Mobile gaming has come a long way since the days of Snake on Nokia phones. Today, our smartphones are powerful gaming devices capable of delivering unique experiences right in our pockets.
But with millions of games available in app stores, finding the gems among the clutter can be challenging. This article highlights 20 mobile games worth your time and attention.
From puzzlers to RPGs, casual games to intense strategy titles, we’ve got something for every type of player.
The Top 20 Mobile Games You Should Try
1. Monument Valley
- Genre: Puzzle
- Developer: two games
- Release Year: 2014
Monument Valley is a beautiful puzzle game that bends the laws of geometry and perspective. Players guide a silent princess through stunning architectural mazes filled with optical illusions. The game’s artistic style and soothing soundtrack create a meditative experience. Each level is a work of art inspired by the impossible drawings of M.C. Escher.
Key features:
- Mind-bending puzzles based on optical illusions
- Gorgeous minimalist art style
- Relaxing, atmospheric soundtrack
- Intuitive touch controls
2. Stardew Valley
- Genre: Farming Simulation / RPG
- Developer: ConcernedApe
- Release Year: 2016 (Mobile: 2018)
Stardew Valley brings the charm of classic farming games to mobile devices. Players inherit a rundown farm and must restore it to its former glory. But there’s more than farming – you can explore caves, fish, craft items, and build relationships with the quirky townspeople. The game’s pixel art style and catchy music create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere.
Key features:
- Deep, engaging gameplay with many activities
- Charming retro-style graphics
- Hundreds of hours of content
- Regular updates adding new features
3. Alto’s Odyssey
- Genre: Endless Runner
- Developer: Team Alto
- Release Year: 2018
Alto’s Odyssey takes the endless runner genre to new heights. Players sandboard through beautiful desert landscapes, performing tricks and avoiding obstacles. The game’s day-night cycle and dynamic weather create ever-changing scenery. With its simple one-touch controls and zen-like “Lost in the Desert” mode, it’s easy to lose yourself in Alto’s world.
Key features:
- Stunning visuals with procedurally generated landscapes
- Relaxing soundtrack
- Easy to learn, hard to master gameplay
- No in-app purchases – buy once, play forever
4. Minecraft
- Genre: Sandbox / Survival
- Developer: Mojang Studios
- Release Year: 2011 (Mobile: 2011)
Minecraft needs a little introduction. This blocky sandbox game lets players build, explore, and survive in a vast, procedurally generated world. The mobile version includes all the features of its PC counterpart, with touch controls optimized for smartphones and tablets. Whether you prefer creative building or survival mode challenges, Minecraft offers endless possibilities.
Key features:
- Infinite, randomly generated worlds to explore
- Creative mode for unlimited building
- Survival mode with crafting and combat
- Multiplayer options for playing with friends
5. Among Us
- Genre: Social Deduction
- Developer: InnerSloth
- Release Year: 2018
Among Us took the world by storm in 2020, becoming a cultural phenomenon. This multiplayer game of teamwork and betrayal tasks a crew of spaceship workers with completing tasks while trying to identify impostors in their midst. Its simple graphics and easy-to-learn gameplay make it accessible to players of all ages.
Key features:
- Fun, fast-paced multiplayer action
- Cross-platform play between mobile and PC
- Regular updates with new maps and features
- Voice chat support for added immersion
6. Genshin Impact
- Genre: Action RPG
- Developer: miHoYo
- Release Year: 2020
Genshin Impact proves that console-quality games can thrive on mobile. This vast open-world RPG features stunning anime-inspired visuals, a deep elemental combat system, and a massive cast of characters to collect. While free-to-play, the game is generous with premium currency, making it enjoyable without spending money.
Key features:
- Massive open world to explore
- Engaging story with frequent updates
- Co-op multiplayer mode
- Cross-save between mobile, PC, and consoles
7. Pokémon GO
- Genre: Augmented Reality / Collecting
- Developer: Niantic
- Release Year: 2016
Pokémon GO brought the beloved creature-catching franchise into the real world. Using augmented reality, players explore their surroundings to find and catch Pokémon. The game encourages physical activity and has fostered countless real-world communities. Regular events and new Pokémon keep the experience fresh years after its release.
