Top 15 best free strategy games for Android phones and tablets

Updated by Jupiter Hadley on April 26th, 2025 – swapped 3 games

Among the longest-lasting and wide-ranging categories on mobile devices, Android strategy games are among our frequently discussed favorites.

However, it’s important to note that the most comprehensive and challenging strategy games often provide intense, some might even say ‘advanced’, gaming experiences. These typically come at a price.

This list focuses on free-to-play Android strategy games, which you can enjoy without spending any money.

Indeed, strategy games often incorporate in-app purchases as part of their gameplay. While some may require payment to unlock the complete version, each one offers an engaging strategic experience without any initial cost.

1 Lucky Offense

Lucky Offense offers a relaxed approach to strategy gaming, blending elements of merging, turn-based combat, and collectible gacha systems. By utilizing the gacha system and merge mechanics, you can acquire heroes and combine them to build an impressive battleforce. With numerous bosses to conquer, various armies to experiment with, and a plethora of activities, there’s plenty to keep you engaged! The game’s graphic design is another highlight, featuring colorful characters, cards, and upgrades that are entertaining to navigate through.

2 Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire

In the game Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire, you assume the role of Aria, a character fighting to safeguard her school from mysterious malevolence that has surfaced within its walls. Unlike traditional deckbuilders, this game requires strategic card cooldown management rather than relying on chance card draws for success. The game offers multiple modes, such as Arcade where you swiftly battle bosses or a narrative mode that delves into Aria’s personal background.

3 The Battle of Polytopia

In the realm of 4X strategy games, Polytopia stands out as it fulfills all essential elements – exploration, expansion, and exploitation – and masterfully adapts this classic formula to a mobile platform.

In this game, you’ll need to choose one out of several tribes and build a thriving civilization. To achieve this, discover and dominate the map to collect diverse resources that can be used for upgrades and innovative technologies, which will give you an edge in your quest to conquer. If you require further details about the game, we’ve prepared some Battle of Polytopia guides for your perusal.

4 Plague Inc.

In an unusual twist from traditional saving-lives narratives, Plague Inc. invites you to exterminate large populations instead. This game isn’t a psychological simulation, though it does have an eerie appeal. Instead, it functions as a strategic war room simulator, focusing on the creation and spread of viruses.

There are numerous methods for bringing about the end of human existence, such as unleashing a virus, parasites, or bacteria. Here’s an idea: design the deadliest virus known to mankind and wipe out humanity before it has the chance to develop a cure. By the way, I’ve compiled some useful strategies that will surely help you eliminate every single person on Earth.

5 Warpath

Warpath shares similarities with popular mobile real-time strategies such as Rise of Kingdoms, but there’s a unique aspect to it! Unlike other games in this genre, when your base is attacked, you won’t lose most of your progress. Instead, only your army will be lost. Your resources and buildings remain untouched, making Warpath more welcoming for beginners as they won’t lose everything upon being attacked.

Beyond being a contemporary tactical game, it features tanks, planes, and other commonly recognized weaponry. You’ll be able to choose from three factions, each with similar units, but some unique ones. To lead your forces effectively, carefully consider the strengths of your army and select a commander whose active and passive skills can further bolster these strengths. If you decide to play, remember to use the Warpath codes, as they provide bonus resources and rewards.

6 Tiny Animal War: Go

Tiny Animal Warfare: A Whimsical Strategy Game

Description: In this friendly strategy game, Tiny Animal War, you’ll take charge of an adorable army of creatures striving to rescue their friends. The battlefield is filled with diverse animal bosses ranging from legendary beasts to forest dwellers. On a 7×7 grid, you must strategically guide your troops, utilizing their special abilities to vanquish opponents. There’s a wide variety of animals to train and methods for expanding your ranks.

7 Clash of Clans

The inclusion of Clash of Clans on this list might provoke strategy enthusiasts with fury. However, its style of relaxed city construction has had a significant impact and is seldom replicated. We’ve discussed hacks in Clash of Clans extensively, and it’s understandable that players are curious about ways to outdo their opponents. If you’ve enjoyed playing the game, I would recommend checking out the list of games similar to Clash of Clans.

8 Hoplite

Navigate a miniature Spartan hero through grid-style levels, cleverly outsmarting enemies using a limited yet versatile set of skills. The game Hoplite represents one of the most authentic strategy experiences available on mobile devices.

As you progress through the game, you’ll quickly grasp the basics, but be aware that the levels grow increasingly intricate. This means you should carefully consider each action, whether it’s making a move, enhancing your skills, or engaging in combat. Fortunately, we have handy tips to help you conquer this game at a faster pace.

