Top 12 Apple Watch Games to Play Now

The Apple Watch is not just a timepiece or a fitness tracker; it's a versatile device that seamlessly integrates with your Apple iPhone to enhance your daily routine. Beyond its utility as a stylish accessory for everyday use, the Apple Watch also serves as a compact gaming platform, perfect for passing time. With the arrival of the sleeker Apple Watch Series 10, the future of Apple Watch gaming looks brighter than ever.

We've curated a list of the best mobile games optimized for the Apple Watch to get you started on your gaming journey. Surprisingly, these games are not only playable on your wrist but are also compatible with the iPhone or iPad—or both. Most of these games are free to download and play, though some offer in-app purchases. For the premium titles, you'll find they're reasonably priced, ensuring you can enjoy top-notch 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

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 offers a nostalgic trip back to the era of Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. This retro-style game features two engaging modes: one level-based and the other lives-based. Your mission is to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown as your control mechanism, reminiscent of the classic Atari game Tempest.

Star Duster serves as a prequel to the mobile game Star Jolt, and it's also available on Apple iPhone and 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 text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut through the perils of a black hole. Your choices shape the narrative, leading to multiple story outcomes. This immersive game is also available on iPhone and iPad, allowing 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 compact 49mm display (at its largest with the Apple Watch Ultra), Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! delivers a thrilling platformer experience. As a monkey, you navigate through the jungle, dodging traps and enemies with one-tap controls. The game's layered graphics and "extremely addictive" gameplay make it a standout choice. 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

For chess enthusiasts, Chess on the Apple Watch offers an on-the-go experience. This free-to-play game allows you to challenge players worldwide, with the option to play on a larger iPad screen. It's an excellent way to sharpen your skills anytime, anywhere.

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 boost your memory and cognitive skills. You're tasked with matching design patterns within a time limit, with challenges escalating in complexity as you progress. This free game, with in-app purchases, is 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 retro gaming fans, Arcadia! offers over 20 classic game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. Priced at just $1.99, this ad-free collection provides a pure gaming experience on your wrist. It's also playable 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 captivating puzzle game where you rotate pieces to form an infinity loop. While it starts simple, the challenge grows with each level. The game also features a "Creative Lounge" mode, allowing you to design and share puzzles. It's free to play with in-app purchases and 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. As a spaceship pilot, you fend off alien invaders and collect power-ups to enhance your weapons. This game is part of the Space Watch Trilogy, which includes Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando. A bundle of all three games is available for just $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 Flappy Bird and Dinosaur Game, Jellyfish Tap challenges you to navigate a jellyfish through an underwater world. The game's difficulty increases with speed, offering a free-to-play experience with in-app purchases. It's also cross-platform 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

Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game brings the classic Pong to your wrist, along with Breakout, Invader, and more. You control the paddles using the Digital Crown, and the game offers customizable 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 navigate through diverse terrains and defeat enemies. You can play solo on the Apple Watch or challenge a friend via iMessage. It's also compatible with 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! is a memory-based puzzle game where you follow a rule to clear levels. As you advance, new rules are introduced, making the game increasingly complex. Priced at $2.99, it's also available for iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.

How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025

The Apple Watch is not only about quick glances at notifications; it's also a handy device for quick gaming sessions. With hundreds of games available in the Apple App Store, most of which are compatible with the iPhone, you can enjoy gaming without needing to pull out your smartphone.

Given the extensive selection, choosing where to start 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 from Series 4 and later. Older models like the Series 3, which run watchOS 6, may limit your options. Check the model number at the bottom of your Apple Watch to confirm.

Your iPhone model is also important, as it pairs with your Apple Watch. For watchOS 10, you need 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 support 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, storage remains a factor, especially with older models like the Series 4, which has only 16GB.

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 feature ads, which can be removed with a fee for an ad-free experience.

Enjoyment

Ultimately, choose games that look fun or challenging. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, ensuring there's always a new adventure waiting for you.