The new year is going to be exciting for mobile gamers. There are many games coming out in 2021, including major releases from renowned developers and studios. Whatever gaming genre you are into, there is an enjoyable game to watch out for.
In this article, we have listed the top titles the mobile gaming community is anticipating this year. Read on to find out when these upcoming games are expected to launch, where to pre-register, and be the first to try them on your Android or iOS device.
1. The Witcher Monster Slayer
It’s The Witcher but with Pokémon Go-style gameplay. The Witcher Monster Slayer is an augmented-reality RPG mobile game set before the timeline of the award-winning The Witcher games on PC and console.
The game is geolocation-based and will adopt a first-person view, putting it on the growing list of AR games. Its mechanics will revolve around exploration, allowing you to hunt various monsters from the series via your mobile device as if they are in the real world. It is expected to go head to head with Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, which was warmly received last year.
The Witcher Monster Slayer from Spokko Games will be freely available for Android and iOS devices with optional in-app purchases. Global pre-registration links are not yet up as of this writing.
2. Diablo Immortal
Among players’ much-awaited games coming out in 2021 is Diablo Immortal, the mobile spin-off of the successful PC game. The game is set between the timelines of the popular PC and console games Diablo II and III. Therefore, you are tasked to continue archangel Tyrael’s mission of preventing the WorldStone shards and undead unleash chaos. To accomplish it, you must grind through dungeons and Challenge Rifts, level up your hero class, and equip the best gear. Diablo Immortal is playable by parties or solo.
What makes this franchise exciting is the inclusion of a massively multiplayer online (MMO) element to the gameplay. Diablo Immortal’s technical alpha shows that it isn’t just a water-down version of its older version like many suspected. That said, expect a different demon-slaying experience in this game.
Diablo Immortal, co-developed by Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase Games, is free with optional in-app purchases for Android and iOS. To add, pre-registration is already open on the Google Play Store. The link on the App Store will be available soon.
Pre-register on Google Play Store
3. Pokémon Unite
Pokémon Unite is also one of the best games slated for an early 2021 release. It is like League of Legends: Wild Rift because the game supports five-on-five battles on a map. What’s different in Pokémon Unite versus other Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games is that you control a pocket monster instead of a hero, you can catch Pokémon on the battlefield, and there are only two lanes.
Pokémon Unite, developed by The Pokemon Company in partnership with Tencent Games’ TiMi Studios, will support cross-platform gaming and be free to start on the Nintendo Switch, and Android and iOS devices. Pre-registration links are yet to be announced.
4. Devil May Cry: Pinnacle of Combat
Devil May Cry: Pinnacle of Combat is a spin-off mobile game of the Devil May Cry series. It is developed by Yunchang Games with supervision from Capcom and is awaiting a 2021 global release.
The game lets you play as Dante or his ally from the Devil May Cry 3 game, Lady. Gameplay-wise, the classic ground and aerial sword and gun combos make a comeback in this game. Online Player-versus-Player (PvP) mode is supported.
Devil May Cry: Pinnacle of Combat underwent beta testing in China. The worldwide launch date is much awaited.
5. NieR Re[in]carnation
NieR Re[in]carnation is set for a February 18 release in Japan. The launch date for the West is yet to be revealed since the game has been announced in North America and Europe back in September 2020.
The 3D RPG will feature an unknown protagonist and characters 2B, 9S, and A2 from the NieR Automata series. Moreover, NieR Re[in]carnation is also set in a futuristic fantasy world with towers and dungeons to explore.
The game, developed by Applibot and to be published by Square Enix Ltd, will be playable on Android and iOS.
Pre-register on Google Play Store
6. Path of Exile Mobile
If you like dungeon crawl games, Path of Exile Mobile is an upcoming game worth the wait. This is because the action RPG features amazing maps and loot, and a customizable skill tree.
Most of the game’s elements, including its dark fantasy theme, are similar to Path of Exile that has been widely played on PC and console. As a result, you get to enjoy the same grind and boss fights.
