The Apple Watch is an incredibly versatile device, seamlessly integrating into your daily life by tracking steps, managing your Apple iPhone, keeping accurate time, and offering much more. Beyond its utility as an essential iPhone accessory, the Apple Watch also serves as a platform for gaming, perfect for those moments when you need a quick distraction. With the arrival of the sleek Apple Watch Series 10, the future of gaming on this device looks brighter than ever.

We've curated a list of the best mobile games for the Apple Watch to help you dive into gaming right from your wrist. These games are not only compatible with the Apple Watch but also with your iPhone or iPad, ensuring a seamless gaming experience across devices. While most of these games are free to download and play, some feature in-app purchases, and a select few are premium purchases that are affordable and 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

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 $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster delivers a nostalgic gaming experience reminiscent of old school Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. With two game modes—level-based and lives-based—your objective is to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown. This game echoes the classic Atari game Tempest and serves as a prequel to Star Jolt, available on Apple iPhone and Apple 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 is an immersive text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut to safety from a black hole. Your choices determine the story's direction, adding an element of suspense and personalization. This game is also available on iPhone and iPad, ensuring you can 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! offers a surprisingly detailed platformer experience. As a monkey navigating through a jungle, you'll jump, roll, and dodge to avoid traps and enemies. This free game with in-app purchases 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

Enjoy the classic board game Chess right on your wrist. This free-to-play game allows you to challenge players of any skill level worldwide. For a larger playing field, you can also play on your iPad.

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 by requiring you to replicate displayed patterns within a time limit. As you progress, the patterns become more complex, enhancing your cognitive skills. This game 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 over 20 retro game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. With no ads, in-app purchases, or data tracking, this collection provides pure retro gaming fun on the go. It's 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

Infinity Loop: Blueprints is a free-to-play puzzle game where you rotate pieces to create an infinity loop. As the puzzles get more challenging, the game also offers a "Creative Lounge" mode for you to design and share your own puzzles. This game is 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

For $1.99, Jupiter Attack lets you pilot a spaceship to fend off alien invaders. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons and enjoy this sci-fi shooter. Part of the Space Watch Trilogy, Jupiter Attack is rated highly among Apple Watch gamers, with a bundle option for the complete trilogy at $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

Similar to Flappy Bird, Jellyfish Tap challenges you to guide a jellyfish through an underwater world. As the game speeds up, it becomes increasingly challenging. 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

Experience classic games like Pong and Breakout with Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game. Use the Digital Crown to control the paddles and customize your gaming experience. This free game with in-app purchases is 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 tactical strategy game where you swipe to navigate through various terrains and defeat enemies. Play solo or challenge a friend via iMessage. It's 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 evolving rules to clear levels. As you progress, the complexity increases, making it a challenging and engaging experience. Available for $2.99, it's also compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.

How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025

While the Apple Watch is renowned for its quick-glance information, it's also a fantastic platform for gaming on the go. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store, most of which are compatible with your iPhone, you can enjoy gaming without reaching for your phone.

When selecting games for your Apple Watch, consider the following factors:

Apple Watch Model

Knowing your Apple Watch model is crucial, as newer models like the Series 4 and later support the latest watchOS 10, enabling you to play a wider range of games. Older models like the Series 3 run on watchOS 6, limiting your options. Check your model number at the bottom of your watch for clarity. Also, ensure your iPhone is compatible with the required watchOS version.

Storage Space

With limited storage of up to 64GB, it's important to consider game sizes. Most Apple Watch games are small and won't take up much space, but it's still worth checking, especially on older models with less storage capacity.

Price

Many Apple Watch games are free to download, but some offer in-app purchases or premium versions. Free games might include ads, which you can remove with a fee. Consider your budget and gaming preferences when choosing.

Enjoyment

Ultimately, choose games that look fun or challenging. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, ensuring you can find a new challenge whenever you need a break.