The 12 Best Android Games 2023 Has to Offer
You can expect lots of exciting developments in 2023 when it comes to playing Android games on your smartphone or tablet. This year has plenty of exciting new releases, and some long-standing Android games are still being developed to keep them fun.
With that in mind, we’ve put together a hitlist of the best games on Android in 2023. Whether you’re looking for classics, some of which offer fantastic visuals, or the best games for Android yet to be released, we’ve got you covered.
1. Minecraft
- Developer: Mojang Studios
- Released: August 2011
- Cost: $6.99
- Recommended age: 10+
One of the most popular and most played Android games at the start of 2023 is Minecraft. Originally, Minecraft started as a PC game and console game exclusively, before branching out into Android and iOS games. In its infancy, Minecraft’s mobile release didn’t quite live up to the hype on desktop or console.
However, the unification of the games with one overarching new version has remedied this fully.
Although it’s not free, it’s still an addictive independent game, with various strategy and survival game mechanics that maintain its position as one of the top Android games of all time, let alone 2023.
2. Dead Cells
- Developer: Motion Twin
- Released: June 2020
- Cost: $8.99
- Recommended age: 13+
If you’re someone that’s looking for immersive game aesthetics, look no further than Dead Cells. This Android game will genuinely test your device’s framerates, with its high-octane gameplay featuring an unlimited framerate cap, which is most noticeable on the high-end 165hz handsets.
Developed by Motion Twin, Dead Cells is an Android port from the successful PC and console release in August 2018. This game fits neatly in both Metroidvania and roguelike genres, with its fast-paced 2D side-scroller requiring you to battle your way out of a diseased island and kill the island’s king.
3. Call of Duty Warzone: Mobile
- Developer: Infinity Ward
- Released: 2023
- Cost: Free
- Recommended age: 13+
Call of Duty’s Warzone has become one of the most successful f2p games in recent years. Building on the success of Modern Warfare, Black Ops: Cold War, and Vanguard, Warzone is an immersive multiplayer game that incorporates elements of first-person shooter and battle royale games.
There are two game modes on offer in Warzone – Battle Royale and Plunder. Players can play in squads, with one, two, three, and four-player squads available. This massively multiplayer online game can host 150+ players on a single map, ensuring rapid gameplay that demands you keep your wits about you!
4. GRID Autosport
- Developer: Codemasters
- Released: November 2019
- Cost: $9.99
- Recommended age: All players
If you’re a fan of motorsport, there aren’t any better racing-themed Android games than GRID Autosport. You’ll get the privilege of sitting behind the wheel of some of the world’s most exciting sports and supercars, bringing console-quality racing graphics to Android screens.
For the cost of $9.99, you’ll get a true AAA mobile game release, complete with access to all available downloadable content. Multiple control types are available depending on your driving preference, all of which appear to offer supreme responsivity on Android screens of all sizes.
5. Hearthstone
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
- Released: December 2014
- Cost: Free
- Recommended age: 13+
Hearthstone is still one of the most popular Android games on the planet. It's a game with simple game mechanics, based on digital collectible cards. The turn-based game requires you to build decks of 30 cards and an army of collectables that can overcome and destroy your opponent’s hero character.
Hearthstone is a free-to-play game, which also adds to its appeal. The only downside is that it doesn’t offer an online game mode. The game environment is aesthetically pleasing, with heaps of gamification and achievements to rack up along the way.
6. Among Us
- Developer: InnerSloth
- Released: June 2018
- Cost: Free
- Recommended age: 10+
Among Us is one of the most popular social Android games in recent years. It was also featured in our Best Android Games in 2021 article.
Play online with friends or even over local, private Wi-Fi with family. Among Us is a fun and innovative game, which requires Crewmates to guess which fellow players are the Impostors on board the ship.
The pre-selected Impostor is hellbent on killing everyone on board, so the Crewmates need to see through the bluffs and alibis to pick the right Impostor or risk losing everything!
7. PUBG Mobile
- Developer: LightSpeed & Quantum Studio
- Released: March 2018
- Cost: Free
- Recommended age: 13+
The mobile version of PUBG: Battlegrounds, PUBG Mobile is one of the most popular free battle royale Android games on Google Play. As of December 2022, PUBG Mobile had registered over 1.3 billion downloads worldwide. It’s also grossed more than $9 billion, cementing it as the third-highest-grossing mobile game of all time.
The gameplay in PUBG Mobile is very similar to the original PUBG: Battlegrounds version. You’ll be parachuted onto a deserted island, in your quest to become the last player standing. You’ll need every last drop of resources and combat skills to overcome your opponents throughout the map.
8. Genshin Impact
- Developer: miHoYo
- Released: September 2020
- Cost: Free
- Recommended age: 13+
With distinct elements inspired by the Legend of Zelda series, the Japanese-developed Genshin Impact oozes RPG appeal. It’s one of the most expansive open-world Android games in recent times. It’s developed quite the community of mobile players, with the Genshin Impact Discord server now confirmed as the biggest ever.
The game begins with you awakening in the fantastical world of Teyvat, as you embark on a quest to locate your missing godly sibling. Face off against gruesome monsters and hone your hack-and-slash combat skills, with an almost cinematic soundtrack for company.
9. Mario Kart Tour
- Developer: Nintendo EPD
- Released: September 2019
- Cost: Free
- Recommended age: All players
Mario Kart Tour is the watered-down version of the Mario Kart franchise, becoming one of the most downloaded Android games of late, with over 100 million downloads on Google Play alone.
It’s even more of a lite version than Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, but given its remit for casual mobile gamers, it more than serves its purpose.
Create your very own character to enter and tear up the track, with online gameplay allowing you to challenge up to seven other players in real-time races.
10. Rainbow Six Mobile
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Released: 2023
- Cost: Free
- Recommended age: 13+
The long-awaited Rainbow Six Mobile game is already in early testing, with a few Android gamers getting beta access. It won’t be long before the full release is published on Google Play.
Rainbow Six Mobile will feature the iconic tactical first-person shooter action in a bite-sized format. Play within five-player teams and work strategically in a string of game modes. Although the launch was provisionally set for late 2022, it will definitely happen this year!
11. Little Nightmares
- Developer: Tarsier Studios
- Released: Winter 2023
- Cost: Free
- Recommended age: 13+
Little Nightmares is a puzzle-based horror adventure game that’s enjoyed great success on console and PC. It’s now set to become one of the most anticipated Android games of 2023, with a mobile version due to be published by Playdigious this winter.
Little Nightmares is an atmospheric game set in a strange, mysterious world. You’ll follow the story of a little girl named Six. She’s desperately trying to break free from the Maw, a vessel containing hideous monsters. You’ll need every ounce of stealth and strategy in your arsenal to evade detection. It has all the makings of becoming one of the best free Android games 2023 is likely to see.
12. Valorant Mobile
- Developer: Riot Games
- Released: 2023
- Cost: Free
- Recommended age: 16+
For some time, Valorant gamers have been desperate for Riot Games’ CS:GO-esque shooter to be ported onto mobile and now it’s one of the most eagerly anticipated Android games of 2023. It was first teased in 2021 and after a string of early-stage beta testing, it looks set for launch later this year.
It’s possible to pre-register for the game with TapTap. If you like your 5v5 team-based tactical shooters, Valorant Mobile will soon be a favorite on your mobile’s home screen.
