Apple Arcade is a subscription-based gaming service that offers exclusive games for all age groups. It recently crossed 200 games and offers some amazing titles that will keep you immersed.
With so much on offer, it can be tricky to find the best games on Apple Arcade. So, I did a little digging and unearthed some real treasures that include old favorites the latest games. Keep reading to know my picks for the top Apple Arcade games across multiple categories.
Tip: In case you’re wondering, the Apple Arcade subscription starts at just $5 per month, which is an absolute steal for the variety of premium games you get. Moreover, If you’ve just picked up a new Apple device, you can get three months free!
- Latest games
- Action games
- Adventure games
- Casual games
- Puzzle games
- Role-playing games
- Sports games
- Strategy games
Latest games for January 2022
1. Fantasian (Part 2)
The most exciting new Apple Arcade game is part 2 of FANTASIAN, added to the original game. This exciting RPG is set against a spectacular backdrop made from handmade dioramas.
Whether you’re wandering through a wind-swept desert, exploring a luxury cruise ship, or roaming a robot metropolis, every area you visit in this game was hand-crafted from real-world materials. It all comes together to offer a fantastic blend of 3D characters and physical environments.
You take on the role of the protagonist, Leo, who awakens after a massive explosion in a strange land with only one memory left. Set out on mystical journeys to reclaim your memories, following a captivating story written by industry legend Hironobu Sakaguchi.
This is complemented by an original soundtrack by celebrated composer Nobuo Uematsu.
Play it for: An epic storyline, music, and realistic simulation
2. Alto’s Odyssey – The Lost City
You’ve probably heard of the amazing Alto’s Odyssey games by now. They’re known for their beautiful visual appeal, relaxing yet challenging gameplay, and fun action sequences! The Lost City is the latest installment of this game.
You get to join yet another sandboarding journey to locate The Lost City with Alto and his friends. Explore rich and diverse landscapes in a chill, lo-fi atmosphere. I love spending hours gliding along, escaping the mischievous lemurs, scaling rock walls, and leaping across vines.
Moreover, you will enjoy it even more on an iPhone 12 because the A14 bionic chip and 5G capabilities add an extra sparkle to the experience with smoother gameplay and sharp graphics.
Play it for: The perfect blend of immersive gameplay and a relaxing experience.
3. Angry Birds Reloaded
Angry Birds is a classic game that I’ll never tire of! So I was excited to try this latest offering on Apple Arcade.
It blends the super enjoyable physics-based gameplay with a modern polish. It’s my go-to game when I just need to vent some frustration because, seriously, how satisfying is it to slingshot some birds!
It works equally well on both new and older devices. This time, King Pig and his eagle minions have stolen eggs. Your job is to help the birds retrieve them. You will encounter fun new characters and appreciate the dynamic gameplay modes with visual enhancements.
Further, I love the game’s community aspect, thanks to tracking scores on local leaderboards. Compete against friends and family members and earn top bragging rights.
Play it for: Fun physics-based action that will bust stress and bring a smile to your face.
4. Doodle God Universe
I am obsessed with this addictive puzzle game that’s all about world-building. You have to use your imagination and creativity to combine air, water, fire, and earth to create new elements and make your planet come to life with beautiful animations.
Every time you successfully create a new item, you will be rewarded with wise words and witty lines from some of the best comedians and philosophers of all time.
Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. If you mess up, you might trigger a volcanic eruption or a zombie plague! This keeps things interesting and challenging.
I love the bright colors and creative possibilities in this game. It’s a must-try!
Play it for: An unforgettable world-building experience.
5. Leo’s Fortune
Here’s a classic adventure game that’s won the 2014 WWDC Apple Design Award and an App Store Best of 2014. Join the lovable Leo on voyages through lush environments spanning forests, deserts, cities, and mountains.
Follow the trail of gold to find the truth about Leo’s stolen fortune. Save him from the vicious traps and solve physics-based puzzles through 24 treacherous levels.
