11 Best Free Mobile Games To Play on the Go

Not all high-quality games have an equally high price tag. Free-to-play (F2P) games offer an immersive experience to pass the time without any monetary investments. While some free games are riddled with ads or have disguised pay-to-win systems, the best free mobile games provide a gameplay experience rivaling those of paid titles. 

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In this unranked list, discover the 11 best free mobile games you can play on the go. If you want a high-quality, fun mobile game to play without the cost, these are the games you need to try. 

The Best Free Mobile Games at a Glance

There are free games in nearly every genre, especially with so many sites to download PC games for free. Because of this, along with platform availability, it’s important to consider your interests and preferences when choosing the right free mobile game for you.

1. Marvel Snap

Step into the world of Marvel with this fast-paced card game. With only a 12-card deck, Marvel Snap combines many common aspects of popular collectible card games with quick gameplay. Each card showcases a Marvel character — all characters have a power level and cost, and some cards also have an additional special ability. During the game, cards are placed into one of three randomly assigned locations, each with a unique effect. 

The goal is to have a higher power level than your opponent, effectively winning two of the three locations. Because of its simple gameplay and beloved characters, this game is easy to pick up and play on the go regardless of familiarity with collectible card games.

Marvel Snap includes cards with dozens of popular Marvel characters. Like with other popular card games, players can occasionally receive alternative artwork for their cards. No need to worry about these arts creating a pay-to-win system, however — any variations in artwork are purely cosmetic.

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2. Among Us

With over 400 million players worldwide, this social deduction title is one of the best free games to play with friends. Although Among Us was released in 2018, it skyrocketed in popularity in 2020, with map updates, lobby size increases, and the introduction of new game mechanics keeping it at the top of the charts.

The gameplay of Among Us is similar to hide-and-seek. Players can choose between private and public lobbies, both of which can support up to 15 players in total. Most players enter the space-themed map as crew members responsible for completing simple tasks like connecting wires or running the laboratory. However, up to three players per lobby are designated “Imposters” — characters identical to the crew members but with the ability to kill other players. 

Crew members in Among Us must complete their tasks or vote out all the Imposters to win. If the Imposters manage to kill the majority of players without being caught, they win instead.

3. Vampire Survivors

Also known as a “shoot ‘em up” game, Vampire Survivors immerses players in a fight for survival against continuous hordes of enemies. But the purpose of this game isn’t winning the first time you play. 

Instead, like with many other horde defense games, players are expected to fail, whether against the initial hordes or the eventual boss enemy known as The Reaper. Losing is an important part of Vampire Survivors, as it allows you to spend the gold coins collected while playing on new characters and power-ups. By completing challenges, you can also unlock new stages, weapons, or even game modes and modifiers. This includes an endless game mode where you can fight against wave after wave — a free mobile game that offers hours of entertainment.

4. Call of Duty: Mobile

Call of Duty: Mobile is one of the best phone games to play alone or with others. While you can spend real money on in-app expenses like cosmetics and different characters, the game itself is entirely free to play. 

This 2019 FPS title offers nearly a dozen different game modes. The battle royale options give players an intense challenge as they fight to survive against up to 99 other players. For those looking for a more casual mobile gaming experience, there are also six different multiplayer modes like Team Deathmatch and Kill Confirmed, as well as rotating games like Prop Hunt. 

With so many options and the ability to play ranked or unranked, Call of Duty: Mobile is the perfect option for FPS and Call of Duty fans looking to take the action wherever they go.

5. Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is one of the most popular gacha games. Its immersive combat paired with open world exploration makes it the perfect mobile game for those in need of a title they can dedicate hundreds of hours into exploring, whether alone or with friends. 

While many fans are drawn to this game’s gacha mechanics, especially those who enjoy other games like Genshin Impact, that’s not the only feature this game has to offer. Combat is an integral part of this title, and you can control a range of characters and use their various synergies to your advantage.

6. Data Wing

Dive into the inner workings of a computer in Data Wing. With simple but nostalgic racing gameplay, players control a DATA WING, a data messenger within a computer system. With appealing neon visuals combined with retro aesthetics and gameplay, this game offers an immersive storyline that can take more than 90 minutes to complete despite its simplicity.