9 Clash Royale

Similar to Clash of Clans, Clash Royale may not always win over traditionalists, but its impact has been immense. It blends elements of tower defense, Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA), and card games in a way that makes for an engaging strategic experience.

As an enthusiast of Clash Royale, it’s essential to strategize wisely when deciding which cards to focus on collecting to avoid squandering precious resources. To make card selection easier and more effective, our tailored tier list is designed to assist you in choosing cards that best match your unique playstyle.

10 Call of Dragons

A more recent mobile game, Call of Dragons, has captured a massive audience quickly due to its high fantasy setting. In this game, you’ll be overseeing a large kingdom, training various creatures, and utilizing them to either defend your territory or launch offensives against other players. Fortunately, you won’t be alone as you have alliance friends to help share the burden. The gameplay becomes more leisurely-paced later on, making it suitable for players who can spare some time to unwind occasionally.

As a gamer, I can confidently say that the vibrant art style is bound to capture your attention, especially if you prefer games set in colorful worlds rather than the darker ones. It’s reminiscent of the visual appeal found in Rise of Kingdoms.

11 Star Trek: Fleet Command

This mobile strategy game called Star Trek: Fleet Command offers an engaging tactical adventure that doesn’t require excessive time commitment, as it skillfully leverages its sci-fi theme to create a profoundly captivating experience.

As a devoted Star Trek enthusiast myself, I can confidently say that this Star Trek Fleet Command Best Crew Combinations Guide is a must-have for fellow fans like us. With this invaluable resource at our fingertips, we can ensure our crews are optimally configured and there’s no question about who commands the cosmos!

12 Langrisser Mobile

Combining the timeless Rock-Paper-Scissors gameplay with a polished Role-Playing Game (RPG) setting and a real-time Player versus Player (PVP) mode, Langrisser Mobile offers a variety of engaging experiences. It’s rich in strategic elements.

One captivating aspect of this game is its multiplayer mode. You can collaborate with your buddies to conquer formidable bosses, establish a guild for friendly competition against other players and reap spectacular prizes, and engage in numerous other engaging activities. Additionally, the game boasts an intriguing upgrade system that allows each character to have their unique upgrade path.

13 Stronghold Kingdoms

Among my preferred real-time strategy (RTS) games on mobile devices is Stronghold Kingdoms, although it doesn’t appear on this list due to my personal affection for the game. Instead, its inclusion is supported by the numerous positive reviews from millions of other players. This medieval-themed strategy allows you to choose a country and county, both historically accurate, as your starting point. As you progress, you will cultivate your settlement and strive to protect it from other competitors. Given that this game is player-versus-player (PVP) based, it can be quite challenging. In order to thrive, you’ll likely need to join a larger alliance.

In terms of gameplay, there are two main modes for you to explore. The first is a strategic map which covers all actions except battles. The second mode switches to a battle map, often depicting an assault on a fortress. This allows you to arrange your defenses, and since they greatly influence the outcome of any fight, it offers a refreshing twist compared to many other games in this genre where the winner is usually determined by the higher numbers.

14 Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus

If you’re a fan of Warhammer (and who isn’t, given Henry Cavill’s love for it), but find yourself short on time to properly set up and play the game, then perhaps Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus could be your next best choice. This game features many of your favorite characters and champions, and their models are designed to look as vibrant and brutal as you’d expect.

In this game, you’ll find that the action takes place in turns, allowing you ample opportunity for strategic planning – just as you might on a traditional board. However, keep in mind that to emerge victorious during battles, you’ll need to showcase your tactical acumen; there are no shortcuts to success.

In 2022, it was awarded Game of the Year (GOTY) in the mobile category based on player votes, demonstrating its exceptional quality regardless of whether one is familiar with the Warhammer universe.

15 Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade

In this game, inspired by Clash of Clans, you’ll embark on an historical journey! Instead of a typical fantasy setting, you’ll find yourself in charge of a settlement on a global map, ripe for rebuilding and development. Unlike other games where battles occur independently, here, your troops will engage in real-time, with the camera moving seamlessly from a bird’s eye view to close enough to discern the soldiers’ uniforms. This unique blend of strategy and history promises an immersive experience!

We offer guidance on selecting the ideal civilization for you within Rise of Kingdoms, along with Rise of Kingdoms promo codes which can be used to obtain golden keys, speed-ups, and assorted complimentary rewards.

2025-04-26 22:49