The best offline mobile games ensure you’re diving into interactive experiences that don’t require a stable internet connection. Whether it’s an arcade or a role-playing game (RPG), these titles cater to all kinds of players.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best offline games mobile players can download on their smartphone and dive into right away. These games promise hours of gameplay and aren’t ranked in any particular order.
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 Offline Mobile Games at a Glance
The best offline mobile games ensure that your experience is never hindered by the need to always have an internet connection. Instead, you can enjoy these games as and when you want. From action RPGs to simulators, there’s a lot to choose from.
Here’s a quick glance at some of the best games you can play.
| Game | Best for | Rating |
| Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions | Fans of strategic games featuring turn-based combat | 88/100 on Metacritic |
| Plague Inc. | Players looking for a thought-provoking mobile game with high replayability | 80/100 on Metacritic |
| Balatro | Fans of card games that focus on strategy and deck-building | 90/100 on Metacritic |
| Stardew Valley | Fans of a cozy and relaxing setting with open-ended gameplay | 89/100 on Metacritic |
| Cult of the Lamb | iOS players looking for an immersive management simulator | 82/100 on Metacritic |
| Mini Metro | Gamers looking for a relaxing yet challenging simulation and management experience | 86/100 on Metacritic |
| Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc | Fans of narrative-driven games looking for dark and twisted storytelling with logical puzzles | 80/100 on Metacritic |
| Alto’s Odyssey | Gamers looking for a unique blend of 2D sidescrolling and sport-themed endless running | 88/100 on Metacritic |
| Dead Cells | Fans of roguelike and exploration-focused gameplay looking for high replayability | 89/100 on Metacritic |
| Terraria | Players who enjoy crafting, building, and fighting in a world full of unique possibilities | 81/100 on Metacritic |
| Stickman Master: Shadow Ninja | Fans of fast-paced combat games with a strong progression system | 4.5/5 on Google Play |
| Monument Valley 2 | Players looking for a relaxing but strategic way to pass time on the go | 83/100 on Metacritic |
1. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
| Developer: | Square Enix |
| Release date: | May 10, 2007 |
| Genre: | Tactical role-playing game |
| Platforms: | iOS, Android |
| Rating: | 88/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Fans of strategic games featuring turn-based combat |
| Gameplay features: | Turn-based combat, character classes, story-driven gameplay |
The world of Final Fantasy is filled with endless possibilities. A realm as rich and meticulously crafted as this one often requires hours of gameplay, and what’s better than having all this power in the palms of your hands? The War of the Lions lets you jump into a narrative never experienced before in the Final Fantasy universe.
Final Fantasy Tactics is one of those offline games that lets you familiarize yourself with an RPG series otherwise popular on PC and consoles, especially when a franchise’s complex themes are concerned. A mix of strategy, extensive character customization, and compelling story make this one of the best mobile RPGs.
2. Plague Inc.
| Developer: | Ndemic Creations, Miniclip |
| Release date: | May 26, 2012 |
| Genre: | Real-time strategy |
| Platforms: | Android, iOS |
| Rating: | 80/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Players looking for a thought-provoking mobile game with high replayability |
| Gameplay features: | Epidemic model-based gameplay, decision making, and various game modes |
If you want immersive, strategic gameplay without a large time commitment, Plague Inc. is one of the best offline mobile games Android and iOS players alike can enjoy.
It offers scenario-based games where you design and control a pathogen (ranging from a virus to a fungus) in an attempt to infect all of humanity. If that feels too morbid, there are various game modes, including a light-hearted scenario about spreading the Christmas spirit.
The main focus of Plague Inc. is to evolve your pathogen to balance its ability to spread and its lethality. When your goal is to infect as many people as possible, you want to ensure it’s able to spread from host to host. As a result, this game keeps you thinking outside the box while also lending to a high level of replayability.
3. Balatro
| Developer: | LocalThunk |
| Release date: | February 20, 2024 |
| Genre: | Roguelike deck-building |
| Platforms: | iOS, Android, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Rating: | 90/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Fans of card games that focus on strategy and deck-building |
| Gameplay features: | Mechanics inspired by poker, deck-building elements, progressively challenging |
Blending traditional poker mechanics with roguelike deck-building mechanics, Belatro uses Joker cards as a core part of its gameplay. It lets you come up with diverse synergies, keeping things replayable. Even if you haven’t played poker before, Belatro’s simple accessibility draws you in pretty quickly.
If you’re into card games, this is easily one of the best offline Android games as well as a seamless iOS experience. Its challenging progression system will keep you engaged, asking you to strategize to outsmart your opponents in a battle of wits.
