Video games have never been more popular than they are right now. No matter where gamers choose to play, there is guaranteed to be a wealth of great content to consume. Even though console gaming hype is high, a huge part of the reason behind the celebrated place games hold in modern-day culture is mobile gaming.
Whether on an iPhone or Android platform, there is a massive variety of titles and experiences to explore. Some of these games, in particular, have broken through to become gigantic hits with millions upon millions of downloads.
This list is presented in no particular order.
Updated July 15, 2023 by Jacqueline Zalace: Every month, new mobile games release while old ones break download records. Because of this, we've added even more mobile games to our list that are downloaded by mobile gamers around the world.
Marvel Snap
Since card-based games are spread throughout the mobile game space, it takes something truly special and unique to stir the pot. In the case of Marvel Snap, this game does just that by combining the ever-popular Marvel universe with the popular mechanics of card collecting and card battling.
Given this is a free-to-play game (like many other card games), Marvel Snap is brimming with things to purchase, for better or for worse. You are going to want to come back to this game often to gather new cards for your arsenal while competing in ranked battles and gaining rewards and status from regular, rotating challenges.
Diablo Immortal
Diablo Immortal has sure gone through a rollercoaster of chaos from its maligned announcement to its launch and subsequent months of content and discord. Despite this, Diablo Immortal continues to be one of the most popular games on mobile devices; being downloaded all the time.
The name of the game here in Immortal is full customization from classes to gear to loot to quests. The freedom to play this game as you see fit is quite staggering. Even with its major monetization issues, the game remains incredibly fun, polished, and immersive. The added MMORPG elements bring in a refined social experience that makes sense in the mobile game space.
Stumble Guys
Stumble Guys, from developers Kitka Games, is very, very clearly just a clone of Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout. They do say the sincerest form of flattery is imitation and this could not be more true than with Stumble Guys. Stumble Guys is a quirky racing/battle royale type game that sees you duking it out online against other "stumble guys," trying to be the first to win and come out on top.
It's easy to see why Stumble Guys has been downloaded so many times. It's a cartoony, fun, easy-to get-into game that doesn't require much thought or challenge. Of course, like any free-to-play mobile game, there are myriad cosmetic goodies to purchase should you wish to add some flair and flourish to your stumble guy.
Minecraft
Does Minecraft really need an introduction? It's highly likely that even if you aren't a gamer you have heard of the juggernaut that is Minecraft. The game is a massive freeform creative sandbox where you can build to your heart's content. Minecraft gives you the freedom and tools to mine, craft, build, and create almost any type of construct your mind can come up with.
While Minecraft is available on almost every single platform ever, it really makes sense that mobile gamers would love this game since it's easy to pick up and play. The game offers you the choice between a more focused adventure mode or the aforementioned sandbox gameplay mode. No matter which area you hop into, there is always something fun to do, discover, or create in Minecraft.
Wordscapes
Wordscapes is a fun and entertaining word-based game that plays out a bit like a crossword puzzle. The goal of Worscapes is to combine letters in order to spell out various words, and even find some hidden words to get extra points. The name of the game here is getting a high score for the leaderboard, while also competing in tournaments.
Wordscapes is one of those puzzle games that can be both challenging and relaxing, depending on your mood. Sure, some of the word puzzles will stump you, but that feeling of finishing one in a timely manner will give you a great sense of accomplishment. It's no surprise that Wordscapes is so popular given it's easy to pick up.
Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9: Legends is an incredibly fun and fluid mobile racing game from long-running developer, Gameloft. Racing games on mobile devices can be hit or miss given the touch screen nature, however, in the case of Asphalt 9: Legends, is a first-place finish. This blazing-fast racing game offers intense solo or multiplayer events to take part in.
Your goal is to race through these thrilling events while boosting, destroying other racers by knocking them around and purchasing newer cars along the way. What makes Asphalt 9: Legends so popular is that new content is being added all the time, from new cars, upgrades, and events. These updates keep players coming back for more.
Homescapes
Homescapes is a long-running free-to-play puzzle adventure game that blends match-three puzzles with restoring a massive manor house. Match-three puzzle games seem to be all the rage in the mobile gaming space and Homescapes just so happens to be one of those game types.
Homescapes has a truly beautiful art style and lulls you into its gameplay with some simpler puzzles before really laying down the ax to challenge your skills. As you progress through the puzzles, you are able to upgrade and restore the house which adds to the addictive qualities of the game.
Marvel Contest Of Champions
Marvel Contest of Champions is a frenetic arcade fighting game where you face off against a plethora of Marvel characters. It should come as no surprise that a Marvel game happens to also be one of the most popular mobile games. Ditching a simple aesthetic in favor of some truly remarkable visuals, Marvel Contest of Champions is sure to wow you.
Your main goal in the game is to accrue new Marvel characters while building a strong and diverse roster that you can take to events and tournaments. Plus, the fighting aspects are weighty and responsive, making you feel like you are a part of the epic fights.
Disney Tsum Tsum
Disney Tsum Tsum is a super adorable puzzle game all centered around Disney goodness. The gameplay in Disney Tsum Tsum revolves around creating chains of cute Tsum Tsum plushie bubbles in order to pop them and get combo scores. As mentioned before, puzzle games are the perfect fit for a mobile device.
What makes this game truly unique is that each Tsum Tsum has its own special skill that can be used during the puzzles. You are encouraged to collect as many of the plushies as possible to fill out your wholesome roster of Disney characters.
