The App Store is filled with a deluge of games, but not every iOS game is worth your time or money. I have rounded up some of the best iPhone games with considerations across various genres, from action and puzzles to strategy and beyond, to give you something you are interested in!
These games for iPhone can be a great way to pass the time whether you are in transit or at home or looking to engage in some serious competition. Moreover, you can connect with other players worldwide, which is pretty cool.
If that sounds appealing, check out this list. We update it every month to cover the worthy latest releases. So don’t forget to come back!
- Action games
- Adventure games
- Board games
- Puzzle games
- Racing games
- Role-playing games
- Simulation games
- Sports games
- Strategy games
- Family games
Action games
1. Among Us
Here’s one of the most popular global gaming sensations in recent times. Among Us is set in a spaceship that’s preparing for launch. The aim is to find the player among the crew who’s an imposter plotting to kill everyone.
You have to use basic vertical and horizontal movements to move from room to room to accomplish your tasks. If you’re the imposer, your goal is to sabotage and murder your crewmates. And if you’re a crew member who suspects something, call an emergency meeting and try to get the imposter voted out before they destroy you. Players that are killed turn into “ghosts” to see how the rest of the match plays out.
You can play it online or over local Wi-Fi with 4-10 players. To win, crew members must complete all the tasks or identify the imposter and vote them off the ship. I love how every match keeps the mystery alive.
However, the first time you play, you might feel a bit lost because it’s a bit challenging to figure out the tasks and accomplish them. But once you get into it, it’s addictive and highly entertaining as friends turn against one another, bonds are tested, and the in-game chat offers much-needed comic relief.
I appreciate that Among Us is perfect for playing as much or as little as you want. Many multiplayer games require a heavy time investment to get through, which is not always convenient. Other notable aspects include the charmingly cute art style and animations.
Price: Free
2. Call of Duty Mobile
If you’ve been a fan of this classic shooter action game, you will love the console-quality graphics on this exclusive mobile version. It’s got customizable controls, thrilling 3D graphics, immersive sound, and voice and text chat to keep you engaged.
You can choose between various modes such as Battle Royale (which unlocks at level 5), Free-For-All, Frontline, Team Deathmatch, Hardpoint, and Domination. It’s one of the best FPS games out there, and the iOS app retains the look and feel of the original PC game.
Further, I think it’s a superior alternative to PUBG with a more realistic feel and a diversity of combat experiences. For instance, you can scout enemies aerially, call drone strikes, or deploy a cluster bomb payload. There are also lethal weapons like grenades at your disposal to take out multiple enemies at once.
Moreover, you can play multiplayer maps, squad up with friends in 100-person battle royale survival challenges, and use your skills to move to the top in the super-competitive Ranked Mode. It’s a real thrill to compete and fight against millions of players in this highly customizable and challenging game. Do note that it’s pretty resource-intensive, so it might not perform so well on older devices.
Price: Free
3. Dead Cells
When Dead Cells was released on PC in 2017, it was the rage amongst indie games, beating many bigger games with massive budgets. Now, this epic game is available in iOS for everyone to enjoy.
Dead Cells is a roguelike game with procedurally generated levels and enemies. This essentially means that your character has to crawl around dungeons and defeat enemies, all the while collecting various resources to power up. Moreover, the placements of different enemies and the levels themselves change after your character dies and respawns.
You will never play through the same level twice. If you’re playing the game with a friend, you and your friend will not have the same playthrough of the game at any time. This is an old concept in video games that has been worked on and integrated seamlessly by the developers of Dead Cells.
There’s also an intriguing 8-bit aesthetic for the game’s visuals. It makes you feel like you’re playing one of the Nintendo classics from the early days. Now, you can enjoy all this from your iPhone!
Price: $8.99
Adventure games
4. Minecraft
Give your creativity free rein with this engaging game that’s all about w0rld-building. It’s the mobile version of another PC classic that captured the imagination of kids and adults alike. If you’ve been living under a rock and don’t know about Minecraft, it’s a massively multiplayer game in which you can build everything from simple houses to elaborate castles.
Challenge yourself by playing in survival mode, wherein you have to craft weapons to use against enemies. Or, get into a meditative state by simply building to your heart’s content in the creative mode.
I particularly like how you can customize your experience with free add-ons! For the tech-inclined geeks like me, the game lets you create new resource packs. It not only shows how creative you can be but also serves as a source for new ideas. It can be quite addictive to keep building new things and exploring.
