DexertoYou got any games on your phone? Yeah, we do kid – and they’re the best mobile games you’ll ever play.
Ok, references to 2010 memes aside (hello, fellow kids), we know a thing or two about games here at Dexerto. That’s how we were able to write a list of the 100 best games ever made without a single person disagreeing with us. Hell, we’ve even done lists of the best PlayStation games, the best Xbox games, and even the best PC games.
What I’m saying is there’s no gaming platform that we’re not willing to shine the light of our expertise on. So, with that in mind, we’ve turned our attention to arguably the fastest-growing platform in the world: mobile games.
So here are our picks for the best mobile games on the market right now, from action-packed shooters to competitive deck-builders and even a Pokemon game or two. We’ve got it all, well, 15 at least… having them all would be impossible.
Pokemon Go
Dexerto / Niantic- Release date: July 6, 2016
- Genre: Augmented-reality
- Platform: iOS, Android
What it’s about: Pokemon Go lets you go on your very own Pokemon adventure. You can catch ’em all, battle in Gyms, and take on powerful Raid Bosses with friends; all while getting some fresh air and a few steps in.
Why we like it: When Pokemon Go launched in 2016, it was a phenomenon, and despite some ups and downs, it remains one of the best and most accessible Pokemon games on mobile.
Basically, as long as you’ve got a road nearby, phone signal, and some Poke Balls in your bag, you can become a Pokemon master. Best of all, frequent updates, Community Days, and new Pokemon releases keep the game from getting stale, despite the fact that this is one mobile game that’s nearly as old as Ash Ketchum himself.
Pokemon TCG Pocket
Dexerto / The Pokemon Company- Release date: October 30, 2024
- Genre: Card Game
- Platform: iOS, Android
What it’s about: A free-to-play mobile adaptation of the beloved Pokemon Trading Card Game. Pokemon TCG Pocket allows you to collect and battle digital trading cards on the go… but no it’s not Pokemon Go… that’s another Pokemon game you can play on the go… it’s not confusing.
Why we love it: Whether you’re an avid fan of the TCG already or an experienced card-jockey just looking for a new game to add to your daily rotation, this is a fantastic mobile title that boasts slick visuals, fun gameplay, and hundreds of cards to collect. Plus you can display your collection in a natty digital binder!
What’s more, the dev team are keeping themselves busier than a Beedrill, constantly working on new events and expansions that make more and more cards available. Basically, what I’m saying is download this at your own peril; it’s a bit moreish.
Call of Duty: Mobile
Activision - Release date: October 1, 2019
- Genre: FPS
- Platform: iOS, Windows, Android
What it’s about: Do you enjoy shooting your friends but fear the legal repercussions? Does the idea of a campaign mode bring you out in a cold sweat? Does the thought of a K/D below 1.0 keep you up at night? Then you need to check out Call of Duty: Mobile.
Why we like it: Ok, glib jokes to make up for Call of Duty: Mobile breaking our format (it doesn’t have a story mode; how can we describe what it’s about?) This is a superb port with tight controls, classic maps, and characters with weapons and equipment.
Perhaps most impressively, it manages to faithfully recreate the fast-paced action that’s come to define the CoD games despite hardware limitations. Also, it has plenty of different game modes to keep you busy (our favorite is the Battle Royale mode because we’re basic).
League of Legends: Wild Rift
Riot Games- Release date: October 27, 2020
- Genre: MOBA
- Platform: iOS, Android
What it’s about: On the world of Runeterra, the greatest legends in history battle for control of mystical regions. Yeah, League doesn’t have an actual plot either… how could you tell?
Why we like it: Ever thought to yourself, ‘Man, I wish I could get into LoL, but I’m just too scared’? Well, Wild Rift is the game for you. The bar to entry for Wild Rift is far lower than the main game, and the community is far nicer.
Even better, LoL loses none of its punch on mobile, it still has more than 100 champions to choose from, the matches are quicker than standard LoL, and it keeps the original’s strategic depth. The only downside are those damn touch controls, but we’re willing to forgive and forget for a mobile MOBA that’s this fun to play.
Balatro
LocalThunk- Release date: February 20, 2024
- Genre: Roguelike
- Platform: iOS, Windows, Android
What it’s about: Did you ever look at Solitaire and think, ‘This isn’t addictive enough for me?’ If so, could we recommend Balatro, a poker-inspired deck-building roguelike? (we need to start picking games with stories.)
