Top 12 Apple Watch Games to Play Now

The Apple Watch is an incredibly versatile device that does far more than just track your steps and tell time. It seamlessly integrates with your Apple iPhone, offering a range of functionalities that make it an essential accessory for daily life. One of its lesser-known but exciting features is its capability to play games, which can be a fun way to pass the time. With the introduction of the slimmer Apple Watch Series 10, the future of gaming on this device looks brighter than ever.

We've curated a list of the best mobile games optimized for the Apple Watch to help you get started. These games are not only playable on your wrist but are also compatible with the iPhone and iPad, ensuring a seamless gaming experience across your Apple devices. Most games are free to download and play, though some offer in-app purchases, and a few are premium games priced at just a few dollars.

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

For $2.99, Star Duster brings you back to the era of retro gaming, mimicking the gameplay of classic Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. With two game modes—one level-based and the other lives-based—your challenge is to catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown as your control. It's reminiscent of the Atari classic Tempest. Star Duster is also the prequel to Star Jolt and is available on iPhone and 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 an engaging text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut away 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!

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 small screen size of the Apple Watch, which reaches up to 49mm with the Apple Watch Ultra, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! offers a thrilling platformer experience. As a monkey, you run, jump, and roll to avoid traps and enemies in the jungle. The game's graphics are impressive for such a compact device, and the gameplay is described as "extremely addictive" and "super casual." It's available for free on iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and iMessage with in-app purchases.

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 game of Chess on-the-go with your Apple Watch. It's free to play and can be enjoyed across platforms, including the iPad. Connect with players of all skill levels worldwide right 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 your memory by having you match design patterns within a limited time frame. As you progress, the patterns become more complex, helping to enhance your memory and brain function. The game 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 just $1.99, Arcadia! offers a collection of over 20 classic retro game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. Enjoy ad-free, no in-app purchase gaming on-the-go. The collection 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 increases as you advance, and the game includes a "Creative Lounge" mode for creating and sharing your own puzzles. 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 sci-fi shooter experience where you pilot a spaceship to fend off alien invaders. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons. Part of the Space Watch Trilogy, which includes Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, a bundle is available for all three games 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

Similar to Flappy Bird and Dinosaur Game, Jellyfish Tap is a tap-and-jump game where you navigate a jellyfish through underwater obstacles. It becomes progressively harder and faster as you play. The game is free to play with in-app purchases and is 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

Enjoy classic games like Pong and Breakout with Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game. Use the Digital Crown to control the paddles and customize your game with different colors and designs. The game is free to play with in-app purchases and is 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 where you swipe to navigate challenges. Play solo 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 increasingly complex rules to clear levels in this fast-paced puzzle game. As you progress, the puzzles become more intricate, requiring you to remember multiple rules. The game is available for $2.99 and can also be played on iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.

How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025

The Apple Watch offers more than just quick information at a glance; it's a convenient device for playing quick games too. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store for the Apple Watch, most of which are also compatible with the iPhone, you can enjoy gaming without needing to take out your phone.

Choosing the right games can be daunting due to the vast selection. 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 the latest watchOS 10, you should have no issues with game compatibility. This includes all models from Series 4 onwards. However, if you own a Series 3 or older, running watchOS 6 or earlier, your options might be limited. Check the model number at the bottom of your Apple Watch if you're unsure.

Also, ensure you have a compatible iPhone, as both devices must work together. For watchOS 10, you need an iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 supports iPhone 4s through 6s. The Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second generation and later) should run the latest versions of watchOS 10 and iOS 18, respectively.

Storage Space

The Apple Watch has limited storage, with a maximum of 64GB. Most games are small, usually under 1GB, so they won't take up much space. However, this is still a factor to consider, especially with older models like the Series 4, which only has 16GB of storage.

Price

Many Apple Watch games are free to download and play, but some may include in-app purchases for additional content or features. Free games might also feature ads, which you can remove by paying a fee.

Enjoyment

Ultimately, the most important factor is whether the game looks fun or challenging to you. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, so there's always a new challenge waiting for you.