20 Most Popular Mobile Games in India

The Indian mobile games industry is growing at a rapid rate. It is one of the top five countries for mobile gaming in the world.

The industry is currently worth over $890 million. It is estimated that the industry will be worth over $3.9 billion by 2025 and have roughly 650 million users.

A surge in mobile gaming is due to increased access to smartphones and the simplicity of obtaining a mobile game.

One can download a gaming app to their phone at the tap of a screen.

Mobile gaming is increasing faster than console gaming due to cost.

The average cost of a console in India is approximately Rs. 36,000 (£400), whereas the average cost of a phone is about Rs. 10,000 (£111).

Most Indian mobile gamers have Android phones because Apple phones are too expensive, therefore a lot of Android games are downloaded.

Let’s take a look at 20 of the most popular mobile games in India and their features.

Callbreak Multiplayer

A trick-taking card game played between four players. The objective is to win each round by playing the highest card possible in the dealer’s chosen suit.

All four players bid a number of tricks that they must win to get a positive score. Incorrect bids result in a negative score.

Each game contains five rounds and points are added up for the first four rounds. Players set themselves a goal for the final round. The winner and runner-up are announced when the game finishes.

The winner is determined by the player who has obtained the highest number of points.

The multiplayer features are a major reason why Callbreak Multiplayer is one of the most popular mobile games in India.

Multiplayer enables users to play against random online players and Facebook friends when the game is linked to a Facebook account.

Subarna Panthi said: “It’s a good and easy game, it’s a really great card game for passing the time.”

Callbreak Multiplayer achieved a rating of 4.4, based on 123,000 votes and is free on the Google Play Store.

Coin Master

Millions of players around the world battle against each other to build the best Viking empire possible.

A strategy game where coins are earned in different ways to build strong villages and progress through levels.

Defeating other players’ villages 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.

Playing against many different players is why many users enjoy the game. The ability to trade cards with the online community increases popularity.

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 game is extremely popular in India, which is why it is in the top 20.

Arijit Dutta said:

“Coin Master is the first game that has attained my interest for so long.”

“The game makes one strategise every time one plays and the best part is one cannot play the game all the time as it takes 10 hours to get the full slot of 50 spins.”

Coin Master has an average rating of 4.5 from 618,000 reviews. It is free to download but does include in-app purchases.

8 Ball Pool

The number one pool game in the world can be played against friends and against random players from around the world.

Every game has a stake and in-game coins are wagered against your opponent. Win a game and all the coins are yours.

8 Ball Pool has a level system that allows higher-ranked players to play against similar ability opponents for greater stakes.

Online gameplay has made 8 Ball Pool one of the world’s most popular mobile games. The ability to play against someone from anywhere in the world is why it is enjoyed among mobile gamers.

Linking your Facebook account allows players to challenge their friends if playing against random players is not appealing to them.

People who are not big gamers enjoy playing 8 Ball Pool because it keeps users entertained for a long time.

This has helped make 8 Ball Pool one of the most enjoyed mobile games in India.

Amit Kumar said: “The game is fun, challenging and will keep you entertained for a long time.”

8 Ball Pool has an average rating of 4.5 from 14 million reviews.

Clash Royale

A real-time multiplayer game from the makers of Clash of Clans. Collecting and upgrading dozens of cards to defeat enemies is the main objective.

A network connection is required to play the game as you duel players from around the world in real-time.

Building and upgrading your card collection while defeating opponents help with progress in the game.

Players interact with friends to form a clan. A clan can share cards and build their own battle community. Clan members are able to challenge each other to private duels.

Real-time strategy and interactivity between friends have made Clash Royale one of the most well-received games in India.

Arvind Saastha said: “It took me close to one year to get to the legendary arena, but it was worth it. It is an excellent strategy-based game.”

Clash Royale has an average rating of 4.6 from 23 million reviews.

Subway Surfers

A fast-paced game where the objective is to collect as many coins as possible all while avoiding oncoming trains.

Colourful and vivid HD graphics make this simple game more appealing to players.

This addictive game keeps players entertained for a long time as they try to beat their high scores.

The simple controls are what has made this game liked worldwide, let alone in India.

Subway Surfers fan Rhea Khan said:

“I really love this game and I am loving this new update in which we can double our rewards.”

“Hats off to the makers of Subway Surfers.”

Subway Surfers has an average rating of 4.5 from 27 million reviews.

Candy Crush Soda Saga

From the makers of Candy Crush Saga comes Candy Crush Soda Saga, which follows the same gameplay as the original.

This puzzle adventure sees Kimmy on her journey to find Tiffi by switching and matching your way through magical gameplay.

New combinations and challenging game modes are brimming with purple soda. There are over 140 unique levels that ensure continuous fun.

Straightforward gameplay makes the game enjoyable. Increasingly difficult levels make Candy Crush Soda Saga challenging to fully master.

