The 30 Best Android Games to Download in 2023

The best Android games are the perfect way to transform your smartphone into the ultimate source of on-the-go entertainment. While Android games might not be as advanced as console titles in some cases, they're excellent for portable gaming.

Over the years, as the number of Android phones available continues to grow, the titles on offer for game fans have exploded. There are more than 470,000 gaming apps on the Google Play store at the time of writing. Since you probably don't have the data to download all those apps, we've put together this list to help you sort through the best options.

We've looked at titles for gamers of all kinds, from puzzle heads to racing enthusiasts, to give you the ultimate guidance. Here are the top Android games we've discovered for this year.

Let's dive in.

1. Genshin Impact

One of the most talked-about games in the mobile industry, Genshin Impact is an incredible role-playing game set in a vast open-world environment. Few games deliver a bite-sized console experience quite like Genshin Impact, which is perhaps why the title is so popular.

The stunning environment is full of exploration opportunities, with endless challenges to test your skills. If you want a game full of waterfalls, lakes, and vast spaces to discover, you're sure to love the phenomenon of Genshin Impact.

2. Pokemon Go

Speaking of adventure, why not combine the real and digital worlds through one of the world's most iconic AR games? Pokemon Go took the world by storm when it first appeared in 2016, changing the way we looked at the Pokemon franchise. With this game, you can capture and interact with Pokemon as if they were standing before you.

Today, the game continues to evolve regularly, introducing new Pokemon from different generations, battles, challenges, and fantastic “community day” events. It's worth downloading this game if you're a fan of Pokemon.

3. Pokemon Unite

It's hard to mention Pokemon Go without giving a shout-out to the more recent Pokemon game to arrive on Android. Unite is a decisive game immersing players in the battle-focused side of the Pokemon franchise. You get to build your own team of Pokemon and put them to the test against countless other players.

The best thing about the 5-on-5 battle arena of Pokemon Unite is the chance to test your team against players you know through cross-platform compatibility. Plus, there are tons of ways to customize your Pokemon's appearance for a little extra fun.

4. Minecraft

Better-known as a console and PC game, Minecraft eventually made its way onto Android devices when players simply couldn't get enough of the blockbusting world. Minecraft is about exploration, adventure, and creativity, allowing you to build unique environments from scratch, one block at a time.

While the mobile game can be a little trickier to get used to due to the small screen, it's still one of the best Android games to download in 2022. Minecraft will give you hours of entertainment as you mine for diamonds, fight skeletons, and avoid creepers.

5. Fortnite

Probably one of the most popular games of all time, especially among the younger generation, Fortnite has taken the world by storm on virtually every platform. Now, you can also access the game through your Android device too. While you might have to get used to the new controls on a smaller screen, you can attach a controller if that helps.

Fortnite's appeal comes from its engaging “Battle Royale” experience, which pits countless players against each other in customizable environments. The game is wonderfully addictive and ideal for people who can't get enough of the console game.

6. Among Us

Though it first launched in 2018, Among Us didn't achieve its incredible bout of success until 2020. Today, the world is covered in Among Us merchandise, and you can easily play the game across various devices.

This cooperative multiplayer game is a lot of fun, asking friends to work together to discover who might be the less trustworthy person in your team. The game is simple to get your head around, and the fun animations and mini-games make it easy to get hours of entertainment from a single download. You'll quickly discover what the fuss is all about.

7. Brawlhalla

Ever wished you could bring the fun of Super Smash Bros onto your smartphone? Now you can. Brawlhalla is an alternative to the Nintendo-focused fighting game, offering many of the same mechanics. The free-to-play game has many fantastic characters, each with a unique fighting style.

You'll battle for the top spot in a ring where you can access various unique and wacky weapons designed to help you knock your competitors off the stage. The various characters and seasonal events give this game ton of replay value.

8. Call of Duty: Mobile

What do you do when creating one of the biggest games in the console and PC world? You transform the title into a mobile game, of course. Call of Duty Mobile is your way to access COD's fun and chaos on your smartphone device.

The app has many fun ways to play, including Team Deathmatch, Kill-Confirmed, and even a Battle Royale mode. What's more, you'll have access to various challenges to test your skills and earn points to improve your ranking.

9. PUBG Mobile

For fans of the wargame-style Android app, PUBG mobile offers an experience similar to COD and Fortnite. PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds first impacted the gamer market when it appeared on the console and PC, but it's also earned quite a following on mobile.

Fast-paced and ideal for those who like a challenge, PUBG gives you many different game mechanics to explore and master as you get deeper into the game experience. This is it if you're looking for something to test your shooter skills.

