23 Best iPhone Games For 2023
Playing games on your phone can be a great way to pass the time and have fun, whether you're commuting to work, waiting in line or just looking for a way to relax. With the vast selection of games available for iPhone, you're sure to find something that appeals to you. And the best part is, many of these games are completely free to play, so you can enjoy them without spending a dime.
In this article, we'll be taking a look at some of the best free games available for iPhone, including a variety of genres to suit different tastes. Whether you're into action, strategy, puzzle games or something else entirely, there's sure to be something here for you.
Our Top Picks For Best iPhone Games
Best Action Games
Best Strategy Games
Best Puzzle Games
Best Racing Games iPhone
Best Simulation Games
Best Music Games
Best Trivia Games
Best Offline iPhone Games
Best iPhone Games Reviews
Best Action Games
Raid: Shadow Legends
Being the hero in a fictional world does put you up on a pedestal. In Raid: Shadow Legends, you must align soldiers and elite units to fight for Teleria. The game's graphics are smooth and rarely lag, there are lots of free rewards and you can choose a group of up to five playable characters.
Since players can also join forces with other online users, it's a great way to make friends, and you're sure to meet some interesting characters here. Be warned, though: without a paid upgrade, it will be tremendously hard to compete against other players.
This is one of the best free iPhone games with in-app purchases. Get started with Raid.
Call Of Duty: Mobile
Get ready for one of the best shooting games on the iPhone. Call of Duty: Mobile is a compact version of the well-known home console video game franchise. Everything fits into your device's small screen with some thoughtful edits for compatibility. You can access most features the same way as you would on the home console version of the game.
The developers also made changes to some features so the mobile version could thrive as well as the home console version. It's one of the best designed games for iPhones 12 and above, making good use of their advanced capabilities.
You shouldn't compare playing this mobile version to your regular Call of Duty session, since it won't be as extensive due to the device's limitations. However, the mobile version still takes up a considerable amount of your limited iPhone storage capacity.
Call of Duty: Mobile is consistently described as one of the best iPhone shooter games, and it includes optional in-app purchases.
Stumble Guys
Stumble Guys is a multi-player knockout game with up to 60 players at a time. There are only two buttons in the game, one for running and one for jumping as your character has to pass through the challenges without falling. Even a tiny stumble will send you reeling into the abyss.
Controlling your character takes skill and time, though the gameplay itself has just a few levels and can be cleared relatively quickly.
Stumble Guys is one of the best free games on iPhone, and it includes paid in-app purchases.
Best Strategy Games
Clash Royale
Clash Royale, from the creators of Clash of Clans, is a real-time strategy game that pits two players against each other. Players choose four cards out of 103 troops, spells and binding cards in the deck to aid in defending their tower and destroying the greatest number of opposing towers. Winning requires strategic thinking and quick decision making, as each round lasts only a few minutes.
Battles award players with a locked chest, each of which is a somewhat random grab bag of currency, power-ups and cards. However, each chest may take upwards of an hour to unlock unless you pay, and you only get four slots for storing chests. This can result in having to wait out the clock on four slowly ticking chests before you get back into the game itself.
"Clash Royale" is not as demanding as other player vs. player games but offers the same excitement. Its graphics are enticing, and the constant updates mean you will never run out of new features to try. It's one of the best two-player games to enjoy with your friends.
One of the best iPhone strategy games is free with in-app purchases. Battle it out in "Clash Royale."
Among Us
Among Us was the most talked-about online game a few summers ago, having gained massive popularity through Twitch. That worldwide fervor has now calmed down a bit, but it's still on or near the top of every strategy game list for iPhone users.
If you were living under a rock and missed it, Among Us is a multiplayer game in which four to ten players get dropped onto an alien planet base, spaceship or sky headquarters. Each player is privately assigned a role of impostor or crewmate, and they must then complete tasks while avoiding death and trying to find out who is an impostor. You win by voting off all impostors and completing your assignments.
Gather up some friends or join a random group. Whatever interrogation skills you have up your sleeve will come in handy. Work as a team to get to the bottom of Among Us!
Crossout
Crossout is a vehicular combat game and one of the best free iPhone strategy games. Players assemble their vehicles and enter a battleship to destroy the enemy's base.
