Best mobile games to play in 2026

2026 has a list of release dates for new games, but there are plenty of excellent mobile games that are still going strong.

If you're looking for a game to play, here's a list of great games to play in 2026, including notable upcoming ones.

HoYoverse Games

HoYoverse is widely known for its gacha titles, and while the gacha system is not for everyone, the quality of HoYoverse games made people overlook the gacha aspect of it.

The most notable HoYoverse game would be the open-world RPG Genshin Impact, which has hundreds of hours of gameplay if you're new to it. The game has great lore for those who like a good story, but if you don't care about the story, the game (sadly) doesn't have a skip button, so it might feel tedious.

Another excellent HoYoverse game is Honkai: Star Rail, a turn-based game that also has some exploration. The game is filled with humor and memes, making it fun to explore and interact with everything.

If you prefer something quick, then you can consider the action RPG titles like Zenless Zone Zero and Honkai Impact 3rd.

There are several upcoming HoYoverse games, but the one that's likely to release in 2026 is Honkai: Nexus Anima, a creature-collecting game that you may like if you enjoy Pokémon. Petit Planet also had a CBT, but it will probably be released in 2027.

Infinity Nikki

The Nikki franchise is known for its dress-up genre, but Infinity Nikki takes it up a notch by adding open-world exploration. This means that you can mix and match your style, then explore the world in that outfit you just created.

Roblox

Roblox is not just one game, but a platform for many games. There's no genre you can't find in Roblox, so if you like a one-stop shop for various games, you should consider giving Roblox a shot.

Arknights

Arknights is a beloved tower defense game, which is why the upcoming game, Arknights: Endfield, is highly anticipated. Endfield is an action RPG with some degree of exploration, so in terms of genre, it differs from the original Arknights. Arknights: Endfield is scheduled for release on 22nd January 2026.

If you like action RPG but want to play with friends, then keep a lookout for LIMIT ZERO BREAKERS. This one is not related to Arknights and is expected to launch globally in 2026.

Pokémon-like Games

Pokémon GO is a collecting game that encourages people to go out and catch Pokémons. In 2026, Pokémon Champions will also be available. This game focuses more on Pokémon training and battle mechanics, and will also include PvP to battle other trainers.

If you like training creatures in a turn-based game, then Summoners War is worth checking out. The game has tons of monsters to collect and endless fun in terms of monster-building, PvE, and PvP, but it's heavy on gacha and RNG.

Meanwhile, if you want to collect creatures but not Pokémon, then Aniimo and Palword Mobile are worth keeping an eye on.

Trading Card Games

If you enjoy Pokémon, you can try out Pokémon TCG Pocket. It's a card game that derives from the real-life Pokémon TCG (although the card effects aren't identical).

Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Links is the simplified version of Yu-Gi-Oh! That's perfect for mobile players. Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel is also available on mobile, although the interface can be inconvenient compared to other platforms.

Fans of TCG can also look forward to Might & Magic Fates TCG, which will bring the Might & Magic card game to mobile.

Love and Deepspace

Gamers who enjoy an otome game can check out either Love and Deepspace or Tears of Themis. Both games involve romancable companions and romantic storylines, but the two have completely different core gameplay, where Love and Deepspace has some actions, whereas Tears of Themis has investigative aspects since you'll be playing as a lawyer.

Umamusume: Pretty Derby

A pretty odd combination, but if you enjoy horse games and cute anime graphics, then give Umamusume: Pretty Derby a shot. You'll train horse girls and take them to races, which sounds weird, but considering the reception, there's something there that will keep you hooked.

Wuthering Waves

Wuthering Waves won the Player's Voice award in the TGA 2025, so you can expect great things from it. It's an open-world RPG with gacha like Genshin Impact.

Where Winds Meet also has a ton of content and open-world to explore. WWM brings some unique mechanics to the game, like convincing NPCs via messages you type yourself, and an AI will respond to you. Some stuff is quite confusing, but on the whole, WWM is an unexpectedly great game.

However, if you prefer playing something new to not have to catch up on its hours of content, then you can keep an eye on Neverness to Everness, Ananta, and The Seven Deadly Sins: Origin.

Monopoly GO

Casual game fans can give Monopoly Go! a go (get it?), or check out the classic Candy Crush.

There is something to be said for games that let you shut off your brain and just rot the day away. 

Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley is a dream come true for players who like farming games. Although it's more prominent on other platforms, it's actually available on mobile as well. It comes with limitations like restricted multiplayer or mods, but the game itself runs perfectly, and can be great if you want to take the shoes of a farmer.

If you enjoy the pixel art aesthetics, Dave the Diver is also coming soon to mobile platforms.

PUBG Mobile

Shooter-game fans have several great options for mobile platforms, such as PUBG Mobile, Free Fire, and Call of Duty: Mobile. It doesn't beat the ease of PC shooting, but it works to scratch the itch when you're limited to your phone.

Gamers who wish to play an open-world shooting game with a survival and co-op aspect can also consider Once Human.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Finally, if you love MOBA games like League of Legends or DOTA, then Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is your best bet for the mobile counterpart. Honor of Kings and Arena of Valor are also good alternatives.