11 Best Turn-Based Mobile Games: Reddit’s Opinion vs. Ours

Strategy, management, risk assessment — the best mobile turn-based games have nailed the qualities of the genre while offering immersive gameplay you can enjoy on the go. From strategic PvP to immersive stories, there are no limits to the turn-based mobile games you can enjoy today.

Below, we’ve curated a list of the best turn-based mobile games. We also consulted Reddit to see what real players are saying about their experience with each title. 

Best Turn-Based Mobile Games at a Glance

We considered several factors, including mechanics, difficulty, and content, to create a list of the best turn-based mobile games. We also accounted for other features, like aesthetics, when deciding.

Mobile games are designed with convenience and accessibility in mind, allowing you to take your gameplay on the go. As a result, we chose games that represented this well, whether they’re single-player games with mobile compatibility or digital card games that fit your phone screen perfectly.

Lastly, we took to Reddit to see what players said about each title. We wanted games that real players experienced, loved, and recommended.

Games	Rating	Best for	Reddit consensus
Raid: Shadow Legends	4.6/5 on Google Play	Players who want a mixture of turn-based RPG action and gacha features	Appealing graphics and aesthetic appearance, but time-consuming gameplay with progression
Battle Chasers: Nightwar	75/100 on Metacritic	Players who don’t mind large amounts of grinding paired with immersive RPG gameplay	High remarks for graphic style and combat but complaints about grinding
XCOM 2	4.1/5 on Google Play	Players who want to combine turn-based mechanics with tactical gameplay that requires strategic planning and management	Positive remarks about gameplay and skill expression
Slay the Spire	89/100 on Metacritic	Players looking for a unique take on turn-based mobile games that combines roguelite elements with deck building	Positive reviews for gameplay and replayability, though success can take hundreds of hours
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft	88/100 on Metacritic	Those interested in a digital card game that they can play at home or on the go without losing their save data	Strategic gameplay is well-received, but some complaints about new content straying away from World of Warcraft
Honkai: Star Rail	80/100 on Metacritic	Players who want an immersive RPG experience with both turn-based combat and gacha mechanics	A popular choice among gacha and RPG fans alike, but some found the story lackluster and lacking immersion at times
Legends of Runeterra	87/100 on Metacritic	Fans of League of Legends who want a turn-based card game rather than MOBA gameplay	Positive thoughts toward PvP and strong mixed opinions for PvAI and PvE options
Final Fantasy Tactics	4.1/5 on Google Play	Players who enjoyed the 1997 release of Final Fantasy Tactics and want to enjoy its gameplay on a modern device	Varies from the mechanics of other titles in the series but still offers a timeless and enjoyable experience
Chrono Trigger	92/100 on Metacritic	Players who want to enjoy a classic in the turn-based genre	High praise for its gameplay despite its age
Star Traders: Frontiers	4.5/5 on Google Play	Those who want a unique turn-based experience with high levels of customization	Ample praise for this gameplay and world-building, although the mechanics can be complex
Final Fantasy VII	4.1/5 on Google Play	Players who want an immersive sci-fi style RPG that uses Final Fantasy’s ATB system	Considered a must-try title in the turn-based community, although its age makes certain qualities outdated

1. Raid: Shadow Legends

• Developer: Plarium
• Release date: July 4, 2018
• Genre: Role-playing game (RPG)
• Platforms: Android, iOS
• Rating: 4.6/5 on Google Play
• Best for: Players who want a mixture of turn-based RPG action and gacha features
• Gameplay features: Gacha elements, single-player campaign, story-driven gameplay, multiplayer options

Raid: Shadow Legends tastefully combines fantasy and gacha elements into a mobile RPG that places you against Dark Lord Siroth, the antagonist of the game’s fictional setting of Teleria. 

The main element of Raid is its single-player mode. This features a story-driven campaign that guides you through 12 different levels riddled with difficult opponents and tough decisions.

However, there is also a multiplayer option for this turn-based title. You can join a Clan and choose PvE or PvP play when playing with others. With eye-catching graphics and dozens of hours of gameplay, Raid is a top contender for the title of the best free mobile game available. 

Reddit’s opinion: Players on Reddit had mixed reviews for Raid: Shadow Legends, with many players enjoying its production and gameplay but finding it becomes more time-consuming the further you get. The graphics for this title received high remarks, with Redditors praising the overall appearance of Raid.