The process of constructing the vehicles resembles real-life manufacturing, with players enjoying the ultimate flexibility in adding weapons, shields, extra engines and wheels.
Formulating plans to destroy your enemies requires a team effort. You must pick each other's brains to improvise when the battle starts. Crossout groups you with either NPCs or other online players if you don't have enough team members.
To come up with your own functioning monstrosity, download Crossout now.
Best Puzzle Games
The Room Three
The Room Three is a first-person escape room game developed by Fireproof Games as the third installment in The Room series of games. In The Room Three, players are dropped into a mysterious world where they must solve a series of increasingly complicated puzzles. The clock is ticking, and something sinister lurks in the dark.
One of The Room Three's standout features is the clever design of puzzles, which are challenging but doable, and well-integrated into the gameplay. There's also a hint system to help players out if they get stuck.
Play "The Room Three" at your own risk now for just $3.99.
Block Puzzle
Like a certain classic game, the aim in Block Puzzle is to place virtual, multi-colored wooden blocks on a grid while the clock is ticking against you. Every time you complete a horizontal line, it gets cleared. The goal is to clear as many lines as possible without letting the grid fill up as blocks fall quicker and quicker down your screen.
While you can change positioning as blocks drift down your screen, they begin to fall progressively faster, so having good spatial understanding is crucial. This game's complicated nature is brilliant for boosting your brain functions. However, "Block Puzzle – Brain Game" is still a good choice for light gaming sessions that won't stress you out.
Discover one of the best free puzzle games for iPhone by downloading "Block Puzzle" today.
Cut the Rope
Cut the Rope is a puzzle game developed by ZeptoLab. Players must cut ropes to guide a piece of candy to a hungry little monster named Om Nom. After the tenth level, the difficulty increases significantly, and getting the candy to land in Om Nom's mouth becomes a real challenge.
The game has received widespread acclaim for its engaging gameplay, cute characters and challenging puzzles. Players must use physics and logic to cut ropes in the correct order, taking into account factors such as gravity and the movement of other objects in the level. The game is suitable for players of all ages and offers a large number of levels, ensuring plenty of replay value.
Overall, Cut the Rope is a highly enjoyable puzzle game that is sure to provide hours of entertainment. If you enjoy challenging your brain and solving puzzles, then this game is definitely worth checking out.
Build a Bridge!
Build a Bridge! is a puzzle game in which players must design and build bridges to help a vehicle cross various gaps. In each level, players are given a set of materials and a budget, and must use these resources to build a bridge that is strong enough to support the weight of the vehicle in question. Players can test their bridges by pressing the "test" button, which causes the vehicle to cross the bridge. If the bridge collapses, players must go back and redesign it until they are successful.
Players must use their creativity and problem-solving skills to design and build functional bridges, which can be equal parts satisfying and frustrating. The game also has a large number of levels, ensuring plenty of replay value. Give Build a Bridge! a try if you enjoy puzzle games and building things.
Best Racing Games
Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9: Legends is a racing game that features over 50 licensed vehicles from manufacturers such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche. Players can race on tracks in locations around the world, including Paris, New York, Sydney and Tokyo.
Aside from traditional racing modes, the game also has a "Nitro Rush" mode, in which players must defeat their opponents, and a "Time Trial" mode, where players must complete the fastest time on a given track.
Asphalt 9: Legends critics have praised its graphics, controls and variety of content. However, some reviewers have criticized the game's microtransactions and energy system, which limits the amount of time players can spend racing.
Real Racing 3
Real Racing 3 is a racing game that features over 200 licensed vehicles from manufacturers such as Audi, Lamborghini and Porsche, and allows players to race on tracks in 17 real-life circuits around the world, including Silverstone, Hockenheimring and the Dubai Autodrome. The game's "Time Trial" mode has players compete to set the fastest time on a track, while its "Speed Record" mode asks players to maintain the highest speed possible for a set distance.
While it is a free game, Real Racing 3 does have microtransaction and in-app purchases, which unlock content faster but can quickly add up. Furthermore, the app requires a minimum 2.5 GB of storage space to be able to run without crashing.
