Discover the Best Free iOS & Android Games of August 2019: Your Essential Mobile Gaming Guide
Navigating the vast ocean of new mobile game releases each month can feel like a daunting quest. With countless titles vying for your attention on both the App Store and Google Play, it’s a genuine challenge to uncover the hidden gems and truly engaging experiences amidst the noise. Many gamers find themselves spending more time sifting through endless options than actually enjoying quality playtime.
Fortunately, you don’t have to embark on that journey alone. This comprehensive guide, complementing the insightful video above, is designed to cut through the clutter and spotlight the **best free iOS & Android games of August 2019**. We delve deeper into each recommendation, providing enhanced context and analysis, ensuring you spend less time searching and more time immersing yourself in these top-tier mobile releases.
Top 10 Free iOS & Android Games That Defined August 2019
August 2019 brought a diverse collection of exciting new titles to the mobile gaming landscape, offering everything from intense survival adventures to strategic card battles. These games captivated players with their unique mechanics, engaging storylines, and impressive graphics, proving that high-quality entertainment doesn’t always come with a price tag. Let’s explore the standout **free iOS & Android games** that made our list.
10. Dawn of Zombies: Survival After the Last War
Kicking off our list is Dawn of Zombies: Survival After the Last War, an isometric survival game that immediately sets itself apart from its mobile counterparts. Currently in early access, it offers a surprisingly deep and intricate experience, reminiscent of more robust PC survival titles. Players are tasked with constructing elaborate living spaces, both above and below ground, demonstrating a level of strategic depth not often seen in smartphone games.
Beyond building, the game incorporates elements like vehicle usage and stealth mechanics, even if the latter still feels a bit rudimentary in its current early phase. The sheer volume of content and activities available makes up for any minor imperfections, promising hours of engagement. Furthermore, upcoming features like free-for-all PvP and co-op PvE are set to expand its scope, making it an incredibly promising title for fans of the genre looking for a true survival challenge among **free iOS & Android games**.
9. Gundam Battle Gunpla Warfare
For fans of giant robots and customizable combat, Gundam Battle Gunpla Warfare presents an action-packed experience where personalization is key. Players get to design and upgrade their very own mech suits, known as Gunpla, before deploying them into thrilling battles against other players and various enemies. While the game boasts an original story, its true appeal lies in the deep customization options and dynamic gameplay, letting you truly make your mech your own.
It’s important to note that some users have reported stability issues, with crashes occurring on certain devices. However, for those whose phones handle it smoothly, the gameplay is undeniably fun and addictive, offering a satisfying loop of fighting, collecting, and upgrading. As the developers continue to refine and stabilize the game, its potential to attract a wider audience of mech enthusiasts will undoubtedly grow, solidifying its place among notable **free iOS & Android games**.
8. Dead Zed
A delightful blast from the past, Dead Zed revives the classic Flash game experience for the modern mobile era. This first-person stationary shooter tasks players with defending their position against relentless waves of zombies. The brilliance of Dead Zed lies in its elegant simplicity; the core gameplay loop of shooting hordes before they reach you is incredibly addictive, offering immediate gratification.
As you progress, the game steadily unlocks an arsenal of new weapons and diverse locations, injecting fresh challenge and variety into the straightforward premise. Its deceptive simplicity hides a deeply enjoyable experience that transcends mere nostalgia, especially with the impending deprecation of Adobe Flash. This modern adaptation ensures that a beloved classic remains accessible and fun for both old fans and new players seeking engaging **free iOS & Android games**.
7. Mighty Heroes
The mobile space has seen a welcome surge in straightforward yet compelling card games, and Mighty Heroes stands out as a prime example. This player-versus-player (PvP) card game offers accessible mechanics that seasoned card game players will quickly grasp, but with enough strategic depth to keep things interesting. While many mobile card games rely on limited visuals, Mighty Heroes ups the ante with captivating card animations—cards glow, spin, and react, adding a layer of visual flair that enhances the overall experience.
