12 Best Multiplayer Mobile Games To Test Your Skills
When it comes to accessibility and hours of enjoyment, the best multiplayer mobile games are a top choice for many gamers. Whether it’s a social gathering or an online title with competitive and casual modes on the go, these games have a lot to offer.
While this list isn’t in a ranked order, it does provide details for the best games you can download right now. Most of these games are playable on iOS and Android and have positive ratings from the community.
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 Multiplayer Mobile Games at a Glance
The best multiplayer mobile games introduce gamers to some of the most enjoyable experiences on handheld devices. Modern-day mobile games have console-like quality, and here’s a glance over the best ones you can play.
| Game | Best for | Rating (Metacritic) |
| RAID: Shadow Legends | Gamers who enjoy a strategic touch in RPGs with competitive gameplay | 71/100 |
| Call of Duty: Mobile | Fans of fast-paced FPS games looking for a console-quality gameplay experience on mobile | 81/100 |
| Minecraft | Gamers looking for an open-ended adventure that involves creativity, exploration, and survival mechanics | 83/100 |
| Sky: Children of the Light | Gamers looking for a tranquil experience that focuses on exploration and emotional storytelling | 85/100 |
| Asphalt 9: Legends | Fans of fast-paced racing games who want a competitive and arcade-esque racing experience on mobile | 84/100 |
| PUBG Mobile | Fans of large-scale maps with PVP-focused combat mechanics | 82/100 |
| Genshin Impact | Gamers looking for a vibrant open world with fluid combat and a diverse range of characters | 85/100 |
| Hearthstone | Fans of strategic card games looking for a polished and accessible experience on mobile | 88/100 |
| League of Legends: Wild Rift | MOBA enthusiasts looking for a high-quality gameplay experience on mobile | 89/100 |
| Among Us | Friends and groups looking for a fun and strategic social deduction game | 85/100 |
| Mario Kart Tour | Fans of Mario Kart looking for a mobile-friendly version with arcade elements | 59/100 |
| Streets of Rage 4 | Fans of classic beat ‘em up games who are looking for a modern revival of the genre | 84/100 |
1. RAID: Shadow Legends
- Genre: Role-playing game (RPG), turn-based
- Release date: March 1, 2019
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows
- Developer: Plarium Global Ltd.
- Rating: 71/100 on Metacritic
- Gameplay features: Strategic turn-based combat, over 700 collectible champions, RPG mechanics
- Best for: Gamers who enjoy a strategic touch in RPGs with competitive gameplay
Gaining a strong foothold in the universe of mobile gaming, RAID: Shadow Legends sets itself apart by implementing RPG mechanics in a deep and expansive game filled with a large roster of characters to collect.
As one of the best multiplayer mobile games available right now, it’s in the list of mobile RPGs that combine visually impressive gameplay with competitive player versus player (PvP) arenas to hone your skills.
2. Call of Duty: Mobile
- Genre: First-person shooter (FPS), battle royale, action
- Release date: October 1, 2019
- Platforms: iOS, Android
- Developer: TiMi Studio Group
- Rating: 81/100 on Metacritic
- Gameplay features: Several game modes, iconic maps from the Call of Duty series, extensive character and weapon customization
- Best for: Fans of fast-paced FPS games looking for a console-quality gameplay experience on mobile
Arguably one of the most fun mobile games to play with friends (as long as you’re on the same team), Call of Duty: Mobile sets the benchmark for FPS games on small screens. It remains faithful to the series’ iconic maps and game modes yet offers a new experience on handheld devices.
With responsive controls, high-quality visuals, and a dedicated community, the game makes itself known as one of the best multiplayer games for FPS fans.
3. Minecraft
- Genre: Survival, sandbox
- Release date: May 17, 2009
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Mojang Studios
- Rating: 83/100 on Metacritic
- Gameplay features: Open-world exploration, resource management, survival, and crafting mechanics
- Best for: Gamers looking for an open-ended adventure that involves creativity, exploration, and survival mechanics
Playing online multiplayer games with friends doesn’t always have to be competitive, especially in a game like Minecraft, a procedurally generated world where rules (and blocks) are meant to be broken.
If you decide to play with friends instead of diving into a solo adventure, expect lots of things to do. From creating structures to mining for resources and taming pets, there are a lot of memories to create in Minecraft.
