If you don’t have access to a PC or a console, or you’re just looking for games to play on the go, this list compiles some of the best-paid mobile games. If you’re looking for games with high-quality gameplay and no ads, these games are the way to go.
For this list, we haven’t included Netflix’s game subscription service. However, that is also a great way to get games for your phone, and they have some high-quality games to choose from.
Slay the Spire
Image Credit: Humble Bundle.
No matter what platform you’re on, Slay the Spire is such a great timesink. Whether it’s your first time playing it or your hundredth time, there is still so much to do in the game. Unlocking new characters, finding what build works for you, or getting to the top of the Spire, there is plenty to do!
Whether you’re on Android or iOS, Slay the Spire is the perfect game to take on the go. You can put five minutes into it or do a whole run! The save system allows you to pick it up and put it down whenever you like.
Dead Cells
Image Credit: Motion Twin.
If you’re looking for a game that has a bit of a higher intensity, Dead Cells is it. This game is a stunning metroidvania platformer game with fast-paced combat, which may be a little difficult to play if you’re using the screen to play on. However, with a controller attachment, this game can be lots of fun.
While this game is less likely to be one you can pick up during a five-minute break at work, it can be great for a bus journey or something of the sort. Additionally, it has a fantastic soundtrack and some great DLC.
Monument Valley
Image Credit: ustwo games.
Monument Valley is the epitome of relaxing gameplay. Solving puzzles with trippy physics makes for a fun experience, but one that won’t stress you out beyond belief. If you’re looking for a game to take your mind off of things and to give you a breather from stress, Monument Valley is perfect for that.
Luckily, you don’t need fancy hardware to play it; you just have to tap, slide, and rotate structures to complete levels. If you enjoy the first one, there is a second Monument Valley that you can play too!
The Room
Image Credit: Fireproof Games.
If you’ve always wanted to be a detective, solve puzzles, and complete escape rooms, The Room is the perfect game for you. Completing puzzles is the key to escaping the room, and some of the puzzles are simply ingenious.
This game is perfect to pick up and play whenever you like, as there’s always a little time to solve a puzzle or two. There are plenty of games in The Room franchise, so make sure to give them a go if you enjoyed the first one.
Trivia Crack Premium
Image Credit: etermax.
Trivia can be a great time waster, and if you’re looking to make some time pass quickly, Trivia Crack Premium is one of the best-paid mobile games for it. While the base game is completely free, it is riddled with ads, which can be a bit annoying.
However, this version is ad-free and lets you play as much as you want! There are plenty of different categories to get stuck into. Whether you like art, sport, or general knowledge, there’s something for everyone.
Mini Metro
Image Credit: Dinosaur Polo Club.
Mini Metro is the perfect little puzzle game. It’s great for those who are fans of organisation and travel. You have to build a tube map for a city that is slowly expanding while making it as stress-free as possible.
If you want to experiment with real-life subway maps, that is also an option for you.
Hitman: Sniper
Image Credit: CDE Entertainment.
There are plenty of fantastic Hitman games out there, with most of them being on console or PC. However, Hitman: Sniper is exclusive to mobile and has some really fun missions to play. While the game can be quite challenging, that can be a lot of fun if that is what you’re looking for.
There is plenty of replayability with Hitman: Sniper, too. You can work to see how high you can get your score to be!
Geometry Dash
Image Credit: RobTop Games.
If you like rhythm games, you’ll love the pop world of Geometry Dash. The music is catchy and exciting and adds to the game’s tension. Timing is everything in the world of Geometry Dash.
Depending on how good you are, you may even find yourself excelling at extremely difficult levels, where there are teleporters, spikes on the ceiling, and much, much more.
Due to the type of game it is, it means it’s incredibly easy to hop in and out of. Whether you want to try one level or complete five, there’s something for everyone.
Crypt of the Necrodancer
Crypt of the NecroDancer is another rhythm game, but this one requires some tactics to succeed. It combines the difficulty of a roguelike with the fun musical elements of a rhythm game to make a unique experience that is a lot of fun regardless of what platform you’re on.
If you find you want to add something special to the game, you can add your own music, or get any of the DLC to give you some variety.
Monster Hunter Stories
Image Credit: CAPCOM Co., LTD.
Monster Hunter is a truly loved franchise, and Monster Hunter Stories is an adorable game that takes the franchise in a drastically different direction from the main games in the franchise. Instead, you get to play with a turn-based battle system, hatch eggs, and befriend the creatures that you come across.
Instead of playing out like the original Monster Hunter games, this feels much more like a Pocket Monster game and can be a lot of fun to play on the go!
Thumper: Pocket Edition
Image Credit: Drool.
Thumper is another fantastic rhythm game and is definitely one of the more intense games. I’ve sunk a few hours into this game and am still learning how to play! Getting to explore a dystopian space as a space beetle while trying not to lose a shield can be difficult.
However, getting to slay the monsters at the end of it makes up for the frustration the game can bring. Thumper is the perfect game to take on your pocket-sized device and is one of the best-paid mobile games out there.
The Banner Saga
Image Credit: Stoic Studio.