Further, a steady stream of updates keeps the Minecraft universe forever fresh, fun, and challenging! Each update is better than the last, adding exciting animals and new objects. Although it’s a paid game, it’s worth every cent for adventure-loving gamers.
Price: $6.99
5. Playdead’s INSIDE
Check out this indie game that’s won over a hundred awards and captures the imagination with its unique graphics and dark humor. It’s a narrative-driven platformer that combines intense action with challenging puzzles.
You will especially love it if you were a fan of Limbo, the predecessor of this game, from the same developer. However, rest assured that this is a whole new experience with a host of intriguing puzzles set to an eerie storyline. You take on the role of a boy entering a dark forest laden with problems to solve. If you stick with the game, you will guide the boy from the forest to a farm and then into a city, followed by other locations.
If you get caught, you die, and I should warn you that the death scenes are pretty realistic, so don’t go for this if that kind of thing disturbs you. However, these scenes fit beautifully into the world of the game, and I have to commend the spellbinding design and the graphics. But I also feel that the game is so literally dark that visibility becomes an issue, even when turning up the screen brightness.
Lastly, I love the moody soundtrack and somewhat creepy atmosphere that keep you hooked. It’s a game that’s not meant to be understood but rather just experienced and immersed in. If you’re not familiar with Playdead’s Limbo, you’ll have to try this one for yourself to see if it’s up your alley.
Price: Free ($6.99 for full access)
6. Genshin Impact
It’s time to explore the vast, mysterious world of Teyvat. You arrive here from another world, and your task is to seek answers by joining forces with a diverse set of characters. Climb mountains, swim across rivers and explore this wondrous world full of surprises.
The game is all about elemental magic, and you can play with friends across various platforms to trigger more elemental action. What I found especially notable is the soundtrack performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. It changes seamlessly to match the gameplay and mood.
Beautiful art meets great sound in this free-to-play, open-world action RPG. For a free game, it offers an impressive amount that includes a detailed storyline, lots of quests, puzzles, challenges, etc. It’s also frequently updated with new stuff to explore.
It’s easy to learn the movements and combat techniques, with adventure around every corner. Moreover, up to four players can team up together, and there’s cross-platform drop-in, drop-out gameplay. Of course, it can also be enjoyed solo, and the vast world is incredibly immersive – you’ll be spoilt for choice with dozens of possibilities, from high action to leisurely gliding across the scenery.
Price: Free
7. Blind Drive
This is one of the latest iOS games that you must try. You’re blindfolded and moving against the traffic with cars zooming past, drivers yelling, cops tailing you, etc. The entire game is experienced through the ears, which makes it a unique experience.
I loved the hyper-immersive 1st-person audio and fast-paced arcade gameplay. Moreoevr, it’s got 27 levels of chaotic gameplay that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. The jazzy yet minimalist visuals further add to the appeal.
Price: $3.99
8. Sky: Children of the Light
This is one of the most positive and uplifting games I’ve ever played. It’s got the perfect blend of beautiful graphics, relaxing gameplay, and good vibes that make you want to keep playing. The story is based on the goal of spreading hope and restoring light to a desolate kingdom.
You have to explore the beautiful world to find stars and return them to their constellations. Along the way, you’ll encounter friendly spirits and socialize with like-minded players from around the world.
Price: Free
Board games
9. Chess Play and Learn
Here’s a game that never gets old. Learn it from scratch or upgrade your skills with this amazing chess app that’s packed with useful features. Play against millions of players across the world and improve your rating.
Or, you can go up against a powerful AI opponent for practice. Some interactive lessons and videos serve as handy resources for the serious chess player. You can also customize the game with 20+ gorgeous themes for boards, pieces, and backgrounds. I think it’s the best all-in-one chess app you could want.
Price: Free ($4.99 for Gold Membership)
Puzzle games
10. One Escape
Most games are all about being the good guy, but here’s one with a twist. Your task is to help orchestrate a smart jailbreak for three convicted bank robbers. Hide from the guards and find a way to freedom in this exciting, adrenaline-pumping adventure.
It’s packed with 60 levels of cool missions like finding keys to locked doors, avoiding booby traps, and much more. Moreover, the three characters you embody each have their unique abilities, so you have to tweak your gameplay strategy accordingly. Do you have what it takes to pull off a clean breakout without getting caught? Download and try this new iPhone game to find out!
Price: $2.99
11. Candy Crush Saga
This has got to be one of the best iPhone games of all time that’s easy to play, addictive, and so much fun. The goal is, of course, to match the candy to crush it, but the graphics and sound effects take this match-up puzzle game to the next level.
