Must-Play Mobile Games You Can’t Miss

Mobile gaming dominates smartphone use, with many users engaging in it. For instance, in April 2022, a survey by Rakuten Insight revealed that 80% of respondents in the Philippines played mobile games.

Are you looking for fresh updates on top mobile games? Do you need a new game to spice things up? Are you new to mobile gaming and searching for where to start?

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Here’s the list of must-play mobile games you won’t want to miss, tailored for a worldwide audience. Let’s dive into the top titles and their unique features.

The Evolution of Mobile Games

Mobile gaming began in 1997 with Snake on Nokia, but the evolution truly accelerated with the launch of Android. 

Android revolutionized the scene, starting with the release of games like "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "Angry Birds." Since then, Android has grown to host over 1.5 million apps, delivering visually impressive games worldwide.

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The Early Android Era

In October 2008, Angry Birds marked a milestone in mobile gaming. Early games featured basic mechanics and pixelated graphics, but this was just the beginning.

Technological Shifts in Mobile Gaming

With advancing smartphone capabilities, game designs became more complex. Android continuously pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in mobile gaming.

The Rise of Visual Excellence

Modern mobile games now showcase intricate details, animations, and immersive worlds. These games are comparable to console and PC experiences, showing how far mobile gaming has come.

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Diverse Game Mechanics and Storytelling

Today, mobile games don’t just focus on visuals. They incorporate engaging stories and unique mechanics across various genres.

Mobile Gaming’s Influence

Mobile gaming has become a dominant force in the gaming industry worldwide.

Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact stands out as a must-play mobile game for its open-world setting and intense battles using elemental magic. You get to explore beautiful environments while engaging in strategic combat. 

The game keeps you engaged as you uncover secrets tied to elemental powers, making it a top choice for mobile gamers worldwide.

  • Release Date: September 28, 2020
  • Google Play Rating: 4.6/5 (Free mobile game)
  • Developer: miHoYo
  • Game Type: Action Role-Playing Game (RPG)

Positive Feedback

Some players enjoy Genshin Impact for its captivating gameplay and exploration features, even if they're not regular gamers. The ability to explore large worlds and engage in various missions has earned high praise from mobile gamers globally.

Worth Trying

Genshin Impact is highly recommended for mobile gamers, as it’s free and available worldwide. The game’s ability to deliver a premium RPG experience on mobile devices makes it an essential download.

Pro Tip

For the best gameplay experience, using a magnetic phone case to attach your phone and a controller can enhance how you play this game on mobile.

Among Us

Among Us earns its spot as a must-play mobile game for its social deduction gameplay, where crewmates complete tasks while trying to identify imposters. The game’s unique mix of teamwork and deception creates intense, engaging moments.

The core challenge lies in discovering the imposters, making it a highly interactive mobile experience worldwide.

  • Release Date: June 15, 2018
  • Google Play Rating: 4.5/5 (Free mobile game)
  • Developer: InnerSloth LLC
  • Game Type: Multiplayer Party Game

Positive Feedback

Players love Among Us for its customization options, map variety, and heart-racing Hide-and-Seek mode. Despite minor interface issues, it remains a fan favorite among mobile gamers.

Worth Trying

Among Us is highly recommended for mobile gamers. It’s free and available globally, offering a thrilling multiplayer experience where quick thinking and collaboration are key.

Pro Tip

Use a rugged phone case for added protection when playing with a controller. Magnetic phone cases make it easy to mount your phone and play as if on a larger screen for a more immersive experience.

Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO ranks high among mobile games, requiring players to get out and explore real-world environments. The augmented reality features allow you to catch various Pokémon, battle in gyms, and participate in events while connecting with others.

The continuous updates and new Pokémon make it a go-to game for mobile users worldwide.

  • Release Date: July 6, 2016
  • Google Play Rating: 4.1/5 (Free game with in-app purchases)
  • Developer: Niantic, Inc.
  • Game Type: Augmented Reality (AR) Adventure

Positive Feedback

Many players appreciate the improvements in gameplay over time and enjoy the motivating features of Pokémon GO. Despite occasional glitches, it remains enjoyable for those who love exploring and collecting Pokémon.

Worth Trying

Pokémon GO is a must-try mobile game for gamers worldwide with real-world interaction and fun gameplay. The mix of AR and adventure makes it unique in the mobile gaming world.

Pro Tip

Carry a backup battery when playing, as long hunts for rare Pokémon can drain your phone quickly. Using a magnetic power bank can keep you in the game for longer sessions.

Call of Duty: Mobile

Call of Duty: Mobile brings the intense action of the franchise straight to your mobile device, offering impressive graphics and various game modes. From multiplayer battles to the popular battle royale mode, players are engaged worldwide.