The Banner Saga is a delightful tactical RPG that has a mix of gorgeous art and aesthetically dated gameplay that makes you feel like you’re playing a game from the 90s. In this 2D game, you get to play as Vikings, where your choices matter, and you have to make allies, fight for your life against enemies, and weed out the bad from the good.
Compared to a lot of games on this list, this is one of the more in-depth games that you can get for mobile, and I really recommend it if you’re looking for something with a bit of oomph.
Final Fantasy VIII
Image Credit: PlayStation.
Final Fantasy is a timeless franchise, and now Square Enix has brought some of the best ones to mobile. You can now get stuck into Final Fantasy VIII with remastered graphics and that same beautiful storyline. Because of the turn-based combat and the hefty story, you are certainly getting bang for your buck with this one.
You can play for as little or as long as you want, and it’ll still take you a decent amount of time to complete this game.
Minecraft
Image Credit: Xbox Game Studios.
Minecraft is loved by people of all ages, and it is one of the most widely available games due to the amount of platforms you can play it on. If you’ve been looking for a high-quality paid mobile game, Minecraft is the way to go.
Whether you’re someone who likes to play creatively or explore the world in survival, there are hours and hours of fun to be had in Minecraft.
Five Nights at Freddy’s
Image Credit: Scott Cawthon.
If you’re looking for a horror experience on your portable device, Five Nights at Freddy’s is the way to go. Whether you dive into the first one for that classic experience or you want to delve into one of the later games, FNAF has plenty on offer.
Additionally, if you complete the base game and are looking for a bit more to add, there is also an Ultimate Custom Night creator, which lets you add modifiers for a difficulty of your choosing.
Monopoly
Image Credit: Hasbro.
Who doesn’t love Monopoly? If you want a board game-style game on your mobile, the paid mobile game of Monopoly is the way to go. Luckily, playing it on your phone doesn’t risk jeopardizing relationships with friends and family.
Instead, you can risk it all by playing against AI or people online. The choice is up to you!
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Photo Credit: Rockstar Games.
If you’re looking for that shot of nostalgia, GTA: San Andreas is the perfect game to get on mobile. Whether you use a controller attachment or just the touch screen, the game is perfectly playable regardless.
Get to explore the streets of San Andreas, whip up some crime, and complete the list of missions for that sweet, sweet adrenaline rush.
Papers, Please
Photo Credits: Lucas Pope
If you’ve been wanting a dystopian experience and real life isn’t cutting it, Papers, Please is the perfect game for just that. Working as border control, you have to make sure your work is clear and concise to make sure that you can heat your home and feed your family.
However, it isn’t as simple as that, and you’ll have to make some tough decisions. Papers, Please works so well on mobile and is easily one of the best paid mobile games out there.
Terraria
Image Credit: Re-Logic.
Much like Minecraft, Terraria is a survival and crafting game. However, it plays out as a side scroller. As you’ll be playing it on mobile, it feels perfect that this would be on a small screen.
Whether you like to fight off enemies and get legendary weapons or you like to build complex structures, there’s something for everyone.
Crashlands
Image Credit: Butterscotch Shenanigans.
Crashlands is a super fun game if you enjoy survival games where you have to fight off unique-looking monsters. Despite the style being somewhat of a retro feel, it works perfectly for mobile. It’s incredibly colorful and the gameplay is so much fun.
The more time you sink into the game, the more chaotic it gets. It’s a perfect game if you just want that little burst of adrenaline to get you through the day.
Wingspan
Image Credit: Monster Couch.
If you’ve wanted to play a card game on your mobile but the free ones aren’t grabbing you, Wingspan is the perfect paid mobile game for this. This game is incredibly relaxing and stress-free and takes you on a strategic journey.
You also get to learn about adorable birds along the way. What’s not to love?
Bad North
Image Credit: Raw Fury.
Bad North is a fantastic RTS game with an absolutely breathtaking art style. It is beautifully minimalist, but the gameplay is thorough and in-depth as you have to protect your island from Viking invaders.
Despite it looking awfully relaxing, it can get pretty stressful if things start to go awry. Bad North will keep you on your toes, that’s for sure.
Death Road to Canada
Image Credit: Rocketcat Games.
Death Road to Canada is a beautifully intense roguelike that takes place during a zombie apocalypse. You have to try to look after a group of survivors and help them flee to Florida while avoiding the zombie invasion.
Of course, the likelihood is that you won’t win on your first attempt. It’s not impossible, but the more you die and reset, the more progress you’ll make overall.
Stardew Valley
Image Credit: ConcernedApe.
It’s not a surprise that Stardew Valley is ranked the best-paid mobile game of all. It spans across a multitude of platforms, and it doesn’t matter which one you play it on, as you’ll have a relaxing and fun experience regardless. Whether you like to complete the quests, go fishing, or complete the museum, Stardew Valley is chock full of stuff to do.
Not only that, but the game has received a ton of updates that have added new content, so make sure to keep an eye out for them.
That concludes our list of the best paid mobile games you can get. There are plenty more, but this list covers something for everyone across expansive genres.
What is your favorite paid mobile game?