4. Sky: Children of the Light
- Genre: Adventure
- Release date: July 18, 2019
- Platforms: iOS, Android, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: thatgamecompany
- Rating: 85/100 on Metacritic
- Gameplay features: Exploring a large world, focusing on co-op gameplay, atmospheric and emotional art direction
- Best for: Gamers looking for a tranquil experience that focuses on exploration and emotional storytelling
Whether you’re on Android or iOS, Sky: Children of the Light is a unique experience that focuses on the importance of human connection. It’s a heartwarming experience curated by shared tasks, exploration, and flying in a co-op environment that fits in your pocket.
Its highly accessible features and controls make it easy to get into. The overall journey is woven together by meticulous art direction that thrives on a gameplay progression that feels welcoming and peaceful.
5. Asphalt 9: Legends
- Genre: Racing, arcade
- Release date: July 25, 2018
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Gameloft Barcelona
- Rating: 84/100 on Metacritic
- Gameplay features: Over 150 licensed cars from top manufacturers, high-quality visuals, customization options for vehicles, several game modes
- Best for: Fans of fast-paced racing games who want a competitive and arcade-esque racing experience on mobile
The typical gamer who enjoys a racing game usually adores fancy cars and multiple game modes. While most triple-A racing games are powered by consoles, Asphalt 9: Legends builds on these simpler aspects by adding simple controls. Racing against other players can be challenging, and that’s where Asphalt 9’s solo progression shines.
From a rewarding career mode to seasonal content updates, the game is for those looking for a long-term commitment with fast and impressive cars. It’s an exhilarating arcade experience that sets a benchmark for mobile games.
6. PUBG Mobile
- Genre: Battle royale, tactical FPS
- Release date: March 19, 2018
- Platforms: iOS, Android
- Developer: PUBG Studios, Lightspeed & Quantum Studio
- Rating: 82/100 on Metacritic
- Gameplay features: Large maps, several game modes, mobile-friendly controls, high replayability
- Best for: Fans of large-scale maps with PVP-focused combat mechanics
PUBG Mobile faithfully adapts the PC and console versions of the game by introducing touch-based controls and unique game modes. As you parachute into an expansive map, you’ll quickly find yourself looking for loot, fighting, hiding, and with any luck (and skill), becoming the last surviving player. This thrill quickly converts into replayability, shaping a genre-defining game.
The game’s polished mechanics and high skill curve hook players for months (if not years), encouraging team building and weapon and map-specific gameplay. Right when you think you’ve gotten great at PUBG, there’s a new skill to master! The game receives regular content and gameplay updates, keeping things fresh and fascinating for new players and veterans alike.
7. Genshin Impact
- Genre: Action, RPG
- Release date: September 28, 2020
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
- Developer: HoYoverse
- Rating: 85/100 on Metacritic
- Gameplay features: Vast open world to explore, elemental combat system, diverse roster of characters, story-driven quests
- Best for: Gamers looking for a vibrant open world with fluid combat and a diverse range of characters
Despite having intense action and lore-rich realms to explore, Genshin Impact is one of those relaxing games you can jump into any time and completely lose yourself. A blend of exploration, narrative, and characters is to be found here, with console-quality art direction and gameplay design.
It’s also one of the best gacha games with rewarding gameplay loops that will keep you busy for months (or even years!). Whether you’re exploring with friends or playing solo, Genshin Impact is a welcoming experience for gamers of all kinds.
8. Hearthstone
- Genre: Collectible card game (CCG), Strategy
- Release date: April 16, 2014
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
- Rating: 88/100 on Metacritic
- Gameplay features: Fast-paced card battles, Warcraft lore, auto-battle mode
- Best for: Fans of strategic card games looking for a polished and accessible experience on mobile
Hearthstone is a trading card game that combines simple controls with strategy and deck-building mechanics filled with depth. From strategizing in Ranked mode to experimenting in Battlegrounds, there are several game modes to master, even if it’s the mobile version of the game.
It’s a Pokémon-like game, but instead of collecting monsters, you’ll collect beautifully designed cards to use against other players. You can also find others collecting similar cards and join Heartstone’s mobile community, which has over 250,000 players.
9. League of Legends: Wild Rift
- Genre: Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA)
- Release date: October 27, 2020
- Platforms: iOS, Android
- Developer: Riot Games
- Rating: 89/100 on Metacritic
- Gameplay features: 5v5 MOBA gameplay, over 80 champions to play as, controls tailored for handheld devices
- Best for: MOBA enthusiasts looking for a high-quality gameplay experience on mobile
Successfully translating its PC counterpart into a mobile-friendly experience, League of Legends: Wild Rift is a fast-paced game that thrives on unique champions, strategic decision-making, and tactical gameplay. Its accessible controls make it an exceptional choice as a MOBA for handheld devices.
