I love playing games with my friends. It’s one of the ways we stay connected even when our lives get busy and we can’t really meet, and one of the ways we like to spice up our drinking nights or parties (especially now that we’re older and clubbing is out of the question).
Over the years, we have played hundreds of mobile multiplayer games, and discarded just as many due to intrusive ads, IAPs and bugs (nothing ruins good fun as much as an unwanted ad right in the middle of it). So here I am to help you and your friends find the perfect game for you, whether you’re all together and having fun, or you’re looking for a game to enjoy together when apart.
Most of these games are free, with only a few paid options where I really never found a better free alternatives (like, for example, HeadsUp!).
And since there are many great phone games you can play, this list is a long one, and so I created this overview that will allow you to skip over to the section that sounds like most fun to you.
- Phone games to play with friends at parties — Includes titles like Among Us, HeadsUp!, Uno, and others that are always fun to play when you’re all together and/or drinking.
- Brawlers and competitive games — These are perfect if you’re a competitive group and want something to play together when you’re not together. Includes Brawl Stars, Marvel Snap, TFT, etc.
- Battle royale and shooter phone games — Choose this category if you enjoy teaming up against other groups and smashing them to bits. I particularly enjoy COD, Stumble Guys and even Fortnite.
- Co-ops adventure and open world games — If you’re a nerdier group (no judgement, I am too), then this category is perfect for you. Genshin is very popular for this, but I loved Soul Knight Prequel and Vampire’s Fall 2 even more. You can also do Minecraft, which is a classic!
- Sports and racing games — Fans of FIFA, PES or Grand Turismo? These games give that, but on mobile so it’s easy to play whenever and wherever. I particularly like EA Sports FC mobile and Real Racing 3. Mario Kart Tour is also good, but it’s now only in maintenance mode, no new tracks.
- Card, strategy and casual games — If your group isn’t into games normally or you just want something chill, choose this category. I love WordFeud for playing daily, GeoGuessr on voice chat, and Wingspan for something that feels more intellectual.
A quick note: This list is constantly updated with new titles, whenever me and my friends discover something new that we enjoy. Even if it currently lacks a game you love, we might stumble into it in the future, and it’ll land on this list. If you’re impatient to see how your favorite mobile multiplayer game tracks, you can drop the title in the comments and I’ll make sure to suggest it at the next gathering. The latest update of this list was to include Evil Apples, which we loved, and Wingspan, which we played after really loving the board game.
Party Phone Games to Play With Friends
I love hanging out with my friends so much, but sometimes we see each other too often, and there’s not much to talk about, or we just don’t feel like talking. This is when the games come out. Usually someone will suggest a board game, most people won’t want it because the rules are complicated and everyone just wants to relax, and I’ll (as the smartest one, of course), suggest some mobile party games.
These are our favorites, and the ones that don’t bother you and ruin your fun with ads or IAPs, but are also so much fun and very easy to pick up (almost no learning curve at all).
Among Us
| Best for | Groups of 4+, voice call required |
| Party size | 4–15 |
| Session length | 5–10 min/round (or more if you’re yappers) |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC ↔ console |
| In-person or online | Both |
| Monetization | One-time purchase (mobile) |
| Voice chat | In-app (proximity in some maps) |
Among Us is probably one of the best phone games to play with friends because it’s simple, easy to play, and allows for endless arguments and funny moments. I love playing this with my friends when we all gather to drink and relax, and it’s one of the most popular choices for our game nights.
The more of you there are, the better, because it will create more confusion in the discussion.
The premise is simple — you’re all travelling on a space ship and one or two of you (or more, depending on the mod) is an impostor, meaning that they’re meant to kill you off, one by one. You have some tasks to complete, but your main job is to figure out who the impostor is.
It’s like Clue, but on your phone, so it’s easily accessible any time you and your friends gather. Not only that, but you can also play it when you’re apart and it might be even better that way because you can’t really tell by your friends’ faces whether they’re lying or not.
UNO
| Best for | Casual groups of 2–4, quick game nights |
| Party size | 2–4 (up to 4 in standard matches) |
| Session length | 5–15 min/game |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Both |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional in-app purchases, not annoying) |
| Voice chat | No (use Discord or another voice app if online) |
Uno is a classic one way or another, and my friends and I love playing both the card version and the mobile version. If you don’t have cards at hand, this is the one I recommend. Uno is known for creating legendary arguments and funny moments when you all pile +2’s on one person, so you can recreate that, just on your phones.
