13 best online multiplayer PvP games on Android in 2023

Multiplayer PvP games include titles from many genres, but they all share a competitive spirit. Whether you’re laying down the perfect combo in Marvel Snap or scoring a killstreak in Call of Duty: Mobile, the end goal is always to win.

We’ve rounded up the best games on Android that provide a fun and rewarding multiplayer experience. While all of these games have great touch-screen controls, this is the genre where the best Android controllers shine, so grab one to get the edge over your opponent in your favorite first-person shooter. But if you’re tired of online play, there are plenty of great singleplayer action games for Android.

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1

Hearthstone

Hearthstone for Android is a port of the successful desktop game. It offers three game modes: Hearthstone, Battlegrounds, and Mercenaries. The original, most popular mode, Hearthstone, pits players in 1v1 battles, who take turns to use minions and spells to reduce their opponent’s health pool to zero. Battleground is an auto-battler where players build teams in an 8-way free-for-all. Mercenaries is the newest mode, where players construct a party of 6 minions and set out on an adventure to complete quests and gather loot in a series of PvE and PvP battles.

While easy to pick up, Hearthstone takes a long time to master. You’ll sit there for hours, pondering over cards and combos and developing new strategies. But you’ll feel on top of the world when you craft that perfect deck and go on a winning streak.

2

Brawlhalla

Brawlhalla for mobile is an impressive achievement. Platform fighting games tend to rely heavily on tactile feedback, with experienced players being able to manipulate their physical controllers with laser precision. Brawlhalla proves that a touch screen is perfectly sufficient to leap, fight, and perform impressive combos. However, if you want to improve your experience, try one of the best Android gaming controllers.

Brawlhalla boasts an extensive range of characters and game modes that, coupled with its buttery smooth gameplay, create an experience that’s hard to step away from. While it does lock a significant amount of content behind a paywall, you’ll have plenty of free content available from the start.

3

Teamfight Tactics

Teamfight Tactics (TFT) is a strangely empowering game mode. Many competitive games require hours of practice and reading guides to become the best, but TFT is so intuitive that I often do well just by following my gut feeling. TFT is part of the genre commonly known as auto-chess or auto-battlers. You’ll be placed into a game with eight other players, and over successive rounds, you’ll collect champions and items to build the perfect team.

Part of what keeps TFT exciting is that all champions are reworked each season, forcing players to create new strategies. This keeps the game fresh by preventing particular combos from dominating and ensuring no two seasons feel the same.

4

Clash Royale

Like Hearthstone, Clash Royale is a deck-building game. However, Clash Royale ups the intensity by creating a frantic mix of real-time strategy and tower defense. Matches are fast-paced, allowing you to squeeze in a few games on your commute easily.

Don’t let the cartoony appearance fool you; Clash Royale rewards strategic thinking and careful planning. Googling the perfect deck might help you get started, but managing the real-time combat takes a fair bit of practice. However, while the core game is free to play, micro-transactions carry more weight here. Progression can feel unnecessarily grindy, and while the game isn’t pay-to-win, you may find it takes some time to get the deck you want.

5

PUBG Mobile

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Mobile (PUBG) follows a similar format to the original PC version, dropping players into an expansive open world to be the last one standing. However, matches are shorter, around 10 minutes compared to the average 30 minutes of the original, so you won’t spend half an hour crawling around only to get sniped by an unseen assailant.

The controls are fully customizable and designed exclusively for mobile, so you shouldn’t have much trouble creating a comfortable play style. Regularly updated, with many game modes and unique mechanics, it’s a must-play for any battle-royale lover.

6

Rocket League Sideswipe

Rocket League Sideswipe is a dramatic shift from its PC counterpart. The switch to a 2D format might seem overly simplistic initially, but in reality, it just tightens the focus; Sideswipe is just as fast-paced and rewarding as the original.

The goal of Rocket League Sideswipe is simple, knock the ball into the goal with your car more times than your opponent. After you’ve done it once, you’ll pull off tricks and flip the ball into the goal like a pro. A 2D plane means less frustration, and matches that last just a few minutes leave you hungry for more. Microtransactions will only get you cosmetic items, so when you lose or win a game, you’ll know it was entirely thanks to your skill.

