If you’re old enough to remember Tamagotchi, then you must remember the fun to be had with virtual pet games. Although Tamagotchi is gone now, there are many different apps and virtual pet games to replace it. Some are just as good while others are even better than Tamagotchi. If you’re on the market for virtual pet apps or games that can cure your boredom, then you’ve come to the right place.
12 Best Virtual Pet Games on iPhone and Android
We’ve curated the 12 best virtual pet games you can download on your mobile phone!
1. Bubbu
When people think of a virtual pet, they almost automatically think of Tamagotchi. Bubbu is a similar game with lots you can do with and for your virtual pet. There’s the usual that comes with virtual pet games like feeding, cuddling, bathing, and dressing your pet cat. However, there is much more you can do than just those basics.
For example, you can play with your cat on the 30+ mini-games that come built-in. Moreover, you can also have fun with fashion and styling your cat or build a house for your pet. You can have fun and play as much as you want with your virtual cat.
Alternatively, if you prefer dogs, the developers also created the same app called Duddu. Except, instead of a cat, Duddu lets you take care of and play with a virtual dog. They’re pretty much the same game but with different animals. If you’re looking to play either, they’re both free on iOS & Android.
Download from Google Play Store
2. Cat Sim Online
Many virtual pet games come with virtual pets, but not all of them are 3D or realistic. Most of them come with cartoony styles and 2D graphics. However, not everyone likes to play with pets that are flat cartoons. Many people like to play virtual pet games with a more realistic pet model. With Cat Sim Online, you can do just that with a realistic virtual cat.
However, unlike most virtual pet games, Cat Sim Online lets you play as the cat. That means you don’t have to take care of the cat, like Tamagotchi app-style games. However, you get to run wild with your imagination and be the cat yourself.
You can explore the neighborhood gardens, lawns, and houses to your heart’s content. If you’re bored of being alone, try the app’s multiplayer feature and invite a friend. Moreover, you can also customize your cat if you want to differentiate yourself from your peers. The app is free with in-app purchases on both iOS and Android.
Download from Google Play Store
3. Cthulhu Virtual Pet
Who says virtual pets should be limited to cats and dogs? This game challenges that convention because it comes with your very own pet Cthulhu! If you’re a fan of H.P. Lovecraft’s monster, then you’re in for a treat with this game. While it may look a bit more retro than other games, that adds to its charm and fun. It’s monochromatic with a pixelated design, but that doesn’t hinder gameplay at all.
With this game, you can, like most virtual pet games, take care of your pet Cthulhu. You have to raise, care for, and nurture it until it reaches its full potential. Of course, that means you have to feed your Cthulhu with fish or even Cthulhu’s witnesses.
Yes, it’s a bit morbid but certainly fun nonetheless. However, like other virtual pet games, you need coins to buy different foods and activities. No worries, you can easily earn coins by playing mini-games. Just make sure to aim for a high score to earn more coins. The app is free with in-app purchases for both iOS & Android.
Download from Google Play Store
4. Dogotchi
Tamagotchi was very popular back in the old days. However, just because it’s gone doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy something similar. Dogotchi is one of those virtual pet games that calls back to the era, both in art style and gameplay.
As the name implies, Dogotchi is a Tamagotchi app with a pet dog. Much like the original Tamagotchi, it has an 8-bit UI that instantly triggers nostalgia. You can play with the 8-bit dog, feed it, care for it, and even give it shots. However, those aren’t the only options you’re limited to. Dogotchi also allows users to play mini-games and customize the colors of their app. Moreover, you’re given lots of variety with 12 dogs to choose from. Once you’ve chosen a dog, nurture it until it grows to be a happy and healthy dog.
Above all, the Dogotchi app is completely free devoid of in-app purchases. Of course, the app makes money via ads, so it can get annoying sometimes. However, if you’re looking for virtual pet games that are completely free, it’s a great choice.
Download from Google Play Store
5. Virtual Pet Games by Frojo
You can find many virtual pet games developed by Frojo on Google Play Store or App Store, and the most popular Moy is just one of them. Frojo has many other virtual pet games like My Corgi, My Chicken, Oliver the Virtual Cat, and more. The only difference between them is the type of pet you can choose to nurture and play with. All you need to do is look into which one you like the most.
Apart from featuring various pets, these games all play the same. The virtual pet games let you take care of and nurture your pet while playing mini-games on the side. Moreover, all of the games are completely free, albeit with somewhat annoying ads in-game. They’re easy enough to understand for kids, too. If you’re looking for virtual pet games with a family-friendly, 2D cartoon style, then this one’s a great pick.
Download from Google Play Store
6. Hellopet
Hellopet deviates from the usual mechanics of virtual pet games. While the app does allow for the same mechanics: adopting, feeding, raising, and nurturing, that’s not all it does. You can also play mini-games within the app and enjoy its simple, 2D art style.
However, perhaps the best part of the game is its screen overlay feature. Through it, your pet can run around on your phone screen whenever it pleases. You could be answering texts or scrolling through social media and it pops up out of nowhere. It might feel gimmicky to some, but it’s adorable because it’s like a real pet that randomly asks for attention. You can download it for free (with in-app purchases) on iOS & Android.
