Open Source

2015 · Strategy / Board Game

Lichess on mobile is the best free chess app available, offering everything from live games and puzzles to full game analysis and tournament play without a single ad, paywall, or subscription. The open-source platform runs entirely on donations and delivers a clean, focused chess experience that respects your time and attention. The player base is smaller than its main competitor, and the interface prioritizes function over flash, which may feel austere to some. But for chess players who want depth without monetization pressure, Lichess is unmatched.

2019 · Factory Builder / Tower Defense

Mindustry is one of the most impressive mobile games available, blending factory building and tower defense into a deep, complex experience that rivals full PC titles. The open-source model means no ads, no in-app purchases, and an active modding community that keeps expanding the game long after the developer steps back. Cross-platform multiplayer and cloud saves make it a fully portable extension of the PC experience. The learning curve is harsh and the touch controls take patience, but players who push through find a game with hundreds of hours of depth. If factory optimization and tower defense both appeal to you, this is the rare mobile game that delivers on both fronts without compromise.

2021 · Simulation

OpenTTD on mobile is a remarkable achievement in bringing a deep PC simulation to a touchscreen, and the fact that it's completely free with no monetization makes it even more impressive. The transport management systems are as deep and rewarding as they've ever been. But the interface wasn't designed for fingers, and the learning curve is steep for newcomers. Veteran players will find a capable portable version of a game they love. New players should expect a rougher onboarding than most mobile games provide.