25 Best iPhone Games to Play in 2026

The iPhone App Store features a frankly impressive library of games, all of which are thoroughly optimized to run on different generations of the smartphone. From mobile ports of AAA blockbusters to creative indie gems, the iPhone games catalogue has something for every player. But if you’re looking for a more curated list of experiences, here are the best iPhone games to play in 2026.

List of Best iPhone Games in 2026

Below, you’ll find a quick look table featuring the 25 best iPhone games handpicked by us. Every game listed below can obviously be downloaded via the App Store, although some titles only support recent iPhone models. Some of these games are also present in our best Android games list, which basically means that we’re doubling down on their quality.

Game	Genre	Release Date
Honkai Star Rail	RPG, Gacha	April 26, 2023
Stardew Valley	Farming Sim	October 24, 2018
Balatro	Rogue-like Deck Builder	September 26, 2024
The Battle of Polytopia	Strategy	February 9, 2016
PUBG Mobile	Battle Royale	March 19, 2018
Disney Dreamlight Valley	Life Sim	December 5, 2023
Slay the Spire	Rogue-like Deck Builder	June 13, 2020
Alto’s Odyssey	Endless Runner	February 21, 2018
GTA San Andreas	Action Adventure	December 12, 2013
Call of Duty: Mobile	FPS, Battle Royale	October 1, 2019
DREDGE	Eldritch Survival Horror, Fishing	February 27, 2025
Resident Evil 4 Remake	Survival Horror	December 20, 2023
Real Cricket	Cricket Sim	March 27, 2026
Death Stranding Director’s Cut	Action Adventure, “Strand-Type”	January 30, 2024
Asphalt Legends Unite	Arcade Racing	July 17, 2024
Marvel SNAP	Card Collectible Game	October 18, 2022
Badland 2	Action Side-Scroller	December 17, 2025
Sea of Stars	Turn-Based RPG	August 29, 2023
Archero 2	Action RPG	January 7, 2025
Assassin’s Creed: Mirage	Action Adventure	June 6, 2024
Pokemon Unite	MOBA	September 22, 2021
Farlight 84	Battle Royale	April 24, 2023
Roblox	UGC Platform	December 11, 2012
Egg, Inc.	Idle Game	July 14, 2016
EA Sports FC Mobile	Football Sim	September 26, 2023

Honkai Star Rail

• Release Date: April 26, 2023
• Developer(s): Hoyoverse
• Genre: RPG

Honkai Star Rail is a strong contender for the best RPG on iPhone. The game boasts a captivating sci-fi story, stunning visuals, and a fun turn-based combat system reminiscent of classic titles. While some may find the gacha mechanics less appealing, the free-to-play model and generous rewards make it worth a try for RPG fans on iPhone.

Stardew Valley

• Release Date: October 24, 2018
• Developer(s): Concerned Ape
• Genre: Farming Sim

Stardew Valley is a great choice for iPhone gamers who enjoy relaxing, open-ended experiences. You’ll manage a farm, raise crops, befriend townsfolk, and explore at your own pace. The mobile port offers customizable controls and lets you transfer saves between your iPhone and PC, making it a great game to play on the go. Besides being an amazing iPhone game, I love it for the relaxing vibe it brings to the table!

Balatro

• Release Date: September 26, 2024
• Developer(s): LocalThunk
• Genre: Rogue-like Deck Builder

Balatro is one of the best iPhone games if you want something simple to pick up but hard to put down. It reimagines poker as a rogue-like deck builder, where building powerful hands through clever upgrades is the key to success.

Runs are quick, the rules are easy to grasp, and each attempt feels different thanks to the variety of modifiers and synergies. It is perfectly suited for mobile play, whether you have a few minutes or a few hours to spare. Plus the game features an absolute banger of a soundtrack that’ll live inside your head for a long, long time.

The Battle of Polytopia

• Release Date: February 9, 2016
• Developer(s): Midjiwan AB
• Genre: Strategy

If you enjoy city-building games like Civilization, Battle of Polytopia is definitely an iPhone game you need to check out. It doesn’t feature graphics like Civ does, but the low-poly designs are definitely endearing. It, too, is a turn-based strategy game, which means you need to carefully plan every decision you take in order to ensure the continuing growth of your empire, all while making new allies, and defeating enemies.

