Plarium Blog Gaming's Best The 14 Best Android Games You Can’t Miss in 2025
yellow and orange colored background with gaming icons from Pokémon Go and Among Us

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, 2025 promises to be an epic year for Android gaming. With a lineup that includes everything from jaw-dropping graphics to immersive storylines and innovative gameplay, these best Android games are set to redefine your mobile gaming experience.

Charge your phone batteries, clear some storage, and dive into our handpicked selection of the 14 best Android games you simply can’t afford to miss this year!

How we came up with this list
To compile our game roundups, we evaluate critic ratings, audience research, and sought-after gameplay features, leveraging our expertise as gamers and developers to bring you the most accurate and helpful information.

The Best Android Games at a Glance

From immersive RPGs to fast-paced action games, these titles offer something for every type of gamer.

GameBest forRatings
RAID: Shadow LegendsFans of strategic RPGs, character collection enthusiasts4.1/5 on Google Play
Genshin Impact Action and adventure fans, lovers of compelling storylines4.5/5 on Google Play
Pokémon GOPlayers who enjoy combining physical activity with gaming4.1/5 on Google Play
Among UsGroups of friends who enjoy social interaction, strategy, and deception4/5 on Google Play
Chrono TriggerGamers who enjoy rich stories, innovative gameplay, and exploring different time periods4.7/5 on Google Play
Stardew ValleyPlayers who enjoy immersive farming simulations with casual and in-depth gameplay4.8/5 on Google Play
DownwellGamers who enjoy fast-paced, vertical action with roguelike elements and minimalist design4.7/5 on Google Play
Final Fantasy VII: Ever CrisisGamers looking for a fascinating storytelling experience enriched by turn-based combat4.1/5 on Google Play
Monument ValleyPlayers who enjoy puzzle games with a focus on visual and architectural challenges4.8/5 on Google Play
Zenless Zone ZeroGamers looking for fast-paced combat within a roguelike dungeon experience4.2/5 on Google Play
Rocket League SideswipeGamers looking for quick matches that focus on competitive soccer with a vehicular twist86/100 on Metacritic
Wuthering WavesFans of gacha games looking for an experience set within a post-apocalyptic setting4.7/5 on Google Play
Honkai: Star RailFans of turn-based RPGs looking for a sci-fi universe to explore4.3/5 on Google Play
Call of Duty: MobileGamers looking for an action-packed FPS experience on mobile4.2/5 on Google Play

1. RAID: Shadow Legends

Gameplay screenshot of RAID: Shadow Legends
DeveloperPlarium Global Ltd.
Release DateMarch 1, 2019
GenreStrategy, turn-based combat
PlatformsAndroid, iOS
Rating4.1/5 stars on Google Play
Best forFans of strategic RPGs and character collection enthusiasts
Gameplay featuresTurn-based battles, 500+ unique champions, PvE campaigns, dungeons, PvP arenas, clan activities

RAID: Shadow Legends offers an immersive RPG experience on Android with stunning graphics, strategic gameplay, and a vast roster of champions to collect and upgrade. The game’s visuals are breathtaking, with meticulously detailed environments and intricate character designs that bring the fantasy world to life. Each champion is uniquely crafted, showcasing impressive animations and effects that make battles visually engaging and dynamic. The high-quality graphics are a standout feature, providing a console-like experience on your mobile device.

The strategic gameplay of RAID: Shadow Legends sets it apart in the crowded RPG market. Players must carefully plan their moves, considering each champion’s unique abilities and strengths to create synergistic teams. The game offers a deep and rewarding system of collecting and upgrading over 500 champions, each with distinct roles and skills. 

Whether you’re engaging in an extensive play vs. environment (PvE) campaign or competing in player vs. player (PvP) arenas, the strategic depth and variety of champions ensure a rich and engaging experience for all players.

89,998,207 RAID PLAYERS GLOBALLY. JOIN THEM!

2. Genshin Impact

Gameplay screenshot of Genshin Impact.
DevelopermiHoYo
Release DateSeptember 28, 2020
GenreAction, open world
PlatformsAndroid, iOS, PlayStation 4/5, Windows
Rating4.5/5 stars on Google Play
Best forAdventurers seeking a vibrant, ever-evolving world brimming with secrets, action, and deep storytelling
Gameplay featuresOpen-world exploration, gacha-style character acquisition, real-time combat with switching between characters, dynamic weather and time-of-day systems

Genshin Impact was one of the best MMORPGs of 2022 and continues to shine in 2025. This gacha-style action RPG lets you build a team of three characters as you explore a stunning world inspired by recent Zelda games. You’ll climb, glide, and switch between characters to battle a variety of imaginative monsters.

Genshin Impact features a rich story and a beautifully crafted cel-shaded landscape. As a top free-to-play Android game, it offers plenty of content at no cost, with optional in-app purchases available for those who want to enhance their experience. 

