Never Played a Netflix Game Before? Here Are 7 Titles You Have to Try!
Netflix made a real name for itself pushing the envelope on what home entertainment could mean. With its development into Netflix games, the media giant has taken another step in delivering what could be a new normal for streaming services. From action titles to casual games and brainteasers, we decided to look into the best Netflix games out there.
Hold up a second! Before diving right in, we also have to explore what exactly Netflix games are, why they’ve been developed, and how they work. After all, Netflix is for video streaming, isn’t it?
The Top 7 Netflix Games
Stranger Things: 1984
It makes sense that some of the best Netflix mobile games come from the best Netflix series, and Stranger Things: 1984 is a standout example. As a retro pixel-art beat-em-up this game places players in the shoes of Hopper as he and the kids explore, solve mysteries, and stay out long past their bedtimes. This one is a cross between River City Ransom and early Legend of Zelda, and is a great fit for fans of both games.
Available on:
- Google Play Store
- iOS App Store
Into the Dead 2: Unleashed
Into the Dead 2: Unleashed builds on the first title with even more reverence for zombie-slaying FPS action. Fight to save your family with a variety of different weapons while you draw inevitable comparisons to how you'd fight if placed in the protagonist's shoes. To round it out, the game lets you adopt loyal canine companions along the way, which earns it serious points out of the gate.
Available on:
- Google Play Store
- iOS App Store
Kentucky Route Zero
Some of the best Netflix games are also some of the best PC games, and Kentucky Route Zero is one of the more famous examples. This point-and-click (or should that be point-and-touch on mobile?) title sets players on a mystical adventure in of the most captivating games ever released. This one will engage you and tug on your strings, so you’ve been warned.
Available on:
- Google Play Store
- iOS App Store
Shovel Knight Pocket Dungeon
Some combinations are so powerful they transcend borders and times. Lasagne and garlic bread, chips and dip, and, of course, knights and shovels. Borrowing from the 2D action adventure, this pocket take on Shovel Knight sets the eponymous soldier against his enemies in a style similar to Tetris versus games, but with more digging. Netflix video games on the go don't get much better than this one, even if you consider yourself more of a spade type of person.
Available on:
- Google Play Store
- iOS App Store
Arcanium: Rise of Akhan
Strategy card roguelikes have become a breakout hit in the last few years of PC gaming and with Arcaium: Rise of Akhan, games for Mac devices and Android systems are getting in on the action. Build your deck, fight through randomized landscapes, and curse your luck as you tell yourself ‘just one more game’ for the third time in a row.
Available on:
- Google Play Store
- iOS App Store
Heads Up!
Sometimes the best games are the ones you can share with friends. As a party game, Heads Up! Is a modern take on charades with a gentle learning curve and enough hilarity to keep you playing for hours. This specific Netflix edition can test your knowledge on a wide range of subjects from Netflix’s lineup, so if you want to prove yourself the ultimate superfan of a show, you know where to start.
Available on:
- Google Play Store
- iOS App Store
Puzzle Gods
We tested your reflexes and knowledge, so with Puzzle Gods, it's time for one of the best brain games on Netflix to enter the arena. Puzzle Gods is a simple match-three game, where its character adds a lot more than the standard fare. With stylized versions of Greek and Roman deities competing against each other, Puzzle Gods on Netflix Games is cute, it's fun, and it's a great way to compare your progress against friends.
Available on:
- Google Play Store
- iOS App Store
Honorable Mention
We also have to give a shout out to Netflix’s Trivia Quest as the first step in bringing interactivity to Netflix’s usual streaming offerings. Be sure to check this out if the idea of Netflix trivia games floats your boat, as it’s an idea that we’d love to see expanded on in the future.
Netflix and Gaming
To stay fresh and relevant, the company announced in 2021 that it was moving into the video game arena with new and existing game content. This caused a little obvious confusion at first, but their systems at Netflix games have turned out to be well-integrated and easy to use.
Does Netflix Have Games for TV?
The answer is no. This is an important question to cover quickly because “Netflix games” has certain connotations. While Netflix games are often based on TV shows, and while Netflix has shown an interest in putting games on TVs, they’re not supported yet.
The Origins of Netflix
Some of our younger readers might not be aware of this, but Netflix didn't get its start in streaming. When it was first founded in 1997, the company made its money as a kind of video rental service that worked by mail. If you've ever heard the ancient legends of Blockbuster, it was kind of like that, only you'd save on gas money by ordering your shows and movies online.
It wasn’t until 2007 that Netflix began streaming over the internet. The internet at this time was fast and widespread enough that streaming was taking off, and Netflix was one of the first in the game to figure out a great way to monetize this idea. Once the only name in the game, the success of Netflix went on to spawn the many imitators we see today, like Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon TV.
Are Netflix Games Free with Netflix?
Yes, they are! As long as you have an active Netflix subscription of any tier you’ll have access to Netflix’s range of games. This means you don’t have to pay for downloads or jump through any annoying hoops, which is always great to hear.
Getting Started with Netflix Games
The first step to gaining access to Netflix games can be the most complicated – remembering your password and account name. You need to log into an associated account on the Netflix mobile app to start, which will give you access to the free Netflix games on the official Google Play and iOS stores. Once you figure this out, you can start your playing journey.
How to Find and Install Netflix Games
To find Netflix games to play, we’ve created this list for a head start. You can also head over to the official Netflix games help center for information on the games available on Android and Mac, to guide you through the steps.
How to Play Games on Netflix?
Once they're installed, Netflix games like Into the Dead 2 play just like any other mobile games. The controls will vary by title, and sometimes controllers can be paired with a device if that's your preferred method of input and control.
