The Apple Watch has evolved into a versatile tool that not only tracks your steps, controls your iPhone, and keeps accurate time but also offers a unique gaming experience right on your wrist. With the introduction of the slimmer Apple Watch Series 10, the possibilities for gaming on this device have expanded, making it an exciting time for Apple Watch users.

To help you dive into the world of Apple Watch gaming, we've compiled a list of the best mobile games that you can enjoy directly from your wrist. These games are not only compatible with the Apple Watch but also with the iPhone and iPad, providing a seamless gaming experience across your Apple devices. While most games are free to download with optional in-app purchases, some premium titles are available for a few dollars, ensuring there's something for everyone 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 just $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster brings a nostalgic retro-style game reminiscent of old-school Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. Choose between level-based and lives-based modes as you use the Digital Crown to catch falling space junk. This game echoes the classic Atari game Tempest and serves as a prequel to the mobile game Star Jolt, available on both the Apple Watch and iPhone.

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 named Taylor away from a black hole. Your decisions shape the story, leading to various outcomes. This game is also available on iPhone and iPad, allowing you to continue your adventure seamlessly 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 modest screen size, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! delivers a rich platformer experience. As a monkey, you navigate through the jungle, dodging traps and enemies with simple one-tap controls. The game's surprising depth and addictive gameplay make it a standout choice. It's free to play with in-app purchases and 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

Take the classic game of Chess on the go with the Apple Watch. This free-to-play game allows you to challenge opponents worldwide from your wrist. It's also cross-platform with the iPad, offering a larger playing field when needed.

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 is a memory-based game designed to improve your cognitive skills. You're tasked with matching design patterns within a time limit, with challenges becoming more complex as you progress. 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 just $1.99, Arcadia! offers a collection of over 20 retro-style games, including classics like Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. This ad-free, no-in-app-purchase collection provides a pure retro gaming experience 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-to-play puzzle game where you rotate pieces to create an infinity loop. The challenge escalates as you progress, and the "Creative Lounge" mode lets you design and share your 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 offers a thrilling sci-fi shooter experience. Defend Earth from alien invaders while collecting power-ups to enhance your weapons. This game is part of the Space Watch Trilogy, alongside Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, with a bundle option 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 and Dinosaur Game, Jellyfish Tap challenges you to navigate a jellyfish through an underwater world, dodging obstacles. This free-to-play game, with in-app purchases, 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 offers the classic Pong along with other retro games like Breakout and Invader. Use the Digital Crown to control the paddles and customize your game with different colors and designs. It's free to play with in-app purchases and 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 delivers a turn-based tactical and strategy game. Swipe to navigate through various terrains and challenge enemies. Play solo on your Apple Watch or compete with friends via iMessage, with the game 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 a rule to clear each level, with complexity increasing as you progress. This $2.99 game is also available on iPhone, iPad, and iMessage, offering a challenging puzzle experience.

How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025

The Apple Watch is not only a device for quick information but also a platform for quick gaming sessions. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store, most of which are compatible with the iPhone, you can enjoy gaming without needing to take out your phone.

Apple Watch Model

If you're already an Apple Watch owner, knowing your model is crucial. Newer models running watchOS 10, including Series 4 and later, can play all compatible games. Older models like the Series 3, running watchOS 6, have fewer options. Check the model number at the bottom of your watch to confirm.

The iPhone paired with your Apple Watch also matters. For watchOS 10, you need an iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 works with iPhones from the 4s to 6s. The Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second generation and later) should be up to date with watchOS 10 and iOS 18.

Storage Space

With storage limited to up to 64GB on the Apple Watch, choosing games wisely is important. Most games are small in size, typically less than 1GB, but older models with many apps installed might have less space. For example, the Series 4, the oldest model running watchOS 10, has only 16GB of storage.

Price

Many Apple Watch games are free to download, but be aware of potential in-app purchases that can unlock additional content or remove ads. Some games require a one-time payment, offering a premium experience without ongoing costs.

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.