Goose Goose Duck
| Best for | Groups of 6+, perfect if you’re tired of AmongUs but want more of the same |
| Party size | 5–16 |
| Session length | 10–20 min/round |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC |
| In-person or online | Both |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional cosmetic IAPs, not annoying) |
| Voice chat | In-app (proximity voice chat) |
Goose Goose Duck takes the social deduction formula from Among Us and somehow makes it even more ridiculous. Instead of simply trying to figure out who the impostor is, everyone can have their own unique role with different abilities, which makes every round feel completely different.
The built-in proximity voice chat is probably my favourite feature because it creates so many hilarious moments. You can overhear suspicious conversations, panic when someone suddenly appears behind you, or accidentally reveal yourself by saying too much.
My friends and I discovered it after getting tired of Among Us (because we played it way too much). The only thing that’s kind of annoying is that there’s a bit more to learn at first because of all the different roles, and you know there’ll be at least one person who won’t know what to do, but once everyone gets the hang of it, it leads to some of the funniest betrayals, accusations, and completely unhinged game nights you’ll have.
Heads Up!
| Best for | In-person groups, parties, and family game nights |
| Party size | 2+ (best with 4–8) |
| Session length | 1–2 min/round |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Primarily in-person |
| Monetization | Paid app (with optional themed decks) |
| Voice chat | Not needed |
Heads Up! is one of those games that’s guaranteed to get everyone laughing, even if someone insists they “don’t like party games.” The concept couldn’t be simpler: hold your phone to your forehead while a word appears on the screen, and everyone else has to help you guess it before the timer runs out.
I mean, you’re familiar with the charades, but this one is simpler because it’s always available. It creates so many funny moments because people act things out in the weirdest way possible, and this one only gets more fun the more you drink (ahem, if you’re old enough) and the more you play it. Plus, it’s low-commitment in a way that Uno or AmongUs isn’t, so even people who don’t really like games or kids can be included.
It’s perfect for family gatherings, parties, or any time you’re all in the same room looking for something that doesn’t require learning complicated rules. There are plenty of themed decks to choose from, so you can tailor the game to your group, whether you’re into movies, animals, celebrities, or completely random words.
This one is paid, and while I know there are many free options, those usually have way too many ads to be enjoyable, like you constantly get interrupted by them, and it’s no fun. The good thing about this is that only one of you actually has to buy it because you only need it on one phone to play as much as you want, and it’s generally very cheap.
Psych!
| Best for | Creative groups who love bluffing and inside jokes |
| Party size | 2–8 |
| Session length | 10–20 min/game |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Both |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional in-app purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (but you need some sort of voice chat if playing online) |
Psych! is one of those games where being convincing is much more important than actually knowing the right answer. Every round, you’re given a question or prompt and have to come up with a fake answer that’s believable enough to fool everyone else. Then all the answers—including the real one—are mixed together, and everyone tries to guess which is correct.
If you ever played Bullshit with cards, this is like that, only with answers, which is also more fun because people come up with ridiculous things. If your group is naturally funny or loves trying to outsmart each other, this game creates endless opportunities for inside jokes and friendly trash talk.
It’s especially fun over a voice call because everyone inevitably starts defending their fake answers or accusing each other of trying too hard to sound convincing.
Spaceteam
| Best for | In-person groups who don’t mind yelling at each other |
| Party size | 2–8 |
| Session length | 5–15 min/game |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | In-person (or local network) |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional in-app purchases) |
| Voice chat | Not needed |
Spaceteam was so much fun to play! So, the concept is this: you’re all in a spaceship but you don’t know what to do. The instructions you get will belong to someone else, and other people’s instructions will belong to you, so you all have to yell things out and try to manage all of that without making mistakes.
It’s absolutely a ridiculous experience but it created one of the most memorable nights me and my friends had. We played this the whole night without getting bored and laughed our faces off, so if you don’t mind being loud and wrong and loudly wrong (and losing all the time) I highly recommend Spaceteam.
Evil Apples
| Best for | Adult groups with a dark sense of humour |
| Party size | 3–8+ (larger groups are even better) |
| Session length | 15–30 min/game |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Both |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional in-app purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (recommended if playing online) |
Evil Apples is basically Cards Against Humanity on your phone, so if your friend group enjoys dark humour, terrible puns, and making each other laugh, this is an easy recommendation. My friends and I loved it and I cannot believe how long it took us to find this one.
