Top 12 Apple Watch Games to Play Now

The Apple Watch is an incredibly versatile device that not only tracks your steps, controls your Apple iPhone, and keeps accurate time but also offers a surprising array of gaming options. With the arrival of the sleek Apple Watch Series 10, the future of Apple Watch gaming looks brighter than ever. Whether you're looking to pass the time or challenge your mind, there are numerous games available right on your wrist. These games are also compatible with the iPhone or iPad, ensuring a seamless gaming experience across devices.

Most of the games highlighted here are free to download and play, with optional in-app purchases available. A few are premium purchases, but they are reasonably priced and 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

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 just $2.99, Star Duster brings a nostalgic retro-style gaming experience to your wrist, reminiscent of classic 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. It's a delightful throwback to games like Atari's Tempest. Star Duster also serves as a prequel to Star Jolt and is 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 offers a gripping text-based adventure where you guide an astronaut named Taylor to safety from a black hole. Your choices shape the narrative, leading to various outcomes. This engaging game is also available on iPhone and iPad, allowing you to continue your adventure seamlessly 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 small screen size, Dare the Monkey: Go Bananas! delivers a compelling platformer experience. As a monkey, you navigate through the jungle, dodging traps and enemies with simple one-tap controls. The game's graphics are impressively detailed, and the gameplay is described as "extremely addictive" and "super casual." It's free to download with in-app purchases and is 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 a convenient way to play the classic board game on the go. It's free to play and compatible with iPad for a larger screen experience. You can challenge opponents worldwide at any skill level, making it a versatile and engaging option.

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 a memory-based game designed to enhance your cognitive skills. You're tasked with matching design patterns within a time limit, with the challenge increasing as you progress. It's free to play with in-app purchases and 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 a taste of retro gaming on your wrist, Arcadia! offers a collection of over 20 classic game clones, including Snake, Galaga, OutRun, Pong, and Breakout. Priced at just $1.99, it provides a comprehensive, ad-free, and in-app purchase-free gaming experience. It's 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 create an infinity loop. The challenge escalates as you play, and the game includes a "Creative Lounge" mode for designing and sharing puzzles with the community. 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 an exciting science fiction shooter experience where you battle alien invaders as a spaceship. Collect power-ups to enhance your weapons and navigate through the challenges. It's part of the Space Watch Trilogy, which includes Kepler Attack and Asteroid Commando, with a bundle available for $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 games like Flappy Bird and Dinosaur Game, Jellyfish Tap is a tap-and-jump game where you guide a jellyfish through an underwater world, dodging obstacles. It's 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

Ping Pong: Watch Retro Game brings the classic Pong and four other retro games to your wrist, including 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 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 strategy game where you swipe to navigate through various terrains and defeat enemies. It's playable solo on the Apple Watch or against a friend via iMessage, and is 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 with a fast-paced puzzle game where you must follow a rule to clear each level. As you progress, more rules are added, increasing the complexity. It's available for $2.99 and also on iPhone, iPad, and iMessage.

How to Choose Which Apple Watch Games to Play in 2025

The Apple Watch is not only a tool for quick information but also a fantastic device for playing games on the go. With hundreds of games available on the Apple App Store for the Apple Watch, most of which are also compatible with iPhone, you have a vast selection to choose from. Here's what to consider when selecting the perfect game for your Apple Watch.

Apple Watch Model

Knowing your Apple Watch model is crucial. If you have a newer model running watchOS 10, you can play any compatible game without issues. This includes all models from Series 4 onwards. However, if you own a Series 3 or older model, your game options may be more limited. Check the model number printed at the bottom of your watch to confirm.

Additionally, ensure you have the right iPhone model, as both devices need to be compatible. For watchOS 10, you'll 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.

Storage Space

The Apple Watch has limited storage, with a maximum of 64GB. Fortunately, most games are small, typically under 1GB, so they won't consume much space. However, if you have an older model like the Series 4 with only 16GB, you'll need to manage your storage carefully.

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 extra for enhanced features or an ad-free experience.

Enjoyment

Ultimately, choose a game that looks fun or challenging to you. Apple Watch games are designed to be quick and easy to learn, offering a new challenge whenever you have a few minutes to spare.