Android games are getting on par with console and PC games in terms of fun factor and gameplay quality. Some come with a price tag, while some are free with the option of microtransactions. One major gripe that some players are experiencing, though, is that newly released games on the Android operating system require a constant internet connection. Fortunately, there are offline Android games that offer a full experience even without mobile data or Wi-Fi.
In this article, we feature some of the best options that give you unlimited access to mobile games. The best part of it is that these offline Android games don’t just focus on one specific genre. Thus, you can freely explore titles that match your interest or mood. Before you proceed to download these games, be sure to check out the best gaming phones for smoother graphics and faster performance.
Inside This Article
- Alto’s Odyssey
- Monument Valley 2
- Hitman Go
- NBA JAM by EA Sports
- Major Mayhem
- Plague Inc.
- Downwell
- Stardew Valley
- Wayward Souls
- Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
- Asphalt Nitro
- Plants vs. Zombies 2
- Fallout Shelter
- Minecraft: Pocket Edition
- Bejeweled
- The Sims (Freeplay)
- Dead Trigger 2
- XCOM: Enemy Within
- Shadow Fight 2
- Crossy Road
- City Island 5
- Star Wars: KOTOR II
- Burger Shop
Best Android Games You Can Enjoy While You’re Offline
Get your gadget ready for the top 23 Android games you can enjoy even if you’re out of mobile data or aren’t connected to a Wi-Fi network. You’ll find all-time hits as well as updated offline Android games to explore in this list.
1. Alto’s Odyssey
This offline Android game is the latest update of the hit mobile game Alto’s Adventure. Alto’s Odyssey is a standalone sequel, so you don’t need to play the predecessor to fully understand the latest game.
You play as Alto, and he and his friends are off to an endless sandboarding journey in a world full of mysteries and secrets. The game is like an endless runner but with breathtaking visuals of the canyons, temples, and dunes. One worthy note is you can easily learn the gameplay, but it’s hard to master as you deliver chain combos and complete over 180 goals in a one-touch trick system.
Lastly, you will unlock six other characters with unique abilities that give more replay value. Let us not forget the great soundtrack in the game; be sure to wear your best earphones. Also, more importantly, don’t forget that this game can be played even without an internet connection.
Download from Google Play Store
2. Monument Valley 2
Offline indie Android game Monument Valley breaks the typical puzzle games on the Play Store as it focuses on isometric views. The goal of this game is to guide the characters Ro and her child past different mazes filled with optical illusions and impossible objects. Unlike the first game, Monument Valley 2 focuses more on its story and adds more depth to its narrative.
To sum up, this is among the offline Android games that encourage parent-child bonding thanks to how the story unfolds. Alto’s Odyssey has received several awards for that and its incredible game design and direction. You can play this game offline and without interruptions.
Download from Google Play Store
3. Hitman Go
Based on the hit stealth action game from Eidos, Hitman Go offers a portable game experience in a turn-based puzzle game of the fabled franchise. In this offline Android game, you assume the role of Agent 47. You must complete your mission of eliminating targets at every level with certain conditions. A level is designed on a grid-based board with interconnected nodes and lines as the path of movement for characters.
To accomplish assassination missions, you need to move Agent 47 next to the target node. Finally, each level becomes more challenging as you progress further into the game. Due to its popularity, Square Enix has released Lara Croft Go from the popular Tomb Raider series as the successor to Hitman Go.
Download from Google Play Store
4. NBA JAM by EA SPORTS
Basketball game NBA Jam is one of the offline Android games that will take you on a trip down memory lane. In its mobile form, the two-on-two arcade game features four game modes including the classic one that many are still familiar with. It also has nostalgic rosters and 3D graphics and is packed with action.
The best part of NBA Jam is that you can play it multiplayer without the need for an internet connection. Instead, it only needs Bluetooth or local Wi-Fi. Now go find a long-time NBA fan to challenge head-to-head in your area.
Download from Google Play Store
5. Major Mayhem
If you are into nonstop action and shoot fest, you might want to try offline Android games such as Major Mayhem. In this game, you play as the titular Major Mayhem and let go of your trigger finger. Unleash havoc on your enemies as you rescue your kidnapped girlfriend from the clutches of the evil forces. The gameplay features an arcade-like third-person shooter with cover mechanics found in modern-day shooters. It has 45 levels of nonstop action and four game modes, where you can complete up to 150 mini-mission achievements. You can lay waste to your enemies with 20 unique weapons and 42 costumes to customize Major Mayhem.