4. Stardew Valley
| Developer: | ConcernedApe |
| Release date: | February 26, 2016 |
| Genre: | Simulation, RPG |
| Platforms: | iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch |
| Rating: | 89/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Fans of a cozy and relaxing setting with open-ended gameplay |
| Gameplay features: | Farming simulation, relationship/friendship mechanics, open-world exploration, multiplayer |
Stardew Valley is a heartfelt adventure across a world crafted on pixel art, storytelling, and multiple farming mechanics. Enjoying a life away from the struggles of a city-dweller, this relaxing game lets you dive into a life of farming, dungeon crawling, and developing relationships with people.
When you’re not exploring the world, it works like an idle game where you wait for your crops to grow so you can make decent profits. As the seasons pass, you learn more about the people around you and continue to enjoy a life embraced by nature.
5. Cult of the Lamb
| Developer: | Massive Monster |
| Release date: | August 11, 2022 |
| Genre: | Rougelike, construction and management simulator |
| Platforms: | iOS, Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S |
| Rating: | 82/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | iOS players looking for an immersive management simulator |
| Gameplay features: | Randomly generated world, cult formation, resource acquisition and management, relationship management |
At first glance, Cult of the Lamb seems like a cozy game focused on building a community of cute animals and ensuring positive relationships between them and your playable character. However, this management simulator keeps gameplay fresh and thrilling by adding cult mechanics, with your goal to build a successful cult by recruiting members, caring for their needs, and navigating a randomly generated world.
While much of the gameplay in Cult of the Lambs revolves around building up your cult, you can also foster relationships with the different animals present in your world. This includes assigning them to different activities or even going as far as sacrificing them for the greater good of the cult.
6. Mini Metro
| Developer: | Dinosaur Polo Club |
| Release date: | November 6, 2015 |
| Genre: | Puzzle, simulation |
| Platforms: | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch |
| Rating: | 86/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Gamers looking for a relaxing yet challenging simulation and management experience |
| Gameplay features: | Managing a train/metro system, clean interface and visuals, challenging maps with unique designs |
A masterclass in design and management mechanics, Mini Metro is easily one of the best iPhone games you can play right now. It offers minimalist visuals packed with gameplay that asks you to manage a metro transit system within different cities (levels).
As one of the best offline mobile games that iPhone players can enjoy, you’ll be pouring hours into Mini Metro without worrying about an internet connection, as you’ll be busy connecting the dots (literally) between different stations so passengers can be on time and you’re busy making their lives easier.
7. Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc
| Developer: | Spike Chunsoft |
| Release date: | November 25, 2010 |
| Genre: | Visual novel, adventure |
| Platforms: | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch |
| Rating: | 80/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Fans of narrative-driven games looking for dark and twisted storytelling with logical puzzles |
| Gameplay features: | Solving murder mysteries, logic and strategy, interactive storytelling |
This one’s a visual novel with intense storytelling and a psychological thriller backdrop. You’ll be investigating shocking twists and turns as you meet unforgettable characters within a high school setting. The game combines puzzle-solving mechanics with drama that keeps you hooked.
Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc also features fast-paced mini-games that add to the game’s depth, solidifying a rich story that will leave you thinking and exploring further as you progress.
8. Alto’s Odyssey
| Developer: | Team Alto |
| Release date: | February 21, 2018 |
| Genre: | Sport, endless runner |
| Platforms: | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch |
| Rating: | 88/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Gamers looking for a unique blend of 2D sidescrolling and sport-themed endless running |
| Gameplay features: | Sandboarding gameplay, various playable characters, 2D side-scrolling |
Endless runners are a staple when it comes to the best offline mobile games, and Alto’s Odyssey combines this iconic genre with a side-scrolling sandboarding adventure. This game is the sequel to Alto’s Adventure, which was released in 2015, and follows a similar premise.
Alto’s Odyssey’s sandboarding makes it hard to put down, but gameplay isn’t all it has to offer. With eye-catching visuals, a range of characters with unique abilities to choose from, and even different game modes, it can be the perfect way to pass the time without requiring as much attention as a simulation or RPG title.
9. Dead Cells
| Developer: | Motion Twin |
| Release date: | August 7, 2010 |
| Genre: | Action-adventure, roguelike, metroidvania |
| Platforms: | iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch |
| Rating: | 89/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Fans of roguelike and exploration-focused gameplay looking for high replayability |
| Gameplay features: | Procedurally generated levels, interconnected environments, fluid and responsive combat |
Dead Cells is a masterclass of weapon variety, exploration, and roguelike elements. Every time you jump into the game, your experience may vary based on the power-ups you choose. Be aware that the game may be challenging for those new to side-scrollers.
