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The 20 Best Phone Games To Pass The Time On A Flight


The 20 Best Phone Games To Pass The Time On A Flight


Play Away Those Long Flights

Long flights can feel endless once the in-flight movie options lose their charm. A good phone game can be the perfect escape, keeping your mind busy while the hours slip away unnoticed. Some challenge your reflexes, others your creativity, but all make time disappear. If you are ready to make your next flight feel shorter, then these are the best ones to download before takeoff.

Woman on a plane looking at her phone.Sam Szuchan on Unsplash

1. Monument Valley

When Apple gave Monument Valley its top Design Award in 2014, it wasn’t just for looks—it was for brilliance. This offline puzzle game turns M.C. Escher-style illusions into relaxing challenges, mixing smart geometry with peaceful visuals that make flights feel beautifully short.

flight%20games.jpgMonument Valley on PC!! (Panoramic Edition) by Gab Smolders

2. Alto’s Odyssey

Made for offline play, Alto’s Odyssey is perfect for travelers wanting calm, beautiful entertainment. Its endless desert runs and swirling sandstorms feel alive, while Zen Mode removes any scoring pressure to let you glide through lands in peace.

flight-games-1.jpgAlto's Odyssey Gameplay #1 HD by IPlay

3. Stardew Valley

When developer Eric Barone created Stardew Valley, no one expected it to become a global favorite. You can grow crops, care for animals, explore caves, and build friendships—all offline. It’s a cozy escape for travelers craving a taste of countryside life anywhere.

flight-games-2.jpgStardew Valley Mobile - Gameplay Walkthrough Part 1 - Intro and Tutorial (iOS, Android) by TapGameplay

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4. The Room Series

Long flights can test anyone’s patience, but The Room series makes time disappear. Its detailed puzzles and tactile controls create a mysterious, hands-on experience—all playable offline. These stunning games turn hours in the air into satisfying moments of discovery.

flight-games-3.jpgThe Room (Mobile) | Playthrough #1 by StoryRetold

5. Dead Cells

For players needing deep offline action, Dead Cells brings the full experience to mobile. Its smooth controls and lightning-fast combat keep things exciting, while over 50 weapons and skills offer endless variety. Each randomly generated level makes every flight feel like a new adventure.

flight-games-4.jpgDead Cells Mobile - Gameplay Walkthrough Part 1 - Tutorial (iOS, Android) by TapGameplay

6. Mini Metro

Mini Metro turns city transit into a smart puzzle, as it's inspired by real subway systems like London and New York. You design and manage underground routes as cities grow, guided by minimalist visuals and soothing sounds—perfect for travel downtime.

flight-games-5.jpgMini Metro - Gameplay Showcase (iOS, Android) by TapGameplay

7. Solitaire

When Wi-Fi fades midflight, Solitaire is your go-to travel fix. This timeless card game plays fast and runs smoothly offline. With versions like Klondike and Spider, it’s lightweight fun that saves battery life and keeps boredom far away.

flight-games-6.jpgHow to Win at Solitaire - Tips, Tricks & Strategies - Step by Step Instructions - Tutorial by How to... Solve Puzzles

8. KenKen Classic

What began as a Japanese teacher’s math project became KenKen Classic, a clever puzzle that blends logic and arithmetic. Players fill grids using basic math rules, testing focus and creativity. It’s fully offline, educational, and surprisingly fun for in-flight brain training.

flight-games-7.jpgKenKen Puzzles - How To Solve [LESSON 1] - Step by Step! by Puzzling Games

9. Minecraft (Pocket Edition)

Bring the blocky magic wherever you go with Minecraft: Pocket Edition. After one quick online check, you can build, explore, and survive offline with smooth touch controls. It’s the ultimate way to turn cramped flights into limitless creative adventures in your own world.

flight-games-8.jpgMinecraft: Pocket Edition - Survival - Gameplay Part 1 by Hueldino

