Free-to-play games are truly the gifts that keep on giving, and, among those, the best gacha games are easily some of the most popular. However, there are so many on the market, covering a wide range of genres and playstyles, so it can be tricky to know where to start.
Lucky for you, we've pulled together a list of the top titles you can play on the go, including turn-based, open-world, otome, MMO, and more. There's a good gacha game for everyone, and we're here to help you find it.
The best gacha games on handhelds are:
1. Genshin Impact
Arguably, the biggest and best gacha game on the market is Genshin Impact, and for good reason. Taking the role of the Traveler, the sprawling continent of Teyvat welcomes you into a magical world where elements play a key role in combat, and there are many mystical enemies to fight. The characters, soundtrack, and art are what make this game special, as they all fit together into one truly epic package.
Editor Ruby Spiers-Unwin says in her Genshin Impact review that the "gorgeous world of Teyvat" has a "natural atmosphere that is a joy to explore". And this is truer than ever now, with five years of consistent updates introducing seven regions to investigate and hundreds of characters to meet. We've all played a lot of games here at Pocket Tactics, but the roster in Genshin holds some of our all-time favorites overall, including the stoic Zhongli, whimsical Nahida, and simply adorable Aino.
Every few weeks, the banner changes, often adding new characters into the mix. So, we recommend you grab the new Genshin Impact codes for free currency that you can use to pull for these characters, then check out our Genshin Impact tier list to see how each one ranks based on their usability, flexibility, and team comp options.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
2. Wuthering Waves
Although this game gives us serious Genshin Impact vibes with its gorgeous open world and handsome anime husbandos, it really manages to stand out. Wuthering Waves takes all the classic bits and pieces of a gacha game and improves on them just a little. Visually, the game is stunning, but more than that, you can sprint freely with no stamina drain, and even run up walls. These traversal mechanics really help with a world the size of Solaris-3.
As I mention in my Wuthering Waves review, there's no reason these two games can't exist in harmony - especially when the latter offers plenty of entertainment, including "dodge mechanics [that] make for incredibly fun combat and engrossing exploration".
Similar to most other gachas, the Wuthering Waves banner changes frequently, offering you the chance to get new or rerunning characters. There are often two or three available at a time, so if you missed a key healer like The Shorekeeper, you can get her in no time. Make sure to use the Wuthering Waves codes that pop up, too, for some free currency.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
3. Love and Deepspace
This option may not appeal to everyone, but there's no denying that Love and Deepspace has taken the mobile gaming world by storm since its debut in 2024. It's an otome game (a dating sim with a female protagonist and male love interests), where you get to know a handful of stunning bachelors through story missions and memories you can gain access to through the gacha system.
Unsurprisingly, the Love and Deepspace characters are the key pull of the game. There's the silver-haired bad boy Sylus, artistic Rafayel, studious Zayne, super-cute Xavier, and your long-lost childhood friend, Caleb. They're all pretty with perfectly floppy hair and personalities that just draw you in, and, best of all, you don't have to pick just one.
Though there are some surprisingly enjoyable fights to tackle in action-style combat segments, the romancing of the dashing dudes is what we're all here for, and the cards you pull unlock new 'memories' and side stories for you to enjoy with each of them. There are often new Love and Deepspace codes to get you closer to pulling that next memory, too, so make sure to check our guide regularly.
Play for free: Android and iOS
4. Honkai Star Rail
Oh, look, another Hoyoverse game. This time, it's a turn-based RPG where you play as the Trailblazer, zipping through space on a giant train called the Astral Express, which is where the 'Star Rail' part of the name comes in. Form a team of characters you meet in intergalactic settings, then use them to progress through an enticing story or battle in plenty of endgame modes.
Tilly Lawton gave a stellar 9/10 in her Honkai Star Rail review, noting that the game "pushes the boundaries of what we've come to expect from the genre" with an intriguing cast including cowboys, mages, gamblers, and nurses. This is all mixed with a shiny art style and diverse settings, sending you off to different planets boasting everything from city bustle to ancient Greek vibes.
We do encourage you to keep up with characters at the top of the Honkai Star Rail tier list to keep on top of the quite frankly challenging combat modes, though. After all, new areas mean new mechanics, which means new characters to make use of them. Thankfully, more Honkai Star Rail codes appear frequently, offering in-game currency for free.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
5. Arknights
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, and relies a lot less on autoplay, so get ready to engage your brain.
Six years on from release, both the game and its fandom are still going strong. It often comes out on top in popularity polls between the gachas, and for good reason; while some levels can pose a real challenge, the gameplay is fun, and there's no weapon banner for you to get bogged down with. Most importantly, you can be a totally free player and still get a good roster.
