In recent years, mobile devices have undergone a remarkable evolution, transforming into advanced gaming machines. As a result, the App Store has become a vast repository of gaming experiences, ranging from dedicated mobile titles to ports of well-known franchises. Amongst the plethora of options, the best Apple Arcade games truly stand out.
However, with so many choices, identifying which games are truly worth your attention can be challenging. Apple Arcade, which offers subscription access for just £4.99 per month, has enabled me to uncover some underrated gems while conveniently spending my spare time on engaging games.
For those unfamiliar, Apple Arcade is a subscription service provided by Apple, giving access to a selection of ad-free games. New users can even enjoy a complimentary one-month trial. I’ve found it to be an excellent platform for discovering new indie titles and experiencing delightful gameplay. So, whether this is your first venture or you’re a seasoned subscriber, here are some of the best Apple Arcade games currently available!
- Dead Cells+
- Fantasy
- NUTS
- Disney Melee Mania
- Assemble with Care
- Monster Hunter Stories+
- Sayonara Wild Hearts
- Survival Z
- Wonderbox: The Adventure Maker
- Exit the Gungeon
- Skate City
- What the Golf?
- Card of Darkness
- Mutation
- Oceanhorn 2
- Neo Cab
- Shinsekai: Into the Depths
- Manifold Garden
- Grindstone
- Japanese Rural Life Adventure
- Downwell+
- Sonic Dream Team
- Disney Dreamlight Valley: Arcade Edition
- Kingdoms: Merge & Build
- Squiggle Drop
- Dear Reader
- Cooking Mama: Cuisine
- Vampire Survivors+
- tint.
- Stitch
- Balatro+
- Final Fantasy+
- Honourable Mentions
Dead Cells+
- Genre: Roguelike/Metroidvania
- Developer: Motion Twin, Evil Empire
Dead Cells is a title that’s hard to ignore in the gaming community. While I initially bypassed this challenging roguelike platformer, I soon realized my mistake. This visually stunning game features procedurally generated levels, ensuring a fresh experience with every playthrough.
It’s a breath of fresh air to experience a mobile game that lives up to its console counterpart, marking Dead Cells as a must-play in Apple Arcade’s collection.
Fantasy
- Genre: RPG
- Developer: Mistwalker
Fantasian offers a nostalgic RPG experience reminiscent of classic Final Fantasy titles, crafted by Mistwalker, a studio led by none other than Hironobu Sakaguchi, the visionary behind the original Final Fantasy series.
What sets Fantasian apart is its unique visual style featuring handcrafted dioramas that serve as the backdrop for an enchanting gameplay experience.
NUTS
- Genre: Adventure/Simulation
- Developer: Joon, Pol, Muutsch, Char & Torfi
NUTS stands out with its visually distinctive style as players act as wildlife photographers aiming to capture rare squirrels. While this premise might seem unexciting, the narrative twists unfold in fantastical ways that will surprise you.
Don’t judge this game prematurely; its story has unexpected depths.
Disney Melee Mania
- Genre: Action
- Developer: Mighty Bear Games
Have you ever wished to see your cherished Disney and Pixar characters engage in epic battles? Disney Melee Mania enables you to participate in 3v3 multiplayer matches featuring iconic personalities like Buzz Lightyear and Moana.
Collect points to enhance your characters’ abilities and create an engaging gameplay experience that keeps your competitive spirit alive!
Assemble with Care
- Genre: Puzzle/Narrative
- Developer: Ustwo Games
Assemble with Care pairs a heartfelt narrative with soothing puzzle-solving as players repair items for the residents of Bellariva, a charming fictional town. Utilizing the mobile touch screen, you will piece together objects, revealing stories of the townspeople along the way.
With its distinct art style and calming sound design, this game provides a therapeutic escape.
Monster Hunter Stories+
- Genre: RPG
- Developer: Capcom
Experience the world of Capcom’s monster-hunting franchise from a unique angle in Monster Hunter Stories+. While it differs from the traditional Monster Hunter gameplay, featuring engaging turn-based combat, it lets players befriend monsters and forge friendships.
Embark on a charming journey where monsters become your best friends, or “Monsties,”as you embark on adventures.
Sayonara Wild Hearts
- Genre: Action/Rhythm
- Developer: Simogo
Sayonara Wild Hearts is a must-download for any Apple Arcade subscriber. With its vibrant neon visuals and an exhilarating soundtrack, this rhythmic action game melds music and gameplay into a captivating experience.
Expect a fast-paced adventure that requires your full focus, second chances are part of the journey!
