The 11 Best Mobile RPG Games of 2024

Last updated: 8/19/2024
13 minutes read

A collection of notable characters from some of the best mobile RPG games

There's something uniquely appealing about being able to dive into an epic adventure from the palm of your hand. Whether it's battling mythical creatures, exploring fantastical realms, or leveling up your characters, the best mobile role-playing games (RPGs) offer an experience that is both accessible and rewarding.

In this article, we'll dive into the 11 best mobile RPG games of 2024 for Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch, and more. We'll explore what makes each game stand out, highlighting their unique features, gameplay mechanics, and why they're worth your time. Whether you're a seasoned RPG veteran or new to the genre, this list will help you find your next favorite game.

The 11 Best Mobile RPG Games

1. RAID: Shadow Legends

Cinematic shot of RAID: Shadow Legends characters
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, PC
  • Gameplay features: PvE and PvP modes and strategic turn-based combat
  • Developer: Plarium
  • Payment model: Free-to-play with in-app purchases
  • Best for: Gamers who enjoy strategic RPGs, character collection and customization, and immersive fantasy worlds.

RAID: Shadow Legends is an epic fantasy RPG set in the mystical world of Teleria, where you are a resurrected warrior tasked with stopping the Dark Lord Siroth. Guided by the Arbiter, Teleria’s immortal guardian, you’ll embark on a journey filled with strategic battles and deep customization. Whether you’re new to gaming or a seasoned player, RAID offers something for everyone with its mix of player versus environment (PvE) and player versus player (PvP) gameplay modes.

One of the game’s highlights is the intense PvP Arena, where you can challenge other players, climb the ranks, and earn valuable rewards. With over 700 champions to collect from 16 distinct factions, including Orcs, Undead Hordes, and Lizard Men, you can create powerful teams to take on epic boss battles. Explore the Fire Knight’s Castle, Ice Golem’s Peak, Spider’s Den, and Dragon’s Lair to earn loot, XP, and special Champion drops. Whether you’re into intense battles or immersive storytelling, RAID: Shadow Legends has it all.

2. Genshin Impact

Screenshot of Genshin Impact gameplay
  • Release date: September 28, 2020
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, PlayStation 4/5, Windows, Nintendo Switch (upcoming)
  • Gameplay features: Open-world exploration, elemental combat system, character switching, gacha system for character and weapon acquisition, multiplayer co-op mode
  • Developer: miHoYo
  • Payment model: Free to play with in-app purchases
  • Best for: Fans of immersive open-world RPGs, players who enjoy character collection and customization

Genshin Impact has become a must-play in the mobile RPG world, thanks to its stunning open-world design and captivating exploration elements. Set in the vibrant world of Teyvat, players can roam freely through diverse landscapes, uncover hidden treasures, and complete various quests.

The game's rich storyline follows the "Traveler" on a quest to find their lost sibling, with each chapter introducing compelling characters and intriguing plot twists. The diverse roster of heroes, each with unique abilities and elemental powers, adds depth to the gameplay, allowing players to form teams and unleash powerful combos in combat.

Another standout feature is the gacha system, which lets players acquire new characters and weapons through a randomized draw, adding an element of excitement and anticipation. For those who enjoy playing with friends, Genshin Impact offers a multiplayer co-op mode, enabling players to team up for challenging dungeons and world events.

3. Honkai: Star Rail

Screenshot of Honkai: Star Rail gameplay
  • Release date: April 26, 2023
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, PC
  • Gameplay features: Tactical turn-based combat, strategic team formation, dynamic character abilities, "Rail Journey" system for exploring dimensions, storyline-driven character growth
  • Developer: HoYoverse
  • Payment model: Free to play with in-app purchases
  • Best for: Fans of anime-style visuals, strategic turn-based gameplay, and rich story-driven experiences

Honkai: Star Rail captivates players with its immersive graphics, featuring stunning anime-style visuals that bring its characters and worlds to life. The atmospheric soundtrack complements the game's aesthetic, enhancing the overall experience with beautifully composed music.

The gameplay in Honkai: Star Rail stands out with its tactical turn-based combat, requiring players to think strategically about team formation and dynamic character abilities. Players must carefully select their heroes, each possessing unique skills and roles, to create a balanced and effective team.