Download from Google Play Store
7. My Boo
Another popular virtual pet game is My Boo. Like the other virtual pet games on the list, this one doesn’t settle for any type of animal. Instead, My Boo lets you adopt a pet blob with eyes and a mouth. Like other virtual pet games, My Boo allows you to raise and nurture your little blob monster. You can feed it, raise it, make sure it’s not sick, and more. Moreover, you can also customize your pet with different clothes.
The game is a pretty basic virtual pet game, but that doesn’t take away from the experience. It gets everything right as far as virtual pet game mechanics go, which is great for most people. However, the in-game ads can be quite annoying because of how they’re integrated into gameplay. Thankfully, you can get rid of the ads by paying a small fee. While we can’t call it completely free because of that, it’s good enough to recommend.
Download from Google Play Store
8. My Cat!
One of the best virtual pet games that simulate a real cat is My Cat! You can feed it, take it on walks, rub its belly, and bond with it like you would a real cat. However, the real kicker of the app is its augmented reality (AR) feature. Through AR, you can project your cat right onto your living room floor. With that, you can play with it as if it’s with you! Moreover, you can use the app to easily take photos to share on social media. If your cat’s a bit busy at the moment, you can also keep yourself occupied with mini-games.
Unfortunately, this app isn’t completely free to play because it requires a $9.99 weekly subscription to unlock all features. It does have a three-day free trial period for you to check things out. Otherwise, you can stick with the free version. However, it can get slightly annoying when the game asks you to purchase the full version. If you don’t mind that, then this game is certainly a cute pet cat simulator.
Download from Google Play Store
9. My Talking Tom
Have you ever wanted to play with a pet cat but somehow can’t in real life? Well, then Talking Tom is just the right virtual pet game for you. It’s one of the most popular virtual pet games out there and for good reason. As with other virtual pet games, you can take care of a pet cat. You can feed it, nurture it, and help potty-train your cat. Moreover, you can even talk to your cat, which isn’t something all that common in virtual pet games.
If you want more variety, you can engage in My Talking Tom’s various mini-games. You can also customize your gameplay in multiple ways to add more spice to the experience. If you crave more, My Talking Tom has multiple games in the series to entertain you. There’s My Talking Tom 2, Talking Tom Gold Rush, My Talking Angela, and more.
Download from Google Play Store
10. My Tamagotchi Forever
If you’re looking for a Tamagotchi app or something similar, look no further than My Tamagotchi Forever. It’s an attempt to remake and modernize the popular game of the ’90s. However, because it’s a modernization, its art style and gameplay are very different from the classic game. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, though.
With My Tamagotchi Forever, you can adopt a virtual pet to play with, nurture, feed, raise, and potty-train. It’s much like other virtual pet games, but this one also adds augmented reality to the experience. With it, you can take your pet to the real world to feel like you have a real-life pet. Above all, this game is free to play, which is perfect for anyone looking into virtual pet games.
Download from Google Play Store
11. Neko Atsume
Not all 2D virtual pet games look quite as adorable as Neko Atsume. The art style, while simple, is fun to play with and to look at. However, the art style isn’t the only advantage Neko Atsume has over other virtual pet games. In essence, it’s a virtual pet game but its mechanics are very different from normal virtual pet games. That’s because, instead of adopting one pet to nourish, raise, and feed, Neko Atsume helps you attract strays.
The way this works is the player has to put out various food for different cats. You can also personalize and customize your environment and the toys you give to the cats. Once you’ve attracted a cat, you can take it in as your pet. Your mission now is to attract all the available cat varieties the game offers. If you want to download it, it’s free with in-app purchases of up to $3.36.
Download from Google Play Store
12. Pou
Even though it’s an oldie, Pou is still a goodie in the virtual pet game space. That’s because it is one of the oldest virtual pet games that stuck with people all over the world. It features a simple interface and 2D art style, making it great for kids who want a virtual pet. However, Pou isn’t a traditional virtual pet game with a cat or a dog. Instead, Pou gives you, well—Pou, a blob-like creature in the shape of a triangle.
You can feed, play with, dress, and give Pou shots to raise him well. Pou also has cloud saves and frequent game updates, which may be lacking in other virtual pet games. Hence, even if it’s old, it’s still being given lots of care by the developer. Check it out for a free, family-friendly virtual pet game.
Download from Google Play Store
Virtual Pet Games: The Final Say!
Playing virtual pet games can be extremely fun, especially if you’ve always wanted a pet but can’t have one. You could be allergic, can’t afford the maintenance, or don’t have the time it takes to take care of one. Thankfully, virtual substitutes can satisfy the need, and satisfy it well, too.
There are a variety of virtual pet games to choose from. Most of them have similar mechanics, which makes it easy enough to choose between art styles and gameplay. However, others stand out because they add different elements to the game. Try one out and see for yourself whether you have what it takes to be a good virtual pet owner.
