Single-player games can be great, but they don’t match the social element that gaming with friends gives you. If you’re a gamer who seeks connection with other players — especially on the go — then mobile games are your best bet.
There are so many mobile games, however, that choosing the best one for you to play with your friends can be difficult. You can find everything from lighthearted fun to intense competition in the best mobile games.
To make it easier to choose a new game, we’ve compiled a list of the 14 best mobile games to play with friends below.
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 Mobile Games To Play With Friends at a Glance
Looking for the best mobile game for you and your friends to play but don’t have much time? Check out our handy table below:
| Game | Best for | Rating |
| Sky: Children of the Light | Players seeking relaxing, emotional adventures and collaborative exploration | 82/100 on Metacritic |
| Call of Duty: Mobile | Fans of fast-paced action and competitive multiplayer shooting games | 81/100 on Metacritic |
| Frostborn | Players who enjoy survival RPGs with cooperative and competitive multiplayer elements | 4.1 on Apple Store |
| Among Us | Groups of friends or online players who enjoy social deduction and quick, strategic thinking | 85/100 on Metacritic |
| Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge | Friends looking for a traditional side-scrolling fighting game with TMNT themes | 85/100 on Metacritic |
| Clash Royale | Players looking for quick, strategic card-based PvP battles with competitive progression | 86/100 on Metacritic |
| 8 Ball Pool | Pool enthusiasts and casual players looking for competitive online billiards games | 74/100 on Metacritic |
| Genshin Impact | Fans of expansive open worlds, character-driven RPGs, and gacha mechanics | 81/100 on Metacritic |
| Roblox | Players who love creativity, socializing, and exploring a wide variety of user-made games | 4.5 on App Store |
| Minecraft | Creative builders, survival enthusiasts, and fans of open-ended gameplay in procedurally generated worlds | 93/100 on Metacritic |
| Brawl Stars | Gamers looking for quick, strategic multiplayer battles with a wide variety of characters | 72/100 on Metacritic |
| Pokémon GO | Gamers who enjoy outdoor exploration, social gaming experiences, and fans of the Pokémon franchise | 69/100 on Metacritic |
| Terraria | Gamers who enjoy expansive sandbox experiences with a blend of creativity, combat, and exploration | 81/100 on Metacritic |
| Fortnite | Gamers looking for an ever-evolving shooter with multiple game modes and social experiences | 78/100 on Metacritic |
| PUBG Mobile | Groups of friends looking for a fast-paced combat game against other teams | 82/100 on Metacritic |
| Bloons TD 6 | Friends looking for a casual but fun game that requires equal parts teamwork and strategy | 4.8/5 on Google Play Store |
| Monopoly | Long-distant friends wanting to enjoy the fun of traditional Monopoly | 4.2/5 on Google Play Store |
1. Sky: Children of the Light
| Developer: | Thatgamecompany |
| Release date: | July 18, 2019 |
| Genre: | Adventure, indie |
| Available platforms: | Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS |
| Rating: | 82/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Players seeking relaxing, emotional adventures and collaborative exploration |
| Gameplay features: | Exploration, emotional storytelling, puzzle-solving |
Traverse a magical kingdom and restore fallen stars in Sky: Children of the Light, a thrilling social adventure game where you explore and collaborate with other players. Even though you’re tasked with exploring from the get-go, the journey you take across seven distinct realms always feels compelling and progressive. You will find your character unlocking new abilities as you travel the world solving puzzles either alone or with other players.
If you enjoy emotional, peaceful experiences that focus on collaboration rather than competition, you and your friends will enjoy Sky: Children of the Light. One of the best games on Android to play with friends, it’s frequently updated with new events and content, keeping the game fresh. It also has a welcoming and friendly community.