Check out our Arknights tier list before you get started to see who to aim for. Then, why not see everything we know about the Arknights Endfield release date for even more gacha gaming goodness coming in the future.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
6. Dragon Ball Legends
Anime fans - this one's for you. This is an action RPG in the Dragon Ball franchise, which has you take on the role of Shallot, a brand-new character designed by the series' 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.
The game is a few years old now, but holds up well, especially if you're a fan of the classic franchise. The 3D art style brings the characters to life, and attack animations are fluid - you can almost feel the punches through the screen.
We've created a handy Dragon Ball Legends tier list to help you work out which character is best to add to your team, and you can find the new Dragon Ball Legends codes in our guide to get you some free items in the game. Who doesn't love free stuff?
Play for free: Android and iOS
7. Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis
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.
Earning an 8/10 from Ruby in her Final Fantasy Ever Crisis review for its "whimsical art style, new insight into beloved characters, and a delightful soundtrack", the game is a certified "must-play".
If you're interested in finding out more about the free-to-play entry into the Final franchise, you can read our Final Fantasy Ever Crisis interview here with the game's producer, Shoichi Ichikawa.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
8. Azur Lane
Blending together RPG, bullet hell, and naval warfare, Azur Lane is certainly one of the more unique entries on this list. Rather than characters, you collect ships, each of which has its own stats and skills.
Chances are, you've seen the character designs from this game at some point. They're all boat-themed girls. There are hundreds of them in the game now, as it's been around for a few years, so no matter what your preference for ship-shaped-ness, there's someone for you. Destroyer, battle cruiser, submarine, light aircraft carrier - every kind of vessel is represented.
Wondering which women are worthy of your fleet? We can help you form a great team for the game using the best Azur Lane characters as highlighted in our Azur Lane tier list. Or you could just pick the prettiest ones, we won't judge.
Play for free: Android and iOS
9. Zenless Zone Zero
Ok, ok - this is the last Hoyoverse game we're adding into the list. But how could we not include Zenless Zone Zero? This futuristic action RPG is so fun. While it does feature an intriguing story, its main draw is the adrenaline-fuelled, team-based combat, where each member has their own playstyle. For instance, Ben, the big brown bear, uses a giant concrete cylinder and heavy attacks, whereas fox-girl Miyabi has a slick sword and lightning-fast moves.
In our Zenless Zone Zero review, Tilly Lawton gives the game a 9/10 for its "fluid, fast-paced combat, quirky characters, and gripping gameplay". As someone who plays multiple times a week, I concur - each character has a distinct personality and is fun to use in combat, especially when chaining attacks between the team and performing tag team moves to hit weak points.
Any time is a good time to get into the game, as there are always plenty of Zenless Zone Zero events to enjoy, including combat, photography, fishing, and more - and, of course, each event offers plenty of rewards, too. Then, you can use those rewards to pull on the ZZZ banner and get new friends to build.
Play for free: Android and iOS
10. AFK Journey
AFK Journey is a fantastical fantasy RPG that expands upon the universe you find in 2019's AFK Arena, with familiar heroes and factions for you to take control of as you explore the world. What sets it apart from its predecessor is its unique story, RPG adventure combat, and 3D visuals, all of which add up to make it a brilliant standalone experience.
Former staff writer James Osborne got a look at the game's 2024 beta in his AFK Journey review, stating that it's "absolutely a game worth playing, regardless of whether you played Arena or not". It can act as a brilliant entry point into the AFK world if you're new, or a great continuation of the series if you're a returning player.
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, offering some handy freebies and good advice on who to build.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
11. Reverse: 1999
Reverse: 1999 is a unique gacha game with absolutely stunning visuals that blend pop art and classical oil painting. This really fits the setting, as you set out to explore different eras of the 20th century. You travel through time, building a team of wizards who harness different powers and skills as you unravel the mystery behind the mysterious "Storm".
Our Reverse: 1999 review calls the game baffling, but trust me - this is a good thing. Writer Ben Johnson states that the "enjoyable battle mechanics, rich art and character designs, and overall silliness" of the game set it apart from the competition and give it a unique story. That's putting it lightly, as you hop between 1960s London, then 1920s New York, and other key time periods from recent history.
