char_stats

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—REUPLOAD—Free Android Games (incl. FOSS ✅️) - no ads, no IAPs, no gacha. in c/android@lemdro.id
[–] char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 59 minutes ago* (last edited 59 minutes ago)

Thanks for the heads up. Since this is a user-recommendation list and I haven't played the vast majority of these games (I merely double check on the surface, Google, Perplexity), just a question before I delist the game:

  • have you been playing the game yourself to the point you reached a pay wall?

If yes, consider the game nuked.

I tried playing the game a bit, but some puzzles aren't too quick to solve so I haven't met any paywall yet.

—REUPLOAD—My favorite PAID games on the Play Store (+ user recommendations 💬) in c/android@lemdro.id
[–] char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 1 hour ago

Added to the "Netflix games" section. Thanks :)

—REUPLOAD—Free Android Games (incl. FOSS ✅️) - no ads, no IAPs, no gacha. in c/android@lemdro.id
[–] char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 2 hours ago* (last edited 2 hours ago)

So, I checked those games:

  • Zombotron contains ads so I moved it to a bottom, hidden section for games with minimal ads/IAPs

  • Dock The Rocket added IAPs, so same as above

  • Shattered Pixel Dungeon has two entries in my list, and both match criteria. One is from the Play Store and has optional IAP for donations only—see rule #3 of criteria. The other entry is a link to the game in F-droid, so no ads or IAPs.

—REUPLOAD—Free Android Games (incl. FOSS ✅️) - no ads, no IAPs, no gacha. in c/android@lemdro.id
[–] char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 3 hours ago (1 children)

Thanks for reporting this. Some games start free without ads or IAPs, then devs add them later on. I don't blame them, as that's their work and people must eat, but I'll double check the games you mentioned and remove them if they don't match entry criteria any longer.

—REUPLOAD—Free Android Games (incl. FOSS ✅️) - no ads, no IAPs, no gacha. in c/android@lemdro.id
[–] char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 11 hours ago (1 children)

Oh bother! I'll add that one too XD

—REUPLOAD—My favorite PAID games on the Play Store (+ user recommendations 💬) in c/android@lemdro.id
[–] char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 11 hours ago

No problem mate. No need to remove any suggestion next time! I'm keeping strict rules for my list, but lots of users are OK with some extra, optional IAPs so it might be useful to them :)

—REUPLOAD—My favorite PAID games on the Play Store (+ user recommendations 💬) in c/android@lemdro.id
[–] char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 17 hours ago* (last edited 17 hours ago) (2 children)

Apparently there's also some in-game currency (candy packs) that can be infinitely purchased through microtransactions, so it breaks rule #2 of entry criteria—the only IAPs allowed are ads removal, full game unlock, and proper DLCs.

Google loses $314 million lawsuit over data transfers when Android phones are idle in c/android@lemdro.id
[–] char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 18 hours ago* (last edited 11 hours ago) (1 children)

That's why I laugh when people say they voted in someone rich because he/she is already loaded so don't want more money–thinking they'll do the people's interest now, rather than their own.

The richer, the greedier.

—REUPLOAD—Free Android Games (incl. FOSS ✅️) - no ads, no IAPs, no gacha. in c/android@lemdro.id
[–] char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de 2 points 18 hours ago (3 children)

Fixed it with your link. Thank you ;)

—REUPLOAD—Free Android Games (incl. FOSS ✅️) - no ads, no IAPs, no gacha. in c/android@lemdro.id
[–] char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 18 hours ago

Added under the Management category (I think it's the most fitting of those in the list?)

Thanks!

—REUPLOAD—Free Android Games (incl. FOSS ✅️) - no ads, no IAPs, no gacha. in c/android@lemdro.id
[–] char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de 4 points 23 hours ago

Added now. Thank you!

—REUPLOAD—Free Android Games (incl. FOSS ✅️) - no ads, no IAPs, no gacha. in c/android@lemdro.id
[–] char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de 3 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

I don't play idle, but in my premium games list some users suggested Magic Research and Magic Research 2—pretty much the only games in my idle section. They're both paid, but it's an upfront, one-time payment :)

Here's Magic Research 2 Demo so you can try for free.

48
—REUPLOAD—My favorite PAID games on the Play Store (+ user recommendations 💬) (discuss.tchncs.de)
submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 1 hour ago) by char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de to c/android@lemdro.id
6 comments fedilink
 

NOTICE: I'm reuploading this as I lost my first account on lemm.ee (the instance was shut down) so that I can continue updating the list through this new account. The previous version of this list is now deprecated—links to that post might no longer work.

 

Latest entries - 7 July 2025:

Other recent entries

Introduction

This is a list of all games, sorted by category, that I've purchased, loved, and finished (or played extensively) over many years and I'd like to recommend as they're all excellent and without predatory monetization or gacha system.