Overall, Real Racing 3 is a well-regarded racing game with a large selection of cars and tracks to choose from. If you're a fan of racing games, it's worth checking out.
Best Simulation Games
Plague Inc.
Plague Inc. is a real-time strategy simulation game in which players create and evolve a pathogen in an effort to infect and kill the entire human population of the world. Players have to select a starting country, infect patient zero and race against the clock to spread the disease. Each country will react to the spread differently, so knowing more about geopolitics will give you a better chance of being successful.
The game is based on actual science, so it also teaches players about the spread of diseases and the importance of global health efforts. However, given its potentially disturbing subject matter and how it exploits real-world pandemic fears, its mature themes may not be suitable for all players.
While not completely free, players can purchase Plague, Inc. for just $0.99, though expansions can add up to $4.99.
The Sims Mobile
The Sims Mobile is a classic life simulation game that offers endless possibilities and hours of gameplay. One of the game's unique features is the ability to create and customize your own virtual person, or Sim, choosing their appearance, personality, and even career path — though the mobile version doesn't have the same wide selection of characters or scenarios as the game does on home consoles.
The gameplay in The Sims Mobile is varied and engaging, with a wide range of activities and goals to pursue. Players can build and decorate their own houses, form relationships with other Sims and pursue various careers and hobbies. The game also features a robust character development system, allowing players to shape their Sim's personality and skills over time.
Another unique feature of The Sims Mobile is the ability to play through various storylines, each with its own set of challenges and rewards. These storylines offer a sense of purpose and progression, and give players something to work towards as they play.
The Sims Mobile is a fantastic life simulation game that offers endless entertainment and customization options. Whether you're building a dream home, pursuing a career or just living out your virtual life, The Sims Mobile has something for everyone.
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is a mobile simulation game that allows players to design and manage their own campsite. The game features a cast of cute and charming characters, and the ability to collect and decorate with various furniture and amenities makes for an engaging gameplay experience.
One of the main draws of the game is the ability to interact with and befriend a variety of animal characters, each with their own unique personalities and interests. Players can also visit other players' campsites and trade items, adding a social aspect to the game.
However, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp does have progress-limiting mechanics that encourage players to make in-app purchases. Leaf Tickets, the in-game currency, can be used to speed up crafting times, buy special items and access certain features. While it is technically possible to play the game without spending any real money, those who do choose to make purchases may find that it enhances their gameplay experience.
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is a well-designed and enjoyable game that is worth checking out, especially for fans of the Animal Crossing series. The in-app purchases are not necessary to fully enjoy the game, but they do offer some additional perks for those willing to spend a little extra.
Best Music Games
Piano Tiles 2
Piano Tiles 2 is a fast-paced and mobile game that challenges players to tap on black tiles while avoiding the white ones as they scroll across the screen. The game features a variety of musical tracks to choose from, ranging from classical to modern pop hits.
One of the key strengths of Piano Tiles 2 is the smooth and responsive gameplay. The tiles scroll across the screen at a steady pace, and the game does a good job of registering taps accurately. This makes for an engaging and satisfying gameplay experience as players try to keep up with the music and hit as many tiles as possible.
In terms of challenges, the game offers a range of difficulty levels to choose from, allowing players to find a suitable challenge no matter their skill level. There are also daily challenges and events to keep things interesting and give players new goals to work toward. However, after a certain number of failed attempts, players may have to wait several hours before they can give it another try.
Piano Tiles 2 is a well-designed and enjoyable mobile game that is sure to appeal to fans of rhythm games. While free to download and play, there are in-app purchases and ads.
Real Drum
Real Drum is a mobile game that simulates playing a drum set on a touchscreen device like your smartphone. The game features a variety of drum kits and individual drums that can be played by tapping on your screen or via an external MIDI controller.
Users can simply tap on the drum or cymbal they want to hit, and the game will register the hit and produce the corresponding sound. Real Drum includes a variety of drum patterns and rhythms to play along with and also has a recording feature that allows users to record and save their drumming sessions. This can be a useful tool for tracking progress or for sharing recordings with friends.
