You’ll find an enormous selection of games for Android phones in the Google Play Store, but it can be challenging to identify the gems. Here, we have compiled some of the best Android games that are currently on the market. Some are free and others cost a few bucks, but all of them provide an entertaining experience on the go.
Given that there are hundreds of thousands of titles spanning a range of genres — role-playing, platforming, sports, etc. — we’ve also broken them down into distinct sections for your perusal. Now, if only everything in life was as simple as choosing a game for your evening commute.
Action and adventure games
Oceanhorn
If you’re a Legend of Zelda fan, then Oceanhorn might be the game for you. The popular title features a solid narrative and terrific visuals, along with a captivating soundtrack. It’s pretty easy to play, too.
Monster Hunter Stories ($20)
Monster Hunter World has been a massive hit in the gaming console world, but now there’s a mobile version, too, called Monster Hunter Stories. It’s a little more cartoonish than the console game, and still costs $20 (though there are no in-app purchases), but those who loved the console game may want to continue playing in its universe, making this an excellent choice for them. In Monster Hunter Stories, you’ll travel around the world looking for monsters to hunt and tame.
Dragon Ball Legends
The Dragon Ball series has seen somewhat of a resurgence over the past few years, and Dragon Ball Heroes capitalizes on that. The game is a lot of fun, especially if you’re a Dragon Ball fan, and it sees you fight through a series of different levels, collecting abilities and characters along the way. It’s also built to be played in portrait mode, which makes it easy to play on the road.
Racing games
Real Racing 3
If you want to burn some rubber in a wide range of meticulously re-created cars on an impressive lineup of real tracks from around the globe, then this is the game for you. With countless events to enter, cross-platform multiplayer, and lots of customization options, this is one of the best racing games around.
Horizon Chase
Photorealism is great, but it’s much more important when developers focus on building a game that’s actually fun. That’s what the creators of Horizon Chase have done. The game may not look like you’re really there, but as you race through the vibrant and colorful levels, you won’t really care.
First-person games
PUBG Mobile
Skydive down to Erangel Island, scavenge what you can, and kill, kill, kill in PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile. You’ll take on 99 other people with the same idea, but there can be only one victor. Controls are inevitably a little awkward until you get used to them and there is just one map, but this is a tense shooter that will suck you right in.
Fortnite
The most popular game in the world is available on Android, but you can’t get it on Google Play. Instead, you’ll need to get it from the Epic Games website. For the uninitiated, Fortnite is a battle royale-style game full of color and strategy. In the game, you’ll need to master building structures to truly compete with the best — but even if you don’t, it’s still a fun time.
Into the Dead 2
The original Into the Dead game was pure zombie-killing fun, and the follow-up is even better. In this action-packed game, you’ll experience the zombie apocalypse as you race through maps to save your family. Along the way, you’ll pick up powerful weapons and do whatever it takes to put those zombies down.
Role-playing games
RuneScape
Were you a fan of the classic RuneScape game on PC? Well, now you can enjoy it on your phone too. This is a mobile port of the original RuneScape game, and features graphics similar to the PC game. The game is still in beta, and only available to current RuneScape players, but if you have an account , it’s definitely worth checking out.
Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go, the spiritual successor to Ingress, uses the camera on a player’s smartphone to create a Pokémon-themed alternate reality experience, one where players see various Pokémon appear in the world through the camera lens. Players can capture these Pokémon and use them to take over gyms, which are found at various landmarks throughout the world.
Arcade
Hang Line: Mountain Climber
If you’ve ever played games like Rodeo Stampede or Crossy Road, then this might be the game for you. It was developed by the same company — Yodo1 Games — and basically involves you climbing mountains while trying to dodge obstacles and other threats. There are five mountains in total to climb, and you can choose from a massive 90 characters.
Pac-Man
Some games stand the test of time better than others. Classic arcade game Pac-Man is still giving gamers a run for their money nearly four decades after its release. The Android Pac-Man app stays true to the original format while adding a few new levels to keep things fresh.
