Saints Row The Third Remastered on Mobile: Worth It?

Yes, Saints Row The Third Remastered is worth buying on mobile if you want a full, open-world action game on your phone and can accept its large file size and touch-screen compromises. The port delivers the complete remastered campaign with all DLC, improved visuals, and solid performance on modern devices, but the controls and initial download size require consideration before you commit. This article breaks down the controls, performance, features, and value to help you decide.

Background: From Console to Mobile

Saints Row: The Third originally launched in 2011 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. The Remastered version, released in 2020 for current consoles and PC, rebuilt the game with enhanced lighting, textures, and character models. In 2023, the mobile port brought this remastered experience to iOS and Android, developed by a studio specializing in mobile conversions. The mobile version includes the base game plus all three story DLC packs (Enter the Dominatrix, Genkibowl VII, and Gangstas in Space) and the Season Pass content, making it a complete package.

What You Get: Features and Content

The mobile port is not a stripped-down version. It includes:

• Full campaign: All main missions, side activities, and collectibles from the remastered edition.
• All DLC: The three story expansions and their associated weapons, vehicles, and missions.
• Customization: The full character creator, vehicle customization, and weapon upgrades.
• Open world: The entire city of Steelport is explorable, with the same traffic, pedestrians, and random events.
• Graphics options: Adjustable resolution and frame rate settings on some devices.

One notable omission is the cooperative multiplayer mode, which was present in the console/PC versions. The mobile port is strictly single-player, so you cannot play with friends.

Controls: Touch Screen vs. Controller

The default touch controls place a virtual joystick on the left side for movement and buttons on the right for camera, shooting, and actions. Driving uses a similar layout with gas/brake pedals on the right and steering on the left. The layout is customizable, allowing you to adjust button sizes and positions.

In practice, the touch controls work but are not ideal for precise aiming. The auto-aim assist helps significantly during gunfights, and the game offers a “lock-on” feature. Driving feels responsive, though sharp turns at high speed can be tricky with virtual buttons. For a better experience, the game supports Bluetooth controllers (like Xbox and PlayStation pads). With a controller, the game plays almost identically to the console version, with proper analog sticks and trigger buttons.

Performance: Frame Rate, Graphics, and Device Requirements

Performance varies by device. On flagship phones (such as iPhone 14 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23 series), the game runs at a stable 30 or 60 frames per second (depending on your graphics setting) with high-resolution textures. On mid-range devices, you may need to lower the resolution to maintain a smooth frame rate. The game includes a performance mode that prioritizes frame rate over visual fidelity, and a quality mode that does the opposite.

Here are the key performance factors:

• File size: The initial download is around 5-6 GB, plus additional data for the DLC. Make sure you have enough free storage.
• Thermals: Extended play sessions can cause the phone to heat up, which may lead to frame drops. A phone case can trap heat, so consider removing it during long sessions.
• Battery drain: The game is demanding and will drain your battery quickly. Playing while charging is common, but be aware of heat.
• Device compatibility: The game requires a relatively recent device with at least 4 GB of RAM. Older devices may not be supported or may run poorly.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Players have reported a few recurring issues:

• Download failures: The large download can fail on unstable Wi-Fi. Ensure a stable connection and enough free space before starting.
• Save game corruption: Rare, but it can happen. The game supports cloud saves (if you log in with an account), so enable that to protect your progress.
• Controller disconnects: Some Bluetooth controllers may disconnect randomly. Re-pairing the controller usually fixes this.
• FPS drops during explosions: Heavy action scenes can cause temporary frame drops, even on high-end devices. Lowering the graphics settings can reduce this.

Comparing Mobile to Console/PC

The mobile version is nearly identical in content to the remastered console/PC version, but there are differences:

• Graphics: The mobile version has slightly reduced draw distance and shadow quality compared to the PS5/Xbox Series X/PC versions, but it looks better than the original 2011 release.
• Performance: Console/PC can hit 60 FPS at 4K, while mobile typically maxes out at 1080p/60 on the best devices.
• Controls: Mouse/keyboard or gamepad on PC/console is superior to touch controls, but mobile supports controllers.
• Price: The mobile version is typically cheaper than the console/PC remastered edition, especially during sales.
• Multiplayer: Missing on mobile, present on other platforms.

Cost and Value

The mobile version is a premium paid app, usually priced around $20-25 (USD), with occasional discounts. This is lower than the console/PC remastered version, which often sells for $30-40. Given the full campaign and all DLC, the mobile price is reasonable for the amount of content. There are no in-app purchases for the main game—you pay once and get everything. However, be aware that the large download size may require a Wi-Fi connection and significant storage space, which is an indirect cost if you need to upgrade your phone storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Saints Row The Third Remastered on mobile include all the DLC?

Yes, the mobile version includes all three story DLC packs (Enter the Dominatrix, Genkibowl VII, Gangstas in Space) and the Season Pass content, such as the Nyte Blayde pack and the Unlockable Pack.

Can I play with a controller on mobile?

Yes, the game supports Bluetooth controllers. Most modern controllers (Xbox, PlayStation, and many third-party ones) work with the game, providing a console-like experience.

How much storage space do I need?

The game requires approximately 5-6 GB for the base install, plus additional space for DLC and updates. In total, you should have at least 8 GB of free space to be safe.

Is the mobile version the same as the console remaster?

It is very close, but not identical. The mobile version has slightly lower graphical fidelity (draw distance, shadows) and lacks the cooperative multiplayer mode. The core campaign, missions, and content are the same.

What phones can run this game?

Generally, you need a phone with at least 4 GB of RAM and a recent GPU. iPhones from the XR/11 onward and Android phones with Snapdragon 855 or newer chips typically run the game well. Check the game’s store page for the official compatibility list.

Does the game have cloud saves?

Yes, the mobile version supports cloud saves when you sign in with a supported account (like Google Play Games or Game Center). This allows you to back up your progress and restore it if you reinstall or change devices.

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