The match-stuff puzzler genre is one of the biggest on mobile, and has been for quite a line. There are plenty of uninspiring experiences out there, and plenty of IAP-gouging lose-and-snooze-fests that aren’t worth your time. But there are some really awesome games that fit into the genre as well, so we thought it was a good idea to round up what we think are the best Android match-three puzzlers.
Whether you’re looking for a sci-fi experience, a soothing matcher or a game about building a boat, you’re going to find something to love here. You can click on the name of any of the best Android match three puzzlers below to download it from Google Play, and make sure you let us know if you’ve got your own suggestions in the comments at the bottom.
The Best Android Match Three Puzzlers
On with the games!
Tiny Bubbles
An interesting twist on the match-stuff genre that uses bubbles instead of solid objects. There’s a more malleable feel to the experience, and it makes for a really refreshing change. This one will make you think about matching in different ways.
You Must Build A Boat
A deep and intriguing match-stuff RPG that sees you building a boat. After all, that’s what the game’s called. It’s got a sharp indie glee to it, and at times it’s almost impossible to put it down.
Pokemon Shuffle Mobile
This is probably the most simple game on the list, but it’s a lot of fun at the same time. Plus it’s packed to the gills with Pokemon. Swipe and match, get in fights, have a jolly old time. It’s a snack of a game, but it’s a tasty snack. This one’s free with IAP.
Sliding Seas
This one mixes up sliding and matching to make a sharp and intriguing puzzler that will keep you playing for a good long while. It plays around with its own mechanics pretty regularly and you’re going to enjoy every second of it. It’s free with IAP.
Magic: Puzzle Quest
Yes, it’s that Magic. This game combines the iconic card game with Match-3 mechanics as you pop elemental bubbles to power up your spells. It comes with a PVP scene too. Who says matching puzzles need to be relaxing?
Ticket to Earth
A mixture of turn-based strategy and color matching with a brilliant sci-fi story about trying to escape a doomed planet. There’s so much to love here, and it’s hard to encompass it all in a single paragraph. Just give it a try and find out for yourself.
Stranger Things: Puzzle Tales
Challenge the horrors of the Upside Down by matching shapes? It’s true. Stranger Things: Puzzles Tales mixes an adventure RPG with Match Three mechanics, and comes with an exclusive new storyline set in the Stranger Things universe, with all of your favorite characters from the show. (Well, the live ones anyway.)
Puzzle & Dragons
Absolutely ancient by the standards of its genre, Puzzle & Dragons is a gacha that combined Match-3 with RPG mechanics, and lets you collect cool monsters along with it. This is along with fun art, and regular collabs with big name anime series.
Funko Pop! Blitz
Another simple one with enough twists to make sure there’s a smile on your face. It’s regularly updated with new characters to unlock and there’s enough charm and cheer here to keep you upbeat through some of the grindy sections. It’s free with IAP.
Marvel Puzzle Quest
One of the best free-to-play match-stuff RPGs. It’s packed full of heroes and villains, there are some smart twists to the gameplay and it gets regular updates. It’s free to play like we said, and there are IAP.
Click here to read more lists about the best games available on Android