The game’s strength truly lies in its vast variety of cards and the cohesive way they interact, leading to diverse strategies and satisfying victories. It successfully marries simple rules with complex possibilities, ensuring each match feels unique and engaging. If you have an appreciation for tactical card games that balance ease of entry with competitive depth, Mighty Heroes is certainly worth exploring among the latest **free iOS & Android games**.
6. Total Party Kill
Innovation often thrives in unexpected places, and Total Party Kill is a testament to this, presenting a dark yet hilariously clever dungeon puzzle platformer. In a morbid twist on teamwork, players control a trio of adventurers, but the solution to each puzzle invariably involves sacrificing two of your teammates to help one reach the exit. This macabre mechanic is the game’s core.
Imagine freezing a character into an ice block to create a platform, or strategically shooting a companion into a wall with an arrow to use them as a stepping stone. Even slashing and throwing a teammate into a button are viable (and often necessary) tactics. The concept is refreshingly unique and executed with brilliant puzzle design, making it an absolute must-play for anyone who enjoys clever problem-solving with a darkly comedic edge among **free iOS & Android games**.
5. The Kreator
Described uniquely as “Journey combined with Flappy Bird,” The Kreator offers a gorgeous and Zen-like tap platformer experience that defies its quirky comparison. Unlike the frantic, pipe-dodging mechanics of its avian inspiration, this game replaces avoidance with elegant collection. Players tap to guide an energy ball higher, navigating serene pastel landscapes while gathering vital energy.
The twist comes if you fail to collect enough energy; it transforms into a “dark energy” that relentlessly pursues you, turning the relaxing journey into a thrilling chase. Beyond the main adventure, a dedicated Zen mode provides a truly calming experience, free from the pressure of pursuit. It’s a surprisingly fun and often therapeutic game that showcases how simple mechanics can be elevated by stunning aesthetics and thoughtful design, making it a standout among August’s **free iOS & Android games**.
4. Garena Speed Drifters
Amidst a crowded genre, Garena Speed Drifters manages to carve out its own niche as a vibrant and engaging kart racer. While the characters might be unfamiliar to Western audiences, hailing from Garena’s broader ecosystem of racing games, the core gameplay loop of competitive drifting is universally appealing. Playing with friends transforms this into an exceptionally enjoyable social experience, despite a somewhat grindy progression system.
The game also features an utterly preposterous and unnecessary story mode, which paradoxically adds to its charm. Its over-the-top silliness is a highlight, making it a delightful distraction that complements the fast-paced racing. While competitive progress may require dedication, the sheer fun of racing with others makes Garena Speed Drifters a highly recommended entry for racing fans seeking dynamic **free iOS & Android games**.
3. Gears Pop!
Who would have thought that the gritty, cover-based combat of the Gears of War universe could translate into a charming strategy game based on Funko Pop! figurines? Gears Pop! ingeniously blends the tactical depth of cover mechanics with the accessible real-time strategy of games like Clash Royale. The result is a surprisingly cohesive and incredibly fun experience that defies expectations.
Players deploy their Funko Pop!-styled Gears characters, utilizing cover to gain strategic advantages and outmaneuver opponents on the battlefield. It’s a marvel of game design, taking two seemingly disparate concepts and melding them into something genuinely enjoyable. This game proves that even unlikely combinations can yield fantastic results, making it an unmissable title for strategy enthusiasts and fans of the Gears universe looking for engaging **free iOS & Android games**.
2. Pokémon Masters
For Pokémon enthusiasts, Pokémon Masters offers a fresh yet surprisingly streamlined take on the beloved monster-battling franchise. While it embraces the familiar trappings of social RPGs, it injects unique Pokémon-centric options that elevate it beyond generic expectations. The game is visually stunning, presenting a beautifully rendered world and character models that bring the Pokémon universe to life on mobile devices.
A particularly enjoyable aspect is its co-operative multiplayer, allowing players to team up with friends for battles, adding a social dimension to the classic Pokémon experience. While its mechanics might not reinvent the wheel for social RPG veterans, the sheer appeal of its Pokémon universe, combined with gorgeous graphics and co-op play, makes it a highly recommended title among the **free iOS & Android games** of August 2019.