The game is endless, with thousands of levels that steadily get more complicated. There are different game modes to keep things interesting, and you can play both online and offline. It’s also easy to sync the game between different devices.
Price: Free
12. Angry Birds 2
I have loved this game ever since it first came out, and it’s managed to hold its own over the years. It’s just so much fun to use the slingshot to fling birds at the piggies’ towers and see them come crashing down. I think it’s a great way to vent frustration too.
Further, the characters are cute, and the levels get steadily more complicated. There are also daily challenges that you can try out. The game is consistently updated, and there are always new levels and gorgeous graphics to keep you hooked.
Price: Free
13. Threes
It’s time to challenge your mind with this puzzle game that’s all about merging numbers to create more significant numbers. The aim is to avoid gridlock, and it requires some thoughtful strategy to win.
I love the appealing design, the whimsical music, and the engaging gameplay that gives other puzzle games a run for their money. Although the mechanics are simple, the concept and execution are pretty unique and outstanding. This earns it a place among the best iOS games out there!
Price: $5.99
14. Prune
Prune brings something different to the table – the cultivation of trees. This may not sound like much, but the game has taken a different context of importance in recent years. After the coronavirus pandemic, I’m sure a few people in your life have taken to tending to houseplants. What if you’re not ready for that level of commitment just yet, but still want to experience something similar?
Prune is here to save your day. The game redefines what it’s like to play puzzle games. Usually, when we play puzzle games, we solve the puzzle through pure logic and analysis. This game adds an emotional depth, wherein you’re responsible for solving puzzles so that your tree can grow.
Besides, there’s a beautiful, minimalist, yet stylized aesthetic to the game with a relaxing quality. While you play the game, it not only challenges you and your notions of puzzle games but also relaxes your mind. This is a game that’s worth trying, even almost 6 years after its initial release!
Price: $3.99
15. The Witness
When you play The Witness for the first time, you could mistake the game for an adventure game. It’s an understandable mistake – The Witness features gorgeous environments with an aesthetic unique in the puzzle genre. To get ahead in the game, you have to open various doors through the game’s puzzle mechanics.
The main puzzle mechanic of the game involves you connecting lines from one end to another. Sounds simple, right? It most definitely isn’t. You’ll have to take multiple factors into account.
For example, the simplest connection from one point to another will open one door in the environment for you but might close another door to a new area. So, you will have to use the trial and error method to find out how the game operates.
It might be daunting to understand the game in the beginning. There’s also a story behind the puzzles, and to piece the story together will require you to solve the puzzles and explore the different environments. The game is beautiful and also features an ambient soundtrack to match the vibe.
The game was initially released in 2016 for major video game consoles. It’s now been ported to iOS and deserves your complete attention!
Price: $9.99
Racing games
16. Asphalt 9 Legends
For all the racing fans out there, you cannot miss out on the action of Asphalt 9 Legends. You can face the speed and become a Legend of the Track in some of the most fantastic dream cars from Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, etc., in exotic locations worldwide.
I especially enjoy the single-player Career mode that lets you participate in over 900 racing events to grow your supercars collection. Then, there is the online multiplayer mode that pits you against up to 7 rival players from all over the world. Asphalt has won multiple awards for its design and technical achievement.
Price: Free
17. Real Racing 3
Real Racing 3 is one of the best offline games for the iPhone. However, its online gameplay makes it even better, expanding the game’s scope much further.
There’s a different thrill in racing online against your friends in a hyper-realistic environment. You have licensed tracks and cars to try from; over 200 cars and numerous tracks from different countries. The game engine works wonders and renders different environments and weather conditions as well. You can race on tracks in North America where the scorching sun beats down on the tracks and cars, or in the rainy alpine areas of Europe.
You can also customize your favorite cars to suit the look that you’re comfortable with. Apart from the usual sports cars, there are also game-modes where Formula 1-esque cars and tracks are featured. Real Racing 3 has a lot to offer, and you should explore the game when you have the chance.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start from $1.99)
Role-playing games
18. Northgard
This is one of the most intriguing new releases on iOS worth checking out. It is an intriguing blend of Viking adventure and strategy. You have to lead a clan of Vikings who discover the land of Northgard and have to manage resources, do different kinds of jobs, and more.
The objective is to strategize and expand your territory to achieve victory. It’s a must-have for all the Norse mythology geeks out there, especially if you happened to have played the original PC version.
