The Best Mobile Games of 2018

Let's be honest: in 2018, it's damn near impossible to find a single person in your life who doesn't spend at least a few minutes a day playing games on their phone. And while the good ol' classics remain high up on everyone's list — Candy Crush and Words With Friends, I'm looking at you — there's a whole incredible universe of games out there that are very much worth your time.

So, to make finding those new favorites even easier, we've begun testing some of the hottest titles on the market, and ahead, you can check out the ones we've loved most so far this year. And be sure to check back here as 2018 progresses, as we'll be updating with every new release that you absolutely must download ASAP.

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery

The long-awaited Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery has arrived, and spoiler alert: it lives up to the hype. Not only does the game let you explore a pre-Harry world and become a wizard in your own right, you finally get to see where everyone started – and how everything unfolded, before Voldemort returned to town.

Forensic Detective: Inside the Crime Scene

Forensic Detective: Inside the Crime Scene

ICYMI, television network Oxygen rebranded to become all about crime – and what better way to celebrate the new messaging than to release one freakin' awesome true crime (and augmented reality!) game? Forensic Detective: Inside the Crime Scene lets you go undercover and pull together all the clues to solve the case – all from the comfort of your couch. Suffice it to say, we cannot wait to see what these guys come up with next.

Fortnite
Fortnite | YouTube

Fortnite

The ultrapopular console game has finally made it to our mobile phones — and Fortnite on mobile is NOT to be missed. The fort-building, zombie-slaying multiplayer phenomenon still has quite a lengthy waiting list, so be sure to add your name to the queue so you can get in on the action and fall in love with the game that everyone will surely be talking about for years to come.

The Sims
The Sims | YouTube

The Sims

There's a new Sims game in town, and not only does it live in the palm of your hand, it'll also be your next biggest obsession starting the second you download the app. The good news? Basically everything you've ever dreamt of over the years has finally made its way into the gameplay, and tapping the screen instead of clicking the mouse is oh-so-much more satisfying than you could possibly imagine. What are you waiting for? Get on it, already (and make sure to add your friends!)

HQ Trivia
HQ Trivia

HQ Trivia

OK, so HQ Trivia may not technically be a game in the traditional sense — but it will have you gaming the hell out of the twice daily trivia blasts that are pushed through to your phone. Never heard of it? Read up here, log on, and start vying for the cash prize at the end of the game — and we promise you won't be disappointed.

Marvel Strike Force
Marvel Strike Force

Marvel Strike Force

The biggest Marvel superheroes (and supervillains) team up to fight a threat against Earth in the superaddictive Marvel Strike Force. Part RPG, part adventure-strategy, and one hundred percent pure fun, the game challenges users to rack up the most lethal squad to save the world from a baddie known as Kingpin — and features not only a cut-scene-laden story mode, but also a battle mode that allows you to go head to head in arena combat.