We have quite an eclectic selection of games from all consoles. From ports of games from their original consoles to newer and better ones that define a whole generation of games from the onset. Role-playing games (RPGs) have redefined gaming again and again and will continue to do so for the years to come. That’s certain due to how popular the genre is to millions of gamers. Combine that with the increasing popularity of mobile and you have a recipe for innovation and opportunity for many people. Without further ado, here are 23 of the best mobile RPGs of all time.
Inside This Article
- Chrono Trigger
- Genshin Impact
- Honkai Impact 3rd
- Azur Lane
- Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition
- Dragon Quest VIII
- Girls’ Frontline
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
- Postknight
- Titan Quest
- Cat Quest
- A Girl Adrift
- Zenonia
- The World Ends With You
- Evoland 1 and 2
- Knights/Galaxy of Pen and Paper
- AdventureQuest3D
- GrandChase
- Sdorica
- Fate/Grand Order
- Secret of Mana
- Dawn of Isles
- Final Fantasy Brave Exvius: War of the Visions
Best Mobile RPGs of All Time
1. Chrono Trigger
A port from the old console ages, Chrono Trigger is among the best RPGs ever created and some would say that the game was what started the RPG genre and popularized it. But keep in mind that this is one of the oldest of the best mobile RPGs on this list.
Chrono Trigger’s port into mobile comes with a few quality of life changes, one of which is the controls that are optimized for touchscreens, and a few graphical touch-ups. But it’s still the original Chrono Trigger that many gamers grew up with. So, if you want to experience the adventure again, then go get this now.
Chrono Trigger is available for $9.99 on Google Play Store and the App Store.
2. Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact (now published by Cognosphere instead of MiHoYo) is among the newer titles on this list. It tops all the best mobile RPGs when it comes to present-day gaming trends: open-world setting, anime-style characters, action-packed and versatile gameplay, and more. No wonder it received some awards during the first year since its release.
If you haven’t jumped into the world of Teyvat in Genshin Impact yet and are interested to do so, know that you’re in for hours of enjoyment. You’ll have fun exploring the vast world, finishing quests, fighting unique enemies, unraveling mysteries, and more as you try to save your twin who was captured by one of the gods in the game. Also, you’ll find it fulfilling to get all the characters you want from the game’s missions or gacha system.
Overall, the free game with in-app purchases is a must-try for new and old RPG fans. For our full take on it, head to our Genshin Impact review now.
3. Honkai Impact 3rd
Before Genshin Impact, there was Honkai Impact 3rd by MiHoYo. It is more of an action RPG rather than an open-world game (although the latter is a mode in-game) and has gacha elements.
In the game, you control Valkyries — women who fight against the Honkai (aliens that invaded Earth) to defend the planet. Along the way, you get to meet and recruit other Valkyries that fight for you (you use the gacha for recruiting and you sometimes get new units in the story) and woo them if you want. But the combat is where the game shines.
Combat takes inspiration from games like Devil May Cry in which your character can string combos to defeat enemies. Using this, plus your Valkyrie’s skills and masterful evasion can allow you to decimate your opponents. Graphics-wise, the game is awesome and the animations are crisp and flowing. If you want to play a game on mobile that looks like a console exclusive, then Honkai Impact 3rd is for you.
Honkai Impact 3rd is available for free with in-app purchases on Google Play Store and App Store.
4. Azur Lane
If you want a mashup of RPGs, Touhou Bullet Hell games, and adorable shipgirls, Azur Lane is your game. With loads of shipgirls to collect and thousands of fleet combinations to use for naval battles, it will keep you busy and entertained. Plus, the shipgirls have different personalities and you can marry your favorite in-game (for love or for stats). In case you need help with forming your fleet in-game, just head to our Azur Lane tier list.
Like many of the best mobile RPGs we’ve featured here, Azur Lane is here to stay. And it’ll stay for quite a while due to the said gameplay and features. Azur lane is free with in-app purchases on the Google Play Store and App Store.
5. Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition
The Final Fantasy series has always been one of the most interesting and story-driven RPGs that ever came out in the past few decades. And to be honest, the series still kicks ass even in the present day. With the arrival of the mobile space, Square Enix decided to take it up a notch by releasing the Pocket Edition of Final Fantasy 15. Of course, a smartphone can’t compare to a PS4 console. So, they “chibi-fied” the characters a lot and changed the graphics to allow the game to work on lower RAM. But if you’re looking for a Final Fantasy experience on the go? Well, here’s a full game of it and it’s one of the best mobile RPGs we can think of.
Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition is available for free with in-app purchases on the Google Play Store and App Store.
6. Dragon Quest VIII
Dragon Quest VIII is another Square Enix classic that RPG fans will approve of as one of the best. It’s among the three most popular titles of the Dragon Quest series, so there’s no surprise that it was ported to mobile. To mention a few reasons behind that, the game has an interesting storyline where you have to save the king and his daughter who have been transformed into creatures. And although its graphics are in 3D, it still comes in the iconic art style DQ games are known for.