2. Battle Chasers: Nightwar

• Developer: Airship Syndicate
• Release date: October 3, 2017
• Genre: RPG
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
• Rating: 75/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players who don’t mind large amounts of grinding paired with immersive RPG gameplay
• Gameplay features: Linear game progression, combat against NPCs, adjustable difficulty

In Battle Chasers: Nightwear, you can explore both the overworld and different dungeons. In the overworld, progression is linear. You encounter set enemies at set instances. In dungeons, your combat ability expands, with the ability to fight enemies and avoid any traps that lie within. 

One standout feature of Battle Chasers: Nightwar is your ability to set the difficulty of dungeons. Rather than choosing a base difficulty for your game, you can determine how challenging you want each dungeon to be before you enter. 

Overall, it’s a thought-provoking game that requires smart decision-making and combat strategy to succeed, which is why it’s earned its place as one of the best turn-based Android games.

Reddit’s opinion: Redditors have positive things to say about Battle Chasers: Nightwar’s style and strategic combat. However, as the game progressed, many players found their missions repetitive, with a lot of grinding needed.

3. XCOM 2

• Developer: Firaxis Games
• Release date: February 5, 2016
• Genre: Turn-based tactics (TBT)
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
• Rating: 4.1/5 on Google Play
• Best for: Players who want to combine turn-based mechanics with tactical gameplay that requires strategic planning and management
• Gameplay features: Primary and secondary objectives, resource and unit management, four difficulty options, procedurally generated maps, five character classes

Each adventure in XCOM 2 is different thanks to this game’s procedurally generated maps. This quality can help reduce some repetitive gameplay often seen in mobile turn-based games, keeping your experience fresh. 

There are both primary and secondary objectives to complete, and a successful playthrough requires both careful strategy and management of resources. You can select four difficulty options — one of the first decisions you make that determines the gameplay.

With a high level of difficulty adjustment and ample content to enjoy, XCOM 2 is one of the best turn-based iOS games available.

Reddit’s opinion: Players on Reddit consider XCOM 2 a high-quality game that stands out among other strategy titles. From graphics to soundtrack to gameplay, this title receives high remarks after high remarks. Another detail players noted and loved was how XCOM 2 punishes hasty, unstrategic actions, forcing you to think through your gameplay carefully for the best results. 

4. Slay the Spire

• Developer: Mega Crit
• Release date: January 23, 2019
• Genre: Deck-building game
• Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
• Rating: 89/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players looking for a unique take on turn-based mobile games that combines roguelite elements with deck building
• Gameplay features: Roguelite game progression, deck building, card collection, boss battles

Few games hone the unique experience that comes with trial-and-error-centric gameplay like Slay the Spire. At a glance, this title is your typical deck-building game. However, this game shines because of its unique blend of roguelite elements and turn-based strategy. 

The core premise of Slay the Spire is to progress through the game and climb different levels to reach the top. As you progress, you can collect cards and battle opponents. If you lose — which you likely will — you gain points that allow you to improve your character and progress further with your next run. In all, Slay the Spire is one of the best turn-based mobile games of all time.

Reddit’s opinion: Fans had positive reviews for Slay the Spire, praising the game’s focus on strategy and quick-thinking. For many players, this game has consumed hundreds of hours as they progress through different difficulty levels and occasionally embrace the upgrades that come with losing. 

5. Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

• Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
• Release date: March 11, 2014
• Genre: Digital collectible card game (DCCG)
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS
• Rating: 88/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Those interested in a digital card game that they can play at home or on the go without losing their save data
• Gameplay features: Cross-platform play, various game modes, card rotations, regular expansions with new cards

Part of the fun with mobile games is that you can enjoy gameplay anywhere. However, with cross-platform games like Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, “anywhere” has a new meaning. You can enjoy this game on your mobile devices when away from home, then pick up where you left off on the computer. 

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft is a classic among DCCG titles. It offers variety through its different game modes and offers gameplay that avoids becoming tiresome through regular card rotations and expansions. 

While it lacks the RPG characteristics many other titles on this list have, it provides high-quality competitive gameplay that keeps you thinking on your feet. 

Reddit’s opinion: Redditors had mixed reviews about Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft. While recent threads and comments still praise the thought-provoking gameplay, some fans are dissatisfied because they feel Hearthstone is moving away from its World of Warcraft-centric cards and characters. 

