While we all love premium, triple-A experiences, there's nothing quite like filling up your phone's storage space with some of the best free mobile games out there, then diving into a grand adventure for the low cost of nothing. Whether you want a sprawling RPG with constant expansions, a card game, or even a team-based shooter, there's something out there for everyone.
With so many excellent options out there - and more releasing every month - it can be hard to know where to start. We've gathered this list of the best free-to-play mobile games together, highlighting a wide range of titles across a variety of genres, so you can find something new to play without breaking the bank. All of these games are free to start, but some have paid options within them - though this is not a requirement to play or to progress. We'll also keep adding to this list as more games come out, and as we try out new favorites we want to recommend.
The best free mobile games in 2025 are:
1. Genshin Impact
On release, many thought that Hoyoverse was trying to cash in on the success of Zelda: Breath of the Wild with Genshin Impact, with plenty of comparisons between the two vivid worlds of adventure. Now, five years later, Genshin is one of the biggest titles in the world, with tens of millions flocking to the game to experience Teyvat for all its serene beauty and badass boss battles.
There is a lot to do in the game with so many updates to work through, but you can play how you want. If you want to dive right into a story filled with gods, monsters, and elemental powers, you can - or you can go wandering the wilderness of mystical lands for a while. As our editor Ruby Spiers-Unwin said in her Genshin Impact review, "each character introduced brings a different mood, each town has a lived-in, natural atmosphere that is a joy to explore", and, after playing the game ourselves for four years, we quite agree. The character roster is impeccable, and the combat is exquisitely fun, especially when you mix different elements to trigger reactions and blast enemies out of your way.
We do recommend you spend some time building and investing in your characters, though, especially if you plan on tackling some of the tougher endgame content. Luckily, being entirely F2P is definitely viable here, especially with the help of frequent Genshin Impact codes and free event rewards, and you can check out our Genshin Impact tier list to see who to prioritize to help you take down bosses, obliterate overworld enemies, and work through the story.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
2. Delta Force
Delta Force brings the extraction shooter franchise back to modern devices with style. Costing you the grand total of zero dollars to get started, you can enter the warzone in a tank, a helicopter, or on foot, kitted out with guns and tactical armor.
Earning a 9/10 from Sam Comrie in our Delta Force review, the game is a "blockbuster-level action and an approachable battlefield for all skill levels". As FPS games go, it's got everything you could possibly want, allowing you to shoot some things, loot some things, then upgrade your gear in the store with your gains.
If you're just starting out, we've got an up-to-date list of all the new Delta Force codes, offering plenty of handy items to equip on the field. After all, you're gonna need all the help you can get as you dive into these intense 24vs24 battles.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
3. Marvel Snap
2022's Marvel Snap was always destined to be a winner, especially with such an iconic IP backing it and Hearthstone's game designers on board; you can't go wrong, even if developer Second Dinner did initially make it as a "toilet game". Come on, you and I have definitely played games on the toilet for too long - Marvel Snap most likely being one of them.
Kayleigh Partleton gave this gem a stellar 8/10 score in her Marvel Snap review, summing it up as a "solid CCG that's sure to please fans with its satisfying gameplay" while also appealing to superhero fans, of course. Here, you can collect cards featuring everyone from Adam Warlock to zombie variants of heroes, including my favorite deep cut, Beta Ray Bill. Each card has different costs and powers, allowing you to play your own strategies as you take your team into matches and watch the hours slip by.
Fair warning - if you're a fan of card games, this is going to absolutely steal your free time. Marvel Snap's quick two-to-five-minute matches perfectly lend themselves to the 'just one more' vibe, especially as you continuously unlock cards, new Marvel Snap deck options, and different ways to absolutely ruin your opponents.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
4. Honkai Star Rail
Another title from Hoyoverse that we highly recommend is 2023's Honkai Star Rail. Instead of an open-world setting like Genshin Impact's, this is a turn-based affair set in space, with mysterious machinery and heaps of intergalactic secrets abound. Ever wanted to ride a giant train across the stars and pull up to a new planet whenever you fancied it? Well, now's your chance.
