September 2026 brings a diverse lineup of new mobile games, including the mobile debut of Lara Croft And The Temple Of Osiris, the eagerly awaited puzzle game Servant Of The Lake, and a free update for the acclaimed Ball x Pit. This month's releases also feature a heavy-duty expansion for Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor, a relaxing idle fish game, and a tower defense title that falls short of expectations.
New Mobile Game Releases and Updates
While the gaming world anticipates the release of GTA 6, mobile game publishers have not shown signs of adjusting their schedules. September remains a busy month for console and PC titles, but mobile releases are proceeding at a normal pace. Notably, there has been no surge of GTA clones attempting to capitalize on the hype.
Instead, mobile gamers can enjoy the final free update to Ball x Pit, the new Rusty Lake puzzle adventure Servant Of The Lake, and the mellow idle fish simulation Chillquarium. Each offers a distinct experience, from strategic shooting to surreal puzzle-solving.
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor – Heavy Duty Expansion
The Heavy Duty expansion for Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor (iOS, £8.99, Ghost Ship) adds a new character class, the Demolisher, who drives the Rockdozer—a vehicle that shoots flames from its rear. This proves useful against swarms of enemies. The expansion also introduces new weapons, an Egg Hunt mission type where players mine toward alien eggs and face a Brood Nexus boss, and an Endless Mode that continues until the player is overwhelmed.
While the expansion is priced almost as high as the base game, it revitalizes the experience for existing players. The game's blend of mining and swarm management remains engaging, though the core loop can become repetitive over time. Score: 7/10
Ball x Pit: The Naturalist Update
Ball x Pit (iOS and Android, free update, Devolver Digital) receives The Naturalist DLC, adding two new characters and various ball types and abilities. The Ballbearer offers double the ball slots but no passive buffs, while The Hoary Hoarder has just two ball slots but twice the power-ups, making Evolutions a key strength. These contrasting play styles, along with new balls and passives, provide fresh reasons to revisit the game. Score: 9/10
Lara Croft And The Temple Of Osiris
Lara Croft And The Temple Of Osiris (iOS & Android, £7.49, Feral Interactive) is a spiritual successor to Lara Croft And The Guardian Of Light, featuring isometric views and co-op play for up to three friends. The game includes lightweight puzzles and twin-stick shooting with Lara's pistols and the Staff of Osiris. While not as enjoyable as its predecessor, the port is first-rate, with touchscreen controls offering both fixed and context-sensitive options. It requires a newer phone to run smoothly. Score: 7/10
Chillquarium and Servant Of The Lake
Chillquarium (iOS & Android, free, Snapbreak) is an idle fish husbandry sim where players buy randomized fish packs, raise them, and sell them for currency. The game rewards patience, with fish earning money daily and optional feeding via tapping. Ads appear every few minutes but are short. The pixel art and sense of progression are appealing, though the gameplay is simplistic. Score: 6/10
Servant Of The Lake (iOS & Android, £4.99, Rusty Lake) offers a surreal point-and-click puzzle experience. Players serve a unsettling family for three days, solving puzzles within minimalist yet detailed environments. The game's subtle guidance, music, and deadpan humor are highlights, with puzzles requiring satisfying head-scratching. Score: 8/10
Galactic Outlaw: Tower Defence
Galactic Outlaw: Tower Defence (iOS, free, Purplecow) tasks players with shooting upward at space invaders to protect a forcefield. However, the cowboy character auto-aims at the nearest enemy, leaving players only to choose power-ups. The game's highest-priced microtransaction speeds up gameplay, implying a lack of inherent interest. Progress slows significantly, encouraging in-app purchases. Score: 3/10
September's mobile lineup offers a mix of high-quality ports, engaging updates, and a few disappointments. Gamers seeking deep experiences should look to Ball x Pit and Servant Of The Lake, while those on a budget can enjoy free titles like Chillquarium.
