Top 10 Most Downloaded Android Games of 2020: A Year in Mobile Gaming Review

The Rise of Mobile Gaming in 2020

The year 2020 marked a significant turning point for many industries, and the tech sector, particularly mobile gaming, experienced unprecedented growth. As people spent more time indoors, their smartphones became primary sources of entertainment and connection. This surge in screen time directly translated into a massive increase in app downloads and user engagement, with mobile games leading the charge.

Developers witnessed their creations reach new heights of popularity, as millions sought distraction and fun. From casual puzzles to intense battle royales, the diversity of Android games captivated a global audience. This article compiles the top 10 most downloaded Android games of 2020, offering insights into their gameplay, developer achievements, and why they resonated so strongly with players during a challenging year. Our countdown progresses in ascending order, revealing the most downloaded title at the very end. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of mobile gaming in 2020.

10. Homescapes: A Puzzle Adventure

Kicking off our list at number 10 is Homescapes, a charming and highly addictive casual game developed by Playrix. Known for its engaging match-3 puzzle mechanics blended with a compelling narrative, Homescapes tasks players with helping Austin the butler renovate his childhood home. Each successful puzzle completion earns stars, which are then used to unlock new story segments and decorate rooms.

The game’s appeal lies in its straightforward yet challenging puzzles, combined with a heartwarming story and a cast of memorable characters. Players enjoy customizing their dream home, solving intricate puzzles, and uncovering the family’s past. Its blend of creative design and accessible gameplay ensured it remained a top choice for millions in 2020, offering a delightful escape into a world of home improvement and family drama.

Homescapes Statistics

Downloads:	100M+ All-Time Downloads
Number of Reviews	9.39 Million only on Play Store
Average Rating	4.3 on Playstore
Player Rating	Rated E – Everyone
Extras	Contains Ads and In-app Purchases
Download Link	Download Homescapes

9. PUBG Mobile: The Battle Royale Phenomenon

Surprisingly, PUBG Mobile lands at the ninth spot on our list. Developed by Tencent Games, PUBG Mobile redefined the battle royale genre on mobile platforms. It plunges up to 100 players onto a remote island where they scavenge for weapons and supplies, competing to be the last one standing. The game’s intense action, realistic graphics, and strategic depth captivated a massive global audience.

Despite numerous competitors, PUBG Mobile maintained its formidable presence through constant updates, new maps, game modes, and seasonal events. Its competitive nature and the thrill of survival made it a go-to game for many seeking high-stakes entertainment in 2020. The ability to team up with friends further cemented its status as a social gaming powerhouse, providing connection during a time of isolation.

PUBG Mobile Statistics

Downloads:	100M+ All-Time Downloads
Number of Reviews	34.2 Million only on Play Store
Average Rating	4.2 on Playstore
Player Rating	Rated T – Teenagers
Extras	Contains Ads and In-app Purchases
Download Link	Download PUBG Mobile

8. Luxy Poker: Social Card Gaming

Taking the eighth spot, Luxy Poker, by Gamesofa Global Inc., outperformed many action-packed titles in 2020. This free-to-play poker game provides a safe and engaging platform for card game enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite pastime without the risks of real money gambling. Its popularity stems from its realistic poker experience, diverse game modes (Texas Hold’em, Domino QQ, Capsa Susun, etc.), and vibrant social features.

Luxy Poker allows players to connect with friends, participate in tournaments, and climb leaderboards, fostering a sense of community. The accessibility of a high-quality poker experience on mobile, coupled with regular events and virtual rewards, made it an irresistible option for those looking to sharpen their poker skills or simply relax with a casual game of cards.

Luxy Poker Statistics

Downloads:	10M+ All-Time Downloads
Number of Reviews	414 Thousand only on Play Store
Average Rating	4.3 on Playstore
Player Rating	Rated T – Teenagers
Extras	In-app Purchases
Download Link	Download Luxy Poker

7. Tiles Hop: Rhythm and Platforming

Amanotes PTE LTD’s Tiles Hop secures the seventh position, standing out as a premier rhythm-based platformer. In this captivating game, players guide a bouncing ball across a series of platforms, timing their taps to the beat of popular songs. What starts as a simple, relaxing experience quickly evolves into a challenging test of reflexes and musicality as the tempo increases and obstacles become more complex.

