17 Phone Games to Help You Survive Social Distancing
If you need a break from The Office reruns, or you're looking to fill the void now that WandaVision is over, check out these mobile video games we've rounded up below. They're sure to distract you from all the bad news, at least temporarily.
Prefer to game on a larger screen? Check out our favorite console and PC games to play if you're stuck inside. For passing the time passively, our list of what to watch while you're stuck inside and our favorite geeky YouTube channels may help.
Updated March 2021: We added several new games.
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Photograph: Tru LuvA Game Where You Stay in Bed
#SelfCareThis game is all about staying in bed. There's no way to win, no clear objectives, and no timers or countdowns. #SelfCare encourages you to be gentle with yourself and mindful of your own mental state. Sweet reminders (there's no rush) and bits of encouragement (the storm will pass) will leave you feeling peaceful after each session. Added bonus? Your laundry sorts itself with just a few taps. MyOasis (Android, iOS) is a similar game with a less overtly feminine design.
Photograph: BlizzardPlay Your Cards Right
HearthstoneIf you're looking to sling cards à la Magic the Gathering but prefer to use them in the Warcraft universe, Hearthstone (Android, iOS) is what you want. The game is easy to learn and tough to master. Weekly tavern brawls and solo game modes keep things feeling fresh. Fans of card games (or The Witcher) might also like Gwent.
Photograph: Annapurna PicturesLife Gets Better
FlorenceFlorence isn't your typical game. It's from the designers of Monument Valley, another one of our favorites, and it's all about falling in—and out of—love. The narrative-driven game (Android, iOS) will only take you a couple of hours, but we're betting it'll be on your mind for much longer than that (especially its excellent soundtrack). We don't want to get too detailed, in the interest of avoiding spoilers, but trust us when we say this one is worth your time. When you're done, if you're on iPhone or iPad, check out Journey. It's another incredible title from the same publisher, Annapurna Interactive.
Photograph: AmazonA Fixable Pandemic
Pandemic: The Board GameThis might feel a little too timely, but we're still fans of Pandemic, which scales the much-loved board game down to a smartphone-sized package (Android, iOS). You can play alone or pass your smartphone around with two to four people for multiplayer action (just wash your hands after). It's your goal to find cures for the new global pandemic. If that sounds interesting, you might also like Plague Inc., where your objective is pretty much the opposite.
Photograph: FandomTap Tap Tap
AdVenture CapitalistIdle games are a blast because they don't require a ton of critical thinking or hard work. AdVenture Capitalist (Android, iOS) is as easy as it is fun, and you can play it passively. Start with a single lemonade stand and work your way up to owning decillions of shrimp boats, all with just several taps. If capitalism isn't your thing, you might want to check out AdVenture Communist (Android, iOS) instead. It has a similar play style, and both games have tongue-in-cheek humor that'll make you chuckle. For an idle game with similar mechanics in a completely different package, I quite like Realm Grinder (Android, iOS).
Photograph: CheritzCall on Me
Mystic MessengerThere's immersion, and then there's Mystic Messenger (Android, iOS), an otome game where the characters chat, text, call, and email you. Over the course of 12 days, you'll face plenty of romance, intrigue, and mystery. The multilayered story has multiple branches and endings as well. If you're anything like the WIRED staff who've played it, you'll find yourself thinking about the characters long after the game is over.
Photograph: inkle studiosCircumnavigate
80 DaysIt's an oldie but a goodie. If you haven't played 80 Days (Android, iOS), now's the perfect time to do so. This strategy game gives you the quest to race around the world in 80 days or less. You'll need to balance your health and finances, keep an eye on the time, and ensure that you don't fall too far behind. The story is vast, and things will be a little different every time you play. There aren't any in-app purchases either, which is quite refreshing.
Photograph: LoónaFast Asleep
LoónaI tried this app after I saw it on Instagram and now I can't live without it. Loóna (Android, iOS) uses science to help you fall asleep. It features guided meditation, coloring, peaceful music, and relaxing sounds, parceled out over 20-minute "Sleepscapes" that help get you in the right mindset to doze off. Blame it on "corona brain," but I've been having a really tough time getting to bed, or focusing on anything at all. Loóna has put a stop to my insomnia-fueled doomscrolling. If you are struggling to fall asleep, I can't recommend this highly enough. Wear headphones while using the app for the best experience.
Photograph: Riot GamesThink Fast
Teamfight TacticsAnother standout from Riot Games, this auto-battler has all the best aspects of free-to-play: Adorable cosmetics, rewards that actually feel rewarding, and zero pay-to-win features. It's easy to play solo but you can also queue up with your pals. While particularly great for fans of the League of Legends universe, anyone looking for a change of pace from match-3s and trading cards should give Teamfight Tactics (Android, iOS) a shot. It's one of the games I loved most in 2020, and I'm still playing.
Note: Riot Games' CEO is facing allegations of gender discrimination, and many top executives have been hit with accusations of sexism and harassment.