10. Doors: Paradox

Proof that puzzle games can also be beautifully relaxing, the Doors: Paradox game is perfect for anyone who loves stunning graphic design. The Doors app has become one of the most popular in the puzzle category for Android players. You get a range of diorama-style puzzles you need to learn how to unlock using your investigation skills.

Although it can be a little frustrating to find the solution to certain puzzles at times, the serene music and beautiful graphics will help to keep you “zen” as you work your way through each door.

11. Final Fantasy VII

Got a lot of free space in your Android memory banks? Why not use it to travel into the world of nostalgia with one of the most popular Final Fantasy games of all time? Created by Square Enix, the Final Fantasy 7 game is one of the top options for Android gamers in the world today.

This beautiful game might look a little clunky compared to the graphics we know today, but the fantastic fight sequences and phenomenal story are sure to keep you hooked. You'll rediscover your love of the Final Fantasy franchise all over again here.

12. Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger could be another excellent choice if you feel nostalgic for some more old-fashioned role-playing games. First introduced in 1995, this is quite an old-fashioned game compared to some of the titles we'll cover today, but it's one worth playing.

Considered one of the best RPGs of all time, Chrono Trigger takes you on a journey through time, where you'll encounter various challenges and creatures along the way. There are many pixelated worlds to explore and a fantastic soundtrack to enjoy as you play.

13. Gwent

Love playing card games on your phone? Combine your appreciation of the Witcher series with your ability to strategize in a fantastic game of Gwent. Taken from the iconic series of adventure games, Gwent is a fast-paced and challenging card game intended to put your thinking skills to the test.

The PVP app for Android is top-rated among deck-building enthusiasts. You'll learn how to combine different cards to improve your chances of success and gather new abilities over time as you rack up more wins. You can even unlock powerful skills and develop new strategies as you go.

14. Stardew Valley

Enjoy a more relaxing gaming experience on your Android with one of the best Android games focused on worldbuilding. Stardew Valley is a masterpiece in the gaming world, with a beautiful range of stories to explore and various things to do and see as you play.

The game has become incredibly popular in the PC landscape and across various consoles, like the Nintendo Switch. In Stardew Valley, you'll explore hidden caves, build a home of your own, and harvest crops to your heart's content.

15. League of Legends: Wild Rift

League of Legends is one of those powerfully addictive games capable of gaining an almost cult-like following among fans. The “LoL” franchise has grown to exceptional levels over the years, resulting in the release of a dedicated smartphone game “Wild Rift.”

The Wild Rift version of League of Legends allows players to enjoy fast-paced 5v5 battles where they can experiment with different champions and learn how to use new tactics in battle. The game's fun and sometimes chaotic mechanics make it easy to get swept away.

15. The Room Series

Easily one of the highest-rated apps on the Google Play store, the Room Series is a collection of influential, mind-boggling puzzle games. These titles are designed to frustrate and even enrage you as you search for clues, one room at a time.

Though some rooms can feel like they take hours to complete, there's something to be said for the incredible sense of achievement you feel when a door unlocks, and you can progress to the next level. ?You may find some tasks are a little easier to tackle if you have a larger smartphone screen.

16. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Star Wars games aren't just for console and PC fans anymore. Now you can play as your favorite characters and forge an allegiance on your smartphone's dark or light side. This fantastic and immersive game is surprisingly comprehensive for a smartphone title, giving players the option to take the path of the Sith or the Jedi.

You'll have many opportunities to check out some of the most popular locations in the Star Wars world, such as the Sith Academy on Korriban, the Cantina of Tatooine, and countless others.

17. Tabletop Racing: World Tour

Embrace your need for speed with an Android game designed for racing lovers. Tabletop racing is a high-speed game that asks you to guide tiny cars around fun circuits made from household objects. It's a bit like micro machines, but it also has elements of Mario Kart, with competitive elements and weapons to help you fend off opponents.

As you play, you'll be able to collect opportunities to upgrade your vehicle so you can compete more effectively on various tasks. Plus, the controls are relatively simple too.

18. Arena of Valor

The MOBA market is heavily dominated by titles like League of Legends and Dota 2 in the PC market, but there's still plenty of room for games to impact the mobile world. One of the top-rated MOBA titles for Android has to be Arena of Valor.

This five vs. five game is brimming with unforgettable characters, each with its own unique strengths, weaknesses, weapons, and fighting styles. You can even create your own guild as you master the skills of more than 100 different heroes.

19. Crossy Road

Surprisingly addictive for such a simple game, Crossy Road has captured the hearts of more than 200 million players worldwide. With this fun and playful title, you'll challenge yourself to get further and further through an ever-changing world of dangerous roads with playful blocky characters.

