App stores are full of games, but many of the most successful games are largely successful because they make a lot of money through ads or in-app purchases. We think this is not going well. You can download or purchase these games once and then play them without hassle – and we have two more golden tips for you.

There’s something to be said for ads or in-app purchases: games that wouldn’t otherwise exist now exist. Or now everyone can try games that would otherwise be expensive for free. Fortnite, for example, has not had much success, either among players or developer Epic. But not every game is better if new levels and other fun things are always present behind the push button. Sometimes, you just want to play the old-fashioned way, from start to finish.

Stardew Valley

One of the best games in this specific genre of relaxing farm simulation games. Stardew Valley has the visual charm of an old-school game, but the versatile appeal of a modern game.

You get a farm that you have to maintain yourself, and you can make it as crazy as you want. Track your crops and animals manually, or make everything bigger and bigger with sprinklers and the like: you really start to think like a little digital farmer. Few games from recent years can enthrall you as much as Stardew Valley: you really think about your harvest during the day.

After a one-time purchase, there are no in-app purchases in Stardew Valley. Although the game was first released in 2016, it is still receiving updates. Major update 1.6 is still on its way for mobile users, and adds, among other things, completely new designs to your farm.

Stardew Valley Fare €5.99 for iPhone and iPad And €4.89 for Android. For Apple Arcade subscribers, it’s included for free as Stardew Valley+.

Monument Valley 1 and 2

They’re still two of the best mobile games, and you wish there was a new one every few years. Each level is designed to be a beautiful optical illusion based on the example of MC Escher. The stairs that go up and to the side, the shadow that suddenly turns into a bridge: every puzzle is completely clever and that’s how you feel when you solve it.

Moreover, everything looks beautiful, and the beautiful story is told without words. Strictly speaking, the first game includes an in-app purchase for eight additional levels, but you don’t need to purchase those levels to enjoy the base game.

Monument Valley costs 3.99 for iOS And 2.99 for Android. Monument Valley 2 cost 3.99 for iOS And 2.99 for Android. Both games are also included for free to Apple Arcade subscribers, as Monument Valley+ and Monument Valley 2+.

Alto Odyssey

A great, relaxing kind of snowboarding game. You glide through beautiful mountains and often have the most beautiful sunsets or starry skies behind them. In the meantime, you have to collect coins and try to complete tasks, for example, by doing certain tricks or fulfilling certain conditions.

A game with enough challenge to keep you busy, but also so calm and carefree that you can easily play it when you want to relax for a few minutes. This is a tough addition to this list. Namely: for iPhone and iPad there is one Buy 5.99 Relax and enjoy the game without ads or in-app purchases – and this game also has Apple Arcade version Which is included for subscribers. It’s on Android Free to downloadbut unfortunately with ads and in-app purchases.

Vampire survivors

This game has paid DLC, but the base game is completely free and that is quite a challenge. In this game, you have to survive as long as possible amidst an incredible number of enemies bombarding you. You earn money by doing this, buy weapons or spells with it and last longer in the next round.

That’s the whole game, as simple as it can be. You can operate it with one thumb, and it’s perfect for your phone. It is precisely this simple approach that makes it such a wonderfully addictive game. You are working all the time to achieve a new, attainable goal, always taking one step further.

Vampire survivors are here Free for iOS And Free for Android.

Mini metro

A game in which you have to deliver new stations for a growing metro network. More and more people are using these stations, so you have to build new stations. Terminal stops, intermediate stops or large hubs: they all have advantages and disadvantages.

The whole game is a relaxing race against time, because you have to make sure that the trains keep running on time as best as they can. The balance between overwhelming and challenging is right here – until it doesn’t get too good and the entire Subway house of cards collapses. And then you start again.

Mini Metro is here for just that 3.99 for iOS And for 1.19 for Android.

Bonus tip: Check your subscriptions

As you can see, a number of the above games are also available in Apple Arcade. This version is always free to subscribers, and contains no ads or in-app purchases. Apple Arcade’s offer is now very large, with both games that can only be played on Apple Arcade, and games that cost extra money or contain all kinds of in-app purchases.

Do you use multiple Apple services like Apple Music and Apple TV? Then it can be cheaper with an Apple One subscription, and then you get Apple Arcade “for free,” so to speak. More than 200 games, from classic mobile devices to brand new ones expertly distributed with all in-app purchases. A real convenience, especially for parents who want to do away with the hassle of making another in-app purchase.

Netflix subscribers should also pay attention, as this subscription also includes several built-in games. You can simply download it for free for iOS and Android, but it can only be played with an active Netflix subscription. This offer has also grown significantly, for example, excellent Desta, from the makers of Monument Valley. or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, also included with Netflix. classic cue Or an indie hit Hades. You can also play GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas with your Netflix subscription.

Enough choice to enjoy mobile gaming without going crazy with ads and in-app purchases. And one final consideration: the success of in-app purchases lies in the small amount, but with a few euros you can already reach the price of the games mentioned above. And if you do the math a little more, the above subscriptions can be cheaper, with a larger selection of games. Because it’s notable: Most of the games on this list are a bit older. Many new and good games these days don’t have an in-app purchase, but are included in the subscription.

Read more buying tips at Bright Stuff.