Our guide editor, Tilly Lawton, gave the game a near-perfect 9/10 score in her Honkai Star Rail review, describing it as a "stellar interstellar turn-based RPG that pushes the boundaries of what we've come to expect from the genre". Not only is there the team-building aspect to take down plenty of bosses and common enemies, but there's a robust story to delve into, taking place on multiple different planets and themed areas.
The game is constantly expanding through new updates that add extra stories, events, and characters (be sure to grab all the new Honkai Star Rail codes list for some help getting those), so you won't be finishing it or running out of things to do any time soon. Similar to Genshin Impact, being a free player is absolutely fine here as you can earn plenty of free currency by simply playing through the content, and you even get some snazzy characters to start you off that can sure pack a punch.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
5. Coin Master
Have you ever spent time in an arcade? You know that feeling when you win a load of coins and they come rushing out, and your dopamine takes over? Coin Master is like that. If the thought of earning tons of cash (even if it isn't real) floats your boat, then this free game is for you.
It may be ten years old, but it's sure not slowing down. As I state in my Coin Master review, "the beauty is its simplicity. You can let it run of its own accord by setting the slot machine to automatically spin." You can, of course, crank the handle of the slot machine yourself, but there's also something strangely satisfying about sitting back and letting it do its thing. Either way, you'll get a huge pile of cash to build with.
One of the best parts of playing Coin Master is that there are no ads or pop-ups getting in the way, which is a rarity today, even in some of the best mobile games. The only real drawback is that you have to wait for your energy to refill, but thankfully, we've got some free Coin Master spins to help you out when that happens. Happy spinning!
Play for free: Android and iOS
6. Pokémon Go
Pokémon Go remains one of the best free mobile games out there. Being able to play a Pokémon title without having to spend a cent is wonderful, especially as it's something you can - and should - take out and about with you. That commute or dog walk just got a lot more interesting, right?
As you wander the world, you encounter a variety of different Pokémon that you can catch by throwing Pokéballs. Then, take them with you and bond with them to earn extra rewards. You can even leave them to protect a local gym and fight for your honor. The more of each Pokémon type you catch, the more candies you earn, which you can then use to evolve them and fill out your Pokédex.
Battling other players and gyms can get a bit tricky with all the countering shenanigans, whether you're taking on fairy Pokémon or looking up the best poison Pokémon, but nothing beats the rush of taking over the town with your favorite 'mons. Now, grab your Pikachu and go exploring!
Play for free: Android and iOS
7. Cookie Run: Kingdom
Don't lie - you love cookies. We all do. What's more is that we all love Cookie Run: Kingdom, a game where sentient cookies fight back against the forces of evil. Regardless of whether you're a returning cookie aficionado or you're planning on taking your first bite, this game is sure to be a moreish hit.
Cookie Run: Kingdom combines city-building, gacha, and RPG mechanics into one sweet game where you must help GingerBrave build up his strength and kingdom to fight back against the dark legion and Dark Enchantress Cookie. With so many flavors of Cookie Run: Kingdom characters to choose from, you'll find the game very hard to put down… just like a packet of your favorite sweet treats.
If this has tickled your taste buds, we have the new Cookie Run: Kingdom codes here for some delectable goodies that can help you out. Kingdom also boasts a stellar cast of voice actors, featuring some you may recognize as Honkai Star Rail characters, or even Persona 5 characters. Now, go forth and vanquish evil - leave not a crumb behind!
Play for free: Android and iOS
8. Clash Royale
Clash Royale brings a real-time multiplayer experience to mobile, all wrapped in a cool, cartoony style. But don't let that fool you - dangerous waves of enemies make their way toward your walls, and you must stop them.
Protect your people using a vibrant cast of characters featuring the Royales and plenty of familiar Clash of Clans faces, from the classic Hog Rider to the iconic Barbarian King. Deploy these units using cards from your ever-growing deck to protect your base, and watch as your points and level go up and up.
With a whole community of players trying to take out each other's towers, there's always something to do, and the wide variety of cards and mechanics means there's a lovely learning curve to ease you into the game. If you like the sound of this one, check out our Clash Royale codes guide to get started. Your kingdom awaits, and so does the battlefield.
Play for free: Android and iOS
9. Destiny Rising
Following in Destiny 2's footsteps, Destiny Rising is another free entry into the epic sci-fi series. NetEase brings Future Earth to iOS and Android in a neat package, with customizable controls to suit how you want to play.