Ready to dive into the best retro mobile RPGs? Purchase Dragon Quest VIII from your official app store now.
7. Girls’ Frontline
Girls’ Frontline is another tactical gacha RPG like Azur Lane — with a few differences. One, there’s no bullet hell, only tactics where you direct your characters and lead them to victory. Two, you’re commanding Tactical Dolls or T-Dolls (they’re girl versions of guns), and formations are key in whether or not you live or die here. Much like Azur Lane, you can choose to marry the T-Doll of your choice for increased stats and for devoting your life towards (in-game life of course).
Girls’ Frontline is available for free with in-app purchases on the App Store and Google Play Store.
8. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
The Star Wars series is one of the biggest staples when it comes to both film and games. If you want to experience the best the series has to offer on the go, this game is a must-try. This is the full KOTOR experience, so if you’re a Star Wars fan, this is definitely one to get. It’s a pretty big download at 2.4GB, but you get all the force-wielding, lightsaber-swinging, Republic-saving goodness that the console games dazzled us with. Or if you’re a full Dark Side enthusiast, well, that’s in the game too.
You get to choose your party from nine types of characters, travel to eight planets on the Ebon Hawk, and learn to use the Force, including over 40 powers. You also get to build your own lightsaber!
Knights of the Old Republic is the epitome of a classic Star Wars RPG and this port is totally worth the cash. This game even supports controllers if you prefer to play that way. As the Jedi’s last hope, you decide the fate of the galaxy as you battle your way to becoming a hero or fall to the temptation of the Dark Side.
Star Wars: KOTOR is available on the Google Play Store and App Store for $9.99.
9. Postknight
Now, if you’re going to tell us that Postknight is technically not an action RPG, hear us out first. The game’s mechanics are RPG, with your role as the Postknight. You must deliver mail and materials all over its world while fighting enemies along the way. All in all, this is one of the best mobile RPGs available and is a joy to play.
Postknight is available for free with in-app purchases on the Google Play Store and App Store.
10. Titan Quest
Titan Quest is another PC port that manages to mesh well with the smartphone. Gameplay-wise, it doesn’t really depart from the PC version and still has the same premise. But when it’s this good, what needs to be changed? Story-wise, it’s still the same Titan Quest that you play on PC. And if you want to come back to nostalgia, then pick up this game — you won’t regret it.
Titan Quest is available for $2.49 on Google Play Store and $1.99 on the App Store.
11. Cat Quest
Yes, you read it right. Cat Quest is a game where you embark on an epic adventure as an anthropomorphic cat who wishes to save his kidnapped sister. It can’t get any simpler than that. Gameplay-wise, it’s an RPG in the vein of Final Fantasy, though combat is done in the open world. There’s a lot to explore and fight, and you can bet that you’ll enjoy it till the very end.
Cat Quest is available for $4.99 on the Google Play Store and App Store.
12. A Girl Adrift
A Girl Adrift is a clicker RPG, and it’s a good one to boot. In the game, you’re a girl shipwrecked and cast adrift into the sea, and you have to survive by any means necessary. That means you have to learn how to fish and fight the various sea monsters. The graphics are pretty good for a clicker game and the boss fight music is on point, which adds to the charm. All in all, if you’re looking for something casual, then you can pick up this RPG easily.
A Girl Adrift is available for free with in-app purchases on the Google Play Store and App Store.
13. Zenonia
Zenonia doesn’t really stray that much from the usual RPG formula, but what this game series has is a rich and story-driven adventure that you can play on the go. Couple that with great customization for your characters and a rich series is born.
Zenonia 4 and 5 are available for free with in-app purchases on the Google Play Store and App Store.
14. The World Ends With You
A Nintendo DS classic ported into mobile, The World Ends With You sends players into the historic and bustling Shibuya Station, playing a dangerous game with existence on the line. Use various skills and attacks given to you in the form of collectible pins to overwhelm and defeat your enemies, discover your lost memories and the reason why you are a participant in this game, and find a way to get yourself out. All in all, this beloved DS port is one of the best mobile RPGs for Android.
There is one caveat though; there are some in-app purchases in addition to initially purchasing the game for $17.99. Other than that, you can expect a fun time with The World Ends With You.
15. Evoland 1 and 2
Evoland isn’t that original if you think about it. After all, it borrowed quite a bit from other ARPGs to become a classic RPG adventure that is fun to play, and there’s a good reason for its pilfering of the classics.
This game is all about the evolution of video games, starting you off with monochrome graphics and a 2D character. As you progress, you unlock new technologies and graphics until you reach the modern 3D/HD age. Your meta-journey is punctuated by references to classic RPGs and movies, so keep a sharp eye out and enjoy the Easter eggs thrown in as you battle and loot and level up.
