Playing games is one of the best and easiest ways to pass the time, especially on the iPhone, which is perfect for gamers. The App Store offers a plethora of options, but finding the right game can be challenging. Here’s a guide to help you choose!
1. Honkai Star Rail
A top RPG on iPhone, Honkai Star Rail features an engaging sci-fi storyline, impressive visuals, and a fun turn-based combat system. While the gacha mechanics may not appeal to everyone, its free-to-play model and generous rewards make it worth trying for RPG fans.
2. Stardew Valley
Ideal for those who enjoy relaxing, open-ended gameplay, Stardew Valley lets you manage a farm, raise crops, and befriend townsfolk at your own pace. This mobile version offers customizable controls and save transfers between iPhone and PC, making it perfect for on-the-go gaming. It’s a wonderful, calming experience. Play Stardew Valley ($4.99)
3. The Battle of Polytopia
For fans of strategy games like Civilization, Polytopia delivers with its charming low-poly graphics and turn-based gameplay. You’ll need to strategically expand your empire while forming alliances and defeating enemies. Plus, it offers an offline single-player mode.
There’s also a tech tree that allows you to unlock strategic advantages on the battlefield. Plus, if you prefer offline play, the single-player mode offers a fun and engaging experience.
4. PUBG Mobile
PUBG Mobile shines on iPhones, thanks to smooth gameplay powered by Apple silicon and vibrant displays that enhance the fast-paced action. With a large active player base, it remains one of the best multiplayer battle royales available.
5. Mini Metro
Mini Metro is perfect for those who enjoy games that start easy and become increasingly challenging. Your task is to create an efficient subway system with limited resources. The game offers various difficulty levels, including an Extreme mode for those seeking a real challenge.
6. Alto’s Odyssey
A beautifully designed game perfect for unwinding, Alto’s Odyssey features simple mechanics focused on sandboarding, collecting coins, and performing tricks. The soothing soundtrack enhances the experience, and you can use coins to upgrade abilities and unlock a wingsuit for enhanced gameplay.
7. GTA San Andreas
GTA San Andreas hardly needs an introduction, but if you’ve somehow missed or forgotten about it, here’s a quick refresher. You play as CJ, the protagonist, who returns home after a long time away. Throughout the game, you’ll complete various missions, reclaim territory with your gang, and fight to protect your family.
San Andreas runs well on the iPhone and even supports controllers, allowing you to connect a PS5 controller for a more immersive experience. You can purchase the game from the App Store for $6.99, or if you have a Netflix subscription, you can download it for free.
8. Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile
Released in spring 2024, Warzone Mobile brings intense action and large-scale battles to iPhones. It allows cross-progression with the main Warzone game and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, so you can level up and unlock items across platforms while gaming on the go.
9. Katana ZERO (Netflix)
Katana ZERO is one of my favorite games on iPad and iPhone. Armed with a katana, you slash through enemies while utilizing special abilities to navigate lasers and slow down time for precise kills. The game features a compelling backstory where you unravel your past through recurring nightmares. As a Netflix game, a subscription is required, but it’s definitely worth it for hours of challenging gameplay and intriguing narrative.
10. Rings
If you enjoy puzzle games, Rings is a must-try. It starts easy but quickly increases in difficulty, requiring you to plan your moves strategically for higher scores. The goal is to align three rings of the same color in a row, column, or diagonal. With no lives and various game modes, including an intense Time Trial option, it offers plenty of replayability. Download Rings (Free)
11. Real Cricket 24
Real Cricket 24 stands out as the best cricket game on iPhone, featuring immersive motion-captured animations and real-time commentary. With a range of game modes, from one-on-one matches to tournaments, and user-created mods for customization, it’s a must-have for cricket fans.
12. Real Racing 3
Real Racing 3 remains one of the top racing games on iPhone, boasting stunning graphics that rival console games. With over 300 licensed cars and real-world tracks, it caters to both casual and competitive players via time trials and multiplayer races. Regular updates keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. Play Real Racing 3
13. Asphalt Legends Unite
For a simpler yet exciting racing experience, Asphalt Legends Unite is a great option. You’ll race your favorite cars on beautiful tracks, unlocking new vehicles along the way. It offers two control styles suitable for beginners and seasoned players alike, making it easy to dive into the racing action.
The game offers two distinct control styles, making it accessible for beginners while giving experienced players greater precision over their cars during races. If you’re into racing games, this is definitely one you should try on your iPhone.