Each round, one player reads a prompt while everyone else submits the funniest answer card from their hand. The game is incredibly easy to learn, so you can jump straight into the jokes without spending time explaining rules.
Like most party games, it’s even better over a voice call or when you’re all in the same room because half the fun comes from everyone’s reactions after the winning answer is revealed. Just keep in mind that the humour can get pretty offensive, so it’s definitely best suited for groups who know each other’s boundaries and don’t take the jokes too seriously.
Best Brawlers and Competitive PvP
If your group is competitive and you want to play something fun and fighty while you’re not together, these are my favorites on the list. My friends and I must have spent hundreds of hours on these, and I think you’ll enjoy them too.
Marvel Snap
| Best for | Quick competitive matches and card game fans |
| Party size | 1v1 |
| Session length | 3–5 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | No |
Even if you’ve never played a collectible card game before, Marvel Snap is surprisingly easy to get into. Matches only last a few minutes, decks are small, and the rules are simple enough that you’ll understand the basics after a game or two.
Instead of trying to reduce your opponent’s health to zero, you’re competing to control three different locations, each with unique effects that can completely change your strategy. The games are short and fun, and perfect if you want to host a tournament of some sort (1v1 until someone comes out as the top winner — speaking from experience, this is a blast).
Mortal Kombat
| Best for | Fighting game fans and quick PvP battles |
| Party size | 1v1 |
| Session length | 2–5 min/fight |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | No |
This one is also great for hosting tournaments, in person or online, and it’s especially great for keeping up with your friends individually without having to invest a ton of time into strategy. The matches are quick, fun, anger-inducing often, and you know what you’re getting into.
My wife in particular is a master of this game though neither I or our friends know how because she’s generally a sweet, quiet person, and she doesn’t actually know any controls, but she somehow manages to beat us all in the bloodiest way possible. Pent up aggression? Should I be afraid? Anyways —
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it if you’re looking for a highly competitive esports-style experience, but if you just want to jump into a few satisfying fights featuring characters like Scorpion, Sub-Zero, and Raiden, it’s a lot of fun.
Teamfight Tactics
| Best for | Strategy lovers who enjoy planning over fast reflexes |
| Party size | 8-player free-for-all |
| Session length | 25–40 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (paid cosmetics only) |
| Voice chat | No (use Discord) |
Okay, so Teamfight Tactics is more competitive and more serious than the other games on this list, but I would still recommend it if you and your friends enjoy this sort of thing. Not all of my friends do, but there are a few I love playing this with when we all have some uninterrupted free time, so I would recommend it.
It’s truly one of the best competitive games on mobile; you and your friends are building a team, positioning them and watching them battle while you guys work on the strategy. If you never played auto-battlers before, it might have a bit of a learning curve for you, but once you get into it it can be really satisfying to play.
Brawl Stars
| Best for | Friends who want fast-paced competitive matches |
| Party size | 3v3 (plus solo and duo modes) |
| Session length | 2–4 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (but you can use Discord) |
Brawl Stars is relatively simple to learn and has quick matches which makes it easy to play while on lunch breaks, hiding in the bathroom from the kids (just me?) or in waiting rooms. I really like that it gets more depth the more you play, like new Brawlers.
There’s plenty of variety too; you might collect gems while defending your team, scoring goals in Brawl Ball, doing Showdown, safe heists, etc. It’s never boring and never dull, though not everyone will love it. I have a few friends I play this often with, and it’s a blast every time. Plus, it’s far better than playing with randoms you get grouped up with, so if you hadn’t enjoyed it so far, try with your friends and I promise it’s so much better.
Check out my Brawl Stars review!
Clash Royale
| Best for | Competitive strategy fans and quick duels |
| Party size | 1v1 or 2v2 |
| Session length | 3–5 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (use Discord) |
My brother in law got obsessed with this game a few years ago, and ever since then, we’ve been playing it together on and off. He’s not a very talkative person, so having this game to enjoy together has been a great ice (and silence) breaker whenever he comes over or we hang out.
It’s easy to learn and there’s tons of content. It’s also fast-paced and requires you to strategically deploy your troops, defend your towers and stuff like that. Not to brag, but I’m great at this game and it’s really fun to watch my brother in law flip out when I win.