The success of Candy Crush Saga guaranteed that its sequel would also be one of the most popular mobile games in India.

Leaderboards are available to those that Facebook Connect so that friends can compare scores with each other.

Shad Muhammad praised the game and said: “This is the only game which I play daily. It is very addictive and the graphics are awesome.”

Candy Crush Soda Saga has an average rating of 4.4 from 6 million reviews. It establishes itself as one of the most popular mobile games in India.

Ludo King

Based on the classic board game loved by many. Roll the Ludo dice and move your counters to make it to the centre of the board. Beat the other players to become the Ludo King.

The classic game is modernised for phones and there are a variety of ways to play.

Play offline against the computer or against family members. Or go online and play against different players around the world to become the best.

Playing online gives the game a competitive edge to a fun revamp.

Over 100 million worldwide downloads and with many coming from India. Ludo King shows that it is one of the most popular mobile games in India.

Adarsh Tiwari lauded the game saying: “It is a very interesting game. I feel very good after playing this game when I feel stressed.”

A rating of 4.4 from over 1.7 million reviews confirm that Ludo King is a very popular mobile game in India.

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

Initially making its way into the limelight on console gaming, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) reached mobile gamers in 2018.

An online Battle Royale game where 100 players locate their own weapons and defeat each other in this winner takes all showdown. Gameplay takes place on a remote island that is shrinking, which forces players 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.

Battle Royale style games against many online opponents are globally enjoyed, both on mobile and console versions. Mobile formats are especially popular among players in Asia, due to the cost of consoles.

PUBG mobile remains a popular title in India and it’s easy to see why.

PUBG player Soumyak Das said that he “Loved the concept and the graphics.

“Servers are good and it’s easy to find friends via Facebook login.”

PUBG released in 2018 and has a rating of 4.4 from 3.3 million reviews.

Clash of Clans

Clash of Clans is a mobile game classic and it remains popular in India.

Millions of players build villages, raise clans and use them to battle against other clans.

A strategy game that requires you to defend your village from other players while upgrading your own clan.

Competing online is the main feature of Clash of Clans, however, casual players can invite friends to play in friendly challenges which takes the competitive edge off.

Battling requires a tactical approach which has made the game such a joy for Indian gamers.

Deepak Takekar said: “It improves your mind power and makes you think for new traps and attacks.”

Over 44.8 million players gave Clash of Clans an average rating of 4.6 which not only shows India’s appeal, but also a worldwide one.

Candy Crush Saga

Thousands of levels and straightforward gameplay make Candy Crush Saga a much loved mobile game in India.

Switching and pairing the sweets is the aim to progress through the levels of this wonderfully addictive game.

Playing with friends or alone provides players with different options and appeals to wider audiences. A network connection lets players look at leaderboards to compare with others.

New levels are regularly added to give gamers ongoing content which only increases Candy Crush Saga’s following.

Regular player Baburajan Muthu praised the game, calling it “marvellous and amazing”.

The simple game has a rating of 4.4 from 22.3 million reviews and establishes it as a mobile game that is enjoyed by all ages in India.

Swing-Free Fun Adventure Game

Swing-Free Fun Adventure Game is a puzzle game that is one of India’s most popular mobile games.

The game takes place in a forest where players take on the role of a mob that is constantly swinging and jumping in order to climb up in a jungle.

However, it can prove challenging as the jungle is full of deadly obstacles.

As well as dangers, there are also rewards for those who break through new peaks.

Daily challenges mean that players return all the time in order to earn rewards.

The simplistic, yet challenging gameplay is one of the main reasons why Swing-Free Fun Adventure Game is loved by Indian mobile gamers.

Call of Duty: Mobile

Call of Duty: Mobile was released on October 1, 2019, and it saw one of the largest mobile game launches in history.

Within a year, it had 270 million downloads, generating more than £330 million.

This is because the game features a lot of content.

While players can choose to play ranked or non-ranked multiplayer matches, the most popular aspect is battle royale.

It features up to 100 players and players can choose to go alone, be on a two-person team, or be in a four-man squad.

Players choose an ability before they and 99 others are placed on the map.

At the beginning, each player is armed only with a knife. They can search for weapons, items and vehicles to help both with survival and fending off enemies.

As the game progresses, the map’s safe zone shrinks. Players outside the zone are killed.

The last surviving team wins the game.

Call of Duty: Mobile also has limited-time modes, making it one of the more extensive mobile games to play.

Garena Free Fire

Battle royale games are immensely popular in India and one of the most played ones is Garena Free Fire.

It acts as the successor to PUBG and it is a faster approach to the battle royale genre.

This 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 lone survivor.

Players choose their starting point with their parachutes 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.

Ten-minute matches ensure fast gameplay whether you want to play alone or with friends in a squad.