There’s a tech-tree as well, which you can use to gain tactical advantages in the battlefield. Plus, if you want to play it offline, you can do so in the single player mode, which is a lot of fun.

PUBG Mobile

• Release Date: March 19, 2018
• Developer(s): KRAFTON, Tencent
• Genre: Battle Royale

PUBG Mobile excels on iPhones thanks to the Apple silicon that delivers smooth gameplay. iPhones are also known for their high-quality displays, making the fast-paced action of PUBG Mobile come alive. Additionally, iOS boasts a large and active player base, ensuring you’ll always find competition. So, if you want to taste AAA-level battle royale, PUBG Mobile is still one of the best multiplayer games on iPhone.

Disney Dreamlight Valley

• Release Date: December 5, 2023
• Developer(s): Gameloft
• Genre: Social/Life Sim

Disney Dreamlight Valley is another entry in the long list of games of games like Animal Crossing. It blends life sim mechanics with a roster of iconic Disney and Pixar characters, letting you build, decorate, and restore a magical village at your own pace. Whether you’re completing quests or forming friendships with adorable characters, there is always something to do in this cozy life sim.

The game still receives regular updates including seasonal content to keep the experience fresh at all times. For all these reasons and more, Disney Dreamlight Valley is an easy pick for our best iPhone games list.

Slay the Spire

• Release Date: June 13, 2020
• Developer(s): Mega Crit
• Genre: Rogue-like Deck Builder

Slay the Spire offers an addictive package of strategy-based gameplay and endless replayability. It blends card-based combat with rogue-like progression, where every run is about building a deck that can survive increasingly difficult encounters. You’ll go through rounds poking away at opponents and building a powerful deck in secret. And once its time to fully reveal your hand, the satisfaction is unmatched.

Slay the Spire 2 will eventually make its way to iOS, but for the time being, the original is good enough to secure a spot on our best iPhone games list.

Alto’s Odyssey

• Release Date: February 21, 2018
• Developer(s): Team Alto
• Genre: Endless Runner

You can think of Alto’s Odyssey as a more atmospheric, charming, and calming version of Subway Surfers. Instead of being chased by an petulanat cop, you’ll skiiing down a snowy incline, the mountain chimes driving you onward, and a Yeti, of all creatures, serving as an obstacle. The mechanics are simple, it’s all about gliding down on the slope, collecting coins and power-ups, and jumping over chasms.

You can also use the coins you collect to level-up various power ups and even unlock a wing suit which is not only fun to use, but also lets you chain multiple trick-moves together for a higher score. Overall, Alto’s Odyssey isn’t just one of the best iPhone games, it’s one of the most visually captivating titles across all platforms.

GTA San Andreas

GTA San Andreas doesn’t really need an introduction, but in case you have somehow managed to completely ignore, or forget about the game, here are the basics. You play as CJ, our protagonist, who has just returned from prison. Throughout the game, you will be tasked with completing a wide variety of missions, regaining control of the city along with your gang, and basically trying to save your family.

San Andreas is fun to play on the iPhone, and it even comes with controller support, so you can sit back, relax, and play the game by connecting your PS5 controller to your iPhone. You can either purchase this game from the App Store for $6.99, or if you have a Netflix subscription, you can download it for free.

Call of Duty: Mobile

• Release Date: October 1, 2019
• Developer(s): Tencnet, Activision
• Genre: FPS, Battle Royale

With Warzone Mobile sunsetted, Call of Duty: Mobile has gone back to being the only COD experience on iOS. The free-to-play title remains as popular as ever, thanks to a steady stream of content updates and a fledgling esports scene. For casual players, it offers a strong variety of game modes, weapons, and basically every iconic Call of Duty map that you can think of. So, if you’re playing to rack up some Killstreaks on the go, then look no further than CODM.

DREDGE

• Release Date: February 27, 2025
• Developer(s): Black Salt Games
• Genre: Eldritch Survival Horror, Fishing

DREDGE is one of the best indie games released in recent years, and for good reason. It begins as a relaxed fishing experience, where you sail between islands, catch fish, and upgrade your boat, but it doesn’t take long for things to feel…off.