2. Call of Duty: Mobile
| Developer: | Activision |
| Release date: | October 1, 2019 |
| Genre: | Battle royale, first-person shooter (FPS) |
| Available platforms: | Android, iOS |
| Rating: | 81/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Fans of fast-paced action and competitive multiplayer shooting games |
| Gameplay features: | Ranked matches, customizable loadouts, fast-paced combat |
Call of Duty (COD): Mobile brings the frenetic action and strategy of Call of Duty right to your phone, with surprisingly solid controls despite being on touch screen. COD: Mobile has expanded its modes over the years, even including zombies and battle royale through updates. It was one of the most popular games in 2024, and for good reason.
COD: Mobile has proven to be one of the best multiplayer mobile games, with millions of active players at any one time. You and your friends can enjoy a free-to-play, constantly updated version of COD that remains more accessible to a group than the main series.
3. Frostborn
| Developer: | Kefir Games |
| Release date: | November 10, 2020 |
| Genre: | Co-op survival MMORPG |
| Available platforms: | Android, iOS |
| Rating: | 4.1 stars on Apple App Store |
| Best for: | Players who enjoy survival RPGs with cooperative and competitive multiplayer elements |
| Gameplay features: | Survival mechanics, base-building, PvE and PvP combat, Viking-themed world |
you’re into Viking media and survival games, you’ll love Frostborn! A mobile multiplayer survival RPG, Frostborn tasks you with building your base, crafting weapons, and battling monsters across the lands as you try to build the best base against other players.
Frostborn encapsulates what it means to be a good mobile game, with a mixture of PvP and PvE activities, multiple game aspects to focus on, and a solid community that’s friendly to new players.
4. Among Us
| Developer: | Innersloth |
| Release date: | June 15, 2018 |
| Genre: | Social deduction |
| Available platforms: | Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch |
| Rating: | 85/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Groups of friends or online players who enjoy social deduction and quick, strategic thinking |
| Gameplay features: | Social deduction, sabotage, deception-based gameplay |
Among Us was a global sensation during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic after it finally picked up steam with gamers. A social deduction title and one of the best mobile games with charming art, relaxed gameplay, and an undertone of hilarity, Among Us offers a distinct and fun experience with your friends.
The guessing game that’s part of Among Us ensures you and your friends remain engaged, thinking about each other’s playstyles and trying to predict each other’s behaviors. The result is a surprisingly cerebral experience that will see you and your friends coming back for more.
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge
| Developer: | Tribute Games |
| Release date: | June 16, 2022 |
| Genre: | Beat ‘em up |
| Available platforms: | Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, Switch, Xbox One/Series X/S, PlayStation 4/5 |
| Rating: | 85/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Friends looking for a traditional side-scrolling fighting game with TMNT themes |
| Gameplay features: | DLC content, side-scrolling format, action brawler elements, themes from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe, two different game modes, and co-op of up to six players total |
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take on the foes of New York City as a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle? In TMNT: Shedder’s Revenge, you can play alongside five other friends as you take on familiar opponents like Shredder and Krang.
There are two game modes available to play. The first is a story mode with different stages, as well as challenges and collectibles. There is also an arcade mode that adds more challenges by giving you a limited number of lives. If you download the extra content, there’s also an additional game mode that’s instead survival based.
6. Clash Royale
| Developer: | Supercell |
| Release date: | March 2, 2016 |
| Genre: | Real-time strategy |
| Available platforms: | iOS, Android |
| Rating: | 85/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Players looking for quick, strategic card-based PvP battles with competitive progression |
| Gameplay features: | Real-time strategy, card-based battles, tower defense, clan system |
A real-time strategy (RTS) game that took the world by storm when it was released, Clash Royale builds upon the popular world and characters from Clash of Clans in a new style. Defend your tower, collect the best cards, and head into the arena to defeat other players around the world.
Clash Royale offers 1v1 and 2v2 modes, against AI or other players, allowing you to battle the way you want to as you build up your cards. If you’re wondering which game to play, trying out an established title like Clash Royale is recommended!
