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 iPhone, keeps accurate time, and offers much more. Beyond its everyday utility, the Apple Watch also serves as an entertaining platform for gaming, especially with the arrival of the sleek Apple Watch Series 10. Now, the future of gaming on your wrist is more promising than ever.

We've curated a list of the best mobile games optimized for the Apple Watch to help you get started on your gaming journey. Surprisingly, you can enjoy all these games right from your wrist, and they're also compatible with your iPhone or iPad—or both. Most games listed here are free to download and play, with optional in-app purchases. A select few are premium purchases, but they're priced reasonably, ensuring you 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

Quick 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 $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster offers a nostalgic trip back to the retro-style gameplay reminiscent of old-school Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. Choose between level-based or lives-based modes, where you catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown. It's similar to the Atari classic Tempest.

Star Duster, the prequel to the mobile game Star Jolt, is also playable on your iPhone and via Apple iMessage.

Lifeline: Beside You in Time

Lifeline: Beside You in Time

Save 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 to safety from a perilous black hole. Your choices shape the story, leading to different outcomes as you decide whether to help him escape or face the time warp.

This game is also available on iPhone and iPad, ensuring you can continue your adventure seamlessly across devices.

Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!

Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!

The 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 surprisingly layered platformer experience. As a monkey, you'll navigate through a jungle, jumping and rolling to avoid traps and enemies. Described as "extremely addictive" and "super casual," this free game (with in-app purchases) is also available on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and iMessage.

Chess

Chess - Play & Learn

Chess.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

Experience the timeless game of Chess on your wrist. This free-to-play game allows you to challenge players worldwide at any skill level, and it's also compatible with the iPad for a larger screen experience.

Octopuz

Octopuz

Memory 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 designed to enhance your memory and cognitive skills. You'll match design patterns within a limited time frame, with challenges increasing in complexity as you progress. It's free to play (with in-app purchases) and also available on iPhone and iPad.

Arcadia!

Arcadia - Arcade Watch Games

Retro 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 $1.99, Arcadia! delivers over 20 classic retro game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. Experience ad-free, uninterrupted retro gaming on-the-go, with no in-app purchases or data tracking. The collection is also available on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.

Infinity Loop: Blueprints

Infinity Loop: Blueprints

Infinity 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 challenges you to create infinity loops by rotating pieces. It's free to play (with in-app purchases) and includes a "Creative Lounge" mode for designing and sharing custom puzzles with the community. The game is also available on iPhone and iPad.

Jupiter Attack

Jupiter Attack

Prepare 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 lets you command a spaceship to fend off alien invaders in a sci-fi shooter. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons and defend Earth. It's part of the Space Watch Trilogy alongside Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, with a bundle option available for $3.

Jellyfish Tap

Jellyfish Tap

Simple. 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 challenges you to guide a jellyfish through an underwater world, dodging vertical structures. It's free to play (with in-app purchases) and also compatible with iPhone and iPad.

Ping Pong

Ping Pong - Watch Retro Game

10 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

Enjoy the classic Pong and four other retro games in Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game, including Breakout and Invader. Use the Digital Crown to control the paddles and customize your gaming experience with various colors and designs. It's free to play (with in-app purchases) and also available on iPhone.

Tiny Armies

Tiny Armies

Epic 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 navigate through block-based landscapes to defeat enemies. Play solo or challenge friends via iMessage, and enjoy it on iPhone and iPad as well.

Rules!

Rules!

Fast 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'll tackle fast-paced, memory-based puzzles where following rules is key to clearing levels. As you progress, new rules are introduced, making the game increasingly complex. It's available for $2.99 and also playable 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 convenient platform for quick gaming sessions. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store for the Apple Watch, and most being compatible with iPhone, you can enjoy gaming without reaching for your phone.

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

Apple Watch Model

Knowing your Apple Watch model is crucial. If you own a newer model with the latest watchOS 10, you should have no issues with most games, especially if you have a Series 4 or later. Older models like the Series 3 running watchOS 6 may have fewer options. Check the model number at the bottom of your watch if unsure.

Pairing with the right iPhone is also important. watchOS 10 requires an iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 works with iPhone 4s through 6s. Ensure your Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second gen onward) are updated to 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. However, consider this if you have an older model with limited storage, like the 16GB Series 4.

Price

Most Apple Watch games are free to download, but be aware of in-app purchases that can unlock additional content. Some free games may also include ads, which you can remove for a fee.

Enjoyment

Ultimately, choose a game that looks fun or challenging. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, offering a new challenge whenever you have a few moments to spare.