Wondering which are the best Android games? U.S. too. Whether it's strategy, roguelikes, deckbuilders, Gachas, MOBAs, or point-and-click, the huge range of great games available on the platform is breathtaking. You could spend a good hundred days just playing Android games, and after that a friend would still come out of the woodwork to recommend another one you missed.
Variety is the spice of life, and Android, in all its versatility, has so much to offer. Also, as technology improves, there are fewer and fewer limitations in terms of how our phones work. So we've created a list of our ultimate picks; whether it's games that started on PC, but are a perfect fit for mobile, or homegrown, which started right here on this platform.
It doesn't matter if you're at home, visiting friends, or on the go, our list of the best Android games will keep you flush with great content. We'll also keep it updated, so it's worth bookmarking it so you can come back to it often.
For ease of navigation, we have divided the best Android games into the following categories:
What are the best Android games?
These games represent the crème de la crème in terms of the best Android games. We absolutely consider them essential downloads because no matter what genre you enjoy, we're pretty sure you'll get a thumbs up for each one.
rpgs
It's hard to define the qualities that make the best mobile RPGs, but if one had to choose, they'd probably find it in the name: role-playing game. Everyone wants to pretend to be someone else sometimes, and RPGs offer both a character, whose story and perspective you can inhabit, and a world to explore. These are the best Android RPGs:
Ocean Horn
Channeling the ocean vibes of Zelda's Wind Waker, Oceanhorn sees you step into the shoes of a young adventurer searching for his missing father. The game features combat, magic, and a stunning visual style, which was only improved in its third-person sequel. Both Oceanhorn and Oceanhorn 2 are fantastic games, proving that proper RPGs can not only work, but can be truly excellent on the mobile platform.
star wars: knights of the old republic
One of the most famous RPGs of all time, KOTOR is BioWare at its best, and if you look closely you can recognize the foundations of much of what became the Mass Effect series. In the game, you play as a Republic/Jedi soldier during a war against the Sith, making narrative choices, creating a cast of characters, and fighting in real time. The games also correctly introduced the Mandalorians into Star Wars, as well as the Mandalorian Wars, which was recently made canon. Just in case anyone is watching the TV show!
stardew valley
Considered by many to be the spiritual successor to classic farming game Harvest Moon, Stardew Valley tries to channel the same easy tone and back-to-basics gameplay. In the game, you recently inherited your grandfather's old ranch; you work to make it flourish again, become part of the local community, and maybe even find yourself a love interest. The game is also multiplayer, so friends can come and help you with your tasks. Stardew Valley is less of a farming game and more of a story of starting from scratch and building a house. If that isn't RPG material, I don't know what is.
Grimvalor
Imagine, if you will, a Souls-like platformer that not only implements the mechanics of Dark Souls, but also tries to create the same aesthetic. It's basically Grimvalor; a souls-like platformer where you fight your way through rooms of enemies to take on bosses. We may not have Pascal's Wager on Android yet, but Grimvalor is a more than worthy substitute; both hard to play and with a decent control scheme.
Minecraft
You see a whole new world stretching out before you: how are you going to use this opportunity? Do you want to build yourself a gigantic monument? Are you going to grow pandas? Will you pour lava on the houses of your unsuspecting friends? For those of you who have lived in a cave (but not those of Minecraft), this game is all about block-based building and survival. But it's also a great RPG, because the possibilities of what you can do and build in your own little world are literally endless. It's also probably one of the highest-grossing games of all time, given its popularity relative to its development.
pokemon go
Although not an RPG in the strict sense of the word, Pokémon Go lets you explore an open world in a more classic sense. This location-based game lets you roam the REAL WORLD, catch Pokemon, and compete with other players to become the leaders of your local gym. Many of you may have lost touch with Pokémon Go after its surge in popularity a few years ago, but it's still supported with regular updates, and during the current lockdown, Niantic has actually made playing from home easier.
strategy
We believe the key to creating the best mobile strategy games is simplicity; an understanding that the basic truths of gender will always be the same. Even a grand strategy isn't good because it's unnecessarily complex, but rather because it's made up of layers and layers of simple mechanics. What makes the strategy really special is how these things interact. Here are the best Android strategy games:
over inc.
