The Apple Watch is an incredibly versatile device, capable of tracking your steps, controlling your Apple iPhone, keeping precise time, and offering much more. Beyond its utility as an everyday accessory, the Apple Watch also provides a fun way to pass the time with its gaming capabilities. With the arrival of the sleek Apple Watch Series 10, the potential for gaming on your wrist has never been more exciting.
We've compiled a list of the best mobile games optimized for the Apple Watch to help you dive into gaming on the go. Surprisingly, you can enjoy these games directly from your wrist, and they're also compatible with your iPhone or iPad—or both. Most of these games are free to download and play, though they may offer in-app purchases. Some are premium games, but they're reasonably priced at 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 gameplay experience reminiscent of classic Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. Choose between level-based or lives-based modes, where you catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown. It's a nod to the Atari classic Tempest. This game, a prequel to Star Jolt, is also available on 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 immerses you in a text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut away from a black hole. Your decisions shape the story, leading to various outcomes. Enjoy this game on your iPhone and iPad as well, ensuring seamless play 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 49mm display (at its largest with the Ultra model), Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! offers a thrilling platformer experience. Control a monkey navigating through a jungle, jumping and dodging obstacles. This free-to-play game, with optional in-app purchases, 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
Play the timeless game of Chess on your Apple Watch for free. Enjoy the convenience of playing on-the-go, and utilize the cross-platform compatibility with your iPad for a larger screen. Connect with players worldwide at any skill level, right from 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 a design pattern you must replicate within a time limit. As you progress, the patterns become more complex, enhancing your cognitive skills. Available for free on iPhone and iPad with in-app purchases.
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! delivers a collection of over 20 retro game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. Enjoy ad-free, uninterrupted retro 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 is a free puzzle game where you rotate pieces to form an infinity loop. The challenge escalates as you advance. The game also includes a "Creative Lounge" mode for designing and sharing custom puzzles with an online community. Available on iPhone and iPad as well.
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
At $1.99, Jupiter Attack lets you pilot a spaceship to fend off alien invaders trying to conquer Earth. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons. Part of the Space Watch Trilogy, it's rated higher among Apple Watch gamers than its counterparts Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando. 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
Similar to Flappy Bird and Dinosaur Game, Jellyfish Tap is an engaging tap-and-jump game. Guide a jellyfish through an underwater world, dodging obstacles. It's free to play with in-app purchases and is also available 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 classic Pong and four other retro games in Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game. Use the Apple Watch's Digital Crown to control the paddles. Customize the game with various colors and designs. It's free 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 strategic turn-based game where you swipe to defeat enemies across various terrains. Play solo on your Apple Watch or challenge a friend via iMessage. 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! challenges you to follow a set of rules to clear levels in this fast-paced puzzle game. As you progress, more rules are added, increasing the complexity. 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 just for quick information glances; it's also a fantastic device for quick gaming sessions. With hundreds of games available from the Apple App Store, most are also compatible with your iPhone, allowing you to play without needing to pull out your phone.
When selecting games for your Apple Watch, consider the following factors:
Apple Watch Model
Understanding your Apple Watch model is crucial. If you have a newer model running watchOS 10, like Series 4 or later, you'll have access to the full range of games. Older models like the Series 3, running watchOS 6, might limit your choices. You can find your model number at the bottom of your Apple Watch.
Also, ensure your iPhone is compatible. For watchOS 10, you need an iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 works with 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, respectively.
Storage Space
With a maximum storage of 64GB, the Apple Watch has limited space. However, most games are small, typically under 1GB, so they won't take up much room. Still, keep an eye on storage, especially with older models like the Series 4, which has only 16GB.
Price
Many Apple Watch games are free to download but may include in-app purchases for additional content or to remove ads. Premium games are also available at a modest cost, ensuring you can enjoy a variety of gaming experiences 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 challenges right at your wrist.