6. Honkai: Star Rail

• Developer: miHoYo
• Release date: April 26, 2023
• Genre: Gacha, RPG
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, PlayStation
• Rating: 80/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players who want an immersive RPG experience with both turn-based combat and gacha mechanics
• Gameplay features: Combat, gacha elements and mechanics, dungeon exploration, space themes

Explore space in this immersive RPG that combines turn-based combat with other fan-favorite elements like gacha mechanics. Honkai: Star Rail is often compared to games like Genshin Impact because of its art style, but its gameplay helps it stand out. Taking on the role of the Trailblazer, the unnamed protagonist of this title, your goal is to travel across planets and resolve disasters. 

Honkai: Star Rail offers a space-themed world to explore when you’re not enjoying turn-based combat. You can spend hundreds of hours on this game, from exploring and battling to participating in its gacha mechanics. As a result, it’s considered one of the best mobile turn-based RPGs for players of all skill levels.

Reddit’s opinion: Redditors have mixed feelings about this title, with some players loving certain aspects and not enjoying others. Overall, players had high remarks for the graphics and combat, but complained that the story could be hard to feel immersed in at times.

7. Legends of Runeterra

• Developer: Riot Games
• Release date: April 29, 2020
• Genre: DCCG
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows
• Rating: 87/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Fans of League of Legends who want a turn-based card game rather than MOBA gameplay
• Gameplay features: Characters from the League of Legends universe, 1v1 card matches, card collection, deck building

Set in the same universe as League of Legends, Legends of Runeterra brings the characters and lore you love to life in a turn-based DCCG. In Legends of Runeterra, you can collect cards and strategically build a deck with your collection. Then, you can engage in thought-provoking 1v1 matches. 

As you build a deck capable of climbing the ranks to success, trial and error, strategy, and even out-of-the-box thinking are all key elements in this title. There’s also a PvE game mode to enjoy.

Reddit’s opinion: Reddit players enjoy many aspects of Legends of Runeterra, but some find the new additions to the title lackluster. There are also mixed opinions about the PvAI and PvE game mode options, with some finding them innovative and entertaining and others preferring a greater focus on PvP.

8. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions

• Developer: Tose, Square Enix, Hi Corporation
• Release date: May 10, 2007
• Genre: Tactical RPG
• Platforms: PlayStation, iOS, Android
• Rating: 4.1/5 on Google Play
• Best for: Players who enjoyed the 1997 release of Final Fantasy Tactics and want to enjoy its gameplay on a modern device
• Gameplay features: Permadeath, limited map exploration, random battle encounters, added multiplayer mode from the 1997 original

Final Fantasy Tactics is the mobile port of the original 1997 Final Fantasy Tactics. Although it does include some new elements, WotL remains true to the original title, which was only available for PlayStation.

Like other games in the series, Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions blends medieval weaponry and technology with supernatural abilities. This title incorporates chess-like elements in its gameplay, from its thought-provoking strategy to its grind-like battlefield.

While Final Fantasy Tactics: WotL is an enhanced mobile port of the game, another remaster, Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles, is set to release in 2025 for consoles. 

Reddit’s opinion: Despite its age, Final Fantasy Tactics remains a fan-favorite turn-based title, with Redditors having positive remarks about the WotL adaptation. However, players note that this title varies from others in the series, which can be difficult to adapt to.

9. Chrono Trigger

• Developer: Square
• Release date: March 11, 1995
• Genre: RPG
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, PlayStation
• Rating: 92/100 on Metacritic
• Best for: Players who want to enjoy a classic in the turn-based genre
• Gameplay features: 2D graphics, single and multiplayer options, thirteen unique endings, time travel, combat, Active Time Battle system

If you’re looking for a classic turn-based title, look no further than Chrono Trigger. Initially released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1995, modern-day ports and rereleases have brought this fan-favorite game to mobile, Windows, and PlayStation. 

Chrono Trigger sets your classic RPG elements in a 2D world where you can experience combat, time travel, and Square’s Active Time Battle System, which blends real-time and turn-based action. Plus, there are single-player options and multiplayer if you want to play a game with friends. 

In all, Chrono Trigger is a staple in this genre’s history and well worth trying out. 

Reddit’s opinion: Many Redditors agree that this game holds a special place not only in the history of RPGs but also Japanese RPGs (JRPGs). While it may be a bit outdated now, over twenty years later, it’s still a good game that has earned its title as one of the best games of all time.

