The Apple Watch is more than just a timepiece; it's a versatile device that tracks your steps, controls your iPhone, and offers a plethora of features for everyday use. With the launch of the sleeker Apple Watch Series 10, the future of gaming on your wrist is brighter than ever. Whether you're waiting for a bus or taking a break, the Apple Watch can transform those moments into fun gaming sessions.
We've curated a list of the best mobile games tailored for the Apple Watch, ensuring you can dive into entertainment right from your wrist. These games are not only compatible with the Apple Watch but also with iPhone and iPad, making your gaming experience seamless across devices. Most of these games are free to download and play, with optional in-app purchases available. A few are premium games, but they're priced affordably, so you won't feel the pinch.
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
Quick 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
For just $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster offers a nostalgic trip with gameplay reminiscent of classic Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. This game challenges you to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown, featuring both level-based and lives-based modes. It's a throwback to games like Atari's Tempest and serves as a prequel to the mobile game Star Jolt, available on Apple iPhone and Apple iMessage.
Lifeline: Beside You in Time
Lifeline: Beside You in Time
Save 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
Priced at $3.99, Lifeline: Beside You in Time is a gripping text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut named Taylor through the perils of a black hole. Your decisions shape the story, leading to different outcomes. This game is also available on iPhone and iPad, allowing you to continue your adventure across devices seamlessly.
Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!
Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!
The 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 49mm display, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! delivers a surprising platformer experience. As a monkey, you navigate through the jungle, jumping and rolling to avoid traps and enemies. The game boasts layered graphics and is described as "extremely addictive" and "super casual." It's free to play with in-app purchases and is also available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and iMessage.
Chess
Chess - Play & Learn
Chess.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
For chess enthusiasts, Chess on the Apple Watch lets you play this classic board game on the go. It's free to play, cross-platform with iPad, and allows you to challenge players worldwide, regardless of their skill level, all from your wrist.
Octopuz
Octopuz
Memory 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
Octopuz is a brain-training memory game where you match design patterns within a time limit. As you progress, the patterns become more intricate, challenging your memory. This free-to-play game (with in-app purchases) is also available on iPhone and iPad.
Arcadia!
Arcadia - Arcade Watch Games
Retro 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
For just $1.99, Arcadia! offers over 20 classic retro game clones like Snake, Galaga, OutRun, and Pong on your wrist. It's a straightforward, ad-free, and in-app purchase-free experience, perfect for retro gaming on the go. It's also playable on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
Infinity Loop: Blueprints
Infinity Loop: Blueprints
Infinity 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 is a captivating puzzle game where you rotate pieces to create an infinity loop. 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
Prepare 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
Priced at $1.99, Jupiter Attack is an engaging sci-fi shooter where you pilot a spaceship to fend off alien invaders. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons as you progress. This game is part of the Space Watch Trilogy, which also includes Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando. A bundle of all three is available for $3.
Jellyfish Tap
Jellyfish Tap
Simple. 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
Similar to 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 is also available on iPhone and iPad.
Ping Pong
Ping Pong - Watch Retro Game
10 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 along with four other retro games in Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game. Use the Apple Watch's Digital Crown to control the paddles, and customize the game with various colors and designs. It's free to play with in-app purchases and is also available on iPhone.
Tiny Armies
Tiny Armies
Epic 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 tactical and strategic turn-based game. Swipe to defeat enemies and navigate through various terrains. Play solo on your Apple Watch or challenge friends via iMessage. It's also available on iPhone and iPad.
Rules!
Rules!
Fast-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
Rules! is a fast-paced puzzle game where you must follow specific rules to clear levels. As you advance, new rules are introduced, and you must remember previous ones, making the game increasingly complex. It's priced at $2.99 and is also available for iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.
How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025
The Apple Watch isn't just for quick glances at notifications; it's also perfect for quick gaming sessions. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store, many of which are also compatible with iPhone, you can enjoy gaming without needing to pull out your phone.
When choosing games, consider these factors:
Apple Watch Model
Ensure your Apple Watch model supports the game you're interested in. Newer models running watchOS 10 (Series 4 and later) have no issues with compatibility. Older models like the Series 3, running watchOS 6, might limit your options. Check your model number at the bottom of your watch to confirm.
Also, consider your iPhone model since both devices need to be compatible. watchOS 10 requires an iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 works with iPhone 4s through 6s. The Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second gen onward) should be up to date with watchOS 10 and iOS 18, respectively.
Storage Space
The Apple Watch has limited storage, with a maximum of 64GB. Most games are small, often under 1GB, but storage is still a factor, especially on older models like the Series 4, which has only 16GB.
Price
Many Apple Watch games are free to download, but be aware of in-app purchases that might unlock additional content or remove ads. Some games are premium, but they're reasonably priced, ensuring you get quality entertainment without breaking the bank.
Enjoyment
Ultimately, choose games that look fun or challenging. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, offering new and engaging experiences right from your wrist.
