"8 Ball Pool is more of a thinking game, requiring clever planning"
Indian iPhone users enjoy playing iOS games whenever they have a bit of free time.
Mobile gaming in India is huge especially among Android users due to the fact that their devices are cheaper. However, those who can afford an iPhone also enjoy games of all genres.
While the most popular iOS apps in India are Netflix and Tinder, there is still a huge place for gaming apps.
Millions of people download games each day as they have access to thousands at the tap of a screen.
Even though games of all genres are downloaded every day, some are far more popular than others.
We look at the 10 most popular iOS games in India and why they appeal to gamers.
Garena Free Fire: Kalahari
In India, Garena Free Fire: Kalahari is the most popular Android game but on iOS, it is the 10th.
Nevertheless, it still remains a prominent app on many iPhones as mobile gamers enjoy the Battle Royale genre.
This online survival shooter game has 10-minute matches in which players are placed onto a remote island against 49 other players, all looking to survive.
It is every person for themselves as the objective is to be the last person standing.
Players choose their starting point on the map and aim to stay in the safe zone for as long as possible.
Use vehicles to explore the map but ensure that you search for weapons as other players will be doing the same. It is a game where every little helps when it comes to gaining an advantage over the opposition.
Ten-minute matches ensure fast-paced gameplay whether you want to play alone or with friends in a squad.
Many Indian gamers enjoy the game because of the simple controls and smooth graphics. Its popularity is also down to the fact that new content is regularly added, ensuring that it stays fresh.
With an average rating of 4.2, Garena Free Fire: Kalahari is the perfect alternative to PUBG.
8 Ball Pool
Not only is 8 Ball Pool extremely popular India, but it is also the number one pool game in the world.
The game is mostly online-based where you play against opponents from around the world or your friends.
This iOS game adds a competitive edge by making you wager your in-game coins. This only makes winning even sweeter.
Different pool tables across the world require different wager amounts so gamers tend to find more experienced players at the expensive tables.
Use your coins to purchase new pool cues that will upgrade your abilities when you play.
One person liked the fact that players have to think about every shot they take.
“I prefer 8 Ball Pool to any other game. 8 Ball Pool is more of a thinking game, requiring clever planning on which ball you choose to take and where to position your leave.”
Empires & Puzzles Epic Match 3
Empires & Puzzles Epic Match 3 is a new take on match 3 puzzle games. It combines RPG elements, raids and building a castle.
Players can summon hundreds of heroes to send into battle against gamers from around the world.
A successful battle can be beneficial as you are rewarded for raiding your opponent’s castles and destroying their armies.
Meanwhile, players can make upgrades to their castle to gain an advantage over the enemy.
The amazing graphics allows gamers to experience fantasy creatures and visual effects at its full potential.
It is the multitude of things you can do which is what makes this game popular among Indian iPhone users.
Amit Sinha enjoyed the game so much that he admitted making additional purchases. He said:
“I enjoyed playing the game and I spent a good amount buying stuff.”
Homescapes
Homescapes is the seventh most popular iOS game in India and is a spin-off from the successful Gardenscapes.
It shares the same gameplay concept, combining a well-developed storyline with traditional match-3 mechanics.
Players control Austin the Butler from Gardenscapes. He moves back home with his parents after feeling homesick.
However, his parents reveal that they are selling the family mansion. They say it would be too expensive to renovate it but Austin volunteers to restore it to its former glory.
Throughout the story, players learn more about the protagonist and his family.
Players make progress by achieving the listed goals in the level. By doing so, the player will earn stars to complete tasks around the house.
Some parts can be challenging but some players welcome the difficulty.
Ananya Chouhan said: “The levels can be quite hard and I’ve been so tempted to delete the game at some points but I’ve never felt so proud and satisfied when I’ve completed a level.”
Clash of Clans
Clash of Clans is the sixth most popular iOS game in India even though it released in 2012.
Millions of players are tasked with building villages, raising clans and using them to battle against other clans.
The online game requires you to defend your village from other players while upgrading your own clan at the same time.
The most popular feature is playing online which can become competitive at times but is a lot of fun. But casual gamers can take part in friendly challenges against friends they invite.
Regular content updates and the tactical style of gameplay is what Indian mobile gamers love about Clash of Clans.
One user said:
“I absolutely love this game and I’ve played it for years alongside my friends.”
On the App Store, it has an average rating of 4.7 from over 152,000 people so it is no surprise that it continues to stay relevant.
