (previously mentioned), is another captivating gacha turn-based RPG, this time set within a science-fantasy universe teeming with divine entities known as Aeons. These Aeons have the power to imbue mortals with incredible abilities.

Compared to Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail offers a more streamlined and straightforward experience. This makes it simpler for players to dive right in, especially if your playtime is limited. If you’re torn between the two games but have less time on your hands, Honkai: Star Rail might be the better choice for you.

This game is a continuation of the Honkai series, but fret not if you’ve yet to play its predecessors, for it swiftly sets you up with all the necessary background information.

Download Honkai: Star Rail for free on Android or iOS

Two Dots

Two Dots stands out among mobile games due to its charmingly minimalistic art design and an abundance of adorable characters. In our view, it’s often overlooked yet boasts various modes for gameplay.

In addition to the numerous free levels within the game’s core section (which offers a delightful twist on the classic match-three puzzle design), Two Dots also features weekly treasure hunts. During these hunts, you can explore captivating artwork in search of characters, items, and various other hidden treasures – think of it as a more sophisticated version of “Where’s Wally?

Play Two Dots for free on Android or iOS

PUBG Mobile

For quite a few years now, the mobile version of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) has been offering an experience that matches, if not surpasses, its counterparts on PC and consoles – it all started with this groundbreaking battle royale game.

In PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), participants start on an expansive island, but over time, the play area shrinks, pushing contestants towards each other. The objective is to outlast and outplay opponents in order to secure the coveted “chicken dinner” victory.

Initially, it was quite intense, but over time, it has developed a lot of playful stunts much like how Fortnite does.

For optimal performance and a significant advantage over competitors who don’t use one, it is strongly recommended that you utilize a controller in your gameplay. This will help you compete effectively against players who already have controllers.

Play PUBG Mobile for free on Android or iOS

Before Your Eyes

Initially, our experience with the PC edition of the game left us utterly astounded. The captivating narrative it presented and its one-of-a-kind gameplay mechanic were simply breathtaking. In this game, you navigate through levels by mimicking a blink, with the protagonist’s life visibly flickering before yours.

You can read our Before Your Eyes review to see what else we had to say about it.

Play Before Your Eyes on Android or iOS (free with a Netflix subscription)

Genshin Impact

In much the same way as Pokémon Go did several years ago, Genshin Impact made a significant impact worldwide upon its release, and due to the circumstances of lockdown at that time, it served as a source of solace for many people seeking refuge in gaming, similar to Animal Crossing.

This game is called a gacha game, which means you spend in-game money to get a random item within the game. With fresh items appearing frequently, it might appear overwhelming to jump in now, but many players do just that and there are countless others who strongly believe it’s never too late to join Genshin!

Download Genshin Impact for free on iOS or Android

GRID Autosport

Given the advancements in mobile gaming, it’s only logical that we also see well-developed racing games alongside first-person shooter (FPS) and role-playing games (RPG).

Experience the thrill of GRID Autosport! First launched in 2014, this comprehensive racing game has now been optimized for mobile devices.

Enjoy a wealth of content as you delve into the game, complete with all downloadable content, boasting more than a hundred diverse automobiles and 27 unique racing venues, each offering multiple options for variation.

To put it simply, the GRID series is created by experienced racing enthusiasts at Codemasters, who continue to develop popular titles like F1 23, EA Sports World Rally Championship (WRC), and the Dirt series.

Wayward Souls

Wayward Souls is an action-packed fantasy game, reminiscent of the classic top-down style Zelda series, yet with gameplay similar to roguelikes. The difficulty level of this game takes things a notch higher, offering a challenging experience designed to test your gaming skills.

As a fellow enthusiast of the captivating world of Hades or the Souls series, if you’re yearning for an immersive experience tailored to your mobile device, I wholeheartedly endorse giving Wayward Souls a try.

Super Mario Run

As a movie enthusiast, I can relate when craving a familiar presence during solo phone escapades. Fret not, for our beloved Italian plumber (unless you’ve met an actual Italian one) is just a mobile tap away! Although it may appear like an ordinary running game at first glance, the experience is exceptionally enjoyable.

Instead of being labeled as an “endless runner,” it functions as an auto-running game filled with various stages. Each stage offers numerous coins for collection. There are multiple gaming modes available, and you can construct and grow a Toad Garden using the coins you accumulate. It’s a source of happiness right in your hands.

