27 Best Mobile Games If You're Trying to Relax After a Busy Day

You've probably downloaded games that looked amazing in ads, only to delete them minutes later. That's why we've sorted through the noise to find 27 games worth your time. 

Whether you want quick casual games on your mobile phone or something more meaningful, this guide has you covered. We even start with Headway — an app that turns learning into a game, so your downtime actually adds value to any spare moment. Download this app today and see for yourself!

From Candy Crush Saga to immersive experiences like Pokémon GO, these games respect your time and intelligence. Let's find your next favorite.

Quick answer: What are the top 10 mobile games?

1. Minecraft — Ultimate creative sandbox with infinite possibilities.

2. Pokémon GO — Revolutionary AR game that gets you moving.

3. Candy Crush Saga — Most downloaded puzzle game of all time.

4. Call of Duty Mobile — Console-quality FPS action on your phone.

5. Words with Friends — Social word game with 70M+ active players.

6. Headway — Turn learning into a game with 15-minute book summaries.

7. Alto's Adventure — Most relaxing endless runner ever made.

8. Hill Climb Racing — Addictive physics-based driving.

9. Solitaire — Timeless classic perfected for mobile.

10. 2048 — Simple yet brilliant number puzzle.

Quick quiz: What's your play style? Find your perfect mobile game in one minute

Every gamer has a unique style. Do you know yours? Answer these eight quick Yes/No questions to see which type of mobile game fits you best.

Mobile tools that make you smarter

These puzzle games challenge your mind while keeping you entertained. Perfect for when you want to feel productive during your gaming sessions.

1. Impulse

Train your brain with daily games that boost focus and logic. This cognitive training app offers short workouts designed to sharpen your thinking in just minutes daily.

Key features:

• Personalized brain training plans across memory, attention, and problem-solving.

• Progress tracking that shows how you compare with other users.

• Hundreds of mini-games targeting different cognitive areas.

• Daily workout reminders to build consistent habits.

Time commitment: 5-10 minutes per session.

2. Headway

Turn book summaries into a game while actually learning something valuable. This gamified learning app delivers key insights from bestselling nonfiction in bite-sized 15-minute sessions.

Turn growth into a game

• 15-min book summaries to keep learning effortlessly
• Collect wins with daily streaks and insights
• Save audio highlights as you listen

Start growing

Key features: 

• Visual learning aids and natural voiceovers make complex ideas digestible.

• Streak-building system and reading stats to track your growth. 

• Personalized book recommendations tailored to your needs.

• Audio and text formats to fit any schedule. 

Time commitment: 5-15 minutes per session.

3. 2048

A classic sliding puzzle that challenges you to merge tiles with numbers to reach the elusive 2048 tile. Sounds easy, but it's actually difficult!

Key features: 

• Simple swipe controls that anyone can master. 

• No time limits so you can think through each move. 

• Minimal design that won't strain your eyes. 

• Works as one of the best offline games for gaming anywhere.

• Multiple game modes and variations available.

Time commitment: 5-15 minutes per game.

4. Trivia Crack

Test your knowledge against friends or strangers in this competitive trivia game. Spin the wheel and answer questions across six different categories in exciting gameplay.

Key features: 

• Questions covering science, history, pop culture, sports, geography, art, etc. 

• Challenge friends or play against random dudes. 

• Collect characters as you master different categories. 

• Create your own questions for the community.

• Available in multiple languages on iOS and Android.

Time commitment: 10-20 minutes per match.

5. Words with Friends

The digital evolution of Scrabble that connects word lovers worldwide. Build words on the board and outscore your opponents with strategic tile placement in one of the most popular mobile games.

Key features: 

• Play multiple games simultaneously with different opponents. 

• Solo mode to practice against computer opponents.

• Word strength meter shows how good your play is. 

• Built-in dictionary to learn new words. 

• Continue games across all your devices including iPad.

Time commitment: Games can last days with turn-based play.

Classic games reimagined for mobile

Timeless classic games get a digital makeover. These mobile versions of traditional favorites bring nostalgic gameplay to your fingertips.

6. Pool Billiards Pro

Experience realistic billiards physics right on your mobile phone. This top-rated pool game brings the pool hall to your pocket with multiple game modes.

Key features: 

• 8 Ball and 9 Ball pool variations. 

• Single player and online multiplayer games. 

• 180+ arcade challenges to master. 

• Realistic 3D ball animation and physics. 

• Touch controls optimized for mobile play.

Time commitment: 5-10 minutes per game.

7. Solitaire

This card game is waiting to be installed on your phone(Just like the good old days!). MobilityWare's version offers the authentic Klondike experience with modern conveniences on Android and iPhone.

