The Apple Watch is an incredibly versatile device, renowned for its ability to track your steps, control your iPhone, keep precise time, and much more. Beyond its utility as a daily companion, the Apple Watch also offers a unique gaming experience, perfect for filling those spare moments. With the sleek Apple Watch Series 10 now available, the future of Apple Watch gaming looks brighter than ever.
We've curated a list of the top mobile games optimized for the Apple Watch to help you dive into gaming on your wrist. Surprisingly, these games are not only playable on the Apple Watch but also compatible with your iPhone or iPad—or both. Most are free to download and play, though some offer in-app purchases, while others are premium buys that won't break 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
A 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 $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster brings you a nostalgic trip with gameplay reminiscent of classic Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. With two game modes—level-based and lives-based—your goal is to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown as your control. This game echoes the gameplay of the Atari classic Tempest.
Star Duster, a prequel to the mobile game Star Jolt, is also playable on your iPhone and through Apple iMessage.
Lifeline: Beside You in Time
Lifeline: Beside You in Time
Embark on a mission to 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
For $3.99, Lifeline: Beside You in Time offers a text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut away from a perilous black hole. Your choices shape the narrative, determining whether the astronaut escapes or falls into a time warp. This immersive experience is also available on iPhone and iPad, allowing seamless cross-device play.
Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!
Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!
Crowned 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 screen, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! delivers a full platforming experience. In this one-tap action-platformer, you control a monkey navigating through a jungle, dodging traps and enemies. The game's detailed graphics and addictive gameplay are perfect for casual players. It's free to download, with in-app purchases available, and is also compatible with 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
Take your chess game on the go with Chess on the Apple Watch. This classic board game is free to play and allows you to challenge opponents worldwide right from your wrist. For a larger playing field, the game also syncs with your iPad.
Octopuz
Octopuz
A memory game to 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 you to memorize and replicate design patterns within a time limit, becoming progressively harder as you advance. This brain-training game is free with in-app purchases and also available on iPhone and iPad.
Arcadia!
Arcadia - Arcade Watch Games
A collection of retro 8-bit games.
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 game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout, all playable on your Apple Watch without ads, in-app purchases, or data tracking. It's also available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
Infinity Loop: Blueprints
Infinity Loop: Blueprints
An extremely simple yet challenging 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 create an infinity loop. As the puzzles get more complex, the challenge increases. The game also features a "Creative Lounge" mode for designing and sharing puzzles online. 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
At $1.99, Jupiter Attack immerses you in a sci-fi shooter where you defend Earth from alien invaders as a spaceship, collecting power-ups to enhance your weapons. Part of the Space Watch Trilogy, it's rated highly among Apple Watch gamers. A bundle including Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando 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 tap-and-jump game where you control a jellyfish navigating underwater obstacles. It's free to play with in-app purchases and 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
Enjoy the classic Pong along with other retro games like Breakout and Invader 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 also available on iPhone.
Tiny Armies
Tiny Armies
Epic battles in 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 and strategy game where you swipe to defeat enemies across diverse 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
In Rules!, follow the rules to clear levels in this fast-paced puzzle game. Each new level introduces additional rules, making the game progressively more challenging. For $2.99, you can enjoy this game on your Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.
How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025
The Apple Watch is not only a quick information hub but also a handy device for quick gaming sessions. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store, most are also compatible with your iPhone, allowing for seamless play without needing to pull out your phone.
Given the vast selection, choosing where to start can be overwhelming. Here's what to consider when selecting Apple Watch games:
Apple Watch Model
Knowing your Apple Watch model is crucial. If you have a newer model running watchOS 10, all compatible games should work smoothly. This includes all smartwatches from Series 4 or later. Older models like the Series 3, running watchOS 6, might have limited game options. Check your model number at the bottom of your watch.
Ensure your iPhone is compatible too, as it needs to pair with your Apple Watch. For watchOS 10, you'll need an iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 runs on iPhone 4s through 6s. The Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second generation and 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. Fortunately, most games are small and won't consume much space. Still, consider storage, especially if you have an older model with many apps. The Series 4, the oldest model running watchOS 10, has only 16GB of capacity.
Price
Most Apple Watch games are free to download and play, but be aware of potential in-app purchases for unlocking additional content. Free games may also include ads, which you can remove with a fee.
Enjoyment
Ultimately, choose games that look fun or challenging to you. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, ensuring there's always a new challenge waiting.
