In 2009, Rovio released a little mobile game called Angry Birds for the Maemo and iOS platforms—and it sparked a massive wave in mobile gaming. Back then, it was hard to find a smartphone without Angry Birds installed on it.
Now, more than a decade after its December 11, 2009 release, the Angry Birds franchise has become a major part of global pop culture, expanding into animated series, blockbuster movies, and countless spin-off games.
Of course, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. While there have been smash hits like Angry Birds 2 and Angry Birds Match, there were also less successful experiments, such as the quirky Bad Piggies and the disappointing crossover Angry Birds Rio.
Today, to celebrate over ten years of these iconic birds, we’re looking back at six of the best and most memorable games in the Angry Birds series.
Angry Birds 2: A Return to the Classic Formula
Years after the original launch, mobile gaming had changed dramatically. Many Angry Birds spin-offs started exploring new genres like racing and tile-matching.
But then came Angry Birds 2 in 2015—a true return to the classic slingshot gameplay that fans loved. The game didn’t just bring back the original magic; it improved on it with better graphics, deeper gameplay, new characters, and hundreds of stages.
One downside was the heavy presence of in-app purchases, which slightly affected the gameplay experience. Still, the updates over time expanded the game significantly, and as of now, Angry Birds 2 continues to add events—like a special 10-year anniversary event—keeping it fresh and exciting.
Fun Fact: Upon release, Angry Birds 2 had 240 levels, and it received a score of 8/10 from major gaming sites.
Angry Birds Dream Blast: A Light and Fun Puzzle Adventure
Angry Birds Dream Blast offers a lighter, more casual experience compared to the mainline games. With its colorful, whimsical graphics and super simple gameplay, it quickly became a favorite among players looking for a relaxing way to pass the time.
In Dream Blast, you tap on groups of matching bubbles to clear stages. Rovio themselves positioned it not as a hardcore puzzle game, but as a casual, fun distraction—perfect for waiting rooms, commutes, and lazy afternoons.
To celebrate the series’ 10th anniversary, Dream Blast even introduced special events exploring the history and evolution of the Angry Birds characters.
You can download this vibrant, ~200MB game for free on iOS and Android—and play offline whenever you want.
Angry Birds Evolution: A Bold New RPG Twist
Perhaps the most ambitious departure from the traditional formula, Angry Birds Evolution introduced full-fledged RPG gameplay into the world of Angry Birds.
Gone was the 2D slingshot mechanic. Instead, players built teams of birds and engaged in turn-based battles against the villainous pigs, who once again threatened the precious eggs.
The game features over 100 characters across five different classes, allowing for deep strategy and team-building. There are also PvP battles, massive events like the Oinktagon, and special game modes like Eagle’s Mountain.
With high-end graphics and a rich progression system, Angry Birds Evolution stands as one of Rovio’s most technically impressive games—and a must-play for RPG fans.
Angry Birds Friends: Classic Slingshot, Competitive Multiplayer
After exploring several offline and single-player games, Rovio decided to create a full online multiplayer experience with Angry Birds Friends.
This version keeps the 2D slingshot gameplay but adds global tournaments, weekly challenges, and competitive rankings. Players can face off one-on-one in the Star Cup, or climb the leaderboard in weekly tournaments featuring 20 new levels added each week.
Angry Birds Friends requires a constant internet connection, but offers a fresh, competitive twist for those who want to be the best bird-slinger in the world.
The game weighs about 250MB and is available for free on both the App Store and Google Play.
Angry Birds Match 3: A Sweet and Colorful Puzzle Spin-Off
Angry Birds Match 3 is another game that strayed far from the traditional formula—but did so with great success. Borrowing heavily from games like Candy Crush, it’s a classic match-three puzzle game starring the Angry Birds.
Players must match three or more similar icons to complete missions within a limited number of moves. It’s simple, highly addictive, and incredibly polished.
With vibrant visuals, charming animations, and tons of varied stages and challenges, Angry Birds Match 3 stands tall as one of the best casual games in the series. It’s perfect for puzzle fans looking for a quick yet satisfying gaming fix.
Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs: Bringing the Birds Into the Real World
One of the latest and most innovative entries in the series is Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs. This game uses augmented reality (AR) technology to bring the classic Angry Birds gameplay right into your living room!
Using your smartphone camera, you can physically walk around structures made by the pigs and fire birds from a first-person perspective. It’s an incredibly immersive and interactive twist on the familiar formula.
With 70 stages at launch and more being added over time, Isle of Pigs offers a refreshing, high-tech way to experience the Angry Birds universe. The graphics are crisp, the AR execution is smooth, and the game is available for free on mobile platforms.
Final Thoughts: Angry Birds’ Ongoing Legacy
After more than a decade, the Angry Birds series remains one of the most iconic and beloved franchises in gaming history.
Whether you’re a fan of classic slingshot action, casual puzzles, strategic RPG battles, or cutting-edge AR experiences, there’s an Angry Birds game out there for you.
And with Rovio’s continued creativity and innovation, it’s safe to say that the future still holds plenty of new adventures for these angry little birds.
