A Lot Of Fighting
Why fight in the real world when you can fight in games? They’re usually more fun, anyway. Whether in realistic locations or somewhere entirely fictional, fighting mechanics often make or break games. This is as true for mobile games as it is console games. As it happens, the Best Android Games of 2024 have a lot to do with fighting. Players can find themselves facing other humans, aliens and even sentient plants, depending on the game. Each have their own reasons for belonging on the Best Android Games of 2024.
20. PUBG Mobile
PUBG: Battlegrounds redefined the battle royale genre. Finding the best weapons, vantage points, and staying alive can get the heart pumping. PUBG Mobile from Tencent hopes to achieve the same. There are 100-player fights and survival is paramount. Survive Classic Mode, 4v4 Arena battles and more. Ambitiously, new maps and items are added every day. If players need to adjust their playing style, there’s customizable controls and a training mode. PUBG Mobile is based on PUBG, with some differences. The mobile has lower resolution, meaning less details. However, audio-visual cues on minimaps can help. In a Screen Rant article by Ace Brown, “If a player is shot and hit, they will get a red mark on their screen.” Once the enemy is exposed, they can be shot. Another plus is easier driving mechanics and more customization options. Along with additional game modes, PUBG Mobile might just be a little better.
19. Ashfall
From NetEase Games, Ashfall tells the story of a post-apocalyptic world brought about by a nuclear war, brought about by an AI. You play as a survivor searching for the Core of Creation, which has the power to rebuild the world. While exploring the vast open world inspired by Eastern culture, you’ll come across various enemies like mutants and what remains of the AI. What’s left of humanity isn’t that much better; they split into factions, and you never know who to trust. The weather even changes at random, making travel difficult at times. Though combat is unavoidable, you eventually gather multiple firearms and shields that will help you survive. But you’re not just wandering aimlessly. There are a variety of missions to complete and colorful NPCs to meet. You can go alone or join others in co-op when facing bigger enemies. With three-dimensional graphics and a soundtrack from famous composer Hans Zimmer, Ashfall is looking to be one exciting adventure. It’s set to release in late 2024 and is currently going through beta testing.
18. Clash Mini/Clash Heroes
The original game, Clash of Clans, came out in 2012 from Supercell Games and just about exploded in popularity. With its fast-paced and addicting gameplay, along with constant updates, it’s no wonder the game has stayed so popular. Now, Supercell has decided to add some spin-offs. These include Clash Mini and Clash Heroes. The first takes all the familiar Clash characters and shrinks them. A strategic board game setting, place your fighters on the board and watch them battle. It’s like checkers or chess with bombs and swords. Clash Heroes, however, goes in a completely different direction. Choose a barbarian, wizard, archer, or bomber and fight other players in top-down arenas. Clash Mini is already out, but it looks like players will have to wait a bit for Clash Heroes.
17. Genshin Impact
There’s no shortage of things to do in Genshin Impact. A popular title from miHoYo, this open-world RPG has been around since 2020. What keeps Genshin Impact going is the multitude of unique characters, a massive world and interesting lore. Though a gatcha game, it’s hard to care. Players will need a lot of storage space no matter what they’re playing on, but it’s worth it. This game even became the “top-grossing mobile gacha game in the world” (via Polygon). Plus, it was the talk of Twitter during the first half of 2022. Switching between four different characters with unique skills and elements keeps battles interesting and enjoyable. Additionally, there’s nothing forcing players to only follow the story, allowing for slow exploration. Genshin Impact can be overwhelming, so don’t do everything all at once. The strong narrative coupled with gorgeous landscapes shows that this game is a labor of love.
16. Asphalt 9: Legends
This series from Gameloft has been going strong for 18 years. Its recent title, Asphalt 9: Legends, takes players to racetracks across seven countries. Drive brands like Ferrari and Porsche to see which will burn rubber. Speed through locations such as Shanghai and Scotland to become the best racer worldwide. Face seven players in real time and rise the ranks of five different leagues in multiplayer. Additionally, there’s a Career mode with 71 themed events. While Asphalt 9: Legends is entertaining, it isn’t without problems. The frame rate is inconsistent, working when there isn’t much happening. Plus, some races are short, the menu is a “UI nightmare” (NintendoLife), and microtransactions exist. There’s free-to-play nonsense most mobile games have. The game doesn’t force players to spend money, however. Regardless, Asphalt 9: Legends manages to be a fun racing game. There’s potential for replayability and Career mode could take hours to complete.
15. Zenless Zone Zero
Hoyoverse is going in a slightly different direction with their newest game, Zenless Zone Zero. In a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by Hollows (dimensions full of monsters), the city of New Eridu is the last of civilization. Extracting resources from the Hollows allowed the city to survive, though things are far from peaceful. You are a Proxy, a Hollow Guide, and your job is to team up with various explorers to travel though dimensions. Fight monsters and learn more about your employers and why they want to be there. With 12 confirmed characters across five factions, this action RPG is aiming to keep you entertained. There’s no confirmed release date yet, though theories suggest early 2024.
