Nothing’s more annoying than trying to play your favorite mobile game and realizing you can’t because you don’t have an internet connection. Sadly, more and more games today require Wi-Fi to play, even if you don’t want to use the online features.
That said, there are still plenty of free offline games that don’t need Wi-Fi available on Android, iOS, PC, and Mac.
Best Offline Simulation Game: Fallout Shelter
Based on the wildly popular Fallout series, Fallout Shelter tasks players with protecting their own population of nuclear apocalypse survivors. Manage your resources wisely to help humanity thrive once again. Fans of games like Civilization and StarCraft will surely love this simulator.
In addition to iOS and Android, Fallout Shelter is also available for Windows, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.
Aside from taking place in the same universe, Fallout Shelter has little to do with its namesake.
Best Offline Action-Adventure Game: Badland
Badland is beautiful to look at and a blast to play. Players are tasked with helping a group of endearingly ugly critters navigate a dark forest full of deadly traps and puzzles. Although Badland is free for Android, a “Game of the Year” edition with extra levels is now available for PS4, Xbox One, and Wii U.
The gorgeous art style will make you want to keep playing just to see what the next level looks like.
Later levels are relentlessly difficult.
Some obstacles require more trial and error than skill to overcome.
Best Offline Racing Game: Asphalt 8: Airborne
The Asphalt series has become synonymous with mobile racing games. The eighth installment features 40 new tracks to tear up with dozens of new cars. Complete challenges to earn upgrades and customize your vehicle. You can race against the A.I. without an internet connection, but the online multiplayer mode is worth checking out since it lets you race against up to 12 opponents at once.
The realistic graphics are almost unbelievable. Asphalt 8 looks more like a PS4 title than your average mobile game.
Sadly, the new Asphalt 9: Legends requires an internet connection to play.
Best Offline Fighting Game: Shadow Fight 2
Like Badland, Shadow Fight 2 has a distinctive art style that sets it apart from the competition. This one-on-one fighting game with RPG elements emphasizes strategy and fast reflexes over brute force. Players can choose from an array of weapons, or they can go into battle with only their bare fists.
Shadow Fight 2 is free to download for Android, iOS, and Windows.
This unique fighting game appeals to fans of arcade-style beat-em-ups and RPG lovers alike.
The game constantly pushes you to make in-app purchases.
Most Relaxing Offline Game: Infinity Loop
Infinity Loop was designed to help people unwind. The goal of this deceptively simple puzzle game is to create unique shapes by connecting dots. Since there’s no timer, you can easily stop and resume gameplay at any time. If you like Infinity Loop, try Infinity Hex or Brain Decipher by the same developers.
Playing Infinity Loop is a great way to relieve stress while you’re waiting at the bus stop or the dentist office.
You have to pay to keep playing after level 100.
Best Offline Strategy Game: Plants vs Zombies 2
The zombie craze seems to have come and gone, but the Plants vs Zombies games still hold up nearly a decade after their initial release. If you haven’t played it, PvZ is a creative twist on the tower defense genre in which players must defend their garden against an army of vegetarian zombies. Plants vs Zombies 2 is free to download for Android and iOS.
While there are plenty of imitators, no other tower defense game can compete with the addictive gameplay of Plants vs Zombies 2.
Fending off hordes of zombies can get overwhelming as the game progresses.
You’ll be tempted to spend actual money on power-ups.
Best Offline Endless Runner Game: Alto’s Odyssey
Alto’s Odyssey is a follow-up to the wildly successful Alto’s Adventure, which reached more than 36 million downloads on Android alone. Instead of snowboarding, the titular character must now go sand-surfing through a vast desert. The excellent music and art style make Alto’s Odyssey worth a look.
“Zen” mode allows players to simply enjoy the game’s art and soundtrack without actually playing.
Although the Android port is free, the original iOS version is $4.99.
Best Offline Trivia Game: Quizoid
Trivia games are always great for long car trips, social gatherings, or family fun nights. Quizoid offers different modes so you can play with a group of people or just test your own knowledge. When you download Quizoid for Android or iOS, the game stores all of the questions on your device, so you never need a Wi-Fi connection to play.
With 7,000+ questions and counting, Quizoid covers a wide range of topics from science to history to pop culture.
The user interface looks downright shoddy, but if you’re playing with a group of people it’s not an issue.
Best Offline Sports Game: Dream League Soccer
Dream League Soccer isn’t your average mobile sports game. It allows players to build their own leagues, teams, and stadiums to live out their booking fantasies. Choose from a cast of real-life FIFPro players to represent your brand, then test your own against other players online, or play offline against the A.I.
The realistic character animations and diverse gameplay modes will draw you in and make you feel like a real soccer tycoon.
You’ll need an internet connection to experience all of the game’s features.
Best Offline Card Game: Texas Holdem Offline Poker
If you want to practice your poker game, but you don’t have any cards, money or friends, Texas Holdem Offline Poker has you covered. While the game features an interactive tutorial for novices, the A.I. will give more experienced players a run for their money. Place virtual bets and participate in mock tournaments to polish your poker skills without risking your life’s savings.
Adjustable difficulty makes gameplay enjoyable for novices and poker champions.
Since the A.I. can’t read your poker face, Texas Holdem Offline Poker doesn’t quite replicate the experience of playing against a person.
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