Google Play Pass continues to offer a great value for Android users looking to save on premium apps and indie-developed games in 2020. There are a ton of great games that have already been added to the service across multiple genres — from intense strategy games and action-packed indie platformers to relaxing puzzle experiences and immersive RPGs.
Pre-pay for Play Pass
Google Play Gift Card
Pay to play
Getting a play gift card is the safest way to load up your Google account with credit to use towards Play Pass without forgetting about it.
Down on the farm
Stardew Valley
Staff pick
Just like Terraria, Stardew Valley is another beloved PC game that has been ported over to mobile fully intact and optimized for touchscreen devices. Stardew Valley is an open-ended RPG that opens with you taking over the old family farm, with you getting to know the townsfolk and exploring the nearby countryside. Your first task is to fix up the old farm, but from that point on, the adventure is really up to you. Whether you choose to settle down, marry, and live out a quiet family life running the farm or dedicate your life to adventuring as a treasure-seeking explorer, the choice is yours — as is the choice of touchscreen controls or a Bluetooth controller.
Minimalist joy
Mini Metro
Mini Metro is an award-winning subway simulator. You're tasked with drawing up subway lines that connect the various stations that pop up as your city expands. You need to make sure passengers arrive where they need to go in a timely fashion, which often requires re-drawing your lines to be more efficient. With a brilliant minimalist aesthetic, a responsive soundtrack that's fleshed out by the subway lines you build, and a ton of different game modes to enjoy, you will absolutely fall in love with Mini Metro.
Picturesque puzzles
Monument Valley
Embark on an adventure that follows a mother and her child as they explore new architectural marvels featuring mind-bending puzzles. This game is all about messing with your perspective and solving puzzles that require you to alter the beautifully rendered environments. It's OK if you never played the original game as the stories are entirely unique… but if you love the sequel, you'll definitely want to double back and playe the first Monument Valley, too.
Black and white
LIMBO
LIMBO is a brilliant puzzle platformer that looks and plays like the absolute work of art that it is. You play as the silhouetted young protagonist who is searching for his missing sister in Limbo, a dark and dangerous place filled with traps and monsters. The game features ingenious puzzles and an award-winning aesthetic that will haunt you and stick with you long after you've put the game down.
Create your own final season
Reigns: Game of Thrones
Reigns is one of the best mobile game series out there, taking simple card-swiping mechanics and using it to tell really interesting stories that you control. Another way of describing Reigns might be "Tinder meets Choose Your Own Adventure." With this Game of Thrones edition, you're able to play as your favorite characters from the show and change the fate of the Seven Kingdoms as you deem fit, along with all the unforeseen consequences of every action you take. Hell, maybe you'll craft a more satisfying conclusion for yourself than that final season. Play Pass also features the original Reigns game and the sequel, Reigns: Her Majesty.
Choose your side of the Force
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic was, to my recollection, one of the first full console/PC games to be released on mobile in its full glory. It's also regarded as one of the greatest RPG video games ever set in the Star Wars universe. The game is set thousands of years before the rise of the Galactic Empire and lets you choose your character's path — will you use the power of the Force to save the Republic or go down the Sith path and join the dark side? An absolutely epic game that still holds up to this day.
Top-notch platformer
Suzy Cube
I've come to think of Suzy Cube as mobile gaming's unofficial mascot in the same realm as Mario and Crash Bandicoot — not so much in terms of cultural impact but rather due to the sheer quality of gameplay. Suzy Cube is a brilliant 3D platformer with over 40 levels for you to enjoy that are filled with secret areas and power-ups. If touchscreen controls aren't your bag, you can connect your favorite Bluetooth controller and play the game in true style. The only disappointment for me is the mostly repetitive boss battles at the end of each world, but that is made up in the level design variety.
Color-matching speed runner
Chameleon Run
The name of the game here is SPEED. Chameleon Run is an auto-runner that has you jumping and dashing across different colored platforms. Like a chameleon, you have special jump skills and the ability to change colors to help you make it through each course — because the catch is you're only allowed to touch objects that match your color. Seem easy enough? Well, think again! Each level is designed to be non-linear, meaning there are multiple paths to take to make it to the finish. There are also three special objectives to complete for each level which keeps you coming back for more.
It's time for more testing
Bridge Constructor Portal
Bridge Constructor Portal brings the physics-based fun of the core game into the chaotic world of Portal, including our old friend GLaDOS. Now, not only are you tasked with building structures capable of carrying vehicles from point A to point B, but you've got to also content with an assortment of Portal goodies, including portals, propulsion and repulsion gels, cubes, and much more from the Aperture Science Enrichment Center. While your test subjects may incur serious injuries, remember that it's all done in the name of science.
