Mobile gaming in the 2020s has exploded with creativity. The scene has seen the creation of open-world RPGs, quick-hit puzzles, and expansive story-driven games. With that in mind, these 25 games not only defined the decade in mobile gaming so far, but also proved just how much you can do on a phone.
25. PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile brings the 100-player battle royale to phones without losing the tension or scale of the original. The controls work surprisingly well even on older devices, proving just how smoothly the formula translates to mobile.
(Image Credit: LightSpeed Studios)
24. Zenless Zone Zero
Zenless Zone Zero shines with flashy combat, slick visuals, and a soundtrack that oozes style. Some missing features hold it back, but the action and presentation make it one of HoYoverse’s most striking releases yet.
(Image Credit: miHoYo)
23. Free Fire
Free Fire may not match PUBG or Call of Duty in graphics, but it’s built to run smoothly on low-end devices. With unique weapons and vehicles adding value, it remains one of the most accessible and fun battle royales on mobile.
(Image Credit: Garena)
22. Homescapes
Homescapes offers the same colorful Match-3 formula as Gardenscapes, but with a fresh home-renovation theme. It’s fun for series fans, though newcomers may find the original still feels more complete.
(Image Credit: Playrix)
21. Destiny: Rising
Destiny: Rising captures the feel of Destiny with exciting missions, flashy abilities, and a surprising variety of activities from raids to PvP. The gameplay shows real potential for a true mobile looter-shooter, though much will depend on how the monetization plays out.
(Image Credit: Bungie)
20. Marvel Snap
Marvel Snap nails quick, clever card battles that are easy to pick up and hard to put down. With its short matches and smart design, it’s fun for both card game fans and anyone just looking to fill a few spare minutes.
(Image Credit: Nuverse)
19. Royal Match
Royal Match actually delivers on the clever puzzle levels shown in its ads, mixing them in with some of the sharpest Match-3 gameplay around. With creative layouts and fun side activities, it stands out as one of the best casual puzzlers on mobile.
(Image Credit: Dream Games)
18. Words of Wonders
Words of Wonders challenges your vocabulary with crossword-style puzzles that get trickier as you progress. It’s all about finding clever word combinations to unlock the next level.
(Image Credit: Fugo Games)
17. Outlanders 2
Outlanders 2 builds on the charm of the first game with smart improvements and a cozy, addictive gameplay loop. Its lighthearted campaign stories make it easy to get hooked all over again.
(Image Credit: Pomelo Games)
16. Once Human
Once Human stands out in the survival-crafting genre with tight combat, a satisfying building loop, and a level of polish that keeps you coming back. It’s one of those rare mobile survival games that feels both ambitious and well-executed.
(Image Credit: NetEase Games)
15. Monument Valley 3
Monument Valley 3 is a gorgeous puzzle game with striking design, relaxing mechanics, and an atmosphere that pulls you in immediately. Although it may feel a bit brief and straightforward, ongoing updates promise more creative twists ahead.
(Image Credit: Ustwo)
14. Vampire Survivors
Vampire Survivors packs in tons of content with unlockable characters, stages, and upgrades that keep each run fresh. It’s light on controls but perfect for quick, chaotic sessions, making it a great entry into the horde-survival genre.
(Image Credit: Poncle)
13. Monster Hunter Now
Monster Hunter Now stays true to the main series with exciting hunts, familiar monsters, and quests that keep you moving. Leveling feels smooth, and the gameplay captures the thrill of battling huge beasts on the go.
(Image Credit: Capcom)
12. Clash Royale
Clash Royale combines card strategy with fast-paced real-time battles, making it one of Supercell’s most addictive and polished games to date. The game has even seen a surge of renewed interest lately, thanks in part to streamers like Jynxzi bringing it back into the spotlight.
(Image Credit: Supercell)
11. Brawl Stars
Brawl Stars is Supercell’s fast-paced twin-stick shooter with multiple modes and a colorful roster of heroes to unlock. It’s simple, competitive, and instantly addictive for quick mobile matches.
(Image Credit: Supercell)
10. Age of Empires Mobile
Age of Empires Mobile brings the series’ large-scale battles to phones while adding side modes like fishing and roguelike survival for variety. It avoids some of the usual timer frustrations, making it a surprisingly fun and faithful mobile take on the classic.
(Image Credit: TiMi Studio Group)
9. Honkai: Star Rail
Honkai: Star Rail hooks players with sharp turn-based combat, a witty story, and a cast full of personality. It leans on anime tropes, but the humor and polish make it one of the standout gachas of the decade.
(Image Credit: miHoYo)
8. Arena Breakout
Arena Breakout delivers tense, high-stakes firefights that shine when you’re up against real players. The weak AI holds it back for now, but with tweaks, it could easily become a top-tier tactical shooter.
(Image Credit: Morefun Studios)
7. Love and Deepspace
Love and Deepspace blends dreamy romance with flashy real-time combat, wrapped in stunning cutscenes. The story may feel uneven, but it remains a cosy, feel-good otome game for anyone craving escapism.
(Image Credit: Papergames)
6. AFK Journey
AFK Journey refines the idle RPG formula with better visuals and smoother gameplay, making it one of the best in the genre. The story and characters may not stand out, but as a laid-back gacha experience, it’s top-tier.
(Image Credit: Lilith Games)
5. Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves stands out as one of the strongest gacha games today, thanks to fluid combat, a stunning world, and a cast of memorable characters. Beyond the pulls, it shines for its fast action, exploration, and overall polish.
(Image Credit: Kuro Games)
4. Balatro
Balatro turns a simple card concept into something endlessly addictive, balancing depth with easy-to-grasp rules. Even tough losses can’t stop you from jumping back in, making it a must-play for card game fans.
(Image Credit: LocalThunk)
3. League of Legends: Wild Rift
League of Legends: Wild Rift brings the iconic MOBA to mobile with streamlined controls and rebalanced champions that make matches faster and more accessible. It’s still evolving, but what’s here already delivers one of the best competitive experiences on phones.
(Image Credit: Riot Games)
2. Call of Duty: Mobile
Call of Duty: Mobile nails the series’ fast, chaotic multiplayer with classic maps and modes fans love. The menus may push microtransactions, but the smooth controls and nonstop action keep players coming back.
(Image Credit: Activision)
1. Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact proved that Chinese developers could create a polished, ambitious open-world RPG that stands on its own. The only drawback? Players still grumble about its stingy gacha rates and limited free rewards.
(Image Credit: miHoYo)
Mobile gaming in the 2020s has exploded with creativity. The scene has seen the creation of open-world RPGs, quick-hit puzzles, and expansive story-driven games. With that in mind, these 25 games not only defined the decade in mobile gaming so far, but also proved just how much you can do on a phone.