Tiles Hop distinguishes itself with its vast library of trending music, minimalist yet visually appealing graphics, and fluid animations. The addictive nature of trying to achieve perfect scores and unlock new songs kept players coming back throughout 2020. Its blend of engaging mechanics and a strong musical component made it a refreshing and highly enjoyable casual gaming experience.

Tiles Hop Statistics

Downloads:	100M+ All-Time Downloads
Number of Reviews	1.96 Million only on Play Store
Average Rating	4.3 on Playstore
Player Rating	Rated T – Teenagers
Extras	Contains Ads and In-app Purchases
Download Link	Download Tiles Hop

6. Acrylic Nails: The Hyper-Casual Beauty Trend

In sixth place, we find Acrylic Nails by Crazy Labs, a surprising entry that highlights the growing popularity of hyper-casual games in the beauty and DIY niche. This game allows players to unleash their inner nail artist, designing and decorating virtual acrylic nails for various clients. The simple, intuitive controls and satisfying visual feedback make it incredibly accessible and addictive.

Acrylic Nails resonated particularly well with a younger, predominantly female audience seeking creative expression and stress relief. Its quick gameplay loops and endless customization options, from colors and patterns to rhinestones and decals, provided a perfect outlet for creativity during lockdown. The game’s success underscores a broader trend where hyper-casual titles offering specific, relaxing, and visually satisfying tasks gain massive traction, proving that niche interests can translate into widespread mobile gaming phenomena.

Acrylic Nails Statistics

Downloads:	10M+ All-Time Downloads
Number of Reviews	63.5 Thousand only on Play Store
Average Rating	3.5 on Playstore
Player Rating	Rated E – Everyone
Extras	Contains Ads
Download Link	Download Acrylic Nails

5. Subway Surfers: The Timeless Runner

Securing the fifth spot, Subway Surfers continues to defy expectations as a classic endless runner that refuses to fade away. This iconic mobile game from Kiloo and SYBO Games has players control Jake, Tricky, or Fresh as they dash through subway tracks, dodging oncoming trains, escaping the grumpy Inspector and his dog, and collecting coins and power-ups. Its vibrant graphics, smooth controls, and addictive gameplay loop have kept it relevant for nearly a decade.

The secret to Subway Surfers’ enduring success lies in its continuous updates, introducing new cities, characters, and limited-time events that keep the experience fresh. For many, it’s a nostalgic yet perpetually fun game that offers quick bursts of entertainment. Its incredible longevity and consistent performance on download charts, even years after its initial release, truly make it a phenomenon in mobile gaming, proving that quality gameplay combined with fresh content can stand the test of time.

Subway Surfers Statistics

Downloads:	1B+ All-Time Downloads
Number of Reviews	34.7 Million only on Play Store
Average Rating	4.4 on Playstore
Player Rating	Rated E – Everyone
Extras	Contains Ads and In-app Purchases
Download Link	Download Subway Surfers

4. Garena Free Fire: Battle Royale for Everyone

Taking the fourth spot, Garena Free Fire cemented its position as a dominant force in the mobile battle royale genre. Often compared to PUBG Mobile, Free Fire differentiates itself with shorter match durations (10 minutes, 50 players), making it ideal for quick gaming sessions. Its optimized performance for lower-end devices also vastly expanded its reach, particularly in emerging markets where high-end smartphones are less common.

Free Fire’s strategic gameplay, diverse character abilities, and extensive customization options ensure a fresh and engaging experience. The game has fostered a massive and passionate community, driven by competitive esports events and regular content updates. Its accessibility and fast-paced action made it a prime choice for millions of Android users looking for an exciting multiplayer experience in 2020.

Garena Free Fire Statistics

Downloads:	500M+ All-Time Downloads
Number of Reviews	72.2 Million only on Play Store
Average Rating	4.3 on Playstore
Player Rating	Rated M – Mature
Extras	Contains Ads and In-app Purchases
Download Link	Download Garena Free Fire

3. Join Clash 3D: A Unique Crowd Runner

Entering our top three, Join Clash 3D, developed by Supersonic Studios LTD, injected a fresh twist into the popular endless runner genre. Instead of merely dodging obstacles, players gather a growing crowd of allies as they navigate challenging courses. This “crowd runner” mechanic allows players to build up a formidable army, which then clashes with enemies and obstacles at the end of each stage. The more allies you gather, the stronger your final assault.

