Detective games have a special appeal, don’t they? They let you solve puzzles, crack codes, and feel like the smartest person in the room—if only for a bit. The best part? You don’t need a high-end gaming setup or hours of free time to enjoy them. With the right mobile game, you can be an investigator anytime, anywhere.
Whether it’s solving a complex mystery, interrogating suspects, or piecing together clues, detective games keep you hooked. But not all of them are worth your time. Some are overloaded with ads, while others are clunky or just not fun.
That’s where this list comes in. I’ve done the work to bring you the best mobile detective games—those with great stories, smart puzzles, and just the right amount of challenge. So, grab your phone and dive into the world of mystery. You might just find your next favorite game.
And if you’re into hidden object games, check out this list for some great picks.
Best Free Detective Games on Mobile
Tiny Room Stories: Town Mystery
If you love a good mystery and enjoy flexing your puzzle-solving skills, Tiny Room Stories: Town Mystery is a must-try. You play as a detective returning to your hometown, only to find it eerily empty. Your job? Piece together what happened by solving puzzles, exploring 3D environments, and unlocking hidden secrets.
This game is ad-supported, but the ads are minimal and don’t disrupt the flow. You might see one between chapters or when restarting a level, but that’s about it. No energy system here—thankfully! You can play at your own pace without waiting for a bar to refill. There are in-app purchases, but they’re not in your face. You can buy hints or skip puzzles if you’re stuck, but it’s not a requirement to progress.
The immersive 3D visuals and creative puzzles are the real stars here. It’s like an escape room combined with a detective story, and each chapter keeps you hooked. It’s free to download, so there’s no harm in giving it a shot. Just prepare to lose track of time as you dive deeper into its mysteries.
Criminal Case
Criminal Case is a classic in the detective game genre, and for good reason. You join the Grimsborough police to solve crimes by finding hidden objects, analyzing clues, and interrogating suspects. It’s a bit like playing CSI, but from the comfort of your phone.
The game does have an energy system, but it’s pretty generous—perfect for casual gaming. Energy regenerates over time, or you can earn it by completing tasks. Ads are there, but they’re mostly optional (like watching one for extra energy), so they don’t feel intrusive. In-app purchases exist for boosts and energy refills, but you can easily enjoy the game without spending a dime.
What makes this game fun is its variety. The hidden object scenes are well-designed, and the storylines are surprisingly engaging. Plus, the game constantly adds new cases, so there’s always something fresh to tackle. It’s great for those who love a mix of puzzles and storytelling.
Who Is The Killer? Episode I
This game feels like a classic whodunit novel brought to life. You’re trapped in a castle with seven characters, and one of them is a murderer. Every day, you interrogate the others, gather clues, and try to figure out who the killer is before they strike again.
The gameplay is straightforward and addictively fun, though you’ll need to use your logic skills to spot contradictions in the suspects’ stories. There’s no energy system, which is a big win. Ads are present but not overwhelming—you’ll mostly encounter them when using the hint system. There are in-app purchases for extra hints or clues, but they’re totally optional.
What makes Who Is The Killer? stand out is its suspenseful atmosphere. You’ll feel the pressure to make the right choice as the days tick by. It’s a great pick if you enjoy deduction games with a touch of drama.
Nobodies: Murder Cleaner
Ever wondered what it’s like to clean up after a hit? In Nobodies: Murder Cleaner, you’re not solving crimes—you’re covering them up. Working for a shady government agency, your task is to dispose of bodies and evidence without leaving a trace.
This game is free to play, with the occasional ad when transitioning between levels. The ads are short and not invasive, so they won’t ruin your experience. There’s no energy system, meaning you can play as much as you want in one sitting. In-app purchases are available for hints, but you’ll rarely feel the need to buy them.
What makes this game so entertaining is its unique premise and the clever puzzles. You’ll need to think creatively to clean up each crime scene, often using tools and items in unexpected ways. It’s quirky, darkly funny, and surprisingly satisfying for puzzle fans.
Life is Strange
Life is Strange takes a more narrative-driven approach to the detective genre. You play as Max, a photography student who discovers she can rewind time. As you navigate her story, you’ll make choices that shape the outcome of the game while uncovering secrets about the people around you.
The first episode is free, making it easy to see if it’s your vibe. Subsequent episodes are paid, but there’s no energy system or ads to deal with—just uninterrupted storytelling. There’s no pressure to buy anything unless you want to continue the story, so it’s refreshingly unobtrusive.
The game’s strength lies in its emotional storytelling and beautiful art style. It’s less about solving puzzles and more about exploring relationships and making decisions with real consequences. If you’re looking for a detective game with heart, this one’s for you.