I am absolutely in love with oh-so-cute, spellbinding graphics. And once you finish the game, it unlocks hard-core mode, which challenges you to beat the whole game without dying. If you prove your mettle, you can earn a special prize!
Play it for: Superb design and a story that will appeal to your inner child.
Action games
6. World of Demons
Here’s a dark and exhilarating combat action game from award-winning Japanese developer PlatinumGames. You will be in the thick of the action in a fantastical world full of yokai – a variety of supernatural monsters and spirits from Japanese folklore. Here, you have to take on the role of a samurai and lead an army of yokai minions on a mission against evil.
I love the captivating environment and graphics of this game inspired by traditional Japanese art styles. You’ll meet fellow samurai allies and a menagerie of yokai, with distinct techniques that can add to your mission. Ultimately, it will be time to battle the fearsome lord of all oni, Shuten Doji.
The massive possibilities of mixing, matching, leveling up, and forming strategies with a range of monsters give this game depth and strategy while still keeping it fast and fluid.
Play it for: A unique experience that blends Japanese art and culture with thrilling combat action.
7. LEGO® Brawls
This lighthearted action game is a fun way to brawl around. It allows you to design your heroic mini figure with distinct fighting capabilities. Explore new power-ups through bricks and portray exceptional teamwork to control levels. It’s a must-have for all the LEGO fans out there.
I loved making my way through the eight different arenas, collecting more minifigs and power-ups along the way. It’s got some pretty awesome graphics that will keep you enthralled. Try it out and test if you have what it takes to emerge as the ultimate brawler!
Play it for: Fun graphics and action sequences
8. Hot Lava
Do you remember playing hot lava as a child? I used to love pretending that the floor is covered in lava and trying to navigate over it. Well, this is the digital version of that game that’s worth it for the nostalgia.
Your task is to run, jump, climb, and surf across challenging environments flooded with hot lava. Explore alone or with friends as you use your ingenuity and dexterity. But don’t forget to dodge the toxic waste, lava, crushers, and bottomless pits waiting to entrap you!
Play it for: A trip down memory lane as you relive this childhood game
9. Survival Z
I always have a blast fighting the zombies in this crazy, fun game. You have to make your way through the game rescuing survivors and exterminating the zombie menace. There are different types of zombies, and you can bust them with obstacles and traps to increase your chances of survival.
The best part is that no two runs are the same, which keeps things exciting and fresh no matter how many times you play. There are over 15 playable characters and 50 levels to explore. Along the way, you can collect new equipment to power up your character.
Play it for: Ridiculous zombie-bashing fun!
10. Crossy Road Castle
It’s time for some endless runner action with this colorful and addictive game. You have to keep climbing the infinitely spinning tower. Besides connecting and playing with friends, you have the option to play alone and even offline.
Further, this game is regularly updated with new towers and quests, so the journey never ends. Every run is different and will keep you engaged till you reach the oversized angry eagle at the end. No, I couldn’t find the reason behind its anger!
Play it for: Endless fun with friends or solo
Adventure games
11. BADLAND
This award-winning game is one of the most exciting additions to Apple Arcade. I have long been addicted to its beautiful fairy-tale-like world that’s laden with traps and obstacles to navigate through.
Whether it’s the characters, creatures, or vegetation, the attention to detail is commendable and engaging.
Moreover, it sets a precedent in the world of side-scrollers with innovative physics-based gameplay accentuated by fantastic sound and graphics. This makes for a highly immersive audio-visual experience that you’re sure to love.
Explore over a hundred unique levels in single-player mode or play against friends in the “versus” and “cooperative” modes. As the names suggest, versus is all about battling it out with your friends, while “cooperative” is about working together to overcome the obstacles.
The intuitive one-touch controls are a breeze to use, and it also supports controllers. Lastly, thanks to iCloud, your progress syncs across all your linked iOS devices.
