5 MUST HAVE Mobile Games For Plane Journeys

5 Must Have Mobile Games for Plane Journeys

I struggle on long journeys. A bubbling cocktail of being 6’4” with a larger frame, a neurodivergent need for multiple information streams, and an inability to sleep on public transport (in case I spontaneously combust or something, I really don’t know) means that longer journeys require multiple pieces of tech to make them bearable.

At home, I normally have one form of media on one screen and a game on the other. Some people might find this crazy, but for me, it allows my brain to function at a better pace. I can concentrate better on both rather than just focusing on one.

Replicating this setup on a plane, with a tablet for watching and a mobile game for playing, has been the best solution I’ve found. Unfortunately, most European flights don’t really give someone of my shoulder span the space to hold a larger console like a Steam Deck, which is a real shame. Then there’s the problem of planes often having no wifi, so finding games that can last a two to three hour journey without needing connectivity has been a real challenge.

I’ve spent years curating the perfect portable box of fun, trying everything from simulators to match-3 variations. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve landed on a selection of games that can kill hours of travel time while saving your progress. Just remember to bring a portable charger.

1. Plague - Ndemic Creations

A classic game that I believe started as a Flash or browser game. You play as a virus trying to wipe out the world, and the level of customization is impressive. You can change starting locations, mutate traits, and pick different strategies to see how far you can take your pathogen.

There is no set way of playing, which makes it endlessly replayable. Each game run lasts around 30 to 45 minutes, which is perfect for multiple sessions on a flight. It’s one of the few mobile games that truly keeps you thinking while staying highly addictive.

2. Bloons Tower Defence - Ninja Kiwi

For me, tower defence games are the ultimate long-term mobile format. Bloons Tower Defence nails it with a huge variety of levels, escalating difficulty, and strategic planning that keeps you invested. Every decision matters, from which tower to place to when to upgrade.

With dozens of different versions and challenges, it’s almost endless. You can lock in for a few hours without ever feeling like you’ve exhausted the game. The addictive nature of chaining combos and solving increasingly complex waves is perfect for long journeys.

3. Block Blast - Hungry Studio

Block Blast is a Tetris-like puzzle game where pieces arrive and you drag and drop them to clear lines. The more you break at once, the higher your combo, which makes scoring extremely satisfying. It’s visually simple but keeps your brain constantly engaged.

The occasional advert at the end of a game can last a bit long, but it’s a minor annoyance once you get used to it. I’ve lost track of hours playing this one, and the combination of strategy, timing, and pattern recognition makes it perfect for killing long flights.

4. Bubble Sort - Tap Nation / Roshan Games

Bubble Sort is a classic problem-solving game where you move balls in tubes until they all match. The challenge comes from only being able to move balls when the top is free, which forces you to plan several moves ahead.

It’s deceptively simple but requires concentration and forward thinking. I’ve spent hours solving levels on trains and planes, and it’s satisfying to see patterns finally click into place. Its accessibility without wifi and save progress features make it ideal for travel.

5. Medieval II: Total War (Mobile) - Feral Interactive / Creative Assembly

This is a remarkable mobile adaptation of one of my favourite strategy games. You can manage campaigns, armies, and resources with almost all the depth of the PC version. While large-scale battles are slightly limited, the strategic layer alone is captivating.

Campaigns can last hours and are perfect for long flights where you want a more immersive experience. Planning attacks, managing your settlements, and moving troops feels incredibly satisfying on mobile, making it a standout title for serious strategy fans.

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What I’ve been looking for in these games is simple: longevity, replayability, and the ability to keep playing over multiple sessions. They must be accessible without wifi and able to kill long flight times while keeping you engaged. These five titles have all ticked those boxes for me.

I’m always on the hunt for more. If you have suggestions for games that survive airplane mode and can absorb hours of attention, I’d love to hear them.

Jay McDougall is a Principal Recruiter at Skillsearch, a leading global games, XR and immersive technology recruitment company, specialising in game art talent.