Create your own world
Terraria
Terraria is basically a 2D Minecraft with seemingly endless areas to explore and serious depth to the crafting system. For example, you're able to discover and craft over 400 different weapons to defend yourself. There are NPCs to interact with and lore to be uncovered, too, but this game is largely what you make of it. The controls have been optimized for mobile, and there's even multiplayer available for up to 8 players connected on the same Wi-Fi or playing on a custom server. If you've never experienced Terraria before, Google Play Pass makes it easier than ever.
Made for RPG fans
Evoland
Evoland feels like a stroll down memory lane for fans of RPGs. First developed as part of a 48-hour game jam, it's been described by the developer as a "time-lapse of early action RPG history," and that's an apt description. I really hesitate to say much more because this is a game best played cold, as in the less you know about it, the better. All you need to know is that it's an RPG that evolves as you play to progress through the history of RPGs. Intrigued? Evoland is all about the journey, and while the journey is ultimately pretty short (it took me about couple hours to complete the main story), it is a game that sticks with you due to how the game changes as you play.
Not for the faint of heart
Wayward Souls
Wayward Souls is a fantastic addition to the Play Pass because it's a perfect game to play in short bursts. This is a top-down rogue-like action game designed with randomly generated levels and permanent death. The first time you play, you're just sort of dropped into the game and have to learn how to play as you go. If you die, that character is permanently dead, and you just start over with a fresh character in a new part of the world. The gameplay is really great, and the graphics and soundtrack are spectacular. Again, the difficulty here is insane, but that just makes each play-through challenging, and the game rewards players with good playing skill, so the more you play and learn how to use your character's powers, the better off you are on your next play-through.
Hand-drawn fun for all ages
Hidden Folks
Hidden Folks is a game that takes everything you loved about Where's Waldo — the hand-drawn art style, the relaxing and focused fun — and pushes it into the digital age. Here, instead of scanning a page, you're left to swipe and tap around to uncover secrets hidden throughout the living scene. Each level, you're given a list of people or items to find in the scene, and it's up to you to explore every inch of the canvas as you happen upon all sorts of little moments that play out. The sound design is charming and comprised of layered human-made sound effects that remind me of a parent making sounds while reading a book to their kid.
Silouetted fighters
Shadow Fight 2 Special Edition
Shadow Fight is one of the best fighting game series developed for mobile, featuring gorgeous graphics, smooth animations, and a huge variety of deadly weapons to upgrade and master. This special edition is the premium version, with no ads or energy bars, so you can play whenever you want. There's a complete story mode to battle through with Shadow Fight 2's surprisingly tight touchscreen controls.
MC Esher approved!
hocus.
MC Esher would be damn proud of hocus, a mind-bending, perspective-based puzzle game that is easy to play, challenging to master, and lets you create and play other user-created puzzles. There are over 100 official puzzles, which require you to swipe to move a cube around the shape to the red finish marker as fast and efficiently as you can. When you hit an intersection between two paths, you can completely change direction along a different path.
Picturesque puzzles
FRAMED
Both FRAMED and its sequel are included with Google Play Pass and are a couple of the most unique and engaging puzzle games you will ever play. The story unfolds before your eyes as you control the story by rearranging the comic book panels to help your character make his way through each section. These award-winning games are absolutely beautiful and are well worth checking out.
What will you save?
60 Seconds! Atomic Adventure
A nuclear apocalypse is just one minute away and Ted is prepared — he just needs to collect some last minute supplies and ensure his family members are down in the shelter. This frantic, action-packed game starts out with a 60-second mad dash to collect all that you can, and then you see how long you and the other survivors can manage with the supplies you've collected. This darkly comedic game presents you a brand new house to scavenge every time you play for great replay value.
Will you play good cop or bad?
This Is the Police
Police Chief Jack Boyd is being forced into retirement and needs to put away $500,000 in 180 days. How he goes about making that money is entirely up to the decisions you make in This Is the Police, an intense indie adventure strategy game. Your morals will be tested as you task your team of officers to investigate crimes in a city with a strong mafia presence and political corruption run amok at city hall.
Great value for anyone who loves premium games
Google Play Pass is one of those subscription services that's offered a great value since day one, and will only continue to improve as more games and apps are added.
On this list alone, there's over $80 worth of great games that can all be yours for just $5 a month. This doesn't even factor in the other 300+ useful paid apps that are bundled in with Play Pass, and whatever else Google may add to the service throughout the year.
It's hard to narrow down just one game that makes it worth the investment, but I'll highlight since it's such a popular game on every other platform its available on and plays great on mobile (especially with a Bluetooth controller).
