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Top 12 Apple Watch Games to Play Now

by Connor May 03,2025

The Apple Watch has evolved into an incredibly versatile device, not only tracking your steps, managing your iPhone, and keeping accurate time, but also serving as a platform for gaming. With the launch of the slimmer Apple Watch Series 10, the future of gaming on this smartwatch is more exciting than ever. Whether you're looking to pass time or challenge yourself, the Apple Watch offers a range of games that can be enjoyed right from your wrist, and many are also compatible with your iPhone or iPad.

We've curated a list of the best mobile games for the Apple Watch to get you started. These games vary from free downloads to premium purchases, ensuring there's something for everyone 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

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 $2.99, Star Duster brings a nostalgic retro experience reminiscent of classic Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. Featuring two modes—level-based and lives-based—the goal is to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown. Fans of Atari's Tempest will find the gameplay familiar. As a prequel to Star Jolt, this game is also available on iPhone and 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 offers a gripping text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut named Taylor through a perilous journey near a black hole. Your choices dictate the story's direction, making every decision crucial. This immersive game is also available on iPhone and iPad, ensuring you can continue playing across devices.

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 compact screen, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! delivers a compelling platformer experience. Play as a monkey navigating through a jungle filled with traps and enemies. The game's layered graphics and addictive, casual gameplay are surprising for its scale. It's free to download 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

With Chess, you can enjoy the classic board game on your wrist. It's free to play and cross-platform with iPad, allowing you to challenge players of any skill level worldwide directly from your Apple Watch.

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 asking you to replicate patterns within a time limit. As you progress, the designs become more complex, making it an excellent brain workout. Available for free on iPhone and iPad with in-app purchases.

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 over 20 retro game clones including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. Enjoy ad-free, uninterrupted retro gaming on your Apple Watch, with no in-app purchases or data tracking. 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 form an infinity loop. As the puzzles get harder, the challenge increases. The game also features a "Creative Lounge" mode for designing and sharing your own puzzles. 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 lets you pilot a spaceship to fend off alien invaders. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons as you protect Earth. Part of the Space Watch Trilogy, it's the highest-rated among Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, with a bundle option for all three at $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 tap-and-jump game where you control a jellyfish dodging obstacles. The game speeds up as you progress, offering a challenging experience. It's free with in-app purchases and 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

Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game includes not only Pong but also Breakout, Invader, and more. Use the Digital Crown to control the paddles and customize the game with various colors and designs. Available for free with in-app purchases on iPhone.

Tiny Armies

Tiny Armies

2Epic 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 strategy game where you swipe to defeat enemies across various terrains. Play solo or challenge a friend via iMessage. 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

In Rules!, follow a set of rules to clear levels, with each new level introducing additional rules to remember. As the game progresses, it becomes increasingly challenging. Available for $2.99 on iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.

How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025

The Apple Watch isn't just about quick glances at information; it's also a great platform for quick gaming sessions. With hundreds of games available on the App Store, most compatible with iPhones, selecting the right game can be daunting. Here's what to consider:

Apple Watch Model

Knowing your Apple Watch model is crucial. Newer models running watchOS 10 (Series 4 and later) support all compatible games, whereas older models like Series 3 (running watchOS 6) may have fewer options. Check your model number at the bottom of your watch.

Ensure your iPhone is compatible too. For watchOS 10, you need an iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 works with iPhones from 4s to 6s. Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second generation and later) should be current with watchOS 10 and iOS 18.

Storage Space

With up to 64GB of storage, the Apple Watch has limited space. Fortunately, most games are small, typically under 1GB, but consider your available storage, especially on older models like the Series 4 with just 16GB.

Price

Many Apple Watch games are free to download, but be aware of in-app purchases that might enhance gameplay. Free games may also include ads, which you can remove with a fee.

Enjoyment

Ultimately, choose games that look fun or challenging. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, offering new experiences at your fingertips.