The Pokemon GO app uses geocaching to encourage gamers to go out and hunt for monsters on their phones and tablets. If going outside isn’t an option for you, try our list of the best Pokemon clones for Android that don’t require any physical excursions.

Closest Pokemon Clone: Pocket Mortys

If you’re looking for something as close to Pokemon as possible, this is what you’ll want. Adult Swim Games and Big Pixel Studios have closely replicated the Pokemon formula inside the Rick and Morty world. The concept is that you’re fighting Mortys from across the multiverse of the show. The artists have gone all-in, creating all sorts of goofy Morty variations that grow increasingly more absurd.

  • Very close to the Pokemon experience.

  • Fun twist on a classic premise.

  • Ad-supported.

  • If you haven’t watched the series, you may not get the humor.

The game is based on the combat and feel of Pokemon games, except with more of a mobile-friendly structure with randomized levels along with a whole crafting system. Overall, it’s the closest thing to a standard Pokemon game that you can get on Android without emulating one of the classics.

Best Real-Time Strategy Monster Battler: Teeny Titans

Teeny Titans is another Pokemon-style game made by Cartoon Network, but it uses a real-time battle system where players charge up a meter to use various abilities. Players can swap between three characters at will to gain an elemental advantage at a moment’s notice.

  • No in-app purchases.

  • Adds a level of strategy to the Pokemon model.

  • Runs a bit short.

  • Easy to dominate by repeating the same strategies.

The game is full of the goofy self-referential humor that defines the Teen Titans series. Also, it’s a paid game without in-app purchases, which might appeal to parents wanting a fun game for their kids or anyone who objects to in-app purchases.

Best Cross-Platform Multiplayer Pokemon Clone: EvoCreo

EvoCreo was created by a developer who wanted a Pokemon-style game for mobile but was annoyed by various features in other games and wanted to apply his own changes. So, he funded the project through Kickstarter and brought his idea to life.

  • Saves and syncs game data across platforms.

  • Improves upon the Pokemon model while sticking close to it.

  • Movement is quirky in some places.

  • Gauging sprite size can be difficult when trying to fit through tight spots.

One change is that certain moves are rechargeable, so characters can’t blast off several overpowered moves in a row. The addition of traits, abilities, and boons helps alter the strategy that you use to win. Otherwise, this game stays close to the familiar classic Pokemon formula.

EvoCreo supports cross-platform multiplayer and saving, so you can start the game on Android and continue playing on another platform.

Make Your Own Battle Monsters: MonsterCrafter

Sure, discovering new and exciting monsters to collect is fun, but what about creating monsters of your own? That’s the hook of MonsterCrafter, which lets you make your own monsters to take into battle.

  • Allows creativity to come into play.

  • Players train and care for their monsters.

  • Less challenging combat than Pokemon.

  • Limited number of monsters per player.

The combat is a bit simplified compared to other Pokemon-style games, with one main attack and several special attacks that charge up over time. Still, if you want a more hands-on experience when it comes to raising and creating your monster while still partaking in battles and online multiplayer, this is your game.

Cutest Original Pocket Monsters: Neo Monsters

This monster battler is the third in a series of games developed by ZigZaGame. There’s plenty of elements of free-to-play and social RPGs despite the $0.99 up-front price. There are cute and ferocious monsters to collect and battle using a timed battle system that plays differently than most Pokemon games.

  • Fun monster training.

  • Requires strategic use of abilities.

  • Difficult to progress without in-game purchases.

  • Turn-based battles aren’t very engaging.

It’s a solid title to check out if you love Pokemon yet you’re willing to try something new.

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