Key features:
- Real-world exploration and exercise
- Augmented reality technology
- Regular events and updates
- Trading and battling with other players
8. Clash Royale
- Genre: Strategy / Card Battler
- Developer: Supercell
- Release Year: 2016
Clash Royale combines elements of tower defense, card collecting, and MOBA games into an addictive package. Players build decks of troops, spells, and buildings, then battle in real-time against opponents. Matches are quick and intense, perfect for mobile play. The game’s competitive, solid scene always ensures room for improvement.
Key features:
- Fast-paced strategic battles
- Diverse roster of cards to collect and upgrade
- Active clan system for social play
- Regular balance updates to keep the meta fresh
9. Florence
- Genre: Interactive Story
- Developer: Mountains
- Release Year: 2018
Florence is a short but powerful interactive story about love and life. Players follow the relationship of Florence and Krish through a series of mini-games and vignettes. The game’s watercolor art style and vibrant soundtrack create a profoundly moving experience. It’s a perfect example of how mobile games can be a form of art.
Key features:
- Touching story about love and personal growth
- Beautiful hand-drawn art style
- Innovative use of touch controls to convey emotions
- Short length (about 30 minutes) but high replay value
10. Threes!
- Genre: Puzzle
- Developer: Sirvo LLC
- Release Year: 2014
Threes! is a simple number puzzle game that’s easy to learn but hard to master. Players slide numbered tiles on a grid, combining matching numbers to create larger ones. The goal is to get the highest score possible before running out of moves. Its clean design and satisfying gameplay loop make it addictive.
Key features:
- Simple yet deep puzzle mechanics
- Charming personality with cute tile faces
- Endless mode for continuous play
- Global leaderboards for competition
11. Plague Inc.
- Genre: Strategy / Simulation
- Developer: Ndemic Creations
- Release Year: 2012
Plague Inc. puts players in control of a pathogen to infect and wipe out humanity. It’s a dark premise, but the game’s focus on strategy and simulation makes it engaging rather than depressing. Players must evolve their disease to spread effectively while adapting to human countermeasures. The game’s relevance during the COVID-19 pandemic led to a spike in popularity and the addition of a “cure” mode.
Key features:
- Deep strategy gameplay
- Realistic simulation based on scientific models
- Multiple pathogens and difficulty levels
- Regular updates with new scenarios
12. Hearthstone
- Genre: Collectible Card Game
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
- Release Year: 2014
Hearthstone brings the depth of collectible card games to mobile devices. In the Warcraft universe, players build decks and battle against opponents in turn-based matches. The game’s polished presentation and regular content updates keep it feeling fresh. While it can be played for free, serious players may want to invest money to build competitive decks faster.
Key features:
- Strategic deck-building and gameplay
- Multiple game modes, including single-player adventures
- Cross-platform play with PC version
- Regular expansions adding new cards and mechanics
13. PUBG Mobile
- Genre: Battle Royale
- Developer: PUBG Corporation
- Release Year: 2018
PUBG Mobile brings the intense action of the original PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds to smartphones. Up to 100 players parachute onto an island, scavenge for weapons, and fight to be the last one standing. The mobile version features impressive graphics and smooth controls optimized for touchscreens. Regular updates add new maps, weapons, and game modes.
Key features:
- Large-scale multiplayer battles
- Multiple maps with varying terrain
- Voice chat for team communication
- Seasons with unlockable cosmetic rewards
14. Angry Birds 2
- Genre: Puzzle
- Developer: Rovio Entertainment
- Release Year: 2015
Angry Birds 2 improves on the physics-based puzzle gameplay that made the original a mobile gaming phenomenon. Players launch birds with various abilities to topple structures and defeat evil pigs. The sequel adds multi-stage levels, a card system for choosing birds, and improved graphics. It’s free-to-play, with in-app purchases for power-ups and extra lives.
