The Apple Watch is not just a stylish accessory; it's a powerhouse of functionality that tracks your steps, controls your Apple iPhone, keeps precise time, and offers much more. Beyond its utility, the Apple Watch, especially with the arrival of the slimmer Apple Watch Series 10, opens up a new world of gaming right on your wrist. Whether you're looking to pass time or challenge your mind, these games can be enjoyed on your Apple Watch and are also compatible with your iPhone or iPad.
We've curated a list of the best mobile games for the Apple Watch to help you dive into the fun. These games range from free downloads with optional in-app purchases to premium experiences that won't break the bank.
These are the best Apple Watch games
Star Duster ($2.99)
Lifeline: Beside You in Time ($3.99)
Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! (Free)
Chess (Free)
Octopuz (Free)
Arcadia! ($1.99)
Infinity Loop: Blueprints (Free)
Jupiter Attack ($1.99)
Jellyfish Tap (Free)
Ping Pong (Free)
Tiny Armies ($0.99)
Rules! ($2.99)
Star Duster
Star Duster
4Quick 80s retro LCD challenge.
See it at App Store
Apple Watch: Series 4-Series 10, SE, and Ultra | watchOS: 7.1 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 8 or later, SE | Price: $2.99
At $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster brings back the nostalgia of old-school gaming with a retro-style inspired by Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics. The game challenges you to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown for controls, similar to the Atari classic Tempest. It offers both level-based and lives-based modes and is also available on iPhone and iMessage.
Lifeline: Beside You in Time
Lifeline: Beside You in Time
6Save Taylor!
See it at App Store
Apple Watch: Series 3-Series 10 | watchOS: 6 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 6s or later, SE | Price: $3.99
For $3.99, Lifeline: Beside You in Time offers a gripping text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut named Taylor to safety from a black hole. Your choices shape the story, making each playthrough unique. This game is also available on iPhone and iPad, ensuring you can continue your journey across devices.
Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!
Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!
4The King of Arcade Jump Games.
See it at App Store
Apple Watch: Series 4-Series 10, SE, and Ultra | watchOS: 3 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 8 or later, SE | Price: Free with in-app purchases
Despite the Apple Watch's compact display, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! delivers an engaging platformer experience. Control a monkey as it navigates through a jungle, dodging traps and enemies with one-tap mechanics. The game boasts surprisingly detailed graphics and is described as "extremely addictive" and "super casual." It's free to download with in-app purchases and available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and iMessage.
Chess
Chess - Play & Learn
4Chess.com - Games with friends.
See it at App Store
Apple Watch: Series 5-Series 10 | watchOS: 4 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 6s or later, SE | Price: Free with in-app purchases
Take the classic game of Chess on the go with your Apple Watch. This free-to-play game lets you challenge opponents worldwide from your wrist, and it's also compatible with the iPad for a larger playing field.
Octopuz
Octopuz
2Memory game - train your brain.
See it at App Store
Apple Watch: Series 1-Series 10 and SE | watchOS: 4 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 4s-10, SE | Price: Free with in-app purchases
Test your memory with Octopuz, a game where you must match design patterns within a time limit. As you progress, the challenges become more intricate, helping to sharpen your cognitive skills. It's free to play with in-app purchases and available on iPhone and iPad.
Arcadia!
Arcadia - Arcade Watch Games
5Retro 8-bit Game Collection.
See it at App Store
Apple Watch: Series 4-Series 10, SE, and Ultra | watchOS: 8 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 8 or later, SE | Price: $1.99
Dive into nostalgia with Arcadia!, a collection of over 20 classic retro games including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. For just $1.99, enjoy ad-free, uninterrupted gaming on your Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
Infinity Loop: Blueprints
Infinity Loop: Blueprints
4Infinity Loop game is extremely simple, easy to learn puzzle game.
See it at App Store
Apple Watch: Series 4-Series 10, SE, and Ultra | watchOS: 4.3 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 8 or later, SE | Price: Free with in-app purchases
Infinity Loop: Blueprints challenges you to create an infinity loop by rotating pieces. The game's difficulty ramps up as you progress, and it includes a "Creative Lounge" mode for designing and sharing puzzles with an online community. It's also available on iPhone and iPad.
Jupiter Attack
Jupiter Attack
3Prepare to enter bullet hell...
See it at App Store
Apple Watch: Series 4-Series 10, SE, and Ultra | watchOS: 8.7 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 8 or later, SE | Price: $1.99
For $1.99, Jupiter Attack offers a thrilling sci-fi shooter experience where you defend Earth from alien invaders. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons and enjoy the game as part of the Space Watch Trilogy, which includes Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando. A bundle of all three games is available for just $3.
Jellyfish Tap
Jellyfish Tap
1Simple. Beautiful Colors. A Jellyfish.
See it at App Store
Apple Watch: Series 1-Series 10 and SE | watchOS: 6 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 4s-6s, SE | Price: Free with in-app purchases
Inspired by games like Flappy Bird and Dinosaur Game, Jellyfish Tap is a simple yet challenging tap-and-jump game. Navigate a jellyfish through an underwater world, dodging obstacles as the game speeds up. It's free to play with in-app purchases and cross-platform compatible with iPhone and iPad.
Ping Pong
Ping Pong - Watch Retro Game
310 different classic game modes.
See it at App Store
Apple Watch: Series 4-Series 10, SE, and Ultra | watchOS: 4.3 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 8 or later, SE | Price: Free with in-app purchases
Experience the classic Pong and four other retro games with Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game. Use the Apple Watch's Digital Crown to control the paddles and customize your game with various colors and designs. It's free to play with in-app purchases and also available on the iPhone.
Tiny Armies
Tiny Armies
2Epic battles! Tiny proportions.
See it at App Store
Apple Watch: Series 4-Series 10, SE, and Ultra | watchOS: 3 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 8 or later, SE | Price: $0.99
For less than a dollar, Tiny Armies offers a turn-based tactical strategy game where you swipe to navigate through various terrains and defeat enemies. Play solo on your Apple Watch or challenge friends via iMessage, with compatibility on iPhone and iPad.
Rules!
Rules!
3Fast paced puzzle action.
See it at App Store
Apple Watch: Series 1-Series 10 and SE | watchOS: 8.3 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 4s-6s, SE | Price: $2.99
Test your memory and quick thinking with Rules!, a fast-paced puzzle game where you must follow a series of rules to clear levels. As you progress, the rules accumulate, making the game increasingly challenging. Available for $2.99, it's also playable on iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.
How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025
The Apple Watch isn't just about quick glances at notifications; it's also a perfect platform for quick gaming sessions. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store, most of which are also compatible with your iPhone, you can easily switch between devices.
When selecting games, consider the following:
Apple Watch Model
Knowing your Apple Watch model is crucial. If you have a newer model running watchOS 10, you'll have access to the full range of games available for Series 4 and later. For older models like Series 3 with watchOS 6, your options may be more limited. Check the model number at the bottom of your Apple Watch to ensure compatibility.
Storage Space
With storage limited to up to 64GB, choose games wisely. Most Apple Watch games are small in size, often less than 1GB, but older models with less storage capacity may require more careful selection.
Price
Many Apple Watch games are free to download, though some may include in-app purchases for additional content or an ad-free experience. Premium games offer a one-time purchase, ensuring no additional costs.
Enjoyment
Ultimately, choose games that look fun or challenging. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, offering a new experience with each download.
