Mobile games are truly fun for everyone, from kids on the playground to commuting parents to sneaky work breaks (not us, obviously) and rainy Sundays. With the huge range of choices available on Android and iOS increasing every year, this list contains our favorite 20 mobile games of all time.
Whether you’re looking for a cutting-edge classic or a reboot of a lovingly remembered childhood franchise, the mobile industry has you covered. Read on to look through our list of the best must-play mobile games available on your handheld devices in 2024.
Top 20 Mobile Games For iOS and Android
We tried to cover plenty of genres in the list below, so some games you think should’ve made the list might have slipped off the bottom. Trust us, it’s impossibly difficult to get this list down to just 20 from the hundreds of top-notch mobile games available. New games are landing on the Play Store and App Store every day, so a new top contender is probably arriving for download as we speak. We love new games, so if you think we’ve missed anything or can’t believe we didn’t include your personal favorite, let us know in the comments below.
20. Chrono Trigger
If you’re a gamer of a certain age, the mere mention of Chrono Trigger gives you a warm glow that lasts all day. The iconic original was released back in 1995 and went on to become one of the most highly acclaimed computer RPG series of all time. It was ported to the DS and Wii, but for mobile, the games have been properly upgraded. Graphics, sound, and controls have been updated, and new content added. If you love RPGs, you owe it to yourself to either experience or relive a genuine classic.
19. Kingdom Rush: Vengeance
The fourth title in the popular Kingdom Rush franchise, Vengeance, is a neat twist on the tower defense genre the franchise helped establish. It’s fitting that the series that arguably started it all is the one to cleverly pivot an aging idea, as now you’re playing the original Kingdom Rush villain, Vez’nan. Rather than trying to defend, you’re trying to guide his troops against the towers you used to defend so staunchly.
18. Honkai: Star Rail
HoYoverse certainly knows how to make a good mobile game. While they are mostly known for another large title that will appear later on the list, HoYoverse proved that they could implement a more relaxed turn-based RPG system into a game and still make it action-packed. With a constantly growing roster, Honkai: Star Rail lets players experiment with many different team comps and strategies.
17. Stardew Valley
RPGs have been around since the start of gaming, but it has proven difficult for developers to create a game that strikes a balance between action adventure and feeling a genuine part of your environment. Stardew Valley has caught the imagination of millions by doing just that. While not graphically outstanding, it is beautiful and imaginative. And each time you play, you can set your own pace, farming and making friends with the locals or exploring and battling monsters. Â
16. Star Wars: Knights Of The Old Republic
Despite being 21 years old in 2024, you’ll still find Knights of the Old Republic (or SW: KOTOR) in the top one or two of any best Star Wars games ever lists, and rightly so. This wonderful RPG has an excellent storyline that properly captures the underdog plight that’s at the heart of everything good in Star Wars, with your decisions having real in-game consequences. The strategic combat still stands up to scrutiny today. But more than anything, you feel as if you’re in a living, breathing Star Wars universe.
15. Call Of Duty Mobile
Call of Duty Mobile was always going to be huge, but was it going to be any good? Luckily the answer for fans was yes, with millions of players enjoying a tremendous amount of content for a free-to-play game. Fans can enjoy everything from 100-player battle royales to team deathmatches, while leveling up feels genuinely rewarding. The controls take a bit of getting used to and aren’t for everyone, but for free, it is definitely worth experimenting with.
14. Player Unknown’s Battle Grounds (PUBG) Mobile
Talking of battle royale shooters, it’s hard to do it better than PUBG Mobile. While CoD does its best to please everyone, PUBG has taken the all-versus-one idea and honed it to perfection. What is even more remarkable, however, is that they’ve managed to create a free mobile version that is smooth, feature-rich, and technically lacking nothing of the big screen experience. Drop in, grab what you can, and fight to the death against 100 other players. All while you’re on the bus to school or the office.
13. Monument Valley
If you’re after a calming mobile puzzler experience, look no further than the multi-award-winning Monument Valley series. The games are absolutely beautiful and have ported perfectly to mobile. Wander serenely through mazes and manipulate the world around you as you guide Princess Ida through a series of spellbinding levels. The games get the mix of challenge and mood just right, keeping a smile on your face while deep, deep down your brain is working overtime.
12. Riptide GP: Renegade
We have to give the title of best current mobile racer to Riptide GP: Renegade. Racing on water adds a wonderful unpredictability to the racing experience, while the sci-fi setting makes the wild ride through each new map a visual treat as well as a thrilling one. It’s a really tricky game to master in terms of controls, but it’s worth sticking with. Modes include straight races and freestyle trick modes, as well as upgrading your hydro jet and beating bosses in one-to-one race-offs.
