Top 12 Apple Watch Games to Enjoy Now

The Apple Watch is a versatile device that not only tracks your steps, controls your Apple iPhone, and keeps accurate time but also offers a unique gaming experience right on your wrist. With the advent of the slimmer Apple Watch Series 10, the future of Apple Watch gaming looks brighter than ever. Whether you're looking to kill time or dive into a quick challenge, the Apple Watch can transform into a gaming hub. Below, we've curated a list of the best mobile games for the Apple Watch, all of which are also compatible with the iPhone or iPad—or both. Most are free to download and play, though some offer in-app purchases, and a few are premium buys 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

At $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster offers a nostalgic gaming experience reminiscent of classic Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. Featuring two engaging game modes—level-based and lives-based—your goal is to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown as your controller. This game echoes the gameplay of the Atari classic Tempest. Additionally, Star Duster 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

For $3.99, Lifeline: Beside You in Time is an immersive text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut named Taylor through the perils of a black hole. Your choices dictate the story's direction, leading to various outcomes. This game is also available on the iPhone and iPad, ensuring you can continue your adventure 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 modest display size of up to 49mm, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! delivers a thrilling platformer experience. As a monkey, you navigate jungle obstacles with simple one-tap controls. The game boasts surprisingly detailed graphics and is praised for its addictive yet casual gameplay. It's free to play with in-app purchases and 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 timeless game of Chess on your Apple Watch. This free-to-play game allows you to engage in matches with players worldwide directly from your wrist. For a larger playing field, it's also compatible with the iPad, offering a cross-platform experience.

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 try to replicate increasingly complex patterns within a time limit. Designed to sharpen your cognitive skills, this game is 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! brings over 20 classic retro games to your wrist, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. Free from ads, in-app purchases, or data tracking, this collection offers pure retro gaming joy on-the-go. It's also playable 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 captivating puzzle game where you rotate pieces to form an infinity loop. As the challenge escalates, so does the difficulty. The game includes a "Creative Lounge" mode for designing and sharing your own puzzles with the community. It's 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

Priced at $1.99, Jupiter Attack is a thrilling sci-fi shooter where you pilot a spaceship to fend off alien invaders. Collect power-ups to enhance your weaponry as you defend Earth. Part of the Space Watch Trilogy, it's rated highly among Apple Watch gamers. You can also purchase a bundle with Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando for just $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 involves tapping to guide a jellyfish through underwater obstacles. The game becomes progressively challenging and faster, offering a free-to-play experience 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

Beyond the classic Pong, Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game offers four other retro games, including Breakout and Invader. Use the Digital Crown to control the paddles, and customize the game with different colors and designs. It's free to play with in-app purchases and 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 strategy game where you swipe to navigate through diverse terrains and defeat enemies. Play solo on your Apple Watch or challenge friends via iMessage. It's also compatible with 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! challenges you to follow a set of rules to clear puzzle levels, with each subsequent level introducing new rules to remember. At $2.99, this fast-paced game tests your memory and adaptability. 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 handy device for quick gaming sessions. With hundreds of games available in the Apple App Store for the Apple Watch, and many compatible with iPhone games, you can enjoy gaming without reaching for your smartphone.

Given the vast selection, it might be overwhelming to decide where to start. Here are key factors to consider when choosing Apple Watch games:

Apple Watch Model

Knowing your Apple Watch model is crucial. If you have a newer model running watchOS 10, you'll have access to all compatible games, including those from Series 4 onward. Older models like the Series 3, running watchOS 6, may have fewer options. Check the model number at the bottom of your Apple Watch to be sure.

Also, ensure your iPhone is compatible, as watchOS 10 requires iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 works with iPhone 4s through 6s. Both Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second gen and later) should be up-to-date with watchOS 10 and iOS 18, respectively.

Storage Space

With up to 64GB of storage, the Apple Watch has limited space. Fortunately, most games are small, typically under 1GB, so they won't consume much room. However, storage is still a consideration, especially with older models like the Series 4, which has just 16GB.

Price

Most Apple Watch games are free to download, but be aware that many offer in-app purchases for additional content or an ad-free experience. Some premium games are available for a few dollars, providing a complete gaming experience without additional costs.

Enjoyment

Ultimately, 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.