With China remaining a global powerhouse in mobile gaming, 2025 has brought an exciting wave of new and evolving titles that continue to shape gaming trends worldwide. For UK-based gamers, tech enthusiasts, and those who want to learn Chinese online, whether independently or with an online Chinese teacher, these popular games offer not just entertainment but a cultural gateway into modern China.
Here are ten of the most popular mobile games currently captivating millions in China, some of which are already gaining traction in the UK or are ripe for discovery:
Honor of Kings
Tencent’s flagship MOBA, Honor of Kings, is still dominating the Chinese mobile gaming scene. In January 2025 alone, it generated over $185 million in revenue, making it the highest-earning mobile game globally. Featuring Chinese historical and mythological heroes, its appeal lies in its competitive skill-based gameplay and cultural richness, offering UK players a unique opportunity to engage with Chinese storytelling in an interactive format.
DreamStar
Launched by Tencent in late 2023, DreamStar has taken off as a party-style multiplayer game, attracting over 80 million players within its first month. With a strong emphasis on custom content and user-created maps, it reflects the growing appetite for social and creative experiences. For UK-based developers or gamers exploring global trends, DreamStar showcases how Chinese studios are pushing boundaries in casual game design.
Girls’ Frontline 2: Exilium
A strategic, turn-based title set in a dystopian future, Girls’ Frontline 2: Exilium builds on its predecessor’s success with richer narratives and deeper tactical mechanics. The game’s intricate plotlines and anime-style visuals cater well to fans of story-driven games—a genre that’s also thriving in the UK. It’s an intriguing choice for those looking to explore Chinese interpretations of post-apocalyptic themes.
Crossfire: Legends
As a mobile spinoff of the long-standing Crossfire PC shooter, Crossfire: Legends remains one of the top FPS games in China. Its fast-paced action and competitive edge echo global trends in esports and shooter gameplay, making it an appealing title for UK players curious about how the genre is evolving in Asian markets.
Genshin Impact
Already a household name in the UK and beyond, Genshin Impact continues its momentum in China with regular content expansions. Developed by Shanghai-based studio miHoYo, the game blends expansive open-world mechanics with deep lore and gacha systems. Its crossover appeal between East and West highlights how Chinese developers are influencing global gaming standards.
Eggy Party
Eggy Party, by NetEase, delivers light-hearted chaos through a series of competitive mini-games featuring charming egg-shaped avatars. Its success reflects a growing appetite for humorous and easily accessible multiplayer games. UK-based families and casual gamers may find it refreshingly quirky and ideal for quick fun with friends.
Last War: Survival
With its post-apocalyptic setting and base-building strategy, Last War: Survival has carved out a niche among fans of tactical gameplay. Similar to some popular UK titles in the genre, it combines resource management and alliance warfare. Its strategic depth makes it a worthy exploration for players who enjoy planning, progression, and survival elements.
Royal Match
While originally launched by a Turkish developer, Royal Match has become immensely popular in China—and also boasts a significant following in the UK. Its combination of match-3 puzzles and castle-themed progression offers a relaxing alternative to more intense games, making it perfect for casual players of all ages.
Whiteout Survival
This chilling survival sim places players in a brutal, icy environment, testing their ability to adapt, lead, and build. Whiteout Survival stands out with its atmospheric storytelling and strategic challenges. It presents UK players with a fresh survival concept, distinct from the traditional zombie or desert settings often seen in Western games.
Dungeon & Fighters: Origins
The mobile revival of the cult-classic Dungeon & Fighter series, Origins captures the high-octane combat and dungeon-crawling nostalgia of the original. For long-time UK gamers who enjoy arcade-style action, this game offers a bridge between retro appeal and modern mobile convenience.
Final Thoughts
For UK readers, whether gamers, cultural enthusiasts, or language learners, China’s mobile gaming landscape in 2025 is more than just entertainment. It’s a vibrant, evolving reflection of Chinese pop culture, technology, and storytelling. Exploring these games can serve not only as a window into global gaming trends but also as a surprising yet enjoyable aid when trying to learn Chinese or better understand modern China.
So, the next time you pick up your phone, consider downloading one of these titles—you might just find your next favourite game or a new way to connect with a different culture.
