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Top 25 best free games to play on your iPhone, iPad or Android Phone in 2024 - Updated

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Top 25 best free games to play on your iPhone, iPad or Android Phone in 2024 - Updated

Our list of the best free mobile games

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Updated on March 13th, 2024

This list compiles the best free mobile games that you can play on your iPhone, iPad or Android phone - and we've done our best to keep it right up to date.

We've everything from radical roguelikes to radish platformers, and we stop off at plenty of places in between, but the most important thing is that all of these are high-quality games that are totally free to download on your phone or tablet right now. 

How did this list of the best free mobile games come to be?

We originally started this list because a mass of developers came forward, offering up their normally-premium titles for free as a result of the increased isolation of society due to Covid-19. But, let's face it, working from home isn't exactly a trend we are going to see going away anytime soon, and there's definitely always going to be an appetite for great games with no cost of entry.

Over time, the list has evolved into a selection of the finest free mobile games, be that free to start, free to play, or just plain free. We've deliberately tip-toed around some of the bigger names (which you probably already know), and we've also tried to mix up the genres that are in there to make sure it helps you out whatever your playing preferences. We're also updating it regularly, so that if you do find yourself here again in future, you'll find a fresh-faced, carefully curated list of fantastic free mobile games.

So, what we'll do here is compile and regularly update a list of the best free mobile games - including discounted premium and free-to-play games - which you can grab right now for your iPhone or Android device.

As with everything, some of these discounts are limited-time or can change rapidly, so we'll do our best to keep the post updated - but if we do miss anything, then do feel free to reach out to us and let us know in the comments below.

But for now, click on the big button below to start finding out the current best free mobile games to play on your iPhone or Android device.

Click Here To View The List »

Retro Bowl

Developer: New Star Games
Publisher: New Star Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Sports
Find out more about Retro Bowl
Retro Bowl

Retro Bowl is an excellent retro-inspired American Football game. You'll only need to take control of the offence and it's so satisfying when you aim a pass perfectly or successfully dodge your way through a pack of opposition defenders. Another nice touch - if you don't enter your own name it gives you a cool randomly generated one instead.

Download Retro Bowl for iOS or Android

Genshin Impact

Developer: Hoyoverse
Publisher: Hoyoverse
Available on: iOS + Android + Switch
Genre: 3D, Action, Adventure
Find out more about Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact

Possibly one of the most hyped free mobile games of recent years, Genshin Impact - known for its sweeping green landscapes reminiscent of Zelda Breath of The Wild - has definitely earned its place in this list. Within days of launch, there are floods of people praising its clever use of gacha as much as they are praising its vast worlds, and frankly, it sounds well worth the effort of a quick, free download.

Read our Genshin Impact tier list, and you can use any of the Genshin Impact codes that we have! There is also a guide for every character in the game - just search for the ones that interest you.

Download Genshin Impact on iOS or Android

Dungeon Faster

Developer: Old Oak Den
Publisher: Old Oak Den
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure, Card/board game, Casual, Hardcore
Find out more about Dungeon Faster
Dungeon Faster

Dungeon Faster is an excellent roguelike deck-builder that was nominated by our readers as one of the best games to release in 2019. It's been updated since it was held in such high esteem, adding an Arena Mode that allows players to battle it out for leaderboard supremacy.

Download Dungeon Faster from Google Play

Dadish 2

Available on: iOS + Android + Switch
Genre: Platform
Find out more about Dadish 2
Dadish 2

Dadish 2 sees the return of everyone's favourite radish father. This time around, his children have decided to participate in an impromptu 'bring your kids to work day'. Of course, this scheme doesn't exist in Dadish's office and it's just his sassy offspring causing trouble. Once again, our wear hero must set off to find them all, platforming his way through a fresh set of dangers.

