Top 12 Apple Watch Games to Enjoy Now

The Apple Watch is not just a stylish accessory; it's a powerhouse of functionality that tracks your steps, controls your Apple iPhone, keeps accurate time, and offers much more. With the arrival of the sleek Apple Watch Series 10, the future of gaming on your wrist is brighter than ever. Whether you're looking to kill time or challenge your mind, the Apple Watch has a variety of games that cater to different tastes and play styles.

We've curated 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 right on your wrist, and they're also compatible with your iPhone or iPad—or both. Most of these games are free to download and play, though some offer in-app purchases, while a few are premium purchases that 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 just $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster brings the nostalgia of retro gaming to your wrist. This game emulates the classic gameplay of old-school Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. With two game modes—one level-based and the other lives-based—your mission is to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown as your control. It's reminiscent of the Atari classic Tempest. Star Duster also serves as a prequel to the mobile game 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 is a gripping text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut named Taylor to safety from a black hole. Your choices shape the story, which branches into different outcomes. This game is also available on iPhone and iPad, allowing you to 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 small display, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! offers a thrilling platformer experience. As a monkey, you'll run, jump, and roll through the jungle, dodging traps and enemies. The game's graphics are impressively detailed for such a compact screen, and its gameplay is described as "extremely addictive" and "super casual." It's free to play with in-app purchases and 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

If you're a chess enthusiast, you can now play Chess on your Apple Watch. This classic board game is free to play and cross-platform with the iPad, offering a larger playing field. You can challenge players of any skill level from around the world, all from the convenience of 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 is a memory-based game designed to enhance your cognitive skills. You're shown a design pattern and must replicate it within a time limit. As you progress, the patterns become more complex, challenging your memory and brainpower. It's 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 a dose of retro gaming, Arcadia! offers over 20 classic game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. Priced at just $1.99, this collection comes with no ads, in-app purchases, or data tracking—just pure retro gaming 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. While it starts simple, the challenge increases as you play. The game also features a "Creative Lounge" mode, allowing you to design and share your own puzzles with an online community. 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

For $1.99, Jupiter Attack offers a thrilling sci-fi shooting experience where you control a spaceship to fend off alien invaders. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons as you progress. This game is part of the Space Watch Trilogy, which includes Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando. A bundle of all three games is available 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

Similar to Flappy Bird and Dinosaur Game, Jellyfish Tap is a tap-and-jump game where you guide a jellyfish through an underwater world, dodging vertical structures. The game becomes increasingly challenging and faster as you progress. It's free to play with in-app purchases and 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

Not only can you play the classic Pong on your Apple Watch, but Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game also includes four other retro games like 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 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 turn-based tactical and strategy game where you swipe to defeat enemies across various terrains. You can play solo on your Apple Watch 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

In Rules!, you must follow a series of rules to clear levels in this fast-paced puzzle game. Each new level introduces another rule, and you must remember all previous rules to progress. The game quickly becomes more complex as you advance. It's available for $2.99 and also compatible with 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 fantastic device for quick gaming sessions. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store, most of which are also compatible with your iPhone, you can enjoy gaming without needing to pull out your phone.

Given the vast selection, choosing the right game can be daunting. Here's what to consider when selecting 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 for Series 4 and later. 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.

Additionally, ensure your iPhone is compatible. For watchOS 10, you'll need an iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 works with iPhone 4s through 6s. The Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second generation 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 take up much room. However, if you have an older model like the Series 4 with only 16GB, storage is something to keep in mind.

Price

Many Apple Watch games are free to download, but be aware that some may offer in-app purchases for additional content or an ad-free experience. Premium games are also available, but they're reasonably priced, usually under a few dollars.

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 have a few minutes to spare.