With a cult following of over 100,000 Twitter followers in Japan, mobile rhythm game Arcaea has finally released its highly anticipated version 4.0. This latest update adds the epic conclusion to the main narrative along with new songs and a fresh game mode for players to dive into.

Arcaea features a new Course Mode along with the final Main Story Pack titled "Final Verdict". This epic conclusion includes more than four extra songs that players can buy for a price tag of $4.99 or your local equivalent.

Boasting five years of service and eight million downloads across the globe, Arcaea is thanking its loyal fans with a limited-time bundle for the events that happened prior to “Final Verdict”. Players can buy "Eternal Core”, "Vicious Labyrinth", "Luminous Sky", "Adverse Prelude" and "Black Fate" for a discounted rate.

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On top of the new songs, the new Course Mode will put the endurance of players to the test as they challenge "Boss Rush"-styled levels to score special award nameplates for the ultimate bragging rights. The game is known for its difficulty levels, after all.

If you're curious about the title and are keen on learning more, you can head on over to the Arcaea official website for more info, or download the game on the iOS App Store and on the Google Play Store. It's a free-to-play game with in-app purchases. You can also join the community of followers over on the official Twitter page to stay updated on all the latest developments, or have a look at the embedded clip above to get a feel of the game's visuals, mechanics and gameplay.

Are you on the hunt for more similar titles that will put your skills to the test on your mobile devices? Why not take a gander at our list of the best free mobile games?

• Escape from Violet Hold Class Set: Azeroth’s Most Wanted introduces new cards for specific classes
• The Rogue, Warlock, Priest and Warrior all get another Legendary
• They're all themed around criminals from Warcraft history

Despite the many heroes in World of Warcraft's storied history, we can't forget the numerous criminals. And that's something Hearthstone is looking to celebrate (if that’s the right word) in the new Azeroth's Most Wanted Class Set, which introduces cards for the Rogue, Warlock, Priest and Warrior.

Specifically, each of those classes gets seven cards apiece – one Legendary, two Epics, two Rares and two Commons. Sure, that might not be an entire expansion's worth, but in card games, it only takes one powerful contender to shift a meta. So, let's take a look at those Legendaries, shall we?

The Rogue's Legendary card marks the first time Mathias Shaw has appeared in Hearthstone. His ability focuses on Stealth, reducing the cost of a random card in your hand whenever a Stealthed Minion attacks. The Warlock's ace is a little more courtroom drama, with Godfather Kazakus' Battlecry plotting a custom sham trial, with the length decided by you.

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More than a Rogue's gallery

Naturally, it's not always Legendary cards that shift the meta in Hearthstone. Sometimes an extremely good Common or Rare can do that job. Still, let's be honest, the rarer stuff is usually a lot more interesting. However, check out Blizzard's blog on the new set if you want to learn about more of the cards. 

Hearthstone is available now on the App Store and Google Play, where it's free-to-play with in-app purchases. You can download it for your preferred platform using the buttons below. 

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Hearthstone

• Silver Palace has released a brand-new trailer during Gamescom
• It briefly shows off a multiplayer mode called House of Greed
• Alongside that, we see more of its fantastic visuals

We've covered Silver Palace a few times here at Pocket Gamer, with its detective bent on the usual gacha RPG catching everyone's attention. Now, the team has released a new trailer that, at first, only teases more of what we know. However, if you stick around until the end, it provides a glimpse of a multiplayer mode called House of Greed.

You can check that out below and enjoy all the delightful oddities within. It starts with an eerie operating table before someone with a plague doctor-like mask starts slicing someone open, who appears to bleed silver. From there, we get glimpses of a potential boss, chess pieces flying around, and a Cinderella shoe-fitting situation. It's a fairly eclectic mix, that's for sure. 

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Once that scene-setting is done, we see some stunning vistas and shots of stylish combat. As I mentioned when covering the Dichotomy beta test, Silver Palace's aesthetic is very much up my alley. The Victorian-Industrial vibe paired with anime trappings is a great mix, and I can't wait to spend some time in this world. But will I indulge in the multiplayer?

But what does House of Greed do?

For now, though, we'll have to wait. Silver Palace is certainly shaping up nicely from a visual perspective, and I love a good detective story. Naturally, the gacha elements are a concern, more so for the live service aspect. Will creating new events and characters come at the cost of creating and progressing a compelling story? I hope not. 

If that stuff doesn't bother you, why not check out our list of the best gacha games available for Android?

