In an era where mobile gaming has become a cornerstone of our digital entertainment, role-playing games (RPGs) have carved out a significant niche, captivating players with their rich narratives, intricate worlds, and immersive experiences. Whether you’re waiting for a bus, relaxing at home, or simply looking to escape into another world for a few moments, mobile RPGs offer the perfect blend of adventure and convenience right at your fingertips.
From sprawling fantasy realms and futuristic sci-fi universes to gripping storylines and strategic battles, the best RPGs for mobile phones cater to a wide array of tastes and preferences. In this guide, we’ll explore the top RPG titles that stand out in 2024, showcasing their unique features, gameplay mechanics, and what makes them a must-play for any RPG enthusiast.
We will also cover the best games for the main platforms available, so whether you’re looking for Android RPGs in the Google Play Store or iOS titles in the App Store, you’ll surely find the perfect pick for your needs. Make sure to check out all the games we listed here, and you’ll surely find the next game that will keep you entertained for hours.
Here are the best RPG mobile games you can try right now:
Table of Contents
Top 10 Must-Play RPG Games for Mobile Phones in 2024
Why Mobile Devices Are the Perfect Platform for RPGs
Best RPG Games for Mobile Devices
Time to Grab Your Phone and Choose Your Next Adventure
Why Mobile Devices Are the Perfect Platform for RPGs
At first, trying a role-playing game on a mobile phone or tablet might seem like a clunky or limited experience, but phones have evolved to the point where they can process games and tasks just like a normal desktop or laptop. This makes them equally good for the most various kinds of games.
However, phones have a unique perk that the conventional PC doesn’t: You can take your phone anywhere and play on the go, whether you’re waiting for your class to start or in bed killing time. It’s the perfect solution if you want entertainment in the palm of your hand.
Also, there is a variety of accessories and peripherals that you can easily pair with them, taking the gameplay experience to the next level. Whether you’re playing open-world RPGs, a game with fast-paced combat, or anything else, you can use the touch controls, pair your own controller, or any other device. Mobile platforms allow vast customization and are perfect for any age and taste.
Big companies like Blizzard Entertainment and Square Enix already know how robust this market can be, raising over 90,4 billion dollars just in 2023, according to GameIndustry.biz. This shows how promising these platforms are and how many options you have, featuring as many titles as other platforms, like Playstation.
Best RPG Games for Mobile Devices
Now, it’s time to see some of the best titles available for iOS and Android devices. Make sure to take a look at each game to find the perfect pick for your next gaming session. We will cover a variety of game types so you get one that catches your eye, whether you’re looking for turn-based battles, stunning visuals, or anything else.
No matter if you’re playing on Android, iPhone, or anywhere else, we will list games for the different platforms available so you get the right one for you. Here are the best RPGs for the mobile universe:
FootballTeam
You like sports? Then this might be a great option for you. This incredible football experience will put you in the role of a player and manager who must do anything to reach the top as the best player in the world.
The game is an online and competitive opportunity to test your skills and show the entire world your abilities. You can also play with your friends, as the game has online features that let you connect with anyone worldwide and from any device, whether mobile or desktop.
You also don’t need to worry about downloading the game, as you can play it directly from your browser and on the go. It’s the definitive experience for football enthusiasts and a must-try for sports lovers.
You can create your own character and customize it to best suit your style. The best part is that you can choose which position you want to play, so whether you want to be a goalkeeper or a midfielder, the possibilities are endless.
As a manager, you can expand your arena and increase your income, all of that while taking care of the entire team and deciding what each player will do. You must prioritize the best strategy to get to the first league and become the best player in the world.
It already counts on over a million registered users and over 60 thousand teams built across the globe. Each match will be a new challenge and require you to create a great strategy if you want to progress and rank up.
You can also choose between different competition types, each with its own set of rules. If you like football and ever dreamed of becoming a professional player, this is the definitive role-playing experience for you.
The game is completely free to play, and you can start your career right now. There are thousands of possibilities to choose from. Choose the players you want and create the dream team that will take you to victory. You can check out the game and start playing by visiting the title’s main page.
