Top 12 Apple Watch Games to Play Now

The Apple Watch is a highly versatile device that not only tracks your steps and keeps accurate time but also seamlessly integrates with your Apple iPhone to enhance your daily life. With the arrival of the slimmer Apple Watch Series 10, the potential for gaming on your wrist has never been more exciting. Whether you're looking to kill time or engage in quick gaming sessions, the Apple Watch offers a range of games that cater to various interests.

We've compiled a list of the best mobile games for the Apple Watch to help you dive into the world of wrist-based gaming. Surprisingly, you can enjoy these games directly from your wrist, and they are also compatible with your iPhone or iPad—sometimes both. Most of these games are free to download and play, though some offer in-app purchases. A few are premium games, but they are reasonably priced and won't strain your budget.

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 the nostalgia of retro-style gaming to your wrist, reminiscent of old school Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. With two game modes—one level-based and the other lives-based—you use the Digital Crown to catch falling space junk. It's a nod to the Atari classic Tempest. Additionally, Star Duster serves as a prequel to Star Jolt and is also playable on your iPhone and via 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 dictate the story's direction, making for an immersive experience. This game is also available on your iPhone and iPad, allowing you to seamlessly continue your adventure 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 compact display, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! delivers a thrilling platformer experience. As a monkey, you'll navigate through the jungle by running, jumping, and rolling to avoid traps and enemies. The game's graphics are impressively detailed, and its "extremely addictive" and "super casual" gameplay is free to play with optional in-app purchases. It's 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

Enjoy the classic game of Chess on your Apple Watch, allowing you to play on-the-go. This free-to-play game is cross-platform with the iPad for a larger screen experience. Connect with players of any skill level worldwide, right 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 as you match design patterns within a time limit. The game progressively increases in difficulty, offering a stimulating brain workout. Available for free with in-app purchases, it's also compatible with 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 a mere $1.99, Arcadia! brings a collection of over 20 retro game clones to your wrist, including classics like Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. With no ads, in-app purchases, or data tracking, it's pure retro gaming on-the-go. Also available 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

In Infinity Loop: Blueprints, you rotate pieces to create an infinity loop in this engaging puzzle game. As you progress, the challenges become increasingly complex. The "Creative Lounge" mode allows you to design and share your puzzles with an online community. Available for free with in-app purchases on iPhone and iPad as well.

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 is a sci-fi shooter where you command a spaceship to fend off alien invaders. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons as you protect Earth. Part of the Space Watch Trilogy alongside Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, you can buy the bundle for just $3 to experience all three games.

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

Similar to Flappy Bird and Dinosaur Game, Jellyfish Tap is a tap-and-jump game where you control a jellyfish navigating through an underwater world. The game's difficulty increases as you progress, making it a challenging yet enjoyable experience. Free to play with in-app purchases, it's 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

Enjoy the classic Pong and four other retro games with 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. Free to play with in-app purchases, it's 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 less than a dollar, Tiny Armies offers a turn-based tactical and strategy game where you swipe to defeat enemies and navigate through varied terrain. You can play solo or challenge a friend via iMessage. It's also playable 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

In Rules!, you must follow specific rules to clear levels in this fast-paced puzzle game. As you advance, more rules are added, making the challenge increasingly complex. Priced at $2.99, it's also available on iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.

How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025

The Apple Watch is not just for quick glances at notifications; it's also a convenient device for quick gaming sessions. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store, most are also compatible with your iPhone, allowing you to play without needing to pull out your phone.

Choosing the right game can be daunting due to the vast selection. Here's what to consider when picking Apple Watch games:

Apple Watch Model

Knowing your Apple Watch model is crucial as it affects game compatibility. If you have a newer model running watchOS 10, you can play all compatible games, which includes all models from Series 4 onwards. Older models like the Series 3, running watchOS 6, may have limited options. Check the model number at the bottom of your Apple Watch to confirm.

Also, ensure your iPhone is compatible, as it must be paired with your watch. For watchOS 10, you'll need an iPhone XS or later; watchOS 6 requires an iPhone 4s through 6s. The Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second generation and later) should be compatible with the latest watchOS 10 and iOS 18, respectively.

Storage Space

The Apple Watch has limited storage, with a maximum of 64GB. However, since most games are small and typically under 1GB, they won't take up much space. Still, consider storage, especially if you have an older model like the Series 4, which only has 16GB of storage.

Price

Many Apple Watch games are free to download and play, but some offer in-app purchases for additional content or to remove ads. Be aware of these costs if you're looking to enhance your gaming experience without breaking the bank.

Enjoyment

Finally, choose games that look fun or challenging to you. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, offering a new challenge whenever you're ready to play.