Despite their unsavory reputation, there are plenty of great free-to-play games on Android. From brand-new card battlers like Marvel Snap to ports of classic games like Old School Runescape, the best free-to-play games come from every genre imaginable. We scoured the Play Store for games that offer satisfying gameplay and reasonable monetization, perfect for putting the latest Android gaming phone through its paces.

We selected games based on their monetization techniques, gameplay, and overall quality (no cheap knockoffs here!). We guarantee you’ll find an enjoyable gaming experience, but if you’re willing to shell out a few dollars, try one of the best games on the Play Store.

1 Marvel Snap

Free-to-play mobile card games are a dime-a-dozen on the Play Store, but few stand out like Marvel Snap. In our review, we praised its fast-paced strategic matches and clever deck-building mechanics, which come together to form one of the best card games on Android.

Microtransactions give you access to cosmetics. It’s not a pay-to-win game. While it takes time to unlock all the cards, you don’t need to worry about battling someone who’s paid for the best deck around.

• In-app purchases: $1.99 – $99.99 (In-game currency and cosmetics)

2 Vampire Survivors

Vampire Survivors on Android is the same game you’ll find on PC and consoles, but you won’t spend a penny. For those unfamiliar with the game, Vampire Survivors is an addicting bullet-hell shooter where you survive waves of bizarre creatures while exploring and unlocking various weapons. There’s a lot to love about this game, and the fact that it’s free is the cherry on top.

You’ll experience ads in-game, but these are few and far between. You can also purchase DLC to expand your Vampire Survivors experience.

• In-app purchases: $1.99 (One-time payment for DLC)

3 Rocket League Sideswipe

Psyonix Studios created a 2D version of Rocket League for mobile. Even though this sounds limiting, the game is pretty great. It offers similar Twitch controls to the original, but now you’re playing on a 2D plane where the goals are on either side of the screen. Controllers are supported out of the box, and the touch controls are serviceable for quick matches. PvP is the name of the game, and you can play 1vs1 or 2vs2 in a few modes.

Best of all, the game is free. It isn’t monetized, making it a perfect example of F2P done right. Plus, seeing that Psyonix has also fairly monetized the original PC and console game, it’s possible that when Rocket League Sideswipe is monetized, it will sell cosmetics just like the OG. So, as it stands, Rocket League Sideswipe is one of the better competitive games on Android, and it’s a fantastic F2P release that won’t break the bank.

4 Sky: Children of the Light

Thatgamecompany is known for its quirky games like Flower and Journey. It also offers a free-to-play title on mobile that’s similar to Journey, seeing there’s a heavy reliance on cooperation in Sky: Children of the Light. This is a multiplayer game, but there isn’t a way to communicate beyond simple emojis. This is a game that children and adults can easily enjoy. What’s cool is you can team up with friends to explore the dreamlike world, which is where this title shines.

Though they can be demanding, the graphics are detailed. It’s an open-world game, similar to an MMO, with events and an evolving story. Best of all, there’s no need to sink money into this title. You can enjoy the entire game for free, even if you want to jump into multiplayer. It’s a game that offers a chill journey backed by pretty graphics and a mysterious story. It’s easily worth checking out if you’re into similar games.

• In-app purchases: $0.99 – $49.99 (In-game currency)

5 Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go might be old news by now, but it’s still running strong seven years after its release. Today, every Pokémon from the core games is included, and players can regularly participate in events and raids. If you haven’t touched it since the earliest days, we recommend giving it another shot. There’s a colossal amount of content to explore.

While Pokémon Go’s gameplay hasn’t evolved much since its release, neither has it degraded. It’s easy to see how Niantic could have exploited the game’s microtransactions, but it remains as enjoyable to play for free as ever.

• In-app purchases: $0.99 – $99.99 (In-game items and cosmetics)

6 My Friend Pedro: Ripe for Revenge

Source: My Friend Pedro: Ripe for Revenge

My Friend Pedro: Ripe for Revenge is a perfect example of free-to-play done right. This offshoot game plays similarly to the core title but with less demanding and cuter graphics. Touch controls are the only input, and since they revolve around slingshot mechanics, all you need is one finger to play. Somehow, the enthralling slow-mo skill shots of the original game feel just as good to pull off in the mobile release. Best of all, the entire game can be played for free, but you can’t save unless you pay $3 to unlock the save feature.

