The 10 best free mobile games as a surprising entry takes the top spot

Daily Record

2 days ago

For those looking for a new game to play on their phone, here are the top 10 handpicked free mobile games.
When people first talk about playing video games, the majority of us may first associate this with an expensive PC or console along with the latest highly-anticipated game to hit the market, with Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty amongst the most mentioned.
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While for the avid gamers this may be the best way to submerge themselves into the action, there is a whole other realm of gaming that is enjoyed by a wider range of the population. With most people owning a smartphone or tablet, it wouldn't be a surprise if there was at least one mobile game stored onto every device.
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With many of these mobile games available for a much more affordable price, smartphone users also have a variety of games to choose from that are completely free. Whether you enjoy puzzle games, first-person shooters or role playing games, there is something available for everyone.
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Some games are standalone titles, whereas others are spin-offs of other well known games - allowing more people to get involved in the gaming world.
For those wanting a new game to download to their smartphone, here are ten of the best free mobile games available on Android and iOS, handpicked by Daily Express editor Liam Martin.
Top 10 free mobile games
10. Fallout Shelter
Taking the tenth stop on the list is the spin-off game of the hugely popular Fallout series created by Bethesda. For those unfamiliar with the PC game, players freely roam around a post-nuclear wasteland.
They will encounter a range of enemies and mysteries to solve, as well as delving into post-nuclear power struggles. The mobile edition was launched in 2015 and allows gamers to explore a slightly smaller world. In this game, players build their own vault and try to protect survivors inside.
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Along with some microtransactions, this game centers around defending the vault and repopulating the world. In order to upgrade and customise the characters, players need to send people out to take part in missions.
9. Fortnite
Originally this game was designed to be a co-operative survival game, but it became widely popular all over the world for its battle royale gameplay. Dropping 100 players onto an island, everyone battles against each other to be the last player standing.
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Now how new players download the mobile game slightly differs between iOS and Android. For those wanting to compete using an iPad or an iPhone, you need to download the Epic Games app to play the game. However, Android users can instead download the Fortnite game app directly to their device.
8. Woodoku
Stepping to the world of puzzle games, Woodoku combines the elements of Tetris and Sudoku to create its own addictive game. All players need to do is place a variety of different shapes onto the grid.
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However, the added difficulty comes through being given three pieces that you need to somehow fit into the remaining spaces on the board. Points are given by filling in a square or a row.
Filling a row can be the best angle of attack as players will be able to clear blocks from the board to make more space for the next set of blocks. The game ends when you run out of space and cannot fit any new blocks into the grid.
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7. Genshin Impact
For those who are fans of the Legend of Zelda games, this may be the best game for you. With added elements of fast-paced combat and team battles, this game will have you immersed in a whole new world.
Featuring a large world for players to explore, gamers will come across handy resources and treasures, as well as dangers such as dungeons and monsters.
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It should be noted that this game does include a lot of microtransactions to help players move along. However, for those who want to avoid these, players will need to spend extra time grinding away at each level.
6. Pokemon Go
Adding an element of exercise to your gameplay, this augmented-reality game has players leaving their homes and going for a wonder as they literally try to 'catch 'em all'.
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As players walk around their home town or a new city, they will be able to see Pokemon characters right in front of them through their phone screens. The goal is to capture them in your poke ball so you can use them in battle later on.
Combining elements of the old Gameboy pokemon games with the fun of augmented reality, this game became widely popular across the globe.
5. Marvel Snap
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For those who are fans of the Marvel universe, this game will allow you to bring all of your favourite characters together. In this game players are given a deck of 12 cards which each represent either a superhero or supervillain from the franchise.
In order to defeat other human players, you need to place cards at different locations from across the Marvel Universe. While the game is simple to play, there isn't much room for expansion apart from adding new characters.
4. Candy Crush Saga
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Coming in at fourth place is one of the biggest and most popular mobile games ever created - Candy Crush Saga. This widely addictive game sees players simply matching tiles to meet a target.
This sweet treat game sets players the goal of destroying candies such as jellybeans, jellies and marshmallows by matching them together to create handy combos. As usual bigger combos mean bigger points, but players need to be selective as they are only allowed a certain number of moves.
While players can help themselves out by buying extra lives and power ups if they really want to, this game will quickly become your new or renewed obsession with its sound effects, bright colours and vibrations.
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3. Data Wing
This popular game has been awarded near perfect reviews on both iOS and Android due to its simple premise and graphics. Simply put, this is a racing game that requires players to race others to take data from one location to another as quickly as they can.
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However, players will need to be wary of obstacles that may try and block their way. With satisfying power ups, such as a wall-boosting mechanic, this game will become more addictive the longer you choose to play. The added bonus is that this game has zero microtransactions or pop ups.
2. Rocket League Sideswipe
Console game players have frequently enjoyed this game as it involves cars playing football in giant boxed-in areas. Fans of the original game will be happy to note that there are no differences between the console and mobile versions, meaning players can continue to enjoy the game while out and about.
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This game earns second place on the list as it can bring out a player's competitive edge as they aim to make an explosive goal or complete a last-minute save. Players can also customise their vehicle to fit their liking and find a variety of new ways to play.
1. Vampire Survivors
Taking the top spot is the former game of the year - Vampire Survivors. Completely different from the rest of the free mobile games on the list, this game is involves becoming a bullet-hell type survivor as you battle enemy hordes.
However, what makes this game different is that there aren't any attack commands in the game. Instead, players need to manually move around the map and avoid monsters while the game attacks them on your behalf.
With an in-game currency to make upgrades and get new characters, players will be provided a variety of new power ups and attacks when they reach a new level.