An Elmwood Trail
If unraveling mysteries and solving puzzles sounds like your idea of fun, An Elmwood Trail should be your next download. You play as a detective investigating the disappearance of Zoey Leonard, an 18-year-old who went missing in the strange, forest-adjacent town of Riverstone. It’s the kind of game that pulls you in with its compelling story and keeps you hooked with clever puzzles and interactive tools.
One of the best parts? There’s no energy system slowing you down. You can immerse yourself in the mystery for hours without waiting for bars to refill. Ads are rare and mainly pop up if you use hints, so they won’t interrupt your gameplay. The game also offers some optional in-app purchases, like the ability to remove ads or unlock bonus content called “Sidetrails,” but they’re not pushy. You can enjoy the entire main story without spending a cent.
What makes An Elmwood Trail special is its immersive design—you’ll use tools like a messenger app to question suspects, a visual suspect board to connect the dots, and even Zoey’s diary for clues. It’s all about feeling like a real detective.
Duskwood: Detective Story
In Duskwood, you’re thrust into the middle of a chilling case where a woman named Hannah has gone missing, and her friends are trying to figure out what happened. The twist? You play through the story via text messages and chat conversations, adding a unique, immersive feel to the narrative. Your decisions shape the outcome, and each choice could lead to new discoveries—or dead ends.
The game is free to download and mostly ad-supported, but the ads are minimal and won’t disrupt the gameplay too much. You’ll likely encounter them after certain conversations or while waiting for chat responses, but they aren’t overly intrusive. There’s no energy system to worry about, so you can dive into the story at your own pace without worrying about waiting for resources to replenish.
While it does have in-app purchases (like hint packs and extra content), they’re not pushed in your face. You can progress without spending a dime, and the purchases are just there if you want a little extra help or faster progression.
Best Paid Detective Games on Mobile
If you want to avoid ads and energy systems, the best way to go is to get a paid game. These usually aren’t too expensive, but keep in mind that you’ll have to make that one-time purchase at the start.
Ace Attorney Series
If courtroom drama with a side of hilarity sounds like your thing, you need to check out the Ace Attorney series. These games let you step into the polished shoes of Phoenix Wright, a defense attorney who somehow ends up solving the most bizarre cases imaginable. With dramatic courtroom showdowns, quirky characters, and plenty of twists, it’s a mix of mystery-solving and legal battles that’s as fun as it is unique.
The mobile versions of Ace Attorney bring the classic gameplay to your phone, with the first trilogy being the perfect starting point. You’ll investigate crime scenes, gather evidence, and cross-examine eccentric witnesses until you finally yell, “Objection!” at just the right moment.
While the games aren’t free (they’re premium purchases upfront), they don’t have ads or energy systems to worry about. Once you buy the game, you’re set for hours of uninterrupted storytelling and clever puzzles. And if you’re a sucker for good writing, this series will have you hooked—the dialogue is sharp, often hilarious, and surprisingly emotional when it needs to be.
Whether you’re a mystery fan, a puzzle enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good laugh, Ace Attorney is worth every penny. You’ll laugh, you’ll think, and you might even learn a thing or two about the law (well, sort of).
The Vigil Files: Case 1
If you’re a fan of immersive detective experiences, The Vigil Files: Case 1 is a game that should be on your radar. This realistic detective game places you in the role of a private investigator working to solve a missing person’s case. What sets it apart is its use of real-world tools and resources—you’ll find yourself scouring the internet, hacking into systems, and deciphering clues that feel authentic and engaging.
The game is a premium title, meaning there’s an upfront cost but no in-app purchases or ads to interrupt your experience. This allows for uninterrupted gameplay, letting you fully immerse yourself in the investigation without any distractions.
The Last Express
Set aboard the luxurious Orient Express in 1914, The Last Express follows Robert Cath, a doctor who finds himself tangled in a web of political intrigue, murder, and conspiracy. You’ll interact with a diverse cast of characters and try to piece together the truth before it’s too late.
The game offers a unique real-time gameplay mechanic—everything happens as you play, and characters move around, engage in conversations, and react to events. It creates a truly dynamic experience, where no two playthroughs are exactly alike. The visuals, although not flashy by today’s standards, are rich and detailed, giving you a sense of stepping into the past.
There are no energy systems or in-your-face ads to worry about here. It’s a premium game with a one-time purchase, so you can enjoy the entire experience without being interrupted by ads or forced purchases. The narrative is the real highlight, with a complex plot that keeps you on your toes.
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