7. 8 Ball Pool
| Developer: | Miniclip |
| Release date: | October 10, 2013 |
| Genre: | Sports |
| Available platforms: | iOS, Android |
| Rating: | 74/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Pool enthusiasts and casual players looking for competitive online billiards games |
| Gameplay features: | Online multiplayer pool, realistic physics, tournaments, progression, customizable cues |
8 Ball Pool offers some of the best pool-based gameplay you can find. You can play a mixture of 8 Ball or 9 Ball against AI, random players, or your friends in this cool game.
Battle it out across multiple tournaments and unlock new cues with different stats to find the perfect match for your playstyle. 8 Ball Pool is regularly updated with events and new items to keep gameplay fresh while retaining an authentic digital pool experience.
8. Genshin Impact
| Developer: | miHoYo |
| Release date: | September 28, 2020 |
| Genre: | Action role-playing |
| Available platforms: | iOS, Android |
| Rating: | 81/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Fans of expansive open worlds, character-driven RPGs, and gacha mechanics |
| Gameplay features: | Open world exploration, action RPG combat, character collection (gacha), elemental magic, quests |
A perfect blend of action RPG and gacha, Genshin Impact is a great game to play solo or with friends. You’ll have tons of fun comparing your characters to your buddies, and can even battle against each other between questing together.
Genshin Impact offers a vast world with a gorgeous art style. There are tons of quests and areas to unlock, each with their own set of rewards that contributes to the power of your character. The game’s storyline is centered around finding your missing sibling, with clues uncovered as you travel across Tevyat’s distinct regions. Featuring all of the hallmarks of an action RPG game, Genshin Impact will keep you and your friends coming back for more.
9. Roblox
| Developer: | Roblox Corporation |
| Release date: | September 1, 2006 |
| Genre: | Online game platform (FPS, sandbox, racing, and more) |
| Available platforms: | Android, iOS |
| Rating: | 4.5 stars on Apple App Store, 4.4 stars on Google Play Store |
| Best for: | Players who love creativity, socializing, and exploring a wide variety of user-made games |
| Gameplay features: | User-generated content, endless custom game modes, creation tools |
Roblox is a gaming platform filled with indie games created by other players. You and your friends can find tons of different games made using the Roblox engine and can even collaborate on creating your own game.
With a huge dedicated community, you can meet new friends as you play different creations in a group. Racing games, RPG games, shooter games — plenty of genres are covered in Roblox games, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
10. Minecraft
| Developer: | Mojang Studios |
| Release date: | November 18, 2011 |
| Genre: | Sandbox |
| Available platforms: | Android, iOS |
| Rating: | 93/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Creative builders, survival enthusiasts, and fans of open-ended gameplay in procedurally generated worlds |
| Gameplay features: | Sandbox gameplay, building, exploration, survival, crafting |
Minecraft is a timeless AAA game to play with friends, as you mine resources, slay monsters, and build as a team. The mobile version of Minecraft is well done, with intuitive controls and the core experience retained from the main version. Minecraft’s art style easily translates over to mobile, offering the familiar therapeutic aesthetic the game is known for right from your own phone.
In Minecraft, you’ll build a base, mine for resources, and survive against dangerous monsters in your very own world. Discover the secrets of the Nether and trade with nearby villagers as you and your friends build a whole world together.
11. Brawl Stars
| Developer: | Supercell |
| Release date: | December 12, 2018 |
| Genre: | Hero shooter |
| Available platforms: | iOS, Android |
| Rating: | 72/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Gamers looking for quick, strategic multiplayer battles with a wide variety of characters |
| Gameplay features: | Fast-paced 3v3 and 5v5 matches, various game modes, over 90 unique characters |
Brawl Stars is an ever-evolving multiplayer game where players engage in short, action-packed matches across various game modes. There’s the battle royale-inspired Showdown, a soccer-inspired Brawl Ball, and a gem-collecting one called Gem Grab, among others. Each mode offers a unique take on things, keeping the entire experience fresh and fun.
Each mode offers a unique perspective, keeping the entire experience fresh and engaging.