Why we like it: Listen, you don’t need us to tell you why Balatro is so good. Everyone and their gaming momma was talking about this title when it dropped, and the Game of the Year nominations speak for themselves. That said, I will admit to losing hours of my precious life to this ludicrously addictive game, which is effortlessly easy to learn and deviously difficult to master.
Beyond its gratifying gameplay loop ( trust me, you’re gonna be stuck in this loop for a while), there’s a devilish charm to its simple but effective visuals and music. However, my favorite thing about Balatro is how it surprises you. There have been several times while playing where I was convinced I had a winning hand only for a wildcard to ruin my intricate plans.
Clash Royale
Supercell- Release date: March 2, 2016
- Genre: Strategy
- Platform: iOS, Android
What it’s about: Clash Royale isn’t just an annoying YouTube ad; it’s also a strategic deck-builder whose main objective is to siege your enemy’s base while defending your own.
Why we like it: On the surface, Clash Royale seems like a simple tower defence game. Yet Supercell has cleverly implemented elements from MOBA and card battlers that add a surprising amount of strategic depth to the game.
Indeed, with more than 100 cards to collect and different synergies to work out, you can quickly lose hours of your life trying out new tactics and playstyles. That said, the best thing about the game is the slightly frantic excitement you’ll feel in the heat of each three-minute match; there’s nothing quite as thrilling as thinking you’ve lost it all only for a well-timed elixir to save your bacon and turn the tide in your favor.
Slay the Spire
Mega Crit- Release date: January 23, 2019
- Genre: Roguelike
- Platform: iOS, Windows, Android
What it’s about: Slay the Spire sees you play as one of four characters – each with their own abilities and playstyles – tasked with climbing a bizarre, seemingly ever-changing spire. Why? Well, someone has to get to the top, don’t they?
Why we like it: A genre-defining roguelike, Slay the Spire combines deck-building mechanics with punishing gameplay to sensational effect. The game’s main selling point, however, is its four characters. Each of these characters wields distinct decks and allows for different playstyles and unique synergies.
This makes every run feel like a fresh challenge, a feeling that’s only enhanced by constantly changing relics and the random encounters on each floor of the spire. I can’t lie, though. Slay The Spire is a very hard game, but I promise once you get to grips with it (probably by dying a billion times or more), you’ll be hooked, and that “one last run” will quickly become a night spent glued to your phone.
Monument Valley
ustwo games- Release date: April 3, 2014
- Genre: Puzzle
- Platform: iOS, Windows, Android
What it’s about: Princess Ida must journey through impossible mazes and other fantastical landscapes in the hope of being forgiven for stealing the Sacred Geometry.
Why we like it: There’s something incredibly intuitive, almost meditative, about Monument Valley, and it’s a real contrast to other more difficult games on this list (I’m looking at you, Slay the Spire). Yet despite the ease with which most players will breeze through these labyrinths, it’s still an incredibly enjoyable and compelling experience.
I think it comes down to the elegant design of the maps and mazes. They’re just gorgeous to look at, and there’s something so satisfying in figuring out what at first glance seems to be an impossible problem. If you enjoyed games like Journey and Gris, you need to check this out.
Marvel Snap
Marvel Snap- Release date: October 18, 2022
- Genre: Card game
- Platform: iOS, Windows, Android
What it’s about: Snap is a fast-paced card game that pits various Marvel characters from across the multiverse against each other.
Why we like it: Marvel Snap looks amazing, and plays even better. What makes it such a fun game is the combination of easy-to-learn rules (it’ll take you one or two matches to master the game) and a lot of cards that add a degree of strategic depth that belies the simplicity of its mechanics.
I also really like the three-arena system it uses; it keeps matches fresh and forces you to make changes to your strategy on the fly. Surprisingly, I also think the limited deck size is a good thing. It keeps things pacy and punchy, forcing you to make painful decisions before matches even begin. My only complaint? How long it took me to unlock Spider-Man.
Honkai: Star Rail
HoYoverse- Release date: April 26, 2023
- Genre: Gacha
- Platform: iOS, Windows, Android
What it’s about: Honkai: Star Rail puts you in control of the Trailblazer, a mysterious individual who must travel from planet to planet on the Astral Express and connect alien worlds by saving them from disaster.
Why we like it: Don’t make the mistake of dismissing Honkai: Star Rail as just another Gacha Game because it’s not. This game boasts an awe-inspiring story, strategic turn-based combat, and a progression system that some AAA games could learn from. In fact, it’s such an impressive title, both in terms of gameplay and visuals, that it would be borderline negligent of us not to include it on a list of the best mobile games.