Download Super Mario Run for free on Android or iOS

Among Us

Nowadays, you can’t miss him – he’s everywhere from birthday treats to internet humor, and even at themed parties. The Among Us character has become a cultural symbol, and we believe this recognition is truly merited. Another popular game that skyrocketed during lockdown, Among Us resembles a sci-fi version of Clue, where friends collaborate to keep a spaceship operational while one or more saboteurs in disguise attempt to undermine the entire operation.

Many people continue to find it enjoyable today as an instant, sociable pastime to dive into whenever. Its simplicity sets it apart, making it one of the finest mobile gaming experiences available.

Download Among Us for free on Android or iOS

Thimbleweed Park

As a lover of cinema and nostalgia for the ’80s, I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the fusion of The X-Files, Twin Peaks, and retro gaming vibes. Diving headfirst into this point-and-click adventure, you’ll soon find that it lives up to its promise. After all, it’s not surprising, given that it hails from the same talented team behind the legendary The Secret of Monkey Island.

This title, boasting numerous accolades, is sure to be a delight on your mobile device. Experience it for yourself instead of relying solely on our praise!

Pokémon Go

Five years since its peak, I can attest that diving into the captivating world of Pokémon Go remains a delightful experience. Roaming the real-life landscape through the lens of an augmented Pokémon universe on your mobile device feels nothing short of surreal for fans of this beloved franchise. It’s like stepping into a Pokémon dreamland right at your fingertips!

Playing games can double up as a fun method to squeeze in some physical activity and Vitamin D intake, however, do remember to keep an eye on your surroundings while you’re at it – avoiding accidental falls into manholes during your quest for those elusive Pokémons.

Download Pokémon Go for free on iOS or Android

Slay the Spire

Known as one of the top deck-building roguelike games, Slay the Spire hardly requires an introduction.

In the game Slay the Spire, players aim to climb higher through numerous levels of a randomly created tower, encountering various foes along the way and facing off against a boss at the end of each floor.

Playing Slay the Spire is straightforward, but becoming a true master takes time and effort. The engaging and fulfilling gameplay ensures that your adventure will fly by swiftly and delightfully.

Marvel Snap

It wouldn’t be a complete list without the brilliant Marvel Snap. It’s a card game for Marvel fans, sure, but it’s also one everyone can enjoy. The diverse decks of cards available are great, and the gameplay loop adheres to that marketing quote of “simple yet addictive”.

Similar to many mobile games, Marvel Snap is designed for quick and casual play, yet it offers the opportunity for deep and prolonged engagement. Its stunning visuals, smooth gameplay, and extensive roster of Marvel heroes make it an appealing choice for a fulfilling day’s entertainment.

Download Marvel Snap for free on iOS or Android

Stardew Valley

Once again, here’s another charming one! In this role-playing game, players assume the role of an individual who inherits a farm. The narrative unfolds in an open-ended manner, allowing the player to decide their character’s future. They can opt for a peaceful, secluded life or choose to marry and start a family instead.

Glancing at this snapshot alone is enough to capture my interest – the visual appeal of this game is undeniable. I can assure you, if you decide to dive in, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll find yourself enjoying every moment of it.

Papers, Please

Among the greatest video games ever made was recently launched for mobile devices, leading us to place it at the pinnacle of our list. Contrary to its unassuming description, Papers, Please is a simulation game set in a border control office, but far from being mundane as one might expect.

Your decisions have consequences, both for the innocent (or not) people you’re letting into the fictional dystopia of Arstotzka, and for your own family at home. It’s a moral dilemma game and, dare we say it, a piece of art. You need this game, and if you haven’t already played it, download it on your phone.

What are the best games on Apple Arcade?

And here’s one final note: If you’re playing on iPhone, it’s also worth checking out Apple Arcade, a subscription service that lets you play brilliantly fun games like Alba’s Wildlife Adventure, Hot Lava and Warped Kart Racers.

Of everything we’ve tried on that platform so far, those are our favourites, for sure.

Not only do all these games work with controllers, but it’s definitely advantageous if you’ve added a game controller to your smartphone. And remember, there’s a chance to try out Apple Arcade for free as well!

2024-12-12 20:35