10 Best FREE iOS & Android Games of June 2020

Remember that exhilarating feeling of discovering a hidden gem in the vast digital storefronts of your phone? That moment when you download a free game, expecting little, only to find yourself captivated for hours? It’s a sentiment many mobile gamers chase, constantly sifting through countless titles for that next immersive experience. June 2020, as it turns out, offered a plethora of such opportunities, bringing a fresh wave of compelling free iOS and Android games to our fingertips. Beyond just passing the time, these titles often push the boundaries of what mobile gaming can achieve.

Building on the insights from the video above, this deep dive explores the top free mobile games that made waves in June 2020, offering a closer look at their mechanics, appeal, and what makes them standout additions to any mobile gaming library. We’ll examine the nuances of gameplay, the strategic depths, and the artistic choices that define these experiences.

Elevating Your Mobile Play: The Best Free iOS and Android Games of June 2020

10. Delving into Gacha Dynamics: Exos Heroes

Kicking off our list is Exos Heroes, a title that ventures into the often-divisive world of Gacha RPGs. While Gacha mechanics are undoubtedly an acquired taste, Exos Heroes distinguishes itself with a combat system that genuinely feels rewarding and strategic, moving beyond the typical auto-play loop found in many genre contemporaries.

The combat here draws intriguing parallels to the Active Time Battle (ATB) system, specifically referencing the modern interpretation seen in titles like Final Fantasy VII Remake. Players actively manage mana acquisition, which is dynamically gained from offensive actions, defensive maneuvers, and skill usage. This resource then fuels powerful abilities, creating a fluid and engaging battle rhythm that demands tactical foresight rather than simple brute force. Furthermore, the game manages to offer a satisfying progression loop, effectively balancing its “grindy” elements with a system that never feels overtly exploitative for a free-to-play model.

9. Simplified Strategy, Grand Scale: Stellaris Galaxy Command

Next up is Stellaris Galaxy Command, a fascinating mobile adaptation of Paradox Interactive’s acclaimed 4X grand strategy game. When developers attempt to port complex PC management sims to mobile, the results can often be disastrous, as evidenced by its initial early access phase that garnered significant player frustration. However, credit is due for the development team’s commitment to iterative design; they actively integrated extensive player feedback to refine the experience.

The mobile version is not, and frankly cannot be, a direct one-to-one translation of the sprawling PC title. Instead, it offers a streamlined yet still deeply rewarding 4X strategy experience, retaining the core tenets of exploration, expansion, exploitation, and extermination. Visually, the game is remarkably polished for a mobile platform, presenting its vast cosmic arenas with stunning clarity. While veterans of the PC version should temper expectations for identical depth, new players or those seeking a condensed, high-quality space strategy game on the go will find Stellaris Galaxy Command a compelling diversion.

8. Puzzle Perfection and Stylistic Flair: The Academy: The First Riddle

The Academy: The First Riddle serves as a delightful entry into the puzzle game genre, setting players within the hallowed (and often mysterious) halls of an academic institution. While the character models might not break new ground in originality, the game compensates with an exceptional level of artistic stylization.

Its vibrant environments, rich color palette, and fluid animations contribute to an engaging aesthetic that elevates the overall experience. Fans of revered puzzle series such as Professor Layton or the immensely popular The Room will likely find much to appreciate here. The puzzles themselves are thoughtfully crafted and highly engaging, providing the primary draw. Although the storyline serves a functional purpose, it wisely takes a backseat to the expertly designed brain-teasers, acknowledging that in mobile puzzle games, gameplay often trumps narrative complexity.

7. Nostalgia Unleashed: Rose and Camellia’s Mobile Revival

Shifting focus, we encounter Rose and Camellia, a game that defies typical release cycles. This isn’t a new game; it’s a venerable Flash game, reimagined and perfectly adapted for touch-screen devices. Its premise, which involves aristocratic women engaging in a highly theatrical slap-fight, might sound absurd, but it’s precisely this unique charm that gives it immense appeal.

What was once a quirky, mouse-driven Flash game now feels entirely at home on mobile, where swipe gestures intuitively translate into satisfying slaps. The underlying narrative, though simple, adds a layer of hilarious absurdity that enhances the gameplay. This successful transition underscores how certain mechanics, particularly those involving direct physical gestures, can find their true calling on mobile platforms, making a forgotten classic feel fresh and genuinely fun in a new format.

6. Desert Riders: High-Octane Arcade Fun

Desert Riders offers a straightforward yet highly addictive car shooting experience. Players assume the role of a gunner on a vehicle speeding through a post-apocalyptic desert landscape, fending off aggressive pursuers. The mechanics are elegantly simple: aim at specific points on enemy cars to inflict varied damage, choosing from four distinct attack types tailored to different combat scenarios.

While not designed for marathon gaming sessions, Desert Riders excels as a casual pick-up-and-play title, ideal for 10-20 minute bursts of exhilarating action. The visuals, though potentially polarizing—some might find them simplistic or “boxy”—are undeniably vibrant and functional. The judicious use of color ensures clarity amidst the chaos, allowing players to quickly discern targets and situational threats. Ultimately, the game prioritizes immediate, unadulterated fun, delivering a satisfying arcade experience that thrives on its core, well-executed premise.

