
Paying for mobile games can be hard to justify when there are countless free alternatives available. However, many of these free games are plagued with intrusive ads. While I don’t mind occasional ads if the gameplay is exceptional, most games on the App Store and Play Store are nearly unplayable, designed to bombard you with ads before you inevitably uninstall them.
These games, on the other hand, break the mold. Not only are they free, but they also operate without any ads. Some are supported by optional in-app purchases, while others are entirely free, offering a refreshing experience for players. This list isn’t comprehensive, given the vastness of the mobile gaming market. If your favorite ad-free game isn’t listed, feel free to share it in the comments.
Genshin Impact
It would be a mistake not to include Genshin Impact here. Its popularity is well-deserved: This expansive RPG offers a rich world filled with diverse characters, dungeons, boss fights, and secrets, all available for free and without ads. Often compared to Breath of the Wild for its art style and mechanics, Genshin Impact carves out its own identity with unique systems and unlockables.
That said, it’s a gacha game, meaning it incorporates a pay-to-play-like system. While everything purchasable with real money can also be earned through gameplay, spending cash is undeniably more convenient than grinding for in-game currency. If you can resist the urge to spend, you can enjoy Genshin Impact completely free of charge.
Note: The gacha genre, in general, is typically free to download and ad-free.
Download Genshin Impact for iOS
Download Genshin Impact for Android
Pokémon UNITE
Pokémon UNITE brings a MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) twist to the beloved franchise. Instead of catching Pokémon, UNITE pits teams of five against each other, using your favorite Pokémon to battle. Fans of League of Legends or Dota will find the gameplay mechanics familiar.
As expected, your attacks are based on Pokémon moves, but the combat is real-time, not turn-based. The 5v5 matches are fast-paced and chaotic, offering thrilling team battles. While there are some pay-to-win elements, they don’t prevent you from competing effectively without spending money.
Download Pokémon UNITE for iOS
Download Pokémon UNITE for Android
Apex Legends Mobile
Apex Legends Mobile is not just a port of the console and PC version. It’s a standalone game tailored for mobile devices, offering the same intense battle royale experience. You and your squad select unique characters and battle opponents as the map gradually shrinks, creating a high-stakes environment.
If you encounter me in the game, take it easy—I’m not the best at it!
Download Apex Legends Mobile for iOS
Download Apex Legends Mobile for Android
Rocket League Sideswipe
While Rocket League doesn’t have a direct mobile version, Rocket League Sideswipe fills the gap. This adaptation simplifies the gameplay into a 2D left-to-right format while retaining the core mechanics: drive, shoot, and score while defending your goal. It’s a fresh take on the beloved 3D experience.
The game is completely free, with no ads or in-app purchases—just pure, uninterrupted fun.
Download Rocket League Sideswipe on iOS
Download Rocket League Sideswipe on Android
Two Spies
Two Spies is a strategic turn-based game where you face off against an opponent in a Cold War-themed setting. The game unfolds on a board-game-style map of Europe, where you hide in cities, gather intelligence, and attempt to eliminate your rival before they get to you. The first to land three strikes wins and earns the title of Spy. Though the concept is straightforward, the gameplay demands deep strategic thinking. Note that it’s exclusive to iOS.
Download Two Spies for iOS
Orna
Orna is a GPS-driven multiplayer RPG that transforms the real world into your gaming arena. Similar to Pokémon GO, you encounter enemies as you explore, but unlike its counterpart, enemies in Orna respawn endlessly, ensuring you always have foes to battle.
As you progress, you level up, acquire new gear, and unlock advanced classes. You can choose to play solo or team up with friends. The game offers a rich experience with boss fights, dungeons, events, and even crafting. The developer, Odie, has cultivated a passionate community, with active Discord and subreddit platforms where players share tips, stories, and memes. Dive into these communities if you become a fan.
Download Orna for iOS
Download Orna for Android
Mekorama
Mekorama is a charming puzzle game where you guide a stranded robot through intricate levels. By rotating the environment, you uncover hidden paths and solutions, reminiscent of Monument Valley or Nintendo’s Captain Toad series. Best of all, it’s completely free and ad-free.