Its high replayability and depth make it one of the best offline games for Android and iOS. Dead Cells’ richly crafted world offers a chance for multiple playthroughs. With every passing stage, you’ll cross paths with new enemy types and weapons.
10. Terraria
| Developer: | Re-Logic |
| Release date: | May 16, 2011 |
| Genre: | Action-adventure, open world |
| Platforms: | iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch |
| Rating: | 81/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Players who enjoy crafting, building, and fighting in a world full of unique possibilities |
| Gameplay features: | Open-ended exploration, resource gathering and management, co-op, character customization |
One of the best sandbox games to play offline, Terraria is an iconic experience that gives you endless creative liberty and adequate amounts of challenge. You can break through structures and uncover new mysteries while digging through different biomes.
Ironically, it’s also a building game where you can create anything and everything that aligns with your imagination. And when you’re not busy building something, you’ll be fighting through hordes of enemies and bosses as you explore the endless realm of Terraria.
11. Stickman Master: Shadow Ninja
| Developer: | Unimob |
| Release date: | December 22, 2019 |
| Genre: | Action, hack-and-slash |
| Platforms: | iOS, Android |
| Rating: | 4.5/5 on Google Play |
| Best for: | Fans of fast-paced combat games with a strong progression system |
| Gameplay features: | Fast-paced combat, class-based characters, multiplayer battles, ninja themes |
Stickman Master: Shadow Ninja offers an exhilarating combat experience wrapped in ninja-esque themes. The game’s responsive controls and intense combat sequences keep things interesting with a sleek and shadowy art style.
The mix of class-based characters and varying difficulty levels make the game an accessible fighting experience on mobile. And with a strong variety of outfits and customization options, you have the ideal stealth and action-packed combat game.
12. Monument Valley 2
| Developer: | Ustwo Games |
| Release date: | June 5, 2017 |
| Genre: | Puzzle |
| Platforms: | Android, Windows, Switch, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X/S |
| Rating: | 83/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Players looking for a relaxing but strategic way to pass time on the go |
| Gameplay features: | Appealing visuals, optical illusions, puzzles, and a linear storyline |
Part of the appeal of offline mobile games is their ability to hone in on aesthetics, which Monument Valley 2 excels at. The puzzles that you must navigate in this cozy title are thought-provoking, with the right balance of strategy and difficulty, but their visual appeal is what truly shines through.
In Monument Valley 2, your goal is to guide both Ro and her child through various isometric puzzles. Depending on what chapter you’re at in this game’s storyline, you can control either Ro or her child, allowing you to either progress through the puzzle and trigger any changes needed to make navigating the layout of the puzzle itself possible.
What To Look for in an Offline Mobile Game
To find the ideal offline mobile game for you, take a look at these factors to make sure that all aspects of the game fit your playstyle.
- Replayability: High replayability in a title ensures that every time you get into the game, it feels like a different experience. Roguelike and open-ended games are particularly good at this, so keep that in mind.
- Multiple levels of difficulty: If a game has varying difficulty levels, you can expect a high skill curve to master. This lets you have new things to look forward to, which you should consider if you’re looking for a challenge.
- Progress saving: It’s essential to make sure the game you’re playing saves your progress. When playing offline games, cloud sync and cross-progression should be aspects you need to take note of.
- Good community reviews: Before jumping into the game, take a look at the reviews. Google Play and App Store reviews are great sources, as well as Metacritic.
From open world to combat mechanics, gamers who are fans of handheld gaming should explore the vast collection of games available on mobile. Plus, many of the games on the list are ports of console games, making them highly polished experiences appreciated by critics worldwide.
FAQ
After going through the list, you might still have certain questions about the games mentioned. Take a look at the frequently asked questions below for further clarity.
Why Should I Play an Offline Game?
Some of the best single-player games exist as offline handheld experiences on mobile. This opens up endless possibilities and accessibility for you to journey through various virtual worlds without worrying about having a strong internet connection. These games are best for on-the-go sessions such as traveling, waiting in a queue, having no access to the internet, or taking a break from an argument with your partner.
How Much Storage Space Do You Need for Offline Games?
Storage space depends on the type of game you’re playing and when you’re playing it. As the name suggests, Mini Metro has the smallest download size (around 200 MB), while Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic needs around 3-4 GB of space.
Do Offline Games Need To Connect to the Internet for Updates?
One of the benefits of playing games offline is that you don’t need an active connection while playing the game. However, you will have to connect to the internet to download the latest version of the game to ensure that unnecessary bugs and glitches don’t hinder your experience.