Download from Google Play Store
6. Plague Inc.
In some offline Android games, players build empires or massive cities. But for mobile simulation games like Plague Inc, the gameplay is more on cultivating viruses and eradicating humans on the planet. This game puts players into the role of scientists as they create and evolve pathogens in their effort to destroy the world with a deadly virus.
You experiment with your developed pathogen on test subjects and make sure that it will be immune to different environmental conditions. You continue to infect other humans and turn them into zombies. On the other hand, of course, you have to act quickly and smart as humans will try to develop a cure to stop the plague.
Download from Google Play Store
7. Downwell
Downwell is a complete mash-up of different popular genres today. It’s a rogue-like game that plays as a vertical platformer with a mix of shooters and players that go down deeper instead of the usual ascending progression. Downwell puts everyone in the shoes of Welltaro, who’s curious about exploring the depths of a nearby well at the local park.
Unknown to him, there are monsters lurking beneath the depths waiting for him as he descends. The good thing is that Welltaro brought his gumboots and proceeded with killing the monsters and collecting treasures. As you jump downwards where you can stomp down on enemies, you can also press jump again to shoot from your boots.
Downwell is among the offline Android games that can be challenging, testing your patience as you progress deeper.
Download from Google Play Store
8. Stardew Valley
If you are not into dangerous plagues that can wipe out a population, this would probably be a good option for something relaxing. Stardew Valley is a homage to the classic farm/life simulation genre popularized by games such as Harvest Moon.
In Stardew Valley, you become the owner of a farm after your deceased grandfather passed it down to you. It is your job to manage and produce more crops and animals and head to town to sell those for profit. There is also the mine area for gathering minerals and fighting off monsters that lurk inside. You might even meet someone that could become your significant other and have a family and live happily ever after (in-game, of course).
Download from Google Play Store
9. Wayward Souls
We move on to action-packed hack-and-slash action dungeon crawler Wayward Souls, inspired by classic action RPGs but pushing fast forward on the gameplay. This offline Android game features randomly generated levels where each dungeon will generate random pathways and enemy placements. You get to choose one of the seven character classes and clash against hordes of demons and the undead. There are over a hundred different monster types to slay and equipment to loot as you dive deeper into the dungeons.
Download from Google Play Store
10. Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
Any fan of strategic RPGs would surely know Final Fantasy Tactics. It received a mobile platform treatment and is one of the best offline Android RPGs on the market. Set in the world of magic and Chocobo, Tactics features a deep and engaging turn-based strategy gameplay that utilizes different job classes. It encourages full experimentation and a combination of jobs to produce a whole new build. With the War of the Lions edition, you can try new jobs and characters for more variety. If you are looking for a hardcore strategy RPG, Final Fantasy Tactics is the best choice you can play offline.
Download from Google Play Store
11. Asphalt Nitro
Few racing games let you play without any internet connection, and Asphalt Nitro is one of them. The most popular mobile racing game that features improved visuals and adrenaline-pumping high-speed action, Asphalt Nitro is a great choice for everyone who wants to have fast-paced action to kill boredom. Featuring a ton of cars and eight different game modes, ranging from the police chase and drift to knockdown and more, this is one of the best offline Android racing games.
Download from Google Play Store
12. Plants vs. Zombies 2
One of the hit tower defense games that revolutionized the sub-genre, Plants vs. Zombies features cute characters that sometimes have pop culture references for that added sense of humor. Plants vs. Zombies 2 upgraded its gameplay mechanics with new units to produce and zombies to repel. This game may be old, but it’s among the few offline Android games that still receive updates to balance the gameplay and sometimes in-game events to keep the players hooked. You don’t need to be constantly online to play it, so better download this on your smartphone and start fighting those zombies.
Download from Google Play Store
13. Fallout Shelter
This is still the same familiar Fallout game but in a city-building simulation. Fallout Shelter still breathes like a Fallout game but is more catered towards casual mobile gamers. You hold the task of keeping your Vault well-stocked and secured at all times and while you explore the radiation-infested world for equipment and survivors. Upgrade your Vault to store and produce more food and electricity. Increase your population from the survivors, and be sure to repel raiders and death claws wrecking your gates. The game is free to download, and there is no need to be online all the time to enjoy it.
