Summary
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 June 08, 2025, by Hamza Haq:The world of mobile gaming is an ever-growing market that shows no sign of stopping or even slowing down anytime soon. The silent majority of gamers are on mobile, and that will remain the case for the foreseeable future. Despite its popularity, the mobile gaming platform doesn’t really lend itself to all-time classics quite as well as PC or consoles. Still, there are some true gems that have surfaced in the industry over the years. The list has been updated with two additional titles.
iOS Rating
4
Price
Free
The revelation ofPokemon GOwas one of the most exciting parts of 2016.Pokemon GOwas a mobile game designed for players to use their phones andcatchPokemon’sfamous creaturesin the real world.
Players can create their own trainers and even choose a starter Pokemon before diving into the rest ofPokemon GO. The rest ofPokemon GOoffers many famous aspects of previous titles that madePokemongames so beloved. Fans can catch Pokemon, battle other players, and even take over gyms, all in the real world.
pok
4.7
4.8
$3.99
Few mobile games truly take advantage of what the mobile platform offers quite likeMonument Valley, an accessible vertical canvas that doesn’t need to be tilted to landscape mode to become usable.Monument Valleyisone of the best cozy puzzle gamesthat has, over the years, cemented itself as a genre-defining entry to the mobile gaming market, and the sequel just hammers it home.
Monument Valley’s puzzles heavily lean on forced perspectives to confuse players about where they can go next. It’s a game that is easy to pick up and easy to put down. There is no shady incentive to keep playing and no fear of missing out. With the third installment to the franchise already around the corner, fans of the series have much to look forward to.
4.6
4.1
Tetrisis known worldwide as one of theoldest video games to kick off the gaming mediumthat had become so popular.Tetrishas been a title among many different names, yet all with the same gameplay that brings fans of all ages. InTetris, 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,Tetrisis mostly enjoyed through cellular devices, making it one of the greatest mobile games of all time.
4.3
Marvel Snapwas 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 Snaptakes the faces of famousMarvelcharacters and slaps them onto cards, which withhold different Energy costs, Power, and abilities.
Players must use these cards and play them inthree different locations.Winning two of these locations wins players the game.Marvel Snap’smatches usually last five minutes or less, making it a great way to pass time, as well as using a neat collection system that makesMarvel Snapuniquely addicting.
Not many games become worldwide sensations overnight, especially when they’re not directly part of a well-known franchise or series.Candy Crushhas 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 newCandy Crushtitles such asCandy Crush SagaandCandy Crush Soda Saga.
$8.99
Dead Cellsis a critically acclaimed2D metroidvania roguelite gamethat was originally released on PC and consoles in 2018. InDead 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 offersdeep 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 makesDead Cellsbeloved the world over is something a player can only experience once. It deserves its acclaim and more.
3.8
Among Usisn’t just one of the most-played mobile games of all time, but also one of the most widespread PC and consolegames for streamersand gamers alike. InAmong Us, gamers play as colorful astronauts on one of severaldifferent 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 makeAmong Usa highly praised title and has since been named one of the best multiplayer games out there.
4.4
4.5
$4.99 (Free on Android)
Alto’s Adventureand its sequel,Alto’s Odyssey, aresingle-player skiing gamesthat 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 Adventureis one of those games that knows it’s a mobile game first and shows that’s okay. It doesn’t attempt 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
$4.99
Originally released back in 2016,Stardew Valleyis a testament to what indie titles can achieve across multiple devices.Stardew Valleyis acozy farming simwith 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 Valleyenjoys an extremely dedicated community and a thriving modding scene that allows players to modify their game in interesting ways, even on mobile.
$6.99
What can be said aboutMinecraftthat hasn’t already been said a million times over in a million different ways? Atrue open world sandbox gamethat lets players do what they want in an infinite world made up of infinite blocks.Minecraftlets players build anything from a simple hut to the entire Earth using the exact same blocks that everything in the game is made of. Alternatively, Survival Mode gives a goal to strive towards, forcing the player to earn every item and block they place in the world, turning even the most humble of creations into a satisfying achievement.
The Pocket Edition ofMinecraftwas released on Android shortly after its PC debut in 2011. Owing to its relatively simple building blocks,Minecrafton mobile is nearly as feature-complete as it is on PC, which is something very few games released on multiple platforms can boast.
