The best turn-based RPGs for Android and iOS right now offer a mix of premium ports and free-to-play adventures, making it easier than ever to find a deep, strategic experience on your phone. This curated list covers the top titles across the best mobile games by genre, from narrative-driven epics to tactical battles, ensuring you can find the perfect game to download and play immediately.
The best turn-based rpgs for Android and iOS right now
Mobile game stores are constantly changing, with new titles appearing and older ones being updated. This list balances premium, complete experiences with popular free-to-play options, giving you a reliable selection of turn-based RPGs that are worth your time right now.
1. Another Eden
Another Eden is a free-to-play, narrative-driven RPG from key figures behind Chrono Trigger. It offers a classic, old-school style with an engaging story and extensive content that keeps you coming back for more.
2. Final Fantasy IX
This is a premium, direct port of the beloved PlayStation classic. It delivers a complete, high-quality RPG experience without any microtransactions, letting you enjoy the full story of Zidane and Garnet from start to finish.
3. Chaos Rings III
A premium Square Enix title, Chaos Rings III features a classic turn-based battle system and a vast world to explore. The game focuses on treasure hunting on the planet Marble Blue, offering a nostalgic yet fresh RPG adventure.
4. Hero Wars - Fantasy Battles
Hero Wars is a popular free-to-play fantasy RPG set in the enchanted world of Dominion. It features deep hero collection mechanics, epic PvP arena battles, and strategic combat where you collect, train, and share skills with powerful heroes.
5. Age Of Magic: Heroes Legends
This visually impressive free-to-play RPG features over 50 unique heroes from 12 different races. It has a strong focus on tactical turn-based combat, with each hero possessing their own abilities and skills.
6. Knights of Pen & Paper 2
This unique, retro pixel-art RPG simulates a tabletop gaming session. It includes a dungeon master and meta-humor, and a recent update added seamless tablet support and the ability to play in both landscape and portrait orientations.
7. Doom and Destiny
A comedic, premium RPG that parodies classic genre tropes. It features a well-written story with humor and satires as you join four nerdy friends who are sucked into a fantasy world and mistaken for heroes.
8. Final Fantasy Tactics: WotL
This premium, deeply strategic tactical RPG is often compared to chess. Each move must be calculated. On iOS, the game requires iOS 15.6 or later and is listed for iPhone and iPod touch only. Note that Quick Save cannot be performed in battles due to OS feature changes. The game does support iCloud, adding a save slot that allows game data to be saved and migrated across multiple devices. On Android, some players could not launch the game if a certain version of the Google Play Store was installed; the advice is to try again after a while as Google updates the Play Store directly on affected devices. For Android support, email Android_support@square-enix.com.
9. Darkest Rogue: Episode 2
This roguelike dungeon crawler is set in a dark fantasy world. You must survive traps and defeat cruel demigods to find the magic book called the "Necronomicon" and bring light back to the world.
10. Grimguard Tactics: End of Legends
In this tactical RPG, you summon unlikely heroes to save the world of Terenos from an ancient evil entity known as "The Primorva." You must form an alliance to force back the darkness using turn-based gameplay.
11. ONE PUNCH MAN: The Strongest
This is the first officially licensed turn-based RPG from the Japanese anime franchise. It faithfully restores 100% of the original narrative, allowing you to fight alongside Saitama sensei and execute justice against the forces of evil.
12. Exos Heroes
A visually stunning fantasy RPG with a deep story involving an ancient airship, the missing sword of the emperor called "Exestruk," and the curse of the ancient dragon. You'll engage in intense battles alongside characters like the ancient dragon Bitru and treasure hunter Zeon.
13. RPG Machine Knight
This free, expansive, and beginner-friendly premium RPG is reminiscent of classic 16-bit titles. It has many places to level up and champion rewardable missions, and it allows you to wield your own crafted items, making it a great entry point for new players.
14. StoneAge World
This prehistoric-themed RPG lets you capture and train rare creatures as pets. It features a fluid battle system that changes depending on your level and skill, and you can even hatch prehistoric animal eggs to restore order in the world of Tectonika.
15. GYEE
GYEE is a 3D turn-based RPG with a gay theme at its core. It features a card-based battle system and a narrative focused on characters called Gyees, brave creatures bestowed with bestial powers in the world of Luxium. GYEE is currently playable in China (CN), Southeast Asia (SEA), Japan (JP), and North American (NA) servers, and will soon be available globally for iOS, Android, and Steam.
16. Warlord of Aternum
This strategy-focused RPG draws parallels to chess and Rock Paper Scissors. It requires you to strategize and make calculated moves to conquer territory and win against other unit types in battle.
17. Questland
Questland is a highly-rated, free-to-play RPG that never runs out of things to do. It features seamless gameplay elements and a focus on character upgrades, with every element working together to deliver a great game.
18. LEGO® Legacy: Heroes Unboxed
LEGO® Legacy: Heroes Unboxed is available exclusively for Netflix members and requires an internet connection (3G or Wi‑Fi) for downloads and updates, and other features including playing with friends. It requires an additional download of 500 to 600 MB to play, and the size may change without notice. The game requires iPhone iOS 16.0 or later and iPad iPadOS 16.0 or later.
19. Lord of Heroes
Lord of Heroes is a frontier game still currently in test mode, launched in Korea but with English text, and is focused on account progression to unlock heroes.
20. Game of Thrones Beyond the Wall™
Game of Thrones Beyond the Wall™ is an officially licensed turn-based RPG for mobile.
More turn-based adventures to explore
The variety within the turn-based RPG genre is immense, from classic ports to innovative free-to-play titles. Whether you prefer deep tactical combat, a rich narrative, or a humorous parody, this list provides a strong starting point for finding your next mobile adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these games free to play?
The list includes a mix of premium titles that you pay for once, such as Final Fantasy IX and Chaos Rings III, and free-to-play titles like Another Eden and Hero Wars. Free-to-play games often include optional in-app purchases.
Do I need an internet connection to play?
Many games, especially free-to-play ones, require an internet connection for features like PvP battles, updates, and saving progress to the cloud. Premium single-player games like Final Fantasy IX can often be played offline after the initial download.
Which game is best for a beginner to the genre?
RPG Machine Knight is specifically noted as a good entry point for new players due to its free, expansive, and beginner-friendly design. Another Eden is also easy to grasp while offering a deep narrative.
Can I transfer my save data between devices?
Some games support this feature. For example, Final Fantasy Tactics: WotL on iOS includes iCloud support, which adds a save slot for migrating game data across multiple devices. Other games may have their own account systems for cross-device play.
What is the difference between a turn-based RPG and a tactical RPG?
While both involve taking turns, a tactical RPG (like Final Fantasy Tactics: WotL) focuses heavily on positioning units on a grid-like battlefield, similar to chess. A standard turn-based RPG (like Final Fantasy IX) typically involves a party of characters facing enemies in a line, with strategy focused on skill and item selection.
