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The Apple Watch is an incredibly versatile device, not only tracking your steps and controlling your Apple iPhone but also keeping accurate time and offering much more. Beyond its role as an essential iPhone accessory for daily use, it's also a platform for gaming, allowing you to enjoy games right on your wrist. With the arrival of the sleeker Apple Watch Series 10, the future of Apple Watch gaming looks brighter than ever.
We've curated a list of the best mobile games optimized for the Apple Watch to help you dive into gaming on the go. Surprisingly, you can play these games right from your wrist, and they're also compatible with iPhone or iPad—or both. Most games listed here are free to download and play, though they may include in-app purchases. Some are premium, but they're reasonably priced, ensuring you 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
At $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of classic Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. It features two modes: one level-based and the other lives-based, where you catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown as your controller. It's akin to the Atari classic Tempest.
Star Duster, the prequel to the mobile game Star Jolt, is also available on Apple iPhone and Apple iMessage.
Lifeline: Beside You in Time
### Lifeline: Beside You in Time
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 is a text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut to safety from a black hole. Your decisions shape the story, which can branch into different paths, determining whether the astronaut escapes or gets sucked into a time warp.
The game is also available on iPhone and iPad, allowing you to continue playing across devices seamlessly.
Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!
### Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!
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 small display, up to 49mm with the Apple Watch Ultra, you can enjoy platformer games like Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!. This one-tap action-platformer lets you control a monkey as it runs, jumps, and rolls through a jungle, dodging traps and enemies. Its surprisingly layered graphics and "extremely addictive" and "super casual" gameplay make it a standout choice.
Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! is free to download (with in-app purchases) and also available on 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
Want to play Chess on-the-go? This classic board game is now available on the Apple Watch, free to play and cross-platform with iPad for a larger display. You can challenge players of any skill level from around the world right from your wrist.
Octopuz
### Octopuz
Memory 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 is a memory-based game designed to improve your memory and brain function. You must match design patterns shown to you within a limited time, with the challenges becoming more intricate as you progress.
It's free to play (with in-app purchases) and also available on iPhone and iPad.
Arcadia!
### Arcadia - Arcade Watch Games
Retro 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 retro gaming enthusiasts, Arcadia! offers over 20 classic game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout, all for just $1.99. This collection is free from ads, in-app purchases, and data tracking, providing pure retro gaming enjoyment.
It's also playable on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
Infinity Loop: Blueprints
### Infinity Loop: Blueprints
Infinity Loop game is an 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 (with in-app purchases) where you rotate pieces to create an infinity loop. As the puzzles get harder, the challenge to form a loop increases. The game also features a "Creative Lounge" mode, allowing you to design and share your own 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
For $1.99, Jupiter Attack is a science fiction shooter where you control a spaceship to destroy alien invaders trying to take over Earth. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons as you progress. Part of the Space Watch Trilogy, which includes Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, Jupiter Attack is highly rated among Apple Watch gamers. A bundle option for all three games is available for just $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 navigate a jellyfish through an underwater world, dodging vertical structures. The game increases in difficulty and speed as you progress. 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
Alongside the classic Pong, Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game includes four other retro games like Breakout and Invader. 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 to unlock additional features, and also available on iPhone.
Tiny Armies
### Tiny Armies
Epic 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 turn-based tactical and strategy gameplay. Swipe to defeat enemies, navigate various terrains, and enjoy solo play on your Apple Watch or challenge a friend via iMessage. It's also playable 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
Rules! is a fast-paced memory-based puzzle game where you must follow one rule to clear each level. As you progress, new rules are introduced, and you must remember all previous rules to advance. The complexity increases with each level, making it a challenging and engaging experience.
It's available for $2.99 and also on iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.
How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025
The Apple Watch isn't just for quick glances at information; it's also a fantastic device 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 iPhone games, you can enjoy gaming without needing to reach for your smartphone.
With such a wide 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 the latest 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 game options. Check the model number at the bottom of your Apple Watch to be sure.
The right iPhone is also important, as the devices are paired. 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 up to 64GB of storage, the Apple Watch has limited space. Fortunately, most games are small, usually under 1GB, so they won't consume much storage. However, consider this if you have an older model with many apps. For instance, the Apple Watch Series 4, the oldest model running watchOS 10, has just 16GB of capacity.
Price
Most Apple Watch games are free to download and play, but be aware of in-app purchases that can unlock additional content. Free games might also include ads, which you can remove with a fee for an ad-free experience.
Enjoyment
Ultimately, choose games that look fun or challenging. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, ensuring there's always a new challenge waiting for you.
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