Detective games (or mystery games, if you like) are a dime a dozen on Play store. And it makes sense, really — the mechanics are usually simple enough and they work well on small screens.
But just because they’re so common, it doesn’t mean all of them are good. Honestly, there are more low-effort mystery games than you’d expect. Plus, they’re normally full of ads or energy systems which drain quickly and leave you needing more (with your only options being to wait or, of course, buy more). It’s frustrating, especially when you really get into it.
And so I decided to test a bunch of detective games on Android and let you know what works and what doesn’t. Below is a list of my favorite picks (both free and paid), complete with screenshots so you know what to expect.
In case you’re looking for hidden object games instead, you can find my top choices here, though some of these games also have a hidden object aspect (though not as prominent).
Best Free Detective Games on Mobile
Tiny Room Stories: Town Mystery
In Tiny Room Stories: Town Mystery you play as a detective returning to your hometown, only to find it eerily empty. Your job is to piece together what happened by solving puzzles, exploring 3D environments, and unlocking hidden secrets.
This game is ad-supported, but the ads are minimal and don’t disrupt the flow. You might see one between chapters or when restarting a level, but that’s about it. No energy system here — thankfully! You can play at your own pace without waiting for a bar to refill. There are in-app purchases, but they’re not in your face. You can buy hints or skip puzzles if you’re stuck, but it’s not a requirement to progress.
Criminal Case
Criminal Case is a classic in the detective game genre, and for good reason. You join the Grimsborough police to solve crimes by finding hidden objects, analyzing clues, and interrogating suspects. It’s a bit like playing CSI, but from the comfort of your phone.
The game does have an energy system, but it’s pretty generous. You can also earn it by completing tasks. Ads are there, but they’re mostly optional (like watching one for extra energy), so they don’t feel intrusive. In-app purchases exist for boosts and energy refills, but you can easily enjoy the game without spending a dime.
Who Is The Killer? Episode I
This game feels like a classic whodunit novel brought to life. You’re trapped in a castle with seven characters, and one of them is a murderer. Every day, you interrogate the others, gather clues, and try to figure out who the killer is before they strike again.
The gameplay is straightforward and addictively fun, though you’ll need to use your logic skills to spot contradictions in the suspects’ stories. There’s no energy system, which is a big win. Ads are present but not overwhelming — you’ll mostly encounter them when using the hint system. There are in-app purchases for extra hints or clues, but they’re totally optional.
Nobodies: Murder Cleaner
In Nobodies: Murder Cleaner, you’re not solving crimes — you’re covering them up instead. Working for a shady government agency, your task is to dispose of bodies and evidence without leaving a trace. You’ll need to think creatively to clean up each crime scene, often using tools and items in unexpected ways. It’s quirky, darkly funny, and surprisingly satisfying.
This game is free to play, with the occasional ad when transitioning between levels. The ads are short and not invasive, so they won’t ruin your experience. There’s no energy system, meaning you can play as much as you want in one sitting. In-app purchases are available for hints, but you’ll rarely feel the need to buy them.
Life is Strange
Life is Strange takes a more narrative-driven approach to the detective genre. You play as Max, a photography student who discovers she can rewind time. As you navigate her story, you’ll make choices that shape the outcome of the game while uncovering secrets about the people around you. It’s less about solving puzzles and more about exploring relationships and making decisions with real consequences.
The first episode is free, making it easy to see if it’s your vibe. Subsequent episodes are paid, but there’s no energy system or ads to deal with. There’s no pressure to buy anything unless you want to continue the story, so it’s refreshingly unobtrusive.
An Elmwood Trail
In An Elmwood Trail you play as a detective investigating the disappearance of Zoey Leonard, an 18-year-old who went missing in the strange, forest-adjacent town of Riverstone. You’ll do all of this by using your phone, messaging people, watching videos, making calls, looking through photos, etc.
One of the best parts is that there’s no energy system slowing you down. You can immerse yourself in the mystery for hours without waiting for bars to refill. Ads are rare and mainly pop up if you use hints, so they won’t interrupt your gameplay. The game also offers some optional in-app purchases, like the ability to remove ads or unlock bonus content called “Sidetrails,” but they’re not pushy. You can enjoy the entire main story without spending a cent.
If you want more info about it, you can see my full review here.
Duskwood: Detective Story
In Duskwood, you’re thrust into the middle of a chilling case where a woman named Hannah has gone missing, and her friends are trying to figure out what happened. You play through the story via text messages and chat conversations, and even creepy calls. Your decisions shape the outcome, and each choice could lead to new discoveries or dead ends.
The game is free to download and mostly ad-supported, but the ads are minimal and won’t disrupt the gameplay too much. There’s no energy system to worry about, so you can dive into the story at your own pace without worrying about waiting for resources to replenish.
While it does have in-app purchases (like hint packs and extra content), they’re not pushed in your face. You can progress without spending a dime, and the purchases are just there if you want a little extra help or faster progression.
Best Paid Detective Games on Mobile
If you want to avoid ads and energy systems, the best way to go is to get a paid game. These usually aren’t too expensive, but keep in mind that you’ll have to make that one-time purchase at the start.
Ace Attorney Series
The Ace Attorney series lets you step into the polished shoes of Phoenix Wright, a defense attorney who somehow ends up solving the most bizarre cases imaginable. With dramatic courtroom showdowns, quirky characters, and plenty of twists, it’s a mix of mystery-solving and legal battles that’s as fun as it is unique.
While the games aren’t free (they’re premium purchases upfront), they don’t have ads or energy systems to worry about. Once you buy the game, you’re set for hours of uninterrupted storytelling and clever puzzles. And if you’re a sucker for good writing, this series will have you hooked — the dialogue is sharp, often hilarious, and surprisingly emotional when it needs to be.
The Vigil Files: Case 1
The Vigil Files: Case 1 is a realistic detective game that places you in the role of a private investigator working to solve a missing person’s case. You’ll find yourself scouring the internet, hacking into systems, and deciphering clues that feel authentic and engaging.
The game is a premium title, meaning there’s an upfront cost but no in-app purchases or ads to interrupt your experience.
The Last Express
The Last Express follows Robert Cath, a doctor who finds himself tangled in a web of political intrigue, murder, and conspiracy. You’ll interact with a diverse cast of characters and try to piece together the truth before it’s too late.
The game offers a unique real-time gameplay mechanic — everything happens as you play, and characters move around, engage in conversations, and react to events. It creates a truly dynamic experience, where no two playthroughs are exactly alike. The visuals, although not flashy by today’s standards, are rich and detailed, giving you a sense of stepping into the past.
There are no energy systems or in-your-face ads to worry about here. It’s a premium game with a one-time purchase, so you can enjoy the entire experience without being interrupted by ads or forced purchases.
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