The Apple Watch is not just a stylish accessory; it's a powerhouse of functionality. From tracking your daily steps and controlling your Apple iPhone to keeping precise time, it's an essential tool for any tech-savvy individual. Beyond its utility, the Apple Watch has become a hub for entertainment, especially with the introduction of the sleek Apple Watch Series 10, which promises to enhance the gaming experience on your wrist.

If you're looking to dive into the world of Apple Watch gaming, we've curated a list of the best mobile games that you can enjoy 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. Most of these games are available for free, with optional in-app purchases, while a few are premium, but they're priced affordably at just a few dollars.

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 transports you back to the era of classic handheld gaming, reminiscent of Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics. With two engaging modes—level-based and lives-based—your mission is to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown. It's a nod to the Atari classic Tempest, providing a nostalgic yet fresh gaming experience. Star Duster also serves as a prequel to Star Jolt and is 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 offers a gripping text-based adventure where you play the pivotal role of guiding an astronaut away from a perilous black hole. Your choices shape the story, leading to multiple outcomes. The game's immersive narrative is not only available on the Apple Watch but also on iPhone and iPad, allowing you to continue your journey across devices seamlessly.

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 screen, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! delivers a surprisingly rich platformer experience. As a nimble monkey, you'll navigate through jungle obstacles with simple one-tap controls. The game's detailed graphics and addictive gameplay make it a standout choice, and it's available for free with in-app purchases across 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

The timeless game of Chess comes to life on your wrist, allowing you to challenge opponents worldwide from anywhere. It's free to play on the Apple Watch and can be enjoyed on the iPad for a larger view, making it a versatile option for strategy enthusiasts.

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 recreate intricate patterns within a time limit. This brain-training game escalates in difficulty, keeping you engaged and sharp. It's available for free with in-app purchases on the Apple Watch, 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

With Arcadia!, you can enjoy a nostalgic collection of over 20 classic game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, and more, for just $1.99. This ad-free, in-app purchase-free gaming experience is perfect for retro gaming enthusiasts and is 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 offers a free-to-play puzzle experience where you rotate pieces to form an infinite loop. The game's challenge grows with each level, and the "Creative Lounge" mode lets you design and share your own puzzles with a community of players. 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 shooting experience as you pilot a spaceship to fend off alien invaders. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons and navigate through intense battles. Part of the Space Watch Trilogy, which also includes Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, a bundle is available for $3, providing hours of entertainment on your Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad.

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

Jellyfish Tap offers a simple yet addictive gameplay experience reminiscent of Flappy Bird and Dinosaur Game. Navigate your jellyfish through underwater obstacles with taps, enjoying vibrant visuals and increasing difficulty. Available for free with in-app purchases on the Apple Watch, 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

Not only can you enjoy the classic Pong on your Apple Watch, but Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game also includes Breakout, Invader, and more. Use the Digital Crown to control the paddles and customize your game with various colors and designs. It's free to play with in-app purchases and also available on the 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 under a dollar, Tiny Armies delivers a tactical turn-based strategy game where you swipe to navigate and defeat enemies across various terrains. Play solo on your Apple Watch or challenge a friend via iMessage. It's also available on iPhone and iPad, providing a comprehensive gaming experience.

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! challenges your memory and quick thinking with fast-paced puzzles that require you to follow one rule to clear a level, with each subsequent level adding new rules to remember. Priced at $2.99, it's an engaging brain teaser available on the Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.

How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025

The Apple Watch is more than just a tool for quick glances at notifications; it's a versatile device that lets you enjoy quick gaming sessions on the go. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store, most of which are also compatible with the iPhone, you can dive into a game without needing to reach for your smartphone.

Choosing the right Apple Watch game can be overwhelming given the vast selection. Here's what to consider:

Apple Watch Model

Knowing your Apple Watch model is crucial as it affects game compatibility. If you're running the latest watchOS 10 on a Series 4 or newer, you have access to the full range of games. However, older models like the Series 3, running watchOS 6, may limit your options. Check the model number at the bottom of your Apple Watch to ensure compatibility.

Additionally, ensure your iPhone is compatible with your Apple Watch, as they work in tandem. For watchOS 10, you'll need an iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 runs on iPhone 4s through 6s. The Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second generation and beyond) are compatible with the latest watchOS 10 and iOS 18, respectively.

Storage Space

With limited storage space—up to 64GB on the Apple Watch—consider the size of the games you're downloading. Most Apple Watch games are small, typically under 1GB, making them manageable even on older models with less storage like the Series 4, which has 16GB.

Price

While many Apple Watch games are free to download, be mindful of in-app purchases that may enhance gameplay or remove ads. Free games often include these to monetize, so consider whether the additional costs are worth the experience.

Enjoyment

Ultimately, the most important factor is whether the game looks fun or challenging. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, offering a new challenge with every download.