Photograph: Dinosaur Polo ClubNo Wi-Fi? No Problem
Mini MotorwaysMini Motorways (Steam, iOS) feels like it was designed to alleviate the specific ennui associated with being stuck on public transit without Wi-Fi or a cell signal. What better way to contemplate public transportation than to make sure tiny little shapes get to their intended destination? With sounds and music that would give your favorite meditation app a run for its subscription money, you’ll get to your destination more zen than when you left the house. Mini Motorways isn't currently available on Android, but you can download its predecessor, Mini Metro. —Phuc Pham
Photograph: PlayrixThe Game Behind Those Wild Ads
HomescapesEvery mobile gamer has seen them: The confusing, meme-worthy ads involving Austin the butler getting into a slew of precarious, often disturbing situations. In reality, they don't even come close to what the actual gameplay of Homescapes (Android, iOS) is like. This tile-matching game is similar to a handful of others, such as Gardenscapes, Lily's Garden, and Matchington Mansion. As you beat various puzzles, you'll help characters decorate their homes. Clearing levels also unlock more of the story, and while we're borderline ashamed to admit it, these games are oddly addicting. If you like Candy Crush but found yourself wanting more (or you just really want to see the actual game behind those ads), any of them are worth a shot.
Photograph: ChucklefishReap What You Sow
Stardew ValleyStardew Valley (Android, iOS) is simply delightful, and the mobile version is just as fully developed as its PC counterpart. Your tiny pixelated farmer can plant crops, tend to animals, catch fish, make friends, fall in love, and travel to the bottom of a dangerous mine. The gameplay is soothing, and playing for hours at a time on my iPhone 11 never felt too cramped or awkward. If life is feeling a little too intense, Stardew Valley is a salve, and the more you progress, you'll see better conditions in the virtual town. There's something really uplifting about seeing those positive changes, especially when real life feels chaotic at best. It's well worth the $5 it costs (and at some point, a huge update is coming).
Photograph: KleiStayin' Alive
Don't Starve: Pocket EditionFair warning: Don't Starve (Android, iOS) is not for the faint of heart. It's quite difficult, and if you die, you start all over again. It's also amazing. It reminds me a little of Myst—the wild world is mysterious and treacherous, with danger around every corner. You'll find yourself wanting to discover every bit of it. The art and sound design are glorious, and I especially like that the game doesn't feel childish in the slightest. Your goal (in case the name wasn't obvious) is to keep yourself both alive and sane. You'll craft recipes, fight monsters, and work to keep the darkness at bay. Just remember not to starve.
Photograph: Activision BlizzardNonstop Action
Call of Duty: MobileCall of Duty has had so many iterations it's hard to keep track, and I didn't have high expectations for the mobile version. I tend to dislike first-person shooters, but this one is an exception. Somehow, despite everything being squished onto my iPhone's display, Call of Duty: Mobile (Android, iOS) feels substantial. In some ways, it's even better than console versions. The on-screen controls are easy to use, and downing an enemy feels just as satisfying. There are plenty of game modes, unlockable cosmetics, and seasonal events to keep things fresh. Perhaps most importantly, you can now camp the Nuketown bus from the comfort of your phone.
Photograph: MihoyoA Zelda-Inspired Realm
Genshin ImpactGenshin Impact (Android, iOS) is a fantastic example of what a mobile game can truly be. It was released in 2020 for consoles, PC, and smartphones, and despite playing on a smaller screen with limited control options, the mobile version doesn't feel lacking. This open-world RPG has it all: Magic, mystery, gorgeous art, interesting characters, and controversial gacha mechanics. Just remember that you can have a blast in Genshin Impact for free without spending any actual money. Swap characters and fighting styles on a whim, forage the lush landscape for ingredients, or climb to the top of a hill just to see what might be up there. As WIRED's Cecilia D'Anasasio said, “Genshin Impact is better than it has any right to be.”
Photograph: EasybrainInside the Lines
Pixel Art: Color by NumberSometimes you want to be creative without thinking too hard. Pixel Art (Android, iOS) is perfect for those times. Color in pictures ranging from super simple to overwhelmingly complex. The palette and opacity are all set for you; all you have to do is tap on the right pixels to wash the image in color and create a masterpiece. There are a few too many ads for my liking, and the game can wreak havoc on low batteries, but if you like meditative tapping, it'll be right up your alley. The app has plenty of pieces to choose from, and more are added frequently. You can even upload your own photos and convert them into pixelated paint-by-numbers.
Photograph: Four DesireFor Your Health
Plant Nanny 2Plant Nanny 2 (Android, iOS) isn't your typical game. Its sole purpose is to remind you to drink water. As you log your water intake, you'll also water a little virtual plant. By continuing to drink water in regular, safe amounts, you'll grow a flower or a tree. If you neglect hydrating yourself (or logging your sipping activities), you'll be starving your little friend of the hydration it needs. The reminders to track your water intake can get a little annoying, but they're not as annoying as experiencing caffeine headaches every other day. Drink your water! Your body (and plant pal) will thank you.
