Top 12 Apple Watch Games to Play Now

The Apple Watch is not just a stylish accessory; it's a versatile device that tracks your steps, controls your iPhone, keeps accurate time, and offers a range of functionalities. With the introduction of the sleek Apple Watch Series 10, the potential for gaming on your wrist has never been more exciting. Whether you're looking to kill some time or dive into a quick gaming session, the Apple Watch has you covered with an array of engaging games.

We've curated a list of the best mobile games optimized for the Apple Watch, ensuring you can enjoy them right from your wrist. Remarkably, these games are also compatible with your iPhone or iPad, offering seamless cross-platform play. While most of these games are free to download and play, some come with in-app purchases, and a select few are premium purchases. But don't worry—the premium options are budget-friendly, ensuring you can enjoy premium 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

Experience a 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 just $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster brings nostalgic gameplay reminiscent of old-school Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. Featuring two modes—level-based and lives-based—the objective is to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown as your control. It's reminiscent of the Atari classic Tempest.

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

Lifeline: Beside You in Time

Lifeline: Beside You in Time

Embark on a mission to 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 black hole. Your choices shape the story, leading to different outcomes as you decide whether to help him or let him be consumed by a time warp.

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!

Claim the title of 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 compact display, up to 49mm with the Ultra model, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! offers a thrilling one-tap action-platformer experience. As a monkey, you'll run, jump, and roll through the jungle, dodging traps and enemies. The game's layered graphics and "extremely addictive" yet "super casual" gameplay make it a standout choice.

Available for free with in-app purchases, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! can also be enjoyed on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and iMessage.

Chess

Chess - Play & Learn

Engage in games with friends on Chess.com.
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

Take the classic board game Chess on-the-go with your Apple Watch. It's free to play and cross-platform with iPad, offering a larger playing field. Connect with players of all skill levels worldwide, right from your wrist.

Octopuz

Octopuz

Train your brain with this memory game.
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 by presenting a design pattern that you must replicate within a time limit. As you progress, the patterns become more complex, enhancing your memory and cognitive skills. It's free to play with in-app purchases and also available on iPhone and iPad.

Arcadia!

Arcadia - Arcade Watch Games

Dive into a 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 just $1.99, Arcadia! offers over 20 classic game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. Enjoy ad-free, uninterrupted retro gaming on your wrist, 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

Solve simple yet challenging puzzles.
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 form an infinity loop. As you advance, the puzzles become increasingly difficult. The game also features a "Creative Lounge" mode, allowing you to design and share your own puzzles with the community. It's 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 offers a thrilling sci-fi shooter experience where you control a spaceship to fend off alien invaders. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons as you protect Earth. Part of the Space Watch Trilogy, which includes Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, Jupiter Attack is highly rated among Apple Watch gamers. A bundle of all three games is available for just $3.

Jellyfish Tap

Jellyfish Tap

Experience simple yet beautiful colors with 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 navigate a jellyfish through an underwater world, dodging vertical structures. As you progress, the game becomes faster and more challenging. It's free to play with in-app purchases and cross-platform with iPhone and iPad.

Ping Pong

Ping Pong - Watch Retro Game

Enjoy 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

Not only can you play the classic Pong, but Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game also includes Breakout, Invader, and more. Use the Apple Watch's Digital Crown to control the paddles, and customize the game with various colors and designs. It's free to play with in-app purchases and also available on iPhone.

Tiny Armies

Tiny Armies

Engage in epic battles in 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. Play solo on your Apple Watch or challenge a friend via iMessage. It's also playable on iPhone and iPad.

Rules!

Rules!

Experience 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!, follow one rule to clear a level, but remember it as new rules are introduced in subsequent levels. The game quickly becomes more complex, challenging your memory and puzzle-solving skills. Available for $2.99, it's 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 perfect 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 reaching for 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 watch to confirm.

Also, ensure your iPhone is compatible. watchOS 10 requires 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 consume much space. However, consider your storage, especially if you have an older model like the Series 4, which has only 16GB.

Price

Many Apple Watch games are free to download, but be aware of in-app purchases that can unlock additional content or remove ads. Some games are premium, but they're reasonably priced, ensuring you can enjoy quality gaming without breaking the bank.

Enjoyment

Ultimately, choose games that look fun or challenging. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, offering a new challenge whenever you're ready to play.