While many mobile games seem to exist only to separate you from your money, there are still some that are actually worth the download. This article highlights some of the best Android games that are worth your time and money.
The most downloaded games on the platform right now include Clash of Clans, which continues to generate new users and keep existing ones engaged for months, if not years. Other top games include the popular’scapes titles from Playrix Games.
1. Raid: Shadow Legends
While it isn’t a traditional turn-based RPG, Raid: Shadow Legends still offers a solid gameplay experience that deserves some appreciation. The game looks good, has a great soundtrack, and has an engaging narrative to keep fans engaged for hours.
The gameplay itself is well-rounded, and players will enjoy constructing the perfect team according to the current meta. With over 450 champions to unlock, many of them have balanced builds that shine in specific circumstances.
The game is free to play, but developer Plarium Global Ltd does earn money through in-app purchases and ad offers. Players can also purchase premium currency to speed up the progression of their teams.
2. Bad North
A rogue-lite real-time strategy game with an interesting concept, Bad North does well to make itself appeal to casual gamers. Taking a minimalist approach it strips away the fiddly aspects of the genre to create something chill and accessible.
Each island is procedurally generated in layout and enemy composition. Players control platoons of soldiers to defend buildings against waves of invaders that raze houses and kill inhabitants. Simple player inputs mask a deep combat simulation that should challenge veterans of the genre. It’s a refreshing take on a familiar formula. And at $4.99 it’s not too expensive for a streamlined strategy experience. But it does lack a lot of the polish found in more complex titles.
3. Baba Is You
The best Android games of 2023 are those that challenge the players, give them entertainment and earn them money. One of the top earning games in Android is Coin Master which is a slot machine game with village-building elements.
Baba Is You is a rule-bending puzzle that offers up head-scratching challenges. The rules of each level are present as blocks that you can interact with and manipulate to change how things work or cause surprising interactions.
The gameplay is simple and easy to understand but it can be challenging when you are competing against other players that are willing to spend money on the game for the best results. Fortunately, there are free cool outfits and other upgrades that you can use to make your character look unique.
4. Dead Cells
Dead Cells is an award-winning action-adventure game developed by indie studio Motion Twin and published by Playdigious. It is a Metroidvania-inspired game that combines progressive exploration of an interconnected world with the replayability of a roguelite and the adrenaline pumping threat of permadeath.
Explore a huge, ever-changing cursed island, fight with a variety of weapons and spells, unlock new abilities and mutations, and collect cells (in-game currency) to power up and progress on your journey. Tough but fair combat, challenging foes and the emergency panic roll make this a demanding, visceral and cathartic experience. Each run is different, and each death a chance to rethink your strategy. The upcoming Rise of the Giant downloadable content will add a giant undead boss and new gameplay elements.
5. Gwent: Rogue Mage
Gwent gained a lot of popularity as a mini-game in The Witcher 3, and CD Projekt Red built upon it with a multiplayer online version and now a single-player spinoff called Rogue Mage. The game features a procedurally generated map with events that can lead to battles, encounters with other players, finding treasure, or even a chance to interact with mysterious Places of Power.
Unit abilities and the deckbuilding aspect of the game meld together with fun roguelike elements to make for an engaging experience that is well worth its $10 price tag. Unlike the multiplayer version of the game, this one doesn’t feature microtransactions. Despite some redundant events and bothersome bugs, the overall experience is quite satisfying.
6. Terra Nil
With a soothing 34-track soundtrack by composer Meydan, beautifully illustrated digital artbook showcasing concept thumbnails and close-ups of the game’s hand-painted textures and a simple but rewarding gameplay system, Terra Nil is the epitome of a relaxing reverse city-builder. Its environmental message is a little lost at times due to some wildly confusing mechanics (like the need for a particular combination of habitats and climate targets) but it’s still a deeply satisfying experience.
It can’t compete with Civilization’s one more turn compulsion loop or supplant Anno’s all-consuming time-sucking, but its theme of “destroying to create” is well reflected in the experience. It’s not the longest game in town, but its brevity is made up for by some decent replayability via additional levels and challenges.
7. Chrono Trigger
Back when 16-bit video game systems were all the rage, Chrono Trigger brought a rich time-travel story to life that’s more robust than most modern RPGs. Its characters, setting, music and graphics all come together to create a compelling experience.
The gameplay is fast-paced, using the Active Time Battle system familiar to players of other Final Fantasy games and the Mother series. The game also innovated by doing away with random enemy encounters. Instead, the player would touch a monster to engage in a battle.
One of the first games to include a New Game Plus option that allows players to retain all their levels, items and Techs and fight the game’s final boss at an earlier point in the story, giving it incredible replay value.
8. Civilization VI
If you’re into turn-based strategy games, then you should definitely take a look at Civilization VI. This popular game offers plenty of content, and is available at a reasonable price.
Another Square game makes our list, this time with a gorgeous JRPG that’s a ton of fun for group play. It features a great story, accessible turn-based gameplay, and beautiful pixel art. This free-to-play title contains in-app purchases, but they’re limited to cosmetics.
If you’re looking for a shooter, try Apex Legends. It’s a popular free-to-play battle royale that’s lots of fun. It features some of the best graphics on Android and supports controllers. The game also has a large world and adrenaline-packed matches.
