5 best Hero Collector mobile games to play in 2024

In recent times, Hero Collector mobile games have mastered rich storytelling and strategic combat, while boasting a collection of powerful characters. In 2024, mobile gaming in this genre continues to innovate, with fresh mechanics that depend on immersion and player agency. The core gameplay loop of hero collectors revolves around recruiting unique characters with distinct skills and synergizing them into a cohesive team.

In this article, we list five games that have fresh mechanics, unique art styles, and complex systems that make collecting and battling with heroes an engaging and rewarding experience.

Note: This list is based on the author's opinion and is in no particular order.

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List of 5 Hero Collector mobile games to download today

1) Honkai: Star Rail

Honkai has a unique facial expression system that expresses genuine sentiments. (Image via HoYoverse)

Honkai Star Rail redefines the hero collector mobile game genre with its focus on turn-based combat and stunning Ghibli sci-fi aesthetic. The core gameplay loop revolves around recruiting characters with distinct elemental abilities and strategically pairing them to exploit enemy weaknesses.

As the game progresses, it introduces complex battle systems, which add layers of depth. The game is set in a new HoYoverse space fantasy in which players get to experience the galaxy's infinite wonders filled with adventure and thrills.

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2) AFK Journey

AFK Journey has a hex hex-based map. (Image via Lilith Games)

Set in the magical fantasy world of Esperia, AFK Journey capitalizes on the idle mobile game aspect of hero collectors. The core gameplay loop is to let characters continue to progress and earn rewards even when players aren't actively engaged. The distinctive aspect of the title is its balance between accessibility and strategic, balanced depth.

While the game is designed to be played in short bursts, maximum impact is dependent on building a balanced roster of heroes with complementary skills, buffs, and debuffs. It features deep progression systems where players unlock new abilities, fears, and talents as heroes level up. The focus on auto-battling also allows players to experiment with different combinations of heroes.

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3) Ezetta Prophecy

Elves, Humans, and Demons live in Ezetta's world. (Image via GaeaMobile)

Ezetta Prophecy breaks new ground in the hero collector mobile game genre by incorporating roguelike mechanics. The core gameplay loop involves players embarking on procedurally generated dungeons, where they recruit heroes with randomized abilities. The game places a strong emphasis on risk and reward with its permadeath and tactical decision-making.

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4) Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact has been awarded consistently over the last 2 years for cross-platform hero collector RPG (Image via HoYoverse)

Genshin Impact continues to dominate hero collectors' mobile games by blending open-world exploration with deep character-driven gameplay. The core loop involves recruiting heroes from different elemental classes and using their abilities to explore a vast world filled with puzzles.

The game's combat system emphasizes elemental interaction, where combining the abilities of different heroes creates powerful synergy effects. Players are encouraged to experiment with team compositions to maximize their damage output in battles.

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5) Tower of Fantasy

Tower of Fantasy has freeform character development. (Image via Hotta Studio)

Tower of Fantasy takes the hero collector mobile game formula and adds an addictive multiplayer twist. The gameplay requires players to explore an open world while collecting characters. What sets this game apart is its unique integration of multiplayer features, allowing players to team up with others in real time to tackle enemies, dungeons, and world events.

The game's combat system is fast-paced, focusing on the action and precise timing rather than a turn-based strategy. With its expansive customization options, from character appearance to weapon upgrades, this game ensures that players feel a deep sense of ownership over their heroes.

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