However, some users have reported issues with the audio quality or latency in the game. Another common complaint about Real Drum is that the selection of drum kits and individual drums is limited, and there are not many customization options.
Real Drum is a fun and simple way to play drums on a mobile device, but it may not be suitable for more advanced drummers or for those looking for a more realistic or customizable drumming experience.
Best Trivia Games
Jeopardy! Trivia Quiz Game
Jeopardy! Trivia Quiz Game, is the mobile version of the popular quiz game show. The game features a similar format to the tv show, with categories and point values on a virtual game board, and players answering trivia questions to earn points. It's a great option for people who enjoy trivia and general knowledge challenges, as it covers a wide range of topics.
Jeopardy! Trivia Quiz Game's touch controls can be somewhat unresponsive at times. Also bear in mind that the mobile version of the game doesn't have the same level of production value as the television show, so it may not feel as immersive or engaging.
Jeopardy! Trivia Quiz Game is a fun and educational mobile game that is a good option for those who enjoy trivia challenges, and it's a convenient way to play Jeopardy! on the go.
Psych! Outwit Your Friends
Psych is a mobile game that allows players to outwit their friends by trying to determine which of several words is the "psych" word, or the odd one out. The game features a variety of categories, including animals, movies and famous people. Each round consists of five words that are related in some way except for the psych word.
To start playing, one player selects a category and a point value, and then gives the other players a clue about the psych word. For example, if the category is "animals" and the psych word is "giraffe," the clue might be "this animal has a long neck." Players then take turns guessing which word is the psych word, and the first player to guess correctly earns the point value for the round. It's easy to learn and quick to play, making it a great option for casual gaming sessions.
Psych may not be as engaging or challenging for more advanced players, as the gameplay can become somewhat repetitive over time. In addition, the game may not have as much replay value as some other mobile games, since the categories and clues do not change.
Overall, Psych is an enjoyable and easy-to-learn mobile game that is great for casual gaming sessions with friends. While it may not have as much depth or replay value as some other games, it's a fun and simple way to outwit your friends.
PopcornTrivia
PopcornTrivia is a mobile game that allows players to test their knowledge of movies and pop culture. The game features a variety of categories, including actors, directors and movie quotes, with each round consisting of five multiple choice questions.
To start playing, players select a category and a point value, and then answer the questions by choosing the correct answer from a list of options. If a player answers a question correctly, they earn the point value for the round. If they get it wrong, the point value is deducted from their score.
One of the main criticisms of PopcornTrivia is that the questions can be either too easy or, frankly, too obscure, which may not interest all players. Some users have also reported issues with the game's user interface or with bugs in the software.
Overall, PopcornTrivia is a fun and simple mobile game for movie and pop culture buffs, although it may not be as engaging or challenging as some other trivia games.
Best Offline iPhone Games
BrickMania
BrickMania is a mobile game that tasks players with breaking bricks by bouncing a ball off a paddle. The game features a variety of levels, each with a different layout and pattern of bricks to be destroyed.
Players use their fingers to move the paddle left and right and to launch the ball. The ball bounces off of the paddle and hits the bricks, and the goal is to destroy all of the bricks in a level before running out of balls.
One of the main criticisms of BrickMania is that the gameplay can become somewhat repetitive over time, as the levels do not vary significantly in terms of difficulty or layout. In addition, some users have reported issues with the controls or with bugs in the software.
BrickMania is a simple and fun mobile game that is well-suited for short gaming sessions, though it may not have enough depth or variety to keep players engaged for longer periods of time.
Threes! Freeplay
Threes! Freeplay gameplay involves sliding numbered tiles on a grid, with the goal of combining matching tiles to create higher numbered tiles. The game starts off fairly easy, but quickly becomes more difficult as the grid fills up and it becomes harder to make matches.
One of the things that sets Threes! Freeplay apart from other puzzle games is its clever use of strategy. Players must carefully plan their moves in order to make the most of each turn and create the highest numbered tiles possible. This adds a layer of depth to the gameplay that keeps it interesting even after many hours of play.
The visual and audio design of the game is also top-notch. The colorful, minimalist aesthetic is visually appealing, and the accompanying soundtrack is both catchy and fitting for the game.