However, while mechanically, it’s superb, I must say my favorite thing about the game has always been its dark sense of humor. I’d actually go so far as to say it’s one of the funniest games I’ve played in recent years; it’s just full of witty banter, playful dialogue, and some seriously absurd references to other bits of pop culture detritus. Check it out! Or don’t. I’m not your boss.
Genshin Impact
MiHoYo- Release date: September 28, 2020
- Genre: Action-RPG
- Platform: iOS, Windows, Android
What it’s about: Set in the world of Teyvat, you play as the Traveller and are tasked with finding your lost twin. To do so, you’ll have to journey across the land, making new friends and enemies as you go.
Why we like it: Thought decent open-world role-playing games were difficult to come by on mobile? Then you’ve clearly never heard of Genshin Impact! No, I’m not being hyperbolic for the sake of word count. The scale of Genshin Impact is genuinely breath-taking, and the visuals are stunning .
Undoubtedly, though, what makes this game fun to play (you know the reason you got it in the first place) is the elemental combat system, which may not be the most original idea, but is intuitive enough that you’ll get to grips with it quicker than an over-caffeinated Dendro Slime.
Yes, I know the Gacha mechanics can be irritating if you’re not a fan of the genre, but the well-thought-out lore, deep character roster, and frequent updates will keep even the most skeptical RPG player hunting for their missing sister.
Wayward Souls
Rocketcat Games- Release date: April 24, 2014
- Genre: RPG
- Platform: iOS, Windows, Android
What it’s about: A top-down dungeon crawler in the same vein as the original Zelda games, Wayward Souls puts you in control of one of six characters – the Warrior, Mage, Rogue, Adventurer, Spellsword, or Cultist – as they navigate a monster-filled dungeon.
Why we like it: There might not be a Dark Souls mobile game, but Wayward Souls is the next best thing. Like all roguelikes, this game is horrendously hard at times, and you’ll want to make sure your insurance payments are up to date before you start playing (lest you throw the phone out the window in frustration). Yet I promise you when you find your rhythm, you’ll fall in love with this game’s combat, impressive RPG elements, and charming nostalgic graphics.
Reigns: Her Majesty
Devolver Digital- Release date: December 6, 2017
- Genre: Strategy
- Platform: iOS, Windows, Android
What it’s about: Her Majesty puts you in control of the queen of a medieval kingdom who’s married to the ruling king. Your job then is to influence your husband to make decisions that benefit your kingdom or go full Cersei Lannister and look out for yourself (Warning: Looking out for yourself may result in execution).
Why we like it: As a sequel to Reigns (where you play as a king), you’d be forgiven for thinking this is just a cheap reskin, but you’d be wrong. While the gameplay is undeniably similar to its predecessor, the fact you’re not technically in charge puts a fresh spin on things, and keeping yourself in favor between the different factions – the church, the people, the military, the economy – is surprisingly difficult.
Still, I think what makes this game so impressive is that even though all you’re really doing is swiping left or right on decisions, it still manages to tell a powerful story about sexism – bet you didn’t expect that from a mobile game that costs less than a cup of coffee.
Stardew Valley
ConcernedApe- Release date: February 26, 2016
- Genre: Farming sim
- Platform: iOS, Windows, Android
What it’s about: After your grandfather passes away, he leaves you his small farm, and you have to take over the family business, slowly building up your farm and home.
Why we like it: Stardew Valley is the pinnacle of cozy games, and it’s reflected wonderfully on mobile. Fish, cook, tend to animals, fall in love, and mine gems all from the comfort of your phone. There’s a reason Stardew Valley is so well known, and if you haven’t tried it out, you’re missing more than you know.
Words by Jess Filby
Among Us
Innersloth- Release date: June 15, 2018
- Genre: Social deduction game
- Platform: iOS, Windows, Android
What it’s about: Deep in space, several astronauts must try and figure out which of their crewmates is a murderer. Can you catch the killer before he strikes again? Well, that’s half the fun.
Why we like it: Oh Among Us, if it weren’t for you, we’d never have got through… the unpleasantness. Anyway, a fun mix of digital social deduction and well-worn party games like Mafia and Werewolf, Among Us might have a simple premise, but its cute visuals and dark sense of humor helped make it a classic. Also, who doesn’t love to frame their friends and family for murder before slaughtering them all? Just me. Oops, I’ll give the therapist a call.
Those are our picks for the best mobile games in 2025! For more recommendations, check out our other best lists breaking down the best shooting games, best 2025 games so far, or some great games like The Sims or It Takes Two.
