Looking for some new games to play on your Android device? You’re in luck! Lots of people on Reddit have been talking about the best free RPGs you can download right now. Whether you like monster collecting, classic dungeon crawling, or something totally different, there’s probably something on this list for you. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular and well-loved free RPGs that mobile gamers are recommending.
Key Takeaways
- Genshin Impact is a popular open-world RPG with stunning visuals that’s free to play.
- Coromon offers a nostalgic monster-catching experience reminiscent of classic Game Boy titles.
- AnimA provides a challenging Diablo-like hack-and-slash adventure with various character classes.
- Many mobile RPGs benefit from using a controller for a better gaming experience.
- Reddit discussions highlight a wide range of free Android RPGs catering to different player tastes.
1. Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is a game that really surprised a lot of people when it came out on mobile. It proved that you could get a console-quality experience right on your Android device, assuming your phone or tablet can handle it. The game is set in a big fantasy world called Teyvat, and it’s always getting new stuff added. You get a story that keeps going, combat that feels good when you’re fighting with a team, tons of side activities, and a system for getting new characters and weapons.
This system, called gacha, lets you spend money to get things faster, but you can also earn the currency needed for these pulls just by playing the game. Honestly, the characters you get for free are good enough to get you through the main story missions. It’s a pretty big game, so make sure you have enough storage space.
Key Features
- Vast Open World: Explore the colorful and diverse regions of Teyvat.
- Elemental Combat System: Combine different elements for powerful reactions.
- Character Collection: Unlock and build a team of unique characters, each with their own abilities.
- Regular Updates: The game receives frequent content updates, including new areas, characters, and story quests.
Gameplay Mechanics
- Exploration: Traverse diverse landscapes, climb mountains, swim across rivers, and glide through the air.
- Combat: Engage in real-time combat using a party of up to four characters. Switch between characters on the fly to trigger elemental reactions.
- Quests: Follow the main story, complete side quests, and participate in world events.
- Resource Management: Gather materials for crafting, cooking, and character progression.
Monetization Model
Genshin Impact uses a free-to-play model with optional in-game purchases. While these purchases can speed up character and weapon acquisition through its gacha system, the game is designed so that free-to-play players can still progress and enjoy the full experience.
Community Reception
Reddit discussions often highlight the game’s stunning visuals and engaging gameplay. Many players appreciate the depth of the combat system and the sheer amount of content available without spending money. Some common points of discussion include:
- Strategies for building effective teams.
- Tips for efficiently farming resources.
- Discussions about the latest character banners and upcoming content.
- Appreciation for the game’s art style and music.
2. Coromon
Coromon is a game that really leans into the classic monster-catching RPG feel, the kind you might remember from the Game Boy era. It’s not shy about its inspirations, but it brings enough new ideas to the table to feel fresh. You pick one of three starter Coromon and then set off on an adventure through a world that’s got this really nice pixel-art style. Collecting and battling these creatures is the core loop, and it’s pretty engaging.
Beyond just the monster battling, Coromon has a story that can actually surprise you with some plot twists. The characters you meet are varied, and the places you explore change enough to keep things interesting. It’s a game that offers a good amount of customization for your Coromon, letting you tailor their stats and abilities to your playstyle.
Starter Choices
When you begin, you’ll have to choose your very first Coromon. This decision sets the tone for your early game. The three options typically represent different elemental types, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Battle System
The turn-based combat in Coromon is straightforward but has depth. You’ll need to think about type matchups, abilities, and status effects to come out on top. Stamina management is also a key factor, as using powerful moves can leave your Coromon vulnerable.
World Exploration
Exploring the world is a big part of the experience. You’ll find hidden items, encounter wild Coromon, and interact with NPCs who offer quests and story progression. The pixel art makes the environments quite charming to look at.
The game balances familiar mechanics with its own unique twists, making it a solid choice for fans of the genre who are looking for something new on their Android device.
3. AnimA
A Classic ARPG Experience
If you’re looking for a game that really leans into the classic action RPG feel, especially reminiscent of the early Diablo games, then AnimA is a solid choice. It’s a hack-and-slash title that doesn’t shy away from being tough, but it offers a good reward for sticking with it. You get to pick from a bunch of different character classes, and each one feels pretty distinct, which is nice. The world you play in is pretty grim, and you’ll run into some tough bosses and find hidden stuff if you look around.