5. Sci-Fi Horror Prequel: Endurance

Endurance arrives as the highly anticipated prequel to the tremendously popular game, Ailment, from the same developer. This title plunges players into a story-driven bullet hell shooter, steeped in a gripping sci-fi horror aesthetic. Set aboard a derelict spaceship, players become witnesses to the ominous events that directly precede and catalyze the narrative of Ailment.

The game markedly improves upon its predecessor, offering a more in-depth experience, enhanced visual fidelity, and smoother gameplay mechanics. As a shoot ’em up, Endurance is lauded for its tight controls and engaging action, delivering a compelling blend of intense combat and atmospheric storytelling. It’s a testament to the developer’s growth and ability to craft a cohesive, expanded universe within the mobile gaming sphere.

4. Precision Sniping on the Go: Johnny Trigger Sniper

Johnny Trigger Sniper, a spin-off of the popular Johnny Trigger, refines its predecessor’s formula by focusing on precision sniping. In this iteration, players take on the role of a sharpshooter tasked with eliminating criminals in the act. The core appeal lies in its extremely simple yet profoundly satisfying control scheme: a tap-and-drag for aiming, followed by a release to fire.

This intuitive setup makes the game incredibly accessible, allowing players to quickly master its mechanics and enjoy the visceral thrill of perfectly executed shots. While the initial content might not be boundless, its design perfectly aligns with the transient nature of mobile gaming, serving as an ideal pastime. The success of its core mechanic is a blueprint for other mobile developers; focusing on a solid, enjoyable gameplay loop, with content expansions potentially arriving later, creates a robust foundation for player engagement.

3. Hopbound: A Journey into Psychological Horror

Defying genre expectations, Hopbound is not the “rabbit-oriented multiplayer shooter” its name might suggest. Instead, it ventures into the unsettling realm of story-driven psychological horror. This platformer often morphs into an endless runner, weaving an unpredictable, albeit not always strictly sensible, narrative.

Despite a potential learning curve with its varied gameplay segments, Hopbound excels at creating an engaging and often terrifying experience. It skillfully employs jump scares, alongside well-designed platforming challenges, to keep players on edge. While it might occasionally test one’s patience—a common trait for games that delve into psychological complexity and challenge—the unique narrative and unsettling atmosphere make it a memorable entry for fans of horror.

2. Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe: A JRPG Classic Reimagined

At number two, Romancing SaGa Re;univerSe taps into the enduring appeal of old-school, turn-based JRPGs, a genre that has found a comfortable home on mobile platforms. This game offers a tactical combat system designed to be accessible to a broad audience, providing options for both seasoned strategists and more casual players who prefer an auto-play function.

The visual presentation is a major highlight, boasting pleasing aesthetics, fluid animations, and a distinct art style that makes every encounter a treat to witness. Character customization is robust, allowing for deep personalization of your party. While acknowledging that the game doesn’t necessarily reinvent the JRPG wheel—many mobile titles have trod similar paths—it stands out as one of the genre’s finest examples, particularly noted for its faster-paced combat, which alleviates the common grind found in many traditional JRPGs.

1. Pokémon Cafe Mix: Casual Puzzle Delight

Topping our list is Pokémon Cafe Mix, a charming and deceptively simple puzzle game that places players in the role of a cafe owner serving beloved Pokémon. This accurate, yet understated, description belies the engaging puzzle mechanics at its heart: players link together Pokémon icons on a game board, aiming to clear objectives and serve delectable treats.

The game masterfully balances accessibility with occasional bursts of challenge, proving that not every mobile title needs to be massively complicated to be enjoyable. It’s a testament to the power of a well-executed, straightforward concept, especially when paired with a globally recognized franchise. Pokémon Cafe Mix delivers a delightful, casual puzzle experience that is both fun and easy to pick up, embodying the ideal qualities of a relaxing yet engaging mobile game.

Beyond the Freebies: Premium Mobile Gems

While the focus remains on accessible free iOS and Android games, June 2020 also saw the release of a few premium titles worthy of mention, showcasing the breadth of quality content available on mobile platforms.

  • Crying Suns: This space fleet roguelite, priced at $8.99, offers a compelling tactical experience on a hexagonal grid. While there are minor limitations compared to its PC counterpart, the mobile port retains the essence of its strategic depth and engaging narrative.
  • Fallout Shelter Online: Currently exclusive to Asia, this title expands upon the original Fallout Shelter with enhanced social features and more intricate management systems. For those willing to navigate regional restrictions, it provides a richer, more connected take on vault management.
  • Dead Cells: Another outstanding port at $8.99, Dead Cells brings its phenomenal Metroidvania-style roguelite action to mobile. Renowned for its randomly generated levels, pseudo-permadeath, and fluid combat, the mobile version stands out as one of the best platformers on the platform, executing a near-flawless transition from console/PC.

June 2020 proved to be a diverse and exciting month for mobile gaming, offering a rich tapestry of genres and experiences for players to explore. From intricate RPGs to engaging puzzle games and high-octane action, these free iOS and Android games continue to demonstrate the platform’s potential for quality entertainment.

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