5 Popular Games in China Right Now

China’s gaming scene is massive, unique, and incredibly dynamic. Driven by a huge population with widespread smartphone access, mobile games dominate, often blending deep strategy, rich storytelling, and competitive elements in ways that resonate powerfully locally. If you’re curious about what games are capturing the attention of millions of Chinese players, here are five of the biggest, plus one standout recommendation for global gamers!

1. Honor of Kings (王者荣耀 – Wang Zhe Rong Yao)

• The Behemoth: Simply put, Honor of Kings is a cultural phenomenon in China. Think of it as the undisputed king of Mobile MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas).
• Gameplay: Teams of five players choose unique heroes (many drawn from Chinese history and mythology like Lü Bu or Diaochan) and battle across a map to destroy the enemy’s base. Matches are fast-paced (15-20 minutes), perfect for mobile play.
• Why it’s Huge: Its accessibility is key. It runs smoothly on almost any smartphone. Tencent (its developer) integrated it deeply into China’s dominant social platforms, WeChat and QQ, making playing with friends effortless. Regular updates, flashy esports tournaments with huge prize pools, and a constant stream of new heroes and skins keep players hooked. It’s not just a game; it’s a social hub.
• Global Note: You might know its international counterpart, Arena of Valor, though the hero roster and popularity differ significantly.

2. Genshin Impact (原神 – Yuan Shen)

• The Global Superstar: Developed by Shanghai-based miHoYo (now HoYoverse), Genshin Impact took the world by storm and remains massively popular in its home country.
• Gameplay: This is an open-world action RPG (Role-Playing Game) with stunning anime-style visuals. Players explore the vast, beautiful world of Teyvat, solve puzzles, battle enemies using elemental combinations, and collect a diverse cast of characters (“Genshin” translates roughly to “Original God”).
• Why it’s Huge: Its production quality is exceptional for a free-to-play game, rivaling many console titles. The gacha system (where you spend in-game currency or real money for a chance to get new characters and weapons) drives engagement and revenue, though it’s optional for core exploration. Constant major updates introduce new regions, stories, and characters, keeping the experience fresh for years.
• Global Appeal: Its success perfectly bridges East and West, offering deep lore, engaging combat, and breathtaking worlds accessible on mobile, PC, and consoles.

3. Peacekeeper Elite (和平精英 – Heping Jingying)

• The Battle Royale Powerhouse: This is Tencent’s licensed adaptation of PUBG Mobile specifically for the Chinese market, adhering to local regulations.
• Gameplay: Up to 100 players parachute onto a large map, scavenge for weapons and gear, and fight to be the last person/team standing. The play area shrinks over time, forcing encounters. Controls are optimized for touchscreens.
• Why it’s Huge: It captured the intense thrill of battle royale early on. Its performance on mobile is impressive, and Tencent’s marketing muscle ensured widespread adoption. Regular themed seasons, collaborations, and esports integration maintain its massive player base. It perfectly fits the competitive, quick-session mobile gaming preference.
• Global Note: The core gameplay is identical to PUBG Mobile outside China, but Peacekeeper Elite has unique cosmetic themes and social features tailored for Chinese players.

4. Eggy Party (蛋仔派对 – Dan Zai Pai Dui)

• The Surprise Social Hit: Developed by NetEase, Eggy Party exploded onto the scene as China’s answer to the party game craze, reminiscent of Fall Guys but with its own distinct charm.
• Gameplay: Players control cute, round “Eggy” characters through chaotic obstacle courses and mini-games. The focus is on lighthearted fun, physics-based silliness, and social interaction with up to 32 players per match. Extensive character and accessory customization is a major draw.
• Why it’s Huge: It offers pure, accessible fun that appeals to a broad audience, including younger players and casual gamers. Its vibrant aesthetics and focus on goofy social moments (like pushing friends off ledges!) make it a great stress reliever. User-generated content tools allowing players to create their own levels fuel endless creativity and community engagement. It’s a constant social media presence in China.

5. Justice Online (逆水寒手游 – Ni Shui Han Shou You)

• The Mobile MMORPG Marvel: Developed by NetEase’s renowned Leihuo Studio, this is a high-fidelity mobile MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game) based on a popular Chinese wuxia novel and PC game.
• Gameplay: Players immerse themselves in a breathtakingly detailed ancient Chinese martial arts world (“Jianghu”). They create characters, learn kung fu skills, engage in intricate storylines, explore vast landscapes, participate in large-scale PvP battles and PvE dungeons, and build social connections within guilds.
• Why it’s Huge: It pushes the graphical boundaries of what’s possible on mobile, offering a truly console-like experience. It delivers the deep, social, and progression-heavy gameplay core MMORPG fans crave, directly on smartphones. Its rich world, based on beloved source material, resonates deeply with Chinese players seeking immersive fantasy. Complex character development and extensive social systems encourage long-term play.

Highly Recommended for Global Gamers: Genshin Impact

While all these games offer unique experiences, Genshin Impact stands out as the absolute best recommendation for a global audience wanting to dive into a game beloved in China.

Here’s why:

1. Seamless Cross-Platform Play: Play beautifully on your phone, PC, or PlayStation. Pick up right where you left off on any device. Perfect for flexibility.
2. Stunning World & Accessible Gameplay: Explore the visually spectacular, diverse regions of Teyvat. The core exploration, combat (using simple elemental reactions), and puzzle-solving are incredibly intuitive and satisfying. You don’t need to be a hardcore gamer to enjoy the vast landscapes.
3. Free-to-Play Friendly: While it has gacha mechanics for acquiring new characters and weapons, the entire open world, main storyline, and hours upon hours of content are completely free. You can experience the heart of the game without spending a cent. Strong free characters are provided.
4. Constant, High-Quality Updates: HoYoverse delivers major expansions (like new nations Sumeru and Fontaine) roughly every year, plus smaller updates every 6 weeks. This means new areas to explore, stories to uncover, characters to meet, and gameplay features – constantly revitalizing the experience. It feels like a game that’s always growing.
5. Cultural Bridge: Experience a game deeply rooted in Chinese development talent and artistic influence (especially seen in the Liyue region), but crafted with universal themes, appealing character designs, and storytelling that resonates globally. It’s a fantastic window into the quality and ambition of China’s game development.
6. Engaging Combat & Progression: The elemental combat system (combining fire, water, ice, electricity, etc.) is simple to grasp but offers surprising depth for strategy. Building your characters and teams over time is rewarding.

Getting Started with Genshin: Simply download it for free from your device’s app store (iOS/Android), Epic Games Store, or PlayStation Store. Create an account, and you’re ready to explore! The early game gently guides you through the mechanics. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and experiment with different elements.

Why Understanding China’s Gaming Scene Matters

China isn’t just the world’s largest gaming market by revenue; it’s a trendsetter. The dominance of free-to-play mobile games with deep social integration and live-service models (constant updates, events) heavily influences global development. Games like Genshin Impact prove that mobile-first doesn’t mean lower quality – it can mean groundbreaking, cross-platform experiences. Understanding what’s popular in China offers a glimpse into the future of gaming mechanics, monetization, and community building worldwide.

Ready to Play?

Whether you’re drawn to the intense team battles of Honor of Kings, the chaotic fun of Eggy Party, or the deep world of Justice Online, China’s top games offer diverse experiences. But for a truly accessible, visually stunning, and consistently updated adventure that perfectly bridges the Chinese gaming phenomenon and global appeal, Genshin Impact is the clear winner and our top recommendation. Download it today and see why hundreds of millions of players, in China and beyond, are exploring the world of Teyvat! The next great adventure is free and waiting.