11. Minecraft
While Minecraft has never been a pretender to the graphical achievements throne, the engine working underneath is truly remarkable. You only need to look at what players have managed to achieve with it. So, to pack that into a mobile experience is a real achievement. You can play survival, creation, and multiplayer modes, although there are limitations in size and features. The controls take some getting used to, but it’s worth persevering as this is a true Minecraft experience.
10. Pokémon GO
While games such as Parallel Kingdom and Ingress laid the groundwork for GPS location-based gaming, it took Pokémon GO to truly put the genre on the map (sorry). It captures the essence of the series perfectly, seeing budding trainers actually going out into the world in the hope of catching and trading the rarest Pokémon they can find. And while its popularity may have peaked, it still boasts more than 70 million players more than five years after its release.
9. Dead Cells
Rogue-like action platformer Dead Cells takes mobile 2D side-scrolling combat to the next level. While frustrating at times and incredibly tricky to master, it offers an incredibly rewarding and addictive experience to those with the patience to master it. Mastering the mobile controls is especially challenging, but it is still surprisingly close to the PC experience. The only downside is it’s hard to really take in the gorgeous visuals while trying to avoid getting your proverbials handed to you.
8. Among Us
If you’ve enjoyed roleplay experiences such as Mafia or Werewolf, Among Us takes the idea and translates it beautifully to mobile. Four to 15 players take roles on a spaceship, getting it ready for departure. But some of you are out to betray the rest, and it's your job as a group to identify them. It’s a great premise, but Among Us takes it to the next level with beautiful cartoon-style graphics and an array of sound effects that help make every dark twist a hilarious experience.
7. Genshin Impact
It’s remarkable that one of the most visually stunning RPGs of recent years is available free to play on mobile. It's both a solo RPG and multiplayer experience while falling short of being a fully-fledged MMO. And while the gacha-style random elements don’t appeal to everyone, it’s a game everyone should try. The mobile controls are surprisingly responsive, and it offers cross-play with your PC and console buddies too. It has a gorgeous world and story to explore, engaging combat, and a fantastic cast of characters to choose from.
6 - Magikarp Jump
If you've not yet played Magikarp Jump, 2024 is the year to do so. Fish up Magikarp in a variety of patterns, train them to take on other Magikarps in jumping contests, and work hard to defeat the champion Magikarp of each area. When your Magikarp fails or becomes a Champion, retire them to a life of luxury and begin with a new, freshly-caught Magikarp. The game has a simple and bright cartoonish aesthetic that fits its simple and cartoonish dreams of high-flying Magikarp.
5 - Fallout Shelter
If you love both Fallout and simulation games all about constructing and managing your own area, you'll love Fallout Shelter. You'll play as a Vault-Tec overseer managing a vault's inhabitants and providing them with everything they need. You can customize your Dwellers' looks, train them, and send them above ground to explore the surface for caps, new loot, and more. While doing all of this, defend your vault from attacking monsters and more. After all, the fate of every Dweller rests in your hands.
4 - A Dance of Fire and Ice
A Dance of Fire and Ice is a simple rhythm game that anyone can enjoy. Unlike most rhythm games, you'll only need to focus on tapping the screen once as the orbiting planet reaches the next box in the path. There are no complicated sets of buttons, no unpredictable melodies, and no hassle. Everything is laid out for you clearly, making it perfect for casual players, beginners to the rhythm game scene, and expert players alike. The game's music itself is upbeat, enjoyable, and relaxing to listen to.
3 - Bloons Tower Defense 6
The Bloons series contains several of the most iconic tower defense games of all time. They began as free-to-play games on the Coolmath Games website, with the sixth iteration evolving to become this beloved mobile game. It focuses on strategizing the placement of your monkey heroes around an outlined path to make them pop every balloon that comes your way. Casual players can choose when and where to play without repercussion, while more consistent players can replay the game endlessly without feeling bored.
2 - Terraria
The mobile version of Terraria allows you to bring the game along with you wherever you go. It provides a fantastic action-adventure experience including everything from the console and PC versions of the game. Explore the world, go mining, fight fearsome enemies, and meet plenty of NPCs to befriend and take to your base. A bonus is that mobile Terraria can be played solo or multiplayer, making this perfect for single players and those who want to try something new with friends.
1 - Luck be a Landlord
Luck be a Landlord is a unique slot machine-based roguelike game. Players start with a basic slot machine and slowly add more symbols to the machine to get better rewards from each spin. It can be played endlessly due to the many combinations available. Pick your slot items wisely to get the most coins from every spin. Altogether, Luck be a Landlord's simplistic appearance, easy-to-understand mechanics, and roguelike replayability make it one of the most enjoyable mobile games in 2024.
Looking for more best game lists? Check out our Best Indie PC Games and Best Clicker Games lists here on Pro Game Guides.
Published: Jul 31, 2024 02:49 pm