Top 10 Must-Play iPhone & Android Games 2025

Caroline Lefelhoc / Updated Jan 12, 2026 | Pub. Feb 19, 2025

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The gaming revolution isn’t happening on consoles or PCs—it’s in your pocket. Mobile games have shattered every limitation we thought we knew. Forget simple tap-to-play time wasters; today’s top mobile games drop you into stunning open worlds, pit you against players globally in pulse-pounding Esports matches, and deliver console-quality graphics that make your morning commute feel like a trip to an arcade of the future.

But here’s the challenge: with thousands of new games hitting the App Store and Google Play every month, finding the true gems can feel like searching for a legendary item drop. That’s where we come in. We’ve battled through dungeons, built empires, and fought alongside millions of players to identify the absolute best mobile games of 2025. Whether you’re an iPhone enthusiast, an Android aficionado, a casual gamer, or a hardcore competitor, these 15 games prove that the future of gaming fits right in your pocket.

Guy with headset on playing a mobile game on his phone

Prepare for endless entertainment…

1. Genshin Impact

The king of mobile gaming continues its reign in 2025 with the stunning new Natlan region. This free-to-play phenomenon has redefined what’s possible on mobile devices, delivering a massive open world filled with vibrant characters, intense combat, and endless exploration. The latest expansion adds fresh challenges and mechanics, making this the perfect time to jump in, whether you’re a returning player or just discovering this gorgeous universe.

2. Zenless Zone Zero

HoYoverse’s newest masterpiece proves lightning can strike twice. This stylish cyberpunk action game trades Genshin’s sprawling open world for tightly crafted combat scenarios that feel incredible on mobile devices. The game especially shines on the latest iPhone 16 models, where the A18 processor enables console-quality graphics with ray tracing that makes every neon-lit battle pop off the screen [1].

3. Honkai: Star Rail

Who says turn-based combat can’t be thrilling? This space fantasy RPG—developed and published by miHoYo—combines the strategic depth of classic JRPGs with modern gacha mechanics and a grandiose sci-fi story. Regular events and story updates keep the experience fresh, while the refined gameplay loop makes it perfect for quick sessions or extended adventures through the cosmos [2].

4. Cassette Beasts

This innovative monster-collecting RPG brings a fresh twist to a beloved genre. Instead of throwing balls, you’ll use a retro cassette player to transform creatures into powerful allies. Set in an open world filled with possibilities, Cassette Beasts features an intricate fusion system that lets you combine any two monster forms to create unique hybrid creatures for turn-based battles.

The pixel art style perfectly matches its nostalgic theme, while deep RPG systems and monster fusion mechanics offer complexity that will keep you experimenting for hours. Whether you’re exploring the open world, engaging in strategic turn-based battles, or discovering new monster combinations, Cassette Beasts offers a unique take on monster collecting that sets it apart from its predecessors [3].

5. Marvel Snap

This award-winning card game continues to dominate in 2025, proving that innovation can come in small packages. MARVEL SNAP distills the collectible card game formula down to its essence: 12-card decks, 3-minute matches, and strategic depth that emerges from its elegantly simple rules. Each card represents a Marvel Super Hero or Villain with unique powers and abilities, creating endless possibilities for outsmarting your opponents.

The game’s rapid-fire matches and accessibility make it perfect for both quick sessions and extended play, while its Marvel theme and constant updates keep players coming back. Whether you’re a card game veteran or just getting started, MARVEL SNAP’s intuitive design ensures you can jump right in—but its layered strategy ensures you’ll stay for the satisfying competition. Available as a free-to-play title on both PC and mobile, it’s easy to see why this game has captured so many Game of the Year awards and continues to build momentum [4].

6. Bright Memory: Infinite

Finally arriving on mobile in 2025, this stunning action-FPS hybrid showcases how far mobile graphics have come. Set in 2036’s mysterious version of China, Bright Memory: Infinite casts you as an SRO agent investigating worldwide supernatural phenomena that hint at a collision between two worlds. You’ll wield both customizable firearms and a versatile sword, mixing and matching abilities to create devastating combos against both modern soldiers and mythical creatures.