  • Release Date: October 1, 2019
  • Google Play Rating: 4.5/5
  • Developer: Activision Publishing, Inc.
  • Game Type: First-Person Shooter (FPS)

Positive Feedback

Players love the game's graphics and content, finding the gameplay thrilling. However, some report network errors that affect ranked matches and freeze-ups after updates.

Worth Trying

With its high-quality graphics and exciting gameplay, Call of Duty: Mobile is a must-play for FPS fans worldwide. It delivers the iconic Call of Duty experience optimized for mobile.

Pro Tip

For a better gameplay experience, use a controller and a magnetic phone ring to keep your phone in place. This will enhance your mobile FPS sessions.

PUBG Mobile

PUBG Mobile brings the same thrilling battle royale experience as the original. Players are dropped onto an island, fighting to be the last standing. 

You can either play solo or team up with others. The free game features realistic graphics and an intense survival challenge for mobile gamers worldwide.

  • Release Date: March 19, 2018
  • Google Play Rating: 4.2/5
  • Developer: PUBG Corporation
  • Game Type: Battle Royale

Positive Feedback

Many appreciate PUBG Mobile's well-designed graphics, smooth controls, and optimized performance, even on lower-end devices.

Worth Trying

PUBG Mobile is a top choice for those who enjoy competitive, action-packed games. It’s free and available worldwide, making downloading and playing on most mobile devices easy.

Pro Tip

Using a phone lanyard during intense gameplay helps keep your phone secure, so you don’t risk dropping it during critical moments.

Minecraft

Minecraft continues to be one of the most beloved mobile games, where players create and explore vast block-based worlds. 

It offers endless opportunities for creativity, allowing users to build structures, gather resources, and embark on adventures with friends.

  • Release Date: November 17, 2011
  • Google Play Rating: 4.5/5 (Free trial, $6.99 afterward)
  • Developer: Mojang Studios
  • Game Type: Sandbox Adventure

Positive Feedback

Players enjoy Minecraft's creative freedom, offering countless ways to play and customize their experiences.

Worth Trying

Although not free, Minecraft Pocket Edition offers an expansive gameplay experience that rivals its PC counterpart, making it a strong recommendation for mobile gamers worldwide.

Pro Tip

If touchscreen controls feel awkward, consider using a controller with your mobile device for a more comfortable gaming session.

Fortnite

Fortnite’s mobile version offers the same vibrant, fast-paced battle royale gameplay that players love. With its unique building mechanic, the game provides an exciting twist on traditional survival games, and it constantly updates to keep things fresh.

  • Release Date: July 25, 2017
  • Google Play Rating: 4.2/5
  • Developer: Epic Games
  • Game Type: Battle Royale

Positive Feedback

Players enjoy Fortnite’s cartoonish art style and unique mechanics, which make it a fun, nonviolent option for battle royale fans.

Worth Trying

Fortnite remains a favorite worldwide for its creativity and cross-platform functionality. It’s free to download, and regular updates keep the game feeling new.

Pro Tip

While Fortnite doesn’t support controllers, a phone stand or prop can help keep your device stable during long sessions.

Garena Free Fire

Garena Free Fire offers quick, action-packed matches, making it one of the top mobile battle royale games. Players parachute into battle, gather weapons, and fight to be the last one standing against 49 others.

  • Release Date: December 4, 2017
  • Google Play Rating: 4.2/5
  • Developer: Garena International
  • Game Type: Battle Royale

Positive Feedback

Free Fire is praised for its fast-paced gameplay, making it ideal for short, intense matches on mobile.

Worth Trying

Free Fire is free to download worldwide and offers a great survival experience for those looking for fast matches with a strong strategic element.

Pro Tip

A magnetic phone case can help keep your device secure while you play.

League of Legends: Wild Rift

Wild Rift is the mobile adaptation of the popular League of Legends game. It brings competitive 5v5 matches to mobile without the pay-to-win aspects. Players can choose from various champions and enjoy strategic, team-based battles.

  • Release Date: March 29, 2021
  • Google Play Rating: 4.3/5
  • Developer: Riot Games
  • Game Type: Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)

Positive Feedback

Players love the balance and fairness of Wild Rift, as well as its stunning visuals and smooth gameplay.

Worth Trying

Wild Rift is highly recommended for mobile gamers worldwide. It offers an engaging MOBA experience without the need to spend money on competitive advantages.

Pro Tip

If the game is lagging, try optimizing the graphics settings to improve performance on your device.

Conclusion

Mobile gaming has transformed into a global phenomenon, offering various experiences that cater to all kinds of players. 

Each title offers unique gameplay, ensuring something for everyone, no matter the genre. With continuous updates and the ability to play on the go, mobile gaming continues to dominate worldwide. 

Try out these must-play mobile games and experience the best that mobile gaming offers.