All the way back in July, we opened voting for the Pocket Gamer People's Choice Awards 2026, handing it over to you to decide the best game of the year. And yesterday, we revealed who you voted for during our fancy MGA ceremony at Gamescom. With many excellent choices, Arknights: Endfield was deemed your worthy winner, with honourable mentions for Neverness to Everness and Racing Master.

Undoubtedly a worthy winner, Arknights: Endfield took a series that was chugging along nicely in the tower defence scene and blew it up by switching over to the action RPG realm. Developer Gryphline has kept it fresh with frequent updates and new characters, too, which always helps keep something in people's minds. 

And if you're interested in the other categories, the winners were:

• Best Advertising & UA Service – adjoe
• Best Game Innovation – Pixel Flow
• Best Analytics/Data Tool – Sensor Tower
• Webstore of the Year – Supercell Store
• Audiovisual Excellence – Arknights: Endfield
• Best Support Tool – AmberMark by Amber
• Best Development Partner – Amber
• Best Web Game – Imagine Island
• Best Developer – Loom Games
• Best Payment Service Provider - Appcharge and Xsolla (Joint winners!)
• Rising Star Winner: Kübra Gündo?an (Loom Games)
• Best Use of IP or Licence - Free Fire x NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Chapter 2: Ninja War
• Best Marketing Campaign - Jackpot Party x Carnival: Cruise A Day (SciPlay)
• Best Trending AppGallery Game – Petal Paws
• Leading App Store Experience – Huawei AppGallery
• Best Indie Developer – Tech Tree Games
• Company Culture Champion – Scopely
• Best Forever Franchise – Monopoly Go! (We've got dice links!)
• Best Use of AI – Meshy
• Best Publisher – Scopely
• Game of the Year – Pixel Flow
• Mobile Legends - María Sayans

Thank you to each and every one of you who voted in this year's People's Choice Awards. We'll see you again in 2027, when we next pass the buck to you because the decision is always too difficult. 

• Hitman's next Elusive Target is played by Snoop Dogg
• The Herbalist arrives on August 27th
• Snoop Dogg's son, Cordell C. Broadus, also makes an appearance

Hitman World of Assassination's Elusive Targets have helped massively extend the game's relevance. Throwing in a well-known face just to have our bald, barcoded buddy take them out appears to have endless appeal with the masses, and I can see why. The latest celebrity to wander into Agent 47's sights (or some convoluted trap) is none other than Snoop Dogg, who arrives tomorrow, August 27th and sticks around until September 26th.

Of course, you won't actually be killing Snoop. Instead, you're tasked with taking down Dr Cyrus Cane, an individual known for a wide variety of unusual businesses, in The Herbalist mission. Cane's latest product is called Morsizzles, a cookie that's suspiciously addictive. Unsurprisingly, some tomfoolery has taken place behind the scenes, leading to many deaths and more than a few cover-ups.

It's up to Agent 47 to stop Cane, removing him as the face of the product and shutting down the entire cookie operation. Unfortunately, that means going to a Haven Island that's filled with obnoxious influencers and social media types. I don't envy 47, to be honest.

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The Doggfather Part II

Alongside The Herbalist, the next update adds new challenges, Featured Contracts, Twitch drops and the return of previous Elusive Targets. You can even buy The Herbalist Pack for $7.99 or your local equivalent to gain permanent access to two missions and various outfits if you'd like.

Hitman World of Assassination is available now on the App Store, where it's free to download with various in-app purchases for different content. You can download it for iOS to try the demo using the button below. 

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Hitman World of Assassination

• Hoyoverse has announced that Petit Planet will launch for mobile this winter
• No specific date has been given, though pre-registration has opened
• The team also released a new trailer, showcosing the cosy atmosphere

Hoyoverse kicked off Gamescom with a bang, revealing Nodusfall, a departure from their usual colourful art styles. But that wasn't all. They also announced that Petit Planet will release for iOS, Android and PC this winter, with pre-registration open now.

The reveal came alongside a new trailer, which you can check out below. It's all lovely visuals and calming piano that, while unlikely to be representative of the actual gameplay, definitely gives us a sample of the vibes. It's cosy and cute, as most home-building games are these days.

Yes, this is a life simulator where you play as a Planet Tender, an individual tasked with caring for their own planet – a tall order, given humans can't seem to collectively look after this one. Anyway, you'll spend the day gathering resources and crafting furniture for your new home. 

