5 Best Free-to-Play Games on Android & iOS (2022)

According to statistics, close to 6.648 billion people globally own a smartphone. This data supports the insurmountable growth of games available on mobile devices. In 2021, the number of downloadable mobile games hit a record 2.6 billion. With various downloadable games available on mobile platforms, gamers are spoilt for choice. A preference for most people is free-to-play games. While most game developers may advertise their games as free, you may find that they offer in-game purchases. This article covers the top five free-to-play games available on the Android and iOS platforms.

5. Critical Ops 

If you love modern warfare, then you will enjoy the combat adventure that Critical Ops provides. Unlike COD, Critical Ops is designed for mobile gaming with an immersive 3D FPS first-person shooter gameplay. The game, developed and published by Critical Force Ltd., borrows its concept from the Counter-Strike series.

Typically, the game is a combat between two opposing teams; the Coalition and the Breach. Players can choose between fighting as a coalition member or causing massive destruction by playing as a renegade. To win the game, a team must complete a series of objectives or terminate the opposing team. Players can also opt for other game modes such as Ranked Defuse, Deathmatch or Event modes. The game also allows players to host and customize matches.

To unlock various elements in the game, players can use three types of currencies; tokens, credits, or unique event tokens. Tokens unlock skins, while you can use credits to open cases. To access credit, you can purchase more from the game's store or earn it for free by watching ads. 

4. Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact is an open-world adventure game with much to offer. The game brings to life various anime characters using outstanding graphics and an engaging storyline. Developed and published by miYOHOm, the game draws inspiration from The Legend of Zelda and takes place in a fantasy world, Teyvat, that is home to seven different nations.

The RPG game starts with two siblings traversing across the nation when one gets lost, and the other sibling (the player) embarks on an adventurous search for them. Players fight different deities, create makeshifts, and pick fruit to replenish energy. The game is full of endless possibilities, with different game elements loaded with collectibles. As players divulge in the magical world, it may be daunting to stay on track due to the flashing items on each course.

Furthermore, players can unlock different characters, each with their own elemental abilities and fighting style. For example, instead of swimming, you can unlock Kaeya, whose ability is to freeze water or quickly scale mountains, with Venti's ability to create wind currents. The game also allows players to host or join others in completing objectives.

3. Alto's Odyssey 

In a fantastical world away from home, Alto's Odyssey engages players as they explore vast desert environments while on a sandboard. The game, developed by Alto and Snowman and published by Noodlecake Studios, is a sequel to Alto's Adventure. Alto's Odyssey is an endless runner game where players maneuver the sand environment and perform tricks that add to their score. Each stage has a different “biome” that features various mechanics.  

The game starts in a dune setting full of rock and hills, which players have to evade. The next biome is a canyon that players can traverse by holding down the screen. This allows you to climb and ride the sides of the canyon walls. The other biome you will encounter is the temple with vines and waterfalls that players can ride on. These elements also allow players to speed up their characters. You can use your earned coins to upgrade characters or unlock new abilities. 

Aside from the game's primary mode, you can also play the Zen mode, which allows you to respawn after getting hit by obstacles.

2. Hearthstone

Next on our list of free-to-play games on Android and iOS is Hearthstone, a fast-paced digital collectible card game published by Blizzard Entertainment. Featuring a simple yet addictive gameplay, the game is set in the Warcraft universe. Players can collect different cars, each harboring a different set of different characters, spells, and abilities. There are four different card types to choose from; spells, weapons, minions, or hero cards. 

The game also includes cross-platform play, allowing you to compete with other players on different supported devices. Hearthstone's gameplay involves players taking turns throwing cards from a deck of thirty. Each player gets to choose a hero with a unique set of abilities from one of the ten classes. Players can also use mana crystals to fight off minions summoned by their opponents. To win the game, players have to use their set of cards to reduce their opponent's health to zero. 

While the game is free-to-play, players get the option of paying for additional cards or unlocking more content. Furthermore, you can obtain more cards by opening a card pack or using arcane dust to create cards.

1. Call of Duty Mobile

Round up your troops and get ready to battle. Call of Duty provides gamers with an action-packed thrill while on the go. Activision and Tencent have enabled gamers to engage in Black Ops and Modern Warfare on handheld devices. The game substitutes mouse or keyboard gameplay with touch controls.

Call of Duty Mobile is a condensed version of the console PC games and does not come across as a toned-down rendition. The game runs at a high frame rate and provides detailed graphics for an immersive experience. The game offers multiplayer modes, including domination, team deathmatch, and a 100-player battle royale mode. The game also allows you to unlock dozens of outfits, weapons, iconic characters, gear, and scorestreaks.

A clear drawback in the game is the use of touch controls. As Activision Publishing continues to optimize the game for mobile, the use of touch controls can be infuriating for users. With over 20 button controls hovering on the screen, it still doesn't compare to using a gamepad with keyboard controls. However, the controls are pretty straightforward, and it may take a while to get a grip on them. Either way, Call of Duty Mobile provides a wide range of content for a thrilling mobile gaming experience.

So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our five best free-to-play games on Android and iOS? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.