Survival Z
- Genre: Survival
- Developer: Ember Entertainment
If you’re in the mood for a zombie-themed adventure, look no further than Survival Z. You’ll navigate a world overrun by undead, working to save survivors while evading becoming a meal yourself.
Throughout your quests, you’ll set traps and upgrade your gear, ensuring that no two expeditions are alike. It’s an experience with substantial replayability!
Wonderbox: The Adventure Maker
- Genre: Adventure/Sandbox
- Developer: Aquiris Game Studio
Wonderbox: The Adventure Maker allows you to design your own gaming adventure. While you can dive into existing quests, the game provides the tools necessary to create your own unique adventures.
This vibrant adventure maker is not only enjoyable but also encourages creativity and exploration.
Exit the Gungeon
- Genre: Roguelike/Shooter
- Developer: Dodge Roll, Singlecore
A continuation of the critically acclaimed Enter the Gungeon, Exit the Gungeon lets players ascend while battling through hordes of enemies and navigating exciting challenges. It’s a perfect fit for dungeon crawler enthusiasts.
Expect a mix of frenetic gameplay and endless replayability, as no two runs will be the same.
Skate City
- Genre: Sport/Simulator
- Developer: Agens, Room8
While it may not rival the likes of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater or Skate 3, Skate City delivers an enjoyable skating experience on mobile. With its muted visuals, this game focuses on perfecting your skills across iconic landscapes.
In endless mode, glide effortlessly through spectacular cityscapes without the pressure of performing tricks. Capture your best moves and share them on social media!
What the Golf?
- Genre: Sports (with a dash of chaos)
- Developer: Triband
What the Golf? is a comedic take on traditional golf games. At first glance, it appears to follow standard golf mechanics, but chaos ensues with unexpected twists as you progress through levels.
This game thrives on its unpredictable mechanics, ensuring a wacky and fun-filled experience.
Card of Darkness
- Genre: Strategy/Puzzle
- Developer: Zach Gage, Pendleton Ward, Choice Provisions
From the creator of Really Bad Chess, Card of Darkness is an intriguing title enhanced by the creative genius of Pendleton Ward, best known for Adventure Time. Players navigate levels using cards to traverse obstacles.
The game is easy to pick up yet complex enough to keep you engaged as you delve deeper into its mechanics.
Mutation
- Genre: Relaxing Adventure
- Developer: Die Gute Fabrik
Mutazione embodies the spirit of the indie adventure experience that many seek. In this game, gardening intertwines with character interaction, allowing players to cultivate not only plants but relationships.
With a slow and calming pace, this game provides a restorative escape from daily stressors.
Oceanhorn 2
- Genre: Action/Adventure RPG
- Developer: Cornfox & Bros.
At first glance, Oceanhorn 2 may remind players of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and for good reason. This engaging RPG lets you assume the role of a knight on a quest filled with battles, puzzles, and intriguing lore.
No need to have played the first installment; Oceanhorn 2 welcomes newcomers with an engaging storyline.
Neo Cab
- Genre: Visual Novel/Adventure
- Developer: Chance Agency
Neo Cab provides a fascinating narrative set in a future where automated taxi services dominate the landscape, leaving you as Lina, the lone human driver.
Your interactions with passengers will shape Lina’s journey as she navigates the complexities of her environment and her own emotions.
Shinsekai: Into the Depths
- Genre: Deep-sea Adventure
- Developer: Capcom
If you’re in search of an AAA-like experience on mobile, look no further than Shinsekai: Into the Depths. As an Aquanaut, you’ll dive deep into the ocean, accompanied only by your trusty drone to uncover its mysteries.
Expect to discover fascinating sea life, navigate treacherous terrain, and overcome formidable foes in this thrilling underwater escapade.
Manifold Garden
- Genre: Puzzle
- Developer: William Chyr Studio
Manifold Garden is a stunningly artistic indie game that invites players into an Escher-like world, emphasizing the manipulation of gravity and geometry to solve intricate puzzles.
For fans of puzzle-solving adventures, this game provides an exceptional visual and intellectual experience, suited for those who enjoyed titles like The Witness.
Grindstone
- Genre: Simulation
- Developer: Capybara Games
Grindstone combines puzzle-solving with a unique premise: take down Creeps to collect their grindstones across 250+ levels. Imagine the gameplay of Candy Crush mixed with quirky creativity.
Master strategic attacks based on color, collect grindstones, and enhance your gear while enjoying the aesthetic charm of this addictive game.
Japanese Rural Life Adventure
- Genre: Simulation
- Developer: GAME START
Transport yourself to the serene mountains of Japan in Japanese Rural Life Adventure, an engaging sim that feels reminiscent of Stardew Valley. Restore your home while engaging with the local community and participating in seasonal events.