Pre-pay for Play Pass
Google Play Gift Card
Pay to play
Getting a play gift card is the safest way to load up your Google account with credit to use towards Play Pass without forgetting about it.
Pre-pay for Play Pass
Google Play Gift Card
Pay to play
Getting a play gift card is the safest way to load up your Google account with credit to use towards Play Pass without forgetting about it.
Down on the farm
Stardew Valley
Staff pick
Just like Terraria, Stardew Valley is another beloved PC game that has been ported over to mobile fully intact and optimized for touchscreen devices. Stardew Valley is an open-ended RPG that opens with you taking over the old family farm, with you getting to know the townsfolk and exploring the nearby countryside. Your first task is to fix up the old farm, but from that point on, the adventure is really up to you. Whether you choose to settle down, marry, and live out a quiet family life running the farm or dedicate your life to adventuring as a treasure-seeking explorer, the choice is yours — as is the choice of touchscreen controls or a Bluetooth controller.
Minimalist joy
Mini Metro
Mini Metro is an award-winning subway simulator. You're tasked with drawing up subway lines that connect the various stations that pop up as your city expands. You need to make sure passengers arrive where they need to go in a timely fashion, which often requires re-drawing your lines to be more efficient. With a brilliant minimalist aesthetic, a responsive soundtrack that's fleshed out by the subway lines you build, and a ton of different game modes to enjoy, you will absolutely fall in love with Mini Metro.
Picturesque puzzles
Monument Valley
Embark on an adventure that follows a mother and her child as they explore new architectural marvels featuring mind-bending puzzles. This game is all about messing with your perspective and solving puzzles that require you to alter the beautifully rendered environments. It's OK if you never played the original game as the stories are entirely unique… but if you love the sequel, you'll definitely want to double back and playe the first Monument Valley, too.
Black and white
LIMBO
LIMBO is a brilliant puzzle platformer that looks and plays like the absolute work of art that it is. You play as the silhouetted young protagonist who is searching for his missing sister in Limbo, a dark and dangerous place filled with traps and monsters. The game features ingenious puzzles and an award-winning aesthetic that will haunt you and stick with you long after you've put the game down.
Create your own final season
Reigns: Game of Thrones
Reigns is one of the best mobile game series out there, taking simple card-swiping mechanics and using it to tell really interesting stories that you control. Another way of describing Reigns might be "Tinder meets Choose Your Own Adventure." With this Game of Thrones edition, you're able to play as your favorite characters from the show and change the fate of the Seven Kingdoms as you deem fit, along with all the unforeseen consequences of every action you take. Hell, maybe you'll craft a more satisfying conclusion for yourself than that final season. Play Pass also features the original Reigns game and the sequel, Reigns: Her Majesty.
Choose your side of the Force
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic was, to my recollection, one of the first full console/PC games to be released on mobile in its full glory. It's also regarded as one of the greatest RPG video games ever set in the Star Wars universe. The game is set thousands of years before the rise of the Galactic Empire and lets you choose your character's path — will you use the power of the Force to save the Republic or go down the Sith path and join the dark side? An absolutely epic game that still holds up to this day.
Top-notch platformer
Suzy Cube
I've come to think of Suzy Cube as mobile gaming's unofficial mascot in the same realm as Mario and Crash Bandicoot — not so much in terms of cultural impact but rather due to the sheer quality of gameplay. Suzy Cube is a brilliant 3D platformer with over 40 levels for you to enjoy that are filled with secret areas and power-ups. If touchscreen controls aren't your bag, you can connect your favorite Bluetooth controller and play the game in true style. The only disappointment for me is the mostly repetitive boss battles at the end of each world, but that is made up in the level design variety.
Color-matching speed runner
Chameleon Run
The name of the game here is SPEED. Chameleon Run is an auto-runner that has you jumping and dashing across different colored platforms. Like a chameleon, you have special jump skills and the ability to change colors to help you make it through each course — because the catch is you're only allowed to touch objects that match your color. Seem easy enough? Well, think again! Each level is designed to be non-linear, meaning there are multiple paths to take to make it to the finish. There are also three special objectives to complete for each level which keeps you coming back for more.
It's time for more testing
Bridge Constructor Portal
Bridge Constructor Portal brings the physics-based fun of the core game into the chaotic world of Portal, including our old friend GLaDOS. Now, not only are you tasked with building structures capable of carrying vehicles from point A to point B, but you've got to also content with an assortment of Portal goodies, including portals, propulsion and repulsion gels, cubes, and much more from the Aperture Science Enrichment Center. While your test subjects may incur serious injuries, remember that it's all done in the name of science.
