In recent years, the Chinese mobile gaming market has exploded, quickly becoming the largest in the world. With over 600 million mobile gamers, it’s a lucrative and rapidly evolving industry. Popular titles such as Honor of Kings (the Chinese version of Arena of Valor), Genshin Impact, and PUBG Mobile have made waves globally. However, many Western players find themselves perplexed when it comes to navigating the Chinese mobile game scene.
If you’re interested in trying out Chinese mobile games, understanding how to download, install, and play these games outside of China can be a bit tricky. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring that you can immerse yourself in the best mobile games China has to offer.
Why Play Chinese Mobile Games?
Chinese mobile games often offer unique gameplay mechanics, stunning graphics, and innovative monetization strategies that are distinct from their Western counterparts. Here’s why you might want to explore this booming market:
1. Exclusive Titles
Many top mobile games in China are either not available in other regions or offer unique, localized versions. For example, Honor of Kings is a version of Arena of Valor that is exclusive to China, and it features different characters, lore, and gameplay mechanics.
2. Early Access to New Releases
In some cases, games are released in China before anywhere else. This can give players early access to some of the newest and most innovative mobile games before they launch globally.
3. Cultural Differences in Game Design
Chinese mobile games often emphasize social and cooperative gameplay, with features like guilds, chat systems, and social rankings playing a major role. For players seeking more community-oriented gameplay, Chinese titles often deliver a distinct experience.
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How to Play Chinese Mobile Games on Android and iOS
Playing Chinese mobile games isn’t as simple as downloading them from your regional app store. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started on both Android and iOS.
1. Playing Chinese Mobile Games on Android
Step 1: Change Region in Google Play Store
To download Chinese games on Android, you’ll first need to change the region in your Google Play Store account. Here’s how to do that:
- Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
- Go to Settings by tapping on your profile picture.
- Select Account and Device Preferences.
- Look for the Country and Profiles section and select China as your region.
- Follow the prompts and restart the Google Play Store.
Note: Changing regions may limit your access to certain apps from your original country. You can switch back, but there may be a waiting period before you can do so again.
Step 2: Download Chinese App Stores
Some Chinese games may not be available in the Google Play Store, even after changing your region. In this case, you’ll need to download a Chinese app store, such as:
- Tencent App Store (应用宝): Tencent’s official app store with exclusive games.
- TapTap: A popular app store for mobile gamers that often includes Chinese games.
- 360 Mobile Assistant: Another option for finding popular Chinese games.
To download these stores, simply search for them on your browser and download the APK file. After downloading the APK, you’ll need to allow installations from unknown sources on your Android device.
Step 3: Installing and Playing the Game
Once you’ve downloaded the game from one of these stores, install it like any other app. Make sure to have WeChat or QQ accounts ready, as many Chinese mobile games require them for registration.
2. Playing Chinese Mobile Games on iOS
Step 1: Create a New Apple ID
To access Chinese games on iOS, you’ll need to create a new Apple ID that’s set to China as the region. Follow these steps:
- Sign out of your current Apple ID on your device by going to Settings > Apple ID > Sign Out.
- Go to the Apple ID website and create a new Apple ID. Make sure to choose China as the country/region.
- Once the account is created, go to Settings > Sign in to your iPhone, and log in with the new Apple ID.
- You may need to enter a Chinese billing address. You can search for a random Chinese address generator to fill in this part.
Step 2: Download Games from the Chinese App Store
After creating your new Apple ID, open the App Store, and you’ll now be browsing the Chinese version. You can search for and download Chinese mobile games directly from the store.
Step 3: Using WeChat or QQ for Account Creation
As with Android games, many iOS Chinese games require a WeChat or QQ account for registration. Download one of these apps from the Chinese App Store and create an account.
Common Challenges When Playing Chinese Mobile Games
While playing Chinese mobile games can be rewarding, there are some challenges you might face. Below are the most common hurdles and how to overcome them.
