Looking for your next great gaming obsession? Apple Arcade’s ever-expanding library offers a treasure trove of captivating titles, from the strategic thrills of UNO: Arcade Edition to the whimsical adventures of LEGO Hill Climb Adventures+ and the immersive charm of Lost in Play+. Whether you’re craving fast-paced action, thoughtful puzzles, or family-friendly fun, here’s a curated guide to the best games on Apple Arcade right now that you won’t want to miss.
For $7 per month, Apple’s game subscription service provides full access to a couple hundred titles for iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers – and its catalog has been a bit of a roller coaster for the last few years, making it tough for Apple users to determine whether it’s a good deal or not. Unfortunately, I don’t have a straight answer on that for you, because Apple Arcade’s repertoire tends to go all in on niches that do well, so it really depends on what you’re looking for.
I’ll highlight my favorites here – those that I think give a good sampling of what you can expect from an Apple Arcade sub – but this story won’t cover any of the ” ” games. Apple Arcade offers ad- and microtransaction-free versions of games like Stardew Valley, Balatro, Vampire Survivors, Return to Monkey Island, Dicey Dungeons, Tomb of the Mask, Turmoil, Very Little Nightmares, and more, all denoted with a sign after the title. There are tons of worthwhile games, but it’s rarely a good value proposition for a rotating pool of games that could leave Apple Arcade at any time, and that are inexpensive to just buy for yourself – not to mention that many of these games are free to play on Apple’s regular App Store with the inclusion of ads and/or microtransactions.
Here’s my short but varied list of great Apple Arcade games that just might be worth a month or two of subscribing.
How we picked the best games on Apple Arcade
We selected the best games on Apple Arcade by focusing on titles that showcase a diverse range of genres, gameplay styles, and high-quality experiences. Our picks include exclusive Arcade Originals, timeless classics, and top-rated games that are free from ads and in-app purchases, ensuring a premium gaming experience across all Apple devices. We considered games that are critically acclaimed, popular among players, and regularly updated with new content, offering something for every type of gamer-from casual puzzlers to immersive adventures and competitive sports simulations.
I spent a period of time paying for my own Apple Arcade sub simply because I wanted one. (Now, I’m using a code provided to me by Apple for editorial review.) I regularly browse the most recent additions and, when something interesting and novel is added – which happens a handful of times a year – I play during train rides and couch rot sessions until I get sick of it. Most of the games listed here have come back into my rotation time and time again, and a few are new but exciting additions recommended by colleagues and friends.
Katamari Damacy Rolling Live
Katamari Damacy Rolling Live is the latest installment in the beloved Katamari series, now available exclusively on Apple Arcade. Players roll a sticky ball called a Katamari to collect objects of all sizes, growing it larger to complete the King of All Cosmos’s challenges and create stars. The game features quirky, addictive gameplay with a whimsical soundtrack and introduces a fun twist where the King becomes a live streamer, with in-game fans commenting as your audience grows. With new stages, costumes, and hidden characters to discover, it offers both nostalgia for longtime fans and fresh, mobile-friendly experiences.
The first Katamari Damacy installment in nearly a decade, Katamari Damacy Rolling Live is a silly redo of the same general concept, but this time your ultimate goal is to make great videos for social media. It isn’t necessarily a banger, but it faithfully revives the iconic rolling gameplay mechanic. For fans of the long-running franchise, it’s a must-play.
Outlanders 2
Outlanders 2 is a captivating town-building strategy game available on Apple Arcade that invites players to return to the Outlands and redefine life with a new generation of outlanders. It features fully revamped graphics and terrain generation, adding depth and vibrant atmosphere to the game world. The game offers a character-driven campaign with 21 levels at launch, plus a bi-weekly updated Challenges mode with remixed levels and leaderboards. New biomes like Tropiclands and Winterlands introduce unique weather challenges, while the doubled number of buildings and resources provide fresh ways to enhance the outlanders’ lifestyles. With its charming cast of leaders, expressive animations, crisp sound design, and offbeat humor, Outlanders 2 delivers a cozy yet engaging experience for strategy and town-building fans alike.
Currently exclusive to Apple Arcade, the Outlanders sequel makes for an excellent mobile game that can be played in portrait or landscape mode. The aesthetic looks wonderful on Apple’s bright screens, and the gameplay is filled with genuinely tough challenges as well as compelling stories. It’s a very fleshed-out city builder, which is typically tough to accomplish on mobile without cramming the screen full of text.
Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom
Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom invites players to join Mametchi on a charming and wholesome quest to restore harmony to the Tamagotchi planet after a meteor strike causes chaos across its vibrant world. Featuring nearly 300 adorable Tamagotchi characters, the game combines exploration, light-hearted quests, and camp-building in a beautifully crafted, pastel-hued environment. With its nostalgic appeal, relaxing gameplay, and absence of ads or microtransactions, it offers a delightful experience for both longtime fans and new players seeking a cozy adventure on Apple Arcade.
Tamagotchi Adventure Kingdom doesn’t necessarily do anything to iterate on the cozy life sim genre, but it doesn’t quite matter, because the art style is adorable. It feels like a sister to Hello Kitty Island Adventure in aesthetics and gameplay, though I’d recommend using a controller, an Apple Pencil, or a larger screen for this one, since there’s a lot going on.