Key features: 

• Draw-1 and Draw-3 game modes. 

• Daily challenges with unique puzzles. 

• Unlimited hints and undo options. 

• Customizable cards and backgrounds. 

• Stats tracking to monitor your progress.

Time commitment: 5-10 minutes per game.

Relaxing mobile games for stressful days

These games offer peaceful gameplay that just calms your mind when you really need it.

8. Origame

Simple paper-folding puzzles that bring zen to your fingertips. Fold virtual paper step by step until you create the shape you want.

Key features: 

• One-finger controls make it accessible to everyone.

• Soothing sound effects and minimalist visuals.

• Progressive difficulty that never feels frustrating.

• Hundreds of shapes to try.

Time commitment: 2-5 minutes per puzzle.

9. Alto's Adventure

This app is about snowboarding through stunning mountains! Guide Alto down slopes in this adventure and enjoy really beautifull gameplay.

Key features: 

• Dynamic weather and day-night cycles create unique atmospheres.

• Zen mode removes scores for pure relaxation. 

• Unlock new characters with special abilities. 

• Complete 180 handcrafted goals. 

• Original ambient soundtrack enhances the experience.

Time commitment: 5-30 minutes per session.

10. Two Dots

Connect dots to clear levels. This is a minimalist game, but simple mechanics have thousands of levels.

Key features: 

• 7,450+ unique levels. 

• Multiple game modes including Treasure Hunt and Flip.

• Beautiful minimalist art style.

• Optional power-ups help with tricky levels.

Time commitment: 5-10 minutes per level.

11. Pocket World 3D

Build famous landmarks piece by piece in this 3D game. Great option if you want to recreate iconic structures from around the world.

Key features: 

• Hundreds of detailed models to construct.

• 360-degree view to admire your completed work. 

• Relaxing background music sets a calm mood.

• No time pressure lets you build at your pace.

• Educational facts about each landmark.

Time commitment: 10-30 minutes per model.

Action-packed mobile games for thrill seekers

Get adrenaline pumping with these action games that test your reflexes and strategic thinking against other players and yourself.

12. Call of Duty Mobile

The legendary FPS franchise brings console-quality shooting games to mobile. Try to experience first-person shooter multiplayer battles and zombies.

Key features: 

• Multiple modes, including Team Deathmatch and 100-player Battle Royale.

• Legendary maps from the Call of Duty franchise.

• Regular updates with new content.

Time commitment: 10-20 minutes per match.

13. Car Racing

High-octane racing games where you can experience driving physics across various tracks.

Key features: 

• Multiple car types from sports cars to trucks.

• Open world and track racing modes. 

• Customizable vehicles and upgrades. 

• Stunning 3D graphics optimized for mobile.

Time commitment: 5-15 minutes per race.

14. Hill Climb Racing

Physics-based driving that's simple yet addictive. 

Key features: 

• Unique vehicles from bikes to tanks.

• Procedurally generated tracks for endless variety.

• Upgrade system for vehicles.

• Works completely as one of the best offline games. 

• Daily challenges and special events.

Time commitment: 5-10 minutes per run.

15. Aquapark.io

Race down massive water slides and knock opponents off track. Simple controls hide competitive gameplay as you aim for first place in these fun io games.

Key features: 

• One-finger steering makes it easy to play. 

• Jump off slides to take risky shortcuts.

• Unlock new water parks and character skins. 

• Quick matches perfect for short breaks. 

Time commitment: 2-5 minutes per race.

16. Bloons Tower Defense

Strategic tower defense where monkeys pop invading balloons. Place towers strategically to defend against increasingly challenging waves in one of the best strategy games.

Key features: 

• Over 20 unique monkey towers with upgrade paths.

• 100+ missions across diverse maps.

• Daily challenges and special events.

• Co-op mode to play with friends.

• Regular updates with new content.

Time commitment: 15-30 minutes per level.

Mobile games with stories worth your time

Immerse yourself in creative gameplay with these video games that emphasize storytelling and imagination.

17. The Witch's Isle

Mystery adventure on a cursed island with multiple endings. You have until 4 AM to find a stolen urn or face death from a witch's curse.

Key features: 

• Seven different endings based on your choices. 

• Follow other characters to solve puzzles.

• No hand-holding lets you discover solutions naturally.

• The time limit adds tension without being stressful.

Time commitment: 2-4 hours for complete playthrough.

18. Battle Chasers: Nightwar

RPG adventure based on the comic series you know. Deep combat meets dungeon crawling in this role-playing experience.