Pokémon UNITE
| Best for | MOBA beginners and Pokémon fans |
| Party size | 5v5 (plus smaller casual modes) |
| Session length | 10 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ Nintendo Switch |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | In-app (team voice chat available) |
I’ll be honest, I learned about this game from my daughter’s friend who came over one day and they played this game together. I try to keep an eye on my kids and whatever is happening when there are phones and voice chats used, so I noticed that this game is actually fun (though not for my kid alone).
This is a good intro to MOBA though, and perfect if you like Pokemon. You and your team are supposed to score points by defeating wild Pokemon, leveling up and dunking energy into the opposing team’s goals.
I tried it alone but it’s definitely more fun with friends and not randos you get paired with. Plus definitely safer if you want to play with your kids.
If you like Pokemon-inspired games, check out Palmon Survival!
Brawlhalla
| Best for | Platform fighting fans and casual competitive matches |
| Party size | Up to 8 players (1v1, 2v2, free-for-all, and custom lobbies) |
| Session length | 3–8 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC ↔ PlayStation ↔ Xbox ↔ Nintendo Switch |
| In-person or online | Both |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional cosmetic purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (use Discord if playing online) |
If you’ve ever played Super Smash Bros., you’ll feel right at home with Brawlhalla. It’s a fast-paced platform fighter where the goal is to knock the opponent off the stage, so you know it’s fun because you’ll enjoy smashing your friends away (and vice versa) so much.
Free-for-all matches quickly descend into complete chaos, and 2v2 is perfect if you want to team up instead of fighting each other. With support for up to eight players and full cross-platform play, it’s easy to get everyone into the same lobby regardless of what they’re playing on.
Best Battle Royale and Shooters
If you normally like to play battle royale and shooting games, but want something on mobile so you can easily play together with your friends without needing serious hardware, these games will work well for you.
Call of Duty: Mobile
| Best for | Competitive squads and FPS fans |
| Party size | Up to 5 (Multiplayer) or 4 (Battle Royale squads) |
| Session length | 5–20 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | In-app |
If you enjoy playing games with friends, then surely you’ve played COD before. I’ll admit, it’s not for everyone, and only a few of my friends actually enjoy it, but when we do, it’s so much fun. It feels almost like a full console shooter and there’s everything you might expect (team deathmatch, domination, a battle royale mode, weapons, maps, etc.).
And really, if your friends enjoy shooters, why not stick with the best, only on mobile?
PUBG Mobile / BGMI
| Best for | Battle royale fans who enjoy slower, tactical gameplay |
| Party size | Solo, Duo, or Squads of 4 |
| Session length | 15–30 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android (BGMI is Android and iOS in India only) |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional cosmetic purchases) |
| Voice chat | In-app |
PUBG Mobile is one of the best battle royales on mobile and it’s great for a slower, tactical gameplay. There’s looting, positioning and tons of decisions to make, which is fun when you’re playing with friends.
Some of my friends find it toxic, but a lot of us do enjoy it from time to time, so I would highly recommend it if you like this genre but want it on mobile.
Communicating enemy positions, sharing loot, reviving teammates, and somehow surviving a final circle together creates some incredibly memorable moments. Even if your squad doesn’t win, the stories that come out of each match are often the best part.
And if you’re in India, you’ll find the same core experience in BGMI (Battlegrounds Mobile India), which was created specifically for that region.
Free Fire
| Best for | Quick battle royale matches and lower-end phones |
| Party size | Solo, Duo, or Squads of 4 |
| Session length | 10–15 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android (Android only in some regions) |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | In-app |
If PUBG Mobile feels a little too slow for your taste, Free Fire is a great alternative. Matches are shorter, the action starts much sooner, and you’ll spend far less time looting before you’re thrown into firefights. It’s designed to be fast, accessible, and easy to jump into, even if you only have 15 minutes to spare.
One of the biggest reasons for its popularity is that it runs well on a wide range of phones, including older and less powerful devices. That means it’s much easier to convince your entire friend group to download it without worrying about whether everyone’s phone can handle the game.
If you’re looking for a battle royale that’s quick, easy to pick up, and doesn’t require the latest flagship phone, Free Fire is one of the best options out there. It’s fast-paced, beginner-friendly, and perfect for squeezing in a few matches whenever you have some free time.
Check out Free Fire codes you can get!