The game remains highly active, with new characters, areas, and events continually added, such as the Lantern Rite Festival and the Chenyu Vale map. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly online game that offers depth and ongoing updates, Genshin Impact is a fantastic choice.

3. Pokémon GO

Gameplay screenshot of Pokemon Go
DeveloperNiantic, Inc.
Release DateJuly 6, 2016
GenreAugmented reality (AR)
PlatformsAndroid, iOS
Rating4.1/5 stars on Google Play
Gameplay featuresAR-based Pokémon catching, real-world exploration, gym battles, raids, Pokémon training, team-based activities
Best forPlayers who enjoy combining physical activity with gaming, exploring their surroundings, and participating in social and community events

Pokémon GO combines augmented reality with real-world exploration, allowing players to catch virtual Pokémon that appear in their actual surroundings. By using their mobile devices, players can find Pokémon in various locations, capture them using simple swipe mechanics, and train them for battles.

The game features a wide range of activities including gym battles, raids, and Pokémon-themed events that encourage social interaction and teamwork. Players can also join different teams and participate in global challenges. 

Regular updates introduce new Pokémon, events, and special challenges, keeping the gameplay engaging and encouraging players to explore new areas. Pokémon GO effectively blends physical activity with gaming, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy both outdoor adventures and virtual experiences.

4. Among Us

Gameplay screenshot of Among Us.
DeveloperInnersloth
Release DateJune 15, 2018
GenreSocial deduction, multiplayer party game
PlatformsAndroid, iOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch
Rating4/5 stars on Google Play
Gameplay featuresComplete tasks, participate in emergency meetings, discuss and vote on suspected impostors, and engage in sabotage and deception as impostors
Best forGroups of friends who enjoy social interaction, strategy, and deception — ideal for parties and game nights

Among Us is a social deduction game where players take on the roles of crewmates or impostors aboard a spaceship or space station. As crewmates, your job is to complete various tasks around the map, such as fixing wires or fueling engines, while trying to identify who in the group is an impostor. Impostors work secretly to sabotage the crew’s efforts and eliminate crewmates without being caught.

The game features meetings where players discuss suspicious behavior and vote on who they think the impostors are. Players can call emergency meetings or report dead bodies to spark discussions and debates. The impostors must blend in, create chaos, and deceive the crewmates to win. Regular updates and new maps keep gameplay interesting. Among Us is best enjoyed with others, as it relies heavily on communication and social interaction to uncover the truth.

5. Chrono Trigger

Gameplay screenshot of Chrono Trigger.
DeveloperSquaresoft (now Square Enix)
Release DateMarch 11, 1995
GenreTurn-based combat
PlatformsSNES, PlayStation, Nintendo DS, iOS, Android, Windows
Rating4.7/5 stars on Google Play
Gameplay featuresTime-traveling narrative, Active Time Battle system, exploration of multiple eras, various endings
Best forFans of classic RPGs who enjoy rich stories, innovative gameplay, and exploring different time periods

Chrono Trigger features a captivating time-traveling plot that takes players on a journey across various eras, from the distant past to the far future. The game begins with a mysterious event at a fair that leads the protagonist, Crono, to discover a powerful artifact that allows time travel.

Key characters include Crono, the brave and silent protagonist; Marle, a princess with a strong sense of justice; and Lucca, a brilliant inventor and Crono’s childhood friend. Together, they embark on a quest to prevent a catastrophic future and unravel the mysteries of time travel.

The game explores a range of settings, including the prehistoric era with dinosaurs, a medieval kingdom, a dystopian future, and a post-apocalyptic world. Each era is intricately designed, influencing the storyline and gameplay and adding depth to the time-traveling adventure.

6. Stardew Valley

Gameplay screenshot of Stardew Valley.
DeveloperConcernedApe
Release DateFebruary 26, 2016
GenreFarming simulation
PlatformsAndroid, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Rating4.8/5 stars on Google Play
Gameplay featuresFarming and animal husbandry, fishing, mining, crafting, seasonal events, social interactions with townsfolk, quest completion
Best forPlayers who enjoy immersive farming simulations with a blend of casual and in-depth gameplay and those who appreciate rich social interactions and exploration

Easily one of the best offline Android games, Stardew Valley stands out with its engaging Harvest Moon-style gameplay. Players start with a run-down farm and work to restore it by planting crops, raising animals, and expanding their property. The game features a variety of activities, including fishing, mining, and crafting, which add depth to the farming experience.

As you progress, you can explore a vast world with different biomes, uncovering secrets and participating in seasonal festivals. The social aspect is also significant; players build relationships with townsfolk, complete quests, and even get married. 

With its rich blend of farming, exploration, and social interactions, Stardew Valley provides a fulfilling and immersive experience for players who enjoy both casual play and in-depth engagement.

