Ranking All DLS Games (2015–2025): Best to Worst

Dream League Soccer (DLS) is one of the most played mobile football games, with over +100M downloads. From the nostalgic era of DLS Classic to the more polished & modern titles like DLS 20-25, the franchise has evolved significantly in gameplay, graphics, AI, and customisation.

In this article, we have ranked all the DLS Titles from best to worst – based on performance, gamers’ feedback, gameplay realism and overall success.

Check Out: DLS 26 Release Date

NOTE: These rankings are the result of various social media Polls. These rankings are subjective and may differ from user to user.

1. DLS 19

This is often called as the peak of the Dream League Soccer Series. DLS 19 sits comfortably at the top. Till today, millions of players still consider it the best DLS game ever released. Whether it’s graphics or the team management, the following this game has is massive. This is due to many reasons-

Balance of Realism + Gameplay
No Transfer Market Restrictions
Clean HD UI and Team management system
Free Custom kits and logos
Create Player
Offline gameplay Support
Low-end device Support
A successful soundtrack Playlist

2. DLS Classic

Before high-end phones were prevalent, the DLS Classic was released, laying the foundation for First Touch Football’s success. The game has everything a game needs; it was one of the competitors to FTS, FIFA, PES, and others.

The game featured Classic players, which were later discontinued, but were back in DLS 25. DLS 15 was one of the fan favourites due to many reasons-

No high-end Device needed
Classic Player
Create own player
More Licenses
Classic Celebrations
Vintage commentary and sound effects

Although DLS Classic (DLS 15) lacked any polished modern graphics, as a nostalgic experience, DLS Classic ranks extremely high.

3. DLS 24/25

DLS 24 and DLS 25 represent the modern peak of the DLS franchise. FTG made important upgrades in almost every element, ranging from graphics, Online Events, career progression, stadiums, and custom kits. These versions were Top-Tier-

Smoothest graphics
Better Online Matchmaking
HD Player faces
Scenarios
Online draft events & seasonal rewards
Classic Player Ladder
Extensive customisation options

The game is often criticised for being Online, although Exhibition mode works offline too. The game tried to push towards the P2W players, as the progress was highly linked to the player either playing the game all day or spending real money. But still, among all new-gen titles, DLS 24/25 is absolutely the best and most polished.

4. DLS 21

FTG improved Dream League Soccer 2021 (DLS 21) significantly, especially after having a buggy year with the 2020 version. Key Improvements included-

Smoother controls
Improved graphics
New Celebrations
Better Player Development
Fresh Animations and Transitions

5. DLS 20

This game was the biggest update by the developers, as it totally scrapped the old DLS 19 game and launched DLS 2020. It shocked the entire community as the game was fully online. FTG completely revamped the graphics engine, UI, menus, and gameplay mechanics.

For many fans, the change felt abrupt. Why DLS 20 Was Controversial? Many fans felt that the controls were harder, and it was difficult to play the game while being online all the time. The transfer Window had some restrictions, and the moderators used the moderation system very strictly, leading to many players being banned from the game. This made many players feel it moved away from DLS roots. DLS 20 acted as a bridge between classic and modern DLS, so it ranks mid-table.

6. DLS 23 / DLS 22

DLS 22 & 23 were strong, stable versions that introduced various enhancements. They were more of the polished version of the original DLS 2020. With more realistic player faces, the developers really upped their game. This marked the extensive use of DLS Online, and players were competing very heavily for online leadership.

Updated squads & licensed players
Better online seasons
Enhanced passing physics
More customisation for kits & logos

7. DLS 16 / 17 / 18

These three games – DLS 16, DLS 17, and DLS 18 – defined the early charm of the series. The gameplay was overall very fun and the Offline-friendly career mode made the game more simple and reachable ot the audience.

Create your own player
Major Graphical Improvements
Major Player Faces Upgrades
Easy & Free Customisation
Low storage requirement

Still, for many OG players, DLS 16 – 18 was the golden era of Dream League Soccer Series.

FINAL RANKING

Rank	Game	Remarks
1	DLS 19	Perfect balance of Gameplay + Realism
2	DLS 15 (Classic)	The purest DLS Classic experience
3	DLS 24/25	Polished modern version
4	DLS 21	Major improvement over DLS 20
5	DLS 20	Transition game with mixed feedback
6	DLS 23 / DLS 22	Good but not revolutionary
7	DLS 16 / 17 / 18	Iconic classics, but outdated now

Conclusion

The Dream League Soccer Series has experienced massive growth over the years. When it comes to mobile soccer gaming, there were always three names there- PES, FIFA, and DLS.

If you prefer nostalgia & simplicity, then DLS 19 and DLS Classic remain unbeatable. But if you want HD graphics & Live Events, then DLS 25 is clearly the superior experience compared to the outdated versions.

Although the old games have been removed from the Play Store and App Store, users can download the Apk file of DLS 19, DLS Classic, DLS 16, and FTS 26. Also, check the DLS 26 Mod.