Gameplay Focus
AnimA is pretty straightforward in its structure. It’s a linear game broken down into levels, and the main point is the action itself. Don’t expect a deep story here; the game is all about the combat and exploring the areas you’re given. It’s the kind of game where you’ll spend most of your time fighting monsters and grabbing loot.
The game is known on other platforms, like Steam, under the name AnimA: The Reign of Darkness. This might help you find more information or discussions about it if you’re looking.
Key Features
- Diverse Classes: Choose from a variety of classic RPG classes, each with its own unique playstyle.
- Challenging Combat: Face difficult bosses and engage in fast-paced hack-and-slash action.
- Exploration and Loot: Discover hidden items and secrets scattered throughout the game’s levels.
- Linear Progression: Enjoy a focused experience with a clear path through its various stages.
4. Diablo
When the topic of action RPGs comes up, the Diablo series is often mentioned. While a full Diablo game isn’t available on Android, many games try to capture that same dark fantasy, loot-driven experience. Reddit users often point to games that offer a similar feel, focusing on hack-and-slash combat and character progression.
Diablo-like Games on Mobile
Many mobile RPGs take inspiration from Diablo’s core gameplay loop. These games typically feature:
- Isometric perspective: Allowing players to see their characters and the environment from a top-down view.
- Loot-focused progression: Players constantly seek better gear to improve their character’s stats and abilities.
- Skill trees and customization: Offering ways to tailor your character’s build to your preferred playstyle.
- Dungeon crawling: Exploring various environments filled with monsters and challenges.
Some titles that get mentioned in discussions about Diablo-like experiences on Android include games that focus on challenging combat and extensive customization. These games often provide a free-to-play model, though in-app purchases can speed up progression or unlock cosmetic items.
The appeal of these games often lies in their ability to provide a satisfying combat experience and a constant sense of reward through item drops and character growth, all accessible on a mobile device.
5. Pokémon
While the original Pokémon games are classics, the franchise has seen many iterations over the years. For Android users, the closest experience to the beloved handheld RPGs often comes from games that draw heavy inspiration from the series. These titles capture the essence of monster collecting, training, and battling that fans adore.
Many players on Reddit discuss how these games offer a similar sense of adventure and progression. You might find yourself choosing a starter creature, exploring diverse regions, and challenging various opponents. The community often highlights the nostalgia factor, but also appreciates when these inspired games add their own unique mechanics or story elements to the familiar formula.
Monster Collecting and Battling
At its core, the appeal of Pokémon-like games lies in the loop of finding, training, and battling creatures. Reddit discussions frequently mention the satisfaction derived from discovering rare monsters and building a strong team. The strategic depth of turn-based combat is also a common talking point, with players sharing their favorite team compositions and battle tactics.
Pixel Art and Nostalgia
A significant number of free Android RPGs that evoke the Pokémon feel often feature pixel art graphics. This aesthetic choice is widely praised on Reddit for its charm and its ability to transport players back to the early days of the franchise. It’s a visual style that’s both familiar and timeless for many.
Community and Progression
Beyond the gameplay mechanics, the sense of community and shared progression is a big draw. Players often discuss their progress, share tips, and celebrate their achievements with others who enjoy these monster-catching adventures. This shared experience is a big part of why these games remain popular on mobile platforms.
6. Elden Ring
While Elden Ring isn’t directly available on Android, its massive popularity and influence on the RPG genre mean it’s frequently discussed by mobile gamers on Reddit. Many players look for Android RPGs that capture a similar sense of exploration, challenging combat, and deep lore. The game’s open world, the Lands Between, offers a vast landscape filled with secrets, formidable bosses, and intricate character builds.
The game’s success has led to a significant community discussing its mechanics, lore, and strategies. Players often share tips on overcoming difficult encounters or finding hidden items, which can be helpful even for those playing mobile RPGs inspired by Elden Ring’s design.
