Puzzles and word games
Crosswords, scanwords (arrow-word style crosswords), letter games and logic puzzles. Great for short breaks and often playable offline.
Scanwords and puzzles on your phone (in Russian)
Game catalogue
Game catalogue
Mobile games vary enormously: some are designed for a couple of minutes in a queue, others for long evenings with friends. In this catalogue we describe genres and formats rather than individual games: how they differ, which device suits them better and what to look out for before installing. That makes it easier to know what to search for in the store and to avoid wasting time on games that aren't right for you.
The best game for your phone is the one that fits your day: five minutes of waiting, a long journey or a quiet evening.
How this section works: we describe genres and formats of mobile games, not specific titles. We do not give scores, compile rankings, quote prices or link to files. Look for specific games in the official store and check their page before installing.
Genres for your phone
Eight genres people most often choose for playing on a phone or tablet.
Casual games
Simple rules, short levels, one-finger controls. Handy on the go, but they often make money from ads, so check how frequently ads appear.
Strategy
Planning, building, managing resources. They are more comfortable on a tablet, with more room for the map and interface. Many strategy games have timers you are invited to speed up with a purchase.
Role-playing games
Character progression, story and gear. They need more time and more device storage; online titles often include a battle pass and random rewards.
Racing
Steering by tilting the phone or with on-screen buttons. They put a heavy load on graphics and battery, so check the image quality settings.
Shooters
Fast-paced combat, often online against other players. They need a stable connection and a responsive screen; read the game's rules on cheating carefully.
Simulation
A farm, a city, a job or vehicles. Usually a relaxed pace and long sessions; many include in-game currency and paid speed-ups.
Offline games for travel
Games you can play without an internet connection: on a plane, on the underground or out of town. Look for an offline mode on the app's page and launch the game at least once beforehand.
Formats
Four ways mobile games make money. The format determines how many ads you will see and how much you might spend.
Free with ads
The game costs nothing, but ads are shown between levels. Sometimes a one-off purchase removes them. Make sure the ads don't send you to third-party sites asking you to install something.
Free with purchases
The free-to-play model: you can play for free, while currency, speed-ups, characters and cosmetics are sold for money. If a child uses the phone, set up purchase approval.
Paid
The game is bought once on the store page. It usually has no ads, although additional purchases sometimes appear too; this is also shown on the app's page.
Store subscriptions
A recurring fee for access to a game, a set of games or in-game bonuses. Subscriptions renew automatically until you cancel them; you manage them in your store account.
Related sections
- Reviews
How to read mobile game reviews in the store and what to check on an app's page before installing.
- Tips and mechanics
Battery, heat, storage and data while gaming, limiting purchases, and why root, mods and cheats are best avoided.
- Gaming terms
A glossary of terms: Android and the app store, mobile games, security.
Sources
- Google Play Help (purchases, parental controls, Play Protect)
- International Age Rating Coalition (IARC)
- encyclopedic sources
Information about Android and Google Play is based on Google's official documentation and help pages. The store interface, setting names and policies change over time, so check them in official sources and on your own device.