You don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds on a powerful video game console to enjoy some fantastic games. In fact, if you’ve got a smartphone, you can have hours of fun playing video games and without ever spending any money at all.
If you’re looking for something to play on the commute to work, or while relaxing on the sofa, then we’ve put together a list of ten mobile games that are among the best we’ve played on iPhone and Android.
From addictive puzzle games and arcade-style shooters, to full-blown action role-playing games and cultural phenomenons, these are the ten best free mobile games you can buy right now.
And it may surprise you to find out that the number one spot is a former game of the year winner that you might not have realised was free.
10. Fallout Shelter
Fallout Shelter is a free-to-play survival game that is still going strong, despite launching all the way back in 2015! Unlike Fallout’s open-world RPG-style gameplay, Fallout Shelter puts players in charge of their very own vault and the people within it.
If you’re going to survive and prosper, you’ll need to send Vault dwellers out into the dangerous world to scavenge for items, recruit essential personnel to unlock new skills and abilities, defend your vault from attackers, and, ahem, repopulate the world following the fall of the bombs.
Then there are the more fun aspects of post-apocalyptic life, such as giving your dwellers funny haircuts and customising your surroundings to suit your needs.
Like most games on the list, Fallout Shelter does contain microtransactions to speed things up and help you thrive, although it’s far more satisfying to earn your own way.
(Image: BETHESDA)
9. Fortnite
Fortnite started life as a co-op survival game, before quickly pivoting to a Battle Royale shooter where the aim is to become the last-person standing after dropping into an island with 99 other competitors. Thanks to a steady stream of content updates, pop culture crossovers and live in-game events, Fortnite has since evolved into so much more.
Even the core Battle Royale experience has changed beyond recognition, featuring all manner of vehicles, powerful bosses and Mythical weapons to unlock. If you crave the classic experience from 2017 there’s Fortnite OG, not to mention LEGO Fortnite, a dedicated racing game, a rhythm action experience and even a first-person mode.
The game is completely free to play, although you can purchase character cosmetics and optional season passes to enhance your experience. It’s also worth noting that iPhone and iPad players will need to install the Epic Games app in order to play it, while Android users can download Fortnite from the regular App Store.
(Image: EPIC GAMES)
8. Woodoku
Woodoku is a fiendishly addictive puzzle game that I’ve been playing regularly for the past three years.
Described as Tetris meets Sudoku, it’s all about getting the highest score possible, which you’ll achieve by placing wooden shapes onto a grid. You’ll have three pieces to play at any one time, and you’ll receive points for every shape you successfully place on the board. It’s game over when you run out of space.
In order to get the highest scores possible, you must fill a row, column or square in order to clear blocks from the board. This way you’ll make space for the next set of shapes. You can further boost your score by clearing multiple blocks in one go, or by eliminating blocks on successive turns for a combo.
It’s not the flashiest of games and I’m sure there are technically superior brain-teasers out there, but I really enjoy the chilled out gameplay. If you want to up the stakes and tension, there’s also a limited time challenge mode that resets with a different theme each week.
(Image: GETTY)
7. Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is an obvious ode to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, albeit a completely free version that you can play on your phone. There are even elements of Genshin Impact that are actually superior to the critically-acclaimed Zelda game, such as its fast-paced combat and team-based battles.
The real joy of Genshin Impact is exploring the massive game world, where you can hunt for treasure and resources, fight against a wide selection of monsters and tackle the game’s dungeons for special rewards.
While there are lots of optional microtransactions in the game, you can enjoy most of what Genshin Impact has to offer without spending any cash, especially if you’re patient and don’t mind grinding. Just have fun exploring and seeing what happens.
(Image: APPLE)
6. Pokemon Go
If you’ve ever wanted to “catch them all” in real life, then Pokemon Go is about as close as you’re going to get. Using augmented reality technology combined by GPS, the game lets you encounter and capture Pokemon in your day-to-day life. One lucky player may encounter a Snorlax on their way to school, while somebody else might capture a Mr. Mime on the commute to work.
Once you encounter a Pokemon, you can use Pokeballs to capture them and treats to make the task easier. You can hatch Pokemon by walking certain distances, and even find shiny Pokemon during special events.
Much like the creatures it’s named after, Pokemon Go has evolved enormously since launch, adding player-vs-player battles, Raids featuring Legendary Pokemon, and even Team Rocket encounters.
The game also shows no signs of slowing down, with the addition of more and more Regional Pokemon, as well as community events that attract people from around the world.
(Image: NIANTIC)