There are an absolute ton of gacha games these days. In fact, it might well be the biggest genre on iPhone and Android (and all handheld devices, really), with games featuring enormous franchises from Marvel, Disney, and Star Wars. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start; particularly for those that haven't played a gacha game before.
We've played practically every gacha game at this point and written countless, tier lists, reviews, and guides on the most successful gacha games, so our list is pretty definitive. We're sure that many of you will agree that among these games are some of the best mobile games overall, or at least some of the best free mobile games.
Here are the best gacha games in no particular order:
Raid: Shadow Legends
Portable platforms: Android, iOS, and Steam Deck
Since its launch in 2019, Raid: Shadow Legends has gone on to become what is arguably the most well-known of all the gacha games. This is partly because of its large number of YouTube sponsorships, but it's also because it offers an addictive format. Since the start, players have been collecting a team of champions (via the gacha mechanics), honing their skills, and then curating a team to overcome PvE challenges or to rise through the ranks in PvP arenas.
At this point, you may feel like you've seen everything that Raid has to offer, but part of the reason it's been able to stay relevant for so long is down to the fact that it offers players a steady stream of new content. Recently, we've seen it branch more into the territory of limited-time crossovers with things like Masters of the Universe or Alice in Wonderland, which has been pretty cool. Check out our Raid promo codes to get a few bonuses if you're just starting in the game and our Raid: Shadow Legends guide if you want some tips.
Play Raid: Shadow Legends for free.
Genshin Impact
Portable platforms: Android and iOS
It might look like Breath of the Wild, but don't let that put you off. Genshin Impact is a visually stunning gacha game that challenges you to explore a wide-open world, battle through dungeons, and collect the game's numerous characters.
Take a look at our Genshin Impact tier list to find out more about the playable characters, and our quick explainer if you're not sure – just what is Genshin Impact?
Read our Genshin Impact review.
Honkai Star Rail
Portable platforms: Android and iOS
This gacha game from Hoyoverse has you take control of the Trailblazer. In this title, you roll for gorgeous characters with different elements and fighting styles, unravel an enthralling story, and take part in unique turn-based combat against numerous foes.
For more information, take a look at our Honkai Star Rail codes, Honkai Star Rail characters, and Honkai Star Rail tier list – and, of course, read our full Honkai Star Rail review too.
Goddess of Victory: Nikke
Portable platforms: Android and iOS
If you're looking for an excellent sci-fi RPG with over 100 distinct characters, look no further than Goddess of Victory: Nikke. Delivering an action-packed game with a great story, Goddess of Victory allows you to tackle levels and challenge bosses with a variety of character skills as you make your way through an intriguing narrative.
There are a lot of characters in our Nikke tier list, allowing you to spend hours and hours creating the best squad. Make sure to use our Nikke codes guide, if you want to get as many pulls as possible.
AFK Journey
Portable platforms: Android, iOS, and Steam Deck
AFK Journey expands upon the universe you find in AFK Arena, with familiar heroes and factions for you to take control of as you explore the world. What sets it apart is its unique story, RPG adventure combat, and 3D visuals.
If you're tempted to give the game a go, our AFK Journey codes and AFK Journey tier list can help you get started on your adventure with some handy freebies and good advice.
Zenless Zone Zero
Portable platforms: Android and iOS
This one is another game from Hoyoverse and is an action RPG that has you take on the role of a Zenless Zone Zero Proxy who leads a colorful cast on expeditions through Hollows. For more details, head on over to our Zenless Zone Zero characters guide.
If you're interested in trying out a different offering from Hoyo, you can read our Zenless Zone Zero interview with the game's producer. Then take a look at our Zenless Zone Zero tier list to see which characters are worth your time.
AFK Arena
Portable platforms: Android and iOS
AFK Arena has established itself as one of the finest mobile gacha games, thanks primarily to its fairness to those who play for free. It features a large cast of original characters, alongside special guest stars like Assassin's Creed's Ezio Auditore.
If you'd like to get started, check out our AFK Arena tier list, then grab some AFK Arena codes for free goodies.
Arknights
Portable platforms: Android and iOS
Mixing traditional gacha mechanics with tower defense gameplay, Arknights brings something a little different to the mix. It's one of the most strategic options on this list, so it relies a lot less on autoplay.
Check out our Arknights tier list and Arknights codes before you get started. Then take a look at everything we know about the Arknights Endfield release date for even more gacha gaming goodness.
