Three mobile games that defined 2024

Mobile games come out at an enormous rate, but finding the ones worth your time isn't easy. Of everything 2024 brought, these three stand out for very different reasons. All three are free to play with in-app purchases and can also be played on PC.

Zenless Zone Zero

• Genre: action.
• Platforms: PC, PS5, Android and iOS.
• Release: 4 July 2024.

With Zenless Zone Zero, HoYoverse returns to the fast, dynamic combat of its earlier games. The story is engaging and the protagonists have real personality and dialogue, which isn't always the case in gacha games. The characters' anime style is one of its big draws.

There's plenty to do: a defence mode, two roguelike modes, an arcade, an endless tower and regular events. Combat can be demanding, especially if you don't spend money on character banners.

Wuthering Waves

• Genre: open-world action RPG.
• Platforms: PC, Android and iOS.
• Release: 22 May 2024.

Wuthering Waves bets on a large post-apocalyptic open world, dynamic combat, a moody visual palette and carefully designed characters. Thorough explorers will find elite monsters, puzzles and chests everywhere, although the sheer amount of activity can become overwhelming.

Its soundtrack, by Vanguard Sound Studio, is one of its strengths. It also includes a roguelike mode and demanding boss fights. The launch had technical problems, but the developers fixed them and compensated players.

Girls' Frontline 2: Exilium

• Genre: turn-based strategy RPG.
• Platforms: PC, Android and iOS.
• Release: December 2023 in China; globally in late 2024.

The sequel to the popular series is the pick for anyone tired of real-time combat and open worlds. You command a squad of four or five units in turn-based battles, using cover and parts of the environment, such as a conveyor belt that delivers explosives to the enemy.

It isn't an especially deep strategy game, but it is very addictive. Hard missions make you think through every move, because enemies hit hard.