Create your own world
Terraria
Terraria is basically a 2D Minecraft with seemingly endless areas to explore and serious depth to the crafting system. For example, you're able to discover and craft over 400 different weapons to defend yourself. There are NPCs to interact with and lore to be uncovered, too, but this game is largely what you make of it. The controls have been optimized for mobile, and there's even multiplayer available for up to 8 players connected on the same Wi-Fi or playing on a custom server. If you've never experienced Terraria before, Google Play Pass makes it easier than ever.
Made for RPG fans
Evoland
Evoland feels like a stroll down memory lane for fans of RPGs. First developed as part of a 48-hour game jam, it's been described by the developer as a "time-lapse of early action RPG history," and that's an apt description. I really hesitate to say much more because this is a game best played cold, as in the less you know about it, the better. All you need to know is that it's an RPG that evolves as you play to progress through the history of RPGs. Intrigued? Evoland is all about the journey, and while the journey is ultimately pretty short (it took me about couple hours to complete the main story), it is a game that sticks with you due to how the game changes as you play.
Not for the faint of heart
Wayward Souls
Wayward Souls is a fantastic addition to the Play Pass because it's a perfect game to play in short bursts. This is a top-down rogue-like action game designed with randomly generated levels and permanent death. The first time you play, you're just sort of dropped into the game and have to learn how to play as you go. If you die, that character is permanently dead, and you just start over with a fresh character in a new part of the world. The gameplay is really great, and the graphics and soundtrack are spectacular. Again, the difficulty here is insane, but that just makes each play-through challenging, and the game rewards players with good playing skill, so the more you play and learn how to use your character's powers, the better off you are on your next play-through.
Hand-drawn fun for all ages
Hidden Folks
Hidden Folks is a game that takes everything you loved about Where's Waldo — the hand-drawn art style, the relaxing and focused fun — and pushes it into the digital age. Here, instead of scanning a page, you're left to swipe and tap around to uncover secrets hidden throughout the living scene. Each level, you're given a list of people or items to find in the scene, and it's up to you to explore every inch of the canvas as you happen upon all sorts of little moments that play out. The sound design is charming and comprised of layered human-made sound effects that remind me of a parent making sounds while reading a book to their kid.
Silouetted fighters
Shadow Fight 2 Special Edition
Shadow Fight is one of the best fighting game series developed for mobile, featuring gorgeous graphics, smooth animations, and a huge variety of deadly weapons to upgrade and master. This special edition is the premium version, with no ads or energy bars, so you can play whenever you want. There's a complete story mode to battle through with Shadow Fight 2's surprisingly tight touchscreen controls.
MC Esher approved!
hocus.
MC Esher would be damn proud of hocus, a mind-bending, perspective-based puzzle game that is easy to play, challenging to master, and lets you create and play other user-created puzzles. There are over 100 official puzzles, which require you to swipe to move a cube around the shape to the red finish marker as fast and efficiently as you can. When you hit an intersection between two paths, you can completely change direction along a different path.
Picturesque puzzles
FRAMED
Both FRAMED and its sequel are included with Google Play Pass and are a couple of the most unique and engaging puzzle games you will ever play. The story unfolds before your eyes as you control the story by rearranging the comic book panels to help your character make his way through each section. These award-winning games are absolutely beautiful and are well worth checking out.
What will you save?
60 Seconds! Atomic Adventure
A nuclear apocalypse is just one minute away and Ted is prepared — he just needs to collect some last minute supplies and ensure his family members are down in the shelter. This frantic, action-packed game starts out with a 60-second mad dash to collect all that you can, and then you see how long you and the other survivors can manage with the supplies you've collected. This darkly comedic game presents you a brand new house to scavenge every time you play for great replay value.
Will you play good cop or bad?
This Is the Police
Police Chief Jack Boyd is being forced into retirement and needs to put away $500,000 in 180 days. How he goes about making that money is entirely up to the decisions you make in This Is the Police, an intense indie adventure strategy game. Your morals will be tested as you task your team of officers to investigate crimes in a city with a strong mafia presence and political corruption run amok at city hall.
Great value for anyone who loves premium games
Google Play Pass is one of those subscription services that's offered a great value since day one, and will only continue to improve as more games and apps are added.
On this list alone, there's over $80 worth of great games that can all be yours for just $5 a month. This doesn't even factor in the other 300+ useful paid apps that are bundled in with Play Pass, and whatever else Google may add to the service throughout the year.
It's hard to narrow down just one game that makes it worth the investment, but I'll highlight since it's such a popular game on every other platform its available on and plays great on mobile (especially with a Bluetooth controller).
Pre-pay for Play Pass
Google Play Gift Card
Pay to play
Getting a play gift card is the safest way to load up your Google account with credit to use towards Play Pass without forgetting about it.