Monster Hunter Stories
- Release Date: October, 2016
- Developer: Capcom
- Platforms: Playstation 4, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, and Microsoft Windows
Few games can boast of having such a strong community supporting them. Monster Hunter is one of the most popular franchises, especially in Japan, and also one of the best Android RPGs available.
It is also available on a series of other platforms, so if you have an iPhone, don’t worry. The game is also available at the App Store and is perfect if you like turn-based combat.
The mobile version has stunning visuals, like the console one, and it will make you want to explore every inch of this fantasy world.
Monster Hunter Stories takes a very different approach compared to the other franchise titles and is the first game of this spin-off series. Here, you’ll control a hero known as Monster Rider, a human capable of taming the creatures and using them to help with the different missions you’ll face.
The plot starts with your village getting attacked by a group of monsters infected with what’s known as the Black Blight. After the tragic event, you decide to go on a journey to the Hunters World, where people live their lives hunting and training monsters. From cute monsters to dangerous creatures, you’ll find all kinds of threats along the way. Gather resources, create equipment, and become a legendary hunter in this thriving adventure.
Final Fantasy VII
- Release Date: January, 1997
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platforms: Playstation, Playstation Portable, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, and Microsoft Windows
Making a list of RPGs without mentioning Final Fantasy VII is impossible. It is the most famous title of the entire franchise, and there’s a good reason for that.
It has the essence of the classic Final Fantasy franchise, including the turn-based combat, thriving soundtrack, and memorable storytelling.
This amazing title is almost 30 years old and is still one of the best games ever made. It was also the first time we saw Cloud, one of the most iconic characters in video game history.
In this story, Cloud is a mercenary and member of the eco-terrorist group AVALANCHE. Their objective is to stop the evil group, known as Shinra, from using life essence as an energy source for their equipment. This is not a game you beat in a few hours, and you’ll surely be entertained for long periods. Each place will present you with challenges and memorable characters. If you never played FF before, this is the perfect one to start.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Release Date: July, 2003
- Developer: BioWare
- Platforms: Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS, and Microsoft Windows
Star Wars is another famous universe when it comes to RPG games, and if you’re playing on mobile, there’s also a great option. This is perhaps the best title of the entire franchise, and even though it has dated graphics, the fun is guaranteed for many hours. The best part is that it takes place in the fans’ favorite period: The Old Republic.
Star Wars is undoubtedly one of the most successful franchises and has a large universe with rich storytelling. This is why this title has one of the best narratives you can find when it comes to mobile RPGs.
It takes place four thousand years prior to the movies and follows the events when Darth Malak unleashes a Sith armada against the republic. The original release was over 20 years ago, and this is still one of the best stories featured in a Star Wars game to this day. It’s the perfect game for new players wanting to try a Star Wars title for the first time.
Honkai: Star Rail
- Release Date: April, 2023
- Developer: miHoYo
- Platforms: Playstation 5, Android, iOS, and Microsoft Windows
If you’re looking for a gacha game similar to Genshin Impact, this title from the same company will catch your eye. Honkai: Star Rail is among the best RPGs if you like fast-paced fights and strategy. All heroes are unique, and each one features a set of skills to help you defeat the numerous dangers you’ll encounter along the way. The graphics quality is unlike any other mobile title and will make you want to explore every inch of this giant map.
The gacha genre has become very popular recently, and this is one of the best titles you can find. Each battle is breathtaking and creates an immersive experience that will keep you playing for hours. Don’t worry. The game has enough content for you to play forever and is constantly updated with new enemies, exciting characters, quests, and many other things to explore. The gacha mechanics are very similar to other titles from the Honkai Impact saga and have tons of items you can earn for free.
The story begins with the Herta Space Station being attacked by the Antimatter Legion. All of that was to steal the Stellaron that was safely being kept inside the facility. This event ends up causing a series of effects on the space station and the entire course of the universe. Now, you must go on a journey to retrieve it before it’s too late.
You can create your team based on the skills of each character or to better adapt your playstyle. Select your party and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in this fantasy world.