Platformers
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 2
Sonic the Hedgehog is a true classic, one Sega has finally brought to smartphones with the Sega Forever collection. The original Sonic the Hedgehog was released to Android a while ago, but the latest in the saga is Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 2, in which you’ll have to stop the evil Dr. Eggman — who has also teamed up with Metal Sonic.
Linn: Path of Orchards
Linn: Path of Orchards is a mixture of platform and puzzle game. You have to make your way across the different platforms without falling off, but it’s a lot harder than it sounds considering that the landscape can change at a moment’s notice.
Sim and sandbox games
Minecraft — Pocket Edition ($7)
The phenomenon known as Minecraft made an incredibly successful jump to smartphones, giving fans of the franchise the ability to mine, explore, and build their way to 8-bit glory anywhere.
Project Highrise ($4)
If you have fond memories of Sim Tower but crave a skyscraper sim with even more depth, then you need Project Highrise in your life. This is the best skyscraper simulation you’ll find. There’s a choice of sandbox and campaign modes in this faithful port. Can you build a successful tower, attract plenty of tenants, and keep them happy? We recommend a big-screen phone or tablet for this game.
Endless runners
Super Mario Run
Mario fans will love the new and exciting runner from Nintendo, which brings many of the classic elements of the original Mario games into a slightly different take on the title through Super Mario Run. The game, which was originally available only on iOS but finally made its way to Android, marks what is arguably the beginning of Nintendo’s push into mobile, and it’s a great first attempt.
Alto’s Odyssey
After a successful release on iOS, Alto’s Odyssey is now finally available on Android — and it’s available for free. In the game, which is a follow-up to Alto’s Adventure, you’ll explore beautifully-designed levels, grind across vines, and bounce on hot air balloons as you uncover the mysteries of the desert. It’s really a beautiful game and one well worth playing.
Puzzle and word games
The Room: Old Sins ($5)
The Room series has long been considered one of the best escape room games on mobile, and for good reason. In the most recent version of the game, called Old Sins, you’ll have to make your way through complex puzzles and figure out strange gizmos. The game is absolutely beautifully developed, and a must-play for any puzzle game lover.
Trivia Crack 2
A number of years after the original’s debut, Trivia Crack 2 is finally here. The game keeps many of the elements that people loved in the original game, but adds a number of great extra features. In the game, there are thousands of different questions to challenge you, online competitive modes, support for over 20 languages, and more.
Strategy games
Fallout Shelter
Even if you’re not a Fallout fan, this addictive sim is one of the best Android games around. Tunnel into the earth and build a vault to provide for your dwellers. Can you keep them alive in the face of raiders, radroaches, and other threats?
Rebel Inc.
Rebel Inc. is the latest strategy game from Ndemic Creations, the company behind Plague Inc. The game has many of the same elements as its predecessor, except you’re trying to stop the rebel insurgency instead of spreading a plague. You’ll need to stabilize the country by balancing both military and civilian priorities in an effort to win the support of the people — while also stopping the spread of insurgents intent on seizing power.
Clash of Clans
Build up your settlement, plan your defenses, raise an army, and guide your tribe to victory against nasty goblins or other clan leaders. It’s a good combination of slow planning and quick, chaotic battles.
Sports games
Pro Evolution Soccer 2019
Pro Evolution Soccer has long been a staple among soccer fans, and for good reason. While the game has traditionally been played on the PlayStation and PC, in recent years it’s been available on mobile as well — with great results. The game is free, too, though if you do pay money, you may be able to get extra players.
RBI Baseball 19 ($7)
If you’re a baseball fan, then this one’s definitely for you. RBI is Major League Baseball’s official baseball game for 2019, and features updated rosters, simulation elements, and play at every baseball park in the MLB. The game is relatively easy to control, and allows players to collect over 165 legends of baseball. The game is a bit pricey at $7, but there aren’t any additional in-app purchases.