As you venture out at night, the game leans into its horror elements, with eerie visuals, strange creatures, and a growing sense of paranoia that keeps you on edge. Managing time, inventory, and your sanity becomes just as important as fishing itself. It’s that contrast between calm and creeping dread that makes DREDGE so memorable, and such a strong fit for the iPhone’s portability.

Resident Evil 4 Remake

• Release Date: December 20, 2023
• Developer(s): Capcom
• Genre: Survival Horror

Resident Evil 4 Remake is one of the best games of all time, period. And the fact that a game that looks this good and plays this well is running natively on a smartphone is pretty insane. RE4’s iOS port is full-fledged console experience, not a scaled-down mobile version, with the same story, visuals, and gameplay systems intact.

Of course, compatability is a bit limited and the game only supports iPhones with the A17 Pro Chip and above. But if you manage to get it running, you’re in for some high-stakes escapdes in the shoes of Leon S. Kennedy.

Real Cricket

• Release Date: March 27, 2026
• Developer(s): Nautilus, KRAFTON
• Genre: Cricket Sim

If you are looking for the best cricket game on iPhone, then Real Cricket is on top for several reasons. First, it offers a highly immersive experience with motion-captured animations and real-time commentary. On top of that, it boasts a wide range of game modes, from classic one-on-one matches to full-fledged tournaments. Plus, the user-created mods allow for tons of customization, making the game truly your own.

Death Stranding Director’s Cut

• Release Date: January 30, 2024
• Developer(s): Kojima Productions
• Genre: Action Adventure, “Strand-Type”

Just like the RE4 Remake, the original Death Stranding’s iOS port only runs on select devices. But once you glance at its jaw-dropping visuals, its easy to see why. At its core, Death Stranding is about traversal. You play as a porter rebuilding a fractured America, carefully planning routes, balancing cargo, and navigating harsh terrain where every step matters.

As you stay the course, the narrative evolves into a supernatural third-person shooter with Metal Gear-sized bosses and all the eccentricities you’d expect from a Hideo Kojima game. It’s not for everyone but the core gameplay loop clicks for you, then Death Stranding will be impossible to put down.

Asphalt Legends

For fans of racing games who are looking for something thrilling, Asphalt Legends might just fit the bill. This is a fun car racing game where you will find yourself racing your favorite cars around some gorgeous looking tracks. You can unlock new cars as you go along, and fill up your garage with everything from hot-hatches, to exotic hyper-cars.

The game also features two different control styles, which makes it easy for beginners to start racing, and even for seasoned players to get more control over their cars during races. This is definitely a game you need to try out on your iPhone.

Marvel SNAP

• Released: October 18, 2022
• Developer(s): Nuverse
• Genre: Strategy, Card Collectible Game

Marvel Snap stands out in strategy card games for its fast-paced matches and constantly changing battlefields. It scratches the same CCG itch as Hearthstone, as you build tiny 12-card decks and fight across iconic Marvel locations, each with unique effects that force you to adapt your strategy on the fly. Plus, a “SNAP” mechanic lets you raise the stakes mid-match, adding a layer of bluffing and mind games to the competition.

Badland 2

Badland 2 is the sequel to the immensely popular platformer — Badland — and it features the same mechanics, while making things even more hauntingly beautiful looking and surprisingly challenging. You control one of the forest dwellers, and you’re basically trying to find out what’s wrong with the forest you inhabit.

The controls are simple, yet the levels are quite challenging, especially as you progress further in the game. Badland 2 will keep you hooked right from the beginning all the way till the end, and it’s definitely among the best games on iPhone.

Sea of Stars

• Release Date: August 29, 2023
• Developer(s): Sabotage Studio
• Genre: Turn-based RPG

Sea of Stars plays like a classic turn-based RPG but with a touch of modern finesse to help it stand out. It draws clear inspiration from old-school turn-based adventures, but updates the formula with timing-based combat and streamlined progression that keeps things engaging. The pixel art is a major highlight, with vibrant environments and smooth animations that translate beautifully to mobile screens.

This structure makes it a great fit for handhelds devices such as the iPhone or even a Nintendo Switch as you can progress in short bursts, or immerse yourself in longer sessions. If you enjoy story-driven RPGs with a nostalgic edge, this is an easy recommendation.