7. Downwell

Gameplay Screenshot of Downwell.
DeveloperOjiro Fumoto
Release DateOctober 15, 2015
GenreAction
PlatformsAndroid, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and Nintendo Switch
Rating4.7/5 stars on Google Play
Gameplay featuresVertical shooting mechanics, procedurally generated levels, power-ups and upgrades, roguelike structure with permadeath and random challenges
Best forGamers who enjoy fast-paced vertical action with roguelike elements and minimalist design, those who appreciate challenging gameplay and quick, repeatable runs

Downwell combines fast-paced vertical shooting action with a minimalist art style to deliver a unique roguelike experience. The game has players descend into a well, battling enemies and avoiding obstacles while falling. The core gameplay revolves around using gunboots to shoot downward and sideways, creating a dynamic combat system that keeps the action intense.

The game features a straightforward yet engaging theme: descend as deep as possible while collecting power-ups and upgrades. Players face random levels and challenges each time they play, which keeps the experience fresh. The minimalist visual design complements the gameplay by focusing on clarity and function. Downwell stands out with its focus on vertical movement, fast-paced shooting, and a roguelike structure that offers a new challenge with every run.

8. Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis

Screenshot of Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis gameplay.
DeveloperApplibot, Square Enix
Release DateSeptember 7, 2023
GenreRPG
PlatformsiOS, Android, Windows
Rating4.1/5 stars on Google Play
Gameplay featuresEpisodic storytelling, turn-based combat, gacha mechanics, co-op options
Best forGamers looking for a fascinating storytelling experience enriched by turn-based combat

Final Fantasy’s epic universe has stories that feel larger than life, no matter which device you play on. With this game, you’ll be diving into a retelling of the Final Fantasy VII saga. With its episodic storytelling format, the game pulls you into an intricate narrative filled with fascinating characters and compelling situations.

Much of the game mechanics are highlighted through turn-based combat events, asking you to strategize accordingly. You can also expect a lot of gacha mechanics as you customize characters, unlock new gear, and so on. You can also be part of co-op battles (just like having different abilities or classes) that blend the nostalgia of older Final Fantasy games with new stories.

9. Monument Valley

Gameplay screenshot of Monument Valley.
DeveloperUstwo Games
Release DateApril 3, 2014
GenrePuzzle adventure
PlatformsAndroid, iOS, Windows, Windows Phone
Rating4.8/5 stars on Google Play
Gameplay featuresIsometric puzzles, optical illusions, minimalist art style, touch-based controls, evocative soundtrack
Best forPlayers who enjoy beautifully designed puzzle games with a focus on visual and architectural challenges

Even though it was released over 10 years ago, Monument Valley still stands as one of the best Android games in 2024. It’s a captivating puzzle game that enchants players with its mesmerizing visual puzzles and illusionary architecture. The game follows the journey of a silent princess named Ida as she navigates through a series of fantastical, impossible structures. Players manipulate the environment to create paths, revealing hidden routes and uncovering the mysteries of each level.

The core of Monument Valley’s gameplay revolves around optical illusions and perspective-based puzzles. By rotating and sliding different parts of the environment, players change the structure of the world, allowing Ida to progress. Each level is a beautifully crafted piece of art, combining minimalistic design with a soothing color palette and an evocative soundtrack, creating an immersive and tranquil experience.

10. Zenless Zone Zero

Screenshot of Zenless Zone Zero gameplay.
DeveloperHoYoverse
Release DateJuly 4, 2024
GenreAction role-playing game (ARPG)
PlatformsiOS, Android, Windows, PlayStation
Rating4.2/5 stars on Google Play
Gameplay featuresFast-paced action, dynamic dungeon exploration, urban fantasy themes, gacha mechanics
Best forGamers looking for fast-paced combat within a roguelike dungeon experience

As one of the top Android games that’s free to pick up and play, Zenless Zone Zero is an engaging game set in the post-apocalyptic city of New Eridu. You’ll play through alternate dimensions (called Hollows) that feature RPG elements, fast-paced action, and roguelike, combo-driven combat. 

If you’re into gacha mechanics, this one will feel like a gacha simulator set in a dystopian setting. The game’s mission-based approach to its narrative lets you explore a vibrant art style where you take the role of Proxy — a unique being who guides a team of Agents as they combat a mysterious presence called Ethereals.

11. Rocket League Sideswipe

Screenshot of Rocket League Sideswipe  gameplay.
DeveloperPsyonix
Release DateNovember 29, 2021
GenreSports, vehicular soccer
PlatformsiOS, Android
Rating86/100 on Metacritic
Gameplay featuresFast-paced matches, car customization, ranked and casual modes
Best forGamers looking for quick matches that focus on competitive soccer with a vehicular twist

Rocket League Sideswipe pays attention to the enjoyment Rocket League players find in high-intensity matches. It’s a streamlined 2D experience designed for touch controls, where you’ll be hitting a ball with a car until you score a goal (or defend it!).

