The Apple Watch is a versatile device that not only tracks your steps and controls your Apple iPhone but also keeps accurate time and offers much more. It's an essential accessory for everyday use, and with the launch of the sleek Apple Watch Series 10, gaming on the wrist has reached new heights. Whether you're looking to pass the time or challenge yourself, the Apple Watch offers a range of engaging games that can be played directly from your wrist. These games are not only compatible with the Apple Watch but also with your iPhone or iPad, making them perfect for on-the-go entertainment.
Most of the games listed below are free to download and play, although some may offer in-app purchases for additional content. A few games are premium purchases, but they are reasonably priced, ensuring you can enjoy top-quality gaming without breaking 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
A quick 80s retro LCD challenge, Star Duster is available for $2.99 on the Apple App Store. This game offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of old-school Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. With two game modes—level-based and lives-based—your mission is to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown as your controller, akin to the classic Atari game Tempest. It's also playable on your iPhone and through Apple iMessage, making it a versatile choice for gaming enthusiasts.
Apple Watch: Series 4-Series 10, SE, and Ultra | watchOS: 7.1 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 8 or later, SE | Price: $2.99
Lifeline: Beside You in Time
Lifeline: Beside You in Time
For $3.99, you can dive into Lifeline: Beside You in Time, a text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut, Taylor, to safety from a black hole. Your choices shape the story, offering different outcomes and a deeply immersive experience. This game is also available on iPhone and iPad, allowing seamless play across your devices.
Apple Watch: Series 3-Series 10 | watchOS: 6 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 6s or later, SE | Price: $3.99
Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!
Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!
Free to download with in-app purchases, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! is a one-tap action-platformer. Despite the Apple Watch's small display size, this game offers surprisingly detailed graphics and extremely addictive gameplay. Play as a monkey navigating jungle traps and enemies with ease. It's also available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and iMessage, ensuring you can enjoy it across various platforms.
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
Chess
Chess - Play & Learn
Play the timeless game of Chess right from your wrist. It's free to play with in-app purchases and compatible with iPad for a larger playing field. Connect with players of all skill levels worldwide, making it a perfect way to enjoy chess anytime, anywhere.
Apple Watch: Series 5-Series 10 | watchOS: 4 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 6s or later, SE | Price: Free with in-app purchases
Octopuz
Octopuz
Challenge your memory with Octopuz, a free game with in-app purchases designed to train your brain. Match design patterns within a time limit, with increasing difficulty as you progress. Available on iPhone and iPad as well, it's an excellent way to keep your mind sharp.
Apple Watch: Series 1-Series 10 and SE | watchOS: 4 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 4s-10, SE | Price: Free with in-app purchases
Arcadia!
Arcadia - Arcade Watch Games
For $1.99, Arcadia! offers a collection of over 20 classic retro game clones, including Snake, Galaga, and Pong. Enjoy ad-free, uninterrupted gaming on your Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. It's the perfect package for retro gaming fans.
Apple Watch: Series 4-Series 10, SE, and Ultra | watchOS: 8 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 8 or later, SE | Price: $1.99
Infinity Loop: Blueprints
Infinity Loop: Blueprints
Free to play with in-app purchases, Infinity Loop: Blueprints is a simple yet challenging puzzle game. Rotate pieces to create an infinity loop, with difficulty increasing as you advance. The game also features a "Creative Lounge" mode for designing and sharing puzzles with an online community. Available on iPhone and iPad too, it's a great way to unwind and challenge your mind.
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
Jupiter Attack
Jupiter Attack
Priced at $1.99, Jupiter Attack is a sci-fi shooter where you fend off alien invaders as a spaceship. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons and enjoy the game on your Apple Watch, iPhone, and iPad. It's part of the Space Watch Trilogy, with higher ratings among Apple Watch gamers.
Apple Watch: Series 4-Series 10, SE, and Ultra | watchOS: 8.7 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 8 or later, SE | Price: $1.99
Jellyfish Tap
Jellyfish Tap
Similar to Flappy Bird, Jellyfish Tap is a free game with in-app purchases where you control a jellyfish dodging vertical structures. The game gets progressively harder and faster, offering a fun and engaging experience. It's also available on iPhone and iPad for seamless cross-platform play.
Apple Watch: Series 1-Series 10 and SE | watchOS: 6 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 4s-6s, SE | Price: Free with in-app purchases
Ping Pong
Ping Pong - Watch Retro Game
Enjoy the classic Pong and four other retro games in Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game. Free with in-app purchases, you can customize your gaming experience using the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown. Available on iPhone as well, it's perfect for quick, fun gaming sessions.
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
Tiny Armies
Tiny Armies
For just $0.99, Tiny Armies offers a turn-based tactical strategy game. Swipe to defeat enemies and navigate various terrains on your Apple Watch. Play solo or challenge friends via iMessage, and enjoy it on your iPhone and iPad too.
Apple Watch: Series 4-Series 10, SE, and Ultra | watchOS: 3 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 8 or later, SE | Price: $0.99
Rules!
Rules!
Priced at $2.99, Rules! is a fast-paced memory-based puzzle game. Follow the rules to clear levels, with each new level introducing additional rules to remember. It's available on iPhone, iPad, and iMessage, offering a challenging and engaging experience.
Apple Watch: Series 1-Series 10 and SE | watchOS: 8.3 or higher | Compatible Apple iPhone: 4s-6s, SE | Price: $2.99
How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025
The Apple Watch is more than just a device for quick information; it's a handy tool for playing games on the go. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store, most are also compatible with your iPhone, allowing seamless play without needing to pull out your phone.
When choosing Apple Watch games, consider the following factors:
Apple Watch Model
Knowing your Apple Watch model is crucial. If you have a newer model running watchOS 10, you can enjoy all compatible games. This includes all smartwatches from Series 4 or later. Older models like Series 3, running watchOS 6, may have limited game options. Check your model number at the bottom of your Apple Watch.
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 gen onward) should run the latest 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 and won't take up much room. However, consider your storage, especially if you have an older model like the Series 4 with only 16GB of capacity.
Price
Most Apple Watch games are free to download, but be aware of in-app purchases that can unlock additional content or remove ads. Premium games are reasonably priced, ensuring quality gaming without breaking the bank.
Enjoyment
Finally, choose games that look fun or challenging. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, offering new experiences whenever you're ready to play.