Azur Lane
Portable platforms: Android and iOS
Blending together RPG, bullet hell, and naval warfare, Azur Lane is certainly one of the more unique entries on this list. Rather than collect characters, you collect ships, each of which has its own stats and skills.
Want to know which character is best? Take a look at our Azur Lane tier list.
Dragon Ball Legends
Portable platforms: Android and iOS
This anime action RPG has you take on the role of Shallot, a brand-new character designed by Dragon Ball's creator, Akira Toriyama. Shallot is a mysterious Saiyan who must team up with other legendary characters to help save the world from destruction once again.
We've created a handy Dragon Ball Legends tier list to help you work out which character is best to add to your team.
Guardian Tales
Portable platforms: Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch
This game plays like it's 1991, drawing liberal inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Much like in many of the best gacha games, you can explore dungeons, solve puzzles, and recruit characters to join your party.
We've put together a Guardian Tales tier list and Guardian Tales codes guide for those just getting started in Guardian Tales.
Pokémon Masters EX
Portable platforms: Android and iOS
Yes, there is an official Pokémon gacha game on mobile. Pokémon Masters has you collecting sync pairs, which are combinations of your favorite trainers and Pokémon from the franchise's history. You can don each trainer in exclusive outfits, hatch eggs to get new 'mons, and create custom teams to take down difficult foes.
We've got a Pokémon Masters guide, Pokémon Masters tier list, and Pokémon Masters update tracker to make your time with the game much easier.
Summoners War
Portable platforms: Android, iOS, and Steam Deck
No best gacha games list would be complete without the game that arguably started it all, Summoners War. Though it shows its age now, Summoners War laid the groundwork for many of the games on this list.
The game now features more than 1,500 unique monsters to summon and over 200 million players around the world. You can compete in real-time raids and explore massive labyrinths or relax while decorating your village. Make sure you grab some Summoners War codes while you're here!
Wuthering Waves
Portable platforms: Android and iOS
Although this gacha game gives us serious Genshin Impact vibes with its gorgeous open world and handsome anime husbands, it still manages to stand out. As we mentioned in our Wuthering Waves review, there's no reason these games can't exist in harmony.
If you're asking yourself, "Can I run Wuthering Waves?" make sure you check out PCGameBenchmark to find out. You can also head over to our Wuthering Waves tier list and Wuthering Waves code guide to learn about the best characters and pick up some free stuff.
Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis
Portable platforms: Android, iOS, and Steam Deck
If you're looking for a Final Fantasy game you can play in bite-sized chunks whenever you have a moment, we recommend giving Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis a try. This gacha game features fast-paced, command-based battles that take inspiration from FFVII's Active Time Battle system and an amazing story you can work through in chapters.
If you're not sold yet, we have a Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis review that might sway you.
Reverse: 1999
Portable platforms: Android, iOS, and Steam Deck
This unique gacha game has some absolutely stunning visuals that blend pop art, classical oil painting, and more art styles from history as you explore different eras of the 20th century. As you travel through time, you get to build a team with various wizards who harness different powers and skills as you unravel the mystery behind the "Storm".
If you're new to the game, our Reverse: 1999 codes can nab you some freebies, while our Reverse: 1999 tier list can let you know who the best characters to pull for are. Then there's our Reverse: 1999 review if you need a little more convincing.
Here are some upcoming gacha games we're looking forward to:
Ananta
Ananta (formerly Project Mugen) is an upcoming cyber RPG from NetEase and Naked Rain. The game seems to have a modern feel like Zenless Zone Zero but with a much larger city to explore and unique characters known as Espers, each with distinct combat mechanics.
To learn more, we recommend you head over to our Ananta release date and pre-registration guide. Then, meet all of the Ananta characters we know about so far.
Neverness to Everness
This upcoming gacha game features cute anime waifus, an urban area to explore, and racecars to drive. Neverness to Everness is one of the more unique games like Genshin Impact we've seen, and we can't wait to purchase a house and run down some pedestrians à la GTA; we know you've done it too.
Head on over to our Neverness to Everness release date guide, where we speculate on when you may be able to get your hands on this fresh new title.
For those of you who have played all the best gacha games out there and need something new to play, take a look at our list of the best mobile RPGs. If it's more lists you're looking for, we've put together the best mobile has to offer in our best iOS games and best Android games lists. We've also got a few genre lists, including the best mobile strategy games and the best mobile roguelikes.