The game’s accessible control makes it a perfect game to pick up when on the go, especially if you’re a casual player looking for simple fun. Given its solo and co-op support, it’s one of the best offline Android games to play with friends.

12. Wuthering Waves

Screenshot of Wuthering Waves gameplay.
DeveloperKuro Games
Release DateMay 22, 2024
GenreARPG
PlatformsWindows, iOS, Android
Rating4.7/5 stars on Google Play
Gameplay featuresLarge open-world, dynamic combat, gacha mechanics, engaging storyline
Best forFans of gacha games looking for an experience set within a post-apocalyptic setting

Android gaming has come undoubtedly far when it comes to visual fidelity and content. Wuthering Waves builds on these aspects by offering you a massive world to explore where things are dangerous and there are several mysteries to encounter.

The game’s engaging storyline combined with meticulously designed combat immediately draws you in. What keeps you hooked are the gacha mechanics that let you unlock new characters and content as you progress through the game.

13. Honkai: Star Rail

Screenshot of Honkai: Star Rail gameplay.
DeveloperHoYoverse
Release DateApril 26, 2023
GenreRPG
PlatformsWindows, iOS, Android, PlayStation
Rating4.3/5 stars on Google Play
Gameplay featuresTurn-based combat, narrative set in a sci-fi universe, strategic battles
Best forFans of turn-based RPGs looking for a sci-fi universe to explore

Honkai: Star Rail offers an engaging storyline that draws you into a futuristic landscape with a diverse roster of characters. Every region tells a story, building on the mysteries of Stellaron. The game features a turn-based combat system where each character contributes uniquely. 

Thanks to its high-quality visuals and rich narrative, it’s one of the best games for Android to play. Its gacha, MMORPG, and region-exploration mechanics add to the game’s long-term progression, so you can expect to invest many hours (or even months!) into the game.

14. Call of Duty: Mobile

Screenshot of Call of Duty: Mobile gameplay.
DeveloperTiMi Studio Group
Release DateOctober 1, 2019
GenreFirst-person shooter (FPS)
PlatformsiOS, Android
Rating4.2/5 stars on Google Play
Gameplay featuresSeveral multiplayer modes, iconic maps from the Call of Duty franchise, customizable loadouts, seasonal events
Best forGamers looking for an action-packed FPS experience on mobile

This game brings the classic Call of Duty experience to handheld devices, featuring modes like team deathmatch, 100-player battle royale, and more. Thanks to this, casual as well as competitive players can jump into the FPS action based on their playstyle.

As you progress through the game, you unlock different weapons, outfits, gear, and other gameplay elements that were first popularized by early Call of Duty titles. On top of that, fresh and ever-evolving content makes it one of the best free Android games to play right now.

How To Choose the Best Android Game 

Selecting the perfect Android game involves a mix of personal taste and practical considerations. Here’s a quick guide to help you make an informed choice:

  • Game genre and personal preference: Choose a genre that matches your interests, whether it’s RPGs, action, puzzles, or strategy, to ensure you enjoy the game.
  • Graphics quality and visual appeal: Look for games with high-quality graphics and a visual style that captures your attention and enhances gameplay.
  • In-app purchases and pricing model: Consider the game’s pricing structure and any in-app purchases to understand the overall cost and value.
  • User reviews and ratings: Read reviews and check ratings to gauge the game’s quality and player satisfaction before downloading.
  • Compatibility with your device and operating system: Ensure the game is compatible with your device and its operating system to avoid performance issues and crashes.

Unforgettable Android Gaming Experiences 

Mobile gaming now represents the biggest section of the gaming industry, and for good reason. The best APK games on Android can withstand the hits on any platform, and as our list of titles shows, they’re only getting bigger and better.

With smartphones becoming more capable by the year, the next generation of Android games is sure to impress us even further. With more realistic games, bigger worlds, and more complex gameplay, it’s an exciting time to be an Android player. Don’t worry if you’re a casual fan, either — you’ll still have a huge library of Android games to play in 2024 and beyond.

Best Android Games FAQ

Explore our FAQ for insights into game compatibility, troubleshooting, and tips to enhance your gaming experience on Android.

What Is the Number One Game on Android?

In terms of popularity, Genshin Impact and Call of Duty: Mobile are some of the most talked about and played games right now.

How Do I Update Android Games?

You can auto-update games by enabling the option from your phone’s settings. However, to manually update any Android game, simply check for updates on the game’s Google Play page and install the latest version of the game.

How Can I Free Up Storage Space for Games?

Consider transferring photos or videos on your device to cloud storage (such as Google Photos or Google Drive). You can also uninstall apps or games you don’t use or play anymore.


 

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