These are the best games for Android smartphones and tablets of 2025

The Google Play Store has announced what it considers the best Android games of 2025. According to Google’s editors, this selection focused on developer performance, game innovation and user experience. In addition to games for smartphones like the Google Pixel 10 (from $785 on Amazon), the list also includes a title for the Google Play Store on Windows.

Mobile games of the year are familiar franchises

To make it short, Pokémon TCG Pocket was named best game of 2025. It is currently also one of the three finalists in Apple’s App Store for iOS games. The editors say that this title offers an authentic digital experience of the traditional trading card game and mixes the fun of collecting cards with the satisfying feeling of opening booster packs. The game utilizes the digital format to deliver an accessible experience for Pokémon fans.

In the category "best game across devices", the arcade racer Disney Speedstorm came out on top. The racing game convinced the jury with good performance and controls across multiple platforms. The game’s cross-play and cross-progression features have also been praised and ensure a seamless experience when gaming on multiple devices.

The remaining winners of the best Google Play Games of 2025 include:

• Best multiplayer title goes to Dunk City Dynasty, which is enjoyable both with friends and in solo.
• Best pick-up-and-play game is Candy Crush Solitaire, since it’s supposed to be ideal for quick breaks as well as longer gaming sessions.
• The best indie game on Android in 2025 is Chants of Sennaar. It was noted for its creativity, artistic depth and originality.
• In the category "best story", the RPG Disco Elysium won for its impressive narrative.
• The prize for "best ongoing series" goes to Wuthering Waves for its steady development with continuous updates that include new content and other improvements.
• Best title in the Google Play Pass subscription service is the mystery fishing game called Dredge.
• Best game for Google Play Games on PC in 2025 is the open-world MMORPG Odin: Valhalla Rising, which sports full keyboard and mouse support.