You can choose from over 90 Brawlers, each possessing unique playstyles and abilities. As you collect and upgrade these characters, you will also earn customization options for them, which sets a strong incentive for players to keep coming back. Seasonal updates and events keep both casual and competitive players entertained as the game evolves.
12. Pokémon GO
| Developer: | Niantic, Inc. |
| Release date: | July 6, 2016 |
| Genre: | Augmented reality, location-based adventure |
| Available platforms: | iOS, Android |
| Rating: | 69/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Gamers who enjoy outdoor exploration, social gaming experiences, and fans of the Pokémon franchise |
| Gameplay features: | Exploration in the real world, Pokémon catching and training, PvP battles, seasonal events |
Pokémon GO is often considered a groundbreaking venture into the world of augmented reality-based games, thanks to its usage of GPS and AR technology. Players can discover and catch Pokémon in various real-world locations, encouraging social interaction and physical activity. PvP and raid battles are part of the gameplay loop, which tests a player’s skills.
The game has evolved a lot since its launch, introducing features like the buddy system, trading, and more. The game’s emphasis on real-world exploration and community engagement has been implemented into the overall experience, keeping longtime fans engaged and welcoming new players into the world of Pokémon GO. Overall, Pokémon GO has earned itself the title of being one of the best games to play with friends on the phone.
13. Terraria
| Developer: | Re-Logic, Codeglue |
| Release date: | August 29, 2013 |
| Genre: | Action-adventure, sandbox |
| Available platforms: | iOS, Android |
| Rating: | 81/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Gamers who enjoy expansive sandbox experiences with a blend of creativity, combat, and exploration |
| Gameplay features: | Procedurally generated worlds, crafting, mining, building, exploration, and combat |
Terraria on mobile brings the beloved 2D sandbox experience to handheld devices, offering a powerful blend of crafting, exploration, and combat. As you dive into Terraria’s procedurally generated worlds, you’ll mine resources, build structures, and battle a variety of enemies and bosses.
The game also supports co-op, enabling collaborative building and adventuring. Thanks to accessible controls (and controller support), Terraria is an experience tailored to all kinds of gamers, making it a unique journey for both returning and new players.
14. Fortnite
| Developer: | Epic Games |
| Release date: | March 15, 2018 |
| Genre: | Battle royale, third-person shooter |
| Available platforms: | Android, iOS (limited regions) |
| Rating: | 78/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Gamers looking for an ever-evolving shooter with multiple game modes and social experiences |
| Gameplay features: | Battle royale modes, creative experiences, cross-platform features, in-game events |
Fortnite on mobile features all the experiences you would otherwise expect on bigger screens. From 100-player battle royale modes to creative ones with unique adventures, there are several adventures to expect from this game. Fortnite’s regular updates ensure the overall gameplay experience always feels fresh and appeals to all types of audiences.
Zero Build is a popular choice for players who like the game’s shooting mechanics, while the traditional Battle Royale mode lets you build and edit structures and make the most of the game’s shooting mechanics. The other modes experiment with these core features, inspiring the community to create new adventures for players to experience together.
PUBG Mobile
| Developer: | LightSpeed Studios, PUBG Studios |
| Release date: | March 19, 2018 |
| Genre: | Battle royale |
| Available platforms: | Android, iOS |
| Rating: | 82/100 on Metacritic |
| Best for: | Groups of friends looking for a fast-paced combat game against other teams |
| Gameplay features: | Team ranging from duos to quads, large-scale team deathmatch, first- and third-person perspectives |
Similar to its PC counterpart, PUBG: Battlegrounds, PUBG Mobile is a thrilling battle royale that pits you and your friends against other teams on a variety of maps and modes. While there is an option to queue up alone, teams can range from duos to quads.
As far as gameplay goes, PUBG Mobile is similar to many other popular battle royales, with players being dropped into a map that shrinks as the game progresses. You’ll start with nothing and will need to loot nearby structures and fallen players for the gear needed to win.
