The Apple Watch is a versatile device renowned for its ability to track steps, control your Apple iPhone, keep accurate time, and offer much more. Beyond its utility as an everyday accessory for iPhone users, it also serves as a platform for gaming, making it a perfect companion for passing time. With the introduction of the sleeker Apple Watch Series 10, the future of gaming on the Apple Watch looks brighter than ever.

We've curated a list of the top mobile games tailored for the Apple Watch, designed to get you started on your gaming journey. Surprisingly, you can enjoy these games right from your wrist, and they are also compatible with the iPhone and iPad. Most of these games are free to download and play, featuring in-app purchases for enhanced experiences. However, a select few are premium offerings, priced at just a few dollars, ensuring they are budget-friendly.

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

At $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster brings the nostalgia of retro gaming with its style reminiscent of old-school Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. It offers two engaging game modes: one level-based and the other lives-based, where your mission is to catch falling space debris using the Digital Crown as your controller, echoing the gameplay of the Atari classic Tempest.

Star Duster, a prequel to the mobile game Star Jolt, is also playable on Apple iPhone and through 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

For $3.99, Lifeline: Beside You in Time offers a thrilling text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut to safety from a perilous black hole. Your choices shape the narrative, deciding whether the astronaut navigates through time warps or faces other challenges. This immersive experience is also available on iPhone and iPad, allowing for seamless gameplay 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 modest screen size, up to 49mm on the Apple Watch Ultra, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! delivers a compelling one-tap action-platformer experience. As a monkey, navigate through a jungle, jumping and rolling to evade traps and foes. The game's layered graphics and addictive, casual gameplay are remarkable on such a small screen. It's free to download with in-app purchases and 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

Take the classic board game of Chess on the go with the Apple Watch. Free to play and cross-platform with iPad, it offers the flexibility to challenge players worldwide at any skill level, all from your wrist.

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 challenges you to memorize and replicate design patterns 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 accessible 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

Arcadia! brings over 20 classic game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout, to your wrist. Priced at just $1.99, it offers a complete retro gaming experience without ads or in-app purchases, and 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 is a free-to-play puzzle game where you rotate pieces to form an infinity loop. The challenge escalates as you progress. Additionally, the "Creative Lounge" mode lets you design and share your puzzles with an online 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

Priced at $1.99, Jupiter Attack is a thrilling sci-fi shooter where you pilot a spaceship to thwart alien invaders attacking Earth. Collect power-ups to enhance your weaponry throughout the game. It's part of the Space Watch Trilogy, alongside Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, with a bundle 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 is a tap-and-jump game where you guide a jellyfish through an underwater world, dodging obstacles. The challenge increases as you progress, and it's free to play with in-app purchases, also available on 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

Not only can you play the classic Pong with Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game, but you also have access to four other retro games including Breakout and Invader. Use the Apple Watch's Digital Crown to control the paddles, and customize your game 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. Swipe to defeat enemies, navigate through diverse terrains like lakes and mountains, and play solo on the Apple Watch or challenge a friend via iMessage. It's also available on iPhone and iPad.

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

Rules! challenges you to follow a new rule with each level, with the complexity increasing as you progress. Priced at $2.99, it's a fast-paced memory-based puzzle game also available on iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.

How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025

The Apple Watch isn't just for quick glances at notifications; it's also a fantastic platform for quick gaming sessions. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store, most are also compatible with the iPhone, allowing for seamless gameplay without needing to reach for your phone.

Given the vast selection, choosing where to start can be daunting. Here are key factors to consider when selecting Apple Watch games:

Apple Watch Model

Understanding your Apple Watch model is crucial. Newer models running the latest watchOS 10, including Series 4 and later, are compatible with all current games. If you have an older model like the Series 3, which runs watchOS 6, your options may be limited. Check your model number at the bottom of your device to ensure compatibility.

Also, ensure your iPhone is compatible as they work in tandem. watchOS 10 requires an iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 runs on iPhone 4s through 6s. The Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second gen onward) should be up to date with watchOS 10 and iOS 18, respectively.

Storage Space

Storage on the Apple Watch is limited, with up to 64GB available. Fortunately, most games are designed to be small and quick, typically under 1GB, making them manageable. However, consider your available storage, especially with older models 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 might enhance gameplay or remove ads. Free games often include ads, which can be removed with a fee for an ad-free experience.

Enjoyment

Ultimately, choose a game that looks fun or challenging to you. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, offering new challenges with each play.