7

League of Legends: Wild Rift

League of Legends: Wild Rift is a fast-paced MOBA that resides comfortably on mobile. League of Legends is known for its high skill ceiling, but Wild Rift levels the playing field while keeping the classic experience alive.

If you’re unfamiliar with MOBAs, League of Legends is easy to pick up and play. However, each champion is substantially different from the next, requiring practice and careful thinking to master. However, mastering champions is only half of it; teamwork is the name of the game here. Matches are 5-a-side, so no matter how good you are, you’ll need to give your team a hand too.

8

GWENT: The Witcher Card Game

GWENT was originally an excellent mini-game within The Witcher 3. The stand-alone game is nearly identical but rebalanced and structured for online play. Each match is the best out of three. Decks don’t get reset after each round; use all your cards in the first round, and you’ll set yourself up for defeat.

Unfortunately, it’s not as approachable as it could be. While the gameplay is a brilliant mix of deception, bluffing, and strategy, a confusing tutorial and bewildering amount of cards can put off new players. However, stick with it, and you’ll be hooked on this rewarding card game. The cherry on top is the stunning animated cards that make the game feel like a playable work of art. It’s worth it just to take a look.

9

Call Of Duty

Call of Duty Mobile is a shooter game that is two games in one. One pits players against each other in classic team-based game modes; the other is a battle royale like PUBG. Along with the fast-paced gameplay, CoD Mobile offers players impressive realistic visuals without a drop in performance. It’s a perfect way to crank out a few games of Call of Duty without starting up your console, and it isn’t a lesser experience for it.

CoD Mobile is regularly updated with new maps, equipment, and game modes. Extensive customization helps you create your ideal character, so this is your best bet if you’re looking for a shooter to sink your teeth into.

10

Rusted Warfare

One of the best RTS games on Android, Rusted Warfare is the perfect choice for those looking to scratch that competitive RTS itch on the go. Inspired by early large-scale RTS games like Supreme Commander, Rusted Warfare melds these classic mechanics with intelligent touch-screen controls, allowing you to seamlessly maneuver large armies with your fingers.

While there are offline modes, Rusted Warfare is best played against a person. The AI is relatively easy to beat, so you’ll need a human opponent to challenge yourself. That said, it’s worth getting a few games against the computer to explore the available options. It can seem overwhelming but don’t worry; you’ll learn it fast.

11

Marvel Snap

A recent addition to the collectible card game genre, Marvel Snap is a fast-paced card battler perfect for those who find Hearthstone bloated. Each game lasts about 3 minutes so that you can get through multiple matches on your commute to work.

You don’t have to be a Marvel fan to enjoy this game. While fans will enjoy the original artwork, those unfamiliar with the franchise will quickly get absorbed into this brutally competitive game. Best of all, it’s got the fairest monetization we’ve seen in all the card games we’ve tested, so don’t worry if you’re not planning on opening your wallet.

12

Dota Underlords

Dota Underlords is a similar game to Teamfight Tactics, otherwise known as an auto battler. You’ll build a team of characters from the Dota universe and then watch them fight automatically against your opponent’s teams. The strategy lies in picking characters with the same alliances while ensuring your roster is varied, all so you can trounce your foes. The game supports crossplay between mobile and PC, so you can pick up your progression on your computer later. Thankfully, there’s also offline play, so you can practice as much as you want against the AI before you jump into competing with friends.

13

Dead by Daylight Mobile

Dead by Daylight Mobile is an adaption of the PC game, and it plays more or less the same. It’s a 4v1 game where one person attempts to hunt down the other players. Inspired by slasher films, the survivors will try to survive their hunter for as long as possible. There are different game modes to choose from, and each map is randomized.

While you can play with random people, it’s an experience best enjoyed with friends. Inflicting jump scares on someone is much more satisfying when you hear their scream over voice chat!

Knock some online socks off with your PvP skills

Multiplayer PvP games on Android include games from all genres, but some are more prevalent than others. The best card games for Android have plenty of titles that are dedicated PvP gameplay. These also favor strategic thinking over fast-paced reactions. So if you’re looking for more PvP, you know where to go (click that link above).