Top 10 Best Vertical Turn-Based Mobile Games (Ranked)

Turn-based vertical mobile games are becoming increasingly popular because they are simple and easy to play, making them accessible to everyone, anywhere. These types of games run in portrait mode, so you can comfortably play with one hand, whether you’re on a bus, taking a break, or relaxing at home.

These games blend strategy, story, and intuitive controls in a seamless way that makes them feel smooth and enjoyable, setting them apart from many other mobile titles. Therefore, we have created a gaming list of the best turn based vertical mobile games.

Ranking Factors

Here are the points we considered while ranking the best turn based vertical mobile games.

• Reviews and Ratings
  For every game on the list, we checked or considered players' & reviewers' opinions & attitudes toward each game by checking metrics for players' levels of enjoyment, engagement (in terms of games they come back to), and positivity of personality breakdown. Games with high player 'overall' ratings - and to a degree, games with satisfied players) - are ranked higher.
• Graphics Quality
  The visual style of each game was also important. We considered how good the game looks on a mobile screen, how smooth the graphics feel while playing, and whether the art style is unique. Games with clean, attractive, and eye-catching visuals ranked better.
• Gameplay and Fun
  The most important part was how fun and interesting the game is to play. We checked how deep the combat system is, how many features the game offers, and how enjoyable the overall experience feels. Games that give players more strategy, variety, and excitement earned higher positions.

Top 10 Best Turn Based Vertical Mobile Games

Here's a detailed look at the top 10 best turn based vertical mobile games, along with their release genres.

Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai: Star Rail is a turn-based JRPG, with combat focused on parties, gacha character collection, and stunning, anime-styled graphics. Players embark on an interstellar adventure aboard the Astral Express, facing off against cosmic forces of evil, while discovering untold secrets of the universe. The mobile controls are designed for vertical play, and the story is welcoming to newcomers to the genre.

Reverse: 1999

Reverse: 1999 is a tactical turn-based RPG that combines time-travel storylines with a card-based combat system. Players in Reverse: 1999 control Vertin, a timekeeper who navigates a world affected by mysterious time storms. The portrait mode facilitates strategic play and character management.

Slay the Spire

Slay the Spire is a deck-building roguelike in which players climb a mysterious spire to defeat enemies by playing cards. The core gameplay loop involves gathering cards and relics, building strong decks, and choosing different paths for strategic progression. The vertical mobile version maintains the controls and replayability of the roguelike format, which has gained it critical acclaim.

Etheria Restart

Etheria Restart is a cyberpunk-style game set in a digital world where humans battle against deadly digital lifeforms. It also features immersive 3D graphics that bring every battle to life. Take on the full story mode, or pit your skills against other players in PvP. Additionally, the vertical style of the game makes it easy to manage your squad controls in battle and quickly respond to any situation.

Sword of Convallaria

Sword of Convallaria is a tactical RPG with grid-based gameplay, influenced by older classics such as Final Fantasy Tactics. Players recruit, train, and direct a team of heroes through complicated scenarios surrounding war, political intrigue, and magic. The pixel-art style and strategic combat create an innovative take on a retro experience, making it one of the best turn based vertical mobile games in our list.

Orna: GPS RPG

Orna is a multiplayer RPG that uses GPS to transform the real world around you into a game board. Navigate dungeons, fight bosses, and conquer landmarks through turn-based combat. The retro-pixel style and class-based systems offer hours of strategy-based fun, and the portrait gameplay makes map navigation and upgrade management easier.

King God Castle

King God Castle blends tower defence and RPG strategy in pixel-art style. Players merge heroes, deploy tactical defences, and fortify their kingdoms against waves of monsters. The game features PvP and PvE, as well as roguelike stages to provide replayability. Vertical controls, merged heroes, and troop management are quick and easy for players.

Downwell

Downwell is a fast-paced roguelike arcade game in which you descend a well filled with monsters solely with your gunboot. The vertical orientation of the game naturally fits as the entire game is based on a downward motion, precise shooting, and survival. Due to its responsive controls, simple graphics, and short gameplay time frames, this game is an addictive mobile option.

Pocket City

Pocket City takes the concept of city building to a new level by providing intuitive touch controls for building cities and managing resources, disasters, and quests for XP and unlockable items. The lack of microtransactions and ad-based bonuses ensures a fair play experience. Its visual clarity and strategic planning make it a great choice for builders and sim enthusiasts.

Pathos: Nethack Codex

Pathos is a roguelike inspired by classic Nethack, offering deep dungeon exploration, turn-based action, and countless character customisation options. Players will be able to explore levels underground, take turns battling creatures, and gather treasures as they progress through each level. This game offers a wide range of in-game options and can appeal to casual and hardcore gamers alike.

This was all from best turn based vertical mobile games that you can play right now. If this helped, then you can probably check out the most popular mobile games.