Plarium Blog Gaming's Best 10 Best Free Mobile Games To Play on the Go
Collage of characters from best free mobile games.

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. 

In this unranked list, discover the 10 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. 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.

GamesBest forRating
Marvel SnapFans of the Marvel franchise looking for a casual, easy-to-learn card game to play on the go85/100 on Metacritic
Among UsPlayers looking for a free cross-platform game to play solo or with friends85/100 on Metacritic
Vampire SurvivorsPlayers looking for a horde defense shooting game with various characters and game modes86/100 on Metacritic
Rocket League SideswipeFans of Rocket League looking to play on mobile86/100 on Metacritic
Call of Duty: MobileFans of the Call of Duty franchise, players looking for a mobile FPS game that supports up to 100 players81/100 on Metacritic
The Battle of PolytopiaFans of civilization-based strategy games like Risk and Age of Empires72/100 on Metacritic
Data WingPlayers seeking a casual mobile game that provides hours of retro-style racing gameplay4.9/5 on Google Play
Unciv MobileFans of strategic civilization-building games like Sid Meier’s Civilization series4.7/5 on Google Play
Pokémon GOFans of the Pokémon franchise and AR games looking to explore, capture Pokémon, and battle using real map data69/100 on Metacritic
Brawl StarsPlayers looking for a mobile game with several different ways to play in a single title72/100 on Metacritic

1. Marvel Snap

Screenshot of Marvel Snap gameplay.
DeveloperSecond Dinner
Release DateOctober 18, 2022
GenreOnline/digital collectible card game
PlatformsAndroid, iOS, Windows
Rating85/100 on Metacritic
Best forFans of the Marvel franchise looking for a casual, easy-to-learn card game to play on the go
Gameplay featuresPrivate 1v1 battles, ranked game mode, over 1,000 collectible cards, in-game currency options and cosmetics

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

Screenshot of Among Us gameplay.
DeveloperInnersloth
Release DateJune 15, 2018
GenreSocial deduction
PlatformsAndroid, iOS, Windows, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
Rating85/100 on Metacritic
Best forPlayers looking for a free cross-platform game to play solo or with friends
Gameplay featuresParties up to 15 players, five playable maps, character customization, purchasable cosmetics (including pets)

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

Screenshot of Vampire Survivors gameplay.
DeveloperPoncle, Ltd.
Release DateOctober 20, 2022
GenreHorde defense shooter, roguelike
PlatformsiOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Switch, Xbox, PlayStation
Rating86/100 on Metacritic
Best forPlayers looking for a horde defense shooting game with various characters and game modes
Gameplay featuresMultiple playable characters, upgradeable weapons and powerups, different game modes

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. Rocket League Sideswipe

Screenshot of Rocket League Sideswipe gameplay.
DeveloperPsyonix
Release DateNovember 15, 2021
GenreVehicular soccer
PlatformsAndroid, iOS
Rating86/100 on Metacritic
Best forFans of Rocket League looking to play on mobile
Gameplay features1v1 and 2v2 gameplay, private and online match options, vehicle-driven soccer, car customization

Take one of the best free PC games on the go with Rocket League Sideswipe. This 2021 title brings the fan-favorite vehicular soccer game to mobile, with mechanics and gameplay similar to its desktop counterpart. 

While you can’t enjoy the 3v3 or 4v4 match options the original Rocket League offers, Rocket League Sideswipe lets you compete in 1v1 or 2v2 private and online matches. In this soccer-based game, you control a car — which you can customize in the main lobby — and must score as many goals as possible to win. Although this game is free to play, certain cosmetics, like different cars, may need to be purchased.

5. Call of Duty: Mobile

Screenshot of Call of Duty: Mobile gameplay.
DeveloperTiMi Studio Group
Release DateOctober 1, 2019
GenreFirst-person shooter (FPS)
PlatformsAndroid, iOS
Rating81/100 on Metacritic
Best forFans of the Call of Duty franchise, players looking for a mobile FPS game that supports up to 100 players
Gameplay featuresMultiplayer and battle royale game modes, purchasable cosmetics, six multiplayer game modes, different rotating game modes

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.