Key features: 

• Classic combat with a unique overcharge system. 

• Randomly generated dungeons with secrets. 

• Deep crafting system for epic gear. 

Time commitment: 30+ hours of content.

19. The Sims Mobile

Create virtual lives, decorate dream home, get a dog, and make all your dreams true, at least virtually.

Key features: 

• Customize every aspect of your Sims' appearance.

• Build and decorate homes with thousands of items. 

• Pursue careers and develop relationships. 

Time commitment: 15-30 minutes per session.

Mobile games for builders and designers

Choose a game below to start expressing yourself through digital creation.

20. Minecraft

The ultimate sandbox where imagination is your only limit. Build anything from simple homes to complex cities block by block in one of the most popular video games ever.

Key features: 

• Creative and survival gameplay modes. 

• Infinite worlds to explore and build in. 

• Multiplayer support with cross-platform play. 

• Regular updates with new blocks and features. 

• Works offline for building on the go.

Time commitment: Sessions from 10 minutes to hours.

21. Covet Fashion: Dress Up Game

Become a virtual fashion designer with real-world brands. Style models for challenges and compete with fashionistas worldwide in this dress up game.

Key features: 

• Clothing from 150+ real fashion brands.

• Daily styling challenges and competitions. 

• Join Fashion Houses to connect with other players.

• Vote on looks from the community. 

• Shop real items featured in the game.

Time commitment: 10-20 minutes per session.

Turn growth into a game

• 15-min book summaries to keep learning effortlessly
• Collect wins with daily streaks and insights
• Save audio highlights as you listen

Try now

Quick mobile games when you've got 5 minutes

These casual games offer instant fun without commitment.

22. Candy Crush Saga

Match three or more candies. Clear levels. It's simple to learn but challenging to master!

Key features: 

• Hundreds of levels with regular additions. 

• Various game modes keep gameplay fresh. 

• Daily bonuses and special events.

• Works offline.

Time commitment: 5-10 minutes per level.

23. Bubble Shooter

Pop colorful bubbles in this arcade game. Here strategic shooting meets satisfying bubble-popping action!

Key features: 

• Simple tap-to-aim controls. 

• Thousands of challenging levels. 

• Colorblind mode available. 

• No time limits on most levels.

Time commitment: 3-5 minutes per level.

24. Fruit Ninja

Slice fruit with just a swipe in this arcade game. Trust us, this simple concept will keep you coming back.

Key features:

• Multiple modes, including Classic, Zen, and Arcade. 

• Special bananas trigger bonus effects. 

• Unlock new blades and backgrounds. 

• Satisfying slicing sound effects.

Time commitment: 2-5 minutes per session.

25. Zombie Tsunami

Lead a horde of zombies through endless running mayhem. Your zombie group grows and shrinks based on how many people you catch in this unique action game.

Key features: 

• One-touch controls for the entire horde. 

• Transform zombies with power-ups like ninjas and dragons.

• 300+ missions to complete. 

• 11 different locations to run through. 

• Upgrade zombie abilities and bonuses.

Time commitment: 5-10 minutes per run.

26. Ballz

Just break blocks by shooting balls at them. What can be simpler?

Key features: 

• Simple aim-and-shoot mechanics anyone can learn.

• Collect power-ups to enhance your shots. 

• Endless gameplay gets progressively harder. 

• No time limits let you plan each shot.

Time commitment: 5-15 minutes per session

Adventure games that get you moving

These games mix the digital and physical worlds, motivating you to explore your surroundings while playing.

27. Pokémon GO

The revolutionary AR game that brought Pokémon into the real world. Walk around your neighborhood to catch, battle, and trade Pokémon in one of the most successful mobile games ever.

Key features: 

• Augmented reality brings Pokémon to life through your camera. 

• Gym battles and raid events with other players. 

• Regular community days and special events.

• Trading and friend features. 

• Adventure sync tracks steps even when app is closed.

Time commitment: Sessions from 5 minutes to hours.

Turn self-development into a game with Headway

Playtime is important in adulthood. You need regular breaks to stimulate your happiness and creativity. Fortunately, these top game apps help you unlock that childhood wonder from your phone.

You can find relaxing music, beautiful artwork, stimulating gameplay, and engaging storylines. These fun game apps will fire up your competitive side and boost your brain simultaneously.

If you're looking for a stimulating app to pass the time, try Headway. Our app has colorful imagery to keep you engaged. It encourages you to build a streak. Plus, it makes learning fun from anywhere. 

There's so much to choose from, including standalone book summaries or reading challenges to suit your interests! Download the Headway app from Google Play or App Store to start today.