Highlights

  • Mobile indie games offer a wide range of genres to suit every gamer's preferences, from roguelike action platformers to cozy farming RPGs.
  • The mobile market continues to see breakthroughs in indie games, with more affordable and powerful mid-range phones and beginner-friendly game engines like Unity and Unreal Engine.
  • Supporting indie games not only brings attention to noteworthy titles that may have slipped under the radar but also benefits small teams and solo developers who appreciate the support.

The mobile game space is ever expanding, with many multi-million dollar triple-A games on the platform. But you may be surprised by how many noteworthy indie games might have slipped under your radar, which is why we’re here to give those games the spotlight they deserve.

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Whether you're into idle games, wave-based roguelikes, cozy farming RPGs, adventure games, a good story, or anything in between, you can find a variety of indie games to satisfy your gaming needs. We have rounded up a list of the best mobile indie games available for you to play anytime and anywhere you like.

Updated October 18, 2023 by Jack Pierik: Indie games continue to make breakthroughs in the mobile market, especially as mid-range phones become more affordable and powerful, and game engines like Unity, Unreal Engine, or Godot become more beginner-friendly. This update brings three hit Indie games that are, at the very least, worth a look, especially if you enjoy stage or wave-based Roguelikes or cozy farming vibes. Plus, while not necessary, these additions will pair nicely with any third-party, universal phone controller you have, like the Razer Kishi. If you're on the fence about any of the premium games added, the small teams and solo developers behind them are sure to appreciate the support.

11 Dead Cells

Dead Cells Plus: Fighting Ghouls In The Haunted Town Area
Dead Cells

Released
May 17, 2017
Publisher(s)
Motion Twin
Genre(s)
Roguelike

Dead Cells is a 2D, rogue-lite, action platformer that takes inspiration from the Metroidvania genre. It has souls-like combat with tons of secrets and easter eggs to find, weapons and items to unlock, bosses to fight, stages to explore, and responsive controls.

Whether you have an Android or iOS device, you'll be able to buy and play Dead Cells. As you play, you'll see your unlocked items and weapons grow and be able to customize the look of your character as you spend Cells that you earn from each run.

10 Brotato

Fighting an alien horde in Brotato

If you can get past the silly premise of playing as a weapon-wielding potato fighting for its life, Brotato is plain, wave-based roguelike fun. At the end of each stage, you'll be able to spend money on weapons and items with passive effects that can be merged together and upgraded.

As you play, you'll unlock more characters to play, each of which has its own strengths and weaknesses that will determine which builds and playstyle you end up going for. Brotato is available on Android through the Google Play store; sorry iOS users.

9 Stardew Valley

stardew valley player walking to a Chanterelle
Stardew Valley

Publisher(s)
ConcernedApe
Genre(s)
RPG , Simulation
Released
February 26, 2016

It's hard to think of the Indie game genre without Stardew Valley coming to mind. If you're unfamiliar, Stardew Valley is a cozy farming RPG with a pleasing pixel art style. The general plot is that you've inherited your grandfather's plot of farmland near Pelican Town, and it's up to you to carry on his legacy however you see fit.

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There are plenty of skills to participate in and level up, such as farming, fishing, combat, foraging, and mining, and over a dozen NPCs you can develop romantic relationships with scattered throughout the town. The game is available on both iOS and Android.

8 A Girl Adrift

A small girl sitting down on a floating raft in A Girl Adrift.

A Girl Adrift is a simple yet charming game that will get you hooked from the very start. Take a break from all those difficult games that may cause you even more stress. Instead, join the adventures of an adorable girl as she drifts across the submerged world.

Put your fishing skills to the test and catch as many types of fish as you can. Upgrade your fishing rod, unlock new items, explore different locations, and discover more of what lies under the deep blue sea. Keep grinding and become the ultimate angler in no time!

7 Tiny Room Stories Town Mystery

A puzzle room from Tiny Room Stories Town Mystery

Tiny Room Stories Town Mystery is the perfect game if you like a good puzzle. Get your brain in gear and solve the mystery that has engulfed the town of Redcliff. The game begins with you receiving an urgent letter from your father requesting your help. On your way there, you come across the nearby town, however, its residents are nowhere to be found. What could have happened?