Read our Dadish 2 review

Download Dadish 2 for iOS or Android

Monster Hunter Now

Developer: Niantic
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Action, Adventure
Find out more about Monster Hunter Now
Monster Hunter Now

Monster Hunter Now is a new location-based game by the creators of Pokemon Go, another one on this list. Using your physical location, you can fight off monsters and collect various objects around the map. These monsters then drop items that allow you to upgrade your weapons and armour, as well as progress within the storyline, levelling you up and unlocking bigger, bad-er monsters to take on. There is something so unique and fun about location-based games, especially ones by Niantic that have a big vibe of get-out-and-play.

If you are interested in Monster Hunter Now, you can check out our Code Article before you make an account! Monster Hunter Now is free on both iOS and Android

Cookie Run: Kingdom

Publisher: Devsisters
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Cookie Run: Kingdom
Cookie Run: Kingdom

RPG combat meets town-builder in this entry into the Cookie Run series. Not only that, but they've managed to softly layer gacha mechanics and a baked-goods twist on the classic good-vs-evil plotline into the mix, and it all cooks out wonderfully.

In case this 'cookie' fits into your cup of tea, we have articles to help you get a good headstart. CRK coupon codes, Cookie Run Kingdom characters - list of every cookie are just some of the many!

Available for both iOS and Android, the RPG had over a million pre-registrations in its first week and has only gone from strength to strength since its release.

Read our Cookie Run: Kingdom review

Pokemon GO

Developer: Niantic
Publisher: The Pokemon Company
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Action
Find out more about Pokemon GO
Pokemon GO

It's hard to have any sort of a list of the best free mobile games without tilting the torch toward the location-based game, Pokemon Go. It took the world by storm when it first launched in 2016 and has only gone from strength to strength since. It now features weekly and monthly events, as well as the raid and battle systems which ensure that you've always got something to do. It also managed to survive national lockdowns through quick work from the development team. Phew.

Collecting them all won't be easy, especially if you're alone on that quest, so use some of the Pokemon Go friend codes to find some pals to share the fun with! As a bonus, we have Pokemon Go promo codes that you can redeem and get a better headstart!

Download Pokemon GO from the App Store or Google Play

Super Fowlst 2

Publisher: Thomas K Young
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Action
Find out more about Super Fowlst 2
Super Fowlst 2

Super Fowlst 2 is a delightful, easy-to-pick-up platformer where you tap the left and right-hand sides of the screen to bounce a chicken around the levels. It's definitely got a pinball vibe going and its bright, cheerful aesthetic certainly makes the experience feel much more wholesome.

Download Super Fowlst 2 on iOS

Badlanders

Developer: NetEase Games
Publisher: NetEase Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Multiplayer, Shooter
Find out more about Badlanders
Badlanders

NetEase seems to be going from strength to strength when it comes to their games of late, with console-quality titles like LifeAfter and Eve: Echoes recently joining their roster. But, it's really Badlanders which sticks out for us. It's an almost perfectly designed loot-gathering battle royale that delivers a strong military theme while juggling tense inventory management and deadly battlefield sprinting to keep the whole match captivating and compelling.

We're really excited to see what Badlanders evolves into over the years. Hopefully - much like LifeAfter - it's a title that will twist and change into something unique and memorable.

Download Badlanders for iOS or Android

Words for a bird

Publisher: Bontegames
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Puzzle, Word game
Find out more about Words for a Bird
Words for a Bird

Words for a bird is a micro-puzzle game from puzzle-powerhouse Bart Bonte. While it's certainly not got the colour theming of his most recent issuing, its visual punning is exceptional and - by golly - the art style is memorable and... well, lovely.

Download Words for a bird for Android or iOS

SpongeBob Adventures: In a Jam!

Developer: WhaleApp
Publisher: Tilting Point
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure, Strategy
SpongeBob Adventures: In a Jam!

SpongeBob Adventures: In a Jam! has you cleaning up Bikini Bottom. After a massive jelly-related disaster, all of the town is left covered in goo. You, playing as SpongeBob, along with the help of the various well-known TV show characters, need to spend some time cleaning up the world, farming various resources for locals, and completing a bunch of quests along the way. It's a game that plays a bit like Farmville, but with some refreshing new features and characters throughout it.

