The best free mobile games for iPhone, iPad and Android — updated Sep 28, 2026

# What this list is and why it exists This Pocket Gamer list gathers notable free mobile games you can download on iPhone, iPad, or Android. It began when developers temporarily made premium titles free during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Over time the list evolved into an ongoing curation of high-quality free-to-play, free-to-start, and discounted premium games.

# How games get chosen The editors aim for a mix of genres and playstyles so readers with different tastes can find something useful. The list avoids repeating the very biggest mainstream names where possible and favors variety: roguelikes, platformers, gacha RPGs, multiplayer runners, location-based experiences, and more.

# Representative titles on the list

• Genshin Impact: An open-world action RPG known for expansive environments and a gacha-driven character system. It launched to wide attention for its world design and monetization model and remains a notable free download.

• Brawl Stars: A multiplayer arena brawler with many playable characters (brawlers), short matches, and an emphasis on steady progression. The game supports microtransactions but remains playable without spending.

• Blue Protocol: Star Resonance: A combat-focused action RPG that keeps many genre trappings but excludes a traditional gacha mechanic. The game emphasizes responsive melee combat and visual counters tied to timed dodges.

• Monster Hunter Now: A location-based title that uses real-world movement to find monsters, collect items, and upgrade gear. It follows the model popularized by earlier location-based games.

# How to use the list

• If you prefer short sessions and progression without lengthy commitment, look for idle or short-match titles (the site links to idle-game lists as well).
• If you want narrative or exploration, try open-world or action RPGs like Genshin Impact or Blue Protocol: Star Resonance.
• If you enjoy social or competitive play, choose team-based or arena titles such as Brawl Stars.
• If you want novel mechanics, try unique hybrids like Deadword that fuse word puzzles with survival mechanics.

Free can mean different things: completely free with optional purchases, free-to-start with optional paid expansions, or temporarily free premium games. The list includes all these variants and is updated to reflect current availability and notable changes.

# Where to go next on Pocket Gamer The site maintains related curated lists: best idle games for iOS, best idle games on Android, best free strategy games for Android, and iOS strategy lists. These narrower lists are useful if you already know the genre you want.

# Quick reader checklist

• Decide the amount of time and money you want to invest. Free-to-play titles often work well without spending but can include optional purchases.
• Pick a genre or mechanic that appeals: word puzzles, open world, arena combat, action RPG, or location-based play.

# Bottom line This updated list gathers a diverse set of free mobile games worth trying in 2026. It prioritizes variety and quality across platforms, and it's maintained so the selection reflects recent releases and notable free options.