The combat system shines in its flexibility – one moment you’re launching homing missiles and sticky grenades, the next you’re deflecting enemy gunfire with precise sword strikes. The game particularly impresses on devices supporting the latest mobile graphics features, delivering a high-octane experience that feels lifted straight from a high-end gaming PC. Whether unraveling the archaic mystery at the heart of the story or chaining together spectacular combat combinations, Bright Memory: Infinite proves that console-quality action games can thrive on mobile [5].

7. Ananta

Previously known as Project Mugen, Ananta is an ambitious open-world RPG from NetEase that drops players into the vibrant expanse of a modern city. The game promises to blend fluid combat with exploration, featuring a diverse cast of characters each bringing their own unique fighting styles to battle against massive threats that loom over the urban landscape.

While maintaining the core vision of its Project Mugen days, Ananta distinguishes itself through its mix of action and environmental storytelling. Players can expect to navigate both sprawling cityscapes and intense combat encounters, with the freedom to approach challenges using their preferred character’s distinct abilities. The game is in development for mobile platforms (iOS and Android) as well as PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC, aiming to deliver a consistent experience across all platforms. Expected release 2025 [6].

8. League of Legends: Wild Rift

Riot’s mobile MOBA has evolved into the definitive on-the-go competitive gaming experience. Built from the ground up for mobile-first PvP, League of Legends: Wild Rift captures the essence of the PC version while optimizing every aspect for touchscreen play. Its 5v5 multiplayer battles offer both casual and ranked modes, letting players choose between quick matches and serious competitive climbing.

Wild Rift proves that complex, competitive games can work beautifully on mobile devices, offering smooth controls and strategic depth that rivals its PC counterpart. The game maintains the core MOBA experience – team coordination, champion mastery, and real-time strategy – while adapting it perfectly for shorter, more intense mobile sessions. Whether you’re teaming up with friends or testing your skills in ranked play, Wild Rift delivers the authentic League of Legends experience in a refined mobile package that continues to grow through regular updates [7].

9. Pokemon GO

Nearly a decade after its launch, Pokemon GO remains a global gaming phenomenon with over 1 billion downloads and multiple industry awards, including “Best Mobile Game" from the Game Developers Choice Awards and “Best App of the Year" from TechCrunch. The game continues to evolve, now featuring online trainer battles through GO Battle League alongside its core gameplay of exploring the real world to discover and catch Pokemon.

The experience has grown far beyond simple collection – players can now journey with their Buddy Pokemon to earn rewards, team up for challenging Raid Battles, compete in epic Gym battles, and battle other trainers online. Regular updates and community events keep trainers engaged, while improved AR features make catching Pokemon more immersive than ever. The game’s continued success proves that well-maintained live service games can thrive for years, especially when they encourage real-world exploration and social interaction.

While free-to-play with optional in-game purchases, Pokemon GO is optimized for smartphones running Android 6.0 or higher with at least 2GB RAM, requiring GPS capabilities and network connectivity for the best experience [8].

10. Balatro

This innovative roguelike puts a fresh spin on poker mechanics, blending elements of Solitaire and poker into an endlessly satisfying card game. In Balatro, you’ll face off against Boss Blinds using traditional poker hands – but with a magical twist. Over 150 unique Jokers can dramatically alter the rules, letting you create wild combinations that would be impossible in a standard card game.

Don’t worry if you’re not a poker expert – Balatro’s clever design makes it accessible to everyone while maintaining deep strategic gameplay. Each run offers a different experience as you discover new Jokers, upgrade cards, and vouchers that can dramatically alter your strategy. Whether you’re tackling the campaign mode or taking on special challenges, you’ll need to think creatively to stack up enough chips to overcome increasingly difficult bosses.

The game’s beautiful pixel art and CRT-style presentation add to its charm, while touch-screen optimized controls make every card play feel satisfying. Its popularity shows that mobile gamers are eager to embrace unique, high-quality experiences that respect their time and intelligence while offering near-endless replayability [9].

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