Mobile Games of the Moment: January 2026

It might be a new year, but we’re still on the hunt for the best mobile gaming experiences releasing this month. For January 2026, the mobile games of the moment seem to all feature a theme of comfort gaming, whether it’s a cozy management sim, all-ages creativity, or hopping into one of the most historic franchises of all time. Let’s take a look at three games that we’ll be playing all January long in this entry of Mobile Games of the Moment for the first month of 2026.

Treasure Flea Market – Happy Grace Studio

HappyGrace Studio, based in Japan, has launched its cozy simulation game, Treasure Flea Market, for iOS and Android devices this month in English. The game invites players to view heaps of unwanted goods and items as more than just discarded trash. By crafting, reviving, and even selling your refurbished items at the flea market, you can ensure nothing goes to waste in this game that offers opportunities for creativity and conservation.

With its wonderful chibi art style and soft color palette, this game looks like my go-to for a morning cup of coffee or a pre-bedtime game session.

Crayola Create and Play+ Paddington Event – Red Games Co, LLC

This one goes out to parents looking for a game that won’t rot their children’s brains. Built in collaboration with experts at the Smithsonian Institution, Crayola Create and Play+ is a highly-rated game for all ages on Apple Arcade. This month, on January 22, Paddington the Bear is back for another limited-time exclusive event. Players will spend a special snowy day with Paddington, enjoying a range of winter-themed activities and games, such as building a snowman, creative cake decorating, cozy coloring, and more.

From princesses to dinosaurs, crayons to glitter, and even coding logic to get your little one ready for their future as a programmer, Crayola Create and Play+ is a marvel of educational game design. I don’t have a child, but I’ve downloaded it from Apple Arcade a few times to see what it offers, and it’s so vibrant and engaging. I’m not surprised so many parents have this one downloaded for when their child wants a bit of screen time.

Call of Duty: Mobile: Season 1 – Frozen Abyss – Activision

Last, but certainly not least, if we’re talking player count and prestige, Call of Duty: Mobile: Season 1 – Frozen Abyss launches on January 14th. This update and new batch of content bring the arrival of the Codename: Lazarus – Cosmic Wrath Mythic Operator, a winter-themed Battle Pass featuring the new LC10 SMG – Tracker and Inflatable Decoy Tactical, and plenty of events and challenges to keep you busy.

There are millions of people playing the mobile version of Call of Duty on Android or iOS monthly, so the launch of a true battle pass system seems exciting and strategic if you’re Activision. If there are mobile games of the moment this January that you’re checking out that we missed, let us know in the comments!