14. Marvel SNAP
Marvel Snap, released on October 18, 2022, innovates in strategy card games with fast-paced play and dynamic battlefields. Build a 12-card deck and compete across iconic Marvel locations, each influencing your strategy. The unique “SNAP” mechanic raises the stakes mid-match, adding a level of bluffing to the competition.
15. Badland 2
The sequel to the acclaimed platformer, Badland 2 enhances the original’s mechanics with beautiful visuals and challenging gameplay. Control a forest dweller as you uncover the mysteries of your habitat. The simple controls and progressively challenging levels ensure you’ll stay hooked from start to finish.
The controls are simple, yet the levels become increasingly challenging as you progress. Badland 2 keeps you engaged from start to finish, making it a must-try if you enjoy side-scrolling platformer games on iPhone.
16. Meow Tower
If you’re a fan of nonogram puzzles, Meow Tower is for you. As the cat’s human, solve puzzles to unlock comforts for your adorable feline friend. The early levels are easy, but the challenge ramps up quickly, providing a fun puzzle experience for enthusiasts.
Like most puzzle games, the early levels are easy to solve, but the difficulty ramps up quickly, leaving you scratching your head. If you’re a fan of puzzle games, this one definitely deserves a spot on your iPhone.
17. Archero 2
Archero was already a favorite, and Archero 2 improves on the experience. As an archer, navigate levels filled with monsters, evading their attacks while using your skills and weapons to defeat them. If you haven’t tried it yet, you definitely should!
Every time you level up in Archero 2, you choose from three upgrades to enhance your power against upcoming enemy waves. You also unlock permanent enhancements like armor, weapons, and amulets to increase damage, speed up healing, and more. It’s a fun rogue-like game for iPhone worth trying.
18. They Are Coming Zombie Defense
If you enjoy zombie defense games, this one is a must-try. Each day, you start with weapons (and unlimited ammo) and a knife to clear three waves of increasingly strong zombies for cash. Use the money to boost speed and stamina, unlock new weapons, or buy defense items like roadblocks and spike strips. With each day, zombie numbers rise, and some have ranged attacks, requiring quick movements and strategic weapon switches to survive.
19. Pokémon Unite
Pokémon Unite offers a fresh take on the MOBA genre for iPhone. Matches are shorter and faster-paced, focusing on capturing wild Pokémon and scoring points rather than destroying towers. This unique objective system and the beloved Pokémon cast make it a standout title for mobile gamers. Play Pokémon Unite
20. Farlight 84
Missing Apex Legends mobile? Farlight 84 comes closest to recreating that experience on iPhone. This battle royale game features various characters, each with unique skills and ultimates, allowing you to choose based on your playstyle whether attacking or supporting teammates. The mechanics, movement, and skills mirror Apex, delivering fast-paced gameplay and an adrenaline rush.
The mechanics, movement, and abilities feel very reminiscent of Apex Mobile, which is a great thing since Apex nailed mobile gameplay. Farlight 84 delivers that same adrenaline rush, fast-paced action, and strategic skills to outplay your enemies, making it a solid alternative.
21. Roblox
Roblox isn’t just a game; it offers a multitude of experiences. Open the app to jump into a variety of games, from socializing in Neighbors to action in Blox Fruits. It has something for everyone on iPhone.
22. Egg, Inc.
If you like idle games, Egg, Inc. is worth checking out. Run your own egg farm by tapping to hatch chickens, which lay eggs for profit. Use earnings to upgrade various aspects of your farm and take part in “Contracts,” where players team up to produce eggs for valuable rewards. It’s a fun way to unwind on your iPhone.
23. Stumble Guys
If you enjoyed Fall Guys, Stumble Guys offers a similar experience on iPhone without needing cloud gaming. Navigate various obstacles alongside other players, striving to reach the finish line or survive to advance to the next round. The concept is simple, yet the humorous obstacles make it a must-try online game.
24. EA SPORTS FC Mobile Soccer
For top soccer games on iPhone, EA SPORTS FC Mobile Soccer leads with realistic gameplay, unique player movements, and a dynamic pace. Build your dream team with official licenses for real players and leagues, and challenge friends to watch matches together for added fun.
25. Archery Club
Archery Club is a casual archery game reminiscent of mini-golf games on the App Store, focusing on fun rather than precise mechanics. Compete with different players in rounds where you take turns shooting arrows at targets, and the highest score after three rounds wins. It’s simple yet incredibly addictive.
These are 25 of the best iPhone games worth playing, spanning various categories like strategy, puzzle, casual, and idle games. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