Download from Google Play Store
14. Minecraft: Pocket Edition
Minecraft is cross-platform, so it’s playable on PCs, consoles, and mobile. It’s the one that popularized 3D sandbox games. Minecraft Pocket Edition still has the same Minecraft experience that you have known for so long but streamlines the controls to make it playable on your smartphone. You build your world by scavenging for materials and using the items to build your place and tools. Then, explore the world and expand, but watch out for the Creepers as they can explode upon contact and other Minecraft mobs. You can purchase the DLC to add more cosmetics and unique skins that will give your avatar a nice appearance. Although without those, the game is still enjoyable.
Download from Google Play Store
15. Bejeweled
One of the oldest and still-loved offline Android puzzle games is Bejeweled. It does not seem to age as the game is still played by millions. Featuring very familiar match-three puzzle mechanics, you match three identical tiles to score points and continue matching other adjacent tiles. You can land combos to increase the score multipliers. The game has spawned different versions, but it still maintains the familiar gameplay system.
Download from Google Play Store
16. The Sims (Freeplay)
This is the same Sims that you play on your PC but made available in the palm of your hand. The Sims Freeplay offers a familiar life simulation but is more streamlined for smartphone users. The Freeplay version still allows you to build and customize your home. You can purchase premium items at the expense of real money, though these are all optional and do not heavily affect the overall quality of the game. The game continues to receive content updates and expansion packs to give players more options to customize their Sims. The Sims is also a free game on Android.
Download from Google Play Store
17. Dead Trigger 2
Dead Trigger 2 is the update of the highly popular Dead Trigger game. A zombie-themed first-person shooter with survival elements, the game puts you in a tight position as you must escape from the hordes of zombies. It is among the offline Android games that play like your modern-day first-person shooter, making it easy for gamers to hop in and play.
During the game’s early days, Nvidia used it for a tech demo for its Tegra 4 chipset — making Dead Trigger 2 one of the visually defining moments in mobile gaming.
Download from Google Play Store
18. XCOM: Enemy Within
A classic strategy game on Android, XCOM pits you against invading aliens on Earth. Combining strategy gaming with city management, XCOM provides a refreshing take on the genre, making it one of the fan favorites. The mobile version still maintains the original content but is made portable to try for when you’re on the go. There are also multiplayer maps that let you challenge other players to see who the best is, but you can enjoy the game offline.
Download from Google Play Store
19. Shadow Fight 2
Shadow Fight 2 is a 2D fighting game on Android that throws in elements of RPGs. That is because you can upgrade armor, weapons, and skills as you challenge and defeat computer-controlled opponents. You can earn gold by defeating opponents and use it for upgrades. And in each of the seven provinces, you will be able to face the level boss. Furthermore, the game is free to play but with microtransaction options. It is one of the good offline Android games even if it is not new.
Download from Google Play Store
20. Crossy Road
Crossy Road is one of the popular platform games on Android inspired by classic games like Frogger. You must help your character cross the road without getting squashed by vehicles. It takes timing and pattern recognition to overcome each stage, and the farther you go, the more impossible levels you will have to face. You will be able to earn coins that you can use for unlocking other characters.
Download from Google Play Store
21. City Island 5
Add to your bucket list of best offline Android games City Island 5. It takes city-building to new heights by letting you create bustling environments in various islands instead of just one. Make your desired city aesthetics stand out via the building designs you pick or upgrade to. Overall, you’re in for a fun time as a successful tycoon in this game.
Download from Google Play Store
22. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II is as enjoyable as its predecessor, Star Wars: KOTOR, and is full of lightsaber-swinging action. In the game, you are the remaining Jedi who is seeking to get hold of your “force” or power and save your order with the help of your party. But what’s interesting in offline Android games like KOTOR II is that you are also given the choice to fight for good or evil.
Download from Google Play Store
23. Burger Shop
Burger Shop is a nostalgic PC restaurant time-management game that also meets the tastes of mobile gamers. Despite being one of the oldest offline Android games featured here, this food-themed hit is still delightful to play. This is all thanks to its 3D graphics, variety in terms of unlockable food items, and challenging levels. Burger Shop is indeed one delicious way of spending your free time away from the web.
Download from Google Play Store
Offline Android Games Are 100% Fun
Despite the prominence of online games such as MOBAs and MMORPGs nowadays, offline Android games are still a hit. That is because they can be as fun as the ones that require going online for finishing the whole playthrough or teaming up with other players.
With offline games, you can get the same casual or intense gameplay, good 3D or retro graphics, and twists online games have. Also, they save you from boredom when you are on the go and the internet is down. So, pick one to play from our list today!