14. Warcraft Rumble
Within the Warcraft universe comes a brand-new story from Blizzard Entertainment. Originally titled Warcraft Arclight Rumble, this action strategy game features collectable mini characters that come to life. Find and collect over 65 and assemble multiple armies to fight in melee battles. Familiar factions, such as the Alliance and Horde, will contain well-known characters from the Warcraft universe. These include Jaina Proudmoore and Grommash Hellscream. With a single-player campaign, PvP and more, there’s no shortage of joyful chaos. Besides fighting, use your minis to gather resources, like gold, through mining or finding treasure chests. Though Warcraft Rumble had a soft launch in the Philippines, an official release date has yet to be announced.
13. Valorant Mobile
The PC version of Valorant was originally released in 2020 and quickly grew in popularity. An alternative to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO), this vibrant 5v5 shooter from Riot Games has become a staple title on the esports circuit. There hasn’t been much news regarding Valorant Mobile, other than it’s still in development. Developers don’t want to say too much about it until they’re sure it looks and feels as authentic as the original game. “‘Right now, we’re just trying to get it right,’” said executive producer Anna Donlon in an interview with ONE Esports. Here’s hoping there’ll be some news in 2024.
12. Total War Battles: Warhammer
From NetEase Games, Total War Battles: Warhammer is the mobile version of the PC game with the same name. The first in the series with RTS gameplay, this mobile game recreates the Warhammer world with thousand-unit battles. Use tactical knowledge to manage your units and be a mediator between other players. You’ll need to keep your wits about you to defend against the Skaven and rival factions. A release date has yet to be announced, though the official Warhammer website states that it’s “still under development and…will launch a close beta test soon.”
11. The Division: Resurgence
Taking place in the same universe as the first two games, The Division: Resurgence from Ubisoft aims to bring the intense gameplay to mobile. With an all-new, independent storyline, travel the massive open world of urban New York and take down bad guys. Play alone or with friends as you figure out your own brand of specialization. Collect gears and weapons and test them out in multiple PvP modes such as Skirmish & Domination. Pre-registration is available now with the release of The Division: Resurgence set for Fall 2023 with no specific date.
10. Star Wars: Hunters
Hit the hyperdrive to a galaxy far, far away with Zynga’s new game, Star Wars: Hunters. Flipping the script by not focusing on a Jedi story, you instead take the role of a Hunter fighting in Hunters of the Outer Rim arena on the planet Vespaara. Meet new and interesting characters like Dark Side assassin Rieve and Mandalorian Aran Tal. The arena changes its look to mimic other planets, such as Endor, Mos Espa and Tatooine. Three PvP modes keep things exciting: score goals with a flying ball in Huttball, occupy an objective in Control and defend a payload in Escort. Originally set to release in 2021, Star Wars: Hunters was delayed to 2023 to “ensure high game quality” (Android Authority). While there has been a soft launch in India, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, an official release date has yet to be announced.
9. Rainbow Six Mobile
Another Ubisoft tactical shooter, Rainbow Six Mobile brings one of Tom Clancy’s most popular franchises to mobile devices. Free-to-play, multiplayer competitive action is found in several familiar game modes. Brainstorm strategies on the fly and utilize unique abilities and gadgets to take advantage of destructible maps. With a variety of operators to choose from, play as an Attacker or Defender in intense 5v5 matches. Attackers include Ash, armed with an assault rifle and stun grenades, and Thermite, packing an exothermic charge and claymore. Jäger, using a Magpie Defense System and barbed wire, along with Valkyrie, armed with Black Eye Cameras and nitro cells, are part of the Defenders. Initial maps are a bank, a biker clubhouse, and a border checkpoint. Ubisoft is currently testing the early version of Rainbow Six Mobile. Players can pre-register now.
8. Plants vs. Zombies 3
PopCap Games once again needs you to defend the neighborhood from brain-hungry zombies. Now with 3D visuals, Plants vs. Zombies 3 has the same mechanics as the first two, along with a host of familiar plants. There are few key differences, however. The landscape screen has switched to portrait, and progress is through a linear map. A positive new feature is that you don’t have to plant a sunflower; it automatically gathers sunlight. Plants can also be given power-ups with a variety of effects. At the end of each level, players are ranked based on zombie-slaying efficiency and defenses. Rewards come in the form of Pinata slots. While modernized for easier gameplay and new players, longtime fans hope that Plants vs. Zombies 3 won’t be overly dependent on microtransactions. Though available on Android, it doesn’t appear to be in the Google Play Store.