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Kleiner Planet

We don't have to speculate on how this all plays either. Earlier this year, Catherine went hands-on with Petit Planet, so do check out her thoughts. It certainly didn't blow her away, but she saw potential in it, and with Hoyoverse usually responsive to player feedback, I'd wager they'll manage to iron out a lot of her issues come launch day.

Petit Planet will launch on the App Store and Google Play this winter as a free-to-play game with in-app purchases. You can pre-order it ahead of its launch using the buttons below. 

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Petit Planet

• Creature-collecting RPG Aniimo now has an official launch date
• Get ready to Twine with your Aniimo
• And there's a new trailer too

Pawprint Studio really knows how to build the hype. We got a taste of the release window for Aniimo a week ago, and now, the open-world creature-collecting RPG has revealed its official launch date - and it's sooner than you might think!

As another one of the big reveals at gamescom, Aniimo's release date is set for September 23rd on mobile, while console players can get their hands on it a tad earlier on September 16th. If you're not familiar with it, Aniimo will basically set you off on a magical adventure as a Pathfinder across Idyll, with over 200 different creatures to discover. You'll get to tame them and set them up for battle, as you might expect, with cool evolutions to aim for to make sure your Aniimo is in tip-top shape.

Apparently, weather systems can also influence how your Aniimo will turn out, but to be honest, the most intriguing thing for me is the Twining feature, where you can actually merge with your Aniimo and unleash their abilities in combat. From what I understand, you can apparently play as your Aniimo even outside of battle, as you explore the continent and move across the world around you using their distinct skills.

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There's the Homeland where you can live the idyllic farming life and decorate your humble abode, as well as plenty of PvP and co-op modes for social butterflies out there. It certainly seems like the devs have covered all their bases, so I'm curious to see how this'll all play out next month.

I'm getting plenty of Honkai: Nexus Anima vibes too, which is something I got a brief hands-on of during its preview phase. 

It's all going down next month, but if you just can't wait, how about checking out our list of the best monster-taming games to tide you over until then?

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Aniimo

• Nodusfall trailer drops at gamescom
• Realistic aesthetics that depart from HoYoverse's usual style
• Official website now live

I have to preface this right off the bat by saying that I'm incredibly excited for this one based on the jaw-dropping visuals alone, but at the same time, I'm already dreading what Nodusfall is going to do to my poor tennis elbows. This gorgeous new co-op action-adventure has just dropped its first-ever trailer, and from the looks of it, you might not even realise it's another HoYoverse project.

Yes, the makers of Genshin Impact, Zenless Zone Zero, and the upcoming Petit Planet have ninja-dropped a new trailer for Nodusfall, and oh my goodness, it looks absolutely stunning. They're calling it a "multi-mythology" game, which, based on the clip alone, already tells you they mean serious business with the mythological angle here.

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There's not much to go on in terms of mechanics and characters, but honestly, the trailer is enough to hype us all up (me specifically). The fantasy world is seemingly filled with all kinds of massive and legendary (and Monster Hunter-like) creatures, and all we really have to go on is that we, as players, get to step into the shoes of what's called a Weaver. We'll get to team up with allies to take on these larger-than-life beasts, and it seems like they're really leaning on the co-op aspect for this one.

Combat is, as you might expect, a cooperative affair, with "close coordination and sharp tactics" as the cornerstone, according to the official press release.

I don't know what kind of magic the folks at HoYoverse have been weaving (Weavers!), but this honestly looks like another hit in the making. I don't doubt we'll get fed more deets as the days go by (and as gamescom continues over the course of the week). Hopefully, our very own newshound Iwan, who'll be on the ground at gamescom in Cologne himself, will give us the inside scoop in the next few days!

• Hack-and-slash combat across voxel aesthetics
• CBT sign-ups now open
• Limited to Android across select regions

Seems like voxel's moment still hasn't passed, apparently, as Dungeons Arise is sporting that same aesthetic with its upcoming hack-and-slash RPG - and that's not at all a bad thing. I feel like this kind of art style lends itself well to colourful fantasy adventures, but I suppose we won't have to wait too long until it's all revealed since Kakao Games will be running its first closed beta test this September.

In particular, Dungeons Arise will be available for players in the US and Taiwan, so if you happen to be based in those regions and you're an Android player to boot, you can sign up on the Google Play Store. 

As for what's in store for you if you do get into the CBT, you'll get to experience the RPG's convenient one-handed combat across various dungeons, and tinker around with the different heroes and their distinct skills. It's all about rebuilding the kingdom on your noble quest, after all, so I'm pretty sure there'll be plenty of willing recruits eager to join you on your adventure.

