Best Android RPGs as of 2021
The Google Play Store is littered with titles claiming to be the best RPGs on Android. But which ones are actually the crème de la crème of mobile RPGs? Here at Hardcore Droid, we’ve put together a list of the best RPGs on Android as of 2021. Rather than sifting through the metaphorical shelves of the Google Play Store, check out our list of the best Android RPGs as of 2021 below.
10. AnimA
Released in 2019, AnimA is a Diablo-esque RPG by Redeev offering hours of engaging hack-and-slash content. Players can specialize in either Skirmish, Archery or Sorcery while traversing 40 levels populated by demons, zombies and other horrific entities. Not only does the game offer fast-paced combat, but the controls are highly intuitive and easy to master. AnimA features New Game Plus, so players who’ve beaten the game can still be challenged. There are also over 10 secret levels for players to discover as they dive into the ominous depths of caverns and dungeons. With intense Diablo-style action it’s no wonder this title lands a spot on our best Android RPGs as of 2021 list. An engaging dungeon crawler with a dark fantasy theme, AnimA is well worth a download.
9. Battle Chasers: Nightwar
Battle Chasers: Nightwar is an immersive RPG with stunning 2D visuals. Developer HandyGames ported the title to mobile devices in 2019. The game was inspired by retro JRPGs and boasts compelling turn-based combat and colorful characters. It begins with the party’s airship crashing on a mysterious island. The protagonists must work together to stop an evil sorceress who plans to harvest the island’s mana and raise a powerful demon.
Your party consists of six diverse individuals, though only three can participate in battle at a time. Each is capable of taking on multiple roles in combat. Depending on who fights at his side, Alumon can be either the party’s healer or deal high magic damage. The party consists of Gully, a young girl on a quest to find her Father; Knolan, a powerful mage; Red Monika, a rogue; Garrison, a swordsman; Alumon, the blood mage; and Calibretto, the war golem.
Randomly generated dungeons are found throughout Battle Chasers: Nightwar, each full of traps, treasures and bad guys. Every member of your party has a unique dungeon skill. For instance, Knolan is able to slow enemies using a Glyph of Frost, while Red Monika can cast stealth over the entire party. Between wonderfully executed dungeon crawling, sweet turn-based combat and stellar 2D graphics, Battle Chasers: Nightwar easily earns is spot on our best Android RPGs as of 2021 list.
8. Atom RPG
Atom RPG by Atent Games takes place in an alternate timeline in which the Soviet Union is a nuclear wasteland after a bombing in 1986. Players explore the Soviet wasteland as they attempt to uncover an evil conspiracy to wipe out all life on Earth. Inspired by Fallout, Atom RPG arrived on Android in May 2020. The game offers players over 60 hours of gameplay, battling bandits and mutants alike.
The title is an in-depth RPG boasting dozens of engaging quests with multiple endings. Atom RPG provides challenging turn-based combat and deep role-playing mechanics reminiscent of old-school RPGs. Master skills such as lockpicking and tinkering as you uncover the secrets of the Soviet wastelands. The game also includes random encounters with intriguing NPCs and deep dialogue choices. An in-depth post-apocalyptic game, Atom RPG’s compelling storyline and engaging combat make for a radioactive good time.
7. The Banner Saga Series
The Banner Saga 1 and 2 by Stoic Studio are adventure RPGs with a Viking theme. Featuring stunning hand-drawn graphics, The Banner Saga is full of harsh choices with even harsher consequences. In The Banner Saga 1, players lead their people across severe yet stunning terrain and into war against enemy clans. Players will also battle the Dredge, which are humanoid creatures of stone. The Banner Saga 2 begins where its predecessor left off. Both titles require strategic planning as players manage their caravan’s scarce resources.
The Banner Saga 1 and 2 feature turn-based grid-style combat. While the mechanics are easy to master, winning is not. The franchise, which offers deeply compelling narratives and strategic combat set on a beautiful hand-drawn backdrop, will have any fan of strategy RPGs completely enthralled.
6. Knights of the Old Republic
Taking place 4,000 years before the birth of the Galactic Empire, players take on the role of a jedi in Knights of the Old Republic. The game, which arrived on Android in 2014, allows players to build their own lightsaber and travel the galaxy in a starship. Players will explore eight different planets as they strive to defeat the evil Darth Malak.
Knights of the Old Republic by Aspyr Media takes player decisions into account. Earn light side or dark side points depending on the decisions you make. These points ultimately determine whether you join the light side of the Force or the dark. Considered by many to be the best Star Wars game to date, Knights of the Old Republic is the closest you’ll ever get to becoming a real jedi.