SpongeBob Adventures: In a Jam! is for both iOS and Android.

Stumble Guys

Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Genre: Action, Multiplayer
Find out more about Stumble Guys
Stumble Guys

Stumble Guys is a mobile version of a game with a similar name that takes a bunch of different players into a variety of knockout party titles, where you can find yourself stumbling, sliding, and knocking others off the edge of the area! There are a lot of different races and battles, as well as team modes in Stumble Guys, which can really bring a lot of gameplay to your mobile device. There has been growing popularity for it, which brings more players to battle against!

Stumble Guys is for both iOS and Android.

Rumble Stars

Publisher: Frogmind Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Sports, Strategy
Find out more about Rumble Stars
Rumble Stars

When it comes to talking about some of Pocket Gamer's favourite free mobile games, it would be a massive mistake to leave out Frogmind's Rumble Stars. It's a perfect fusion of strategy mana systems and pick-up-and-play sports gaming, and all the while it's bright, colourful and so engaging that we keep playing even though we've already got four chests waiting to unlock.

Read our Rumble Stars review!

Download Rumble Stars for iOS or Android

Rainmaker - The Beautiful Flood

Publisher: Sweaty Chair Pty. Ltd.
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Puzzle
Rainmaker - The Beautiful Flood

Rainmaker - The Beautiful Flood is a minimalistic puzzle game that's incredibly pretty. Each level will see you guide a bubble to a door, and it won't do much in the way of hand-holding either. Whenever new elements are introduced, you'll need to work out how best to use them.

Read our Rainmaker: The Beautiful Flood review!

Download Rainmaker - The Beautiful Flood for iOS or Android

Among Us

Developer: InnerSloth
Publisher: InnerSloth
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Genre: Multiplayer, Strategy
Find out more about Among Us
Among Us

Innersloth's now-iconic title Among Us was about to become a footnote in the company's history after three years of middling performance when, with the announcement of a sequel, interest in the first title suddenly surged. While the PC version of the game costs albeit a rather affordable 3.99, the mobile version is completely free to play.

For those of you who don't know about how it works, much like Mafia/Werewolf or many Space Station 13 modes, there are a bunch of human players placed in a situation who must work together to identify the imposter among them. Among Us is lauded due to its accessibility and ease of play, but for us, it's the mini-game tasks that really make it stand out from the competition - that and the silly execution animations.

Download Among Us for iOS or Android

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Idle Magic School

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Casual, Simulation
Find out more about Idle Magic School
Idle Magic School

Idle Magic School is your typical lovely idle game, but with magic and wizardry. You have to build and expand multiple magical institutes and come up with creative solutions to all that a magical academy entails. It's the best free mobile game for someone who is looking to play on and off, and for those who are interested in becoming wizards!

Download Idle Magic School for iOS or Android

Monolisk

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adult, RPG
Find out more about Monolisk
Monolisk

Monolisk is a beautiful-looking action RPG where players can create their own levels for others to try and beat. It was recently updated to introduce a whole range of new cards for inventing your own stages. It's also had a host of UI improvements that make finding the best levels much easier.

Download Monolisk for iOS or Android

Battle Legion

Publisher: Traplight Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Action, Multiplayer, Strategy
Find out more about Battle Legion
Battle Legion

Auto-battlers and PvP experiences are hardly something new, but Battle Legion combines style, charm and strategy in a fairly fresh-feeling way. Due to the importance of fine placement, unit levels, runes and more, it makes it a hard game to look away from - there's a massive, simulation-style pull to micromanage, tweak and refine in order to find the perfect strategy for your current units.

Download Battle Legion for Android or iOS

NieR Reincarnation

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about NieR Reincarnation
NieR Reincarnation

NieR Reincarnation is a mobile spin-off from Yoko Taro's popular action RPG series. Whilst it swaps real-time action with a more straightforward approach to turn-based combat, Reincarnation still maintains the essence of the other games in the series. It's hauntingly beautiful and tells multiple sombre tales in an unashamedly emotional fashion. There's still room for some humour too though - it's not all serious.

