Car-building games have been around for a while on PCs and consoles targeted at a community of car lovers who prefer knowing their vehicles inside and out. With a flourishing mobile gaming industry, it only makes sense for developers to port their creations to these mini-gaming consoles in everyone’s pockets.
The limited computing power of smartphones restricts developers from stretching their legs and bringing their best work to the world. Hence, games often end up with compromised graphical abilities or gameplay dynamics. Thankfully, there are few that end up achieving the right balance between the compromises and offer a gameplay that’s as fun as the ones found on PCs, if not better.
We rounded up a list of some great car-building games for iOS recently. Now, it is time to indulge Android users. Unlike iOS, Android’s open-source nature makes it easy for developers to try new concepts and appeal to players. Whether you have a basic entry-level Android phone or a flashy foldable phone with the latest Qualcomm processor, these games are designed to run equally well on all kinds of devices.
Hence, if the car enthusiast inside you is yearning to pick up some virtual tools and fix/build a couple of cars while on the move, these are some of the best car-building games on Android that we think should do the job well.
Best car-building games on Android
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Released in: 2018
Publisher: Digital Melody Games
If you love tinkering with car parts and wish to experience the rush of a car restoration and building shop, Car Mechanic Simulator 21 should be on your list of games to try. Whether you are fettling the suspension linkage or rebuilding the combustion chamber, this game lets you access the core parts of a car and build it on your terms. You have to take care of the scratches on the body panels and even take them to the detailing shop for a top-notch job.
As the mechanic, you also get to take the vehicle out for a test run before delivering it to your customer. From camper vans to sports cars and tow trucks, there’s a lot to play with in Car Mechanic Simulator 21.
(Image Credits: Digital Melody Games)
Released in: 2016
Publisher: Zynga
What’s more fun than just modifying and restoring your cars? Racing, right? With CSR 2, you are bound to get your adrenaline flowing like an overflowing dam.
CSR 2 is essentially a drag-racing video game that has built up a solid car customisation department over the years. Not just colours, the game lets you attach stylish body kits, the coolest wheels, sick body wraps, vinyl and a lot more. Although you don’t get to fettle with engine and suspension components, you can tune it to your heart’s content.
Once the garage work is done, you get to pit your tastefully modded supercar against another player or AI on a drag strip. The visuals are stunning and the racing action is intense. Whether you are rocking an entry-level Android phone or a top-tier foldable flagship, CSR 2 runs great.
(Image Credits: Zynga)
Released in: 2023
Publisher: RUSYA
In Car Company Tycoon, you are tasked to deal with the economics of the auto manufacturing business while creating the ride of your dreams. Whether it is the engine configuration, the body type, the paint scheme, the market’s feedback or managing your position in the market, you get to be the boss and do things your way. The game lacks the flashy graphics of some of its competitors but the gameplay bit is where this title nails it. If you love strategy games, you should try it out.
(Image Credits: RUSYA)
Released in: 2022
Publisher: Digital Melody Games
Car Mechanic Simulator Racing is the perfect video game for everyone willing to get dirty with car parts and tools. Although you get to test drive the automobiles you worked on before delivery, this game is all about stripping down the car to its parts and working on the root cause. Whether it is a damaged shock absorber or an air filter that needs replacement, it is you who needs to get the job done.
The detailing of the parts is immaculate and the variety of repairs coming to your shop keeps the gameplay fresh.
(Image Credits: Digital Melody Games)
Released in: 2023
Publisher: Hutch Games
Forza Customs takes a huge diversion from its console and PC versions.
On Android and iOS, this game marries the concept of simple car modding and puzzle solving. As the modder, you are tasked to solve a couple of Candy Crush-like puzzles and earn points, which can then be used to move ahead with your modification process. You need points to strip down each part and bolt on new ones. The game lets you choose from three options for each part and build the ultimate version of your dream car.
This one is best recommended for kids and new players who are largely unfamiliar with the workings of a car.
(Image Credits: Hutch Games)
Released in: 2023
Publisher: Digital Melody Games
Is there a car-building game on Android that also indulges those with OCD issues? We have found one. Check out Car Detailing Simulator 2023.
This game is more than just modifying parts and creating custom builds. This one is all about the art of car detailing. Instead of repairing components, your job here is to take rusty old cars and turn them into showroom condition. You get various kinds of tools to clean up fogged-up glasses and headlamps, remove rust, polish the body, take care of the scratches, vacuum clean the interiors and a lot more. The game also lets you upgrade certain body parts to make them even more appealing.
If cleaning your car is a regular weekend ritual, this game is right up your alley.
(Image Credits: Digital Melody Games)
Released in: 2019
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Nobody does car building better than Need For Speed! This franchise defined the car customisation genre in the mid-2000s with blockbuster titles and now, it lets you experience that on your Android device. NFS Heat Studio, as the name suggests, was released a few years ago as a companion app for NFS Heat players who want to continue modding their cars while being away from their PCs and consoles.
However, even without the main PC game, NFS Heat Studio offers a lot of exotic cars rendered in high resolution to fettle. From custom body parts to colours and paint texture, this game proves to be nirvana for car lovers. The game was last updated in 2019 and may occasionally suffer from performance issues but once you get it running, it satisfies your need for modding.
(Image Credits: Electronic Arts)
Released in: 2018
Publisher: CarX Technologies
CarX Drift Racing 2 might be a drift racing game at heart but its extensive car modification system should take care of fans of car building.
This is one of the very few games on Android that lets you take a stock Mazda MX-5 and convert it into a professional drift vehicle with fat tyres, wide body kit, cool body wraps, upgraded engines and a lot more. Once you are done with the build, you get to take it out on picturesque drift tracks across the world and compete with talented individuals who share your passion. The driving physics is as good as it gets in a mobile game and the drift action is adrenaline-pumping.
(Image Credits: CarX Technologies, LLC)
Released in: 2023
Publisher: CarX Technologies
CarX Street offers the same levels of insane customisation and car-building features as CarX Drift Racing 2 but in an en-world ‘arcadey’ setting. Think of this as a modern-day NFS Underground 2 with nicer graphics for your smartphone!
Although the game encourages you to drive and race, the car customisation section could hook you for hours at a stretch. Whether you want to build a wolf in sheep’s clothing or a completely tricked-out sportscar that showcases your personality on the virtual streets, CarX Street has something for everyone. This is currently the most happening car game for racing fans on Android.
(Image Credits: CarX Technologies, LLC)
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(Hero and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Hutch Games)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Car Mechanic Simulator 21 is one of the best car-building games for Android.