Our deputy editor, Kayleigh Partleton, gives it a great 8/10 score in our Destiny Rising review, describing it as "a good experience for both new and old fans, with it rekindling my love for the series". Now you too can jump in as Zev and get right into the space-themed, guns-blazing action.
As with many other free mobile games, there are microtransactions here, but our Destiny Rising codes can help ease that a bit. You can also play completely free if you're not a fan of spending much. Either way, the story is sure to pull you in, as will the layers of customization that allow you to tweak everything from your team to weapons and traits.
Play for free: Android and iOS
10. Monopoly Go
Have you ever wanted to play Monopoly, but on the go? Well, boy, do I have news for you - you can do just that in Monopoly Go! OK, so it's not exactly the same as getting a board out and driving your friends and family into bankruptcy, but it's very similar.
Whip your phone out and dive into everyone's favorite classic any time, any place, making your way around various boards and building up your very own landmarks as you go. To keep things fresh, you can also participate in Monopoly Go's events, which keep you rolling, rolling, rolling, as Limp Bizkit said. While you can run out of rolls pretty quickly, there's always a chance to earn extra dice, allowing you to earn more money and build your board. Or repair it, if other players manage to shut down a landmark of yours.
Landing on squares like stations, free parking, and Go grant you extra rewards, but if your bank is looking a little sparse, these free Monopoly Go dice will get you stacks of cash again very quickly.
Play for free: Android and iOS
11. Wuthering Waves
Wuthering Waves is another big ol' RPG with gacha elements, and we highly recommend giving it a try. It has a slightly different feel to Genshin Impact, with a moodier and darker setting, and leans more into modernity than fantasy - but there are still plenty of fun, magical creatures and elemental gameplay mechanics to toy with.
Kuro Games' gacha takes the classic features and improves upon them just a bit. Sprinting doesn't consume stamina; you can run straight up walls and rock faces, and you can even synthesize materials on the go. I gave the game an 8/10 in my Wuthering Waves review, thanks to "dodge mechanics [that] make for incredibly fun combat, and engrossing exploration keeps us coming back", among plenty of other positives.
There are no 50/50 losses on the weapon banner in the game, either, so you can safely use the astrite from Wuthering Waves codes to get the exact five-star weapon you need to spruce up your favorite team's builds. Characters like Augusta and Changli are super fun to play with two-stage moves, powerful ultimates, and really cool effects, and the expansive story is full of intriguing mysteries. Give it a go if you enjoy exploring grand RPGs on the go.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
12. Pokémon TCG Pocket
Finally, in 2024, we got a way to play Pokémon's card game on the go. Pokémon TCG Pocket was released on iOS and Android, and we all flocked to try it out. Rip open a few packs, discover some fun and (hopefully) shiny new cards, then create the deck of your dreams.
Will you take down other players online with a stacked Miltank deck? Or do you like using your legendaries? There are so many viable strategies you can utilize to counter opponents' moves, whether it's versus the game's AI, online, or with friends in a private match.
If you're yet to try it - or maybe you're wanting to get back into it - we highly recommend that you do. As a live service game, there's always fresh content to enjoy, including heaps of new Pokémon TCG Pocket packs that are constantly expanding the roster of available cards.
Play for free: Android and iOS
13. PUBG Mobile
If you love FPS games, you really need to try PUBG Mobile, which allows you to take the iconic, genre-defining shooter on the go, for free. The world is your oyster with the huge roster of firearms available to you, as well as a variety of new modes coming to the game on a regular basis to test your mettle, too.
Join other players to protect a payload, take part in battle royales, or shrink it down to 4v4 matches for a more intimate feel. The mobile version adds very handy features like auto-aiming and full touchscreen controls, so you can be the best marksman no matter what you're doing or how you're playing. Physics and collecting mechanics also get an upgrade here to suit the on-the-go vibe.
Previously known as PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, the game comes from mobile giant Krafton. Even years after release, the multiplayer game remains one of the best. If you're interested in getting some insider info, you can check out our interview with the PUBG Mobile team and Level Infinite's Senior Director James Yang, where we discuss the game's important role in mobile esports.
Play for free: Android and iOS
14. Candy Crush
Candy Crush has been a mainstay on my mobile phone since its release in 2012. Yes, it's over a decade old, but it's still going very strong. The simple beauty of sliding different colored candies around will never lose its appeal.
