The mobile and online gaming world is full of free-to-play titles—but not all of them respect your time (or your wallet). Some games aggressively push in-app purchases, creating a frustrating imbalance where paying players dominate. Fortunately, there are still plenty of games that offer genuine entertainment without pressuring you to spend.

Here’s a curated list of free-to-play games that balance gameplay and fairness, letting you enjoy the experience without opening your wallet.

1. Rocket League Sideswipe
   Rocket League Sideswipe is a mobile spinoff of the wildly popular car soccer game. It keeps the skill-based gameplay intact, with no pay-to-win mechanics—cosmetic items are purely optional.

• Available on: Android, iOS
  
• Best for: Fast-paced, competitive mobile gaming
  

2. Apex Legends Mobile (Sunset but returning in future form)
   Though it was temporarily sunset, Apex Legends Mobile showed how a shooter can offer fair mechanics and balance across paying and non-paying players. Its planned return is highly anticipated and worth watching.
3. Pokémon Unite
   Pokémon Unite is a free MOBA that combines familiar characters with strategic gameplay. While it offers in-game purchases, you can unlock most items through playtime.

• Available on: Android, iOS, Nintendo Switch
  
• Best for: Team-based strategy with global matchmaking
  

4. Genshin Impact
   Genshin Impact walks the line between free and premium. While it has a gacha system, there’s an enormous amount of content available for free, and smart players can progress without spending.

• Available on: PC, mobile, PlayStation
  
• Best for: Open-world RPG lovers with a taste for exploration
  

5. League of Legends: Wild Rift
   Wild Rift is the mobile version of Riot Games’ flagship MOBA. All champions can be unlocked without paying, and purchases are cosmetic only.

• Available on: Android, iOS
  
• Best for: Competitive players who enjoy deep mechanics
  

6. Call of Duty: Mobile
   Call of Duty: Mobile offers solid FPS gameplay with multiple modes and maps. The core experience is highly accessible, and while skins and battle passes exist, they don’t provide unfair advantages.

• Available on: Android, iOS
  
• Best for: Shooter fans looking for console-quality mobile action
  

7. Brawl Stars
   Brawl Stars by Supercell is a 3v3 top-down shooter with unique characters and fast-paced action. It’s free to play and consistently updates with balanced content.

• Available on: Android, iOS
  
• Best for: Quick matches and casual PvP action
  

8. Marvel Snap
   Marvel Snap is a card battler built for mobile, featuring quick games and smart strategy. The monetization is optional, and winning relies more on deck-building and decision-making.

• Available on: Android, iOS, Steam
  
• Best for: Marvel fans and card game enthusiasts
  

9. Asphalt 9: Legends
   Asphalt 9 delivers high-octane arcade racing with console-quality graphics. You can earn new vehicles and upgrades just by playing, and paid content is mostly convenience-based.

• Available on: Android, iOS, Windows, Nintendo Switch
  
• Best for: Casual racers and speed junkies
  

10. Among Us
    Among Us is a social deduction game that exploded in popularity. It’s free to play on mobile and supports cross-platform gameplay. Paid features are limited to cosmetics and skins.

• Available on: Android, iOS, PC, Switch
  
• Best for: Social gamers and groups of friends
  

Bonus Tip: Save on in-app purchases with prepaid gift cards

Even if you’re tempted by the occasional skin or battle pass, you can earn cashback with a Google Play gift card or get rewards with an Apple gift card through Fluz. That way, if you do decide to spend, you’re doing it smarter.
Explore more at Fluz.