You can sit down to beat the full game in one go. If you’re unsure your money is worth the purchase, take an extended look. My Friend Pedro: Ripe for Revenge is a challenging game that requires skill to play, so you won’t breeze through this one. Still, you can play as much or as little as you like without going out of pocket.

• In-app purchases: $2.99 (One-time purchase to unlock save feature)

7 AnimA ARPG (Action RPG)

If you enjoy action RPGs in the same style as the Diablo series, check out AnimA ARPG. This is a dark and gritty hack-and-slash title, and it’s monetized well, leaving in-app purchases for cosmetics that don’t affect gameplay. This means the game isn’t pay-to-win, unlike much of its competition on the Play Store. It also doesn’t hurt that the title gives a distinct Diablo II feel with responsive controls, quality graphics, and phenomenal music.

• In-app purchases: $0.99 – $35.99 (Cosmetics)

8 Brawlhalla

The easiest way to describe Brawlhalla is to call it a Smash Bros. clone. But that oversimplified label may anger Smash and Brawlhalla fans alike. At its core, this is a free-to-play platformer brawler. The title contains a cash shop for cosmetics and an optional Battle Pass subscription that nets you extra rewards over free players.

The game is best played with an external controller, though touchscreen controls are available and can be adjusted in the title’s settings. All in all, the Android port of Brawlhalla holds its own. And thanks to cross-play support, you can play against your friends no matter their platform of choice.

• In-app purchases: $5.99 – $49.99 (Cosmetics and characters)

9 Another Eden

Another Eden is a mobile JRPG that offers a sane gacha experience, unlike much of its competition. You can expect a lengthy single-player campaign designed by many of the people behind the Chrono Trigger series, so you know the story will be good. If you’re looking for a collection-based RPG that won’t break the bank even though it’s free-to-play, Another Eden is the best choice, and the fantastic story is the cherry on top.

• In-app purchases: $0.99 – $79.99 (In-game currency and characters)

10 Call of Duty: Mobile

Call of Duty: Mobile is about as good as it gets for first-person shooters on mobile. The game contains many of everyone’s favorite CoD levels, and the gunplay feels great, whether you play with touchscreen controls or a physical controller. Since this is an F2P release, you can expect iffy monetization and an optional monthly subscription plan that can net significant rewards.

• In-app purchases: $0.99 – $99.99

11 Among Us

While Among Us was released without fanfare in 2018, it wasn’t until 2020 that the game blew up. Thanks to a flurry of streamers promoting it, people realized this is an enjoyable party game. It’s best played with multiple friends, supporting five to ten players at a time for each match. If you enjoy co-op party games and have a group of like-minded friends, Among Us offers tons of fun for no money. Those IAPs are just for skins, hats, and pets.

• In-app purchases: $0.99 – $24.99 (Cosmetics)

12 Mekorama

Mekorama draws inspiration from similar isometric puzzle-based platformers, such as Monument Valley. However, this game offers more content. There are more than 50 levels to explore. Even though this can be a relaxing game, some puzzles are surprisingly challenging, ultimately making for a game that can be enjoyed by newbies and diehards alike.

Best of all, the entire game can be experienced for free, though fans can make donations to the developer through the title’s in-app purchases.

• In-app purchases: $1.00 – $32.00 (Optional donations)
• Available on Google Play Games for PC

13 The Ramp

Skateboarding games are few and far between on mobile, especially quality titles. This is why the port for The Ramp is special. This fantastic casual skateboard game is about creating long-lasting lines. Plus, it looks great in action. Controllers are supported out of the box, and since pulling off perfect transitions can be tricky with the touch controls, use a controller to play.

The game launched on the Play Store with a $2 IAP in tow, but the publisher removed it, which means this free-to-play game is free. The Ramp is about having fun while learning the controls with no distractions. So, if you have a controller handy, give The Ramp a try, especially if you’re a fan of skateboarding games.