Play it for: an unforgettable audio-visual gaming experience high on action and adventure.
12. The Oregon Trail
This one’s a classic that dates back to 1971. The all-new Apple Arcade version updates the visuals and actively improves the representation of Native American people in the story.
I love how now, for the first time in the game’s history, you can play the Native American characters and better understand their stories and culture.
Fellow history buffs will be delighted to know that the game has been created in collaboration with Native American scholars to help lend a more nuanced and respectful representation of indigenous groups to this historic release.
That’s pretty unheard of in other video games I’ve sampled and makes this one worth checking out.
As for gameplay, you have to build your travel party and embark on 12 playable journeys filled with hard choices, mysterious dangers, and unexpected situations. From blizzards to sickness, exhaustion, snakebites, and more, do you have what it takes to beat the odds and survive?
I love the level of variety this game offers, with hundreds of events where each choice you make affects your party and future events. It tests your strategy skills while keeping you immersed in role-playing – the best of both worlds!
Moreover, it retains the charm of the original game while adding fresh new elements.
Play it for: An interesting story and captivating strategic challenges
13. Mutazione
I love story-based games, and Mutazione is as good as it gets. It explores a beautiful, compassionate story about dealing with loss and how a community can be healing. You take on the role of 15-year-old Kai, who travels to the mysterious, secretive community of Mutazione to take care of her ailing grandfather, Nonno.
Along the way, you will plant musical gardens; experience fun boat trips and BBQs, and embark on a spiritual journey to save everyone from strange darkness.
I love the beautiful hand-illustrated graphics that bring this game world to life. Then, there are adorable mutant characters orchestrating dramatic twists and turns in the story.
The supernatural elements keep your mind hooked while the plot speaks to your heart. It all comes together in an engaging way that’s worth checking out. Although it starts off a bit slow, stick with it to get the most of the game.
Play it for: An adventure that blends a supernatural storyline with amazing quests and memorable characters.
14. INMOST
Are you in the mood for something creepy and thrilling? Here’s a horror puzzle adventure that’s got an evocative sound design and a spooky vibe! Your mission is to explore a mysterious world laden with danger at every turn.
There are three vastly different characters, including a knight sworn to the dark forces, a creature that feeds on pain, and a lonely young girl.
They’re bound together in a captivating story of suffering, sacrifice, and family ties straddling two different worlds. Explore every nook and cranny of this mysterious universe to find secret passages and more in three hours of riveting gameplay.
Of course, there’s also plenty of action in the form of slicing your enemies, springing deadly traps, and fleeing from the evil. It’s available in 15 languages, including English, French, German, Russian, Spanish, and more!
Play it for: A dark and suspenseful adventure with a gripping storyline
15. Oceanhorn 2
Get ready to begin your journey to an endless RPG boulevard. Dipped and soaked in brand new content, quests, items, and enhancements, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with the game. As a young knight, you’ll have to pass through impossible challenges and defeat the dark army of Warlock Mesmeroth.
I am spellbound by the incredible graphics and slick look of this game. It offers dozens of side quests, clever puzzles, mysterious dungeons, and much more. All in all, it’s a perfect escape from the real world and adventure through 20+ hours of gameplay.
Play it for: Beautiful graphics, enchanting story, and console-quality experience
16. SpongeBob
Immerse yourself in the crazy Spongebob world and explore iconic locations like Bikini Bottom, Glove World, and Chum Bucket. While you’re there, you get to jump on trampolines, avoid the stinging jellyfish, and zoom down zip lines in your epic adventure.
Get ready to dive in and solve puzzles to free your friends by defeating the baddies. The list includes everything from plankton to powerful jellyfish kings. Don’t forget to use the bosses’ weapons against them and save the day.