Stumble Guys
| Best for | Casual groups who just want to laugh |
| Party size | Up to 32 players |
| Session length | 5–10 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC ↔ console |
| In-person or online | Both |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional cosmetic purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (use Discord if playing online) |
If you’ve ever played Fall Guys, you’ll know exactly what to expect: dozens of players racing through obstacle courses, getting knocked around by spinning hammers, bouncing off giant balls, and somehow falling off the map at the worst possible moment.
The controls are incredibly simple, so almost anyone can pick it up within a minute or two. That makes it a fantastic choice for mixed groups where not everyone plays games regularly. And if you somehow have a friend group of more than 10 people, this is one of the few games that can fit you all.
Fortnite
| Best for | Friends who want a full console-style battle royale experience |
| Party size | Solo, Duo, Trios, or Squads of 4 |
| Session length | 15–25 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC ↔ PlayStation ↔ Xbox ↔ Nintendo Switch |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional cosmetic purchases) |
| Voice chat | In-app |
Fortnite needs very little introduction. It’s one of the biggest multiplayer games in the world, and the mobile version lets you jump into the same matches as players on PC and consoles. So you can squad up with friends regardless of what they’re playing on.
It has a bit of a reputation for being for kids and teenagers, but honestly people? Where is your sense of whimsy? Why not enjoy a fun and colorful little game with friends? Who is to decide what’s for kids and what’s not?
I fell into this thinking too for a while, after initially enjoying Fortnite when it came out, but recently one of my friends got me back into it and it’s such a goofy, silly time that I love it.
Best Co-op Adventure and Open World Games
In case your friend group would like to invest more time into building characters and enjoy big, expansive worlds plus theorycrafting about the best setups, these games are perfect for you.
Genshin Impact
| Best for | Friends who want to explore a huge open world together |
| Party size | Up to 4 players (co-op) |
| Session length | 30 min–several hours |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC ↔ PlayStation |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (gacha with optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (use Discord if playing together) |
Genshin Impact is one of those games that’s dangerously easy to sink hundreds of hours into. The world is absolutely massive, and exploring it is half the fun. You’ll be climbing mountains, gliding across huge valleys, solving puzzles, finding hidden treasure, and constantly getting distracted by something interesting on the horizon. Even after dozens of hours, this game still feels like there’s something new to discover.
If you’re anything like my friend group, you’ll also spend way too much time theorycrafting. Which characters work best together? Which artifacts should you farm? Is it finally worth pulling for that new five-star? Even when you’re not playing, you’re probably talking about your next team build.
While you can’t complete every quest together, the co-op mode is fantastic for farming bosses, clearing domains, exploring the world, or simply helping a friend who’s struggling with tougher content. If you’re looking for a mobile game that feels more like a full-blown RPG than a quick distraction, Genshin Impact is easily one of the best you’ll find.
Check out some Genshin Impact codes too!
Albion Online
| Best for | Hardcore groups who enjoy sandbox MMOs |
| Party size | Solo, small groups, or large guilds |
| Session length | 1–3+ hours |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional Premium subscription) |
| Voice chat | No (Discord highly recommended) |
Albion Online is the kind of game you’ll either bounce off after an hour or end up playing for months. Some of my friends didn’t enjoy it and stopped playing after a day (my wife too, she’s not a fan of MMOs) and some of us still play it almost daily, whenever we have some free time.
One of the things I love most is that there are no fixed character classes. Your abilities come from the gear you wear, so you can switch from a tank to a mage or a healer just by changing your equipment. It’s also one of those games where everyone naturally falls into different roles, which makes playing together even more fun.
This isn’t the game I’d recommend if you’re looking for something casual to play for 20 minutes. But if your group wants a long-term game you can keep coming back to for months, building your characters and making your own adventures along the way, Albion Online is one of the best MMORPGs available on mobile.
Vampire’s Fall 2
| Best for | Friends who enjoy classic RPGs and co-op progression |
| Party size | Up to 4 players (co-op) |
| Session length | 30 min–2+ hours |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (Discord recommended) |
If you’re tired of flashy auto-play RPGs and just want something that feels like an old-school adventure, Vampire’s Fall 2 is a refreshing change of pace. It focuses on exploration, character progression, and tactical turn-based combat instead of rushing you from one objective to the next.
Exploring together, helping each other through difficult encounters, and comparing different character builds adds another layer to the experience. If you’re the type of group that loves discussing the “best” gear or debating where to spend your skill points, you’ll have plenty to talk about here.