If anyone heard the name Plague Inc., they might assume that this game was about defending humanity from a pandemic. How wrong they would be. Considered by many to be the superior prequel to Rebel Inc. (although Rebel Inc. is still good), Plague Inc. had you create a pathogen and work to spread it across the world, ending civilization as we know it. know her. Topical, huh? The game is a unique blend of strategy and realistic simulation, and it's definitely worth checking out, no matter your taste in strategy.
the battle of polytopia
If civilization for dummies was a thing, it would probably look remarkably like Polytopia. Except that Polytopia actually isn't dumb at all. This game takes the 4x genre and boils it down to its basics, creating a simple yet satisfying grand strategy experience. It also has a wonderfully minimal, almost Age of Empires-esque aesthetic that any classic strategy fan will love.
Reigns: Game of thrones
Considered by many to be the best version of Reigns, this game adapts the classic game formula within the unforgiving fantasy world of George RR Martin. Reigns: Game of Thrones isn't just the best Game of Thrones mobile adaptation, it also brings a wonderful degree of complexity to what is otherwise a very simple game system. You may swipe left or right, but in Westeros' atmosphere of betrayal and court intrigue, even these minor decisions can have massive consequences.
tropic
In the marvelous port of Kalypso, the classic strategy game from Feral Interactive, you rule! Become the self-proclaimed dictator of a Caribbean island nation and build a society based on your whims. Tropico features the same setting, the same strategy game, but also the same humor that the series is so famous for. All that PC goodness, packed into your mobile.
Rome: Total War
Have you ever seen a pack of rampaging war elephants caring for thousands of peasants? So my friend, you have not lived. Arguably one of the best strategy games of all time, and certainly, in my humble opinion, the greatest strategy series of all time, Rome: Total War brings the grand campaign game and RTS battle of the series on mobile. Feral Interactive has also ported the standalone expansions, Barbarian Invasion and Alexander, meaning there's plenty of Android Total War for anyone who wants it.
north sea raiders
Adapted from the award-winning board game of the same name, Raiders of the North Sea sees you gather a warband to plunder riches, gather resources to arm your band of brave marauders, and outfit your ships. Raiders is just one of many examples of strategy-based board games that also have wonderful mobile versions. Take a look at our Raiders of the North Sea review for further analysis!
wrong north
In more viking and mobile shenanigans, Bad North is probably one of the best strategy games on mobile. Adapting the classic tower defense formula, you and your units must defend the islands against rampaging bands of raiders. The game features a wonderful simplicity, both in terms of visual aesthetics and in terms of how to play. But as the islands get bigger and units multiply, things really start to heat up, and you're going to have to put out the fires from left to right and center. See our Bad North review for more thoughts!
terraforming mars
Make the red planet green, in this corporate colonization game. Another wonderful adaptation of a great board game, Terraforming Mars sees you take the lead in planetary colonization efforts, build and manage a tile-based map, and make the planet habitable through research and research. technology. A must have for any 4x or management simulation enthusiast. Interested? Take a look at our Terraforming Mars review.
royal shock
From the same series as tower defense, base builder, Clash of Clans comes this real-time arena fighting game. Featuring aspects of deck building, you can use spells, soldiers, and fantasy creatures to dismantle your opponent and topple their kingdom, in a compact yet quite elegant gameplay loop. The game is also free, which means there are no obstacles for you to beat right now.
Kingdom Rush: Vengeance
Kingdom Rush: Vengeance, one of the most popular mobile strategy series, sees you take command of an army trying to conquer the kingdom. The game is RTS and draws heavily on classic base builders and tower defense, so you train troops and heroes to lead them, using your army to overthrow the other six kings vying for control as well.
fallout shelter
Launched at the exact time of Fallout 4's announcement, Fallout Shelter started a tradition in mobile of publishers dropping games without warning that has continued until today. But over the past few years, Bethesda has also developed it into a fun little simulation game, including mini-dungeons, as well as seasonal events. In the game, you play as the overseer of a newly created vault; the bombs have just fallen, and you must put the survivors to work, managing needs such as electricity, food and water, but also exploring the wastelands for loot.
to do
Created by Ironhide Game Studio, which also made Kingdom Rush, Iron Marines could be considered the sci-fi cousin of the series. The game is also an RTS battle and covers a lot of Kingdom Rush smart strategy game. You land on alien planets, recruiting soldiers, heroes, and mechs to battle a variety of alien monsters. Imagine a bit like Helldivers, but RTS.