Play it for: Fun graphics and an easy-breezy experience
Casual games
17. What the golf?
If you’ve ever thought golf is boring, think again! Here’s a bizarrely amusing game that’s sure to appeal to even those who hate golf. It features cats, runaway cars, exploding barrels, and all kinds of objects replacing the ball. I’m charmed by the adorable graphics that will tickle the inner child in you and keep you returning to the game.
Further, you can play both portrait and landscape orientation with variations in how challenging each level is. The physics-based gameplay mechanics are on point and incorporate witty parodies of other games.
It’s one heck of a unique format and will surprise you with each stroke. There’s tons of fresh stuff to explore here, and it’s bound to make you go: “what the golf?”
Play it for: A unique, bizarre, and fun golfing experience with cute graphics.
18. SP!NG
Here’s one of the best Apple Arcade games that I could play endlessly. I find it quite relaxing and unique. The goal is to flow through different levels, and the controls are super simple, requiring just one touch.
The beautiful hand-crafted levels stand out from others and function as a stress ball for your brain. There are over 180 levels to keep you occupied, and new ones are consistently added. Further, there are 5 themes and 40 characters to unlock.
Play it for: A unique zen-like gaming experience that helps you relax
19. Cozy Grove
Live out a fictional life in this entrancing game where you can camp out on a haunted, ever-changing island. You take on the role of a Spirit Scout and wander the island’s forests each day to discover new secrets and appease the local ghosts.
Your mission is to restore joy and color to Cozy Grove. I especially appreciated the hand-drawn landscapes that add to the charm of this game. Further, there are dozens of memorable characters and spirits to find and befriend. Each spirit has a unique, extensive story that keeps things interesting.
Play it for: A long-lasting adventure through a captivating universe
Puzzle games
20. Sudoku Simple
I have loved sudoku since before it was possible to play it on mobile. I enjoy how it challenges the mind and keeps you hooked. This game is a godsend to Apple Arcade because it offers a simple way to learn and master this ancient puzzle.
I thoroughly enjoy how it leverages the power of color to train your brain to understand the puzzle logic. Start off easy and gradually increase the difficulty level until you master it.
This is remarkable because sudoku is traditionally black and white, which can strain the eyes. Although there are other colored sudoku games, they don’t match this one’s beautiful simplicity and effectiveness.
Moreover, instead of directly attempting the full-fledged 9×9 puzzle, you can start with smaller ones to ease into it. Once you get into its groove, it’s quite an addictive game and good for your brain!
Play it for: an easy way to learn and master Sudoku and keep your mind challenged.
21. Patterned
If you love jigsaw puzzles, you’ve got to check out this game that’s inspired by them but adds a unique twist to it. Each pattern starts as a sketch, and you have to use the varied visual cues to reassemble its scrambled pieces.
It’s magical how each pattern comes alive as you proceed, gradually adding color and structure. And when the final piece is placed, the pattern fills the screen in full color. You can also download the final piece on your iOS device and use it as wallpaper.
Play it for: A meditative puzzle experience and beautiful imagery
22. Lumen
Lumen is a beautiful puzzle that stands apart from the crowd with its unique mechanics. You’ve got to use lights, lenses, and mirrors to solve problems and recreate amusing stories of Olivia McLumen, a great inventor who lived in Scotland over a hundred years ago.
She has saved her inventions in cinematic frames for you to restore in the glimmering universe of this enjoyable Apple Arcade game. I love it for the easy gameplay that’s well suited for both short and long sessions on any Apple device with cross-functionality game saves.
Play it for: An engaging experience with unique mechanics.
23. Grindstone
The sword-slashing puzzle battle game is developed by the creators of the award-winning game Superbrothers. The storyline takes you to grindstone mountain, which is overrun by brutal creeps.
You have to slay your way through the unfaithful peak and attain the ultimate warrior’s glory. It requires sharp puzzle skills to pass the hurdles and a sharper blade assisting you. With over 200 levels, the game’s fit for those above 12 years of age.
Play it for: An engaging experience with unique mechanics.