Skate City: New York
Skate City: New York offers an immersive skateboarding experience set in the iconic streets of NYC, featuring three distinct areas-Central Park, Brooklyn, and Manhattan-each with unique challenges and vibes. The game combines accessible, intuitive controls with depth, allowing players to pull off a wide range of tricks and combos, including new moves like wall rides. With three gameplay modes-Challenge, Pro Skate with procedurally generated levels, and Free Skate for relaxed exploration-players can either test their skills or simply enjoy cruising through detailed, real-world locations. The game’s dynamic soundtrack and customizable gear add to the authentic street skating atmosphere, making it a standout title on Apple Arcade for both casual players and skateboarding enthusiasts.
Skate City: New York is one of my favorite skating games I’ve played on mobile, maybe because it’s a side-scroller rather than a third-person point of view. The controls are just as challenging as they should be, but they’re not at all frustrating to learn – plus, the modern and simple interface works well even on a small screen. Skate away from the cops, race to beat your personal record, or learn to master multi-step skills in this Tech Deck-like.
Japanese Rural Life Adventure
Japanese Rural Life Adventure offers a serene escape into the Japanese countryside where players can restore an old farmhouse, cultivate crops, and embrace a self-sufficient lifestyle surrounded by nature. The game captures the charm of rural Japan through seasonal events like cherry blossom viewing in spring and temple visits in winter, while allowing players to engage in activities such as fishing, bug catching, and community revival. With its pixel art style and relaxing gameplay, it provides a cozy, low-pressure experience perfect for fans of farming sims and slow living games on Apple Arcade.
Another life sim – one of the genres Apple Arcade’s game editors seem to really lean into – Japanese Rural Life Adventure is pretty much what it sounds like. It’s a cozy journey towards fixing up a decrepit cabin in a mountain town (what else is new?) that just might teach you a few things about life in the Japanese countryside. This game has gotten several big updates since its release on Apple Arcade, so don’t be afraid to invest time into it – it doesn’t seem like it’ll be leaving the service anytime soon.
What the Car?
What the Car? is an absurdly silly and uniquely entertaining racing adventure on Apple Arcade that breaks all the traditional rules of the genre. Instead of wheels, you control a car with legs, navigating hundreds of quirky levels by jumping, flying with jetpacks, climbing buildings, and even sneezing your way to victory. Beyond racing, the game invites exploration of whimsical islands, solving puzzles, and discovering hidden treasures. Players can also create and share their own wacky levels, adding to the fun and community engagement. With its humorous tone, unexpected gameplay mechanics, and constant updates featuring new challenges and themes, What the Car? offers a refreshingly playful experience that stands out on the platform.
What the Car? kicked off a string of beloved physics-based games that ask nonsensical questions in their titles, like the upcoming What the Clash?, which will also be on Apple Arcade. It’s a silly, wacky, speedy platformer where you, a car that can do many things including walking on your two legs, must make it through a smattering of obstacles to get to the end of a level. And, you can create your own levels once you get the hang of things.
NFL Retro Bowl ’25
NFL Retro Bowl ’25 brings the beloved Retro Bowl experience to Apple Arcade with the official NFL and NFLPA license, featuring all real teams and players rendered in charming retro pixel-art style. Players can start their coaching career by assembling rosters from hundreds of authentic NFL athletes, managing team morale, and making strategic calls on the field to lead their team to Super Bowl glory. While the gameplay retains the simple, addictive mechanics of the original, the inclusion of real rosters and updated features adds depth and authenticity. However, this enhanced experience comes exclusively through an Apple Arcade subscription at $7 per month, making it a premium offering for NFL fans on iOS devices. Despite the subscription model, NFL Retro Bowl ’25 stands out as one of the best NFL-licensed mobile football games available today.
NFL Retro Bowl ’25 has to be one of the best NFL-licensed games you can play on your iPhone – and it’s cute! Real NFL teams are depicted in 16-bit, and it’s your job as coach to set up a successful team and play through the season. It’s a joy to look at, but it’s also quick and tough, like the other existing Retro Bowl games. It’s bound to offer tens of hours of gameplay if you need something to play on your commute.
Which Apple Arcade game will redefine my gaming experience this month
This month, the Apple Arcade game poised to redefine your gaming experience is UNO: Arcade Edition. Launching on June 5, it offers vibrant visuals, fresh Apple Arcade-exclusive gameplay twists like Wild Swap Hands and Color Showdown, and multiple modes that keep the classic card game exciting and engaging for solo players and groups alike. Additionally, if you have access to Apple Vision Pro, the innovative spatial racing comedy WHAT THE CAR? brings a hilarious, hands-on experience that leverages spatial computing to transform racing into a lively, immersive adventure. Both titles showcase Apple Arcade’s commitment to blending classic fun with cutting-edge technology this month.
Will UNO: Arcade Edition change how I play card games on Apple Arcade
Yes, UNO: Arcade Edition will change how you play card games on Apple Arcade by offering a fresh and vibrant reimagining of the classic UNO experience with exclusive new gameplay twists. It includes multiple game modes-Quick Match, Custom Games, and Single Player-allowing you to enjoy classic rules or spice things up with new options like Wild Swap Hands and Color Showdown. The game also features rich customizations such as unlockable frames, special effects, and emotes, making each match feel fun and fresh whether playing solo or with friends and family. This blend of familiar gameplay with innovative twists and immersive visuals sets UNO: Arcade Edition apart from traditional card games on the platform.