The banner saga
With the possible exception of Frostpunk, few games have done as good a job as the Banner Saga in terms of combining strategy and storytelling. The gods are dead, the world is ending and the sun has stopped moving in the sky; You and your Nordic caravan of wanderers must hit the road and do what you can to survive. Will you make the necessary sacrifices? Or will you die and be forgotten?
puzzle
What makes the best mobile puzzle games the best is creating an idea that can then be factored into the complication. Think of Monument Valley and its simple premise: architecture can be changed as if it were an optical illusion. But what really makes this game great are the imaginative puzzles that are created using this simple idea. Good puzzle games can create rules for a world just as much as they can create puzzles.
mini metro
From the same developer as Mini Motorways, comes a game about creating a subway in a new city. With a beautifully minimal visual aesthetic and clever management simulation, Mini Metro challenges players with the logistical problem of keeping trains on time. It's a simple problem, but with a complex management solution. It really gives you a new appreciation for railroad workers.
Monument Valley
Possibly one of the best games on mobile, Monument Valley is a clever and beautiful puzzle game, which lets you navigate through changing architecture. The concept is simple; You're presented with a structure, and your character must work their way from the entrance to the exit. But a lot can happen between these two doors. Monument Valley plays with space and architecture in such a clever way, using optical illusion and point-and-click play, while discovering your often surprising route through space.
lara croft go
Following in the footsteps of Hitman Go, Square Enix has created Lara Croft Go, more focused on channeling classic adventure puzzle solving from the original Tomb Raider series. It's an elegant, yet simple game with exploration, danger and mystery. Everything you want from a good adventure.
The bedroom: old sins
There's a healthy dose of escapism at the heart of The Room: Old Sins. If you like older games like Eternal Darkness, which has spooky mansions trawling through to find secrets, or a good walking simulator, then you'll definitely like this game. You're presented with a series of cryptic clues and esoteric problems to solve, as you unravel the mystery behind a mansion and a murder.
Three!
Learn it in a minute, play it for a lifetime. Three! is a simple yet ridiculously addictive game that will be perfect for any Sudoku, or number puzzle lover. On a four by four grid, you must combine and create multiples of three by dragging the grid using touch controls. It's basically the entire game, ad infinitum. If you don't believe us how addictive it is, try it yourself.
His history
Created by Sam Barlow, the developer behind Telling Lies, Her Story is a fresh take on detective gaming. You are looking at excerpts from a police database showing the interrogation of a young woman regarding a murder. But there is no real orientation. You assume your job is to solve the mystery. You can type search terms into the database to find new clips, based on what you just watched, and gradually you can build a picture of what happened. His story's method of allowing players to discover information on their own terms has become particularly popular in games, and can be seen in Return of the Obra Dinn and Outer Wilds.
Gorogoa
This BAFTA award-winning puzzle game by Jason Roberts, is a hand-drawn mystery where problems must be solved by moving the four frames on the screen. It's a simple, yet very clever mechanic, which not only exposes the game's story in an interesting way, but also creates a beautiful visual structure, around which Roberts' hand-drawn art can be presented. .
hidden people
Have you ever wished that “Where's Wally?” Or on mobile? Well, Hidden Folks goes one step further. Through interactive tapping on the screen, you experience a variety of people and objects in an image; it could deploy a tent flap or open a door, you never know until you tap. The game is also very relaxing and therapeutic, perhaps because it's visually reminiscent of those mindfulness coloring books.
Box 2
This noir-ish puzzle game does something similar to Gorogoa. In Framed 2, you move and drag comic-style panels to change the outcome of a story. It's a pretty basic idea, but you invest a lot in the narrative, as you build the scene, and then watch it unfold. The original Framed was also Hideo Kojima's Game of the Year in 2014, for all Metal Gear fans.