There's also going to be some form of PvP, it seems, so if you're looking to feed your competitive spirit, there's room for that here as well.

In any case, if you're curious about this new fantasy endeavour, best get a move on and sign up on Google Play today! You can also join the community of followers on the official Dungeons Arise Discord server if you're keen on staying privy to all the latest developments.

While you wait, though, and if you're not based in those select regions where the CBT takes place next month, how about taking a peek at our list of the best RPGs on Android for other adventures you can dive into in the meantime?

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Dungeons Arise

• Ruger Aidal lights up the sky in Monster Hunter Outlanders
• Gamescom in-person event sign-ups available 
• Pre-registration now open

I'm pretty much already expecting we'll get bombarded with a whole bunch of exciting new updates in the next few days thanks to gamescom, and the first one that's caught my eye is Monster Hunter Outlanders' new revelation today.

In particular, the popular Capcom franchise has unveiled its new original Elder Dragon called “Ruger Aidal”, which will serve as the flagship monster for the RPG. With its wings outstretched, this massive monstrosity is supposed to resemble the sun in all its glory thanks to its larger-than-life presence, and since sightings are rare, it's the sort of stuff legends are born from on Aesoland.

Lucky participants at gamescom also get to experience the "Adventurers' Feast" event in Cologne, plus a hands-on demo to boot! Admission is free, but you'll need to sign up and reserve your seat in advance if you want to immerse yourself in all the MH vibes at Haxenhaus this weekend. You can take a chance as a walk-in guest, but really, these things tend to get packed early, so guests with reservations will be prioritised first, as you might expect.

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Now, as for the third CBT that's already underway, there's more to look forward to, such as the "Nergigante Approaches" Event, the "Crimson Authority": Recruitment, the "Hunting Dash" Event, and a login bonus where 60 Recruitment attempts will be given away. And at the end of the day, you also get to flaunt a shiny test-exclusive icon and title if you participated in the closed beta test.

Suffice it to say the hype is very much real, and if you're curious, Shaun shared his thoughts on his Monster Hunter Outlanders preview. Spoilers: he absolutely loved it.

For now, if you're looking for other adventures to dive into while you wait, why not have a look at our list of the best aRPGs on Android?

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Monster Hunter Outlanders

• Survival strategy sim set after Plague Inc
• Comes with 12 major updates, including a sandbox mode
• Now out of early access

It's never easy picking up the pieces of a major catastrophe - even more so if you're the reason said catastrophe happened in the first place. After Inc: Revival lets you navigate your way through the aftermath of Plague Inc, so if you've been looking to rebuild civilisation after an inevitable zombie outbreak, now's your chance, as the sim has finally left Early Access.

Ndemic Creations' strategy survival sim offers a "mini 4X", as the studio likes to call it, in After Inc, and since it's been in its early access phase for more than a year now, I think it's safe to say it's had ample time to hone its finer details to offer a more polished gameplay experience. 

This means there are 12 major updates you can enjoy, including one where you get to craft your very own scenario (or dive into something your fellow community members have created instead). Meanwhile, the Shadows of the Past campaign offers a fresh narrative where you'll snag a bunch of rewards by following the trail of a super sus radio signal - and nothing bad ever comes out of something like that, right?

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If you're eager to flex your creativity, there's the sandbox game mode too, along with the free Seeds of Hope DLC, a new Leader called "The Researcher", more than 700 Expedition unlockables, and quality-of-life enhancements to boot.

Now then, are you ready to rebuild civilisation on your own terms? After Inc is available on iOS and Android from $1.99 with in-app purchases, but while you're at it, just in case you're looking for more scenarios where you can put your survival skills to the test, why not poke around the site for possible candidates? Our list of the best survival games on Android is a fantastic place to start.

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After Inc

• Roco Kingdom sees the hit Chinese browser creature-collector coming to mobile
• The open-world RPG will arrive on Android, iOS and PC
• Players can tame and train over 400 different Jinies and battle them against others

As Chinese studios increasingly take a dominant role in gaming, including on mobile, it's become common to see previously Chinese-only franchises make the jump to the West. And the latest to do so is the previously browser-only creature-collector Roco Kingdom, which is now set to make its way to mobile!

Coming courtesy of Morefun Studios and Tencent, Roco Kingdom sees you entering the magical world of Carosia and exploring its vast, wild landscapes. Along the way, you'll discover, capture and train over 400 of Roco Kingdom's signature creatures, the Jinies. Add onto that co-operative cross-platform play, and it's a pretty compelling pitch.