One game or two is all it takes to show you why this iconic title went viral in the first place. You can also compete against friends and family on the same device.

20. Hitman Go

Square Enix seems to have developed quite the skill for transforming high-quality console and PC games into mobile versions. Hitman Go is one of the most exciting insights into this talent. The app takes your favorite bald assassin and places him in an abstract environment, resembling a tabletop board game.

With Hitman Go, you take turns moving your Agent 47 game piece around a board, snuffing out targets as you go. The elegant aesthetic is a world apart from the somewhat dramatic visuals most people are used to with Hitman.

21. Reigns: Her Majesty

We meant it when we said we were looking at games for everyone. Reigns: Her Majesty is a follow-up title to the original Reigns game, asking players to make decisions as a medieval monarch reigning over her land. The robust management mechanics and rich writing make this title one of the top downloads on the Google Play store.

Reigns is a fun game with a lot of gorgeous animations, as well as plenty of opportunities to put your decision-making skills to the test.

22. Threes

If you're looking for something a little simpler from the best Android games this year, check out the viral sensation: Threes. This little puzzle game is adorable and engaging, focused on getting players to combine different numbered tiles together to create the biggest possible combos.

Don't let the cute animation style fool you; this game is much more challenging than it appears. The pastel aesthetics create a direct contrast to the rock-hard gaming puzzles.

23. Dead Cells

One of the most attractive titles on our list of the best Android games for this year, Dead Cells is a beautiful world of adventure to explore at your own pace. The controller support built into the game is pretty essential, as you'll have a hard time managing with your touchscreen alone.

This is a challenging game, similar in style to Dark Souls, which means you'll need to expect death quite a few times before you'll master the mechanics. Fortunately, as you unlock new weapons and skills, you'll find the experience becomes a little easier.

24. Baba Is You

Speaking of challenging games, Baba is You could be the perfect title if you're looking for something to make you think while you game. Simple but effective, this award-winning puzzle game allows you to change the rules you play as you work.

You get to interact with different blocks, which define the rules you're working within each level. As you might expect, this can lead to confusion, but the gaming experience is fantastic.

25. Bridge Constructor Portal

It may not be the Portal 3 title everyone has been waiting for, but Bridge Constructor Portal will give you your fix. This playful and challenging game gives you access to the Aperture Science Enrichment Center, where you'll experiment with portal guns to create ramps, slides, and bridges.

The idea is to work across around 60 text chambers, getting your characters from one side of the environment to the other using your trusty portal generator.

26. Grand Mountain Adventure

Grand Mountain Adventure is an excellent pick if you like the speed of racing games but don't want the standard car or rally experience. This engaging title places you on a ski slope where you can use a board or skis to navigate various complex environments.

Grand Mountain Adventure has some excellent graphics for an Android game, with plenty of beautiful environments to explore. There are seven open-world mountains to check out and hundreds of challenges to access.

27. Bad North

One of the more classic strategy game titles on our list, Bad North, places you in an environment where your home is under attack. Your king is dead, and it's up to you to take the place of the ruler and protect your citizens from intruders.

While it can take a while to advance in this title, it's an excellent option for people who like the world-building mechanics of this kind of strategy game. Plus, it's fair to say the graphics are pretty attractive too.

28. Candies n' Curses

One of the most adorable games on the Android system right now, Candies n ‘Curses, is available to play online and offline. You'll play as the character “Molli pop” as you fight off hordes of ghosts and ghouls in a mansion haunted by the Phantom king.

The more you play, the more you'll level your character with powerful tools like flashlights and new abilities. You can even team up with ghost dogs to help you protect your mansion.

29. Pureya

Brimming with retro-style Gameboy mechanics, Pureya is an interesting take on Android games, allowing you to play many different simple arcade games at once. The game option switches up every ten seconds so that you can jump from one platform to another.

You'll gather marbles you can use in a machine to unlock collectibles and other games as you play. There are a ton of Nintendo titles you might be familiar with within this game, and you'll have more than 30 different challenges to unlock in total.

30. Mario Kart Tour

With Mario Kart Tour, you can take your love of the Mario Kart ecosystem into the mobile world and challenge players worldwide in a global multiplayer experience. You can race against up to 7 other players, which include in-game friends, nearby loved ones, and people scattered worldwide.

As you develop your skills in the Mario Kart world, you'll be able to unlock unique rewards and customizations for your kart, making you even more competitive. If you already love Mario Kart, this is an excellent choice.

The Best Android Games for 2022

As you can see, there is no shortage of fantastic Android games to keep you entertained this year. From racing games to puzzle games, Battle Royale titles, and shooters, there's something for every style of gamer. Which games do you love most on Android right now?