24. Spire Blast puzzle
It’s both fun and stress-relieving to destroy the mysterious towers that have risen all over the kingdom in this physics-based matching puzzle that will test your speed and observation skills.
There are countless challenges to keep you hooked, along with captivating colorful kingdoms to explore. I adored the cute dragons that act as your companions in creating mayhem.
Play it for: Fast-paced matching puzzle fun
Role-playing games
25. Star Trek: Legends
Every Trekkie will love hanging out with the large cast of characters from the franchise that this game brings together. Your task is to step into the role of your favorite heroes and villains and control the mystical Nexus and the fate of the universe.
I love the epic storyline that’s peppered with lots of Star Trek jokes and references.
As for gameplay, you have a small team of characters to lead into turn-based combat missions made up of combat segments, short cutscenes, and moments when you have to make quick decisions about what to do next.
Each character – or legend – has its skills, abilities, and weapons critical for the missions’ success, so choose carefully!
The beautiful 3D worlds and animations are commendable and provide a console-like experience. Moreover, you can also speed up animations during combat to get through faster.
Play it for: an immersive Star Trek experience that will keep you entertained.
Sports games
26. NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition
This notable new Apple Arcade game offers brilliant gameplay resolution, thanks to an all-new graphics engine. You can enjoy basketball on your Apple device like never before with top NBA stars like Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Anthony Davis, and Zion Williamson.
Choose from five-on-five quick matches – the Blacktop park mode for pick-up games, online multiplayer, and my favorite, the career mode. This lets you create a player and live out a virtual NBA experience replete with sporting highs and lows. Pretty immersive!
Further, this game is available in 13 languages, and you can also use your Xbox or PS DualShock controller to play.
So what are you waiting for? This is the place to be to shoot virtual hoops and enjoy basketball in a whole new way.
Play it for: The best graphics on a mobile game and wholesome sporting fun.
27. Skate City
Nothing can beat the feeling of cruising down a street on a pair of skates, feeling like you’re floating! Here’s a game that virtually recreates that experience. Even if you’ve never skated, I’m sure you’ll love this adventure that takes you through the streets of LA, Oslo, Barcelona, and Miami.
I love the accessible, easy-to-use controls and the immersive, dynamic environment. It shifts between day and night and different weather patterns. You can choose to relax and skate for fun or test your skills in the Challenge mode.
There’s also a virtual skate shop where you can upgrade your appearance, gear, and skills. All in all, the game captures the heart and soul of street skating to help you master hundreds of trick combinations.
Play it for: The thrills and bliss of skating like a pro!
Strategy games
28. Mini Motorways
At least once, while being stuck in traffic, you would have thought of clearing it by yourself. This game allows you to do just that. It’s all about drawing the roads and building an intricate network to create a bustling metropolis.
Your aim is to keep the traffic flowing and carefully plan upgrades to adapt to the changing demands as your city grows. I love the soothing soundtrack that accompanies the innovative gameplay.
Play it for: A unique kind of challenge that’s relatable and fun
29. Outlanders
Check out this charming simulation game in which you have to lead a group of people to build a town. The challenge is that everyone has different motivations, such as survival or the drive to build spectacular structures. It’s your job to guide them all towards the end goal.
I like this game because each level has a unique set of challenges to overcome, along with a gripping story that keeps you charmed and attentive throughout. You can also personalize your town in a variety of ways.
Play it for: Engaging audio-visual style gameplay with an alluring atmospheric touch.
Read more:
- All Apple Arcade Games that Support Controllers
- Best iPhone games of all time
- Apple Arcade Family Games You Should Play Now!
- What is Roblox? Everything you should know
Mehak has a master’s degree in communication and over ten years of writing experience. Her passion for technology and Apple products led her to iGeeksBlog, where she specializes in writing product roundups and app recommendations for fellow Apple users. When not typing away on her MacBook Pro, she loves being lost in a book or out exploring the world.