As the winter evenings stretch long and dark, filled with the relentless patter of rain, there's no better time to dive into the immersive world of RPGs on your Android device. These games offer not just a way to pass the time, but a journey through beautifully crafted worlds, complete with intricate systems and mechanics that keep you engaged for hours on end. Here, we've curated a list of the best Android RPGs to help you find your next adventure. If your favorite isn't listed, feel free to share it in the comments below.
With an abundance of choices in the RPG genre, we've narrowed down our selection to focus on premium games that offer a complete experience right out of the box. Gacha RPGs, while popular, are excluded from this list and can be found in our dedicated best Android gacha games list.
Best Android RPGs
-----------------Roll on the role-playing games.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2
Starting our list with a bang, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2 might be a controversial choice, but it's a stellar, touchscreen-optimized version of a beloved classic. This game is vast, filled with intriguing characters, and captures the essence of Star Wars perfectly.
Neverwinter Nights
If you prefer dark fantasy over sci-fi, Neverwinter Nights offers an enchanting journey through the Forgotten Realms. This enhanced version by Beamdog brings a classic Bioware adventure to your fingertips, and it's nothing short of brilliant.
Dragon Quest VIII
Often hailed as the pinnacle of the Dragon Quest series, Dragon Quest VIII stands out as our top pick for JRPGs on mobile. Square Enix has meticulously adapted it for mobile play, and the portrait mode feature makes it perfect for playing on the go, even on a crowded train.
Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger is widely regarded as one of the greatest JRPGs ever made, and its mobile port is a testament to that legacy. While it may not be the ideal way to experience this masterpiece, it's a solid option if you're without other means.
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions has aged like fine wine, remaining as engaging and fun as it was at launch. It's arguably the ultimate strategy RPG, especially on mobile platforms.
The Banner Saga
The Banner Saga is a close runner-up, though you'll need to switch platforms for the third installment. It's a dark, challenging, and deeply strategic game that blends elements of Game of Thrones with Fire Emblem. With a trilogy to explore, you're in for a long and rewarding journey.
Pascal’s Wager
Pascal's Wager is a dark and atmospheric hack-and-slash ARPG that ranks among the best action RPGs on mobile, and indeed, in the genre as a whole. Packed with content and innovative ideas, it's a must-play for any RPG enthusiast.
Grimvalor
Grimvalor is a stunning side-scrolling Metroidvania RPG that launched to acclaim. With its sophisticated visuals and a progression system reminiscent of Souls games, it's a standout title in the mobile RPG space.
Oceanhorn
Oceanhorn is the closest you'll get to a Zelda experience on mobile, and it's one of the most visually impressive games available. Unfortunately, its sequel is an Apple Arcade exclusive, but the original remains a gem on Android.
The Quest
The Quest is an underappreciated first-person dungeon crawler that draws inspiration from classics like Might & Magic, Eye of the Beholder, and Wizardry. With hand-drawn visuals and ongoing expansions, it's a hidden treasure that deserves more attention.
Final Fantasy (Series)
No discussion of RPGs would be complete without mentioning Final Fantasy. Several iconic entries, including VII, IX, and VI, are available on Android, offering a rich selection of top-tier RPGs to enjoy on your device.
9th Dawn III RPG
Despite its name, 9th Dawn III: Shadow of Erthil is the third installment, not the ninth, and it's a polished RPG experience. This top-down game is expansive, filled with content, and lets you explore, loot, recruit monsters, and even play a card game within the game called Fyued.
Titan Quest
Titan Quest, once a competitor to Diablo, is now available on mobile. While the port may not be the best, it's still a solid choice for fans of hack-and-slash RPGs looking for something to play on their Android devices.
Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth
Though less known than some of its peers, the Valkyrie Profile series, with its Norse mythology theme, offers exceptional RPGs. Lenneth is particularly well-suited for mobile play, with the convenience of saving anywhere, making it perfect for those on-the-go moments.
