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 February 21, 2024 by Jacqueline Zalace: Mobile games make the world go round; that's why we've added a few more of the best mobile games to keep you playing just a bit longer. Additionally, we've updated any reviews that may have changed since last publication.

Dead Cells

Cover art for Dead Cells
Dead Cells

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , Switch , PC , Android , iOS
Released
May 17, 2017
Developer(s)
Motion Twin

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.

Apple App Store Rating

4.8

Google Play Store Rating

4.7

Price

$8.99 USD

Words With Friends

words with friends gameplay-1

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.

Apple App Store Rating

4.5

Google Play Store Rating

4.0

Price

Free

Oxenfree

alex, clarissa, and jonas argue in radio tower as nona stands outside the balcony
Oxenfree

Platform(s)
Android , iOS , PC , PS4 , Switch , Xbox One
Released
January 15, 2015
Developer(s)
Night School Studio

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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Oxenfree is a fantastic adventure, but it eventually comes to an end. These titles help fill the void it leaves behind.

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.

Apple App Store Rating

4.4

Google Play Store Rating

3.2

Price

Free

Alto's Odyssey

altos odyssey
Alto's Odyssey

Platform(s)
iOS , Android , PC , PlayStation 4 , Xbox One , Nintendo Switch , macOS
Released
February 21, 2018
Developer
Team Alto

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 you're willing to engage with it. If you play mobile games for simple, relaxing fun, then this one is for you.

Apple App Store Rating

4.4

Google Play Store Rating

4.5

Price

$4.99 USD (free on Android)

Monument Valley 2

monument valley 2 title screen with ro at the top of the castle stairs
Monument Valley 2

Platform(s)
iOS , Android , PC
Released
June 5, 2017
Developer
Ustwo Games

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.

Apple App Store Rating

4.7

Google Play Store Rating

4.8

Price

$3.99 USD

Shadowgun Legends

a wide shot from Shadowgun Legends of armoured soldiers shooting from atop a platform at advancing robots in a sci-fi setting
Shadowgun Legends

Platform(s)
Android , iOS
Released
March 22, 2018
Developer
Madfinger Games

If you put every looter-shooter in a blender and garnish it with Halo, Destiny, and Fortnite, then you'd get Shadowgun Legends. It might seem obnoxious at first, with text boxes and ads for premium currency flooding your screen, but it has everything shooter fans might want.

It has single-player quests, co-op, PvP, surprisingly impressive graphics, and gameplay that manages to feel satisfying on mobile. It definitely has a lifespan for players who are unwilling to shell out actual dollars for premium cash (as most of these do), but the progression system showers players in enough loot to keep them coming back anyway.

Apple App Store Rating

4.7

Google Play Store Rating

4.4

Price

Free

Spaceteam

VR Gameplay Of SpaceTeam VR Showing Players Dancing Together In A Spaceship
Spaceteam

Platform(s)
iOS , Android
Released
December 1, 2012
Developer
Sleeping Beast Games

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.

Apple App Store Rating

4.6

Google Play Store Rating

4.6

Price

Free

Gris

GRIS

Platform(s)
Switch , PC
Released
December 13, 2018
Developer(s)
Nomada Studio

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.

Apple App Store Rating

4.9

Google Play Store Rating

4.3

Price

$4.99 USD (free on Apple Arcade)

Pokemon GO

Togepi, Magby, and Wynaut standing in front of Eggs with the Pokemon Go logo above them
Pokémon GO

Platform(s)
iOS , Android
Released
July 6, 2016
Developer(s)
Niantic , The Pokemon Company

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.

Apple App Store Rating

4.0

Google Play Store Rating

4.1

Price

Free

Pocket City

In-game screenshot of pocket city
Pocket City

Platform(s)
Android , iOS , PC
Released
July 30, 2018
Developer
Codebrew Games

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.

Apple App Store Rating

4.7

Google Play Store Rating

4.4

Price

$2.99 USD

Transistor

Transistor artwork featuring Red and the sword
Transistor

Platform(s)
PS4 , Switch , PC , iOS
Released
May 20, 2014
Developer(s)
Supergiant Games

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.

Apple App Store Rating

4.4

Price

$4.99 USD

Fantasian

A screenshot showing gameplay in Fantasian where the characters fight an enemy
Fantasian

Platform(s)
iOS , macOS
Released
April 2, 2021
Developer(s)
Mistwalker

Fantasian is an Apple Arcade-exclusive 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.

