India’s mobile gaming industry is booming, transforming into a $3.9 billion powerhouse with over 650 million users by 2025. Fueled by affordable smartphones, cheap data plans, and a young, tech-savvy population, mobile games have become a cultural phenomenon. From nostalgic board games to adrenaline-pumping battle royales, here’s a deep dive into the 20 most-played mobile games in India in 2024, backed by data, player testimonials, and industry insights.
The Rise of Mobile Gaming in India
India’s gaming market is the fastest-growing in Asia, driven by smartphone penetration (77.9% of gaming revenue comes from mobile) and a median age of 28. With data costs as low as $0.26 per GB—the cheapest globally—mobile gaming has exploded in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where 46% of the population now engages with online games.
Key drivers include:
- Affordable devices: Smartphones cost ~₹10,000, while consoles average ₹36,000.
- Social connectivity: 57% of gamers discover titles through influencers, and multiplayer modes thrive.
- Esports growth: 65% of Indian gamers engage with esports, spending 12% more on gaming than non-esports players.
Let’s explore the games dominating this vibrant landscape.
Top 20 Most Played Mobile Games in India 2024
1. Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI)
Krafton’s BGMI reigns as India’s favorite battle royale, with 100 million downloads and 4.3-star ratings. Tailored for Indian audiences, it features cricket-themed events and local landmarks.
- Why it’s popular: Fast-paced matches, realistic graphics, and squad-based teamwork.
- Player insight: “BGMI’s servers are smooth, and playing with friends via Facebook login is seamless” – Soumyak Das.
2. Garena Free Fire MAX
Free Fire MAX boasts 620 million downloads and 4.4-star ratings, offering enhanced graphics and 52-player battles. Its shorter 10-minute matches suit India’s on-the-go gaming culture.
- Key feature: Customizable controls and HD audio for immersive gameplay.
- Impact: Dominates esports, with the 2021 Free Fire World Series becoming the most-watched mobile esports event.
People Also Read: Popular Games in India: A Look at the Current Scenario.
3. Ludo King®
This digital twist on the classic board game has 1.2 billion downloads and a 4.2-star rating. Perfect for family bonding, it supports offline play and cross-platform multiplayer.
- Nostalgia factor: “I play Ludo King daily to unwind—it’s stress-free fun!” – Adarsh Tiwari.
- Social edge: Chat features and regional language support boost its appeal.
4. Call of Duty: Mobile
With 340 million downloads, COD: Mobile delivers console-quality FPS action on smartphones 8. Its ranked matches and zombie mode keep players hooked.
- Why it stands out: Authentic Call of Duty experience with customizable loadouts.
- Player base: 15 million reviews praise its responsive controls and 100-player battle royale.
5. Candy Crush Saga
A timeless match-3 puzzle game, Candy Crush Saga has 1.9 billion downloads and a 4.6-star rating. Its 8,000+ levels and daily challenges cater to casual gamers.
- Addictive design: “I’ve played Candy Crush for years—it’s my daily mental workout!” – Shad Muhammad.
- Monetization success: Pioneered the free-to-play model with in-app purchases.
6. Clash of Clans
Supercell’s strategy gem retains 54 million reviews and a 4.5-star rating. Players build villages, raid enemies, and join clans for collaborative wars.
- Longevity secret: Regular updates and clan wars sustain engagement.
- Player testimony: “Clash of Clans sharpens strategic thinking”—Deepak Takekar.
7. Subway Surfers
This endless runner has 1.2 billion downloads and a 4.7-star rating. Players dash through subway tracks, dodging trains and collecting coins.
- Global appeal: Vibrant graphics and weekly hunts for new characters.
- Player quote: “Subway Surfers’ updates keep the game fresh!” – Rhea Khan.
8. Ball Pool
Miniclip’s pool simulator has 1.2 billion downloads and a 4.7-star rating . Compete in PvP matches or challenge Facebook friends.
- Community love: “8 Ball Pool’s realism makes it addictive”—Amit Kumar.
- Monetization: Wager in-game coins for higher stakes.