Elden Ring Wiki
Elden Ring Map
Shadow of Erdtree Review
7. Dark Souls
While the original Dark Souls games aren’t directly available on Android, their influence is undeniable in the mobile RPG space. Many players on Reddit discuss how the challenging combat, intricate world design, and deep lore of Dark Souls have inspired other titles. If you’re looking for that same sense of accomplishment after overcoming tough bosses and exploring mysterious lands, you might find similar experiences in games that take cues from the Souls-like genre.
The core appeal of Dark Souls lies in its demanding yet fair gameplay loop. Players must learn enemy patterns, manage their stamina, and carefully choose their moments to attack. This creates a rewarding experience where victory feels earned.
Many fans on Reddit often share their strategies and tips for tackling the game’s most difficult encounters. Some common discussion points include:
- Optimal character builds for different playstyles.
- Effective strategies for defeating specific bosses.
- Tips for exploring the interconnected world and finding hidden items.
- Discussions about the lore and narrative interpretations.
The difficulty of Dark Souls is often a point of contention, but for many, it’s precisely what makes the game so engaging. Overcoming a seemingly impossible challenge provides a unique sense of satisfaction that few other games can match.
8. Baldur’s Gate 3
While Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t directly available on Android, its immense popularity and critical acclaim on PC and consoles have made it a frequent topic of discussion among RPG fans on Reddit. Many players express a strong desire for a mobile version, often discussing how well its deep mechanics and rich narrative could translate to a handheld experience. The game is celebrated for its freedom of choice, complex character building, and engaging turn-based combat, all set within the beloved Dungeons & Dragons universe.
What makes Baldur’s Gate 3 so popular?
- Player Agency: The game offers unparalleled freedom in how players approach quests, interact with characters, and develop their own stories. Your decisions genuinely matter and shape the world around you.
- Deep Combat System: Based on D&D 5th Edition rules, the turn-based combat is strategic and rewarding, allowing for creative use of spells, abilities, and the environment.
- Rich Narrative and Characters: The story is epic in scope, filled with memorable companions, intricate plots, and moral dilemmas that keep players invested.
- Visuals and Atmosphere: Despite its complexity, the game presents a visually stunning world with a captivating atmosphere that draws players in.
What are the core gameplay elements?
- Exploration: Discover vast, detailed environments filled with secrets, lore, and opportunities for interaction.
- Character Customization: Create a unique character with a wide array of races, classes, and backgrounds, each offering distinct playstyles and story paths.
- Dialogue and Choices: Engage in extensive dialogue trees where your choices can lead to vastly different outcomes, affecting relationships and plot progression.
- Questing: Undertake a multitude of quests, from main story arcs to side missions, each contributing to the overall experience.
What are the common discussions about Baldur’s Gate 3 on Reddit?
- Desire for a Mobile Port: A recurring theme is the wish for an official Android version, with many speculating on how it would work and what compromises might be needed.
- Build and Strategy Discussions: Players frequently share and debate character builds, combat strategies, and optimal gear choices.
- Story and Lore Analysis: The game’s deep lore and complex narrative are often dissected, with fans discussing plot points, character motivations, and potential future developments.
- Comparisons to Other RPGs: Baldur’s Gate 3 is often used as a benchmark when discussing other RPGs, highlighting its strengths and influence on the genre.
The sheer depth of Baldur’s Gate 3 means that even after hundreds of hours, players are still discovering new interactions, questlines, and ways to approach challenges. It sets a high bar for what RPGs can achieve in terms of player freedom and narrative impact.
9. Monster Hunter
While the main Monster Hunter series is known for its action-packed combat on consoles, the mobile adaptation, Monster Hunter Stories, offers a different kind of experience. This game takes the familiar world of hunting large monsters and reframes it with turn-based battles and monster collecting, much like Pokémon. It’s a port of the Nintendo 3DS title, bringing its colorful world and engaging story to Android devices.
The game allows players to hatch, raise, and battle alongside monsters, known as ‘Monsties’. This approach provides a more accessible entry point into the Monster Hunter universe, especially for younger players or those who prefer strategic combat over real-time action. The mobile version includes graphical upgrades and quality-of-life improvements over its original release.