In India, many have downloaded the game for its competitive nature coupled with the simple controls and smooth graphics.

Fortnite

Fortnite is one of the 20 most popular mobile games in India and a highly popular battle royale one.

Like other battle royale games, 100 players skydive onto an island and look for gear to defend themselves from other players.

Gamers can play on their own (Solo), with another player (Duos), three players (Trios), or with a group of four (Squads).

As the match progresses, the playable area gradually shrinks.

Outside the safe zone is “The Storm”, which inflicts damage on those caught inside it. The damage inflicted becomes more severe as “The Storm” grows.

The last player or team alive wins the match.

What makes Fortnite different are the construction elements.

Players collect resources to build walls and obstacles in order to take cover from incoming fire or provide a strategic view advantage.

Carrom Disc Pool

Carrom Disc Pool is the mobile version of the classic tabletop game.

The original game is typically played in South Asian countries and it is usually played among families.

With the mobile app, carrom enthusiasts can play on the go against friends.

As it is multiplayer, there is also an online element where players can match up against opponents from around the world.

The main objective is to pot your pieces before the opponent pots theirs.

Winning leads to unlocking new items which you can show off to your opponents.

With simple gameplay, great physics and smooth controls, online players compete against people of all abilities.

It is easy to see why it is so popular, given that it is a modern way to play a classic game.

Among Us

Among Us may have been released in 2018, but it gained a large following in 2020 thanks to YouTubers and streamers.

It is a multiplayer game featuring up to 10 players.

In space, most players are Crewmates while a select few are randomly chosen as Imposters.

For Crewmates, the objective is to identify the Imposters, eliminate them and complete tasks around the map.

Meanwhile, Imposters use sabotage to cause chaos. This will make it easier to kill Crewmates.

Players suspected to be Imposters may be eliminated via a plurality vote, which any player may initiate by calling an emergency meeting or reporting a dead body.

Crewmates win if all Imposters are eliminated or all tasks are completed. Imposters win if there are an equal number of Imposters and Crewmates, or if a critical sabotage goes unresolved.

With the combination of action and strategy, it is no surprise that lots of people in India play Among Us.

Teen Patti Gold

Teen Patti Gold is hugely popular in India mainly because the game uses Lakhs and Crore.

It is the largest online multiplayer card game in the world and gamers can play a range of games to pass the time. This includes poker and rummy.

While most players go up against people from around the world, casual gamers can invite friends and family to play at private tables.

It is a gambling game but the money that is gambled is virtual, so there is no financial risk to be worried about.

Many Indian gamers enjoy Teen Patti Gold because of the competitive addition to classic card games. As it is online, you can come up against players of all abilities.

Mahiya Sony loved the game and says:

“It’s a good game with nice graphics and real players to play against in tournaments.”

Gardenscapes

A lot of Indian mobile gamers enjoy strategic games but one casual game they love to play 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 your butler 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 Android user said:

“I like the graphics and the silly storyline. It is a great way to pass the time.”

“I wish days were longer but hey ya can’t have it all. Good game worth my time.”

Lords Mobile: Battle of the Empires – Strategy RPG

This strategy game places you into a world that has changed since the first emperor’s death.

Lords now seek power and the land has been split into clashing kingdoms while monsters wreak havoc.

You play as a hero that is tasked with bringing peace to the world by creating the greatest empire ever. Recruit soldiers, heroes, forge alliances and battle for victory.

Defeat enemies and expand your kingdom’s territory. Also, protect your castle from monsters.

The decisions you make will determine what type of leader you are. You can become a ruler that cares for the people or one that the people fear.

Battling is not the only way when expanding an empire. Players can trade with others and forge alliances.

It is all about making strategic decisions in this real-time strategy game.

Playing against millions of players in an open world is why Lords Mobile: Battle of the Empires – Strategy RPG is among the 20 most popular mobile games in India.

Temple Run 2

The endless running game is simple to play.

It features the same controls as its predecessor but Temple Run 2 has new obstacles to avoid, such as zip-lines, mine tracks, sharper turns, waterfalls, and jets of fire.

The game also features new power-ups in the form of an energy bar that is filled up by collecting coins.

Gamers must avoid obstacles while also trying to outrun a large gorilla called Cuchank.

There is a range of characters to choose from and since its release in 2013, Temple Run 2 has also seen limited-edition characters.

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt was made available for purchase for a limited time, but this was later made permanent.

Santa Claus has also been a limited-edition character.

Despite the simple concept, Temple Run 2 remains one of India’s best-loved mobile games.

These 20 mobile games are of different genres but all provide entertainment to mobile gamers in India. Gameplay and graphics are some of the factors which appeal.

There is no cost to download these games which is why they are so popular and smartphone users are able to access them.

Mobile games in India will continue to increase especially if games of this quality continue to be developed.