Florence
This indie marvel is honestly a masterclass in why the limitations of mobile as a medium can be turned into strengths. In Florence, you follow the story of a young woman going through a relationship; there is no dialogue, no written speech, only music, and your fingers move objects on the screen. Florence isn't strictly a puzzle game, but the way you interact with the world of Florence involves solving small puzzles, like putting together speech bubbles. It's a great little story of love won and love lost, and I'll never stop trying to get people to play it.
carte
Whether roguelike, deck building, or arena-based, the best mobile card games include a variety of different play modes and styles. It could be lore-based card games from other series, like Hearthstone or Gwent, which still manage to be excellent standalone games. Or they could be more like Slay the Spire clones, with dungeon crawling and roguelike elements.
gwent
Many of you Witcher fans who loved the Wild Hunt may remember the card game you must have played all along. Since becoming its own standalone game, Gwent has had new factions, regular content updates, and even a deck-building RPG based on it: Thronebreaker. It's a fantastic deck builder, drawing on the combined lore of The Witcher books and Cd Projekt Red games, creating an interesting property, which is both, and neither. It's also much faster to play than Hearthstone, which means it's much more convenient as a mobile card game.
card crawl
This solitaire-style dungeon crawler sees you battling through a deck of cards. In the same vein as a match three RPG, finding symbols such as swords will allow you to attack, shields will defend, and potions will heal you. It's a simplified formula, but like most simple games, it's surprisingly addictive, as you defeat monsters, use card abilities, and do some mini-deck building.
Foyer
One of the most influential deckbuilders on mobile, Hearthstone has you battling an opponent, using an ever-growing mana pool to play cards and escalate the battle. Attack the enemy hero and reduce their power to zero to win. But the number of heroes, units and spells you can use is pretty crazy. Hearthstone even has an auto chess mode, called Battlegrounds, which is super inventive and a lot of fun. If you want some tips on the mode, be sure to check out our list of Hearthstone Battlegrounds tips and tactics.
Meteorfall: Travels
Meteorfall: Journeys is a fun and weird card-based roguelike, much like card-crawling, as you choose an adventurer and battle monsters by drawing cards from the ability deck. Again, the simplest formula is extremely effective. Meteorfall also has a wonderful art style reminiscent of Adventure Time.
Shooters
It would be hard to blame anyone for thinking that mobile isn't the best platform for shooters, but they're dead wrong. Call of Duty Mobile has shown that shooters can not only be satisfying on mobile, but also inventive. Even before that, there were plenty of Android shooters that were still fun to play.
Shadowgun: Legends
There's a lot of Destiny in the FPS Shadowgun: Legends, and I mean it in a good way. Alien forces have invaded the earth, and the only hope of defeating them are the Shadowguns; it certainly sounds familiar. But Shadowgun has many of Destiny's best bits, the cool weapons, the PvP, and most of all, the satisfying gunplay. It also has a wide range of modes; from raids to arena battles.
Brawl Stars
This fantastic arena fighter is not necessarily a shooter, although some characters shoot, but it contains the same one-on-one battle synonymous with a good FPS. Choose one of a large number of champions and battle against others in a variety of online modes. Brawl Stars also has a sleek mobile shooter control system, with two sticks; one for movement and one for attacks.
call of duty: mobile
The King of Mobile Shooter and Mobile Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2019. Call of Duty: Mobile distills everything good about the Call of Duty series: shooting, multiplayer, weapons and puts it on mobile. That in itself is an impressive feat. Call of Duty: Mobile offers a variety of modes, gamepad support, but also a really inventive touch control system, with an auto-fire feature that makes it surprisingly easy to play. If you want some tactical advice, check out our Call of Duty: Mobile tips.
PUBg mobile
The original battle royale is on mobile, but PUBG Mobile is weird. A lot of people enjoyed the original PC game, because of some level of what I'll call jank. People loved the glitches and the weird unexpected stuff that happened. By comparison, PUBG Mobile plays really well, which oddly makes it the better running of the two games. Other than that, it basically wraps up the PUBG experience (minus the jank) and adapts it to your mobile.
San Andreas
Shooting is one of the many things you can do in San Andreas, although I won't mention the others. The fact that games like San Andreas are now on mobile is scary enough on its own, and only goes to show how mobile technology is improving. The mobile version of the game offers much the same experience it always has: a rampagin', brawlin', shootin' crime fest.
adventure
Drawing inspiration from classic point-and-click PC adventure games, such as Grim Fandango, Broken Sword or Monkey Island, these series attempt to channel that same sense of interactive fiction; to travel through a world and a story.
Witchcraft!