7. Path of Exile Mobile
Grinding Gear Games originally announced Path of Exile Mobile back in 2019, along with Path of Exile 2. While the console game is the primary focus, that doesn’t mean GGG isn’t working on the mobile. Producer Trevor Gamon states that “Basically Path of Exile 2 will be first,” followed by Path of Exile Mobile. A prequel to both console games, you start in a coliseum, showing off your skills. The main focus is exploring the Atlas of Worlds and completing maps. Familiar characters will also be present, such as Inquisitor Dominus and High Templar Venarius. No release date has been announced yet, but here’s hoping something comes up before the end of the year.
6. Mortal Kombat: Onslaught
The Mortal Kombat franchise received a soft reboot in October 2023 in the form of Mortal Kombat 1. However, the mobile game is sticking to characters players have become familiar with. From Warner Bros. Games and NetherRealm Studios, Mortal Kombat: Onslaught will feature a new, cinematic story. Players select a team of fighters to battle real-time group fights. They can be heroic with Scorpion and Liu Kang or villainous with Kano and Skarlet. More characters will be added once the full release is out. The early release happened in early August 2023, and there doesn’t appear to be news on Mortal Kombat: Onslaught’s full release yet.
5. Indus Battle Royale
Made in India by SuperGaming SG, Indus Battle Royale is a colorful intergalactic adventure based on Indian civilization. You are a Mythwalker, a hired gun for COVEN, diving headfirst into the unknown of planet Indus. The game takes place in a “futurist India” that blends the “past and the future in a tasteful way” (The Indian Express). There’s a unique roster of characters to play as, like battle robot Sir Taj and cyborg Mor-Ni. Various characters are inspired by Hindu mythology. Players can also choose from a list of powerful weapons such as the Devastator machine gun and the semi-automatic Judgement. Pre-register for Indus Battle Royale now to participate in the closed beta. The game is aiming to release sometime during the holiday season.
4. The Banner Saga
No Norse mythology games are like The Banner Saga from Stoic Studio. A story-driven RPG duology, 2D hand-drawn art and animation brings the series to life. Each game has a different story with 25 playable protagonists. Fates of all characters depend on choices made along the journey. Decisions made in the first game carry to the second, and so on. Combat is turn-based and inspired by chess. It’s more than just lowering health; players need to break armor first. Resource management is also important and can be life or death. The Banner Saga is beautiful as it is heartbreaking. Players become attached to many characters, causing decisions to be harder to make. A review by Edward Harding for Phenixx Gaming says “I was actually shocked at the severity of…the consequences.” If there’s anything to criticize, it’d be that combat feels repetitive. This doesn’t make fights easier, but variety wouldn’t hurt.
3. Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile
There is a lot of hype on social media about the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 remake, set to release in November 2023. Players can pre-order the game now and get early access to the open beta and campaign. Additionally, the newest CoD mobile game, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile is releasing in 2023 as well. From Activision, this FPS battle royale claims to be ushering in a new era of the franchise. Classic combat, weapons and vehicles are present alongside incredibly large maps, including fan favorite Verdansk. Battle over 120 live players in epic cross platform action on mobile, PC and console. With more competitors, there’s more opportunities for competition and fun. Pre-registering now will allow players special rewards at the worldwide launch. No specific release date yet, though it’s supposed to come out sometime in 2023.
2. XCOM 2
The original XCOM released in 1994 and spawned a unique and underrated franchise. Rebooted in 2013 with the help of 2K and Firaxis Games, XCOM 2 is the sequel to XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Strategy is the core of XCOM 2 since combat is turn-based. Most missions have to be completed within a time limit. Players need to think on their feet while also playing smart. Risks have to be taken or the missions will fail, resulting in losing a soldier. The game allows players to scout locations before beginning a fight, emphasizing stealth. Plus, there’s more variety of enemies. ADVENT Mecs, shapeshifting Faceless; the XCOM team have their work cut out for them. Though punishing, it’s garnered nothing but praise. In a review for Metro by GameCentral, XCOM 2 “achieves its ambitious goals with disarming ease…while excelling in areas you never would’ve thought.” It’s arguably the best strategy game today.
1. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Is it old? Yes. Is it still a classic? Also yes. Originally released in 2003, this single player RPG captured player’s attention like no other Star Wars game has. Set four thousand years before the Galactic Empire, hundreds of Jedi have fallen to the ruthless Sith (via StarWars.com). You are the Jedi’s last hope (isn’t that always the case?). Explore a diverse universe though a deep, engaging story filled with crazy plot twists and complicated moral choices. Meet many memorable characters like HK-47 and Canderous Ordo as you travel in your own ship to different planets. Will you stay in the Light or stray to the Dark? There is a remake for the game in the works, though a release date has yet to be announced. Here’s hoping the remake stays true to the original.
Enjoyed the list? Be sure to check out our list of the Best Android Strategy Games of 2024 and the Best Android RPGs of 2024.
iPhone user? By all means head over to our sister site, Hardcore iOS and check out their take on the Best iPhone Games of 2024, Best iPhone Strategy Games of 2024 and the Best iPhone RPGs of 2024.