Edit: now I'm also including the most recommended titles by the community - which I haven't playtested yet or I'm not particularly interested in - marked with 💬. Please check entry criteria below before commenting.

Some of the games may be free with IAP's, but EXCLUSIVELY to unlock the full game, DLCs, or remove ads (no gacha or energy/gambling mechanics, "diamonds", pay-to-win, or any recurrent cash-grab bullshit of sort).

[Disclaimer: chances are some items in this list will inevitably be removed from Play Store as time goes by, or will not be compatible with future Android versions. I'll do my best to always keep it updated, but feel free to PM me if you come across any unavailable title and I'll make a correction]

I'm planning to keep the list updated for personal reference with the new games I'll play and like, or old games I've played that will come to mind later. So feel free to save it and check out new entries every so often.

My ultimate goal is to promote worthy content and honest/talented devs, hoping to see more quality games in the future, rather than the cancerous cash-grab machines the Play Store is regrettably riddled with. And, of course, to let everyone have a great time playing great titles ;)

Entry criteria for user recommendations 💬

  1. paid Play Store games compatible with recent Android versions
  2. no ads or infinite microtransactions. Allowed: ads-removal, full-game unlock, or proper DLCs
  3. you love the game and think it's worth the price
  4. must include link and, possibly, genre

I will still use my discretion and judgment to filter the entries, in an effort to try and keep the list's quality high.

[If you want to play or recommend free games, without ads or microtransactions, here is the list for you.]

THE LIST

 

Legend

🌟 - top favorite  

👑 - top favorite and masterpiece status  

💬 - recommended by the community, but I haven't played it or not my favorite  

🎮 - controllers are supported and, usually, strongly recommended  

🎮❗️ - controller recommended but not supported—you need a controller mapping app like Panda  

📱 - portrait orientation (either exclusively or optional)

👥 - includes multiplayer

120FPS - 120 FPS on supported devices

~~[Game title]~~ - delisted, but you might still see it in the store if you've purchased it  

 

Action shooter

 

Action-adventure platformer/hack-n-slash

  • Grimvalor 🌟 🎮 120FPS (2.5D hack and slash medieval fantasy platform/RPG)

  • Shadow Blade 🌟 🎮 (2D hack and slash action platform)

  • Swordigo 🎮❗️ (2D RPG action-adventure platformer; requires controller mapping app if you want controller support - free with 2 IAPs that add compass or coin doubler, and either of them remove ads too)

  • Oddmar 🎮 120FPS (2D action-adventure platformer)

  • Ninja Arashi 🎮 (2D hack and slash action platformer - free with IAPs to remove ads)

  • SAMURAI II: VENGEANCE 🎮 (top down/isometric hack and slash)

  • Dead Cells 💬 🎮 120FPS (roguelite action platformer)

 

Platformer

 

Metroidvania

 

Beat 'em up

  • TMNT: Shredder's Revenge 🌟 🎮 👥️ (beat 'em up with story mode and fun multiplayer - IAP to unlock complete edition with all DLCs - free if you have Netflix)

 

Turn-based RPG

 

Tactical RPG

 

Action RPG

  • Trials of Mana 🌟 🎮❗️ (it's a port from console/PC but critically lacks controller support. You can use Panda Gamepad Pro - recommended - or Mantis to achieve that)

  • The Bard's Tale (3D action RPG adventure - this game has some optional IAPs: they can easily be ignored but they're there. Also, some users experienced an auto-save bug that corrupts ALL save files, so I recommend disabling auto-save altogether. I'm keeping the game listed here for now as I still consider it a true premium game and I haven't personally experienced any bug)

  • Evoland 🎮 (action/adventure RPG with 2D and 3D graphics and a mix of genres. Touch controls work great)

  • Evoland 2 🌟 🎮 (action/adventure RPG with 2D and 3D graphics, mix of genres; controller recommended)

  • Pascal's Wager (soulslike) 💬 🎮

  • Star Wars: KOTOR 💬 🎮

  • Star Wars: KOTOR II 💬 🎮

 

CRPG

 

Text-based RPG

 

Roguelite (cards, dice, deck builder, action)

 

Action adventure/Zelda-like

  • Ogu and the Secret Forest 🌟 🎮 (unlocking the full game through IAPs is quite pricey on the Play Store so maybe check the Epic Store—I got it for free there)

  • Anodyne 🌟 🎮❗️ 📱 (lanscape/portrait. Adding controller support through Panda is a must if you want to finish the game)

  • Legend of the Skyfish 2 🌟 🎮 (Zelda-like with a fishing rod for weapon)

  • Turnip Boy Commits Tax Evasion 🎮 (humorous, Zelda-like, pixel art adventure; achievements didn't work correctly, but they might have been fixed after I played it)

  • Oceanhorn 🌟 🎮 (3D Zelda-like action adventure)

  • Afterplace 💬 🎮 📱 120FPS (landscape/portrait)

