Apple Arcade is filled with incredible games, and the collection keeps on growing. If you're looking to sink your teeth into some deep story-based games or wild simulation games, Arcade has got you covered. If you've been debating which title to download next, fear not! We're here to help. Apple Arcade is packed with great titles to keep your brain busy anytime you've got time to kill. We've listed our best Apple Arcade games to keep your hands and head occupied. Plus, check out our pick of the best iPhone games and the best relaxing mobile games for more suggestions.
25. Air Twister
Genre: Shooter
Princesses defending their land is a niche troupe that I tend to love in all media, so this game is no exception. Fly through the sky as Princess Arch, fighting off hordes of invades from her planet. This swipe shooter has great visuals and smooth shooting mechanics. It’s a great take on classic arcade games, but with amped-up graphics and a killer soundtrack.
24. Goat Simulator
Genre: Simulator
If absurdity were a game, it would be this, and I love it. There is not much to say about this game other than you play as a Goat causing utter destruction, and you get points based on how much chaos you cause. While Goat Simulator 3 just released for console, this mobile conversion of its predecessor is a good way to spend some time on your phone if you have any to spare. Goat Simulator won't change your life, but it might make you laugh at how utterly ridiculous it is.
23. Oceanhorn 2
Genre: Adventure
Oceanhorn 2 is a prequel to the first game available for purchase on the iPhone app store. Making huge updates from its predecessor with updated graphics and gameplay, Oceanhorn 2 is a must-play adventure game. With original content, items and quests digging you deeper into the world of Gaia, and adding more lore and mystery to this vast land. With the primary campaign lasting 20 hours and many side quests and boss fights, this game will keep you occupied for a good while.
22. Love You To Bits+
Genre: Puzzle
Quite possibly the cutest game on Apple Arcade right now. This heartwarming space adventure follows Kosmo, a clumsy space explorer, as he tries to find the scattered pieces of his robot girlfriend. This puzzle-filled point-and-click game is heartbreakingly beautiful as you travel through space, unlocking puzzles to find each part.
21. Disney Melee Mania
Genre: Action
Ever wanted to see your favorite Disney characters duke it out, well now you can. Disney Melee Mania puts Disney and Pixar fan-favorite characters into a 3v3 arena to see who reigns supreme. You can unlock in-game cosmetics and reward points as you play. Great fun for all ages and great to play with friends with its multiplayer option too.
20. The Pathless
Genre: Adventure
Hone your archery skills in this mystic adventure into a vast forest. Travel to a mysterious island to dispel curses with your insane archery skills and your eagle companion as you execute fantastic trick shots with this game's very comprehensive archery system. The open-world game allows you to explore all areas of the mysterious island, searching for clues to help you unearth the dark secrets of this island.
19. NBA 2K23
Genre: Sports
2K are back with their latest game in the NBA2K franchise. If you've played the previous instalments, you'll most likely enjoy this one too. This edition allows you to compete against the 20 Greatest of All Time (GOATs) NBA players. You can also start your journey to becoming an NBA player with the My Career mode and other modes like quick play and online multiplayer modes.
18. Pocket Build+
Genre: Sim
Ever wanted to create your little world? Well, now you can, on your phone. Pocket Build+ does not limit what you can build in this game, whether it's a cosy farm, a huge castle, or an entire island built to your heart's content. This game resembles Minecraft with its blocky 3D graphics, so if you're a big fan of that art style or building sims generally, this game is definitely up your street.
17. Alto's Adventure Remastered
Genre: Action
Snowboard endlessly in this incredible critically acclaimed runner that's just been remastered exclusively for Apple Arcade. Journey across stunning alpine snowy hills, through ancient villages and woodlands in a quest to find the spirit of the mountain. This remaster improves the game's graphics and the physics-based gameplay, giving players a much smoother experience.
16. Cooking Mama: Cuisine!
Genre: Sim
Cooking Mama games have a long history of quality sim action, but Cooking Mama: Cuisine! Comes with a twist. Players must choose the ingredients and tools before making a dish; this gives us the creative freedom to combine combinations we never thought of, creating new dishes you can save to your recipe book. Tools and ingredients change daily, allowing you to go on an endless journey of creating new combinations. Who knows, maybe I might even make some in real life.
15. Skate City
Genre: Action
Skate the streets of the most incredible cities from your phone. From LA to Barcelona, skate and perfect ticks and moves at your own pace. With incredible graphics and accessible controls, this game provides a fun experience for those who know nothing about skateboarding and those who've been on a board for years. You can upgrade your skills, get creative with your board designs and even customize your character.
14. Heroish
Genre: Action
A new tower defence game joins Apple Aracde. Play as one of 6 heroes as you defend your castle while trying to destroy your opponent's tower at all costs. This includes unleashing powerful spells and summoning troops. There are three campaigns, a competitive 1v1 and 2v2 mode.