Mario Kart Tour
The Mario Kart franchise is a console gaming tour-de-force, so it was only natural that it would eventually find its way to smaller screens. Mario Kart Tour makes a few gameplay changes from its previous iterations, including the addition of a gacha system and somewhat automated driving.
Though these changes were met with some criticism, the popularity of Mario and his friends zooming around in tiny cars endures. Plus, it's because of this game that the world was blessed with seeing Tanooki Mario behind the wheel, which is maybe the most adorable thing ever.
Angry Birds
It would be impossible to talk about the most downloaded mobile games of all time without a tip of the hat to this classic title. There's no denying the fact that Angry Birds is one of the biggest IPs of all time, and it got its start in mobile gaming.
The original release was nothing short of a phenomenon, paving the way for multiple spin-offs and sequels that have all become wildly successful in their own right. While the franchise might not be the most popular thing around at the moment, credit must be given where credit is due to this genre-defining game.
Sonic Dash
The Sonic franchise features some of the most downloaded games in the entire world. Its foray into the endless runner genre was also a success in that regard. Sonic Dash is a surprisingly competent title, mainly due to the fact that the endless runner genre perfectly complements the breakneck speed and play style of a Sonic game.
Its massive popularity on iPhone and Android has made it one of the strongest performers in the Sonic franchise — and despite the bungled release of Sonic Colors Ultimate, with a sequel to the surprisingly decent movie on the horizon who knows what non-console game heights Sonic might hit next?
Super Mario Run
Speaking of popular franchises delving into the endless runner genre, the Mario series ventured into this genre with Super Mario Run. While at first appearing somewhat bland, Nintendo ended up impressing gamers with the vast wealth of content in Super Mario Run, turning it into one of the most downloaded mobile games of all time.
The endless runner genre is a unique match with Mario's traditional playstyle. The way the various features have been adapted to fit mobile play and the variety of level design in Super Mario Run make it the game that it is.
Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle
Dragon Ball is easily one of the most popular franchises of all time, with its games being fairly successful in their own right. This is especially true for Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle, which has quickly grown through a steady stream of content updates to become one of the most downloaded mobile games in the world.
Dokkan Battle features a unique gameplay system that combines card collecting, puzzles, and board games into a flashy and entertaining package. Although the game might feel somewhat grindy at times (especially if you don't want to spend a fortune) it remains a surprisingly polished title.
Among Us
Alright, listen: everyone knows about Among Us. Released to little fanfare in 2018, this social deception game exploded in popularity thanks to Twitch streamers. Frustrating, frantic, and fun, the game puts groups of up to ten players in the roles of adorable space blobs.
As the group attempts to complete tasks and repairs around the ship, they are secretly hunted by one or more players posing as an ally. Figuring out who the imposter is before they can kill everyone and win the game is incredibly enjoyable. The game gets even better (and also worse) when played with a group of close friends.
Candy Crush Saga
Nothing has grabbed hold of middle-aged moms, teens, and anyone looking to kill time quite like match-three puzzle games. Games like Bejeweled took Facebook by storm, but none came close to the staying power of Candy Crush. An evolution of the Tetris formula, players are tasked with joining like-colored candies in a grid to gain points.
With Candy Crush Saga, the casual puzzle phenomenon was one of the first major successes in the free-to-play genre. Though the gameplay is fairly simple and repetitive, the addictiveness at the core of the design still holds strong. Perfect for quick gameplay sessions, the convenience of Candy Crush Saga is second to none.
Temple Run
Endless runners have existed for a long time. Given the general simplicity of their design, it makes sense that the genre would flourish in the mobile marketplace. In Temple Run, players are tasked with guiding an adventurer seeking a golden idol through a dangerous temple.
Easy to learn but difficult to master, Temple Run has spawned several spin-offs, a book series, and even a potential movie tie-in. For those with an itch that can only be scratched by an Indiana Jones-esque auto-runner, the Temple Run games are here to become a new obsession.
Clash Of Clans
For those who want a game with a bit more depth, Clash of Clans provides engrossing strategy mechanics wrapped up in an adorable isometric art style. Adding to this winning formula is the fact that the game is playable online. Teaming up with friends to fight battles and earn gold is thrilling; the fact that the game is free is icing on the already delicious cake.
Sure, there are micro-transactions galore and the impulse to spend just a few dollars for perks is difficult to ignore. But the engrossing gameplay keeps devoted players coming back for more.
Fruit Ninja
Perhaps one of the most simple games on this list, Fruit Ninja sees players doing nothing more than swiping their fingers erratically across the screen. The task? Cut as many fruits as possible while avoiding explosives that can end the round.
The ease of play combined with the addictive nature of racking up points was a proven recipe for success as Fruit Ninja is now one of the most-played mobile titles of all time. With motion-controlled and virtual reality versions of the game, there are multiple ways for gamers to enjoy the fruit-cutting action of Fruit Ninja.
PUBG (PlayerUnknown's BattleGrounds) Mobile
The original version of PUBG rose to prominence at the beginning of the current battle royale craze. Starting its life on PC before migrating to consoles and mobile phones, this competitive online shooter gives players a simple goal: be the last one standing at the end of the match.
Though games like Fortnite have since overtaken PUBG in terms of pure Battle Royale popularity, none can deny the influence this game had on the many battle royale titles that came after.