6 free Android games I always install on every new phone

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I love games, whether they’re on mobile or PC. Android games in particular keep me busy during flights or while standing in long queues. As a result, I’ve amassed a collection of favorites over the years that I always install on every new phone I get

There are premium games that deserve your money , but when you have a limited budget, free games come in handy to pass the time. I always make sure to keep these gems in my arsenal so that I have an alternative to doomscrolling social media.

While you might assume that Pokémon Go isn’t active anymore, it still has a vibrant community going 10 years after its launch. I started playing again in 2025, and although I initially found it a literal pain to play , joining a local community greatly helped with the social aspects.

The game has also undergone some quality-of-life improvements that make it easier to hatch eggs, trade, and level up friendships with other players. In addition to this, frequent events mean that there’s always something to do or work towards. In fact, Go Fest Global 2026 just took place, with it being the first free edition of the event.

The game is completely free to join and play, although there are premium items and passes available. However, if you play your cards right, you can get a healthy amount of in-game currency without spending anything. Many Android games may keep you distracted for an hour or so, but Pokémon Go is an immersive game that keeps you playing and strategizing significantly longer.

When I describe OneUp, I call it “Sudoku, but harder.” The puzzle game is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. Rather than using animations and gamification to keep you engaged, the accomplishment you feel when completing puzzles provides the rush you need.

The app is incredibly lightweight, featuring just the puzzles and rules. Like Sudoku, you need to fill out numbers in their horizontal and vertical rows. However, walls divide these rows into smaller segments that also need to be filled out. The game also includes a timer so you can see how long it takes you to solve a puzzle.