Vampire’s Fall 2 won’t appeal to everyone because it’s slower and more methodical than most mobile RPGs but that’s exactly why I like it.
Check out the best RPGs on mobile!
Soul Knight Prequel
| Best for | Friends who love dungeon crawlers and loot grinding |
| Party size | Up to 4 players |
| Session length | 20 min–2+ hours |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (Discord recommended) |
If your group enjoys games like Diablo, Soul Knight Prequel is an easy recommendation. Instead of focusing on fast PvP matches, it’s all about clearing dungeons, collecting increasingly better loot, and slowly turning your character into an absolute powerhouse.
You can mix different classes together to unlock hybrid builds, which makes experimenting with character setups almost as fun as the combat itself. Since everyone can specialize in different roles and builds, your party naturally starts working together instead of everyone playing the exact same character.
Harvest Town
| Best for | Friends who want a relaxing farming game |
| Party size | Up to 4 players |
| Session length | 30 min–several hours |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (not needed) |
If you love games like Stardew Valley but want something you can easily play on your phone with friends, Harvest Town is a great choice. It’s much more laid-back than most multiplayer games on this list, focusing on building your farm, fishing, mining, crafting, and getting to know the townspeople instead of constantly chasing the next big battle.
I really like having a game like this to balance out all the competitive ones. Sometimes you don’t want to sweat through ranked matches, you just want to decorate your farm, collect crops, and slowly make progress while chatting with your friends.
The multiplayer features let you visit each other’s farms, complete activities together, and simply hang out in the game world. If your friend group enjoys cozy games and doesn’t mind taking things at a slower pace, Harvest Town is one of the best farming sims available on mobile.
Want to know what I thought of Stardew Valley on mobile? Find out here.
Minecraft
| Best for | Creative friends and long-term survival worlds |
| Party size | Up to 10 on Realms (many more on servers) |
| Session length | 30 min–endless |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC ↔ PlayStation ↔ Xbox ↔ Nintendo Switch |
| In-person or online | Both |
| Monetization | One-time purchase (optional Realms subscription and Marketplace purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (Discord recommended) |
Minecraft is one of those games that never really gets old because you decide what the game actually is. One day you and your friends might spend hours mining for diamonds and preparing to fight the Ender Dragon, and the next you’ll somehow end up building an unnecessarily elaborate castle or recreating your favourite TV show for absolutely no reason.
I’ve always thought Minecraft is at its best when everyone naturally picks a role. One friend becomes the builder who somehow creates an incredible house out of dirt, another disappears into the mines for hours, someone else insists on farming, and there’s always that one person who keeps getting everyone blown up by Creepers. Somehow, it all still works.
This is my favorite game to play with my daughter, and for that, it will always have a special place in my heart. Our gametime is a little unhinged because she doesn’t always follow the rules, but Minecraft is good about that in a way most other games aren’t.
Are video games good for kids? We discuss here.
Sky: Children of the Light
| Best for | Friends who want a relaxing, wholesome co-op adventure |
| Party size | Up to 8 players in an area |
| Session length | 20 min–2+ hours |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC ↔ Nintendo Switch ↔ PlayStation |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional cosmetic purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (in-game chat unlocks over time; Discord recommended) |
I initially tried to play this together with my wife and daughters because I thought the beautiful graphics would suit their tastes, but they found it incredibly boring and so I was left alone in the game. Luckily, one of my friends picked it up, so now we play together.
In some ways, my family was right: Sky: Children of the Light is almost the complete opposite of most multiplayer games. There are no leaderboards to climb, no ranked matches to stress over, and no pressure to become the strongest player. But I wouldn’t call it boring, maybe just… relaxing?
You can solve environmental puzzles together, fly across stunning landscapes, discover hidden areas, and collect candles and spirits to unlock new cosmetics and emotes. The world itself is gorgeous, and it’s easy to lose track of time just wandering through each realm with friends.
Best If You Enjoy Sports, Racing and Arcade Games
If you’re sporty people or if you grew up on PES and Fifa, you’ll love the fact that there are mobile multiplayer games that can work with that. These are fun, competitive and sport-focused, so enjoy them!
Mario Kart Tour
| Best for | Casual racing with friends |
| Party size | Up to 8 players |
| Session length | 3–10 min/race |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Both |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | No |
Mario Kart Tour is a legendary game. The races are short, the controls are easy to learn, and the tracks are packed with fun items.