For those looking for an ultimate competitive experience, this game offers a premium playthrough thanks to the precise gameplay found in League of Legends. Newcomers may struggle to get the hang of things, but it doesn’t take too long to get hooked on this one.
10. Among Us
- Genre: Survival, party
- Release date: July 15, 2018
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Innersloth
- Rating: 85/100 on Metacritic
- Gameplay features: Multiplayer gameplay (up to 15 players), social deduction mechanics, multiple maps, private and public lobbies
- Best for: Friends and groups looking for a fun and strategic social deduction game
Among Us is a cultural phenomenon in the co-op mobile games space. It combines simple controls with elements of deduction, teamwork, and deception. Add to that regular updates and different maps, and you have a highly replayable experience.
This game is easily one of the best phone games to play with friends, as it tests your skills of wit and deception in a group. Who can be trusted? Who’s the imposter? Well, you never know until you play Among Us.
11. Mario Kart Tour
- Genre: Racing, arcade
- Release date: September 25, 2019
- Platforms: iOS, Android
- Developer: Nintendo
- Rating: 59/100 on Metacritic
- Gameplay features: Classic Mario Kart gameplay, variety of tracks, multiplayer mode with real-time racing
- Best for: Fans of Mario Kart looking for a mobile-friendly version with arcade elements
If you’ve ever been a fan of Mario Kart, this one’s a cool game that builds on most of the fun gameplay aspects of the original game. With rotating tours and various tracks to look forward to, it keeps the arcade racing game formula fresh and ever-evolving.
Its core mechanics come from Nintendo’s take on a racing game featuring iconic Nintendo characters. The multiplayer mode allows players to enjoy the game together, keeping the experience replayable and engaging.
12. Streets of Rage 4
- Genre: Beat ‘em up
- Release date: April 30, 2020
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Dotemu, Lizardcube, Guard Crush Games, Playdigious
- Rating: 84/100
- Gameplay features: Comic-style visuals, unique combos, co-op modes, several unlockable characters
- Best for: Fans of classic beat ‘em up games looking for a modern revival of the genre
Streets of Rage 4 rekindles the spark of an iconic brawler series with a modern (yet retro) art style and fighting mechanics. It preserves the thrills of the 1990s originals while revamping certain gameplay systems without sacrificing awesome combos and animations. The game offers a couch co-op mode and different ways of testing your skills in unique scenarios.
This perfect blend of nostalgia, style, and mechanics may belong to a niche of 2D games, but it promises a lot for players new to beat ‘em ups. It’s a deeply satisfying, skill-driven gameplay experience for quick sessions and long-term engagement. Something about punching pixelated bad guys feels too good in Streets of Rage 4!
What To Look for in a Multiplayer Mobile Game
When picking up a multiplayer mobile game, there are many aspects to keep in mind. After all, these are incredibly engaging experiences with varying themes and genres.
- Appealing genre: Whether it’s a casual racing game or an intense MOBA, choose a genre best suited to your playstyle and the amount of time you wish to dedicate to the experience.
- Fair matchmaking: Check reviews and community opinions about the game’s matchmaking. Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in a game tries to ensure fair play against other players.
- Regular in-game events: Seasonal updates and new content are important to a mobile game. Make sure the game you’re interested in has a strong live service model.
- Active community: A game with an active community ensures important conversations about a game’s current state. Good developers take feedback seriously and ensure the game stays fun and fresh.
Whether it’s a new game or an old-timer, considering tips in mind before browsing through a collection of games is an insightful process that lets you know which title should be on your “to-play” list.
Best Multiplayer Mobile Games FAQ
Even after all the genre-defining guidelines and tips for the best experiences, there can still be lingering questions about your next game. Check out the FAQs below to gain more clarity.
How Does Matchmaking Work in Multiplayer Mobile Games?
Mechanics like SBMM and matchmaking rating (MMR) ensure that a player’s skill is determined when matched against other players. Other factors like latency, region, and platform can also play a role.
Can I Play Multiplayer Mobile Games With Friends?
Yes. Games like Among Us, Sky: Children of the Light, and League of Legends: Wild Rift are best played in a group or with close friends who encourage open communication.
Are Multiplayer Mobile Games Cross-Platform?
Yes, most multiplayer mobile games support cross-platform functionality. Games like Genshin Impact, Minecraft, and Among Us are widely praised for their crossplay features.
