Brawl Stars updates its battle pass for the second time in two years, introducing a new mechanic that lets players choose their major rewards.

Arknights: Endfield adapts the original tower defense title into an open-world RPG, rising into the top 20 RPGs during its launch week.

Garena Free City targets breakout success in the under-monetized action-sandbox genre with its unique blend of open-world PvP gameplay and RPG progression.

Garena Free Fire offers discounts when players buy multiple premium event items at once. Meanwhile, Archero adds a gacha that guarantees major prizes after just seven draws, and Call of Duty: Mobile releases an event where players join teams led by content creators.

Adding VIP-like benefits to level features turns player leveling into a valuable retention tool that consistently sinks players' wallets.

Lucky Roll Party! innovates in the coin looter genre by introducing an infinite board path and map expansion progression.

Bingo Blitz releases a collaboration with Pac-Man, Bingo Party adds a mini-game that blends Plinko and bingo mechanics, and myVEGAS introduces a multi-stage challenge event.

Only 66 of the 146 apps we tested offer welcome-back bonuses, and half only offer instant rewards—missing out on the retention benefits of long-term progressions.

Our Expert Panel discussed 2025’s top mobile gaming trends and what we expect to see throughout 2026.

Selling exclusive cosmetics directly through machines and offering rewards for getting other players to buy cosmetics creates a secondary avenue for spend.

Cash Frenzy adds a Plants vs. Zombies-inspired social bonus, Cashman Casino introduces a Deal or No Deal-style pick'em, and DoubleU Casino offers respins with several unlockable reel sets.

Exploration-based mechanics can function as deep, sustainable main progressions or as secondary engagement drivers within existing events.