Unlike other games that include occasional ads or microtransactions, Data Wing is entirely free to play. There are no cosmetics or game passes hidden behind paywalls, so you never have to worry about this engaging storyline being interrupted by an advertisement, making it one of the best free mobile games with no ads.

7. Unciv Mobile

From military domination to scientific achievements, build your civilization and compete against your friends in this mobile strategy game. A recreation of Civilization V, this game offers many of the same mechanics in a free title with no ads. It utilizes 2D pixel art that gives Unciv a nostalgic aesthetic while maintaining an easy-to-navigate interface.

Although this game is not yet a fully released title, it is available to play as development continues. While it does offer mod support, those less tech-savvy will be happy to know it receives frequent updates.

8. Pokémon GO

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to step into the world of Pokémon? Pokémon GO uses AR technology and real map data to create a world where humans and Pokémon coexist. You start the game much like any Pokémon game: by choosing your starter Pokémon. However, you can catch the other starters later on, along with over 800 different Pokémon spanning all regions. 

Pokémon GO receives regular updates, with different events available depending on the season and holidays. One of the most popular free mobile games, Pokémon GO can be enjoyed solo, with players exploring on their own, capturing Pokémon, and battling AI or gyms. However, they can also play with others through private battling and trading. Pokémon GO is completely free to play, but players can spend real money on event passes and in-game currency for cosmetics and supplies like Poké Balls.

9. Clash of Clans

Clash of Clans is perfect if you need a mobile game that you can easily pick up when you have a free moment without requiring too much of a time commitment. Much of the game relies on idle mechanics, from waiting to harvest resources to training troops and building structures.

However, don’t think this title is all about sitting and waiting. Instead, in Clash of Clans, you can use your troops to raid other players. In fact, you can even join or start a clan with up to 50 players total and engage in Clan Wars for a more competitive experience.

10. Fortnite

Whereas many mobile games are minimalistic and simple, designed specifically with mobile play in mind, Fortnite offers all the fun of console-gaming in the palm of your hand. This 2017 title includes several different game modes, though its most well-known option is its large-scale battle royal where you can use both melee and ranged options to climb the ranked ladder.

Aside from diverse game play, Fortnite also offers ways to customize your experience. This includes the purchase of optional cosmetics that require real-life funds but can help you tailor your playable character to your preferences and interests.

11. Roblox

Although Roblox itself isn’t a game, it is a mobile-friendly online platform where you can access millions of different titles, all created by other users. There are two functions on the Roblox client: the ability to play games, both single-player and with others, as well as make games using their creation system. This keeps mobile gaming fresh, with new ways to enjoy the client every day.

Roblox itself is free to play, as well as available for a variety of systems outside of mobile, which you can link through a single account. You can also purchase the in-game currency with real money, which can allow you to buy cosmetics or access certain content and experiences otherwise hidden behind a paywall.

What To Look For in a Free Mobile Game

Not all free mobile games are created equal. From avoiding frustrating “freemium” games with pay-to-win structures to choosing the right genre for you, there are several factors to keep in mind when looking for the best phone games:

• Find a genre you enjoy: Mobile games can come in a variety of genres, from first-person shooters to collectible card games. Explore genres you enjoy — or try a new genre without investing money. 
• Look for fair monetization practices: Not all free mobile games are equally free. When looking for the right game, avoid games that use pay-to-win models or those with excessive ads. 
• Read reviews: Reviews are the best way to know the ins and outs of a game without playing. Before downloading, take time to see what other players are saying.
• Check the storage space needed and device compatibility: Mobile games take up the space you may need for other things on your phone, such as pictures or documents. Checking storage requirements can help ensure you have enough space for the game and your personal files. Some titles may also be available for only one platform, so ensure you have the right device to play a game beforehand.
• Consider the ad presence: Many free-to-play games rely on ads for revenue, although some, like Unciv Mobile, are ad-free. While you may have the option to pay to remove ads permanently, this is important to consider before installing a free mobile game.

Free game apps offer a convenient way to enjoy casual gaming on the go without the need to invest in another title. Whether you’re looking for a mobile game to play with friends or a casual app to pass the time, there are hundreds of free-to-play games to explore today.

Best Free Mobile Games FAQ

If you want to find the best free mobile games to play today, you might still have questions. Below, discover the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the cool games available for free on mobile.