Path of Exile Mobile, developed by Grinding Gear Games, will launch in late 2021 for Android and iOS. Additionally, it is expected to be free with in-app purchases for upgrading characters’ looks. Pre-registration links are yet to be announced.
7. Warhammer Odyssey
Warhammer Odyssey is nearing its global launch this month. It is one of the best MMORPG and open-world games coming out in 2021.
The game is set in the Warhammer Fantasy World where you have to defeat the forces of darkness on your own or with friends. To add, you can choose from six character classes and 12 specializations for a unique experience.
Warhammer Odyssey from Virtual Realms Ltd will be free to play on Android and iOS. In-app purchases are optional.
Pre-register on Official Website
8. Apex Legends Mobile
Apex Legends Mobile is a First Person Shooter (FPS) battle royale game that rivals Fortnite, Player Unknown Battlegrounds (PUBG), and Call of Duty Mobile. It is one of the games coming out in 2021 with a beta version set for March or April, so watch out for the pre-registration links soon.
The game is all about survival and the winner is the last man standing on the battlefield. Mechanics are similar to the PC and console versions of Apex Legends.
Apex Legends Mobile is developed by Respawn Entertainment and will be published by Electronic Arts (EA). Also, the game will be free to download for Android and iOS.
Also Read: Top 20 Survival Games (iOS & Android Free Download)
9. Odin: Valhalla Rising
Odin: Valhalla Rising is among the best-designed games coming out in 2021. It will launch for mobile devices in South Korea first by the second half of the year.
The game takes inspiration from Norse mythology. In fact, the open-world MMORPG lets you traverse the Midgard plains, rocky Jotunheim, frosty Nidavellir, and Alfheim woodlands. Moreover, you get to travel via wolves, horses, dragons, and other creatures.
Odin: Valhalla Rising is developed by Lionheart Studios and will be published by Kakao Games. Also, it will be free to play on Android and iOS.
10. Crash Bandicoot: On the Run!
Platformers and endless runners are always among the classic hits on mobile. Among the upcoming games of the genre is Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! which is expected to launch in March 2021.
The game lets you control 3D cartoon-style characters and battle bosses from the Crash Bandicoot series. Besides running, you can jump and spin to defeat enemies and collect loot along the way.
Crash Bandicoot: On the Run! is developed by King, the studio behind the Candy Crush Saga Match 3 games. It will be free to play on Android and iOS, with optional in-game purchases. Also, pre-registration links are up.
Pre-register on Google Play Store
11. Summoners War: Chronicles
Summoners War: Chronicles, the sequel to gacha RPG Summoners War, is coming to Android and iOS in the second quarter of 2021.
The game is an MMORPG where you play as an anime-style character. You use your weapons and companion creatures to defeat various bosses and gather materials and treasure in the game. Moreover, you can explore dungeons and participate in PvP raids.
Summoners War: Chronicles is developed by Com2us. Closed beta testing will start in the first quarter of 2021. Pre-registration links are not yet available as of the time of writing.
12. SaGa Frontier Remastered
SaGa Frontier, an RPG that was first launched for the PS1, is back. It is one of the remastered games coming out in 2021.
Slated for a summer release on PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Android and iOS devices, the game has new stories aside from the original events from the classic version. To add, there are seven characters to select from and in-game choices affect the outcome of events. Cross-platform compatibility for the game is yet to be confirmed.
Pre-registration links for various platforms are yet to be announced by the game developer.
13. Roller Champions
Roller Champions is a roller-skating sports game with a twist. It will be free to play on the PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, and Android and iOS devices in early 2021.
The upcoming game lets you compete with other roller skaters in a three-versus-three battle for the ball. You get to tackle your opponents and pass obstacles in this game. You can also customize your character for added fun.
14. Just Cause: Mobile
Just Cause: Mobile is also one of the games coming out in 2021 from Square Enix. It is an action shooter game with co-op and PvP modes to choose from. Just like your ordinary battle royale game, it requires teams to crash into battlegrounds and take on enemies.