Bloons TD 6
| Developer: | Ninja Kiwi |
| Release date: | June 13, 2018 |
| Genre: | Tower defense |
| Available platforms: | Windows, Android, iOS, Xbox 360/One, PlayStation 4 |
| Rating: | 4.8/5 on Google Play Store |
| Best for: | Friends looking for a casual but fun game that requires equal parts teamwork and strategy |
| Gameplay features: | Various maps and game modes, unlockable skins and characters, team-based challenges |
One of the best co-op games, Bloons TD 6 offers the perfect solution for friend groups interested in passing the time without the high-paced gameplay involved with FPS games or the time commitment of RPGs and story games. Instead, you can team up with up to three other friends in the co-op mode and dive into short games against endless waves of Bloons.
There are several different maps across a range of difficulties to choose from, as well as different game mode options for each map. In one mode, you’ll only be able to play with the most basic towers available, while the most challenging mode revolves around conquering each level with the bare minimum resources.
Monopoly
| Developer: | Marmalade Game Studio |
| Release date: | December 4, 2019 |
| Genre: | Board |
| Available platforms: | Android, iOS |
| Rating: | 4.2/5 on Google Play Store |
| Best for: | Long-distance friends wanting to enjoy the fun of traditional Monopoly |
| Gameplay features: | Traditional Monopoly game play, customizable game tokens, in-game challenges |
If you want to put your friendship to the test, look no further than Monopoly. This classic board game champions friendly competition as you negotiate and bargain with your friends, and its 2019 mobile release lets you enjoy the fun even when your friends are far away.
Overall, the mobile Monopoly is similar to the traditional board game in regard to gameplay, with dice rolling and property buying. However, there are other features to experience as well, such as the various challenges available and the ability to customize your game piece.
How To Choose the Best Mobile Games To Play With Friends
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best phone games to play with friends:
- Player preferences and interests: Perhaps not everyone in your group has the same preferences for games. Search for a title that matches the interests of everyone in the group as best as possible. Think about factors like art style, mechanics, and time commitment that make a game feel more or less appealing to your group’s individual members.
- Game type and genre suitability: Choose a game that matches the genre and game type that most of your group wants to play.
- Multiplayer features and player count: Search for a game that has lots of multiplayer features, frequent updates, and an active player base.
- Social interaction and communication options: Find a title that offers ways for you to interact with your friends as well as the wider player base.
- Game balance and progression incentives: Pick a game that offers balanced involvement and power levels between players as well as incentives to progress, giving you and your group something to aim for. The idea is that members of your group can progress at different paces, but you should all be able to cooperate near-equally to have the best experience.
Choose Your Next Game Night Hit
Choosing fun mobile games to play with your friends can be challenging, especially if your group has different tastes. This list compares the best options out there to help narrow down your search.
Find the best mobile game for you and your group.
Multiplayer Mobile Gaming FAQ
What Games Can I Play With My Friends on My Phone?
There are tons of games available for you to play with your friends on your phone, including Call of Duty: Mobile, Minecraft, and Genshin Impact. Generally, most newer titles available on either the App Store or Play Store will be cross-platform and offer online play, making it them highly accessible.
What’s the Most Fun Game To Play on Your Phone?
Phone games that hold your attention, don’t feel pay-to-win, and offer a compelling gameplay loop that’s regularly kept fresh with new mechanics tend to be the most fun games on mobile. Everything else depends on your taste — for instance, an MMO game may suit you if you’re someone who likes to grind and travel a sprawling open world.
Which Game Is Best for Online Friends?
Games that encourage you and your online friends to work together tend to be the best titles. In recent years, collaborative puzzle titles have been released, intended for two to four player groups.
But remember that what’s “best” to you may be one of your friends’ “worst,” so consider whether everybody in the group wants to play your chosen title. It can often be hard to lock down a title for groups due to conflicting interests, but some of the best gaming nights are just around the corner from that choice of title.