Chrono Trigger
- Release Date: March, 1995
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platforms: Playstation, Playstation 3, Super Nintendo, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Android, iOS, and Microsoft Windows
If the list features Final Fantasy, it also needs to feature its brother. Chrono Trigger is a must-play for fantasy fans looking for a deep narrative and immersive soundtrack.
Everything in this game is pretty and breathtaking.
It might not have characters as memorable as FFVII, but it is still on the same level of influence in the gaming industry in its own right. The title suggests it is a completely different game from FF, but the only thing that is really different is the universe and lore. Other than that, if you’ve played any classic Final Fantasy before, you’ll feel at home.
The story follows Chrono, a boy who, along with his friends, accidentally travels through time and discovers that the world will end in 1999. Now, you must find out what happened and how to prevent this tragedy from happening. It might not have top-notch graphics like Star Rail Honkai, but don’t get fooled. Its unique art style and gameplay are more than enough to keep you entertained for dozens of hours.
Stardew Valley
- Release Date: February, 2016
- Developer: ConcernedApe
- Platforms: Playstation 4, Playstation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows
If you’re looking for something more chill and to kill time, Stardew Valley is the perfect game for you. Here, you’ll roleplay as the new farm owner in the pacific Pelican Town.
The place is filled with friendly people and dark secrets to unveil. The more you explore, the more you learn about this peculiar place and what it offers.
The game starts with you receiving a letter from your grandfather telling you that you’re the heir to a small farm in Stardew Valley. After getting tired of corporate life and a chaotic urban scenario, this is the perfect escape, and you’ll do anything you can to make this farm the most successful business in the entire town.
To do that, you can engage in a series of activities. The possibilities are endless, and so is the fun.
Each character you meet has a different personality and many secrets to discover. Who knows? Maybe they’ll even fall in love with you.
The infinity of content will keep you busy for a decent amount of time wherever you are. If you like games like Harvest Moon, this is a great pick.
Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
- Release Date: September, 2021
- Developer: NetEase Games
- Platforms: Android, iOS, and Microsoft Windows
There have been tons of frustrating attempts to create a fun and attractive mobile game of the Harry Potter saga, and Warner, along with NetEase, finally reached this goal with Magic Awakened. This role-playing experience mixes the magic and vast universe from the series we know with the mechanics of a card battler.
This results in a very interesting game that will surely please fans of the saga and other players looking for a good RPG on their mobile phones. You’ll meet with some of the movie’s main characters and battle against all kinds of creatures and wizards. It’s the definitive mobile experience for fans thriving for more of this marvelous universe.
It takes place ten years after Harry Potter’s victory over Lord Voldemort. You control a newcomer to the legendary school of Hogwarts, who received a visit from Hagrid to tell them they were accepted into the wizardry and witchcraft paradise. Now, you must start your new life at the school and unveil everything this magic place offers.
Be careful. Dangerous creatures and people are waiting to take you off their way. Prepare your magic wand and prepare to create your legacy in the wizard world.
Raid: Shadow Legends
- Release Date: July, 2018
- Developer: Plarium
- Platforms: Android, iOS, macOS, and Microsoft Windows
If you watch YouTube, you’ve probably heard about this RPG from a YouTuber. Raid: Shadow Legends is one of the most famous mobile games ever, whether for good or bad reasons.
Even though the spam of ads across social media about the game might generate a negative repercussion, the gameplay is actually good and very fun.
There are dozens of possibilities to choose from, whether when it comes to your character or how you want to play the game. This freedom makes the game enjoyable even for long play sessions and gives it a breath of fresh air every new run.
The story is also fun and takes place in the fictional region of Teleria. After a series of events, this realm is subjugated by a dark Lord known as Siroth. You’re a descendant of Teleria and must do anything you can to defeat Siroth and end his governance over your land. Gather your equipment and team to bring peace once again to the exiled kingdoms once and for all.
This mission won’t be easy, and you’ll count on the help of numerous friends to reach this objective. The story is full of twists, and the gameplay is enjoyable, making it an entertaining title to play at home or on the go.