As you rebuild your cottage and nurture relationships, the game provides a delightful rural experience exclusive to mobile devices.
Downwell+
- Genre: Scrolling Shooter/Platforming
- Developer: Ojiro Fumoto
Downwell, a dynamic scrolling shooter, invites players to descend into a mysterious well filled with threats and treasures. As the protagonist Welltaro, you’ll navigate through procedurally generated hazards.
This game provides fast-paced excitement and the possibility of a new adventure with each descent, ideal for on-the-go gaming.
Sonic Dream Team
- Genre: Platforming/Adventure
- Developer: SEGA
Sonic Dream Team is a visually stunning action-platformer, allowing players to venture alongside Sonic and his friends in their latest quest to thwart Dr. Eggman’s evil plans.
Join Sonic, Tails, Amy, and new characters as they navigate through 12 diverse levels filled with challenges and foes.
Disney Dreamlight Valley: Arcade Edition
- Genre: Simulation
- Developer: GameLoft
The Disney Dreamlight Valley: Arcade Edition offers a complete and microtransaction-free experience that allows players to immerse themselves in a charming valley filled with beloved characters.
Engage in life simulation activities alongside characters like WALL-E and Jack Skellington, making this a delightful and stress-free gaming experience.
Kingdoms: Merge & Build
- Genre: Puzzle/Simulation
- Developer: Cherrypick Games S.A.
Kingdoms: Merge & Build presents a merging puzzle challenge that will captivate players wanting a relaxing yet engaging gameplay experience. You’ll blend resources to reconstruct your kingdom and participate in various quests.
This game is perfect for unwinding while providing plenty of ongoing quests and a captivating storyline.
Squiggle Drop
- Genre: Puzzle
- Developer: NoodleCake Studios
Squiggle Drop is a charming puzzle game that encourages creativity, offering over 250 levels where players must draw shapes to solve challenges. Your artistic skills will be put to the test as you creatively navigate obstacles.
From drawing crowns to shielding cakes, the game challenges players’ creativity while maintaining a lighthearted tone.
Dear Reader
- Genre: Puzzle/Educational
- Developer: Local No. 12
Book lovers will appreciate Dear Reader, a unique addition to Apple Arcade that transforms classic literature into word puzzles. Players fill in blanks across excerpts, experiencing beloved stories interactively.
It provides a compelling mix of education and entertainment, perfect for literary enthusiasts looking for a fun literary spin.
Cooking Mama Cuisine
- Genre: Simulation
- Developer: Office Create Corp
Cooking Mama: Cuisine invites players back into the kitchen, where you’ll use touchscreen controls to cook various dishes through a series of minigames. It offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the original Nintendo DS game.
Enjoy cooking with seasonal updates and events that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.
Vampire Survivors+
- Genre: Roguelike
- Developer: Poncle
Vampire Survivors is an addictive roguelike that sets players loose in a world of monsters to defeat. The game challenges you to evade powerful foes while strategizing to unlock stronger characters and better gear.
It’s a perfect time-killer, whether you’re waiting for a bus or just need a short gaming session!
tint.
- Genre: Puzzle
- Developer: Lykkegaard Studios
tint. is a delightful watercolour puzzle game that merges simplicity with creativity. Players utilize their finger to paint puzzles that contain charming shapes and designs, making for a relaxed gaming experience.
Offering a low-pressure environment, tint. is all about enjoying the process of creation while solving delightful puzzles.
Stitch
- Genre: Puzzle
- Developer: Lykke Studios
Stitch, developed by the same studio as tint., invites players to solve embroidery puzzles, creating beautiful designs step by step. With enjoyable updates, including themed challenges, the game consistently delivers fresh content.
With straightforward gameplay that gradually increases in complexity, players can appreciate the art of embroidery through this engaging title.
Balatro+
- Genre: Card Game
- Developer: Playstack Ltd
If you relish card games, Balatro+ is a chaotic twist on classic poker, inviting you to bend the rules and unleash your creativity to achieve the best hand possible.
With innovative mechanics and addictive gameplay, just be warned; it might be harder to put down than you expect!
Final Fantasy+
- Genre: RPG
- Developer: Square Enix
The Final Fantasy series needs little introduction. Currently, iOS users can buy and play titles from Final Fantasy I to VI. And for Apple Arcade subscribers, Final Fantasy IV (3D Remake) and Final Fantasy IV: The After Years will be available starting December 9. Historically, additional titles will join the lineup on January 9, making it a significant draw for fans.
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