The iOS game gives the original a run for its money on mobile. It features a revamped interface, Game Center achievements, and iCloud save support for progress sync between devices.
Price: $7.99
19. Knights of San Francisco
Here’s a quick little adventure that will transport you to an imagined future where you have to explore what remains of the ancient city of San Francisco. It’s an RPG text game steeped in all things weird and whacky. It puts you in the shoes of a young necromancer who’s out on a quest to raise the dead. Pretty creepy stuff, but somehow it’s equally fascinating too.
The dynamic combat is pretty intense, simulated to the level of individual body parts. For instance, you can cleave off somebody’s leg and bash it over their head – definitely not for the frail at heart. Simultaneously, a Natural Language Generation system explains what’s happening to you in plain English.
You can get through the whole game in about 90 minutes, but it’ll be one of the most gripping 90 minutes of your life. So if you don’t mind some death and dystopia, this game is worth it.
Price: $2.99
20. Heroic Expedition
It’s time for some fascinating role-play in this charming new iOS game. The objective is to fight against the Lord of Disaster, who has orchestrated tragedy upon the Divine Realm! Put your skills to the test to see if you can save the world from chaos.
I love the quirky and unique art style that offers unparalleled visual enjoyment. You will lose yourself in creating your dream city and cultivating heroes to battle it out for rewards.
There are delicate 3D characters collect, and you can configure your lineup as you wish. Unleash dazzling skills on the battlefield!
Prove yourself in solo matches and cross-server tournaments for endless entertainment. Do you have what it takes to earn all the marvelous rewards and emerge as the king of the arena?
Price: $1.99
21. Stardew Valley
Step into the shoes of a farmer and explore country life in this award-winning open-ended role-playing game. It’s got over 50+ hours of gameplay and mobile-exclusive features such as auto-save and multiple controls options.
From breeding cute animals to growing seasonal crops and building your farm step-by-step, this game is the perfect escape from mundane city life. I love the variety of options it offers and the attractive graphics.
Price: $4.99
Simulation games
22. Plague
This one’s a bit of a dark yet topical simulation game that’s all about spreading a virus through the world. It’s terrifyingly realistic but requires some high strategy to orchestrate the end of human history.
The highlights include:
- Stunning retina graphics.
- A richly detailed, hyper-realistic world with advanced AI.
- A handy in-game tutorial.
- Over 50 countries to infect.
There are 12 different diseases to spread, each with its strategy to master.
Price: $0.99
23. The Sims Mobile
Who doesn’t love The Sims? The series has been a fan favorite for casual gamers since the first Sims game, released over 20 years ago. It continues to grow strong even today, with numerous updates and expansions to the newer installments of the game. Now, The Sims Mobile brings all the fun of The Sims to your iPhone.
The best part about this game’s porting process from the consoles to iPhones is that it has lost almost nothing in quality and content. You can still make your character work on random things while their house is set on fire, just because it seems like a fun thing to do. There are expansion packs offered through in-app purchases that add depth to the gameplay.
If you want a simulation game that allows you to simulate more exaggerated versions of the reality we live in, look no further than The Sims Mobile. You get everything present in the desktop versions, and all of it has been optimized for iOS devices.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start from $2.99)
Sports games
24. River Legends
Learn to fly fish while you make your way through the imagined Pine Canyon in this new single-player iOS game. It effectively blends elements of simulation and RPG adventure with a glorious pixel art style.
The AI is realistic, and I adore the dynamic weather conditions that add an atmospheric touch to this game. Your goal is to pursue multiple species of fish that each has their fly and weather preferences. This keeps things challenging as you have to choose the best tackle based on water conditions.
Moreover, you can explore some fascinating environments such as forgotten canyons, beautiful alpine lakes, mysterious dark forests, sylvan ponds, and more. It’s a whole lot of fun and keeps you “hooked” – pun intended!
Price: $2.99
25. Alto’s Odyssey
With beautiful graphics, ambient sounds and music, and super-smooth gameplay, this endless runner game has captivated my imagination. You can snowboard your way over windswept dunes, thrilling canyons, and more.
While it’s easy to learn, it will keep you challenged as you know more moves and explore the fascinating landscape. There are six characters to unlock, and I especially love the dynamic lighting and weather effects that add to the gameplay. It’s a must-try for any game lover out there.
Price: $4.99
Strategy games
26. Crash Dive 2
This is a unique tactical combat game that challenges you to command a submarine and destroy enemy ships and camps. It is an ingenious blend of a submarine simulator and arcade action.
