Most smartphone games these days require an internet connection. But what if you find yourself in a place that doesn’t have WiFi? Whether you’re taking a long car ride or sitting in the DMV all day, it’s good to have a few games on your phone to keep you distracted. Here is our list of the best free smartphone games that don’t need WiFi.
The Best Puzzle Games That Don’t Need WiFi
Puzzle games provide a challenge that gets more difficult with each passing level. These single-player games will keep your brain sharp, and they’re great for gamers of all ages.
Cut the Rope
The goal of this game is simple: you must feed candy to a monster. But the candy is tied to a rope and has to be “transported” across several obstacles. If you remember your high school physics, or if you have great timing, Cut the Rope will keep you busy for hours. Sure it can get a little tricky, but it has fantastic graphics to make up for the frustration. Besides, you’ll want to keep this little monster happy; he has such a pitiful face!
Download: App Store | Google Play
Candy Crush Saga
Anyone who has a smartphone, at one point or another, has played Candy Crush Saga. Not only is it incredibly simple to play, it gives you great rewards as well. Of course, the colorful candies and fun sounds are awesome, too. There are more than 5000 levels to beat, and the developers continue to add more levels all the time.
Download: App Store | Google Play
Fruit Ninja
Want to test your fruit-slicing prowess while you wait for your Uber ride? Look no further than Fruit Ninja by Halfbrick Studios. In this physics-based game, you get to slice fruits as they fly across your screen. Swiping your finger across your screen like a sword, you will either have to slice all the fruits you see or keep others from your blade. If you’re looking for something challenging, but not terribly complicated, this is the offline mobile phone game for you.
Download: App Store | Google Play
The Best Shooter Games That Don’t Need WiFi
If you prefer a little more excitement, these shooter games are great options. Not only are they all free, but none of them also require an internet connection at all.
Plants vs Zombies
Plants vs Zombies is a classic PC game, and the mobile version is just as entertaining. The game is simple: you plant different types of flowers and arrange them strategically to fight off hordes of zombies. Then watch as your plants protect you by shooting the zombies down. This game is so satisfying to play; it might just make you want to start a real garden.
Download: App Store | Google Play
Angry Birds 2
This classic shooter game is so popular they made it into a major motion picture. It’s a simple game that involves slingshotting colorful birds into rickety structures to smash little green pigs. Even if it doesn’t make sense, it is a ton of fun to play. The game is single-player, but you can also join a clan or compete against other players in the arena. While these parts of the game will require you to have an internet connection, there is a lengthy campaign that you can play offline. You can also do daily challenges and level up without WiFi.
Download: App Store | Google Play
Into the Dead
The premise of Into the Dead is simple: it’s the apocalypse, and you have to survive by running around and shooting any zombies that get in your way. For a smartphone game, Into the Dead is surprisingly complex. It has multiple endings, depending on how you play the game. You can also choose between different types of weapons to use in different environments. It’s like having your favorite zombie console game with you wherever you go.
Warning: This game is intended for players over the age of 18.
Download: App Store | Google Play
The Best Adventure Games That Don’t Need WiFi
Adventure games are a great way to escape. The following games will transport you from your mind-numbing train commute to a world where you are a hero, an explorer, or a different creature altogether.
Badland
Badland is one of the most beautiful games that you can have on your smartphone. Wonderfully animated, Badland combines the perfect amount of whimsy and mystery. It’s got a fun story, and the levels will keep you on the edge of your seat. Badland also has a multi-player function for added fun with friends or family.
Download: App Store | Google Play
Merge Dragons
Want to escape to a world of insane cuteness? Merge Dragons is your ticket. Not only are the graphics too adorable for words, but the story and gameplay are also fun. You’re never too old for a fantasy dragon game where you raise magical creatures and build your own fantasy world.
Download: App Store | Google Play
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is overflowing with puzzling adventures, charming characters, and stunning visuals. While the previous games showcase graphics reminiscent of early cartoons, Monument Valley draws you in with a more minimalist approach. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the gameplay is fun and intriguing, too. You’ll have a blast finding a way to get the silent princess through the impossible geometry of these MC Escher-style buildings.
Download: App Store | Google Play
The Best Endless Runner Offline Games
No list of mobile games would be complete without an entire section on endless runners. Here are some of our favorites that you can play with no WiFi.
Jetpack Joyride
A great combination of simple and exhilarating, Jetpack Joyride is a must-download for anyone looking for a game that doesn’t need WiFi. In this game, you play Barry Steakfries, a struggling salesman who steals a jetpack from a team of scientists for his own amusement. You use these jetpacks to dodge obstacles, pass zappers, and collect coins.
Download: App Store | Google Play
Alto’s Adventure
Alto’s Adventure is another game with beautifully minimal graphics. In this game, you play a snowboarder who has to pass obstacles set in wonderfully rendered mountaintops, villages, and ruins. You can choose from six snowboarders, each with a different set of skills. There are almost 200 goals to accomplish, so you’ll have plenty of fun, even if you have a long wait ahead of you.
Download: App Store | Google Play
Temple Run
Temple Run is an old-school endless running game. It’s still being updated today and is definitely a good choice for offline gaming. In this game, you play a treasure hunter running for your life. You run through a maze of temple paths and cliffs in order to escape from scary monkeys.
Download: App Store | Google Play
If you’re looking for a way to play with others, check out our list of the best games to play with your friends online.