Best Gaming Apps in 2022 by Category

With millions of games available between the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, there are more options for gamers to choose from than ever before. Even better, many Android devices and iPhones are now specifically designed with mobile gaming in mind.

For example, the iPhone 13 is regarded as one of the best gaming phones on the market. Meanwhile, OnePlus, Xiaomi, Asus ROG, and Black Shark have all released gaming phones with top OLED displays, up to 16GB of RAM, and extended battery life. Each makes gaming ideal across various categories, from mobile eSports to iGaming to casual titles.

But which games are ideal for specific types of users? Keep reading for a breakdown of some of 2022’s top mobile games by category.

iGaming: LuckyLand Slots

For casino gamers who can’t get enough of playing their favorite slots online, LuckyLand Slots offers a great mobile app experience. Aside from an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, the company’s app rolls out two new slots per month, along with daily tournaments and weekly sales. Daily login bonuses also keep players engaged by introducing new titles.

The app includes a range of popular themes, from fantasy to action-adventure slots. Each game includes a unique way to win, along with engaging characters, settings, and storylines. For example, Galactic Blast is a sci-fi space adventure that includes reels with alien-inspired symbols.

Indie: Sky: Children of the Light

This open-world indie adventure game surprised critics and players when it was first released in 2019. The casual title works for players with almost any interest, age, and level of experience. Sky covers a sky-bound kingdom where characters can explore and help restore fallen stars. The game includes stunning visuals, optimistic characters, and a storyline that works great for single or multiplayer modes.

Like many other top indie projects, Sky allows for in-app purchases—but doesn’t pit microtransactions at the heart of the action. In other words, players will still thoroughly enjoy the game and its endless details even if they don’t fork over a dime.

Puzzle: Fill the Fridge

Though Candy Crush Saga remains the most-downloaded puzzle app of all time, Fill the Fridge isn’t far behind. The game’s mission is simple: players sort through groceries to restock the fridge in the most efficient way possible. Along the way, a few extra challenges complicate matters.

However, Fill the Fridge comes with a few more ads than most other top-rated games. For this reason, many gamers choose to pay microtransactions to keep the action moving without any interruptions.

Social: Clash of Clans

As one of the oldest games on this list, Clash of Clans rooted itself as a social gaming classic way back in 2012. Since then, developer Super Cell has released updated versions that introduce new characters and challenges—but the basics remain the same. Players work together to build a customized village and army, then take on opponents.

Two of the biggest draws are personalization and teamwork. Individual players are allowed to build out their own character and unique powers. At the same time, they’ll need to work closely with their clan if they plan on ruling the roost.

Subscription Platform: Apple Arcade

For a decade, Apple and Google have refined their gaming stores to offer the best in mobile titles. Today, both offer unique subscriptions that offer players a unique roster of games in their Apple Arcade and Google Play Pass subscriptions. However, the best option for mobile gamers might lie elsewhere.

Some of these are regional. For example, Jumia Games is a subscription package for mobile gamers that focuses on the African continent. Not only does Jumia offer games tailored to local interests and markets, but it’s also one of the most affordable in the market at around $1.50 a month.

Others instead cater to other network brands. Vodafone, for example, offers its own Hatch subscription for customers that game on their mobile network. Some, like Appland, are instead designed for on-the-go gaming.