For fans of the game, there’s a VR version for Android priced at $3.99 that’s worth exploring.
Download Mekorama for iOS
Download Mekorama for Android
Seedship
Seedship is a text-based space exploration game with procedurally generated content. You play as an AI guiding a ship carrying frozen colonists in search of a new habitable planet. Every decision carries risk: settling on a less-than-ideal planet or risking damage to the ship by continuing the search.
With each playthrough being unique, outcomes vary wildly—success in one attempt, disaster in another. A scoring system allows you to track and compare your progress across multiple runs.
Download Seedship for iOS
Download Seedship for Android
Pocket Planes
Pocket Planes isn’t about flying planes but managing an airline. Your goal is to transport passengers and cargo, earning coins to purchase airports in over 250 cities worldwide and build your aviation empire.
The game is a treasure trove for collectors: As you advance, you’ll unlock a variety of planes, each with unique attributes. You can also personalize your fleet with custom colors and even design pilot uniforms, giving you full control over your airline’s look.
Download Pocket Planes for iOS
Download Pocket Planes for Android
Bounty Hunter Space Lizard
Despite its quirky name, Bounty Hunter Space Lizard is a fantastic game. You play as a lone lizard bounty hunter navigating dungeon-like levels, engaging in turn-based combat with enemies using guns or fists. While the gameplay is straightforward, it’s incredibly entertaining, complemented by exceptional sound design.
Download Bounty Hunter Space Lizard for iOS
Download Bounty Hunter Space Lizard for Android
Farm RPG
Farm RPG stands out from typical farming sims with its minimalist graphics, emphasizing strategic gameplay. You’ll make decisions about crops, exploration, and upgrades to grow your farm. Its simplicity creates a laid-back atmosphere, even more so than traditional cozy farming games.
One of its highlights is the active community. A global chat allows players to share tips, celebrate achievements, and discuss their experiences, making it a social and engaging experience.
Download Farm RPG for iOS
Download Farm RPG for Android
Flop Rocket
Flop Rocket is like a low-budget version of Jetpack Joyride. You control a test rocket in a hazardous cave lab, using one finger for thrust and another for steering. The challenge? You can only collide with objects twice before your rocket explodes. It’s brutally difficult.
Initially, you’ll fail repeatedly, but with practice, you’ll start earning coins. These coins can be used to upgrade your rocket, improving its performance. The game offers a variety of upgrades, as seen in the high-score videos. Developed by Butterscotch Shenanigans, Flop Rocket is one of several free, ad-free games they offer.
Download Flop Rocket for iOS
Download Flop Rocket for Android
Does not Commute
Does not Commute is a distinctive strategy game where you guide commuters one at a time. The catch? Every route you’ve previously taken reappears on the map, creating traffic chaos as more cars are added. What starts as a simple task quickly turns into a complex maze of vehicles to navigate.
While the game hasn’t been updated for modern phones, it remains playable and offers a unique challenge for managing increasingly chaotic commutes.
Download Does not Commute for iOS
Download Does not Commute for Android
DATA WING
DATA WING offers a fresh twist on racing games. You control a spaceship, designed like a retro Space Invaders sprite, tasked with delivering data for “Mother,” the central AI. The two-touch controls are easy to grasp but challenging to master, especially if you aim to speed through levels like an expert.
Download DATA WING for iOS
Download DATA WING for Android
Ninja Arashi & Ninja Arashi 2
Ninja Arashi and its sequel, Ninja Arashi 2, are action-packed side-scrolling games that deliver a complete experience for free. After your wife is murdered and your son kidnapped, you must navigate through levels, defeat enemies, and uncover secrets to save him. The two games form a continuous story, so playing them in order is recommended. While the first game hasn’t been updated recently and may not be optimized for newer devices, it remains fully playable.
Download Ninja Arashi for iOS
Download Ninja Arashi for Android
Download Ninja Arashi 2 for iOS
Download Ninja Arashi 2 for Android