Gardenscapes
A lot of Indian mobile gamers love playing strategic games but one casual game they enjoy is Gardenscapes.
Gamers play through a storyline that is filled with unexpected twists and turns whilst trying to restore a garden to its former glory.
Gardenscapes takes you on an adventure where you restore and decorate different areas of the garden. You can also uncover secrets that the garden holds.
Engaging characters also add to the game’s popularity, including the main character Austin and a funny pet dog.
It is simplistic but addictive and it is one of the main reasons why so many Indians play it.
One person said: “I have to admit, I didn’t expect much when I first started playing. But I can definitely assure you that you won’t be disappointed once you give the game a chance.”
Marvel Contest of Champions
The Marvel superhero universe has worldwide popularity so it is no surprise to see that Marvel Contest of Champions is the fourth most popular iOS game in India.
It is a combat game which is set in the Marvel Universe and features a plethora of your favourite Marvel heroes and villains.
The gameplay is similar to that of the Mortal Kombat series where the fighting arena is rendered in 3D with a 2D plane for the superheroes’ movements and actions.
Players can carry out light, medium and heavy attacks on the opponents as well as blocking and dodging their oncoming attacks.
Some characters have a unique relationship and by combining them in battle, players are rewarded.
One controversial aspect of the game is that it requires a continuous Internet connection for both single and multiplayer modes.
Nevertheless, players love the game as one user said:
“The amount of effort that goes into it should be evident to everyone.
“Graphics, animations, character design, abilities, buffs are mind-blowingly complex.”
“I’ve been playing for nearly two years and I’m still completely hooked.”
Candy Crush Saga
Another classic that still remains on many iPhones is Candy Crush Saga. Since its release in 2012, millions of people in India and across the world have downloaded it.
The straightforward gameplay involves switching and pairing the sweets in order to progress through the levels.
Playing with friends or alone provides players with different options and it appeals to wider audiences. A network connection lets players look at leaderboards to compare with others.
The game still remains popular as the developers continue to add new levels frequently.
This ensures that even the most hardcore gamers will face a challenge in this wonderfully addictive game.
It has a huge following in India with many loving that it makes them think about every move.
Candy Crush Saga enthusiast Shillu Malik explained:
“This is the sweetest puzzle game ever. It is a brainstorming game with lots of fun. All the graphics and controls are perfect.”
Candy Crush Saga is the third most-played iOS game in India and with an average rating of 4.7 on the App Store, it is easy to see why.
Coin Master
The second most popular iOS game in India is Coin Master. Millions play the game in order to create the best Viking empire possible.
It is a strategy game where coins are earned in different ways. The coins are then used to build strong villages and progress through levels.
Defeating other players’ village and stealing their loot is one of the main objectives. This is to eventually have the strongest village and the most loot, hence becoming the Coin Master.
Many enjoy the game because you come up against so many different players of all abilities. Another popular factor is the ability to trade cards with the online community.
Coin Master has an interactive Facebook community that is always growing and is used to earn in-game rewards and trade treasures.
Interacting with other players is why the iOS game is extremely popular in India, which is why it is in the top 10.
Arjun Malik said:
“I really love this game and I play daily and am on level 95.”
It is easy to see why Coin Master is the second most popular iOS game in India, especially when it was downloaded around 1 million times in January 2020.
PUBG
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) has always been a favourite in India even though the game was originally a console game.
The online Battle Royale game allows 100 players to play against each other as they are placed onto an island.
They must locate their own weapons and defeat each other in this winner takes all showdown. As time goes on, the island shrinks, which forces gamers into a smaller play zone.
Similar to the console version, the game boasts an astounding visual experience with its realistic effects and HD map.
Players either play solo or they can team up with friends to have a better chance of surviving the battle.
The gameplay is extremely enjoyable and addictive as players compete to be last person standing.
PUBG enthusiast Soumyak Das said: “Loved the concept and the graphics.
“Servers are good and it’s easy to find friends via Facebook login.”
It may be popular but it has been controversial in India. Concerns about the game’s violence and its addictive nature led to some states banning PUBG.
Despite the controversy, PUBG remains an entertaining mobile game in India, with an average rating of 4.4 from over 41,000 reviews.
While mobile games come in all genres, one thing for certain is that they are made to entertain those who play them.
The features may be the main reason why gamers enjoy them but the sheer number of downloads is mainly down to the fact that most of them are available for free.
Mobile games are being created all the time with better visuals and seamless gameplay. When paired with new iPhones, the combination is one which gamers love.
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