Kingdom builder

Where Roco Kingdom stands out, however, is in mixing together more traditional RPG elements alongside extensive social systems, as well as a good sprinkling of life-sim mechanics allowing you to craft, farm and decorate your own player home.

Once again, it seems that another creature-collecting competitor is seeking to challenge Pokémon on its own terms. And with all these interesting features, Roco Kingdom may very well have a chance of making a pretty significant challenge.

But as we've seen with recent launches such as Pokémon Champions, and the ongoing success of Pokémon TCG Pocket, Roco Kingdom will have its work cut out for it to carve its own slice of the creature-collecting RPG pie. However, you'll have the chance to judge for yourself with the upcoming closed beta set for October 27th later this year!

Speaking of big franchises, though, there are plenty which are still struggling to find their footing on mobile. Check out our Ratchet & Clank: Ranger Rumble preview and find out why Stephen deemed it a promising new entry in the series, but lacking that special 'something.'

• Pokémon Go's new season, Twilight Trails, begins on September 8th
• It introduces Megas for Staraptor and Chandelure
• We can also expect more Paldean Pokémon, including Mabosstiff

Following all the excitement (and a little bit of angst) over most players getting a perfect Mewtwo, it's back to business as usual for Pokémon Go with the announcement of a new season called Twilight Trails. It'll see several Pokémon debuts and Megas, running from September 8th to December 1st.

The two Mega debuts were originally added in Pokémon Legends Z-A, and they're good choices for various reasons. First up, there’s Mega Staraptor, which is just an awesome-looking Mega. Then we have Mega Chandelure, which I don't like as much aesthetically as regular Chandelure. However, if it makes my favourite Pokémon more useful in Pokémon Go, then I'm all for it.

Outside of the Mega world, we'll also see the debut of some more Paldean Pokémon. For now, Scopely Explore has only mentioned Maschiff and its evolution Mabostiff, though we can expect more to arrive in Twilight Trails.

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Maximum Dynamax on Max Battle Day

And finally, there are, obviously, three Community Day events throughout the season. While we don't know which Pokémon will feature, you can at least note down the dates:

• September 12th – A Classic version
• October 10th
• November 21st 

I'll have my fingers crossed for something spooky on October's Community Day since Ghost-types are my favourites. 

Pokémon Go is available now on the App Store and Google Play, where it's free-to-play with in-app purchases. You can download it for your preferred platform using the buttons below.

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Pokemon GO

• PUBG Mobile Light offers a smaller file size and better optimisation across multiple devices
• It's arriving for iOS and Android this November, with a CBT in select countries
• Not to be confused with PUBG Mobile Lite

Level Infinite has announced that PUBG Mobile Light is now available to pre-register for both iOS and Android. On top of that, they also revealed that closed beta test access has rolled out in specific countries, though they didn't say which. If you're not in those mystery regions, you'll have to wait until November to get your hands on it.

But what exactly is PUBG Mobile Light? Doesn't that already exist? If you immediately thought of PUBG Mobile Lite, you're not alone. With spelling being the only name difference, it's easy to see why some people might get confused. However, they are their own thing, and it's easy enough to explain, even if the naming choices leave a lot to be desired.

PUBG Mobile Lite features a smaller map than regular PUBG, with 60 players competing against one another. It's also only available on Android, aimed at devices with less RAM, promising the same fast-paced gameplay without needing the latest phone. Light, meanwhile, is the original battle royale experience but, well, lighter.

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PUBG Mobile Light is small but mighty

Of course, if you read the small print – by which I mean the App Store description – you'll find there are still additional downloads. However, with Light, you can choose which maps and modes to install and when. If something doesn't interest you, then feel free to ignore it forever. 

I'm sure this will be a welcome addition for any PUBG Mobile fans. The creeping install size is getting a little ludicrous, especially when another download kicks off the first time you open a game.

PUBG Mobile Light is available to pre-order now on the App Store and Google Play ahead of release.  It will be free-to-play with in-app purchases. You can pre-register using the buttons below. 

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PUBG Mobile Light

• Acecraft has hit its first anniversary
• To celebrate, Moonton are introducing a new pilot, Blazewing Ekko
• There are plenty of events alongside this, with lots of goodies up for grabs

Despite a period of absence in the USA briefly worrying me about Acecraft's future, Moonton's hand-drawn shooter eventually returned and is now ready to celebrate its first anniversary. To commemorate the occasion, we're getting a new pilot, the Anniversary Fireworks Show and a host of other content.