The game also introduces the "Rail Journey" system, allowing players to explore different dimensions and uncover hidden secrets. Character growth is deeply intertwined with the storyline, offering players meaningful choices that influence their heroes' development and the game's narrative.

4. Black Desert Mobile

Screenshot of Black Desert Mobile gameplay
  • Release date: December 11, 2019
  • Platforms: iOS, Android
  • Gameplay features: Real-time combat, open-world exploration, life skills (crafting, trading, fishing), detailed character customization, "Black Spirit" companion system
  • Developer: Pearl Abyss
  • Payment model: Free to play with in-app purchases
  • Best for: Players who love fast-paced, real-time combat, extensive character customization, and a rich variety of life skills in an open-world setting

Black Desert Mobile stands out with its real-time combat system, offering fast-paced and fluid action that keeps players engaged. The open-world exploration is vast and dynamic, allowing players to traverse diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to serene forests. Beyond combat, the game features a variety of life skills, such as crafting, trading, and fishing, providing a well-rounded experience that caters to different playstyles.

What really sets Black Desert Mobile apart is its character customization. You can spend hours tweaking every little detail of your character's appearance, from facial features to body proportions, making sure your avatar stands out in the crowd. On top of that, there's the "Black Spirit" companion system, a mysterious little creature that grows with you and provides all sorts of bonuses and abilities. It's like a magical pet that helps you on your adventures. 

5. Tower of Fantasy

Screenshot of Tower of Fantasy gameplay
  • Release date: December 16, 2021
  • Platforms: iOS, Android
  • Gameplay features: Dynamic action combat, vertical exploration across a multi-layered world, interactive environmental puzzles, character switching 
  • Developer: Hotta Studio
  • Payment model: Free to play with in-app purchases
  • Best for: Gamers looking for intense action combat, vertical exploration challenges, and a visually stunning, immersive gaming experience

Tower of Fantasy stands out with its thrilling action combat and vertical exploration across a rich, multi-layered world full of interactive puzzles. Players must master a diverse array of skills and tactics to navigate fast-paced battles and uncover hidden treasures by scaling towering structures. The game's stunning graphics blend futuristic and fantasy themes, brought to life with a dynamic day-night cycle and realistic weather effects that make every environment — from bustling cities to tranquil landscapes — feel alive and immersive.

One of Tower of Fantasy's standout features is its seamless character-switching mechanic, allowing players to effortlessly swap between different characters mid-combat. Each character brings unique skills and abilities, adding depth and strategy to every encounter.

6. Monster Hunter Stories

Screenshot of Monster Hunter Stories gameplay
  • Release date: October 8, 2016
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, Nintendo 3DS
  • Gameplay features: Turn-based combat, exploration of diverse environments, monster egg hatching and breeding, bond system for enhanced abilities and customization, questing, crafting, and character progression
  • Developer: Capcom
  • Payment model: Free to play with in-app purchases (iOS, Android); $29.99 on Nintendo Switch
  • Best for: Enthusiasts of strategic turn-based combat and in-depth creature breeding and customization mechanics seeking immersive exploration across diverse environments

Monster Hunter Stories brings a fresh twist to the renowned franchise, emphasizing strategic turn-based combat alongside the joy of nurturing and battling monster allies. As players explore diverse landscapes, from dense forests to fiery volcanoes, they search for monster eggs they can hatch and raise into formidable companions. Each monster possesses unique traits and abilities, adding depth to tactical battles where players must strategically leverage their team's strengths.

At the heart of Monster Hunter Stories is the bond system, where players forge deep connections with their monsters. These bonds unlock new abilities and customization options, allowing players to personalize their team for different challenges. 

Beyond combat, players immerse themselves in role-playing elements such as embarking on quests to unravel mysteries, crafting powerful gear from resources gathered in the wild, and progressing their character's skills as they become skilled Monster Riders.

