With millions of mobile games available on the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, it should be easy to find your next favorite game—right? In theory, yes. With so many games available and with new developers pushing the frontiers of mobile gaming, there should be quality options in every category.
In reality, finding a game that can hold your attention is challenging. The mobile gaming market is booming, which means it has been inundated with half-baked ideas and mobile games with subpar mechanics. In other words, finding your next beloved game might be a bit trickier than expected.
We’ve curated a list that should make it easier for you to explore new games. Each title is recommended based on another hugely popular mobile game that you’ve likely played. Let’s dive in.
For Candy Crush Saga Fans: Sweet Bonanza
Candy Crush Saga helped put mobile gaming on the map when it was released in 2012, along with match-three games. If you’ve tapped out of your Candy Crush Saga level-climbing, then try out Sweet Bonanza, which includes the same colorful motifs and themes as the original. Sweet Bonanza differs in other ways. The game is an online slot, which offers a similarly straightforward setup as match-three games. Simply spin the virtual reel and wait for winning combinations as you traverse magical lands.
For Fans of Subway Surfer: Super Mario Run
The same year that Candy Crush Saga put match-three games on the map, Subway Surfer introduced a new sort of infinitely playable game: side-scrollers for mobile. The runner game has proved to be a popular format, inspiring new hits like Temple Run and Sonic Dash. But we think Super Mario Run is worth downloading next. Mario’s creator, Nintendo, released one of the first successful side-scrolling games—Super Mario Bros. As such, its mobile iteration has familiar callbacks to the original hit, adding layers of intrigue and nostalgia.
For Among Us Fans: Town of Salem
Among Us has been one of the most innovative hits in mobile gaming. Though its creators didn’t invent social deduction games, they helped put them on the map with this accessible and straightforward game. But Town of Salem, originally released on PC, took on this challenge first. Now, it’s available for mobile. It bridges all the intrigue and mystery of games like Among Us, but also includes historical factoids and characters based on the colonial Salem, Massachusetts witch hunt in the US. Â
For Genshin Impact Fans: Xenoblade Chronicles 3
For those who don’t know, Genshin Impact is an action RPG that allows players to explore an open world and take on others using elemental magic. It combines multiple popular forms of entertainment, from its anime design to its turn-based battles. But if you want to explore an even more imaginative world, we recommend Xenoblade Chronicles 3. This game includes the same general setup, just with an even more promising narrative storyline. It opens with six characters divided into two opposing factions who must suddenly work together to navigate a dangerous new world.
For PUBG Mobile Fans: Garena Free Fire
This battle royale game has a highly compelling setup: be the last to survive out of one hundred players dropped onto an island with tons of weaponry. Hits like Call of Duty: Mobile and Fortnite also include battle royale modes that mobile gamers have rated highly. However, we suggest trying something new with Garena Free Fire. This game has taken over regions like Southeast Asia, helping foster some of the biggest mobile gaming competitions in the world. The title includes tons of unique characters and challenges, which will keep you glued to your screen.
For Mario Kart Tour Fans: Beach Buggy Racing
Mario Kart Tour brought all the magic of Mario Kart to mobile devices. Given the game’s amazing racing setup and its series of beloved characters, this game is a hard one to top. However, Beach Buggy Racing does a fantastic job of emulating everything that works in Mario Kart Tour, while offering new excitement thanks to its unique settings and highly imaginative power-ups designed to take out the competition. Plus, the selection of off-road vehicles will have you replaying multiple levels to try out each unique ride.
