Top 12 Apple Watch Games to Play 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, leading to 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 layered graphics and addictive gameplay make it a standout choice. 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

Take the classic game of Chess on the go with your Apple Watch. It's free to play and cross-platform with the iPad, offering a larger playing field. 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 challenges your memory by showing you a design pattern that you must replicate within a time limit. As you progress, the patterns become more complex, helping to sharpen your memory and cognitive skills. 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 $1.99, Arcadia! offers a collection of over 20 classic retro game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. Enjoy ad-free, uninterrupted retro gaming on your wrist. The game is 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. The challenge increases as you progress. 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

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 shooter experience. As a spaceship, you'll destroy alien invaders and collect power-ups to enhance your weapons. 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

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 simple yet challenging tap-and-jump game. Navigate a jellyfish through an underwater world, dodging obstacles that increase in difficulty. 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

Enjoy the classic Pong and four other retro games in Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game, including Breakout and Invader. Use the Apple Watch's 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
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 various terrains, and engage in epic battles. 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

Rules! is a fast-paced puzzle game where you must follow a rule to clear each level. As you progress, new rules are introduced, making the game increasingly complex. It's $2.99 to download and play, and also available 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 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.

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'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 your model number at the bottom of your watch.

Also, ensure your iPhone is compatible. For watchOS 10, you 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 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. However, if you have an older model with many apps, storage could be a concern. For instance, the Apple Watch Series 4, the oldest model running watchOS 10, has only 16GB of storage.

Price

Many Apple Watch games are free to download, but some offer in-app purchases for additional content or to remove ads. Consider whether you're willing to spend more for an enhanced gaming experience.

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 have a few minutes to spare.