5. Pascal’s Wager
Inspired by Dark Souls, Pascal’s Wager is an intense action RPG by Giant Global that came to Android in June 2020. The game takes place on a world in which the sun has died out. Humanity can only survive by staying within the light of giant luminous beings known as Colossus. The light of a Colossus is the only thing that keeps the dark mist at bay. Players take on the role of Terrance, a sword-wielding courier for the church.
Pascal’s Wager boasts beautiful graphics and unforgiving combat. As players progress through the game, they’ll unlock playable companions who join Terrance on his journey. Characters include Benita, a blind nun who wields a whip with devasting effects, and Viola, a gun-slinging woman with powerful specialized bullets.
Pascal’s Wager focuses heavily on combat. Players can upgrade Terrance and his companions’ abilities using a material called immundus, which can be found throughout the game. The world of Pascal’s Wager is populated with the Marred, horrifying creatures that have been tainted by the dark fog. Prolonged exposure to the Marred decreases the sanity of Terrance and his companions. Once a character’s sanity gets too low, they enter an abnormal state in which enemies are stronger and the player has additional weaknesses. Pascal’s Wager is a masterpiece of an RPG with challenging combat that will excite any Dark Souls fan.
4. The World Ends With You
The World Ends With You, released on Android in 2014, is a visionary RPG by Square Enix that is easily one of the best Android RPGs as of 2021. Players take on the role of Neku, a recently deceased teenage boy. Neku finds himself competing in the Reapers’ Game, a weeklong competition that the recently departed can participate in. Failing to win the game means Neku will be erased from existence.
The unique flair of The World Ends With You comes from its setting, the Shibuya district of Japan. Players must slash, tap and drag their fingers across the screen, creating specific shapes. In lieu of a skill tree, players unlock new abilities by equipping pins. Players can buy pins, but enemies also drop them, and each has a unique ability. The game also features a risk-reward system, allowing players to level down in order to obtain more loot in battle. The World Ends With You is a heartfelt tale with captivating and original combat, earning it a place on our list.
3. Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition
2018’s Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition is an abridged version of Final Fantasy XV by Square Enix. Explore the world of Final Fantasy XV from the convenience of your Android device. The title follows Prince Noctis and his friends as they attempt to reclaim his kingdom. This pocket-sized beauty features chibi-style graphics. It’s broken up into 10 chapters, the first of which is free.
Combat, while simplified, is still enjoyable. This title will have you battling fierce creatures and even riding chocobos. While it’s a condensed version of the original game, Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition still follows the same engaging plot and includes many side quests. Fans of the Final Fantasy franchise will be enamored with this portable gem.
2. Chrono Trigger
Originally released on Super Nintendo back in the 90s, Chrono Trigger has been available on Android since 2012. An enchanting RPG by Square Enix, the game follows Crono and his companions as they travel through time in an attempt to stop Lavos from destroying the world. Chrono Trigger uses an active-time battle system. Players must wait for a character’s speed bar to fill up and then choose an attack. If a player waits until multiple characters’ speed bars are full, they’ll be given extra attack options. For instance, if both Lucca and Robo have full speed bars, the player will gain access to the Fire Punch attack.
The game begins when Crono’s new friend Marle is accidentally teleported through time. Crono follows her through the portal and finds himself 400 years in the past. Chrono Trigger presents an engaging storyline packed with fun twists and turns. Offering multiple endings depending on choices made throughout the game, Chrono Trigger is a timeless RPG that enchants players with its unique plot and engaging combat.
1. BioWare/Beamdog
From Baldur’s Gate to Neverwinter Nights, BioWare is responsible for many of the best RPGs available and, thanks to Beamdog, many of these retro games are now available on Android. Planescape Torment places players in the role of the Nameless One, an immortal trying to retrieve his memories. Primarily a story-driven game, Planescape Torment offers players some combat, though most battles are easy to avoid with stealth or dialogue choices. The game also provides an enthralling and unique plot.
Baldur’s Gate 1 and 2 offer a choice of real-time or turn-based combat and compelling questlines. Each title boasts over 60 hours of gameplay. Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition thrusts players into the investigation of an iron crisis, which is leading to raised tensions between Baldur’s Gate and the nearby kingdom of Amn. Baldur’s Gate 2 begins with the player locked up, about to be experimented on by an evil elven mage.
Beamdog also brought Icewind Dale and Neverwinter Nights to Android. Neverwinter Nights offers 100-plus hours of gameplay full of engaging foes as you take on an evil cult. Icewind Dale: Enhanced Edition lets players explore the vast tundra in the northern region of the Forgotten Realms and take on an evil lurking beneath the mountains. Every game mentioned is an engaging RPG based on the Dungeons & Dragons ruleset. Each offers compelling combat and plotlines, which make BioWare games ported by Beamdog the reigning champions of Android RPGs.
Enjoy this list? Be sure to check out Hardcore Droid’s lists of the Best Offline Android RPGs and our Most Anticipated Android Games of 2021.