 

Puzzle adventure

 

Point-and-click adventure

 

Simulation/management

 

Worker placement survival

  • This War of Mine 💬 (DISCLAIMER: as of April 2025 multiple users still report crashes, but I'll keep the game here because it is otherwise worth it, and devs often donate part of the profits to victims of various wars)

 

Survival crafting

 

Survival horror

 

Racing

 

Sport

 

Tower defense

 

Idle

 

Netflix games

(require an active Netflix subscription)

 

Delisted or outdated

Extras and emulators

  • AppSales is an app that will make you save some money by notifying you when specific games (or apps) in the Play Store go on sale. Just add the games you wish to buy to the AppSales' watchlist and you'll get notified when the price gets cut.

  • Panda Gamepad Pro 🎮 is a tool that allows you to map your controller for touch inputs, practically adding controller support to those game that don't have it.

  • Gamedeck 🎮 (game launcher/front-end for controllers)

  • Beacon Game Launcher 🎮 (game launcher/front-end for controllers. Also optimized for emulators)

  • Retroarch 🎮 (emulator for almost all consoles) "jack of all trades" emulator, the only one that supports analog triggers for Xbox One S controller. It has a bit of a learning curve, and other individual emulators might offer better performance

  • Dolphin 🎮 best emulator for GameCube and Wii

  • DraStic DS Emulator 🎮

  • PPSSPP Gold - PSP Emulator 🎮

  • Delta Touch [9 x Doom engines] 💬 (engine for Doom games)

  • Quad Touch 💬 (engine for Quake games)

 

Happy gaming ;)

ps: please let me know if there's any wrong information about the games included in this list (especially regarding IAPs or availability) so that I'll fix the post if necessary.

186
—REUPLOAD—Free Android Games (incl. FOSS ✅️) - no ads, no IAPs, no gacha. (discuss.tchncs.de)
submitted 1 day ago* (last edited 2 hours ago) by char_stats@discuss.tchncs.de to c/android@lemdro.id
32 comments fedilink
 

NOTICE: I'm reuploading this as I lost my first account on lemm.ee (the instance was shut down) so that I can continue updating the list through this new account. The previous version of this list is now deprecated—links to that post might no longer work.

 

Latest entries - 6 July 2025:

Other recent entries

Introduction

I recently realized there are still, to this day, some actual "hidden gems" in the Play Store. Not the fake ones everyone talks about which, in a way or another, often have a catch or aren't very "hidden". I mean free games with no ads or IAPs of any kind that are fun to play.

So I was thinking maybe it's time to compile a list of them. Please suggest the ones you've found and enjoyed!

Edit: I'm now including free games (no piracy) from other sources beside the Play Store (which will be specified within brackets), such as GitHub or F-droid. If they're also FOSS, like all F-droid games, they'll have this green checkmark ✅️. For the games that have both F-droid and Play Store versions, the green checkmark is for the F-droid version.

I won't try them all as I did with my premium games list, because you could simply download and try them for yourself without spending a dime. I'll simply list them.

‼️Also, please do checkout MiniReview - Game Reviews for more free games that match the following criteria (use the "Browse" tab and select the correct filters). The same app for iOS - App Store - is here.‼️

I've saved this post so to keep it updated over time, for my own reference and for your benefit. So feel free to save it and check out new entries every so often.

Entry Criteria

  1. FREE
  2. NO ADS
  3. STRICTLY NO IAPs (except donation buttons, but I'll have to check first)
  4. NO PIRACY
  5. it has to be a legit, full game you've played and liked. No demos, no emulators (everyone knows RetroArch anyways)
  6. no entire repositories. You can recommend them in the comments if you want, but this list is for individual games you'd like to recommend
  7. if it's a Play Store game, it should be compatible with the latest Android version at the time of entry
  8. must include a link to the game, especially if from sources outside the Play Store. Not direct-download links, just links to the page
  9. sketchy sources won't be considered. Play Store, GitHub, and F-droid are welcome

[If you want to recommend paid games, without ads or predatory microtransactions, here is the list for you.]

THE LIST

 

Legend

✅️ - FOSS (Free and Open-Source Software). Listed on top in their respective categories

☕️ - includes option to donate, with or without minimal cosmetics only

~~[Game title]~~ - delisted

 

Shooter

 

Stealth

 

Platformer

 

Rhythm

 

Arcade

 

RPG

 

Roguelike dungeon crawler

 

Deck builder

 

Adventure

 

Puzzle

 

Tower defense

 

Strategy

 

Management

 

Racing

 

Simulation

 

Casual

 

Visual novel

 

Educational

 

Delisted or outdated

Free games with minimal ads/cosmetic IAPs

 

Happy gaming ;)

ps: please let me know if there's any wrong information about the games included in this list (especially regarding the ones with free donations) so that I'll fix the post, if necessary.

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