The Apple Watch is more than just a timepiece; it's a versatile device that tracks your steps, controls your Apple iPhone, and offers a myriad of other functionalities. With the arrival of the slimmer Apple Watch Series 10, the potential for gaming on this smartwatch has never been more exciting. Whether you're looking to kill time or immerse yourself in quick gaming sessions, the Apple Watch serves as an excellent platform for entertainment.
We've curated a list of the best mobile games optimized for the Apple Watch, ensuring you can enjoy them right from your wrist. Remarkably, these games are also compatible with iPhone and iPad, allowing seamless cross-platform play. Most of these games are free to download, though some offer in-app purchases, while others are premium and cost just a few dollars.
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
For $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster offers a nostalgic trip with its retro-style gameplay, reminiscent of classic Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. With two game modes—one level-based and the other lives-based—your goal is to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown as your controller. It's a gameplay experience akin to the Atari classic Tempest. Star Duster also serves as a prequel to the mobile game Star Jolt and is playable on both Apple iPhone and Apple 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
Priced at $3.99, Lifeline: Beside You in Time is an immersive text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut to safety from a perilous black hole. Your choices shape the story, which branches off into multiple outcomes. This game is also available on iPhone and iPad, allowing you to continue your adventure 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 limited screen size, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! offers a compelling platformer experience. In this one-tap action game, you control a monkey that navigates through the jungle, dodging traps and enemies. The game's layered graphics and "extremely addictive" gameplay make it a standout, even on a small screen. It's free to play with in-app purchases and is also 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
For chess enthusiasts, the classic game of Chess is available on the Apple Watch. It's free to play and offers cross-platform compatibility with iPad, enabling you to challenge players worldwide from the convenience of your wrist.
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
Octopuz challenges your memory by presenting you with design patterns that you must replicate within a time limit. As you progress, the designs become more complex, enhancing your cognitive skills. It's free to play with in-app purchases and is also 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
For $1.99, Arcadia! provides a collection of over 20 retro game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. This ad-free, no-in-app-purchase experience brings classic gaming to your wrist and is also available on 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 is a free-to-play puzzle game where you rotate pieces to create an infinity loop. As the puzzles get harder, the challenge intensifies. The game also features a "Creative Lounge" mode, where you can design and share your own puzzles with the 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 lets you pilot a spaceship to fend off alien invaders trying to conquer Earth. Collecting power-ups to enhance your weapons adds to the excitement. Part of the Space Watch Trilogy, which includes Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, Jupiter Attack is highly rated among Apple Watch gamers. A bundle of all three games is available for $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. You 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 cross-platform 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
Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game brings the classic Pong experience to your wrist, along with four other retro games like Breakout and Invader. You control the game using the Apple Watch's Digital Crown, and it's customizable with different colors and designs. The game is free to play with in-app purchases and also available on 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 defeat enemies across various terrains. You can play solo or challenge a friend via iMessage, and the game is also available 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
Rules! is a fast-paced memory-based puzzle game where you must follow specific rules to clear levels. As you progress, new rules are introduced, complicating the challenge. Priced at $2.99, it's also available on iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.
How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025
The Apple Watch is not just a tool for quick glances at information; it's also a convenient device for playing quick games. With hundreds of mobile games available on the Apple App Store for the Apple Watch, most of which are also compatible with iPhone, you can enjoy gaming without needing to reach for your smartphone.
Given the vast array of games, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. Here's what to consider when choosing Apple Watch games:
Apple Watch Model
Knowing your Apple Watch model is crucial. Newer models running watchOS 10 (Series 4 or later) should be compatible with all listed games. If you have an older model like the Series 3 (running watchOS 6), your options may be limited. Check your model number at the bottom of your Apple Watch to confirm.
Ensure your iPhone is compatible too, as the devices are paired. watchOS 10 requires an iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 runs on iPhone 4s through 6s. The Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second generation onward) should be up to date with watchOS 10 and iOS 18.
Storage Space
Storage on the Apple Watch is limited, with a maximum of 64GB. Fortunately, most games are small and won't consume much space. However, this is something to consider, especially with older models like the Series 4, which has only 16GB of storage.
Price
Many Apple Watch games are free to download, but some may require in-app purchases for additional content or to remove ads. Be aware of these potential costs when selecting a game.
Enjoyment
Ultimately, choose games that look fun or challenging to you. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, offering new and engaging experiences at your fingertips.