Threes! Freeplay offers a unique and challenging gameplay experience. Its combination of strategy, charm and difficulty make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
The New York Times Crossword
Aside from their brain-boosting potential — the jury's still out on that one — crosswords can be both a source of fun and a learning experience. The New York Times' crossword puzzle has been a beloved institution that's been around for 80+ years, with the Sunday puzzle (the largest grid of the week) established as an iconically steep challenge.
In addition to the daily crosswords, the New York Times also offers a variety of other puzzles, including themeless puzzles, mini puzzles and variety puzzles. There is something for every solver, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro.
The New York Times crossword app is user-friendly and makes it easy to access the daily puzzle and past puzzles. It also offers helpful features like a hint system and the ability to save puzzles for later.
The New York Times crossword is a must-have for puzzle fans. Its top-notch puzzles, wide range of offerings and user-friendly app make it a joy to solve. Free for NY Times subscribers, if you just want access to the games section, you can pay either $5 a month or $40 a year. Challenge yourself with the free trial today.
Best iPhone Games Guide
Are iPhone Games Cross-Compatible With Other Phones?
Most of the iPhone games we have chosen are available on both Android and iOS devices, since mobile games are usually introduced on at least two platforms. Due to the different systems, some game features may be slightly altered. They may not be on the same page, or the visuals could be adjusted for screen compatibility.
The process can be slightly more difficult for niche-specific games and companies with a limited budget. It costs money to put an app up on these platforms and adds to the development cost to make the game cross-compatible. Therefore, small-scale game companies may only introduce the game on one system.
Do iPhone Games Use Up a Lot of Memory Space?
The amount of memory space that an iPhone game uses can vary significantly, but game sizes have been increasing exponentially over the years. Some games may only use a few hundred megabytes of space, while others may use several gigabytes. The amount of space a game needs is largely dependent on its complexity and size.
If you're concerned about how much space a game might require, check the app's size by going to the App Store, finding the game and looking at the "Size" section. You can also check the amount of space being used by games currently on your iPhone by going to the "Settings" app and selecting "General," followed by "iPhone Storage." This will show you a list of all of the apps on your device and how much space they are taking up.
If you find that you're consistently running out of memory space on your iPhone, you can try deleting some apps or games that you no longer use to free up space. You can also try moving some of your photos, videos and other large files to a cloud storage service or to a computer to free up space on your iPhone.
You might also consider upgrading to a model with more storage capacity. iPhones are available with different amounts of storage, ranging from 16 GB to 1 TB, so you can choose a model that meets your storage needs.
Some of the apps in our list above are significantly larger than others. The action, strategy and racing games are likely to take up the most space. They also need a strong processor to run smoothly. If you're running them on an older device, you may experience frequent crashes.
Less complicated games like BrickMania or the New York Times crossword won't take up much space at all. You can download them anytime, and you won't run into trouble starting these games. They're the perfect choice for those who often struggle with having enough storage space.
Do You Need Data to Play iPhone Games?
The amount of data you'll need to play on your iPhone depends on the game and how you're accessing it. Many iPhone games are stored on your phone and can be played offline, which means you don't need an active internet connection and they don't use up any data.
iPhone games that do require an internet connection to play may require data to download updates, download new levels and content or connect to a server to play online. Some of these games may also offer the option to play a limited version offline, but this can vary depending on the game.
If you're concerned about using data while playing games on your iPhone, try to connect to a Wi-Fi network whenever possible. This will allow you to play games without using data from your mobile plan. You can also check the game's settings or ask the developer to see if there is an option to turn off data usage while playing.
How We Chose The Best iPhone Games
The first thing we looked at when judging iPhone games was the totality of the the market. We wanted to make sure that we were including many different genres of games. We tried to find games for many different tastes— from action-packed options to word challenges — and divided our list accordingly.
Once we had narrowed down our choices to a preliminary list, we considered each game's overall quality, including factors such as the story, graphics, gameplay, replay value and any other unique features.
While not all of the games on our list are completely free, we did try to favor games that didn't require expensive in-app purchases for gameplay, and that didn't have costly subscription fees. Finally, we researched reviews from real people and professional game critics, to get a sense of which games were worth trying out.