I enjoyed the realistic mechanics and the option to adopt either a stealthy or offensive approach to emerge victoriously. Once you figure out if you want a strategic or aggressive stance, you’ll be able to customize the tools you take into battle.
There’s also a random mission generator that increases the replay quotient. There are many extra features like dynamic weather conditions and a day/night cycle that add to the atmosphere.
Lastly, my favorite aspect of the game is the real-world locales, including the Philippines, Sea of Japan, Solomon Islands, and more. Check it out for yourself and get exploring.
Price: $9.99
27. Pokemon GO
Ever since its launch, this AR game has taken the world by storm and continues to be one of the best games to play on your iPhone. Your aim is to discover and capture pokemon wherever you go.
Moreover, you can choose to link it to your iOS Health app to earn walking distance even when the app is closed. In this way, it’s a fun way to keep moving and stay fit while you compete. Journey with your pokemon to help make them stronger and earn rewards.
Price: Free
28. The Battle of Polytopia
The Battle of Polytopia is an award-winning strategy game in which you have to battle enemy tribes, discover new land, master new technologies, and dominate the map. You’re the leader of your tribe and must build a mighty civilization.
You take on the role of the ruler of a tribe and attempt to build a civilization. Moreover, it can be played offline, which makes it perfect for traveling. You can play as a single-player or online multiplayer, and there are three game modes: Perfection, Domination, and Creative.
Price: Free
29. Tetris
Enjoy a classic puzzle experience with this colorful game that challenges your thinking skills. The objective is to fit the blocks together to form lines and prevent a build-up of pieces.
You can play quick rounds to beat your score or play infinite rounds to build your skills and become a champion. There’s also a multiplayer option where you can hang out and chat with friends.
Price: Free
30. Clash of Clans
Yet another popular and best iPhone game, this one’s a strategy game that’s all about building your village, raising a clan, and competing in clan wars. Forge alliances and clash with players worldwide in epic battles that will test your strategizing skills.
There’s no end to what you can do in this universe, from discovering amazing new characters to trying out new tactics and experimenting with your army. Use towers, canons, traps, walls, and more to defend against enemy attacks and lead your clan to victory.
Price: Free
31. XCOM: Enemy Within
The XCOM series has been regaling PC players since 2012. Since then, it has garnered a reputation for being one of the finest strategy games ever made. Now, the game is available for iPhones, and you have to give it a shot.
XCOM: Enemy Within brings its storyline. You can play the game either as a single-player or combine it with other friends to bring more depth to the squad-based gameplay. It has refined strategy elements that make the players think multiple times before making a single move. If you move the wrong way or target the wrong enemy, it could cost you the entire game.
There are many challenges to complete, and completing these objectives gives you rewards with which you can upgrade your character(s). The ported version does not skimp over any of the features that the PC players received. You can now take part in difficult squad-based battles while traveling without skipping a single beat.
The smaller screen space available makes it slightly more challenging to strategize based on the environment. However, with a little bit of adjustment, the game is still highly enjoyable. For all the strategy buffs out there, XCOM: Enemy Within brings everything to the table!
Price: $4.99
Family games
32. Otter Ocean
Kids and adults alike will love this cute family-friendly game. It’s all about finding cute otters, feeding them, and making them dive for treasures. I found it calming to play yet also adventurous. The cute Kawaii graphics add to the appeal.
It’ll make you return every day to find something new, collect food and pearls gathered by your pet otters. There are many new secrets to uncover and challenges to take up as you navigate this dreamy world.
Price: Free
33. Mad Libs
Mad Libs has been around for a long time. Various developers for the different iterations of the game have tried to add their nuances and twists to make it stand out. However, Penguin Group USA’s version of Mad Libs remains at the top.
The game’s objective is simple. You can play it with your family and friends at get-togethers and try to complete the sentences with or without hints. It’s also an educational game and can be used for teaching word association to young children. This game is always a good time among friends as the word associations may be weird and is more than likely to get a laugh in the room.
If you’re a creative person who likes playing with words, you better get Mad Libs. It’s one game where puzzle elements combine with the concept of family games to create something unique and fun. This game has the potential to relieve the tension in the room and bring people together.
Price: Free (in-app purchase starts from $1.99)
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- Best interactive story games for iPhone and iPad
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Anirban is a literature post-grad who delves in philosophy and postmodern novels when not writing on tech and gaming. His love for research is only trumped by his love for chai and heavy metal.