Key features:
- Classic slingshot gameplay with new twists
- Colorful, detailed graphics
- Daily challenges and events
- Competitive arena mode
15. Subway Surfers
- Genre: Endless Runner
- Developer: SYBO Games
- Release Year: 2012
Subway Surfers is one of the most popular Endless Runner games ever. Players control a graffiti artist escaping from a police officer and his dog through busy subways. The game’s colorful graphics, simple controls, and frequent updates keep players returning. New locations are added regularly, each with unique visual themes.
Key features:
- Fast-paced, addictive gameplay
- Vibrant, diverse environments
- Character customization options
- Weekly challenges and events
16. Brawl Stars
- Genre: Multiplayer Action
- Developer: Supercell
- Release Year: 2018
Key features:
- Multiple game modes, from battle royale to objective-based
- Large cast of unique characters to unlock and upgrade
- Team-based gameplay with friends or random players
- Regular events and balance changes
17. The Room
- Genre: Puzzle
- Developer: Fireproof Games
- Release Year: 2012
The Room is a series of atmospheric puzzle games that challenge players to solve intricate mechanical puzzles. Each game revolves around mysterious boxes or rooms filled with hidden compartments and mechanisms. The stunning graphics and eerie atmosphere create an immersive experience. While the first game is relatively short, sequels have expanded the scope and complexity.
Key features:
- Beautiful, detailed 3D graphics
- Challenging but fair puzzles
- Mysterious storyline that unfolds as you progress
- Intuitive touch controls for manipulating objects
18. Sky: Children of the Light
- Genre: Adventure
- Developer: thatgamecompany
- Release Year: 2019
From the creators of Journey comes Sky: Children of the Light, a beautiful social adventure game. Players explore a magical kingdom, solving puzzles and helping other players. The game’s focus on positive social interactions and its breathtaking visuals make it a unique experience. Flying through the clouds and discovering new areas is pure joy.
Key features:
- Stunning visuals and orchestral soundtrack
- Cooperative gameplay with strangers or friends
- Regular seasonal events with new content
- Emphasis on kindness and social connections
19. Call of Duty: Mobile
- Genre: First-Person Shooter
- Developer: TiMi Studios
- Release Year: 2019
Call of Duty: Mobile brings the popular FPS franchise to smartphones with impressive results. The game features multiplayer modes from the main series and a battle royale mode. With intuitive touch controls and controller support, graphics and gameplay are surprisingly close to console quality. Regular seasons add new maps, weapons, and game modes.
Key features:
- Classic Call of Duty multiplayer modes
- 100-player battle royale mode
- Customizable load-outs and character skins
- Clan system for social play
20. FreeCell
- Genre: Solitaire / Card Game
- Developer: Paul Alfille (original concept), Microsoft (popularized in Windows)
- Release Year: 1978 (concept), 1991 (Microsoft Windows version)
FreeCell is a classic solitaire card game that challenges players to strategically organize a standard 52-card deck into ascending order by suit. Unlike other solitaire games, most deals in FreeCell can be won with skillful planning, as very few rely purely on luck. The game is known for its clean interface, logical gameplay, and emphasis on strategy rather than chance.
Key Features:
- Strategic gameplay requiring planning and foresight
- All cards are visible from the start, minimizing luck factors
- Unlimited undo and hints in most digital versions
- Popularized as part of Microsoft Windows, becoming a staple for casual gaming
- Ideal for players seeking logic-based puzzles and mental challenge
Takeaway
Mobile gaming has evolved significantly, offering experiences that rival console and PC games in quality and depth. The 20 games listed here represent some of the best mobile platforms provide, spanning various genres and play styles. Whether you’re looking for quick time-killers or profound, engaging experiences, there’s something here for every type of gamer.
As mobile hardware continues to improve and developers push the boundaries of what’s possible on smartphones and tablets, we can expect even more impressive games. The convenience of mobile gaming, combined with the quality of these titles, makes it clear that smartphones are now a legitimate gaming platform in their own right.
So the next time you find some free time and your phone, consider trying one of these games. You might be surprised at how engaging and rewarding mobile gaming can be.
