The Apple Watch is an incredibly versatile device that not only tracks your steps, controls your Apple iPhone, and keeps precise time, but also offers a range of engaging games to pass the time. With the introduction of the sleek Apple Watch Series 10, the potential for gaming on the go has been elevated to new heights. Whether you're looking to unwind during a commute or take a quick break, the Apple Watch provides a compact yet powerful platform for gaming.
We've curated a list of the best mobile games that you can enjoy directly from your Apple Watch. These games are not only playable on your wrist but are also compatible with your iPhone or iPad, allowing for a seamless gaming experience across devices. While most of these games are free to download and play, they often include in-app purchases for additional content. A few premium games are also available, 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 $2.99, Star Duster brings the nostalgic charm of retro gaming to your wrist. This game, inspired by classic Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds, offers two modes: one level-based and the other lives-based. Your mission is to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown for controls, reminiscent of the Atari classic Tempest. Star Duster also serves as a prequel to Star Jolt and is 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
Priced at $3.99, Lifeline: Beside You in Time offers a gripping text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut away from a black hole. Your choices shape the narrative, leading to various 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!
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 small display, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! delivers a fun one-tap action-platformer experience. As a monkey navigating through a jungle, you'll run, jump, and roll to avoid traps and enemies. The game's layered graphics and addictive gameplay make it a great choice for casual players. It's free 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
With Chess, you can enjoy this classic board game on the go. It's free to play and supports cross-platform play with the iPad for a larger playing field. Challenge players worldwide at any skill level directly 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 having you match design patterns within a limited time. As you progress, the patterns become more intricate, helping to enhance 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! offers over 20 classic game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, and Pong, without any ads or in-app purchases. This collection brings retro gaming to your wrist, and it's also playable 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 form an infinity loop. The challenge escalates as you progress, and the "Creative Lounge" mode allows you to design and share 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
At $1.99, Jupiter Attack puts you in command of a spaceship fighting off alien invaders. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons as you defend Earth. It's part of the Space Watch Trilogy, which also includes Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, with a bundle 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, Jellyfish Tap is a simple yet challenging tap-and-jump game where you guide a jellyfish through an underwater world. 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
Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game brings the classic Pong and other retro games like Breakout and Invader to your wrist. Use the 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 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 just $0.99, 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 a friend via iMessage. It's 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 puzzle game where you must follow one rule to clear a level, with each subsequent level introducing new rules to remember. At $2.99, it's a challenging yet rewarding game also available on iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.
How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025
The Apple Watch not only provides quick information at a glance but also serves as a convenient gaming platform. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store, most of which are also compatible with iPhones, you can enjoy a quick gaming session without needing to pull out your phone.
Given the wide array of options, selecting the right game can be daunting. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing Apple Watch games:
Apple Watch Model
Understanding your Apple Watch model is crucial. If you own a newer model running watchOS 10, you'll have access to all compatible games, including those for Series 4 and later. Older models like the Series 3, running watchOS 6, may have limited options. Check your model number at the bottom of your watch to ensure compatibility. Additionally, your iPhone model matters, as watchOS 10 requires an iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 works with iPhone 4s through 6s. Both the Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second generation and beyond) should be up to date with watchOS 10 and iOS 18.
Storage Space
With a maximum of 64GB of storage, the Apple Watch has limited space. Fortunately, most games are small, typically under 1GB, so they won't take up much room. However, if you have an older model like the Series 4 with only 16GB, managing storage is key.
Price
Many Apple Watch games are free to download, but in-app purchases are common for unlocking additional content. Free games may also include ads, which you can remove for a fee. Consider your budget and gaming preferences when deciding which games to download.
Enjoyment
Ultimately, choose games that look fun and challenging. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, providing a new challenge whenever you need a break.