13. Lego Star Wars Castaway
Genre: Adventure
Ever wondered what a Lego you looks like? Well now you can with the character customization you get with Lego Star Wars Castaway. Travel to a new planet, with other castaways with puzzles to solve, islands to explore, and race micro fighters. The controls are simple and easy, ideal for any age. There's even a social hub that allows you to communicate with friends with Lego emotes.
12. Asphalt 8: Airborne+
Genre: Action
The ultimate racing game at your fingertips. Initially, a free to play game on the app store, Asphalt 8: Airborne + gives you more, without any in-app purchases. Choose from a range of vehicles, win races, collect items and upgrade your car. In races, you can collect speed boosts, knock your opponents off the lane and do crazy spins, avoiding any obstacle in your way. This game is great fun, and with no in-app purchases, you can play this version at ease.
11. Jetpack Joyride 2
Genre: Sim
A cozy life farm sim with a twist. Everyone loves a simulation game, they are addictive and kind of therapeutic, but Wylde Flowers adds a touch of magic that helps you tend to your farm, making these mundane activities more fun. Additionally, this game adds another layer of mystery as you learn stories of the island and the characters that live there.
10. Nickelodeon Extreme Tennis
Genre: Puzzle
Angry Birds was the first real breakout hit of the smartphone gaming era, and more than a decade after its debut, the original has been remastered and slightly updated for a new audience. After just a few minutes, it's clear why this game was such a titan in its day, and if recent spinoffs with their ads and MTX have steered you away, take comfort in this much more welcoming total package. This one still holds up mightily, and if you were too young to catch it years ago, don't miss it any longer.
9. Cosy Grove
Genre: Sim
If you love a good sim game, this one is worth checking out. Explore the beautifully drawn landscapes by camping in the ever-changing environment. You play as a spirit scout, helping spirits in need. As the environment around you changes, you find hidden secrets unraveling the land's mysteries. Your domain starts colorless, but as you progress with crafting and helping spirits in need, you can bring life into the ground.
8. Hot Lava
Genre: Action
If you ever played the floor is lava as a kid, you're going to enjoy this. Jump through obstacles to avoid the lava in different environments, including a living room. The first-person action game puts you into nostalgic environments filled with molten lava, like schools, jungle gyms, and playgrounds. With the multiplayer mode, you hop on with old friends and relive some childhood games.
7. Creaks
Genre: Adventure
Ever seen where curiosity may take you? You're in a room, the light bulbs start twitching, the ground starts shaking, and something strange is happening behind the wall opposite you. Follow the main character as they courageously walk into a new world filled with deadly monstrous furniture, ghosts, and strange bird people. Solve puzzles and explore the mansion and uncover the secrets hidden within.
6. Gibbon: Beyond the Trees
Genre: Adventure
A beautiful adventure with an important message. A lot of games touch on important themes, but Gibbon: Beyond the Trees does it perfectly. You follow a family of gibbons navigating their way through a dangerous world as they try to find a new home. The game is visually stunning with hand-painted visuals and dynamic gameplay, swinging through the jungle that is being destroyed due to environmental changes.
5. Sonic Dash+
Genre: Runner
If you love the original 2D Sonic game, you're going to love this endless runner. Run and race past obstacles and enemies in the classic Sonic racecourses we all know and love with loops and barriers, collecting golden rings along the way. Race sonics biggest rivals to defeat them and unlock your band of favorite hedgehogs along the way.
4. Shovel Knight Dig
Genre: Action
A new Shovel Knight story is upon us. Drill Knight and his crew and bandits have invaded Shovel Knights' campsite and stolen his loot; you know, embark on a rampage with your trusty shovel and go after them trying to reclaim your look. This rouge-like adventure is great fun. Death in this game means starting over from the beginning. However, each level is random to keep the game fresh and exciting.
3. Assemble with Care
Genre: Racing
You play as Maria, a traveling antique restore who settles in a small town repairing broken items for the locals. The sense of gratification you have when you've fixed something is unmatched in this game, with each repaired item holding huge significance to the owner.
2. Rayman Mini
Genre: Puzzle / Runner
Being shrunk down to the size of an ant poses a lot of difficulty and fun, and that's what you get with this game. To undo this spell, you will need to enlist the help of your natural surroundings, from leaves, mushrooms, plants, and even insects. This platform runner has a lot of fun with 48 levels giving you different environments, from spider nests and tree vines.
1. Lego Builder’s Journey
Genre: Puzzle
Lego Builder is such a peaceful experience. Usually, puzzle games have me frantically trying to figure them out, but this game creates a soothing atmosphere with its music and beautiful visuals. What's great about Lego Builder is that not all the puzzles are created the same, and some need to be done in a specific way, while others are the way you see fit, giving you some needed challenge.