Baldur’s Gate II: Enhanced Edition
- Release Date: November, 2013
- Developer: Beamdog
- Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows
If you ever wanted to try Baldur’s Gate, especially after the success of BG3, you’ll be happy to know that the enhanced edition of the second title is available on mobile devices. It is the perfect pick if you like dice rolling and classic RPG mechanics.
You might think the commands are limited since it’s a mobile version, but it is quite the opposite. The enhanced edition features better graphics and all the DLCs from the classic version of the title.
It’s the perfect pick if you never played the franchise and a must-have for any RPG fan looking for rich storytelling.
Speaking of storytelling, in this game, the events occur shortly after the first one, being a direct sequence of events. You’ll also control the same character from the first game, known for being a Bhaalspawn, an offspring of the Lord of Murder and his essence.
The game starts with you waking up in a cage after being kidnapped by a powerful wizard who wants to test your powers and capabilities. He claims that you have an “untapped power” thanks to your heritage, and he wants to use it for his own objectives. After the prison gets attacked, you must escape and pave your way to freedom. You’ll also find companions along the way who will help you get free.
Be careful. Every action you take impacts the environment and the story’s progression. This vast world is full of dangers and secrets to explore, and everything is in the palm of your hand.
The Banner Saga
- Release Date: January, 2014
- Developer: Stoic Studio
- Platforms: Playstation 4, Playstation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Microsoft Windows
If you like tactical gameplay and fantasy RPG settings, Banner Saga is a must-play. It’s one of the most popular games and one of the best if you’re looking for experiences with Fire Emblem-like mechanics.
Inspired by a Viking setting, this adventure will make you feel like part of that time and test your strategy skills at every new encounter with enemies. Your choices will impact not only the combats but the entire narrative and what happens next. Choose wisely if you want a happy ending to your story and those around you.
You can also customize your party to best fit your playstyle and the kind of warrior you want to be. Simple dialogues can greatly impact the entire setting and change the course of your journey completely. Make decisions and write your history in this fantastic adventure that takes you to a universe where twilight lasts forever, and the sun has stopped moving.
The Shadow Sun
- Release Date: December, 2013
- Developer: Ossian Studios
- Platforms: Android and iOS
Looking for an RPG with classic mechanics and aesthetics? This is the one to go for. The Shadow Run is everything you expect from an RPG with a medieval setting.
From its combat to the mechanics, it takes deep inspiration from some of the biggest titles with this kind of gameplay, like The Elder Scrolls. Don’t get fooled by its simple graphics and dated UI. Even though the game is over ten years old, it is still one of the best options when it comes to mobile RPGs, whether you’re playing on your iPhone or Android device.
The adventure will take you to a desert kingdom known as Shar. This place is marked with danger and corruption. You can’t trust anyone, so always keep an eye on everyone, whether you’re a visitor or a kingdom member.
The poor kingdom is surprised by a plague that is slowly turning citizens into cannibals who will do anything to eat them. The kingdom believes this is caused by dark magic, and your mission is to escort an emissary to Shar so you can discuss and plan how to put an end to this evil power.
The path will contain dangerous enemies and creatures, so prepare for long battles and challenging encounters. You’ll also count on the help of other people who will do anything to help you end this suffering. Grab your sword and get ready to save the entire kingdom of Shar.
Time to Grab Your Phone and Choose Your Next Adventure
Whether you choose to become a mighty Viking in Banner Saga or a famous football player in FootballTeam, the mobile industry is full of excellent titles to find out. We showed you some of the most famous ones, but there are thousands of titles waiting to be discovered in your phone’s app store or throughout the web.
Each game listed provides a unique experience that will keep you entertained for hours. RPGs are always great for people looking for long experiences with tons of content to discover and explore, and these are no exception.
Make sure to look at each of the titles above to see which one grabs your attention. After that, it’s time to download the game and try everything they have to offer.
Now that you know everything you need, it is time to prepare for your next adventure. Grab your equipment and prepare for an unforgettable journey.