We live in a crazy world to live in, one of the best proofs of that is Netflix Games. When you initially heard the news, you might have thought that the American streaming giant had dipped its toes into the game development pond. Actually, that’s not the case. With your Netflix subscription, you can play games on your mobile devices. The selection of games in their catalogue is rather impressive, if I do say so myself. Today, we’re going to embark on a little adventure and explore the five best Netflix games on offer.
Also read: 10 Best New Games of May 2023
What Is Netflix Games?
Netflix Games is an online service first unveiled back in 2021. It’s a little added perk with your standard Netflix subscription, giving you the ability to have a go at the growing library of games. You’re free to play any supported games on your mobile devices. The selection is mainly indie games, but don’t let that put you off – there are some absolute gems tucked away in there.
Now, don’t go getting the wrong idea, this service doesn’t stream games online. So, Netflix Games doesn’t operate quite like GeForce Now. It’s more akin to Xbox Game Pass – you can download and play games for nought on your own devices, as long as you’re a subscribed member.
As we are penning this guide, Netflix Games boasts a total of 59 games. This figure does bob up and down, depending on the agreements with the developers. But, no matter how you slice it, we’re confident you’ll find something to your liking, especially among our recommended picks below.
5. Immortality
We’re absolute suckers for Immortality around here. It’s previously nabbed a spot in our top games of 2022. This is one game that can be truly described as a work of art, and you can have a crack at it for free with Netflix Games. It’s the magnum opus of Sam Barlow, who made quite the name for himself with Her Story, and it offers an interactive gaming experience.
In Immortality, you’ll be delving into the puzzling case of actress Marissa Marcel, who’s vanished without a trace. You’ll do this by piecing together various behind-the-scenes footage that’s scattered about. It’s one of the best games to have a go at on mobile, with mechanics that are both familiar and pleasantly surprising.
4. Oxenfree
It’s hard not to smile when writing about games like this. Oxenfree isn’t your run-of-the-mill indie game. Its narrative, gameplay, and storytelling style assure a truly unique experience. It’s from the developers of Afterparty, one of my personal favourites ever – Night School Studio.
Sitting proudly amongst the best games in the Netflix Games library, Oxenfree is an adventure game. It weaves together a tale of supernatural forces, friendships, and a sense of exploration. After a long day, it’s the perfect game to kick back with and clear your mind. And, here’s a little bonus – Oxenfree II is set to launch on July 12, 2023. So, why not get a head start and prepare for the sequel?
3. Reigns: Three Kingdoms
Strategy games have been our companions since the dawn of gaming. We’ve been graced with fantastic games in both real-time and turn-based formats. But what Reigns achieved in 2016 was something else entirely. It approached the strategy genre from a unique angle and successfully carved out a new sub-genre.
In all Reigns games, your gameplay consists of simply choosing between two options. Sometimes, it’s about fortifying your army; At other times, it’s about granting the clergy additional liberties. Your goal is to maintain a delicate balance and extend your reign for as long as possible. Reigns: Three Kingdoms is a variant of this concept, crafted around Chinese history. It’s one of the best Netflix games for those who want to kick back, put their feet up, and don the mantle of an unforgettable emperor.
2. Moonlighter
Aren’t you tired of handing over the gold you painstakingly saved through hours of role-playing games to merchants? The talented team at Digital Sun must have felt the same way, which is why they created the delightful Moonlighter. In this visually appealing indie game, you play as a shopkeeper. You can earn money by selling valuable items to NPCs while uncovering the mysteries lurking just outside your village.
Released in 2018, Moonlighter is a truly special game. It’s a perfect chill-and-play experience, featuring enjoyable gameplay, simple controls, and an intriguing storyline. Beneath its charming appearance lies intricate RPG mechanics and rogue-like gameplay elements that keep players engaged and entertained.
1. Into the Breach
Chess can indeed be a lot of fun, but Into the Breach offers a more thrilling experience. In a confined space, you must outmaneuver increasingly challenging enemies with smart tactical decisions. This involves understanding the capabilities of your own units and planning your moves accordingly. It’s one of the finest experiences in mobile gaming currently available.
Into the Breach features turn-based gameplay. However, this doesn’t make the game dull; On the contrary, it provides an opportunity for the game to showcase its deep, intricate mechanics. If you’ve been bested by your friend in a game of chess, you could propose a rematch in this game. Without a doubt, Into the Breach is among the best games available on Netflix Games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Netflix Have Games to Play?
With a Netflix subscription, you can play more than 55 games on your mobile devices. You don’t stream these games over the internet, you download them directly to your devices. So your Netflix account is required to access the game library. We’ve listed the best games on Netflix above, with highlights from the rest: Kentucky Route Zero, Twelve Minutes, Heads Up and Lucky Luna.
Can I Play Netflix Games Offline?
When you open a Netflix game for the first time, you need to have an active internet connection. The service will verify your ongoing Netflix subscription before granting access to the games. Once the verification is successful, you can play certain games offline. It’s worth testing this feature, as Netflix may require additional verification if it detects unusual activity on your account. Keep in mind that since you’re downloading games directly to your devices, you’re not actually streaming them in the same way you would with movies or TV shows.
Why Did Netflix Add Games?
The launch of Netflix Games is all about exploring potential. Just as Amazon ventured into digital streaming with Prime Video, Netflix is now testing the waters in the gaming industry. Launched in 2021, the service operates in a straightforward manner. Users with an active Netflix subscription can download over 55 top-quality indie games to their mobile devices, likening the service to Xbox Game Pass. As we move forward, it remains to be seen whether Netflix Games will introduce exclusive games that are only available on its platform.
Author Profile
- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.