Originality in mobile gaming can feel pretty rare sometimes. For every unique game, there are a bunch that look, feel, and play almost the same. Copying trends is just part of how the mobile gaming scene works. That doesn't always mean the games are always bad, but it does mean that they are simply replicating others in hopes of achieving the same success. With that said, here are 15 mobile games that have shamelessly copied other games.
15 Mobile Games That Shamelessly Copied Other Games
These games take shamelessness to a whole new level...
15. Standoff 2
Standoff 2 is basically Counter-Strike on mobile. From the bomb defusal game mode to the eerily similar weapon handling and the comparable map design, the game really mirrors CS:GO. The experience is near-identical, but for some, it's a decent replica for mobile players who want that tactical shooter feel without needing to jump onto a PC.
(Image Credit: Axlebolt)
14. Knives Out
Knives Out is one of the earliest PUBG-style clones on mobile, as it copies the large-scale battle royale format almost beat for beat. While it gained traction in certain regions, especially Japan, due to its fantastical elements, the game never quite escaped the shadow of the games it clearly borrowed from.
(Image Credit: NetEase Games)
13. Mythic Heroes
Another idle RPG, Mythic Heroes, emulates a lot of the elements that made AFK Arena popular. From its character progression to combat systems, it's evident that the game took inspiration from other games in the genre in a way that's not exactly new. Mythic Heroes swaps in mythological themes, but other than that, it feels extremely familiar.
(Image Credit: IGG)
12. Zooba
Zooba feels like a mix of Brawl Stars and the battle royale genre. It copies the same top-down perspective and character-based abilities, but the main difference is the animal theme. Still, it's very close to what Supercell popularized in terms of the mechanics. It's hard not to see the similarities when you jump into a match.
(Image Credit: Wildlife Studios)
11. Rise of Kingdoms
Rise of Kingdoms borrows heavily from classic mobile strategy games like Clash of Clans, particularly in its approach to base building, troop management, and alliance-based warfare. Yes, the game distinguishes itself by introducing historical leaders from real-world civilisations, but the core gameplay still feels very recognisable.
(Image Credit: Lilith Games)
10. LifeAfter
LifeAfter is essentially a mobile take on survival games like Rust and DayZ. Its gameplay features crafting, base building, and zombie threats that are reminiscent of titles that made the genre popular. The game doesn't hide its inspirations, as it offers a familiar survival experience that fans of the genre will instantly recognize, but it's just been adapted for mobile play.
(Image Credit: NetEase Games)
9. Torchlight: Infinite
The gameplay in Torchlight: Infinite carries a lot of resemblance to Diablo, as it features fast-paced combat and an endless loot system. While the game has its own identity in terms of its unique anime style, the mechanics it has are unmistakably similar to those of other ARPGs.
(Image Credit: XD Inc.)
8. Frostborn
Frostborn mixes survival gameplay with an action-filled RPG progression system that draws obvious inspiration from games like Last Day on Earth: Survival — a game from the same developers. Its resource-gathering system, shelter-building gameplay, and combat stick very closely to a formula that's already been widely used.
(Image Credit: Kefir Games)
7. Legends of Runeterra
Legends of Runeterra follows the same collectible card game formula as Blizzard's Hearthstone, but it does so with a few added twists, like reactive turns and narrative elements. It may feel different from a UI perspective, but you'd notice the similarities after a few matches. Still, the overall experience feels like a refined version of an already well-established genre, especially on a platform like mobile.
(Image Credit: Riot Games)
6. Critical Ops
Critical Ops follows the same Counter-Strike-inspired formula, as it has tight maps, quick rounds, and team-based gameplay. It doesn't stray far from what works, which makes it feel more like a refined clone rather than a brave, bold take on the tactical first-person shooter genre.
(Image Credit: Critical Force Ltd)
5. Homescapes
From the same developers as Gardenscapes, Homescapes reuses almost the exact same formula, but just with a different setting. The gameplay experience, progression system, and even UI feel nearly identical. It is a clear case of the developers copying their own success in hopes of making another hit. It's shameless, and most players have seen through it.
(Image Credit: Playrix)
4. Free Fire
Free Fire took the battle royale craze sparked by PUBG and Fortnite and stripped it down into a faster, more accessible experience. The smaller maps, quicker matches, and simplified mechanics make it feel like a streamlined copy rather than a complete reinvention. That said, however, that's exactly why it works so well for many players.
(Image Credit: Garena)
3. Minion Rush
Minion Rush is essentially a rehash of endless runner titles, such as Subway Surfers and Temple Run, but dressed with all the familiar elements of the Despicable Me franchise. While it adds themed environments and characters, the gameplay feels extremely similar to many titles in the genre, which makes it a clear example of a game copying others. To the game's credit, it has worked. Minion Rush has become quite popular since its release in 2013.
(Image Credit: Gameloft)
2. Piggy GO
Piggy GO follows the same spin-based progression system as Coin Master, with players earning resources through a lot of luck-based mechanics. The similarities, in both the art style and gameplay, are so strong that it feels like a direct attempt to replicate the same success. Additionally, Piggy GO tries to frame itself as Coin Master by using the same animal mascot.
(Image Credit: Forever9 Games)
1. Stumble Guys
Stumble Guys is probably one of the most obvious copies out there, as it's heavily inspired by Fall Guys in terms of gameplay and the name itself. You could definitely mistake them for being the same platform battle royale game, since the design of the obstacle courses, art style, and chaotic multiplayer races are nearly identical.
(Image Credit: Scopely)
Originality in mobile gaming can feel pretty rare sometimes. For every unique game, there are a bunch that look, feel, and play almost the same. Copying trends is just part of how the mobile gaming scene works. That doesn't always mean the games are always bad, but it does mean that they are simply replicating others in hopes of achieving the same success. With that said, here are 15 mobile games that have shamelessly copied other games.
