RPGs (role-playing games) on PC and console typically come with a highly developed open-world setting and storyline, characters with a high level of depth, and seemingly more complex interacting mechanisms, to name a few. Some of these key elements would be present in the best mobile RPGs.
Here are my picks for the best mobile RPGs, which I’ve divided into free-to-play and paid ones. Also, I’m only including games that were released from 2015 onward; otherwise, the list will be too long.
| Free-to-Play | Paid |
*This list will be updated from time to time.
FREE-TO-PLAY
Here’s a list of the best free-to-play mobile RPGs with in-app purchases.
GENSHIN IMPACT
- Publisher: miHoYo
- Initial release date: September 28, 2020
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows
It’s by far the best RPG on mobile and PC, in my opinion. I thoroughly enjoy this game due to its massive open-world gameplay, stunning visuals, and epic soundtracks. On top of that, the diverse cast of characters with their very unique personalities, background stories, and abilities just enrich the gameplay further.
EVIL LANDS
- Publisher: Rage Quit Games
- Initial release date: July 2019
- Platforms: iOS, Android
Evil Lands is an online real-time multiplayer RPG set in a fantasy mediaeval world with stunning 3D visuals. You can choose to be an assassin, warrior, or sorcerer. You can explore various maps to complete quests and collect items by defeating various types of enemies along the way. You can choose to play in co-op mode or PvP. The only complaint I have as of now is that we can’t bind our account to any social media sites.
ARCANE QUEST LEGENDS
- Publisher: Nex Game Studios
- Release date: Dec 18, 2018
- Platforms: iOS, Android
Arcane Quest Legends is a fantastic but yet another Diablo-like mobile game. The visuals in this game are pretty incredible as you make your way from one location to another to complete the quests. This game also doesn’t require an internet connection.
FINAL FANTASY XV: POCKET EDITION
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Initial release date: February 8, 2018
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows
Final Fantasy is the godfather of all RPGs (this may be a biassed opinion since I’m a huge fan of the series!). Most of the classics are available on mobile, so if I didn’t make a hard decision to only pick one, probably half of this list would feature the Final Fantasy series. I picked Final Fantasy XV: Pocket Edition because it was built from scratch for mobile platforms. The characters are all in chibi form. Really cute!
ANOTHER EDEN
- Publisher: WFS
- Initial release date: April 12, 2017
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows
This is a nice take on the classic-style JRPGs designed by Masato Kato, the writer of Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy VII. The visuals are stunning and worthy of a painting, and there are also a lot of characters that you can collect. It works fantastically well on both mobile and PC.
DUNGEON HUNTER 5
- Publisher: Gameloft
- Initial release date: March 11, 2015
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows
Dungeon Hunter 5 is a part of the action-RPG series that has been very popular for a long time. This particular series is a direct sequel to Dungeon Hunter 4. You’ll get to experience different types of missions and objectives with various events that are updated from time to time.
ETERNIUM
- Publisher: Making Fun Inc.
- Initial release date: August 19, 2014
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows
Although Eternium (previously known as Mage and Minions) was released way back in 2014, I included it here because it’s worth mentioning. It’s a classic action RPG modelled closely after Diablo and features an amazing storyline with stunning visuals as well as mobile-specific elements. It can also be played with or without the internet.
PAID
Here’s the list of the top-paid mobile RPGs. It’s time to whip up that credit card. No pay, no play, hey!
OCEANHORN 2
- Publisher: Cornfox & Brothers Limited
- Initial release date: September 19, 2019
- Platforms: Apple Arcade, Nintendo Switch, Playstation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft Windows
Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm is a high-quality action adventure game inspired by The Legend of Zelda. Its amazing visuals and gameplay made it a worthy play as well as one of the finest mobile RPGs. However, it is only available for mobile gamers through Apple Arcade.
BATTLE CHASERS: NIGHTWAR
- Publisher: THQ Nordic
- Initial release date: August 1, 2019 (mobile)
- Platforms: Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
Battle Chasers: Nightwar is a turn-based combat game with a cliché-ridden story that made the leap from console to mobile in 2019. Explore an open world and venture into dungeons to battle monsters as you level up, collect gear, and craft items.
WARHAMMER QUEST 2: THE END TIMES
- Publisher: Perchang
- Initial release date: January 30, 2019
- Platforms: Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows, MacOs, Xbox One
Warhammer Quest 2: The End Times is a turn-based strategy RPG and the sequel to the successful Warhammer Quest, which is also now available on PC. Battles in the game are viewed from the top down, with movement, attacks, spells, and various other actions governed by the amount of AP the character possesses.
CAT QUEST
- Publisher:The Gentlebros
- Initial release date: August 8, 2017
- Platforms: Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Microsoft Windows
Cat Quest is a lovely RPG game that you can play offline and that was built with mobile in mind. It has some amazing touchscreen controls. The gameplay is a mash-up of classic Final Fantasy and Legend of Zelda elements.
Cat Quest II is exclusive to iOS as part of an Apple Arcade subscription. It plays and looks the same, but it introduces two playable characters, which include a dog this time around, and you can play it in co-op mode. There are also some additions in terms of weapon types, passive abilities, and spells.