7. Epic Seven

Screenshot of Epic Seven gameplay
  • Release date: November 8, 2018
  • Platforms: iOS, Android
  • Gameplay features: Turn-based combat with strategic skill combinations, Combat Readiness system, diverse roster of characters, equipment enhancement and crafting systems, gacha system for hero summoning, labyrinth and raid content
  • Developer: Super Creative
  • Payment model: Free to play with in-app purchases
  • Best for: Gamers seeking a challenging team-based gaming experience

Epic Seven immerses players in a world where strategic prowess is key to success, featuring engaging turn-based combat enriched by tactical skill combinations. 

The game boasts a diverse roster of characters, each with distinct abilities and roles that contribute to dynamic team compositions. From damage dealers to support characters and tanks, Epic Seven offers a wide range of strategic options to suit different playstyles and combat scenarios. The equipment enhancement and crafting systems enhance this depth, allowing players to further customize their heroes with upgraded gear crafted from materials earned through gameplay.

Epic Seven also features a gacha system for summoning new heroes, adding an element of excitement and strategy as players build and refine their team.

8. Lords Mobile: Kingdom Wars

Screenshot of Lords Mobile: Kingdom Wars gameplay
  • Release date: March 16, 2016
  • Platforms: iOS, Android
  • Gameplay features: Empire management (resource gathering, building construction, technology research), guild-based gameplay (guild wars, rallies, cooperative strategies), detailed battle animations, diverse landscapes
  • Developer: IGG
  • Payment model: Free to play with in-app purchases
  • Best for: Players interested in strategic empire-building, cooperative guild warfare, and immersive, visually captivating gameplay

Lords Mobile: Kingdom Wars plunges players into the intricate world of empire management, where every decision shapes the destiny of their kingdom. From gathering essential resources to constructing vital buildings and researching advanced technologies, players must carefully strategize to build and expand their domains effectively amidst fierce competition.

In this game, guilds play a crucial role as alliances of players band together for collective strength. Guilds enable players to engage in epic guild wars, where groups clash to dominate territories and coordinate rallies to take on formidable opponents. The collaborative gameplay within guilds fosters teamwork and camaraderie, making victories more rewarding and alliances stronger.

Visually, Lords Mobile captivates with vibrant graphics that vividly depict detailed battle animations and diverse landscapes. Whether overseeing the construction of a bustling city or commanding troops in epic clashes, the game's visuals enhance the immersive experience of strategic planning and conquest.

9. Albion Online

Screenshot of Albion Online gameplay
  • Release date: July 17, 2017
  • Platforms:  iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux,
  • Gameplay features: Player-driven economy, full-loot PvP, classless character customization, open-world exploration on a single server, cross-platform play, territory control system, guild vs. guild battles, player-driven market
  • Developer: Sandbox Interactive
  • Payment model: Buy to play with optional premium subscription (also offers in-game currency purchase for subscription)
  • Best for: Players seeking a sandbox MMO experience with deep player-driven mechanics, including economy management, PvP conflict, and territory control, across multiple platforms

Albion Online offers a unique blend of features that set it apart in the MMO (massively multiplayer online) world. At its core is a player-driven economy where every item — from swords to potions — is crafted by players. This economic system encourages trade and specialization, making every gathering expedition or crafting endeavor meaningful to the game's ecosystem. The game's full-loot PvP adds a layer of risk and reward, where players must strategize and cooperate to protect their hard-earned resources and loot their fallen foes.

One of Albion Online's standout features is its classless character customization, allowing players to mix and match gear and abilities freely. This flexibility empowers players to create unique builds tailored to their playstyle, whether they prefer frontline combat, support roles, or mastering arcane arts. The vast open world of Albion Online is housed on a single server, promoting a dynamic player-driven experience where interactions shape the world's politics and economy.

10. Ragnarok Origin

Screenshot of Ragnarok Origin gameplay
  • Release date: March 26, 2024
  • Platforms: iOS, Android
  • Gameplay features: Job advancements, guilds, social interactions, diverse regions with quests and monsters, character progression through leveling, skills, and equipment enhancement
  • Developer: Gravity Co., Ltd.
  • Payment model: Free to play with in-app purchases
  • Best for: Fans of classic MMORPGs looking for nostalgic gameplay with modern mobile adaptations; players who enjoy exploring immersive worlds and engaging in social interactions within a vibrant online community

Ragnarok Origin is new to the mobile RPG world. It brings the beloved classic gameplay of Ragnarok Online to mobile devices, capturing the essence of its classic MMORPG roots with modern adaptations. Players can delve into the world of Midgard, exploring its diverse regions teeming with quests and challenges. From verdant forests to treacherous dungeons, each area is richly detailed, offering ample opportunities for adventure and exploration.