14 Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel

If you’re in the market for a fresh collectible card game or adore Yu-Gi-Oh!, getting started with Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Duel should appeal to you. This is the first time the full ruleset of the physical card game has been implemented in a digital offering, offering parity for collectors and players. It also has a story mode if you prefer solo play instead of immediately dropping into competitive play.

The in-game currency is provided with generosity to start, though the typical grind awaits you if you make it further. In-app purchases are available, and you can buy card packs, which means the game is, by definition, pay-to-win. But playing online with friends and family is still a hoot unless you’re trying to make your way up the leaderboard.

• In-app purchases: $0.99 – $79.99 (Card packs)

15 Dadish

Dadish is a free-to-play platformer, though it only contains a single in-app purchase to remove the game’s advertisements, which is about as good as it gets when it comes to F2P titles. That means you can reach the end of this release without spending a dime, which is probably why the 2D platformer has racked up so many positive reviews.

It also doesn’t hurt that the game is balanced well, offering challenging gameplay but never being tootough. While there are only 40 levels to play, the title’s collectible stars guarantee a healthy dose of replayability and an added test for perfectionists. We highly recommend checking out Dadish 2, which offers more of the same enjoyable gameplay.

16 Old School RuneScape

Old School RuneScape is a classic MMORPG that offers a boatload of free content, though it is slightly limited. Still, it provides an excellent trial opportunity to jump into the MMO before deciding if the optional monthly subscription is worth your money.

The title offers cross-platform support, and it’s a skill-based game that requires input from the player. There’s no autoplay here. This means players must manually grind to level the title’s 23 skills, which is the real draw of this release: grinding the day away through manual input.

• In-app purchases: $7.49 – $99.99 (Monthly membership fee)

17 The Battle of Polytopia

The Battle of Polytopia is one of the better 4X turn-based strategy games on the Play Store. Its low-poly graphics provide the game with a unique and stylized look. Maps are auto-generated, allowing for endless replayability. The majority of the title can be played for free. However, if you want to play online, purchase at least one of the playable tribes to help the developer maintain server costs. The single-player content is so enjoyable that the online content isn’t necessary unless you want to thrash some of your friends.

• In-app purchases: $0.99 – $4.49 (Required for online play)

18 Roblox

Roblox is wildly popular (mostly among children), yet few can explain what kind of game this is. That’s because it’s not a single game. Instead, it’s a collection of games created by users within its virtual universe. There’s no telling what kind of content you’ll dig up playing Roblox. The sky’s the limit. Think of this title as something similar to Minecraft, where children run rampant using the platform as their personal playground for their digital avatars.

There are years worth of content, almost a never-ending supply. If you don’t mind digging a little for fun, Roblox has an entire digital universe of games to explore. And we have a guide that shows you how to explore Roblox and create the best experience.

• In-app purchases: $0.50 – $199.99

19 Roach Race​​​

There are free-to-play games, and then there are true games without monetization that are entirely free to play, such as Roach Race. This simple auto-runner from CD Projekt was recently added as a mini-game inside Cyberpunk 2077. CD Projekt then released the game on mobile to advertise the recent update to Cyberpunk, a great way to build excitement with fans. What matters is whether the game is fun, and it is, especially if you enjoy running games.

20 Data Wing​​​​​

Data Wing is a fantastic racing game that is free to play in the truest sense of the word. The game offers stylish top-down racing that uses minimal graphics to give the feeling that you’re racing inside a computer system, a sort of Tron-like vibe. There’s a two-hour story with about 40 levels to play. The touchscreen controls are easy to pick up and even simpler to use. All you do is tap the left or right side of the screen to turn your ship in the corresponding direction.

This slick little racer is a joy to play and has a kicking chillwave soundtrack. But best of all, it’s completely free.

Which free-to-play Android games are your favorites?

These games prove that free-to-play doesn’t have to be a dirty word. Gems like Vampire Survivors and Old School Runescape offer hundreds of hours of gameplay without spending a penny.

For the most affordable gaming, we recommend subscribing to Netflix to access the enormous Netflix Games library. These exclusive games are some of the best on Android.