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The rest of the game sees you put your detective skills to the test. Explore the city, investigate the areas, find clues, and gather enough information to uncover the truth of what led Redcliff to become a ghost town. Tiny Room Stories Town Mystery is a detective game that has more than enough puzzles and unexpected plot twists to keep you on your toes. Enjoy the thrilling adventure that awaits you in a town with many hidden secrets!

6 The Bonfire: Forsaken Lands

A snowy encampment.

The Bonfire: Forsaken Lands is a survival strategy game that features base-building elements. Set in a harsh snowy environment, you are forced to find your way around the area and survive.

Gather resources nearby, craft materials, manage workers, and build a functioning city where you and others can safely seek shelter. The survival of the civilization lies in your hands.

5 Death Palette

Cursed painting of a girl from Death Palette.

Do you enjoy creepy horror games on the go? If yes, Death Palette is the perfect game to satisfy your horror enthusiast side. It will either give you the creeps or leave you engrossed in its beautifully written storyline. Set foot in the dimly lit studio and take on the life-and-death challenge of successfully painting the cursed portrait of a girl.

Many have attempted, but all have failed. Death Palette asks you to utilize the notes left by previous victims, and use your wits to further progress. Keep in mind, whatever you do, do not upset her, or you may end up just like the others – dead.

4 Mars: Mars

Astronaut launching off a platform from Mars:Mars.

If you’re looking for a game that will keep you entertained for hours on end, take part in MarsCorp’s thrilling expedition to unravel the mysteries of the red planet. Suit up, climb aboard your spaceship, and embark on a voyage across Mars. Unfortunately, your thrusters may not be the most reliable due to the limited fuel supply they can carry, which makes your mission more challenging.

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Strategically fly through zero gravity areas and safely hover your way from platform to platform before fuel runs out. You can unlock new characters and even take selfies at Mars’ most stunning views to give you something to look back on. Though Mars: Mars may appear endless, don't give up! Keep moving forward until you reach the farthest end, where the finish line awaits, and finally discover the secrets of extraterrestrials.

3 Good Pizza, Great Pizza

Two different types of pizza, and a selection of pizza toppings on the side from Good Pizza, Great Pizza.

Have you ever wondered what it's like to run your own pizzeria? In Good Pizza, Great Pizza, you will experience the day-to-day life of being a restaurateur and pizza-pie expert. From choosing the correct pizza toppings, cooking it just right, cutting the perfect pizza slices, and so on.

With the daily profit earned, you can slowly upgrade your small business with new decor, kitchen equipment, and ingredients to attract customers and satisfy their pizza cravings. Your goal is to become the ultimate pizzeria in the area and outdo your pizza shop nemesis, Alicante.

2 OPUS: Rocket Of Whispers

John and Fei from OPUS: Rocket of Whispers exploring a snowy area.

People are constantly on the hunt for games with great stories. If your previous gaming sessions have left you unsatisfied, OPUS: Rocket of Whispers is sure to exceed your expectations. Its compelling narrative, incredible music, and captivating animation will draw you in right from the start.

You will follow the exciting journey of John, a son of a rocket engineer, and Fei, a generational witch, who have both managed to survive an apocalyptic plague. They want nothing more than to build a rocket and launch a traditional space burial for those lives taken by the plague, for those lost souls to rest among the stars. Travel through the highest peaks and burned-down ruins, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime!

1 Désiré

An old man standing on his newspaper stall, a young boy walking on the street, and a man sitting on a bench.

Désiré is a poetic game that features a unique art design and narrative style. Taking on the role of a color-blind boy, you will experience a roller coaster ride of emotions as you face life in black and white, both literally and metaphorically.

The story of Désiré will bring unexpected twists and turns as you meet new characters and are forced to deal with the hardships of reality. See the world from a different perspective, learn transformative lessons, and maybe even gain some courage you can bring into your own life!

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