If you love the best mobile RPGs, no matter when they were made, then Evoland and the sequel Evoland 2, which expands on the meta-narrative journey through video game history, will be something that you’ll enjoy.
16. Knights/Galaxy of Pen and Paper
If you want a Dungeons & Dragons experience on your phone, then the Knights/Galaxy of Pen & Paper series is right up your alley. It’s one of the best mobile RPGs that simulate what a real DnD game feels like. The game is pretty meta when it comes to gameplay as it allows you to not only control the characters but the Dungeon Master as well, leading to some very interesting scenarios and battles. Due to this, each playthrough is both unique and challenging, with a sprinkle of surprises and maybe a pinch of head slamming as things can and will go wrong every once in a while. But then again, that’s the DnD experience in raw form.
17. AdventureQuest 3D
A follow-up to the wildly popular Dragonfable and AdventureQuest/AdventureQuest Worlds browser game, AdventureQuest 3D brings you back to the world of Battleon — this time as a 3D character. Explore it and fight monsters alongside other players and memorable characters like Artix and others, and fight for gold, epic loot, and honor!
AdventureQuest 3D, like many of the best mobile RPGs here, is available for free with in-app purchases.
18. GrandChase
GrandChase was once an MMORPG for PC but has breathed new life and landed in mobile for fans to enjoy. With a more streamlined system and quality of life changes, GrandChase is a joy to play and is considered one of the best mobile RPGs out there. And with new content still pouring in, you can expect this game to keep on growing.
GrandChase is available for free with in-app purchases on the Google Play Store and App Store.
19. Sdorica
Sdorica is from Rayark Games which, if you remember, is the studio that made the amazing Cytus and Deemo rhythm games that a lot of people enjoyed. Now, some people might say that the studio making this has no experience in making an RPG or a gacha game, and they’ll be right. But somehow, Rayark Games managed to create an RPG experience that tickles the nostalgia factor. That’s why Sdorica is in this roundup of best mobile RPGs.
With gorgeous graphics and wonderful tunes coupled with memorable characters, Sdorica takes you on an adventure of a lifetime that you’ll never regret going into.
Sdorica is available for free with in-app purchases on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
20. Fate/Grand Order
Fate/Grand Order started back in 2016 in Japan, and it practically exploded in popularity in the ensuing years. That’s to the point that there are now servers in Korea, China, and just recently, the rest of the world — thanks in part to the dedicated fanbase of the Fate series. All this led to the game being one of the best mobile RPGs out there.
Gameplay-wise, it’s a tactical one. You field six units, three of those being backups in case the first three dies, and you battle the enemies in waves of three. Each of your units has different stats and skills, with even the lower rarity units having the capability of punching higher than their weight class — thanks in part to the rock-paper-scissors gameplay, leveling, and the palingenesis mechanic. Increasing the skill level of your units, and their raw HP and Attack stats (which is essential for tackling difficult endgame content) is possible.
If you’re looking for a challenging tactical RPG, Fate/Grand Order is for you. It’s available for free with in-app purchases on the Google Play Store and App Store.
21. Secret of Mana
Yet another port for mobile and a golden classic, Secret of Mana is one of the best mobile RPGs that stood the test of time and is considered one of the best ARPGs out there. It features a top-down, real-time battle system akin to other ARPGs such as Legend of Zelda that at the time was a large shift from the turn-based fare that Square Enix created. Even today, Square Enix does not foray too often into the ARPG genre, making for a unique experience when it comes to Square Enix-created titles.
Secret of Mana is available for $7.99 on Google Play Store and the App Store.
22. Dawn of Isles
Ever dreamed about creating your tropical paradise island? Well, Dawn of Isles lets you live that fantasy on mobile. With near-limitless customization and a lot of content, Dawn of Isles is one of the best mobile RPGs that you would want to play every day.
Dawn of Isles is available for free with in-app purchases on the Google Play Store.
23. Final Fantasy Brave Exvius: War of the Visions
Capping our list of best mobile RPGs is another Square Enix hit, Final Fantasy Brave Exvius: War of the Visions. It’s a tactical RPG, so it’s for gamers who want to strategize when it comes to combat.
But even if you’re a Final Fantasy fan who is not into the said RPG subgenre, you’ll find the game worth trying. War of the Visions’ storyline is beyond great, like many of the best mobile RPGs we’ve already showcased. It revolves around the prince of the Kingdom Leonis who can harness the powers of the Visions to summon troops. Thus, you know its gameplay isn’t all melee or warrior-centric. It is fun with elemental powers and summons involved. Plus, you can explore the rest of the Ardra continent for more quests. And in case you become a bit tired of repeating quests, the game has an auto-battle mode you can opt for.
Final Fantasy Brave Exvius: War of the Visions is free on the official mobile stores, although it has in-app purchases.
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