The game has four confirmed modes namely: story campaign, competitive multiplayer, co-op missions, and challenge mode. In the story campaign, the player emerges in an open world to complete a series of missions. The competitive multiplayer puts three teams of 10 players in a crossfire while having to secure the sprawling bases. On the other hand, the co-op missions require a squad of four players to defeat a surge of enemies while the challenge mode aims to test a player’s ability through various challenges.
Just Cause: Mobile will be free to play on Android and iOS. It has no pre-registration links yet but was previously announced to be available this year.
15. Project Cars Go
After years of waiting, the popular Project Cars game on Xbox 1 and PC is going mobile with Project Cars Go. Expect it to hit the Google Play Store and App Store in March. Its beta test has started in October 2020 which accelerated excitement among spectators.
Race to your heart’s content and customize your ride in this game developed by Slightly Mad Studios and Gamevil. It only takes a tap to boost your cars and beat other racers.
16. Marvel Future Revolution
There are already plenty of Marvel mobile games but this is the franchise’s first open-world multiplayer RPG for mobile. Marvel Future Revolution is among the upcoming games that fans are excited about worldwide.
The game lets you team up with other superheroes to defeat the supervillains and save the world. Moreover, there seem to be superhero counterparts from alternate worlds as hinted by the different versions of Spider-Man and Captain Marvel from the official trailer.
Marvel Future Revolution’s developer is Netmarble. The specific release dates and pre-registration links for Android and iOS are still pending.
Also Read: Top 15 Superhero Games You Should Download Now
17. Tomb Raider Reloaded
Lara Croft is back in 3D cartoon style. See her in action in Tomb Raider Reloaded this year brought by Emerald City Games and Square Enix.
There weren’t many exact details yet about how the game will look like but basing it on the previous announcements, it will be an action arcade game. That said, get ready to face a swarm of minions while you stack up abilities to defeat the big boss.
Tomb Raider Reloaded is available for early access in select Asian countries. If you are an Android user based in Asia, you might be able to try it via the Google Play Store. On the other hand, iOS users have to wait a bit to access the game.
Pre-access on Google Play Store
18. Plants vs. Zombies 3
There are more exciting games coming out in 2021 for casual players, and the list includes Plants vs. Zombies 3.
The third installment of the popular lane-based tower defense game series now features PvP gameplay, support for horizontal view, and new lawns.
The game from PopCap Games and EA is free to play on Android and iOS, with optional in-app purchases. The pre-alpha version is accessible on the Google Play Store but not yet on the App Store.
Pre-access on Google Play Store
19. Chrono Odyssey
Chrono Odyssey is also among the upcoming games MMORPG fans are eagerly waiting for. With high-end graphics suitable for PC and consoles, it’s a wonder how this game will look like on mobile devices.
The game will have a late 2021 or early 2022 launch. This is because developer NPIXEL is taking the time to customize the UI to suit every platform, at least according to announcements. Fans should expect smooth controls and gameplay in this time and space-themed fantasy adventure game.
Chrono Odyssey will be available in South Korea first. A global release will follow.
20. Cyber Knights: Flashpoint
If you are looking for combat, stealth, and technology in a game, keep your eyes peeled for Cyber Knights: Flashpoint in summer 2021. The independent cyberpunk-themed turn-based RPG puts you in a team of mercenaries, hackers, and thieves.
After its successful campaign in Kickstarter, Cyber Knights: Flashpoint has released an early access title on Steam. Cyber Knights: Flashpoint by the Trese Brothers is suitable for PCs and consoles. Also, it will be available on Android and iOS devices.
21. Dawn Awakening
Formerly known as Code: Live, Dawn Awakening is an open-world zombie shooter game. It is on closed beta status in China and could be out soon.
Being a game of survival, you have to avoid the zombie swarm in this game. You can do this by fighting them, building strongholds, gathering supplies, and making sure you don’t attract them.
Dawn Awakening is developed by Tencent Games’ Lightspeed & Quantum Studios. It will be a free game downloadable on Android and iOS devices.
22. Metal Slug Code: J
The 90s side-scroller shoot-em-up series Metal Slug is going 3D with Metal Slug Code: J. It is one of the mobile games coming out in 2021 that are based on big franchises.
