If you and your friends can’t agree on whether Android or iOS is better for mobile gaming, don’t worry. There’s actually no need to choose between them, because cross-platform games can be played on both operating systems.
So, the next time you’re looking for multiplayer games to play with friends, try these cross-platform mobile titles…
1. Spaceteam
Spaceteam is the one game on this list that requires all your friends to be in the same physical space.
In Spaceteam, you and your friends are the crew of a spaceship and everything’s going wrong. To stay on course, you’ll need to work together by shouting different made-up space commands to each other. The speed and the chaos ramp up and up, until you all inevitably crash and die, only to be awarded medals posthumously. But it’s fun while it lasts.
Download: Spaceteam for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
2. Words With Friends 2
The sequel to the acclaimed Words With Friends is more like an update.
Of course, there’s the regular Words With Friends experience that you’re used to, where you and a friend or online stranger take turns trying to rack up points on a board by spelling out words Scrabble-style.
However, while Words With Friends 2 keeps everything you loved about the first version, it adds a few new modes for a different sort of challenge.
Lightning Round pits two teams of five against each other to see who can come up with a certain score in the fastest amount of time. Solo Challenge lets you play against challenging bots to win a virtual prize. Finally, Words With Friends Live drops in with HQ Trivia-style questions during your game.
Download: Words With Friends 2 for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
3. Vainglory
A MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) similar to League of Legends, Vainglory lets you team up in 5v5 or 3v3 modes against other players or bots.
Choose from one of over 40 heroes and go head to head against another team to destroy their Vain crystal before they destroy yours. Travel through the jungle destroying enemy turrets and minions, using your special powers and working together as a team.
Download: Vainglory for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
4. Teamfight Tactics
Riot Games’ auto chess title provides a competitive experience with familiar League of Legends’ champions. Draft and play champions while aiming to create the best team.
With full cross-platform support, play normal or ranked matches together with your friends as you learn what are the best synergies and items together.
Download: Teamfight Tactics for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. Minecraft
Originally referred to as the Pocket Edition, the mobile version of Minecraft is almost identical to the PC version. The only major differences being that you can’t connect third-party mods or use third-party servers. Also, typically, any update that comes out for Minecraft won’t come out for the mobile versions until a later date.
That being said, the mobile version is a wonderful way to experience Minecraft on the go.
Playing Minecraft alone, however, is no fun. No matter the platform, Minecraft was made for socializing, and its cross-compatibility lets you play with your friends.
Download: Minecraft for iOS | Android ($ 6.99, in-app purchases available)
6. Hearthstone
Real-life trading card games are fun, but online trading card games let you do things like summon demons and blow up your booster packs.
Hearthstone, developed by Blizzard and set in the world of Warcraft, is a strategy game that lets you collect cards, build decks, and duel your friends. It’s free to play, but you can buy new card parks to give yourself that extra edge.
With periodic expansions, tournaments, and challenges, there’s always a reason to get back into Hearthstone. Play your friends in the Arena or battle strangers to increase your Rank.
And if you’re struggling to win, check out our complete guide to Hearthstone.
Download: Hearthstone for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
7. Pokémon Go
When it debuted, Pokémon Go smashed the glass ceiling for AR (Augmented Reality) gaming, bringing pocket monsters into the real world. You and your friends can take your phones, whether Android or iOS, and go out into the real world and explore.
Download: Pokémon Go for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
8. Fortnite
The world’s most popular battle royale game is available on pretty much any platform you can think of, including iOS and Android. While playing on your smartphone might not sound great, Fortnite is well worth playing on mobile.
First of all, unlike PlayStation 4, Xbox One, or Nintendo Switch, whose online platforms require a subscription, playing Fortnite on your phone is free.
Secondly, the mobile version has some features that make moving around a little easier. You can automatically pick up whatever you walk over and open doors that are in front of you.
And finally, now that you can play anywhere, you can dab on the bus.
Download: Fortnite for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
9. Super Stickman Golf 3
Get in a quick nine holes before lunch with this simple-but-fun golfing game.
While Single Player mode is fun on its own, Stickman Golf offers two different multiplayer modes. You can either compete to see how fast you can play each hole in Race Mode, or take turns in the Turn-Based mode. Also, you can play locally or online.
Download: Super Stickman Golf 3 for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
10. Old School RuneScape
Ready to scratch the nostalgia bug with friends? As one of the earliest accessible MMORPGs, many gamers will fondly remember RuneScape. Whether you’re ready to fish, mine, or fight, you can resume your adventures in true crossplay form with all of your friends.
Download: Old School RuneScape for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
More Mobile Games to Play With Friends
So there we have it, a selection of the best cross-platform multiplayer games to play on mobile. And for those times when you don’t have internet connectivity, keep this list of the best local multiplayer mobile games handy. We can’t guarantee you’ll be any good at these games, but we can guarantee you’ll have fun playing them.
Read the full article: 10 Cross-Platform Mobile Multiplayer Games to Play With Friends
