The Apple Watch is an incredibly versatile device that not only tracks your steps, controls your Apple iPhone, and keeps accurate time but also offers a range of entertainment options, including gaming. With the introduction of the sleek Apple Watch Series 10, the future of gaming on this platform is more promising than ever. Whether you're looking to kill time or engage in a quick challenge, the Apple Watch can transform your wrist into a portable gaming console.
We've curated a list of the best mobile games optimized for the Apple Watch, perfect for those moments when you need a quick gaming fix. Remarkably, you can enjoy all these games directly from your wrist, and they're also compatible with your iPhone or iPad—sometimes both. Most of these games are free to download and play, though they may offer in-app purchases. A select few are premium titles, but they are reasonably priced, ensuring you get great value without breaking 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
For just $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster offers a nostalgic trip back to the era of Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. This retro-style game challenges you to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown as your control mechanism, reminiscent of the classic Atari game Tempest. As a prequel to Star Jolt, it's also available on the iPhone and via iMessage, expanding your gaming options across devices.
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 a gripping text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut named Taylor through a perilous journey to escape a black hole. Your choices determine the story's direction, making every decision critical. This immersive game is also playable on your iPhone and iPad, ensuring you can continue the adventure seamlessly 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 a rich platformer experience. As a monkey, you'll run, jump, and roll through the jungle, dodging traps and enemies. The game's "extremely addictive" and "super casual" gameplay is free to enjoy, with in-app purchases available, and it's also accessible 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
The timeless game of Chess is now at your fingertips with the Apple Watch. Play on-the-go and challenge opponents worldwide, all for free. The game's cross-platform compatibility with the iPad offers a larger playing field, ensuring you can enjoy this classic no matter where you are.
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
Sharpen your memory with Octopuz, a game that challenges you to recall and recreate intricate design patterns within a time limit. As you progress, the puzzles become more complex, offering a stimulating workout for your brain. Available for free with in-app purchases, it's also compatible with 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
Relive the glory days of arcade gaming with Arcadia!, a collection featuring over 20 classic game clones like Snake, Galaga, and Pong. Priced at just $1.99, this ad-free, no-in-app-purchase package brings retro fun to your wrist, and it's 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 captivating puzzle game where you rotate pieces to form an endless loop. Its simplicity belies the increasing difficulty as you advance. The game also offers a "Creative Lounge" mode for designing and sharing puzzles with an online community. Available for free with in-app purchases, it's also compatible with 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 delivers an intense sci-fi shooting experience as you pilot a spaceship to fend off alien invaders. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons and battle through waves of enemies. As part of the Space Watch Trilogy, alongside Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, a bundle option is available for $3, offering even more intergalactic action.
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 challenges you to navigate a jellyfish through an underwater world by tapping to jump over obstacles. The game's difficulty ramps up as you progress, making it a fun and engaging option available for free with in-app purchases, and also playable on 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 nostalgia of classic arcade games with Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game. Featuring Pong, Breakout, and more, this game uses the Apple Watch's Digital Crown to control the paddles. Customize your gameplay with various colors and designs, all available for free with in-app purchases, and also playable on the iPhone.
Tiny Armies
Tiny Armies
2Epic battles! Tiny proportions.
See it
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 strategic turn-based game where you swipe to navigate through varied terrains and defeat enemies. Whether playing solo on your Apple Watch or challenging friends via iMessage, this game also extends to iPhone and iPad, providing a comprehensive gaming experience.
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 progress through levels. As you advance, the complexity increases, keeping you engaged and challenged. Available for $2.99, it's also compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.
How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025
The Apple Watch is not only a device for quick glances at notifications but also a fantastic platform for quick gaming sessions. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store for the Apple Watch, most of which are also compatible with the iPhone, you have a wide range of options to choose from.
When deciding which games to play, consider the following factors:
Apple Watch Model
Knowing your Apple Watch model is crucial. If you have a newer model running the latest watchOS 10, you'll have access to the full range of compatible games, including all smartwatches from Series 4 onwards. Older models like the Series 3, running watchOS 6, may limit your choices. You can find your model number printed at the bottom of your Apple Watch.
Also, ensure you have a compatible iPhone; 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 generation and beyond) should be up to date with watchOS 10 and iOS 18, respectively.
Storage Space
Storage on the Apple Watch is limited, with a maximum of 64GB. Fortunately, most games are small in size, typically less than 1GB, so they won't consume much space. However, this is still an important consideration, especially if you're using an older model with fewer apps installed.
Price
Many Apple Watch games are free to download and play, but be aware of in-app purchases that can enhance your gaming experience. Some games may also feature ads, with options to pay for an ad-free version.
Enjoyment
Ultimately, choose games that look fun or challenging to you. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, offering a variety of new experiences at your fingertips.
