5 free mobile games to try out

Play by yourself, with friends, or with others on the internet!

Free games often hold the trade-off of having to please the capitalist machine because of all the in-app purchases you eventually have to make to progress further. Ads are the enemy when it comes to these free to play mobile setups, but they’re not so bad if you’re just starting out.  

So if you don’t mind watching a couple of ads in exchange for playing or are willing to eventually spend a bit on in-game items or premium expansion packs, these games might be your cup of tea.  

If you want something a step above Among Us

Town of Salem- The Coven’s PC version is touted as the OG Werewolf/Mafia game, preceding even Among Us. The mobile version pretty much works the same way. Players are assigned different roles and abilities in the town, with the objective being to either kill or track down the killers. It has 33 roles, ensuring a different play experience every time.  

Number of players: 7-15
Available on: PC, iOS, Android

If you want to get in on that racing game action, but on your phone

KartRider Rush+ has all the features that you’d look for in a typical kart racing game. An offshoot of the classic PC game, critics call it the best option for those looking for a proper mobile racing game. You’ll be provided a quick tutorial during your first race, where you learn to drift and use the different combos and controls. Pro-tip: make sure to master drifting! To play online with friends, you can open a room under the Speed Race option. 

Number of players: 1-8
Available on: iOS, Android

If you like pushing buttons and shouting at your friends

Spaceteam’s website description is exactly that. You’ll have to be able to hear each other, so make sure to get on a call with your friends over Discord or another app. Each player is assigned a random control panel with buttons, switches, sliders, and dials, with the goal to coordinate before time runs out (and the ship falls apart).  

Number of players: 3-6 
Available on: iOS, Android

If you like a good challenge and card games

Legends of Runeterra is a 1v1 card game that uses the lore from League of Legends. Launched just this year by Riot Games, it’s gained a reputation for having the least predatory economic models for a mobile game. Since it’s founded on existing lore, the learning curve is quite steep. This is best suited for those who have experience with card games. One of the developers was actually a pro Magic: The Gathering player, so the gameplay is quite similar.  

Number of players: 2
Available on: iOS, Android

If you have time and money to spend

Genshin Impact was the buzziest release of October. On the surface, it’s a gacha game where you collect anime waifus. But once you get into it you’ll discover an amazing world of fantasy and magic, made even greater by stellar graphics and compelling storylines.

Co-op only becomes available once you reach Level 16 in the game, which could take around two to three hours. Once there, you can do the side quests and world quests on co-op mode. Crossplay over the different platforms is also available. 

Number of players: 2-4, in co-op mode
Available on: PC, iOS, Android, PS4, Nintendo Switch

Got any other mobile game recs? Let us know in the comments below!