I especially like it for casual game nights because you don’t need to be good at racing games to have fun. The item system keeps every race unpredictable, so someone who’s been in last place for most of the race can still end up crossing the finish line first.
While Nintendo has stopped adding new content, there’s already a huge selection of tracks, characters, karts, and gliders to unlock, so there’s still plenty to enjoy if you’ve never played it before.
PewPew Live 2
| Best for | Arcade fans who love fast reflexes |
| Party size | Up to 10+ players (depending on the mode) |
| Session length | 5–15 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (no intrusive ads or pay-to-win mechanics) |
| Voice chat | No |
PewPew Live 2 is one of those games that proves you don’t need realistic graphics or a huge budget to be fun. It has a simple neon arcade style, but once the action starts, you’ll see how awesome it is.
The controls are straightforward, but surviving definitely isn’t. I also appreciate that it doesn’t constantly try to sell you something every few minutes.
If you’re looking for a multiplayer game that’s a little different from the usual racing, shooters, or MOBAs, PewPew Live 2 is well worth checking out.
EA Sports FC Mobile
| Best for | Football fans and competitive online matches |
| Party size | 1v1 (plus League features) |
| Session length | 5–10 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | No |
If you grew up playing FIFA with your friends, EA Sports FC Mobile is probably the first game you should download. It brings the same familiar football experience to your phone.
While it’s perfectly enjoyable on your own, I think it’s even better when your friends are playing too. Comparing squads, challenging each other to matches, and arguing over whose team would win in real life is all part of the experience.
If football is your sport of choice, EA Sports FC Mobile is easily one of the best multiplayer games on mobile. Just keep in mind that, like its console counterpart, it does lean heavily into player packs and team-building progression, so it’s best enjoyed if you’re happy progressing at your own pace rather than trying to collect every superstar immediately.
eFootball
| Best for | Players who want a more realistic football simulator |
| Party size | 1v1 |
| Session length | 8–15 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | No |
If you were a PES player before it became eFootball, you’ll probably feel right at home here. Compared to EA Sports FC Mobile, the gameplay is generally slower and more tactical, putting a bigger emphasis on patient build-up play, smart passing, and creating chances instead of constant end-to-end action.
I know plenty of people who are firmly in the FIFA versus PES camp, and if you’ve always preferred the feel of PES, this is likely the football game you’ll enjoy more on mobile.
8 Ball Pool
| Best for | Friends who enjoy relaxed one-on-one competition |
| Party size | 2 players |
| Session length | 5–10 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Both |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (use Discord if playing online) |
You’ve probably installed and played this game before, so I’m not discovering a new continent here, but 8 Ball Pool is really fun, and in case you forgot it, I’m including it on this list. It’s easy to play and pick up the rules (you likely already know them), matches are quick, but it can get really competitive when it comes down to it.
If your friend group enjoys casual competition without the stress of shooters or MOBAs, 8 Ball Pool is an easy recommendation. It’s easy to learn, and works well even if you’re not a gamer.
Real Racing 3
| Best for | Friends who want a realistic racing simulator |
| Party size | Up to 8 players |
| Session length | 5–15 min/race |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (Discord recommended) |
If arcade racers aren’t really your thing and you’d rather race real cars on real tracks, Real Racing 3 is one of the best options on mobile. It leans much more toward simulation than games like Mario Kart, with licensed cars, realistic handling, and famous circuits from around the world.
One of the things I like most is the huge variety of cars you can unlock. Whether you’re into Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin, or Formula 1 cars, there’s always something new to work toward.
So, if your group grew up playing racing simulators like Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport, Real Racing 3 is probably the closest you’ll get on a phone.
Best Card, Strategy and Casual Games to Play With Friends
If you and your friends want something casual to play together without having to invest serious time into the game, or if your friend group includes people who are normally not gamers, these games will work like a charm to keep you all connected.
Wordfeud
| Best for | Friends who love word games and play at their own pace |
| Party size | 2 players |
| Session length | 5–30 min/day (play whenever you want) |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (ad-supported, optional premium to remove ads) |
| Voice chat | No |
Wordfeud is basically Scrabble for your phone, and it’s perfect if your friend group doesn’t always have time to play at the same time. Instead of sitting down for one long session, you can take your turn whenever it’s convenient, whether that’s during your morning coffee, on your lunch break, or the aforementioned bathroom-hiding.