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10. Bloons TD 6

Cheerful graphics might suggest a lighthearted game, but Bloons TD 6 delivers a real strategic challenge. How? Its offline tower defense turns balloon-popping fun into smart planning, with over 20 towers and unique upgrades that make time fly by midair.

flight-games-9.jpgBloons TD 6 - Downstream [Hard] Gameplay (No Commentary) by MPlayGaming

11. Vampire Survivors

Once airplane mode switches on, monster-slaying mayhem begins in Vampire Survivors. This one-handed roguelike fills downtime with nonstop action and upgrades. Endless waves of enemies keep you hooked, and best of all, it works perfectly offline.

flight-games-10.jpgVAMPIRE SURVIVORS (ANDROID) GAMEPASS CLOUD GAMING APP GAMEPLAY by PlayMatrix

12. GRID Autosport

Racing fans get the full experience with GRID Autosport, no internet required. Console-quality visuals, 100+ cars, and smooth handling make it feel like a true racing simulator. Play career mode anywhere using touch or controller—it’s freedom for gamers on the go.

flight-games-12.jpgGRID™ Autosport [1080p 60, iPhone XR Gameplay] by iOS Gameplays

13. Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition

A strange wilderness full of shadows and quirky dangers awaits in Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition. Explore and survive in this haunting world that runs offline after setup. It’s the perfect eerie adventure for long flights or quiet layovers.

flight-games-13.jpgDon't Starve: Pocket Editio‪n - Gameplay Walkthrough Part 1 - Tutorial (iOS, Android) by TapGameplay

14. Slay The Spire

Every free moment becomes a test of strategy with Slay the Spire. Its creative deck-building system mixes cards and enemies for endless replay value. Each offline run through its roguelike dungeons offers new tactical twists and fresh surprises.

flight-games-14.jpgSlay the Spire - Gameplay (PC/UHD) by SergiuHellDragoonHQ

15. Reigns

Every swipe of your finger decides the fate of a kingdom in Reigns. Simple gestures control life-or-death choices as you balance your army, church, and citizens. The game plays offline too—just stay careful, or you might lose your crown fast.

flight-games-15.jpgREIGNS Gameplay | SWIPE KING | REIGNS Walkthrough [Part 1] by TheSparrowsJourney

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16. 80 Days

Travel the world in 80 Days, a modern twist on Jules Verne’s adventure classic. Your decisions shape every stop across 150+ cities, each full of story paths and surprises. It’s an elegant, story-driven escape that works beautifully offline.

flight-games-16.jpg80 Days - Why It's a Perfect Game by Triple Iris

17. Crossy Road

A simple idea about getting a chicken across the road evolved into Crossy Road, a brilliant arcade hit. With 150+ characters and tap-and-go controls, it’s easy to play anywhere and is endlessly replayable.

flight-games-17.jpgPlaying Crossy Road (iPad/iOS/Tablet Gameplay Video) by EthanGamer

18. Plants Vs. Zombies

Zombies keep coming, and your backyard army of plants is ready. Plants vs. Zombies still shines as a funny, clever tower defense game. Play fully offline, experiment with zany plant powers, and defend your turf while cruising through the skies.

flight-games-18.jpgPLANTS VS ZOMBIES: The Mobile Game Classic - Diamondbolt by Diamondbolt

19. Kingdom Rush

Tower defense fans find endless fun in Kingdom Rush, especially on flights without Wi-Fi. Its colorful maps and cheeky Easter eggs make each level a joy. Strategic gameplay and offline access keep you entertained at any altitude.

flight-games-19.jpgKingdom Rush™ - iPhone Gameplay Video by iGamesView

20. Limbo

Few mobile games feel as hauntingly beautiful as Limbo. This award-winning puzzle-platformer pairs shadowy visuals with eerie sound design for a slow-burn challenge that plays perfectly offline. Its mysterious story leaves plenty to think about long after the plane lands.

flight-games-20.jpgLIMBO - Gameplay Walkthrough Part 1 (iOS, Android) by TapGameplay