Mobile games have been some of the most played titles in the industry, leaving marks on the world for decades to come with remarkable interactive experiences at users' fingertips. From the invention of mobile games in 1994, to the 'boom' of mobile gaming since the invention of the smartphone, playing video games on mobile devices has become an entertainment juggernaut. In today's day and age, there have been plenty of wonderful mobile games that have cemented their names in society.

As smartphones have become more sophisticated, mobile games have evolved to encompass a wide range of genres and experiences. From breathtaking role-playing adventures and strategy simulations to competitive multiplayer battles and narrative-driven experiences, mobile games started to offer something for everyone. And since the mobile gaming industry has had time to stew, some of the all time greats are no longer in a playable state for a variety of reasons. This list still includes those titles to pay homage to their contributions in pushing the industry forward.

Updated May 22, 2024, by Hamza Haq: Mobile gaming has come a long way, promising a diverse selection of experiences that cater to every type of player. From cozy farming simulations and serene snowboarding adventures to fast-paced strategy battles and challenging roguelike dungeons, the variety is endless. The experiences mobile games can now deliver have evolved significantly, transforming from simple time-killers into complex and immersive adventures.

14 Pokemon GO

Platforms: iOS, Android

The revelation of Pokemon GO was one of the most exciting parts of 2016. Pokemon GO was a mobile game designed for players to use their phones and catch Pokemon's famous creatures in the real world.

7:35

Related

22 Best Mobile Games For Couples

These titles are perfect for couples looking to spend quality time together using mobile video games.

Players can create their own trainers and even choose a starter Pokemon before diving into the rest of Pokemon GO. The rest of Pokemon GO offers many famous aspects of previous titles that made Pokemon games so beloved. Fans can catch Pokemon, battle other players, and even take over gyms, all in the real world.

pok

13 Tetris

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android.

Tetris is known worldwide as one of the oldest video games to kick off the gaming medium that had become so popular. Tetris has been a title among many different names, yet all with the same gameplay that brings fans of all ages. In Tetris, players have to strategically manipulate falling blocks of different shapes and sizes, known as "tetrominos," to create complete horizontal lines without any gaps.

Clearing lines earns points and prevents the stack of blocks from reaching the top of the screen, requiring quick thinking and spatial awareness to achieve high scores. Nowadays, Tetris is mostly enjoyed through cellular devices, making it one of the greatest mobile games of all time.

12 Marvel Snap

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android

Marvel Snap was an instant hit among fans who pursued gaming in their free time with mobile devices, as it incorporated almost every aspect of a mobile game that made them so popular. Marvel Snap takes the faces of famous Marvel characters and slaps them onto cards, which withhold different Energy costs, Power, and abilities.

Players must use these cards and play them in three different locations. Winning two of these locations wins players the game. Marvel Snap's matches usually last five minutes or less, making it a great way to pass time, as well as using a neat collection system that makes Marvel Snap uniquely addicting.

11 Candy Crush Saga

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android

Not many games become worldwide sensations overnight, especially when they're not directly part of a well-known franchise or series. Candy Crush has gone down in history as one of the most addictive games in history, as it had become known as one of the highest-grossing mobile games of its time (2013-2017).

Candy Crush, which features various games where players swap pieces of candy in a puzzle format to earn points, is still very popular to this day. The puzzle game has even kept players in its grip with new Candy Crush titles such as Candy Crush Saga and Candy Crush Soda Saga.

10 Dead Cells

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android, Xbox One, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch

Dead Cells is a critically acclaimed 2D metroidvania roguelite game that was originally released on PC and consoles in 2018. In Dead Cells, players control a character that can use a multitude of weapons, all found during the course of a 'run' that drastically alter how combat works. Dead Cells' fluid animations - for both the player character and the enemies - ensure that combat feels dynamic and responsive, closer to a Soulslike than a platformer.

The game offers deep customization and replayability, giving players a ton of options in terms of weapons and their associated upgrades. Though it shares the core elements of a typical metroidvania, its dynamic approach to combat sets it apart. Discovering what makes Dead Cells beloved the world over is something a player can only experience once. It deserves its acclaim and more.

9 Among Us

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch

Among Us isn't just one of the most-played mobile games of all time, but also one of the most widespread PC and console games for streamers and gamers alike. In Among Us, gamers play as colorful astronauts on one of several different maps placed on a spaceship.

Typically, two of the players are 'Imposters,' and their goal is to take out the other players before getting caught. The fast-paced gameplay and encouraging teamwork make Among Us a highly praised title and has since been named one of the best multiplayer games out there.

8 Alto's Odyssey & Alto's Adventure

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

Alto's Adventure and its sequel, Alto's Odyssey, are single-player skiing games that allow players to control a character skiing down snowy mountains, over sandy dunes, and through stone cities. Players earn points for doing stunts on the snowboard and keeping up combos, but it's not a requirement to play. Just enjoying the scenery that runs by in the background is just as enjoyable, if not more.

