Top 15 Free Offline Android Games (Play Without Wi-Fi)

Stuck without internet on a subway, plane, or in a remote spot? This list is for you. Each game below has been verified (via store pages, developer notes, or community tests) to support **core offline play**—so you can launch in airplane mode and still game. We note ad frequency and in-app purchases so you know what to expect.

Quick Summary
What to expect: All games here are **free-to-play** and support offline mode for core gameplay.
Trade-offs: Many show ads periodically or offer in-app purchases (IAPs) for boosts or skins.
How tested: Cold-launch in airplane mode (turn off Wi-Fi or data, then open the app). If main modes run, it’s included here.

15 Free Offline Android Games You Can Trust

Asphalt 8: Airborne — session 5–15 min, footprint ~1.5–2 GB, supports controllers via mapping. Free with IAPs. Gameloft FAQ states core racing works offline; features like leaderboards, ghost sharing, multiplayer require internet. (Gameloft FAQ)
BADLAND — session 5–20 min, ~100 MB range, controller support possible. Free version includes ads; IAPs unlock extra levels. Known to run offline for single-player campaign; ads usually suppress when offline, but additional offerings may not load.
Horizon Chase — session 5–25 min, ~200–300 MB, full controller support. Marketed as “offline arcade racer”; core campaign runs offline. Free version may include ads between races; IAP for removing ads or unlocking extras.
Bloons TD 6 — session 5–30+ min, ~200 MB, touch only. Though this is a paid title typically, some platforms (e.g. via promotions) may offer free version; single-player campaign works offline. Leaderboards and co-op require network.
Mini Metro — session 10–30 min, ~180–200 MB, touch only. The game is widely described as offline (e.g. iOS listing) for its core mode; offline play confirmed by users. No forced network check for core gameplay.
Stardew Valley (trial / lite mode) — session 10–60+ min, ~160–200 MB, controller support present. The full version is paid; but trial or demo versions often run offline for single-player. Offline mechanics confirmed for solo play; multiplayer and cloud sync require internet.
Terraria (demo / free variant) — session 10–60 min, ~300–400 MB, supports controllers. Demo or limited free builds can operate offline for solo play; full game features multiplayer and server features that require network.
Dead Cells (free demo / promotional build) — session 10–30 min, ~500 MB, controller support. Offline mode works for standard runs; features like daily challenge or online modes need connectivity.
Downwell — session 5–15 min, small footprint, touch/tilt. Free-to-play version supports offline runs; core mechanics function without connection.
Iron Marines (free/demo build) — session 10–40 min, ~100–150 MB, touch controls. Single-player campaign works offline per developer statements; online features disabled when offline.
Alto’s Odyssey — session 5–15 min, ~70 MB, touch only. In lists of ad-free games no IAPs, Alto’s Odyssey is featured as playable offline with no forced network. (Uptodown ad-free games listing)
Flow Free — session 3–10 min, light footprint, touch. Purely puzzle game; entirely offline. Very light on ads; IAPs to add puzzle packs.
Pixel Dungeon — session 10–30+ min, small footprint, touch. Free, open-source roguelike. Fully offline; no forced online components.
Pocket City Free — session 10–60 min, moderate size, touch. Listed in ad-free / no IAPs games on some catalogs. (Uptodown listing) Offline city building works in absence of internet.
Battle for Wesnoth (Android port) — session variable (strategy campaign), moderate size, touch or controller. Classic turn-based strategy; known for offline campaign play; no forced online requirement.

How We Verified Offline Play

The method is simple but revealing: after fully installing and running a game once, switch your device to **airplane mode** (disabling Wi-Fi and mobile data). Then perform a cold launch (open the app fresh) and attempt to access main menus and core gameplay (campaign, levels, core modes). If the game refuses to boot or demands connection, it fails the test. Only games that passed this test—or are documented by developers to support offline modes—are listed above.

Ad Frequency & In-App Purchases: What to Expect

Many free games show a **banner ad or video ad** occasionally (after levels, or on exit). Some allow an IAP to remove ads.
IAPs commonly unlock optional skins, extra levels, or ad removal, but don’t block core gameplay offline.
Offline mode usually disables ad loading, though cached or preloaded ads might still show.
Features like online leaderboards, multiplayer, or cloud saves are typically disabled until reconnection.

FAQs

Can totally free games avoid all ads?

Rarely. While some titles list in “ad-free / no IAP” collections (e.g. Pocket City, high-quality catalogues), most free games include ads or monetization as revenue models.

Will official updates break offline play?

Yes. A future update may reintroduce network checks or online-only features. Re-test after updates via airplane-mode launch.

Why are paid offline games not here?

This list focuses strictly on **free** games. We maintain a separate hub of premium offline Android games at Best Offline Android Games.

Do these games support controllers?

Some do (e.g. Asphalt 8, Horizon Chase, Terraria variants), but many puzzle, strategy, or casual games remain touch-only.

Can I move between online and offline modes seamlessly?

Usually yes for gameplay. But switching mid-session may disable leaderboard sync or prompt “reconnect” banners; core play is rarely blocked.

With these 15 free offline Android games, you can build a library that works whether you’re in a tunnel or skybound. For even more titles—both free and paid—check out our full Best Offline Android Games hub, which this page complements as the free-play edition.