1. Elune
Claiming the top spot on our list is Elune, a gacha social RPG that manages to deliver a remarkably cohesive and “beefy” experience compared to many in its genre. While mechanically it doesn’t introduce many groundbreaking innovations, its overall polish and engaging presentation help it stand out significantly. The game creates an immersive world with rich character designs and compelling narrative elements, drawing players into its fantasy realm.
It’s worth noting that like many gacha titles, some desirable content is locked behind a paywall, which can be a point of contention for free-to-play users. However, if you are drawn to this style of game and are looking for a high-quality example that feels more substantial than its peers, Elune offers a visually impressive and deeply engaging journey. Despite its common genre pitfalls, its overall execution positions it as one of the premier **free iOS & Android games** from August 2019.
Bonus Round: Premium iOS & Android Games Worth the Investment
While this list primarily celebrates the best **free iOS & Android games** of August 2019, the month also delivered some exceptional premium titles that deserve a special mention. The paid games market, though perhaps smaller, continues to produce critically acclaimed experiences that redefine mobile gaming possibilities. These offerings showcase the incredible depth and quality available for those willing to make a small investment.
Dead Cells ($7.99 on iOS, coming soon to Android)
Originally a smash hit on consoles and PC, Dead Cells made a phenomenal leap to iOS, with an Android version eagerly anticipated. This procedurally generated Metroidvania rogue-lite combines challenging combat with expansive, evolving levels, ensuring no two playthroughs are ever the same. Its fluid controls and satisfying progression system have captivated countless players, making it an instant classic.
For just $7.99, players gain access to an astonishing amount of content and replayability, transforming their mobile device into a portable powerhouse of hardcore gaming. The transition to touchscreens is incredibly well-executed, preserving the fast-paced action that defines the game. It is a brilliant example of how complex console experiences can be successfully adapted for mobile, proving its worth for any serious gamer.
Journey ($4.99 on iOS)
One of the most emotionally resonant and visually breathtaking experiences in gaming, Journey, is now available on iOS. This acclaimed title is renowned for its minimalist storytelling, cooperative multiplayer, and stunning artistic direction. Players traverse a vast, beautiful desert landscape, guided by a distant mountain, encountering other players whose company can be profoundly impactful yet entirely wordless.
For $4.99, Journey offers a concise but incredibly memorable adventure that blends exploration, wonder, and a deep sense of connection. Its simple mechanics belie a powerful narrative and atmospheric depth, providing a tranquil yet profound gaming experience. This truly special game is a testament to the artistic potential of the medium, making it a must-have for anyone seeking more than just a casual game.
Hyper Light Drifter ($5.99 on iOS)
August also brought the critically acclaimed action RPG, Hyper Light Drifter, to iOS, much to the delight of fans of classic titles like Diablo and The Legend of Zelda. This game is a visual masterpiece, boasting some of the most exquisite pixel art ever created, accompanied by an evocative, atmospheric soundtrack. Its challenging combat, intricate world design, and cryptic storytelling create an immersive and rewarding experience.
For $5.99, players can dive into a world filled with dangerous enemies, hidden secrets, and a sense of ancient mystery. The port preserves the tight controls and challenging gameplay that made the original so beloved, offering a profound and stylish adventure. Its blend of fast-paced action and deep exploration makes it an indie gem that no mobile gamer should overlook.
Stranger Things 3 The Game ($4.99 on iOS & Android)
Building on the popularity of the hit Netflix series, Stranger Things 3 The Game arrives as a premium, top-down isometric adventure. Unlike previous tie-ins that served as promotional freebies, this title is a fully fleshed-out game designed for players to genuinely enjoy and pay for. It successfully captures the charm and mystery of the show, allowing fans to explore Hawkins, solve puzzles, and battle otherworldly threats.
For $4.99 on both iOS and Android, players receive a substantial adventure that expands upon the events of the third season. The game delivers a fun, engaging experience that will delight both fans of the show and those simply looking for a solid adventure game. It proves that licensed titles can transcend their origins and deliver genuinely entertaining gameplay, making it a worthwhile purchase among the month’s releases.
