12 best rhythm games on Android in 2023

Our phone battery takes a hit when we play games for long periods, like when we’re drawn into many of the best games on Android. But we still want to build a diverse library on our favorite Android gaming phones, which is why quick tap-and-play rhythm games are the perfect addition to any library, discovering a healthy rhythm to keep our battery life intact. To keep your gaming library thriving, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best rhythm games you can find on Android, offering well-polished gameplay for all the finger-tapping exercises you’re about to do.

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1

Deemo

Deemo doesn’t just deliver a spectacular rhythm game — it brings in an emotionally touching modern-day fairy tale that offers a heartwarming story centered around Deemo and Alice. You’ll follow Deemo, a mysterious shadowed figure trying to help Alice, a little girl who mysteriously appears in the sky and can’t find her way back home.

Deemo is a story-centric rhythm game that’s playable offline; you’ll play through the story mode to unlock additional songs thematically composed of beautiful piano renditions. The emphasis on piano-themed music will surely make pianist appreciators not want to miss out on this charming favorite.

2

Arcaea

Arcaea is a visually stunning experience with gripping gameplay you won’t find in other rhythm games, like the ability to hit sky notes and arcs in your playing sessions. You can play offline, or you can set yourself to play online multiplayer, so there’s something in the cards for everyone.

The story is stellar for a rhythm game (considering most don’t offer a strong focus on narration and world-building), but if you want to get the updated story, you’ll have to shell out a few dollars to purchase more packs. But thankfully, the majority of content is found within the provided free pack. Arcaea is a very polished and aesthetically pleasing rhythm game that deserves a shot.

3

Lanota

Please note that the free download of Lanota is just a trial version, so if you plan to play this game entirely for free, it may not be for you. However, the price does not outweigh how good Lanota is as a game. Lanota is best described as a picture storybook using rhythm gameplay to paint the story. In Lanota, the world is turning monochromatic (from the depletion of colors and songs), and to restore these colors, you’re required to play through numerous song levels.

Lanota adds its spin on rhythm gameplay: you won’t be playing the waiting game and reacting to the notes as they appear on-screen. Instead, you’re confined to using a circular compass where each note can land and spin in any direction within the circle. Lanota is genuinely artistic in its storytelling, but you’ll have to pay the premium if you desire the whole experience.

4

A dance of fire and ice

So many rhythm games gravitate towards an animated style, but at the end of the day, you may be in the market for a more simplistic rhythm game without all that visual gravy getting in the way. A dance of fire and ice is precisely that.

The game will see you guiding two orbiting planets down a path in perfect equilibrium, but this time you’re relying on the auditory cues over the visuals to get that rhythm down right. The game may have simple controls, but it certainly presents a challenge for rhythm fans.

5

Beatstar

If you’re in the mood to jam to modern-day music and all-time classics, Beatstar has got you covered. The layout of Beatstar looks glaringly similar to Guitar Hero/Rockband, but instead of an instrument in your hand, you’ll tap on your device’s screen. You’re required to connect online to play, but you can use the app to challenge your friend’s score and brag about your spot in the leaderboards since it’s always online.

Beatstar is the perfect rhythm game for an icebreaker in your social activities to bring back the good old days of playing party games in the living room, bearing in mind everyone has a phone readied up to play, of course! Let’s see who can get the highest score first!

6

Cytus II

The same team that’s released Deemo, Voez, and the first Cytus, all well-renowned rhythm games found on Android, has worked on Cytus II, the spiritual successor of Cytus. Cytus II is another visual-driven story rhythm game that pushes the intensity in its narration and gameplay.

Over 100 songs and 300 hundred charts are available to play through that offer a range of difficulties. So if you’re a massive fan of the aesthetic, and don’t mind an abstract story, give Cytus II a chance; you can also get it free on the Google Play Pass.

7

Muse Dash

Maybe you enjoy music in rhythm games, but tapping on visual artwork screens or playing through an abstract story doesn’t quite strike a chord with you. How about a side-scroller beat ’em up/parkour while jamming to some high-energy Japanese tunes? If yes, then we recommend Muse Dash. It’s charming and full of lively colors, and the pacing ensures you can’t keep your hands off the screen.

8

Crypt of the NecroDancer

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to mix roguelike elements into a rhythm game? Now you can stop wondering how that concoction turned out because Crypt of the NecroDancer is here to deliver that taste-testing experience. In Crypt of the NecroDancer, the power is within the music, and it’ll push you to the limits if you ever want to see the light of day in those final levels.

Featured music is from Danny Baranowsky’s fantastic soundtrack, but if that isn’t enough, you can select songs from your personal collection. Do you have what it takes to move in line with the beat to overcome your foes?

9

Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage

Due to the massive popularity of the Hatsune Miku games, it has made it onto many platforms like Playstation, PC, and Nintendo. The colorful visuals, catchy Vocaloid tunes, and difficulty unlocking new songs have been a tasty treat for rhythm fans over the years. Colorful Stage is no different and is very much a Hatsune Miku game.

You’ll unlock songs using song tickets and playing through quests, plus there’s plenty of customization with your characters, band, and music videos. Feeling bold? You can invite four of your friends to enjoy the fun. Colorful Stage also lets you connect with fans globally by joining in virtual concerts using the app. Anyone who enjoys Hatsune Miku games should give this game a try.

10

OverRapid

Maybe story-driven rhythm games and flashy animations are not what you’re seeking in your playing sessions. If you’re vying for simplicity instead, OverRapid brings back an arcade-like experience where you manage two lanes to maximize your score.

It’s mostly about timing your taps with the on-screen prompts like in Guitar Hero; the only downside to OverRapid is the simplicity. The UX design isn’t the most friendly in a rhythm game, and the tap selection doesn’t always match the song. So you’ll either love or hate the app, depending on your preferences.

11

Beat Blade: Dash Dance

Beat Blade: Dash Dance is a music runner game; you slash through the notes while avoiding obstacles and traps like an endless runner. Thanks to the limiting controls for the on-screen figure (the character is always running), runners take some adjusting. But somehow, this mechanic works perfectly in a rhythm game. However, Dash Dance steps it up a notch by offering an absolutely gorgeous stylization; neon-themed colors and snappy lightsaber slash effects, all paired with modern-day music from 2022 ranging from EDM to Hip Hop. There’s a reason why Dash Dance has earned the Editor’s Choice badge on the Play Store — it delivers on all fronts for what you’d expect in a rhythm game.

12

​​​​​Tiles Hop: EDM Rush!

If you’re looking for casual fun, like playing against your friends or auto-generating content by uploading your favorite tracks, Tiles Hop: EDM Rush! might be more of your jam. The premise is simple: you must hit the notes to prevent the bouncing ball from falling. Tapping and dragging the ball to land on the tiles keeps the beat going. The default songs are pop-based, but you can upload your own — be warned that your tracklist may not match the tile-hopping rhythm; the option is mostly for fun. The ball style can change and be customized to your liking; the same goes for the background theme, leaving the whole (colorful) experience in your control. Once you get the ball rolling, it isn’t easy to stop.

Tap to the rhythm and feel the beat

After loading up a few rhythm games, you may find that something about them hits differently than other top-tier Android games. It’s a combination of playing catchy tunes that stay stuck in your head and having a sense of accomplishment for raising your song’s scores after overcoming a challenging level, which leads to the gratification you get from beating your friend’s score, landing your name at the top of the leaderboard. Regardless of your aim, rhythm games add a layer for mobile play, and hopefully, this list helps kickstart your music adventures on Android.