For those of you who are new to the game, our Reverse: 1999 codes can nab you some freebies, while our Reverse: 1999 tier list can let you know which characters are worthy of a spot on your team. You'll definitely need some help with the latter, as there's a hefty roster including robots, dogs, and all manner of humans.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
12. Etheria: Restart
If you're looking for something in the tactical RPG genre, then Etheria: Restart is for you. This gacha game comes from XD Entertainment, which you may recognize as the studio behind Sword of Convallaria - though this title has a much different setting with sci-fi elements and cyberpunk influences.
In my Etheria: Restart preview, I highlight that I'm a big fan of the character designs, and that there are "really interesting team comps" which fit different enemies depending on elements, as there's a weakness system similar to that of Pokémon here. This particular game is great to dip in and out of as you can toggle the turn-based combat to autoplay, allowing you to kick back, relax, and farm those drops without constantly controlling your characters.
There are always new Etheria Restart codes popping up, which is super handy for pulling the new characters that appear in each new patch. Of course, our Etheria Restart tier list ranks them all, too, so we're here to help if you need a hand deciding who's worth building.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
13. Infinity Nikki
While we appreciate Infinity Nikki has seen some pretty big ups and downs since its 2024 release date, we can't help but remain a fan of how cute it is. It's packed with fantasy areas and whimsical stories to match, and there are so, so many cosmetic options for you to collect. So, if you like a relaxing, fashion-based game, you're sure to have lots of fun.
In her 9/10 Infinity Nikki review following the game's launch, Tilly Lawton writes that the game "takes all your favorite elements from the best RPGs, life sims, and dress-up games, combining them into one unforgettable adventure". While exploring the beautiful, open world of Miraland, you craft outfits, find materials, help characters out, and ultimately have a great time getting ready.
When it comes to the gacha, there are heaps of limited-time cosmetics for you to pull, and some even come with unique abilities. However, if you want to pull for an entire outfit and unlock those abilities, it'll cost you. Every pull on the banner grants you a cosmetic item of varying rarity, but going for that full five-star ensemble may take more currency than you think. Thankfully, there are some Infinity Nikki codes for you to redeem and get some extra in-game currency - plus, all of the most important skills are tied to outfits you get by progressing through the game.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
14. Destiny Rising
If fantasy worlds or turn-based combat isn't your thing, then perhaps Destiny Rising is the gacha game for you. NetEase and Bungie have teamed up to bring this iconic FPS game series to mobile with this free-to-play entry, inviting you to play solo or with friends - or random teammates - and take the solar system by storm.
Our own Kayleigh Partleton gives the game an 8/10 in her Destiny Rising review. And, with more than 1,000 hours in the franchise so far, you can trust that she knows what she's talking about when she says it's a "good experience for new and old fans".
The gacha system can feel a little odd to seasoned Destiny fans, as you pull for new characters called Lightbearers on the banners rather than creating your own custom protagonist. You can also get decorative items instead. But if you're not hugely bothered about which person you play as, then there's nothing to worry about. Plus, you can always use the Destiny Rising codes from our guide to grab some free currency, then check our Destiny Rising tier list to see where to spend it.
Play for free: Android and iOS
15. Fire Emblem Engage
This entry is a bit of a curveball, but you may be surprised to hear that there are gacha elements in this Nintendo Switch game - but probably not in the way you'd expect. Fire Emblem Engage is a tactical RPG, taking you across the land of Elyos. You take on the role of Alear, a powerful warrior who is destined to defeat a Fell Dragon and save the world.
In our Fire Emblem Engage review, Ben Johnson gave it a 7/10 overall, stating that the game is "the height of luxury" and a confident entry into the long-running series. Whether you've played a Fire Emblem game before or not, you're sure to have a good time here, as it doesn't reinvent the wheel but provides a great time.
Ok, but where does the gacha come into it? Well, Fire Emblem Engage's gacha system is different from that of games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves, as it doesn't use real money, so you can't just pay for the item you want. Instead, the game uses an RNG-based system where you use rings to gain new stats and boost your character. So, if you enjoy the thrill of gacha mechanics but don't want to handle the temptation of premium currencies, you might want to give this one a try.
Check prices: Nintendo Switch
New gacha games
Our list is packed with entries you can play right now, but there are some excellent games on the horizon. To name a few new mobile games, we have Ananta (formerly Project Mugen) and Neverness to Everness, two games that have an urban and almost cyber setting. Plus, you can drive in NTE! There's also Arknights: Endfield, an action RPG coming in 2026 from the developer of Arknights and Ex Astris.
If you want to know more or have some suggestions, you can find us in the Pocket Tactics Discord. We can recommend some of the best mobile games when you need even more to play. Perhaps it's time for an upgrade? Then let us recommend one of the best gaming phones for you.