9. Teen Patti Gold
India’s beloved poker variant, Teen Patti, thrives digitally with 130 million downloads. Variations like AK47 and Joker cater to traditionalists.
- Cultural fit: Mirrors Diwali family gatherings with online multiplayer.
- Monetization: Real-money tournaments drive engagement.
10. Real Cricket 22
Cricket fever hits mobile with Real Cricket 22, offering IPL-style tournaments and realistic physics.
- Key feature: Career mode to build teams and multiplayer leagues.
- Player base: 3.6 million downloads and 4.5-star ratings.
11. Among Us
This social deduction game has 500 million downloads. Crewmates fix spaceships while impostors sabotage—perfect for group fun.
- Pandemic boom: Gained traction during COVID-19 lockdowns.
- LSI keyword: “Multiplayer party games.”
12. Coin Master
Merge strategy and slots in Coin Master, with 310 million downloads and 4.7-star ratings. Build villages, raid friends, and spin for loot.
- Social hook: Facebook integration for trading cards.
- Player insight: “Coin Master’s daily spins keep me coming back”—Arijit Dutta.
13. Genshin Impact
This open-world RPG boasts 110 million downloads and stunning visuals. Its gacha system and cross-platform play attract hardcore gamers.
- Revenue giant: Surpassed $4 billion in global spending.
- Tech edge: Pushes mobile graphics to console levels.
14. FAU-G
Fearless and United Guards filled the PUBG void with patriotic themes inspired by Indian military heroes.
- Features: Melee combat and team deathmatches.
- Controversy: Mixed reviews but strong initial downloads post-PUBG ban.
15. MPL (Mobile Premier League)
MPL hosts skill-based games like fantasy cricket and rummy, with cash prizes.
- Variety: Over 70 games, including 8 Ball Pool and Fruit Chop.
- Trend: 57% of gamers prefer peer-endorsed platforms.
16. Clash Royale
Supercell’s real-time strategy game has 540 million downloads. Build decks, destroy towers, and join clans for epic duels.
- Esports edge: Competitive leagues and $1M prize pools.
- Player quote: “Clash Royale’s strategy depth is unmatched”—Arvind Saastha.
17. Mini Militia
This 2D shooter has 100 million downloads, offering chaotic 6-player battles.
- Simple fun: Jetpacks and customizable weapons for fast-paced action.
- Youth appeal: Popular in colleges for quick multiplayer sessions.
18. Asphalt 9: Legends
Gameloft’s racing titan has 140 million downloads and console-tier graphics.
- Thrill factor: Nitro boosts and hypercar collections.
- Player base: 4.4-star ratings for its “adrenaline-packed” races.
19. Homescapes
Merge puzzles with interior design in Homescapes (470 million downloads). Renovate a mansion by solving match-3 levels.
- Addictive loop: “I play Homescapes daily—it’s so satisfying!” – Anonymous player.
- Monetization: In-app purchases for power-ups.
20. Pokémon GO
AR-based Pokémon GO remains relevant with 510 million downloads. Explore real-world locations to catch Pokémon.
- Community events: Raid battles and global challenges sustain engagement.
- Tech innovation: Blends GPS and augmented reality seamlessly.
Future Trends in India’s Mobile Gaming
5G and Cloud Gaming: Faster speeds will enable AAA titles on mobile.
Localized Content: Games like BGMI and FAU-G prioritize Indian themes.
Web3 Integration: 30% of Indian Web3 startups focus on gaming.
Female Gamers: Women spend 8.5% more monthly than men.
Esports Expansion: Mobile-first tournaments attract brands like Airtel.
Conclusion
India’s mobile gaming revolution is just beginning. With affordable tech, cultural relevance, and innovative titles, these 20 games exemplify the industry’s diversity. Whether you’re a casual player or esports aspirant, there’s a virtual world waiting for you.
Pro Tip: Pair these games with a high-speed internet plan (like Airtel Xstream Fiber) for lag-free battles. Ready to dive in? Download your favorites and join India’s gaming wave!