Let's start with our new pilot because that's the most exciting part, right? Blazewing Ekko is a new version of Acecraft's original hero, putting him in the hot seat of a flame-spitting plane. Things heat up even more thanks to his taunts, turning Ekko's barbed tongue into broadcast jibes that make his enemies increasingly furious. The angrier they get, the more energy his plane receives, bolstering his speed and firepower.

And while you're irritating your foes in the name of strength, you'll collect Anniversary Sparklers as part of that aforementioned Anniversary Fireworks Show in Tempus Trek and other events. Once you collect a certain number, you can set them off and earn various rewards. Additionally, there are login bonuses and other bits for snagging a few extra goodies along the way. 

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Loop-the-loop

I played a good amount of Acecraft at launch and only really fell off because other things came along. So this seems like the perfect excuse to jump back in and enjoy more of that lovely hand-drawn animation. And if you're getting involved too, make sure to check out our Acecraft codes and Acecraft tier list. 

Acecraft is available now on the App Store and Google Play, where it's free-to-play with in-app purchases. You can download it for your preferred platform using the buttons below. 

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Acecraft

• ColorSweeper is tempting players in with a major new event
• Take on the challenge of World Painter and get your name on the global leaderboard
• Complete puzzles to advance community progress and unlock a limited-time sticker

While there are big events taking place both in the real world (Gamescom, don't you know?) and in the virtual space, for major names such as Disney Speedstorm and Rush Royale, there are more than a few lesser-known hits punching above their weight. Case in point is Com2Us' latest puzzler ColorSweeper, and its new World Painter event!

The gameplay of ColorSweeper is simple, as you're presented with a Minesweeper-style grid where each block lists the number of tiles that are the same colour hidden around it. From there, you need to logically puzzle out the shapes and colours, all without making too many incorrect guesses.

The World Painter event, running until August 27th, sees you restoring colour to a lifeless black-and-white world by making use of one of three assigned colours when completing puzzles. Each successful level contributes to worldwide progress, with some of the top-performing players listed in a globally visible leaderboard, and the limited-time commemorative Restoration Token sticker on offer.

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Colour me surprised

It's something Stephen certainly found appealing. And I personally like the idea of doing a worldwide event that encourages people to play, as well as showcasing their achievements. It may very well be that ColorSweeper gradually gains a higher profile, on par with bigger names in puzzling if it keeps this up.

In the meantime, if you're looking for more ways to put your brain to the test, you'll be glad to know there's plenty of puzzles out there to try. Just have a look at our list of the best puzzle games on iOS to find some of our curated picks!

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ColorSweeper

• Ultrapool takes the Balatro formula and puts a spin on it (hah, pool puns)
• Gather new balls and go from simple tricks to ridiculous modifiers
• Impress the bartenders and get cocktails of new balls, as well as dealing with intense modifiers

I've said it before, but it bears reiterating that Balatro has managed to kick off virtually its own subgenre. Not that this is a bad thing, mind, as it means we've got plenty of ingenious twists on the formula. And one of the latest is none other than Offbrand Games' Ultrapool, available now on iOS and Android.

Like Balatro, Ultrapool takes the classic bar pastime and twists it into something a little more ludicrous. You start simply sinking balls, but by the time things get going, you'll have built up a ridiculous arsenal of them that rapidly increases your modifiers, the in-game cash you can spend on new balls, and so on.

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Ultra instinct

Just take a look at what Stephen thought in our Ultrapool hands-on. Overall, it's good to see the ideas set out by Balatro being taken, twisted and iterated upon to create something wholly new.

I'm particularly interested to see how well Ultrapool does on mobile. For Balatro and Vampire Survivors, these two, which really inspired so many spinoffs and new takes on mobile, actually took a while to get on the platform. So it could be that Ultrapool and the success of games like it encourage more indies to take to mobile from the get-go!

While Balatro may have inspired a wave of successors, Vampire Survivors may just have them beat in terms of sheer numbers. Just take a look at our list of the best mobile games like Vampire Survivors for some of our favourite picks!

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Ultrapool

• Disney Speedstorm is kicking off its latest in-game event today
• Lumina Fest runs until September 12th
• Characters such as Rapunzel and Gogo Tomago get new event-exclusive outfits

Surprise surprise, it's news about Disney Speedstorm that for once isn't about exciting new characters being added! Yes, Gameloft are resisting the urge to dip into the Disney vault and instead kicking off the newest in-game event for Disney Speedstorm as Lumina Fest kicks off today, packed with new content and goodies to unlock.

