While some people doomscroll on their smartphones while waiting in line or enjoying downtime at home, others play games. Over the last two decades, mobile games have evolved from pixelated time-killers to genre-spanning, immersive experiences that even compete with console titles. You’ll find mobile versions of games like Call of Duty and PUBG, simple puzzle apps, digital card games, casino-like gameplay, and indie games that win awards and captivate gamers through Instagram clips and Reddit buzz.
This year, the mobile gaming scene has brought back some old favorites and introduced many fresh releases, attracting players across genres.
Monument Valley (Puzzle/Adventure)
The first installation of the Monument Valley series was released in 2014, with the second and third launching in 2017 and 2024, respectively. It recently experienced a resurgence after Monument Valley 3 was launched exclusively on Netflix Games (now available on Android). The dreamy puzzle game revolves around moving and manipulating monuments and creating paths for a silent princess to explore surreal destinations. Its visual style is inspired by minimalist art sculpture, indie games, and Japanese prints, making it just as soothing to look at as it is to play.
Fortune Tiger (Slots/Real-Money Gaming)
The Fortune Tiger slot real money game is a standout in the growing online casino genre. Represented by a chubby tiger with sunglasses and traditional Chinese clothing, the game has a simple retro-style 3×3 slot grid with horizontal and diagonal paylines. Because it boasts such a basic format and allows for bets as low as $0.15, it’s the perfect game for beginners to get started with real-money gaming. Despite its simplicity, it still has a few in-game features, such as a 10x multiplier bonus and bonus spins.
Balatro (Card Game/Indie)
Balatro received many awards after its release, including the Apple Design Award for Delight and Fun, Game of the Year, and Best Debut Indie Game. That alone should speak volumes about its originality and impact. It’s described as a roguelike deck builder in which players have to score a certain number of points by playing poker hands. Players can change up their decks and purchase additional booster packs. The game uses a retro-inspired pixel art style, enhancing that classic arcade game feel and adding depth to its personality to match its unique experience.
Supremacy 1914 (Strategy/War)
If you’re a wargame fan, Supremacy 1914 is a highly engaging strategy game you need to check out. Although many fans still prefer the desktop experience, the mobile version allows players to manage their empire on the go. The game begins with the player choosing a nation during WWI and taking command as the head of the empire. You get to manage the troops, weaponry, and production of resources in matches that run for over two to eight weeks of real-world time. There’s even real-time combat that often pits up to 500 players against one another.
Raid: Shadow Legends (RPG/Gacha)
If you’re active online, you might’ve seen the promotion of a game called Raid: Shadow Legends, an RPG that features over 800 heroes to choose from. It’s a fantasy-themed, role-playing, turn-based gacha game, which means it leverages all the current popular tactics that draw people in. While its graphics and gameplay offer a high-quality gaming experience for players, it has been criticized for its aggressive monetization and advertising, even to the point of becoming a meme. Despite this, Raid: Shadow Legends has around 4.3 million daily active users.
Reigns (Interactive Story)
Reigns is a one-of-a-kind interactive story strategy game that puts players in the role of a medieval king in power. Funnily enough, it was inspired by the swiping culture of dating apps in the modern day. The king receives questions and requests from advisers in the form of cards and selects one of two responses. Make too many decisions that have too many consequences down the road, and it could end your reign forever. With bold art, surprising challenges, and the opportunity to shape your dynasty over generations, Reigns makes every choice feel important.
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket (Card Game)
One and a half months after its release, Pokémon Trading Card Game (TCG) Pocket gained 60 million players. With Pokémon being the biggest media franchise in the world, it’s no surprise that millions of longtime fans instantly flocked to the app. The app essentially takes the traditional card game and brings it online, incorporating mobile-first features such as 12-hour reset packs, booster packs, daily gifts, and additional collectible-driven rewards. Instead of requiring in-person gatherings, players can battle with other players worldwide in just a few taps.
Subway Surfers (Casual)
Subway Surfers is an endless runner where players dodge oncoming trains, pick up coins, and survive as long as possible. Much like Snake and Pac-Man, there’s no real endpoint. The game continues until the player fails, and there’s increasing difficulty the longer you play. It’s a highly accessible casual game involving extremely simplistic controls, like tapping to jump and swiping to change lanes. It’s the ideal app for pick-up-and-play sessions, such as commuting or sitting in a waiting room.
EA Sports FC Mobile (Sports)
Given its detailed nature, EA Sports FC seems like an unlikely game on mobile, but it still provides a true-to-life simulation that closely resembles the console and desktop versions. Players enjoy personal team creation, several game modes, seasonal events, daily quests, and in-game purchases, all from their handheld device. With the EA FC series being a staple since 1993, the mobile version carries that legacy forward on the newest tech available.