Aside from the upgraded graphics, the game features a new jungle, forest and urban environments, characters, bosses, as well as armor and vehicles.
Metal Slug Code: J is from Tencent Games’ TiMi Studios and SNK Playmore. There are no specific release and compatibility details yet.
23. Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
Ready your wand and enter the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with Harry Potter: Magic Awakened.
The upcoming game combines card and RPG elements. You get to play as a student of wizardry and fight magical creatures. To win, use your cards to unleash your spells.
Harry Potter: Magic Awakened is from NetEase Games and Warner Bros. Entertainment. Its beta testing was recently kickstarted in China. The Android and iOS game is expected to be released soon.
24. Project Ragnarok
There are plenty of options for games coming out in 2021 that have a Norse mythology theme. Another must-play title is Project Ragnarok by NetEase Games.
The gameplay will be centered around the prophesied destruction of the Ragnarok realm. Players should face strong enemies to prevent the impending doom from happening. On the sideline, players can explore the vast environment via a glider or by parkouring, Assassins Creed style.
The developers plan to use high-end graphics for this game. Quite ambitious, we should say, as they also seek to release it on all platforms starting with Android and iOS.
25. Vainglory All Stars
Fans of the Vainglory MOBA game might also enjoy its brawler version that is coming soon, Vainglory All Stars.
The game supports three-versus-three battles. To add, the gameplay closely resembles that of Brawl Stars. Character designs look fun and quirky as well.
Vainglory All Stars by Bazooka Tango will be available for Android and iOS devices. The possible free-to-play game may offer in-app purchases.
26. Dauntless
Dauntless lets you hunt monsters or behemoths like in Monster Hunter. Also, you can enhance your weapons and armor while playing.
The game is awaiting a Nintendo Switch or mobile release. But, the developer Phoenix Labs is working on improvements on the PC and console version of Dauntless first.
27. Ni No Kuni: Cross Worlds
The Ni No Kuni series has Studio Ghibli-inspired story and graphics. This is why it has many fans worldwide anticipating the release of its mobile MMORPG version, Ni No Kuni: Cross Worlds.
The game diverts from the series’ usual fantasy setting by incorporating science fiction. This is because the protagonist makes use of technology to “soul dive” into another world instead of just being magically transported. Moreover, you can choose to be a swordsman, rogue, destroyer, engineer, or witch.
Ni No Kuni: Cross Worlds is available in Japan. While Netmarble has no specific details yet on a Western release, many are anticipating a global launch this year.
28. My Time at Portia
My Time at Portia is a farming simulator RPG with the same charm as Harvest Moon and Stardew Valley. It was initially released in 2019 for PC and consoles, but now also coming to mobile.
You get to enjoy farming, running a workshop, interacting with adorable characters, and building relationships in this game. Also, there are monsters and characters to fight.
Pathea Games’ My Time at Portia is open for pre-registration in China. Players are waiting for a specific global mobile release date.
29. Farlight 84
Farlight 84 is also among the exciting battle royale games coming out in 2021. In fact, it is launching for PCs, and Android and iOS devices soon.
Your main goal in this multiplayer game is to survive in a post-apocalyptic setting. This is challenging and fun because you have to use various weapons to shoot at enemies. Furthermore, you can fly or drive vehicles while taking them out.
Farlight 84’s developer and publisher are Lilith Games and Miracle Games, respectively.
30. Total War: Elysium
You’ll feel like a war general thinking up the best strategies in Total War: Elysium.
The upcoming card game is unique because it is based on history unlike other titles in the genre. To elaborate, it features popular war generals and heroes from various timelines.
Total War: Elysium, by Creative Assembly and Sega, has undergone closed beta testing. It will be free to play on PC, as well as Android and iOS devices, with optional in-app purchases.
Final Word
The new year will be a great one for mobile gaming because of the plethora of titles launching soon. Whether you are looking for mobile games based on triple-A series or independently developed, you won’t run out of options. If you’ve liked any of the titles listed above, pre-register as early as now and stay up to date about these games coming out in 2021!