The core of Lumina Fest is a rotating lineup of five different stages, available in four-day stretches apiece until September 12th. Meanwhile, characters drawn from Disney lore, ranging from Big Hero Six's GoGo Tomago to Tangled's Rapunzel, will take centre stage, with all new liveries and outfits inspired by the event.

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I am speed

And you'll also want to check in to help work towards community milestones. These goals encourage players to work together in order to unlock a variety of exciting additional rewards. Oh, and keep your ears open for an additional new music track!

I've often thought one of the best parts of Disney Speedstorm was its soundtrack, so it's great to see that music get the spotlight here. And encouraging players to work together towards a variety of community goals is sure to go over well. So check in on Luma Fest, running until September 12th, and get to racing!

But while Disney Speedstorm may have the name recognition of the world's most famous entertainment company behind it, it's far from the only racing game out there worth playing. Check out our list of the best racing games on iOS to see some of the options there are.

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Disney Speedstorm

• Rush Royale's perks are seeing major changes in the latest event
• Big Trouble kicks off today and will see new perks for the Blade Dancer and Bruiser
• Meanwhile, existing perks are getting tweaks, with buffs for the Demon Hunter, Engineer and Cultist

My.Games' Rush Royale has been, alongside War Robots, arguably the flagship for the studio's continued success. Now there's even more reason to jump in and enjoy its fast-paced mixture of merge and tower defence, as Rush Royale kicks off its major new Big Trouble event today!

The crux of the Big Trouble event sees major overhauls to perks, as well as new options for both the Blade Dancer and Bruiser. Dance of Petals for the Blade Dancer causes tornadoes to pop up, which can knock back (and even instantly kill) enemy units. Meanwhile, the Bruiser gets the Big Brother perk, which allows the Ringleader's larger counterpart to leap onto the battlefield and block the progress of enemies, as well as fighting bosses directly.

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Big trouble, little rush

Of course, it's not just the addition of new perks you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for. There are also tweaks to the existing perks to keep your eyes peeled for, giving buffs to the Cultist, Demon Hunter and Engineer with new abilities, such as Prey Tracking transforming the highest-ranked Hunter into a Stalker unit.

All in all, it's a great reason to check in if you've lapsed in playing Rush Royale, with these new additions and changes promising to drastically alter how the game is played.

But whether or not you're sticking with your old reliables or experimenting more with these changes, one thing hasn't been altered. And that's the ability to nab some free goodies with codes. So check out our Rush Royale promo codes list for all the currently available and redeemable codes in a single place!

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Rush Royale

• No Rest for the Wicked is a painterly hack 'n slash RPG now coming to iOS
• The Diablo-styled Souls-like has had an extremely positive reception on PC
• Explore dungeons, visit the hub world, and battle alongside friends in co-op

The RPG genre has been enormously popular on mobile for as long as anyone can remember. But even then it seems to pale in comparison to the even lengthier history on PC, something which developer Moon Studios looks to capitalise on as it brings its painterly Souls-like No Rest for the Wicked to mobile.

As mentioned on Moon Studio CEO and game director Thomas Mahler's Twitter, No Rest for the Wicked has a 1.0 build ready for iOS, although an actual release date hasn't yet been confirmed. And just a glance at gameplay for the existing PC version offers a pretty promising look at the hack 'n slash RPG.

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Sleep is for the weak

And even then, if you fancy a respite from the wilds, you can always head to the city of Sacrament - your hub area - and encounter the many different vendors and townsfolk populating it. You can even buy and customise your own home to use as a base.

That's without even getting into the co-op aspect, of course. But as some have expressed, this is a truly ambitious game to bring to mobile. Although if the promises of seamless cross-platform progression and multiplayer turn out to be true, then No Rest for the Wicked could be the next must-play.

Looking for something to play right now on mobile while you wait for the arrival of No Rest for the Wicked? Then check out our list of the best RPGs on iOS to find just a small selection of those we think are worth playing.

• Vampire Survivors' upcoming DLC, Legacy of the Bloodmoon, now has a date
• Watch out for it on Android and iOS on August 28th
• The expansion features 10 new characters, 16 new weapons and a massive new stage

Vampire Survivors is perhaps one of the best Survivors-likes out there; I mean, it's in the name after all. So you can't blame us for closely watching its constant influx of new DLC, including the action-packed (and evil-packed) Legacy of the Bloodmoon, which is now slated to make its way to all platforms on August 28th!

