The 12 Best Apple Watch Games to Play Right Now

The Apple Watch is more than just a stylish accessory; it's a versatile device that not only tracks your steps and controls your Apple iPhone but also keeps accurate time and offers a range of other features. One of its lesser-known but equally exciting uses is for gaming. With the arrival of the slimmer Apple Watch Series 10, the potential for Apple Watch gaming has never been more promising.

We've curated a list of the best mobile games available for the Apple Watch to help you dive into gaming on your wrist. These games are not only playable on the Apple Watch 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, while a select few are premium purchases that won't break the bank, costing 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

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

At $2.99 on the Apple App Store, Star Duster brings a nostalgic touch with its retro-style gameplay reminiscent of old school Nintendo Game & Watch and Tiger Electronics handhelds. The game features two modes: level-based and lives-based, where you catch falling space junk using the Digital Crown as your control mechanism, similar to the classic Atari game Tempest. Star Duster also serves as a prequel to the mobile game Star Jolt and is playable on both 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

For $3.99, Lifeline: Beside You in Time offers a text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut away from a black hole. Your choices shape the story, leading to different outcomes as you help the astronaut avoid being sucked into a time warp. This game is also available on iPhone and iPad, allowing seamless play 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 small screen size, up to 49mm with the Apple Watch Ultra, you can still enjoy platformer games like Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas!. This one-tap action-platformer lets you guide a monkey through a jungle, dodging traps and enemies. The game boasts surprisingly detailed graphics and is described as "extremely addictive" and "super casual." It's free to download (with in-app purchases) and available across multiple devices including 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

Now you can take the classic game of Chess on-the-go with your Apple Watch. It's free to play and cross-platform with the iPad for a larger screen experience. You can 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 is a memory-based game where you're challenged to replicate a design pattern within a limited time frame. As you progress, the designs become more complex, helping to sharpen your memory and cognitive skills. It's free to play (with in-app purchases) and available on iPhone and iPad as well.

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

If you're into retro gaming, Arcadia! offers a collection of over 20 classic game clones like Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. For just $1.99, you get the entire collection with no ads, no in-app purchases, or data tracking, allowing you to enjoy retro gaming on the go. The game is also playable 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 play, but the game also includes a "Creative Lounge" mode for designing and sharing your own puzzles with an online 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

Priced at $1.99, Jupiter Attack is a sci-fi shooter where you pilot a spaceship to fend off alien invaders threatening Earth. You'll collect power-ups to enhance your weapons throughout the game. Part of the Space Watch Trilogy, which includes Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, Jupiter Attack is the highest-rated in the series. A bundle of all three games is available for $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 navigate a jellyfish through underwater obstacles. The game speeds up and becomes more challenging as you progress. It's free to play (with in-app purchases) and 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

Not only can you play the classic Pong on your Apple Watch, but Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game also includes four other retro games like Breakout and Invader. Use the Digital Crown to control the paddles, and customize the game with different colors and designs. It's free to play with in-app purchases to unlock additional features and is also available on the 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 and strategy game where you swipe to defeat enemies and navigate various terrains. You can play solo on the Apple Watch or challenge a friend via iMessage. The game is also playable 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 follow a series of rules to clear levels. Each new level introduces a new rule, while you must remember and apply the previous ones. The complexity increases with each level. Priced at $2.99, the game is also available for iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.

How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025

While the Apple Watch excels at providing quick information at a glance, it's also a fantastic device for playing quick games. With hundreds of mobile 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 even needing to take out your phone.

Given the vast selection, choosing the right game can be daunting. Here's what to consider when picking an Apple Watch game:

Apple Watch Model

Knowing which Apple Watch model you own is crucial. If you have a newer model running the latest watchOS 10, you should be able to play all compatible games. This includes all models from Series 4 onward. However, if your watch is a Series 3 or older, running watchOS 6, your game options might be limited. You can find the model number printed at the bottom of your Apple Watch.

Additionally, ensure you have a compatible iPhone. For watchOS 10, you'll need an iPhone XS or later, while watchOS 6 works with iPhones from the 4s to 6s. The Apple Watch SE and iPhone SE (second generation and onward) should be current with watchOS 10 and iOS 18, respectively.

Storage Space

The Apple Watch has limited storage, with a maximum of 64GB. Fortunately, most games are small in size, typically under 1GB, making them suitable for the smartwatch. However, storage is still a factor, especially with older models. For instance, the Apple Watch Series 4, the oldest model running watchOS 10, has only 16GB of storage.

Price

Most Apple Watch games are free to download and play, but many offer in-app purchases for additional content like new levels, items, or gameplay mechanics. Some free games may include ads, which can be removed with a fee.

Enjoyment

Ultimately, the most important factor is whether the game looks fun or challenging. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, offering new challenges that are perfect for short bursts of entertainment.