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There's something intangibly satisfying about match-3 games, especially ones designed for the best Android phones. A perfect example of "easy to learn, hard to master," making blocks explode in a shower of spoils is weirdly absorbing; and laid back enough to play idly while doing something else. They're ideal for smaller screens, with simple inputs and mechanics that only require small adjustments. You can get many of Android's best games on the Play Store, and AP has a roundup of the best match-3 titles to further build out the list. Get yourself the perfect game for quick and simple challenges with these incredible match-3 games.

1 Mundus – match 3 puzzle games

Given the set formula of match-3 games, developers often focus on additional gameplay aspects to create a lasting impression, leaving the core gameplay as is. Case and point, Mundus, a match-3 game with a plot about shamanism and traveling to different universes. This concept frames the various backdrops surrounding the game's grids, showing vibrantly colored scenes accompanied by mysterious ethereal music. The game manages to pull off a bright, cartoonish aesthetic without coming over as garish or overbearing. Add to that perfectly enjoyable match-3 gameplay, and the whole thing comes out on top as an excellent experience.

2 Pokémon Shuffle Mobile

As the name implies, Pokémon Shuffle is a match-3 mobile game themed around the iconic franchise. You are required to match tiles in pursuit of catching Pokémon, with every move you have remaining at the end increasing the odds of capture success. These Pokémon can be applied to your character as passive buffs to increase your scores. The games themselves provide a satisfying challenge without becoming annoying, and the aforementioned mechanics are explained well so that anyone can jump in. Pokémon Shuffle adapts the Pokémon experience to match-3 gameplay well.

3 Lily’s Garden - Design & Relax

Lily's Garden - Design & Relax provides an addictive match-3 experience, requiring players to refurbish Lily's dilapidated childhood property. Complete match-3 challenges to earn currency and customize your various renovations, both floral and structural. The gameplay is exceedingly simple; the blocks break quickly and gratifyingly, increasing your score based on their color; without even needing to be in a row! Power-ups make things easier and far more satisfying, blowing up entire grids with a single input. If you're looking for an easy and rewarding match-3 experience, Lily's Garden - Design & Relax works wonders.

4 Puzzle Quest 3 - Match 3 RPG

Something more involved than your generic match-3 game, Puzzle Quest 3 recreates a Western turn-based RPG and pairs it with match-3 gameplay. You face off against an opponent by matching tiles within a time limit, the colors of specific tiles representing different actions to take during combat. While this sounds a bit farfetched, in practice, it works quite well. Limited moves are usually the source of tension in these games, and so adding a time limit feels like an evolution of that concept. The aesthetics just add to this, working hard to recreate a genuine RPG experience with clean and efficient art design. If you're already a fan of the best Final Fantasy games on Android, Puzzle Quest 3 is a must.

5 Monster Busters: Hexa Blast

Monster Busters: Hexa Blast provides hexagonal match-3 gameplay framed around climbing a tower, with each floor adding something new to that floor's level. Match the hexagonal blocks and take advantage of explosive power-ups to complete level-specific challenges, from meeting a certain block quota to breaking obstructive blocks, earning score bonuses for every move you don't use. The score at the end of each level provides currency, which can be spent on extra lives, power-ups, and more. Monster Busters: Hexa Blast feels incredibly satisfying to play, managing to be challenging without over-complicating things.

6 Zombies & Puzzles: RPG Match 3

On a similar note, Zombies and Puzzles, a match-3 game attempting to recreate a party-based RPG themed around zombie survival. The app doesn't hold back on its visuals; the colors are bleak and miserable, clashing somewhat with the bright primary-colored tiles that govern the combat. You take control of several survivors and battle the undead by furiously matching colors at them, occasionally unleashing unique special attacks to devastate the enemy ranks. While it's fairly simple, Zombies and Puzzles is captivating enough with its visual design to keep you interested. Again, a good pick for any Final Fantasy fans.

7 Zookeeper Battle

Ironic that Pokémon is already mentioned above; Zookeeper Battle is a match-3 title that evokes a genuine Pokémon experience. Visually, the game is very arcade-inspired, with a selection of pixel art animals that fight each other through the medium of sliding tiles. In many ways, this feels like the Pokémon concept in its basest form, getting animals to fight on our behalf. Your score determines a fight's outcome, opponents have a certain amount of health, and if your score exceeds that number, you win. While its presentation can be a bit confusing, the app is committed to its concept and doesn't hold up too much of a pretense about this being a match-3 game, leaning into the genre with gusto.

8 Gunspell 2 - Puzzle RPG

Gunspell 2 continues the trend of match-3 games adding turn-based RPG content to extend the gameplay, but with an artful and detailed visual design that distinguishes it amongst the crowd. This game is the first to utilize hexagonal tiles, which enables diagonal matching, a not insignificant difference for skilled players. Special props should be given to the avatar designs, which are all beautifully detailed and a joy to look at while playing. As expected, you match tiles with colors that correspond with certain attacks until you win. Additional power-ups and special tiles give the gameplay added complexity, as you have to master them to excel. to the point; definitely worth a try.

9 MARVEL Puzzle Quest: Hero RPG

The MCU offering a match-3 game based around the franchise seems perfect, given its huge roster of heroes and storylines. Marvel Puzzle Quest takes full advantage of this, letting you recruit dozens of characters, including different incarnations of the same character from the Marvel universe. The inclusion of high-profile characters doesn't change the formula much; however, you still match tiles to attack and occasionally use a character-specific super move to deal extra damage. The game's appeal obviously hinges on your partiality to the MCU itself, grinding to unlock your favorite characters being the primary motivation besides dominating a leaderboard. But if you are a fan, this one has a decent presentation and represents the genre well.

10 Puzzle & Dragons

Rounding off with one last RPG-based match-3, Puzzle & Dragons offers a stellar group turn-based combat experience based around familiar match-3 gameplay. One standout feature of this title is the ability to place any tile anywhere on the board (I know, crazy). The character designs look amazing, with unlockable party members offering stylized and lovingly crafted 2D sprites. The difficulty curve is smooth and reasonable, with its “easy to learn, hard to master” nature being stated on the store page. Overlooking one or two crashing issues, we have a versatile game with just enough content to keep players coming back.

Sliding tile puzzles, only better

The mobile platform is superb for smaller, refined experiences that give you an interesting, low-maintenance challenge, perfect for your favorite Android tablet. Match-3 games present a simple template for a cathartic puzzle app, and this allows mobile developers to get creative with additions to this pre-existing gameplay style. Commutes and boring waits are so much easier with these great match-3 games, and there's always more to find on the Play Store. Check out these intense arcade games for more addictive gameplay loops.