The game’s satisfying destruction physics, combined with its simple one-finger controls, made it an instant hit. Join Clash 3D’s rapid progression, vibrant graphics, and the gratifying feeling of overwhelming opponents with your collected mob provided a unique and highly engaging casual gaming experience that perfectly captured the hyper-casual market’s demand for simple, yet immensely fun, mechanics in 2020.

Join Clash 3D Statistics

Downloads:	100M+ All-Time Downloads
Number of Reviews	576 Thousand only on Play Store
Average Rating	4.1 on Playstore
Player Rating	Rated E – Everyone
Extras	Contains Ads and In-app Purchases
Download Link	Download Join Clash 3D

2. Shortcut Run: The Strategic Racer

The second most downloaded Android game of 2020 is Shortcut Run by Voodoo, a captivating racing game that brilliantly integrates strategic elements. While it appears to be a standard runner, its core mechanic involves collecting planks to build shortcuts across the water, effectively cutting corners and gaining an advantage over opponents. This innovative twist transformed simple racing into a tactical challenge.

Players must quickly decide whether to gather more planks for a longer shortcut or use fewer for a shorter, faster path. The risk-reward system adds significant depth: run out of planks, and you fall into the water, losing valuable time. This dynamic, coupled with competitive AI opponents, kept players on their toes and fostered a highly engaging experience. Shortcut Run’s clever concept and fast-paced gameplay made it a standout hit, demonstrating Voodoo’s mastery in the hyper-casual genre.

Shortcut Run Statistics

Downloads:	10M+ All-Time Downloads
Number of Reviews	136 Thousand only on Play Store
Average Rating	3.6 on Playstore
Player Rating	Rated E – Everyone
Extras	Contains Ads and In-app Purchases
Download Link	Download Shortcut Run

1. Among Us: The Social Deduction Sensation

Claiming the undisputed top spot as the most downloaded Android game of 2020 is Among Us, a title that truly exploded onto the scene despite being released in 2018. Developed by Innersloth LLC, this online multiplayer social deduction game became a global phenomenon, captivating millions with its deceptively simple yet profoundly engaging gameplay. Up to 15 players work together as crewmates on a spaceship, performing tasks to keep the ship operational.

The catch? One or more players are Imposters, secretly sabotaging the ship and eliminating crewmates. The core of the game lies in communication, deduction, and deception. When a body is reported or an emergency meeting is called, players engage in lively discussions, presenting alibis, accusing suspects, and ultimately voting to eject who they believe to be the Imposter. The tension between trust and suspicion, the thrill of hiding your true identity, or the challenge of uncovering a lie made Among Us an unparalleled social gaming experience.

Its viral popularity was fueled by streamers and content creators, turning it into a cultural touchstone during a year when people sought digital avenues for social interaction. Among Us offered a perfect blend of mystery, strategy, and hilarious social dynamics, making it the defining mobile game of 2020.

Among Us Statistics

Downloads:	100M+ All-Time Downloads
Number of Reviews	9.25 Million only on Play Store
Average Rating	4.4 on Playstore
Player Rating	Rated E 10+ – Everyone above 10 Years of age
Extras	Contains Ads and In-app Purchases
Download Link	Download Among Us

Conclusion: Mobile Gaming in a Transformative Year

The year 2020 was undeniably transformative for the mobile gaming landscape. Our countdown of the most downloaded Android games highlights a diverse range of titles, from enduring classics like Subway Surfers to fresh takes on popular genres like Join Clash 3D and the unexpected viral sensation, Among Us. These games not only provided entertainment but also became vital platforms for social connection and escapism during a year defined by unprecedented challenges.

The success of these games underscores key trends in mobile gaming: the enduring appeal of casual and hyper-casual titles, the continued dominance of battle royale, and the explosive potential of unique social multiplayer experiences. As we reflect on 2020, we extend our congratulations to Among Us for its remarkable ascent to the top. Moving forward into 2021 and beyond, the mobile gaming industry continues to evolve, promising even more innovative and engaging experiences. Stay tuned for new insights into the world of apps, games, and gadgets. Happy gaming!