Character progression is central to the experience, where players can advance through various job classes, unlocking new skills and abilities along the way. Enhancing equipment and mastering skills are crucial for overcoming formidable monsters and rival guilds in both PvE and PvP encounters. Ragnarok Origin also emphasizes social interactions, allowing players to form guilds, participate in group activities, and forge alliances with fellow adventurers.

Nostalgia meets modernity in Ragnarok Origin's visuals, which blend the charm of the original game's art style with updated graphics for a fresh, immersive experience.

11. Pokémon GO

Screenshot of Pokémon GO gameplay
  • Release date: July 6, 2016
  • Platforms: iOS, Android
  • Gameplay features: AR gameplay, real-world exploration, catching Pokémon, battling in gyms, participating in raids, AR mode
  • Developer: Niantic
  • Payment model: Free to play with in-app purchases
  • Best for: Players who enjoy augmented reality experiences, outdoor exploration, and community-driven gameplay in a mobile gaming environment

Pokémon GO revolutionized mobile gaming by bringing the beloved Pokémon universe into the real world through augmented reality (AR). Players embark on adventures where their surroundings become a playground for catching Pokémon. Using their phone's GPS, players explore parks, streets, and landmarks to discover and capture a diverse array of Pokémon species. This real-world exploration aspect not only adds excitement but also encourages outdoor activity and exploration of local communities.

In Pokémon GO, players can build their Pokémon collection by encountering and catching Pokémon that appear based on their location and time of day. Once captured, Pokémon can be trained and evolved to become stronger for battles in gyms against other players or participating in raids against powerful, rare Pokémon. The game also features AR mode, allowing players to see Pokémon in the real world through their phone's camera, enhancing the immersive experience.

How To Choose the Best Mobile RPG

Choosing the best mobile RPG involves considering several key criteria that align with your gaming preferences and lifestyle. Here are some things to consider:

  • Gameplay mechanics: Look for engaging and strategic gameplay such as turn-based combat, real-time action, or hybrid systems.
  • Story quality: Seek RPGs with compelling narratives, well-developed characters, and immersive world-building.
  • Character development: Choose games that offer deep customization, progression systems, and meaningful choices for character growth.
  • Replayability: Consider games with multiple endings, side quests, or online multiplayer modes for long-term enjoyment.
  • Cross-platform compatibility: Opt for RPGs that are available on both mobile devices and other platforms like PCs or consoles for flexibility.
  • Time investment: Assess how the game fits into your schedule; look for options with short play sessions or auto-play features for convenience.
  • Reaction to smartphones: Evaluate how the game utilizes smartphone capabilities like touch controls and portability to enhance the gameplay experience.

Embark on RPG Adventures 

Embark on thrilling RPG adventures, where you'll discover a diverse collection of games to immerse you in epic storytelling and strategic gameplay. Whether you're exploring fantastical realms, mastering tactical combat, or forging alliances, find the best mobile RPG experience to suit your preferences. 

Discover your next favorite RPG game today.

Mobile RPG FAQ

Have more questions about RPG games? We’re here with the answers!

What Does RPG Mean?

RPG stands for role-playing game. In these games, players assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. They typically involve immersive storytelling, character development, and strategic gameplay where players make decisions that impact the game's outcome.

What Games Are Similar to Genshin Impact?

Games similar to Genshin Impact include titles that emphasize RPG elements such as open-world exploration, real-time combat, and character-driven narratives. Some examples include Honkai: Star Rail, Tower of Fantasy, and Albion Online, each offering unique gameplay mechanics and rich worlds to explore.

Which Is the Best Mobile RPG Game?

Determining the best mobile RPG game depends on your preferences for gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and overall gaming experience. Popular choices like Genshin Impact, Epic Seven, and Monster Hunter Stories offer diverse gameplay and engaging narratives, catering to different tastes in the RPG genre. Explore various options to find the game that best suits your style and preferences.