Mobile gaming is massive now, and there are so many games on the market right now; perhaps too many if you ask certain people. That being said, buried within the pile of games are a few that are absolutely perfect for when you want to pass the time.
In this article, we’ll be looking at seven mobile games that you can play anywhere and are great for whiling away the time. Whether you like puzzle games, mobile slots, or adventure quests, there’s surely something here for you.
1. Monument Valley
First released in 2014, this game is absolutely gorgeous and will have you captivated from the start. You guide a mother and daughter through different optical illusions and Escher-style puzzles. The game is relaxing yet challenging and can be played in short bursts or for hours on end.
Who doesn’t love an indie game? Not only is this game engaging, challenging, and a little different from most others, but it’s also visually striking. Taking inspiration from Japanese prints and minimalist sculptures, game developers Ustwo Games totally smashed it out of the park, and its longevity is a testament to that.
2. Threes!
A simple but entertaining puzzle game that has you sliding tiles around a grid to create larger numbers. The goal is to get as high a score as possible before the board fills up and you can no longer make any moves; a perfect game to play while waiting in line or on public transport.
What makes this game unique is how quickly the idea of it was fleshed out during the developmental stage, with the basic premise being prototyped in a single night. Following this, the small three-person team spent the following eight months messing around with how the game should look and feel. It took a while to nail something down, but it was worth the hard work.
3. Alphabear (franchise)
A word puzzle game with a twist; in Alphabear, you must spell words using letter tiles placed on a grid. However, each tile has a cute little bear character on it that grows in size as you use it to spell words. Large bears are worth more points, so there’s an incentive to create longer words where possible. It’s a fun and challenging game that’s perfect for killing time.
Not only is it a fun game, but the characters are also adorably cute and look really cool. The game’s sequel, Alphabear 2, was released in 2018, with the original game being discontinued a year later. If you want to give the franchise a try, Alphabear 2 will be your only option. Don’t worry; it still has the same charm as the original.
4. Candy Crush Saga
Yes, it’s one of the most popular games on mobile, but there’s a reason for its success. Candy Crush Saga is a fun puzzle game that has you matching colored sweets on a grid. It’s easy to pick up and play for a few minutes at a time, yet it can be hard to put down once you get into a flow.
Candy Crush Saga is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a game to while away the hours. There’s a reason why millions of players still play it all over the world and why the developers continue to add new levels and challenges to the game – people can’t seem to get enough of it!
5. Clash of Clans
This strategy game has you building up your own little village and army before taking on other players in online battles. It’s deep enough to keep you engaged for hours on end yet simple enough to pick up and play when you only have a few minutes to spare. Perfect for those who want something meatier than casual puzzlers or arcade games.
Clash of Clans is engaging because the longer you leave your village unguarded, the more likely that you’ll be raided by your competitors. There’s a tactical side to the game too, with you having to have both a strong defense in case you’re attacked as well as a strong offense so that you can launch devastating counterattacks.
6. Crossy Road
A simple but very fun little game where you must guide your chicken character across busy roads and rivers full of obstacles. It sounds easy enough but trusts us, it’s more complicated than it looks, especially when cars and buses come speeding toward you. It’s a perfect game to kill time with when you’re waiting around somewhere with nothing else to do.
The game is also super customizable, with the player being able to unlock new characters that they can change to when crossing the endless amounts of roads. The game is fun, pretty simple in nature, and surprisingly engaging. While it first came out a few years ago, it is still an excellent mobile game that was huge in its heyday.
7. Angry Birds (franchise)
Last but not least, we have the classic mobile game that started it all. In this game, you must use a slingshot to fling birds at pigs positioned in different structures. It’s simple but effective and can be played in short bursts or for hours on end. Angry Birds is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a timeless mobile game to while away the hours.
The franchise has developed a huge amount since its early days, with the Angry Birds world now having a television and cinematic stories as part of the universe. The brand has also grown, with the company sponsoring soccer teams in the English Premier League. Is there a better game to pass the time? We think not.