Alto's Adventure is one of those games that knows it's a mobile game first and shows that's okay. It doesn't try to keep players' attention for more than a single session but also doesn't punish them for wanting to go for multiple rounds in a single sitting. Do not be fooled by the game's apparent simplicity; the games are extremely replayable. Players can unlock new characters through the in-game currency that complete

7 Stardew Valley

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch

Originally released back in 2016, Stardew Valley is a testament to what indie titles can achieve across multiple devices. Stardew Valley is a cozy farming sim with a lot of depth. Growing crops, fishing up treasures, exploring dungeons, and most importantly, connecting with the residents of Pelican Town is what's on offer here, and it's a treat to experience.

Developed by a single developer, ConcernedApe, Stardew Valley enjoys an extremely dedicated community and a thriving modding scene that allows players to modify their game in interesting ways, even on mobile.

6 Subway Surfers

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android

Subway Surfers is one of many in a unique genre of mobile games in which players control a character that they have to swipe away at their screens to dodge obstacles. Arguably, Subway Surfers is the most successful game within that genre and has become one of the most-played mobile games on Earth.

Related

5 Best AAA Mobile Games, Ranked

The mobile games market is filled with cheaply-made freeware, but these games bring triple-A pedigree to phones and tablets for players on the go.

Subway Surfers simply puts players in the shoes of one of several different characters that are running away from the police after they're caught creating graffiti. The game consists of players dodging trains, rolling under signs, and even jumping over various objects as they attempt to outrun the infamous police officer.

5 Fruit Ninja

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android

2010 was an amazing year for mobile gaming, as many celebrated titles were released at the time. One such game was Fruit Ninja, a tablet and smartphone sensation that had fans sliding their fingers across their screens with a concentrated effort in slicing different fruits. In Fruit Ninja, as the title suggests, players are put into a room where random fruits (along with bombs and diverse upgrades) are thrown up into the air.

Gamers then have to swipe through the fruit to earn points. Letting any fruits fall to the ground untouched will give fans a strike. Fruit Ninja became well-known due to its addictive gameplay and simple mechanics.

4 Angry Birds

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android

Angry Birds isn't just an incredible mobile gaming app, but also a successful franchise. The name has been included in console games, merchandise, and even multiple films. Angry Birds became a leader in the world of gaming due to its structure, which other cellular games used to achieve such appraisal.

In Angry Birds, players used different types of bird characters to launch away with a large slingshot at constructed towers full of "green pigs" which are the birds' enemies. The goal of the game is to knock down the towers and take out all the green pigs. With an addictive foundation and a unique style, Angry Birds quickly rose to popularity. Unfortunately, Rovio Enterntainment delisted the title from online stores on February 23, 2023.

3 Clash Royale

Platforms: iOS, Android

Clash Royale, launched in 2016, is a fast-paced, real-time strategy game where players collect and upgrade cards to build decks. The objective is to destroy the opponent's towers while defending your own, using a deck of eight cards. Players play these cards in an arena, spawning characters that auto-move toward the opponent's towers, forcing them to react with their own troops. It's a tug-of-war of who can outsmart the other player entirely based on skill and timing. Winning battles sees players rising in the ranks and facing better players with better cards.

Players can earn cards and level them up by playing the game, unlocking chests, and winning tournaments. Clash Royale has a dedicated community, regular updates, new events, new cards to introduce meta changes, and a huge player base. Its competitive nature and strategic depth make it a favorite among mobile gamers.

2 Roblox

Platforms: PC, iOS, Android, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4

Though originally and officially released as a PC game back in 2006, the prevalent Roblox eventually catered to mobile users in 2012. Since then, Roblox has built a large following of devoted fans and even focuses much of its online gaming toward children, making the game a safe place for younger gamers to play online multiplayer games.

Since Roblox is capable of allocating so many genres of games to its players due to the games being created by the players themselves, the community is made up of many differing fans. It is because of the players themselves that Roblox has become such a recognizable name in the entertainment world.

1 Flappy Bird

Platforms: iOS, Android

Flappy Bird is, debatably, the most well-known and famous mobile game in the history of video games. Developed by Dong Nguyen, Flappy Bird was an instant hit when it was released onto mobile app stores, bringing unexpected success to the game's developer. As the simple game garnered more and more attention and fame, Dong Nguyen progressively became overwhelmed.

Flappy Bird, which had players play as a bird that resembled an enemy from the Mario franchise and had to jump through pipes while avoiding contact, was taken down on February 10th, 2014 after a tweet from Nguyen suggested the game's success had been too much for him.

More

10 Mobile Games To Wind Down With

Plenty of mobile games offer relaxing experiences. Here are some of the best ones gamers should try out if they want to wind down and chill out.