Some of you may decide that this is the right game for you, and you'll need some help at the start. As always, PG is here to the rescue with the Nier Reincarnation tier list and a reroll guide. Reroll will especially come in handy for the new players.

You can grab Nier Reincarnation from the App Store and Google Play right now.

Assemble With Care

Developer: Ustwo games
Publisher: Ustwo games
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Genre: Puzzle
Find out more about Assemble With Care
Assemble With Care

Assemble with Care is a beautiful, almost hypnotic game where you will find yourself using various tools to fix different objects. Some are ones you might have in your own home, while others are relics of the past. Each of these objects plays a part in the story of Maria, an antique restorer, who is currently in the town of Bellariva. Through fixing these objects, she is able to learn about the town's people and fractured lives, fixing more than a simple trinket.

Assemble with Care does have in-app purchases to unlock further levels, but there is a decent amount of free content to start you off on your journey.

Assemble with Care is for both iOS and Android

Life in Adventure

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure, RPG, Simulation
Find out more about Life in Adventure
Life in Adventure

If you're passionate about classical D&D RPGs, the closest thing you could find that features single-player mode is most definitely Life in Adventure. You're basically given an initial scenario and it's up to you to decide the outcome of your life.

There are so many twists, turns and unexpected actions that every RPG fan will find in Life in Adventure - it's an experience that's engaging, fun, and oh-so-addictive. It doesn't require anything but your free time, so it's a clear winner in our books!

Download Life in Adventure for Android or iOS

Democratic Socialism Simulator

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Simulation
Democratic Socialism Simulator

If you're into political games, Democratic Socialism Simulator might be for you. It sees you taking on the role of the first socialist president of the United States. You'll have to manage taxes, tackle issues without upsetting voters and be aware that your allies may turn on you. Please note - this is only free on iOS.

Download Democratic Socialism Simulator on iOS or purchase it on Android

Indies' Lies

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Card battler, Strategy
Find out more about Indies' Lies
Indies' Lies

If you're a fan of card-based roguelikes, then you'll definitely want to check out Indies' Lies. It tasks players with battling through randomly generated encounters while building the most powerful deck they can along the way. Best of all, you won't feel limited by the presence of a paywall, despite the game being free-to-play with in-app purchases.

You can download Indies' Lies from the App Store and Google Play.

Call of Dragons

Publisher: Farlight Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Multiplayer, Strategy
Find out more about Call of Dragons
Call of Dragons

Being made by FARLIGHT, Call of Dragons is definitely a large-scale affair. You'll find yourself in an all-new fantasy world with the goal of taking it over. Things start out with the small fledgling kingdom that you'll grow through resource gathering and effective management. Once you have some resources to spare, you can begin building your army for the purpose of protecting your land while leading a campaign against enemy forces. Though your army can be large and impressive, know that you can summon dragons to rain down fire and conquer through crushing!

Download Call of Dragons for Android or iOS

Pako Caravan

Publisher: Tree Men Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Casual
Find out more about Pako Caravan
Pako Caravan

The next entry in the Pako series is here, and it's a little bit different than its predecessors, although interestingly, it actually takes us back to the days of the earliest mobile games. Pako Caravan merges up Pako's funky, brightly-coloured drifting with the simple mechanics of Snake. You'll snake around cheerful, busy maps, creating convoys (or, some might say, caravans) of vehicles as you try to create as long a chain as possible.

Download Pako Caravan for Android or iOS

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Catherine Dellosa
Catherine Dellosa
Catherine plays video games for a living and writes because she’s in love with words. Her Young Adult contemporary novel, For The Win: The Not-So-Epic Quest Of A Non-Playable Character, is her third book published by Penguin Random House SEA - a poignant love letter to gamer geeks, mythological creatures, teenage heartbreak, and everything in between. She one day hopes to soar the skies as a superhero, but for now, she strongly believes in saving lives through her works in fiction. Check out her books at bit.ly/catherinedellosabooks, or follow her on FB/IG/Twitter at @thenoobwife.