Legacy of the Bloodmoon features 10 new characters, 16 new weapons and an enormous new stage, not to mention plenty of bumping music tracks too. The (very loose) story follows Clan Bloodmoon in their hunt for a supposed paradise lit by a red moon first prophesised by Saint Baal'Thasar.

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Probably not vampires...probably

I guess then, the theme of this DLC is dark and evil. Clan Bloodmoon hardly have altruistic intentions, and their weapons, which let you incinerate enemies with a flick of the wrist or paralyse them with needles, certainly invoke that. They also just look pretty cool in all that red, in my opinion.

But, long story short, this is another content-packed, feature-rich DLC from Poncle. And with Vampire Survivors now being renamed to include The First Survivaton, and a Jujutsu Kaisen-themed spinoff in the works, Poncle don't seem set to end their winning streak anytime soon.

There are still plenty of others which take inspiration from the hit Vampire-themed game with no vampires in it (unless you count crossovers). So check out our list of the best mobile games like Vampire Survivors for some of our favourite picks of the genre!

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Vampire Survivors

• Permanent character death
• Automatic Main Skill casting
• Five free Compasses

One death. That is the full allowance. Which is basically how the concept of permadeath works.

Torchlight: Infinite’s The Unbound server is available now, bringing permadeath to a recurring mid-season event built around faster progress, dangerous modifiers and some crazy builds. Lose the character and the experiment ends there. No second chances.

Unbound - Move to Cast regularly fires your Main Skill while you cross the battlefield. You can clear maps and gain levels more quickly because moving no longer means taking a break from attacking. Reminder: Don’t forget what the server does with mistakes.

The second big change is Unshackled Destiny, which removes the limit on Destiny Installs. Builds can spread considerably further as a result, giving you more ways to prepare for whatever The Unbound decides to throw back.

Then come the five Compasses. Arcana improves the chance of finding Tarot Trials and Secret Paths, while Overrealm guarantees that your first captured Bottle Shadow is Red Quality or better. Outlaw triggers Bonus Supply twice more. Dark Surge raises the chance of Legendary Gear, and Lunaria guarantees a Scarlet Moon Incantation boss encounter. 

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All five are free, although each one also strengthens the enemies standing between you and its rewards. Legendary Gear remains persuasive, even when the route towards it has grown several extra teeth.

That trade is the interesting part. The Unbound does not merely make everything lethal and wait for somebody to fall over. It gives you faster attacks, wider builds and better loot, then asks how much of that advantage you are prepared to exchange for additional danger.

None of these mechanics is guaranteed to reach the regular live server after the event. For now, they belong to the place where a promising character can disappear because you looked away at the wrong moment.

Before risking the run, make sure to claim the latest Torchlight: Infinite codes for some free Primocryst.

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Torchlight: Infinite

• Over 1,000 cities
• 99,000 local questions
• Offline and advert-free

You are stuck in Nuuk with one flight out, a few sea routes and barely enough money for either. Trailmarks asks a simple true-or-false question. Get it right, and the journey continues. Get it wrong and home begins to look considerably further away.

Trailmarks arrives on iPhone in September, with pre-orders now open. This is not the desktop version squeezed onto a smaller screen. The mobile edition was built as a one-handed, card-based trip, dropping its 3D globe while keeping the same world and characters.

Each run moves through more than 1,000 real cities and 99,000 local questions covering history, culture and food. Correct streaks increase your earnings and lower ticket prices, then one mistake sends those fares back up. 

Declining a departure costs mood; buses drain it, and trains or boats may leave you in better shape if you can afford them. Eventually, the kilometres behind you become your final score.

The routes are real too. Flights follow existing connections, trains need tracks and crossing an ocean means reaching a port or saving for airfare. Your completed route is drawn across a map as it grows.

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Mastering starting cities unlocks harder openings, so Singapore’s busy hub eventually gives way to places with far fewer escape options.

Trailmarks also says plainly that its city artwork is AI-generated. Store pages now invite enough detective work whenever an image looks slightly suspicious, so putting that information upfront saves everyone the guessing.

Everything is stored on the device, including its questions, routes and images. There are no adverts, accounts, analytics or tracking, and a run can be paused whenever your mood gives out. It will even work mid-flight, where arguing with a question about your destination feels appropriate.

Trailmarks arrives on iOS on September 4th for a premium of $4.99.

Our list of the best trivia games on iOS has more ways to discover that your general knowledge will not cover the fare home!

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Trailmarks