Google Play Games

My options:

1. play store, full of evil dev's gachas and black hat tools. It's organized as a store you can browse, but the algorithm and ads are terrible. FFS, I don't want monopoly bullshit, stop showing it to me, I want to block it or hide it from the store

2. apks, ports from GitHub or other repositories. Free. No store, surf the web, follow recommendations, good luck finding a version that works for your phone.

3. itch.io, there's an app, Mitch, that serves as store app. 99% are indie games, not centered around android, there's a filter though. Some are free to pay, some have price. Quality varies.

4. epic. it has like 4 games?

5. steam doesn't actually have a store, afaik. I wish they did.

Any other option?

I've been browsing many past threads with users asking for free game recommendations to make a personal wishlist and I thought it would be nice to share it.

Aiming to put together a small "very best of", I started including titles mentioned by at least 2 Redditors and with very positive comments, then kept only games rated more than 4 on the Play Store and available for the latest Android OS. I then asked Chat GPT to add a short description and 3 keywords to describe the mood - I hope it didn't hallucinate too much!

I divided the titles that made it to the final list in 3 groups based on the presence of ads and data treatment - however ads and in-game purchases should not be disruptive in any of these based on everyone's comments.

If I missed any beloved free title I'll be happy to add it - and try it!

Free games with no ads and no data shared with 3rd parties:

Shattered Pixel Dungeon - A rogue-like RPG with dungeon crawling, turn-based combat, and random level generation. [Strategic, punishing, engaging]

Mindustry - A resource management and tower defense game where you build and defend factories against waves of enemies. [Strategic, complex, rewarding]

Unciv - A mobile port of the classic Civilization game, where you build and manage a civilization from the ground up. [Deep, immersive, expansive]

OneBit Adventure - A minimalist RPG with pixel art and random dungeon generation, focusing on exploration and combat. [Retro, simplistic, engaging]

Data Wing - A fast-paced, minimalist racing game where you control a winged ship racing through neon tracks. [Elegant, fast, engaging]

Contains ads, doesn't share data with 3rd parties:

Vampire Survivors - A rogue-like survival shooter where you fend off endless waves of enemies. [Addictive, challenging, intense]

Alto's Adventure - A snowboarding game where you explore scenic environments, perform tricks, and avoid obstacles. [Serene, peaceful, beautiful]

Alto's Odyssey - A serene, visually stunning endless runner where players glide through beautiful landscapes. [Peaceful, immersive, relaxing]

My Friend Pedro - A fast-paced action game where you control a protagonist guided by a talking banana. [Chaotic, stylish, fluid]

Contains ads and could share data with 3rd parties:

Magic Survival - An action-packed survival game with magic powers to defeat waves of enemies in an arena. [Fast-paced, chaotic, fun]

Soul Knight - An RPG set in a mystical world where you fight enemies and collect powerful loot. [Epic, deep, immersive]

TheoTown - A city-building simulator with intricate management of resources, zoning, and citizens. [Detailed, creative, relaxing]

Sword of Xolan [edited, thank you] An action platformer in pixel art style where a brave knight fights the darkness. [Retro, good paced, entertaining]

Idle Iktah - A casual idle game where you manage the growth of a village through strategic resource allocation. [Relaxing, simple, addictive]

Tiny Rails - A railroad management game where you control a train, expanding routes and completing missions. [Relaxing, immersive, nostalgic]