Not every anime-inspired mobile game is just an empty gacha system — some of them get it right. Whether it’s sharp combat, smart progression, or a story that pulls you in, games on this list prove there’s more to the genre than waifus and RNG. In this guide, we'll show you the best anime-style mobile games that are genuinely worth your time.
15. Wuthering Waves
The combat feels fast, fluid, and genuinely rewarding, even though fights don’t turn into mindless slogs. Everything else around it still needs work, but if gameplay is what you care about most, Wuthering Waves is already worth your time.
(Image Credit: HK KURO GAMES LIMITED)
14. Azur Lane
Azur Lane is one of the most F2P-friendly gacha games you’ll find, with tons of events and a cast that’s both fun and weirdly lovable. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of what makes it so easy to stick with.
(Image Credit: Yostar Limited)
13. AFK Arena
AFK Arena is easy to pick up, super low-maintenance, and still gives you plenty to do if you feel like diving deeper. Between the stunning art, fun team comps, and steady progression, it’s the kind of game that quietly sticks with you.
(Image Credit: LilithGames)
12. Summoners War
Summoners War is one of the fathers of gacha games for a reason — team-building is deep, the PvP is well-balanced, and the game’s still going strong after all these years. Don’t let its age fool you; the early game is fast, fun, and packed with content to explore.
(Image Credit: Com2uS)
11. The Seven Deadly Sins
With console-level graphics, fluid combat, and anime-style cutscenes that actually tell the full story of the show, The Seven Deadly Sins stands out from the usual gacha crowd. It feels more like a real RPG than a mobile game, even if you've never watched the anime, you’ll probably get hooked.
(Image Credit: Netmarble)
10. Girls’ Frontline 2: Exilium
Girls’ Frontline 2: Exilium plays like a lighter, anime-flavored XCOM with great animations and surprisingly solid voice work. Between the smooth dailies, generous F2P setup, and a squad of tactical waifus, it’s easy to sink hours into.
(Image Credit: HaoPlay Limited)
9. Lord of Heroes
Lord of Heroes has simple, turn-based combat that’s easy to pick up but satisfying when your leveled-up squad starts hitting hard. The story can drag a bit, but building your team and leading Avillion feels rewarding once things get going.
(Image Credit: CloverGames)
8. Outerplane
Outerplane hooks you with flashy combat and slick visuals, but it’s the story that quietly steals the show, even for the people who usually skip the cutscenes. The reroll system is super forgiving, and the characters are just plain fun to collect and use.
(Image Credit: Smilegate Holdings)
7. Another Eden
Another Eden is a full-on JRPG experience with a surprisingly strong story, no stamina system, and a fair setup for free players. It might fly under the radar, but if you’re in it for the long game, there’s a lot to love here.
(Image Credit: PlayDots)
6. Zenless Zone Zero
Zenless Zone Zero is stylish, fast, and packed with personality, so jumping into New Eridu feels like stepping into a cool, chaotic anime city. The hacking puzzles can be a drag sometimes, but the combat and characters more than makeup for it.
(Image Credit: PlayDots)
5. Persona 5: The Phantom X
Persona 5: The Phantom X captures the style and spirit of the original Persona 5 while adding a fresh story that actually works on mobile. If you’ve ever wanted a real Persona experience on your phone, this one delivers.
(Image Credit: PlayDots)
4. Punishing: Gray Raven
Punishing: Gray Raven had a messy launch, but the combat was so clean and fun that many players stuck around, and Kuro Games seriously stepped up. With tight action, smart design choices, and a dev team that actually listens, PGR turned into one of the most respected ARPGs on mobile.
(Image Credit: Kuro Games)
3. Alchemy Stars
Alchemy Stars is one of the most free-to-play friendly gacha games out there, hitting pity without spending is totally doable. On top of that, the combat is refreshingly original, and even older units stay useful thanks to smart character design.
(Image Credit: PlayDots)
2. Genshin Impact
Yes, the gacha system can be annoying and not every storyline hits, but the world is huge, the music is stunning, and the characters are easy to care about. Even with its flaws, there’s something special about logging in and getting lost in Genshin Impact for a while.
(Image Credit: PlayDots)
1. Arknights
Arknights isn’t your typical tower defense game, as it actually requires you to think. With smart strategy mechanics and a surprisingly deep world, it’s one of the most polished mobile games out there.
(Image Credit: PlayDots)
Not every anime-inspired mobile game is just an empty gacha system — some of them get it right. Whether it’s sharp combat, smart progression, or a story that pulls you in, games on this list prove there’s more to the genre than waifus and RNG. In this guide, we'll show you the best anime-style mobile games that are genuinely worth your time.