I actually love games like this because they help you stay connected even when everyone’s busy. You make a move, your friend replies a few hours later, and before you know it, you’ve had an ongoing match for days without either of you having to plan around it.
If your friends enjoy crosswords, Scrabble, or anything that makes you feel just a little bit smarter than everyone else, Wordfeud is an easy recommendation.
GeoGuessr
| Best for | Friends who love geography, travel, and friendly competition |
| Party size | 2+ players |
| Session length | 10–30 min/game |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ Web |
| In-person or online | Both |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (subscription unlocks full features) |
| Voice chat | No (Discord recommended) |
In GeoGuessr you’re dropped somewhere in the world using Street View, and your job is to figure out where you are by looking for clues. Sometimes it’s obvious, other times you’re staring at a random dirt road that could be literally anywhere.
I especially like playing this with friends because everyone notices different things. One person spots the road signs, someone else recognizes the vegetation, and then there’s people who are somehow able to identify an entire country from a single utility pole.
Of course, if you’re feeling competitive, you can also play against each other and see who gets closest to the correct location.
Wingspan
| Best for | Friends who enjoy relaxing strategy and board games |
| Party size | 1–5 players |
| Session length | 30–60 min/game |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC ↔ Nintendo Switch |
| In-person or online | Both |
| Monetization | One-time purchase |
| Voice chat | No (Discord recommended) |
We play Wingspan when we’re up to feeling fancy and like actual grownups (which is, you know, what we are, most of us being in our thirties and all that). If your friend group enjoys modern board games, Wingspan is one of the best digital adaptations you can play on mobile.
What I really appreciate is how relaxing it feels. The artwork is beautiful, the soundtrack is peaceful, and there’s never any pressure to rush your turn. Even if someone in your group usually avoids competitive games, Wingspan is approachable enough that almost anyone can enjoy it.
Bloons TD 6
| Best for | Friends who enjoy co-op strategy and tower defense |
| Party size | Up to 4 players (co-op) |
| Session length | 20–60 min/game |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC |
| In-person or online | Both |
| Monetization | One-time purchase (optional cosmetic purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (Discord recommended) |
Bloons TD 6 is relatively simple. You need to stop waves of balloons from reaching the end of the track, and that’s about it, but then there’s also a bit of strategy in it that you might not expect.
If your group enjoys planning, experimenting, and working together to overcome increasingly difficult challenges, Bloons TD 6 is one of the best co-op strategy games on mobile. It’s easy to learn, endlessly replayable, and incredibly satisfying when your carefully planned defense survives what looked like an impossible wave.
Hearthstone
| Best for | Card game fans and friendly duels |
| Party size | 2 players |
| Session length | 10–20 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional card pack purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (Discord recommended) |
Surprisingly, this is yet another game my brother in law introduced me to (if I had a nickel and all that). I ignored it in my playstore, but turns out it’s actually really fun if you love TCG games (and whoever collected Yu-Gi-Oh! cards definitely does, myself included).
This is one of the most approachable collectible card games out there and the rules are easy to understand. And if you’re the kind of person who loves theorycrafting, you’ll probably spend almost as much time browsing your collection as you do battling your friends.
Magic: The Gathering Arena
| Best for | Friends who love deep strategy and deck building |
| Party size | 2 players |
| Session length | 15–30 min/match |
| Cross-platform | iOS ↔ Android ↔ PC |
| In-person or online | Online |
| Monetization | Free-to-play (optional card purchases) |
| Voice chat | No (Discord recommended) |
Magic: The Gathering Arena is one of the best card games you can get on mobile. It brings the classic tabletop experience to your phone, letting you collect cards, create your own strategies, and challenge each other whenever you feel like it.
Compared to Hearthstone, Magic is definitely the more complex game. There are more mechanics to learn, more interactions to think about, and a much steeper learning curve. But that’s also why so many people love it.
It’s not the easiest game on this list to get into, but if you enjoy strategy and don’t mind investing a little time into learning the rules, Magic: The Gathering Arena offers one of the deepest multiplayer experiences available on mobile.
Final Thoughts
Finally, the list is complete. My friends and I heartily approve of these games, and I hope you find something fun in here for your friend group. I would definitely recommend trying Goose Goose Duck and Evil Apples when you’re all together because these games are a blast. When not together, any game that suits your playstyles will do — even multiple games at once. Have fun playing and let me know how it all worked out!