Apple App Store Rating

4.6

Price

Free with Apple Arcade

League of Legends: Wild Rift

League of Legends: Wild Rift Champion Select Loadout stream Jinx Ahri Master Yi Bruam Garen
League of Legends: Wild Rift

Platform(s)
Android , iOS
Released
October 27, 2020
Developer(s)
Riot Games

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.

Apple App Store Rating

4.10

Google Play Store Rating

3.3

Price

Free

Marvel Snap

Marvel Snap in-game screenshot
Marvel SNAP

Platform(s)
PC , Mobile
Released
October 18, 2022
Developer(s)
Second Dinner

Marvel Snap is a unique card game that allows you to face off against other players with a hefty roster of Marvel characters. In each match, you will have six turns to place cards in three different locations. Your goal is to control the majority of the spaces, but this is easier said than done.

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Many cards have abilities, such as destroying all other cards or placing rocks on every other location. Additionally, the location types change between every game, giving you endless hours of gameplay. Marvel Snap draws from the comics, so if you are an avid fan, you will recognize tons of characters who have yet to appear in the MCU.

Apple App Store Rating

4.8

Google Play Store Rating

4.4

Price

Free

Among Us

Crewmate Screen From Among Us Mobile Informing The Player Of 3 Imposters
Among Us

Platform(s)
PC , Switch , PS4 , PS5 , Xbox One , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
Released
June 5, 2018
Developer(s)
InnerSloth

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.

Apple App Store Rating

4.1

Google Play Store Rating

3.8

Price

Free

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley Farm With Crops And A House
Stardew Valley

Platform(s)
PS4 , Xbox One , Nintendo Switch , PC , iOS , Android , PS Vita
Released
February 26, 2016
Developer(s)
ConcernedApe

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.

Apple App Store Rating

4.8

Google Play Store Rating

4.5

Price

$4.99 USD

Hoplite

hoplite gameplay
Hoplite

Platform(s)
iOS , Android
Released
December 20, 2013
Developer
Douglas Cowley

Hoplite is a turn-based strategy game that takes place on a hexagonal battleground. Rather than just charging forward, you will need to think critically as you proceed through this procedurally generated, roguelike game.

There is more than meets the eye with Hoplite; with a learning curve, you will most likely die some tragic deaths before fully getting the hang of things. Overall, you can expect some great replayability from Hoplite.

Apple App Store Rating

4.7

Google Play Store Rating

4.5

Price

Free

Genshin Impact

An image Dehya Genshin Impact standing with her great sword in the desert.
Genshin Impact

Platform(s)
Mobile , iOS , Android , PC , PS4 , PS5
Released
September 28, 2020

Genshin Impact brings us to the world of Teyvat, where you can summon various characters to fight alongside you. Unlike most mobile gacha games, Genshin Impact has an open-world feel, with a vast land for you to wander around.

The game also features cross-saving. This means that you can play on your PC, and then open the game on your phone and your progress will remain the same. This gives you the flexibility to play from anywhere.

Apple App Store Rating

4.4

Google Play Store Rating

3.7

Price

Free

Legends of Runeterra

Legends of Runeterra Demacia
Legends of Runeterra

Platform(s)
Android , iOS , PC
Released
April 29, 2020
Developer(s)
Riot Games

Legends of Runeterra is a card game drawing inspiration from League of Legends. If you are familiar with other card-collecting games, this is similar to how Hearthstone is based on the World of Warcraft universe.

The game has only been around since April 2020, but it has made waves in the gaming world. Legends of Runeterra is easily accessible to many people and has stunning artwork. Although there are in-app purchases, you can play and succeed without spending any money.

Apple App Store Rating

4.8

Google Play Store Rating

4.6

Price

Free

20 Minutes Till Dawn

Luna with Grenade Launcher shooting explosives in a bunch of enemies trapped in her Black Hole ability
20 Minutes Till Dawn

Platform(s)
PC , Android , iOS
Released
June 8, 2023

20 Minutes Till Dawn is a bullet-hell roguelike game, with play sessions that last around 20 minutes. In this time, you will need to slice through hordes of monsters and come out victorious. You can choose from several different characters and upgrades as well, making each run unique.

If you manage to survive for a long time, your game will become increasingly more chaotic, with enemies coming at you from every angle. There are currently two versions of 20 Minutes Till Dawn, with one being free and one costing money. Don't worry though, the free version is still filled with content.

Apple App Store Rating

4.9

Google Play Store Rating

4.6

Price

Free (Premium version for $4.99 USD)