10. Star Traders: Frontiers

• Developer: Trese Brothers
• Release date: August 1, 2018
• Genre: Tactile RPG
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows
• Rating: 4.5/5 on Google Play
• Best for: Those who want a unique turn-based experience with high levels of customization
• Gameplay features: Procedurally generated setting, character customization, optional permadeath, spaceship customization

Star Traders: Frontiers combines mobile RPG elements with various interesting features that keep gameplay fresh and customized to your preferences.

When starting, the setting for this title is procedurally generated, which keeps the map and area around you from becoming boring or too familiar. You also have high levels of customization, from your spaceship to your playable character.

This creates a unique experience, especially when considering optional elements like permadeath that can raise the stakes. 

Reddit’s opinion: Players on Reddit enjoyed how Star Traders: Frontiers strayed away from the lackluster and empty feeling that often comes with a space setting. However, graphics and background interactions aren’t the only thing fans liked; there were also ample compliments for gameplay and its complex but inviting mechanics. 

11. Final Fantasy VII

• Developer: Square
• Release date: January 31, 1997
• Genre: RPG
• Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch
• Rating: 4.1/5 on Google Play
• Best for: Players who want an immersive sci-fi style RPG that uses Final Fantasy’s ATB system
• Gameplay features: World exploration, combat, minigames, Active Time Battle system, science fiction elements

Another Square RPG showcasing their ATB system, Final Fantasy VII has received ports that bring it from its first release on the PlayStation to various platforms today, including mobile. This title offers an immersive sci-fi style with a vast world to explore. 

During gameplay, you can also enjoy many other elements aside from the main storyline, such as combat using Square’s mix of real-time and turn-based action, and even minigames.  

Reddit’s opinion: Like other older games that received new life with modern ports, many Redditors note that this game is a bit outdated. However, from its soundtrack to its world, players on Reddit make it clear that there’s still plenty to love in this game, and a playthrough is well worth the time. 

How To Choose a Turn-Based Mobile Game

Even within the mobile turn-based genre, games can differ vastly. Here are a few key considerations to keep in mind when picking a title that’s right for you:

• Tactical vs. auto-battle: Tactical gameplay keeps you as much a part of the action as the strategic planning. With auto-battlers, however, you spend time preparing your turn and then get to watch it play out with little control.
• Decision-making: Decision-making is a key element in strategic games and turn-based mobile games. When picking a title, consider whether the decisions presented feel meaningful and impactful.
• Engaging theme: Turn-based mobile games can differ significantly in theme, from sci-fi to fantasy. Choose a theme that resonates with you. 
• Varied content: Just as these games differ in theme, they can offer different content. Some games pair elements from other genres, such as roguelike features, while others offer PvP options.
• Offline play: One of the main things to think about with mobile games of all genres is the ability to play even when Wi-Fi isn’t available. Take time to research if the game you’re interested in supports offline gameplay, whether entirely or for some portions of it.

More Tactical Gaming Awaits

Turn-based mobile games are a great way to enjoy strategy, combat, and immersive gameplay on the go. Whether you prefer traditional RPGs that span decades or newer titles that pair fan-favorite features with gacha elements and eye-catching art, there’s a mobile game for everyone.

This doesn’t have to stop with mobile, however. You can find turn-based games for every platform, with titles that span a range of genres. Whether you want to play one of the best RPGs of all time with turn-based mechanics or dive into a thought-provoking strategy game, your next favorite game is just a download away.

Turn-Based Mobile Games FAQ

Our curated list provides a quick glance at some of the most popular turn-based mobile games. If you want to learn more about this style, here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about turn-based mobile games.

Why Are Turn-Based Card Games So Popular on Mobile?

Turn-based card games are popular on mobile because of accessibility and convenience. Card games can require space, access to cards, and time. When made available for mobile, you can enjoy greater access to your favorite games without sacrificing the strategy you love.

What Features Should I Look for in a Turn-Based Mobile Game?

Because turn-based mobile games can be vastly different, it’s important to look for features that appeal to you, whether combat, gacha elements, certain graphics, or other key elements.

Once you pick the features you enjoy, pay attention to the payment model. Not all mobile games are free, and even those that are upfront may require subscriptions or in-game purchases.

How Do Gacha Features Influence the Appeal of Turn-Based Mobile Games?

Gacha elements introduce luck and randomization into games, typically based on strategy and planning. This keeps gameplay feeling fresh and fun, and it gives you something to look forward to as you progress through the game.