Gameplay Mechanics
- Turn-Based Combat: Battles are not about dodging and attacking in real-time. Instead, players choose from a rock-paper-scissors style of attacks: Power, Speed, and Technical. Each attack type has strengths and weaknesses against others.
- Monster Collecting and Raising: Players can find monster eggs in the wild, hatch them, and then add the resulting Monsties to their party. Each Monstie has unique abilities and can be customized.
- Exploration: The world is open for exploration, with players able to use their Monsties’ unique skills to traverse different environments, find hidden items, and discover new areas.
Story and Setting
Monster Hunter Stories is set in a world where humans and monsters coexist. Players take on the role of a Rider, someone who forms a bond with a monster and lives in harmony with them. The narrative follows the Rider and their friends as they embark on an adventure to uncover mysteries and protect their home from a dark force.
The game offers a substantial story campaign that can keep players engaged for many hours, with plenty of side quests and monster-hunting activities to pursue beyond the main plot.
10. Bloodborne
While Bloodborne itself isn’t available on Android, its influence and the challenging gameplay loop it popularized are definitely felt in the mobile RPG space. Many players on Reddit discuss Bloodborne when looking for games that offer a similar sense of accomplishment through difficult combat and exploration. It’s known for its gothic horror setting and aggressive combat style, which encourages players to stay on the offensive.
Gameplay Mechanics
Bloodborne’s combat is fast-paced and requires precise timing. Instead of relying on shields, players are encouraged to use a firearm for parrying and a trick weapon that can transform into different forms. This system rewards players who learn enemy attack patterns and react quickly.
Setting and Atmosphere
The game is set in Yharnam, a Victorian-era city plagued by a blood-borne disease that transforms its inhabitants into monstrous creatures. The dark, oppressive atmosphere is a major draw for many fans, contributing to the game’s overall sense of dread and mystery.
Difficulty and Progression
Bloodborne is famous for its high difficulty. Players will die often, but each death is an opportunity to learn and improve. The game features a unique ‘Blood Echoes’ system, where defeated enemies drop a currency that can be used to level up or purchase items. Dying causes players to drop these echoes, and they have one chance to retrieve them before they are lost forever.
The game’s design philosophy centers on overcoming adversity. Success comes not from avoiding challenges, but from facing them head-on and mastering the mechanics.
Community Discussion
On Reddit, discussions about Bloodborne often revolve around strategies for defeating difficult bosses, sharing build ideas, and appreciating the game’s intricate lore. Many users recommend it to those who enjoy a demanding experience that truly tests their skills.
Wrapping Up Your Free Android RPG Adventure
So, we’ve looked at some of the top free RPGs that people on Reddit are talking about for Android. It’s pretty cool how many good games you can get without spending any money. Whether you like monster collecting, classic dungeon crawling, or something totally new, there’s likely a free RPG out there for you. Remember, these games can be pretty time-consuming, so maybe grab a comfortable controller to make those long play sessions even better. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best free RPGs for Android?
Many free Android RPGs are available on the Google Play Store. Some popular ones include Genshin Impact, Coromon, and AnimA. These games offer great graphics and engaging gameplay without costing anything upfront.
Is it better to play with a controller on Android?
Yes, using a controller can make playing RPGs on your Android device much more enjoyable, especially for longer gaming sessions. Many of these games are designed to work well with controllers.
What exactly is an RPG?
RPGs, or role-playing games, are games where you usually control a character or a group of characters. They often have a strong story, character development, and a world to explore.
Why is Reddit a good place to find game recommendations?
Reddit is a popular website where people discuss all sorts of topics. Many subreddits (like r/AndroidGaming) are dedicated to mobile games, and users often share their favorite free RPGs there.
Are there any hidden costs in free Android RPGs?
While many free RPGs are available, some might have in-app purchases for extra items or cosmetics. However, you can still enjoy the core game and its story without spending any money.
How do I choose which free RPG to play first?
The best free RPG for you depends on your taste! If you like open worlds and action, Genshin Impact is great. For a classic monster-catching feel, try Coromon. If you prefer dungeon crawling, AnimA is a solid choice.