Inkle's goal has always been to create gaming experiences that can be enjoyed by everyone, whether gamers or not. It's pretty easy to see that in their interactive fiction work, like 80 Days, but before 80 Days there was 'Sorcery!' Adapted from Steve Jackson's adventure books of the same name, 'Sorcery!' Sees you venturing to reclaim a kingdom's lost crown, getting into all sorts of scrapes and brawls, your only recourse being either combat or spells. The spell system of “Ritual!” Is something special and will get you out of all sorts of situations, as long as you remember which three runes to cast each.
Dandar
It's one of those rare PC games, where the mobile control system is so good that it's hard to believe that it wasn't developed for mobiles originally. In Dandara, you play as a heroine traveling through a kingdom filled with hostile invaders, but the trick is the game's two-stick approach. In the game, you jump from wall to wall, shooting and moving, and with a stick control move and the other directional attacks, it's almost perfect.
downwell
Imagine the intentional monochromatic gloom of Binding of Isaac, crossed with the descent and escalation of Spelunky, and you'll get a pretty good idea of ​​what Downwell is all about. In this roguelike top-down dungeon, you play as a young boy, exploring a well for untold riches, his only companion a set of gunboots. Pretty handy for well-grounded exploration, I'd say!
80 days
In Inkle's BAFTA-nominated game, inspired by the classic Jules Verne novel of the same name, you play as Phineas Fogg, having made a bet to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. In classic Inkle style, it takes the form of a text-based adventure, and you'll have to make a variety of narrative choices to meet your tight schedule.
oddmar
In this Norse-themed adventure game, you play as Oddmar, a Viking who is not worthy to enter Valhalla. But one day, an opportunity presents itself and Oddmar goes in search of adventure and glory. It's a fun little platformer with a nice visual style; well worth the self-respecting viking time.
crashlands
If you imagine a space version of Don't Starve, you'd be pretty close to the Crashlands truth; and if this description excites you as much as I do, you've come to the right place. Stranded on an alien planet, galactic trucker Flux Dabes must fight for his survival, his crafts, his local wildlife friends, and the discovery of the planet's secrets. It's a great little survival game, with cute visuals and a theme that looks surprisingly fresh.
moba
Online multiplayer battle arenas are a fun way to combine aspects of RTS, hero-based gameplay, and tower defense elements. Sometimes there's nothing better than, in the chaos of a round, spotting a hole in the enemy defense, exploiting it, and leading your team to victory.
vanity
This free arena brawler is all about choosing one of 48 heroes and bringing them into battle in one of the game's various modes. Vainglory is incredibly popular on mobile, and with great graphics, fast-paced competitive play and a cross-platform multiplayer, it's easy to see why.
courses
You might think that racing games don't lend themselves so well to mobile, but there are plenty of series that prove otherwise. Asphalt's automated acceleration shows that even with limited controls you can still race, and with more and more controller support, these games can be on par with many racing games on console or PC.
mario kart ride
That's right, Mario Kart on mobile. Much like with Call of Duty: Mobile, just bringing a classic game to the mobile platform should be enough to impress. But Mario Kart Tour also brings your favorite characters, plenty of game modes, and regular content updates, which means they'll always be more packed to do.
asphalt 9: legends
This racing game is really amazing on mobile. With both a slick control scheme, controller support, flashy triple-A visuals, and Burnout-style smashes and crashes, Asphalt 9 is loads of fun. It's also free, so if you want some high-quality racing in your life, look no further.
Riptide GP: Renegade
Cars aren't the only thing you can do, you know? In Riptide, you take part in the future sport of hydrojet racing, where racers wear armor and perform death-defying stunts, while trying to avoid the boys in blue (hydrojets are as illegal as they seem) . Basically, the game is an illicit jet ski simulator, but it's also a lot of weird and wonderful fun.
Motorsport Manager 3
It's not a racing game in the strict sense, Motorsport Manager 3 instead sees you managing a racing team from humble origins to greatness. If you love all things car and management simulators, you will love this game.
Alto's Odyssey
Endless runners aren't racing games in the classic sense, but you're still running against something. In Alto's Odyssey, it's you. In the game, you move through each magnificent map generated, completing a series of objectives, which then allow you to progress to the next level. But Alto also has an endless mode, where you can just ride forever on an ever-changing map, which with beautiful architecture and changing weather conditions, is a really relaxing experience.