6. The Battle of Polytopia

Screenshot of The Battle of Polytopia gameplay.
DeveloperMidjiwan AB
Release DateFebruary 9, 2016
GenreTurn-based strategy
PlatformsAndroid, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Switch
Rating72/100 on Metacritic
Best forFans of civilization-based strategy games like Risk and Age of Empires
Gameplay featuresSingle and multiplayer game mode options, three single-player game modes against AI, map exploration, resource management

Develop your empire and defeat your opponents in The Battle of Polytopia. In this turn-based strategy game, players choose from one of 16 tribes to develop into a budding empire, expanding into unclaimed territory and building armies to conquer new land. Currently, only four of the 16 tribes are available for free, with the others requiring purchase.

Although The Battle of Polytopia has multiplayer options for you to enjoy with friends, there are also three game modes geared toward those wanting a single-player game. These offer AI opponents while still providing the main mechanics of map exploration and management strategy like multiplayer game modes. From endless creative modes to fast-paced domination games, The Battle of Polytopia is perfect for mobile players looking for games to play when bored.

7. Data Wing

Screenshot of Data Wing gameplay.
DeveloperDan Vogt
Release DateAugust 16, 2017
GenreRacing
PlatformsAndroid, iOS
Rating4.9/5 on Google Play
Best forPlayers seeking a casual mobile game that provides hours of retro-style racing gameplay
Gameplay featuresRacing gameplay, story-driven plot, immersive soundtrack, appealing neon visuals

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.

8. Unciv Mobile

Screenshot of Unciv Mobile gameplay.
CreatorYair Morgenstern
Release DateJanuary 2, 2019 (in active development but playable)
GenreStrategy
PlatformsAndroid, Windows
Rating4.7/5 on Google Play
Best forFans of strategic civilization-building games like Sid Meier’s Civilization series
Gameplay featuresNo ads, civilization building, multiplayer gameplay, active development with regular updates, multiple ways to win

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.

9. Pokémon GO

Screenshot of Pokémon GO gameplay.
DeveloperNiantic
Release DateJuly 6, 2016
GenreAugmented reality (AR)
PlatformsAndroid, iOS
Rating69/100 on Metacritic
Best forFans of the Pokémon franchise and AR games looking to explore, capture Pokémon, and battle using real-map data 
Gameplay featuresAvatar customization, over 800 Pokémon, seasonal events, battling and trading, purchasable supplies and cosmetics

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.

10. Brawl Stars

Screenshot of Brawl Stars gameplay.
DeveloperSupercell
Release DateDecember 12, 2018
GenreMultiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), hero shooter
PlatformsAndroid, iOS
Rating72/100 on Metacritic
Best forPlayers looking for a mobile game with several different ways to play in a single title
Gameplay featuresThird-person shooting gameplay, unlockable characters, multiple game modes including battle royales and sports

One of the best free Android games and iOS games, Brawl Stars combines nearly a dozen different game modes to play against AI or friends within a single title. From battle royales to sports game modes to deathmatches, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this game. Depending on the game mode, Brawl Stars supports up to 12 players in a match.

Players can choose from a variety of different characters, known as Brawlers. Each Brawler has unique abilities, and they can be enhanced with power-ups. Additional Brawlers can be obtained through the game’s unlock system, known as Starr Road, or purchased from the in-game shop.

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: 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.

Free game apps provide a way to take casual gaming on the go without worrying about investing 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.

How Do Free Mobile Games Make Money?

There are two main ways free mobile games generate money: ad revenue and microtransactions. 

Some games show players ads occasionally or offer in-game rewards for watching ads. Companies pay to have these ads shown, generating money for the game. 

Free games can also make money through microtransactions. These are optional in-game purchases, usually including features like cosmetics, additional game currency, or the ability to remove ads.

Are There Any Free Mobile Games Without In-App Purchases?

Although in-app purchases and ads are common ways for games to make money, there are free games without ads, microtransactions, or other expenses. Data Wing, for example, is completely free to play, with no in-game purchases or ads.

Can You Play Free Mobile Games With Friends?

Yes! Free mobile games can be a great way to connect with friends and other players. Among Us is one of the most popular free mobile games to play with friends, allowing over a dozen players to come together in a single lobby. Pokémon GO and Call of Duty: Mobile are also trending games with multiplayer support.

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