The sweet puzzle game presents you with level after level - we bet you can't guess how many levels there are in Candy Crush - with an objective like clear the jelly, break all the chocolate, or collect a certain amount of each color of candy. Beware, this will get your sweet tooth aching for some saccharine. As you play, you get different boosts and items to help you clear more spaces at once, but that doesn't entirely remove the challenge. Some levels will have you scratching your head as you tackle timers, trapped candy, and double layers of jelly holding some pieces hostage.
If one Candy Crush game isn't enough for you, then good news! There are a few others to keep you going with different mechanics, such as a match-three title, a soda-filled version, and even a solitaire game featuring classic Candy Crush characters on cards.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows Handhelds
15. Roblox
Are you bored? Well, why not play Roblox? Rather than a singular 'game', Roblox is actually a platform bursting at the seams with endless different things to do. Fancy a fashion game? Play Dress to Impress. Some fishing? Fisch. Gardening? Grow a Garden. Any genre, trend, or idea you can think of likely has a game made of it.
If you like anime games or battle simulators, you're absolutely sorted, as there are experiences based on any anime you could possibly think of. Blox Fruits lets you live as if you were in One Piece, Shindo Life presents you with a Naruto-style RPG, and Blue Lock: Rivals gives you the chance to participate in electrifying, Blue Lock-inspired 5v5 soccer matches, just to name a few.
There are also a lot of Roblox horror games to sink your teeth into, covering everything from zombies and SCPs to a monstrous version of Peppa Pig. Whether you want to chase, be chased, or just about anything else, there's an exhilarating experience out there for you. Then, if you get bored with all the spooks, you can move on to a totally different Roblox game like Adopt Me to cleanse your palate with cute animals. The sky's the limit in this blocky world.
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
16. Free Fire
Free Fire (also known as Garena Free Fire) is one of the most popular battle royale games in the world. It's been around since 2017 and is still going very strong, boasting over 500 million downloads on Google Play alone.
You and 49 other players head onto a deserted island, where you must battle it out. Only one person can win, so you'd better make sure it's you. The ten-minute matches are the perfect length for you to get a few quick rounds on the go, whether you're enjoying some downtime or waiting for a bus, while also offering a decent level of challenge as you fight against the clock. How many supplies can you find in such a short amount of time? Or, even better, how many other contestants can you eliminate?
Free Fire continuously adds more content through regular updates and events, including different tools, locations, and outfits, and even some great crossovers with IPs like Naruto, Devil May Cry, and Squid Game. You can also get ahead by using our list of Free Fire codes for some extra supplies. Good luck out there!
Play for free: Android, iOS, and Windows handhelds
17. Vampire Survivors
We know a good game when we see one, and Vampire Survivors is absolutely one of the best. You're dropped into a battlefield with waves of enemies coming at you, and your job is to survive. Take them down. Achieve victory. Then do it again.
As Nathan Ellingsworth says in his Vampire Survivors review, the game is "all about the thrill of the run… Staying alive is one thing, but getting just the boost you need and a touch of health at a crucial moment are such wildly satisfying little thrills."
There are a few DLCs for the game, too, so if you do happen to get hooked, you can drop a couple of dollars for more content. As for how the game is free, it's due to there being some ads - though they're pretty non-intrusive, and can grant you double rewards every so often. Go and play this indie game - we guarantee you'll have fun.
Play for free: Android and iOS
New free mobile games
Our list includes the absolute best free games that are available now, but that doesn't mean it's done. There are so many new free mobile games on the horizon, and our regularly updated list of the best upcoming mobile games tracks all the top titles arriving on Android and iOS. Among those, we're particularly excited for NetEase's exciting new gacha RPG Ananta, which seems to be a blend of GTA and Zenless Zone Zero, Hoyoverse's intriguing creature collector, Honkai Nexus Anima, and the highly anticipated spin-off ARPG, Assassin's Creed Jade.
We're pretty confident in our choices here, but you can always join the Pocket Tactics Discord to ask us about any of the above titles or suggest any others you think should make the list. We can also have recommendations for some of the best offline games, best gaming phones, and best budget gaming phones, so you can enjoy all these brilliant free games in perfect HD style.