1. Language Barriers
The most obvious challenge when playing Chinese mobile games is the language barrier. Most games will only be available in Simplified Chinese, with few offering any English options.
How to Overcome It:
- Use a translation app: You can use apps like Google Translate or Papago to translate on-screen text in real-time using your phone’s camera.
- Join international gaming communities: Many players form online communities where they help each other understand game mechanics and share translated guides.
2. Region Restrictions
Some games may not be available in your country even after switching app stores. Developers often apply region locks to certain games to control their release.
How to Overcome It:
- Use a VPN: If a game is region-locked, using a VPN to connect to a Chinese server can help bypass this restriction.
- Try different app stores: Some games may be available on alternative app stores like TapTap or the Tencent app store, even if they aren’t available in your regional Google Play Store or App Store.
3. Account Registration Issues
Chinese games often require registration with WeChat or QQ accounts, which may pose an issue if you don’t have a Chinese phone number.
How to Overcome It:
- WeChat/QQ International Versions: You can download international versions of WeChat or QQ that allow registration using non-Chinese phone numbers.
- Third-Party Services: Some gamers use third-party services to purchase Chinese phone numbers for verification. However, this approach is not always reliable and may violate the game’s terms of service.
Best Chinese Mobile Games to Play in 2024
Now that you know how to access Chinese mobile games, let’s dive into some of the best and most popular titles worth playing. Here’s a list of top Chinese mobile games that you should consider checking out:
1. Honor of Kings (王者荣耀)
Arguably the most popular mobile game in China, Honor of Kings is a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) game that is extremely similar to games like League of Legends. It features fast-paced action, strategic team-based gameplay, and a diverse roster of heroes.
2. Genshin Impact
While Genshin Impact is globally available, the Chinese version often gets updates and exclusive content earlier than its international counterpart. This action-packed RPG features stunning graphics and an expansive open-world experience.
3. PUBG Mobile (和平精英)
The Chinese version of PUBG Mobile, called Peacekeeper Elite (和平精英), is a slightly altered version of the global game, offering unique in-game events and cultural references catered to Chinese players.
4. Game for Peace
This game is another version of PUBG Mobile, rebranded for the Chinese market with different in-game content, including missions and characters that reflect Chinese culture.
5. Onmyoji (阴阳师)
Onmyoji is a turn-based RPG set in a world inspired by Japanese mythology. The game features beautiful graphics, strategic combat, and a rich story, making it one of the most popular mobile RPGs in China.
Tips for Enjoying Chinese Mobile Games
Here are a few tips to enhance your experience when playing Chinese mobile games:
1. Join International Communities
Many Chinese mobile games have international communities on forums or Discord channels where players share tips, guides, and translations. Joining these groups can be incredibly helpful, especially if you encounter language barriers.
2. Keep Your VPN Handy
Some games may require a Chinese IP address to log in, especially if there are region restrictions. Make sure you have a reliable VPN to bypass these restrictions.
3. Manage Time Zones
Many Chinese games run on servers that are based in China’s time zone (CST), so events and updates may occur at odd hours if you live in a different region. Be mindful of time zone differences when planning to participate in game events or updates.
4. Learn Basic Chinese Phrases
Learning a few basic Chinese phrases can help you navigate the menus more easily and enjoy a smoother gameplay experience. Common gaming phrases like “start game,” “battle,” and “settings” can go a long way in enhancing your gameplay.
Conclusion: Dive into China’s Mobile Gaming World
The Chinese mobile gaming market is vast, filled with exciting and unique titles. While it may take a little extra effort to access and play these games outside of China, the experience is often rewarding. Whether you’re looking for competitive multiplayer games like Honor of Kings or immersive RPGs like Onmyoji, there’s something for everyone in the Chinese mobile game scene.
With this guide, you now have the tools and knowledge to navigate the world of Chinese mobile games and enjoy some of the best gaming experiences out there. Happy gaming!
