Summary
Rockstarisn’t just known for making some of the best open-world games of all time—it’s also responsible for some of the best mobile ports in gaming. While many companies churn out low-effort cash grabs when adapting console classics for mobile, Rockstar has consistently delivered premium experiences with full-fledged versions oftheir best games, optimized for touch controls.
These games aren’t just nostalgic trips; they’re proof that a well-made mobile port can preserve gaming history and keep legendary titles alive for a new generation. Whether it’s gunning down enemies inMax Payne’s bullet-time or tearing through Vice City on a stolen motorcycle, these arethe best Rockstar mobile games, ranked.
Despite being one of the most uniqueGrand Theft Autogames ever made,Chinatown Warsnever got the recognition it deserved. Originally released for the Nintendo DS in 2009, it was built around a top-down perspective, stylized comic-book cutscenes, andfast-paced gameplaythat felt like a throwback to the series' roots. It also had one of the most in-depth drug trading mechanics in anyGTAgame, with players flipping narcotics for massive profits across Liberty City.
The mobile version, released in 2010 for iOS and later on Android, carried over everything from the DS version but swapped the second screen’s touch-based minigames for a more streamlined experience. It runs smoothly, and its cel-shaded visuals still hold up. While it doesn’t get the same love as the 3DGTAtitles,Chinatown Warsis a hidden gem that plays great on mobile, delivering aGTAexperience unlike any other.
Bullyhas always been one of Rockstar’s most beloved cult classics, and theAnniversary Editionbrings the game’s chaotic school life to mobile without losing any of its charm. Players step into the shoes of Jimmy Hopkins, a rebellious teen navigating the social hierarchy of Bullworth Academy, where wedgies are currency and detention is inevitable.
This version, released in 2016, is based on the enhancedScholarship Editionand features higher-resolution textures, improved lighting, and even cloud saves. It also includes the original’s side activities, from classroom minigames to bike races and boxing matches. Surprisingly, the touch controls work well, though Bluetooth controllers are the best way to experience the game. For fans of Rockstar’s storytelling looking for a setting that swaps gang wars for school cliques,Bully: Anniversary Editionis one of the best ways to revisit Bullworth.
Liberty City Storieswas a huge deal when it launched on PSP in 2005. It took the world ofGTA3and gave it a fresh coat of paint, introducing smoother gameplay, a better motorcycle physics system, and a fully-fledged storyline that served as a prequel to the console classic. It was also the first timeGTAgot a handheld open-world experience that didn’t feel compromised.
The mobile version, released in 2015, enhances the experience even further with higher-resolution textures, improved draw distance, and smoother frame rates. Liberty City might not be as flashy as Vice City or San Andreas, but it’s still packed with secrets, explosive action, and that classic early-2000sGTAcharm. While not as ambitious as later entries, it’s still one of the best ways to revisit the gritty, rain-soaked streets ofGTA’smost iconic city.
Back in 2001,Grand Theft Auto 3redefined open-world gaming, proving that players didn’t just want levels—they wanted cities to explore, crime sprees to go on, and radio stations packed with hilarious talk shows. It was the game that madeGTAa household name, setting the foundation for everyopen-world titlethat followed.
When it was ported to mobile in 2011 for the game’s 10th anniversary, it was a surprisingly solid experience.GTA 3runs at a stable frame rate, includes custom controls, and retains the full Liberty City experience. While the touch controls can be clunky at times, using a controller makes it feel almost like the PS2 original. Even after all these years, the chaotic freedom ofGTA3is still as fun as ever, and having it on mobile is a reminder of just how groundbreaking it was.
Few games have aged as well asMax Payne. Originally released in 2001, this neo-noir action shooter introduced players to bullet-time gunfights, a tragic detective story, and one of the most iconic protagonists in gaming. It was a game that felt like aHollywood action film, blending slow-motion shootouts with gritty narration and graphic-novel cutscenes.
The mobile version, released in 2012, is a faithful port that includes all the original content but with updated visuals and customizable touch controls. It even supports physical controllers, making the slow-motion combat feel just as smooth as it did two decades ago. It’s still one of Rockstar’s most unique titles, and playing it on mobile is a reminder of whyMax Payneremains a fan-favorite despite being absent from the gaming scene for years.
There’s just something aboutGrand Theft Auto:Vice Citythat never gets old. Whether it’s the neon-lit streets, the 80s soundtrack, or Tommy Vercetti’s rise from small-time crook to kingpin, this is peakGTA. It took everything thatGTA3introduced and made it bigger, better, and more stylish, giving players anopen-world playgroundfilled with fast cars, beachfront mansions, and a whole lot of questionable business deals.
The mobile port, released in 2012, runs surprisingly well for a game that was originally built for the PS2. The visuals have been slightly improved, the touch controls are decent, and the game is just as packed with over-the-top action as ever. Even after all these years, there’s no better feeling than hopping into a stolen sports car, cranking up some Hall & Oates on Flash FM, and cruising through Vice City’s streets like it’s 1986.
No game defined the PS2 era quite likeGrand Theft Auto: San Andreas.It was a massive leap forward, featuring three fully fleshed-out cities, an RPG-like progression system, and a sprawling story following CJ’s rise from small-time hood to crime boss. From gang wars in Los Santos to casino heists in Las Venturas, it wasGTAat its most ambitious.
The mobile version, released in 2013, is shockingly well-optimized, featuring improved character models, better lighting, and customizable controls. While it takes some getting used to on a touchscreen, using a controller makes it feel just as smooth as the original. Whether it’s biking down Grove Street, escaping the cops in a stolen jet, or just causing chaos with a jetpack,San Andreasis still one of thebest open-world experiences ever made—and playing it on mobile just makes it even easier to revisit whenever nostalgia hits.