Archero 2

• Release Date: January 7, 2025
• Developer(s): HABBY PTE. LTD.
• Genre: Action RPG

The first Archero used to be one of my favorite casual games to play on iPhone, and now with Archero 2, things have gotten even better. If you’ve not yet tried this game, you definitely should. The idea is simple, you’re an archer and you have to clear levels of monsters by evading their attacks and using your skills and weapons against them.

Every time you level up, you get to pick from three upgrades to make yourself more powerful and successfully counter the next few waves of enemies. You also unlock permanent upgrades like armor, weapons, amulets, and more that can help you deal more damage, heal faster, and more. It’s a fun rogue-like that’s well worth a spot in our best iPhone games list.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage

• Release Date: June 6, 2024
• Developer(s): Ubisoft
• Genre: Ubisoft

Older Assassin’s Creed games have trickled onto smartphones over the past few years, but nobody excepted a title as recent as Mirage to end up on the iPhone. Unlike the recent RPG-centric entries, Assassin’s Creed Mirage strips things back to basics, putting stealth, parkour, and precise assassinations front and center.

Set in a dense, beautifully realized Baghdad, the game offers a decent story about brotherhood, accompanied by solid gameplay that makes the ride worth it. AC Mirage is unoudtebly one of the best-looking games on the App Store, so if you want to put your iPhone to the test, this is the game to do it.

Pokemon Unite

• Release Date: September 22, 2021
• Developer(s): TiMi Studio Group
• Genre: MOBA

Pokémon Unite brings a fresh twist to the MOBA genre on iPhone. Unlike classic MOBAs, matches are shorter and faster-paced, making them ideal for mobile play. The game also focuses on capturing wild Pokémon and scoring points instead of destroying enemy towers. This unique objective system and the iconic Pokémon cast make Pokémon Unite a standout MOBA for iPhone gamers.

Farlight 84

• Release Date: April 24, 2023
• Developer(s): FARLIGHT PTE. LTD.
• Genre: Battle Royale

Do you also miss Apex Legends mobile? Because I sure do, and Farlight 84 is the closest I have come to getting the Apex experience on my iPhone again. Obviously, this is a battle royale game as well, and you get to choose from a variety of characters, each with their own skills and ults. You can choose characters according to your play style, and be on an attacking role, or provide support to your team mates.

The mechanics, movements, and skills are very similar to Apex mobile, and that’s a good thing because Apex really got the mobile gameplay down well. Farlight 84 brings the same adrenaline rush, fast-paced gameplay, and loads of fun skills to outplay your enemies in-game.

Roblox

• Release Date: December 11, 2012
• Developer(s): Roblox Corporation
• Genre: UGC Platform

Although Roblox is not just a game, it offers so many experiences that it would be unfair to not include it in this list. You can choose the best Roblox games and jump right into them by opening the Roblox app. So, whether you want to socialize in Neighbors or you want some One Piece action in Blox Fruits, Roblox has you covered on iPhone.

Egg, Inc.

• Release Date: July 14, 2016
• Developer(s): Auxbrain, Inc
• Genre: Idle Game

If you’re a fan of idle games, you should definitely check out Egg, Inc. As the name suggests, this game is all about running your own egg farm. You tap (or press-hold) on the hatchery button to hatch new chickens, get them to lay eggs, and turn a profit. You can use the money to upgrade things like the egg laying speed, the value of eggs, and more.

As your farm grows in value, you can upgrade your farm to produce higher value eggs, and basically just build your empire. The game also features “Contracts”, which are special events where you team up with other players to produce eggs, and earn high value rewards. It’s a fun little game that earns a spot among the best iPhone games on account of its accessibility and fun factor.

EA Sports FC Mobile

• Release Date: September 26, 2023
• Developer(s): EA Sports
• Genre: Football Sim

When it comes to football sims on the iPhone, you really only have two options. And between the two, one game is clearly superior when it comes to online multiplayer. We’re talking about EA Sports FC Mobile, of course, which is basically a mobile port of the PS4/Xbox One versions of FIFA 23. Unlike the full-fat console versions, the mobile port offers a small selection of game modes while being an online only experience.

That being said, the title regularly receives updates, including overhauls whenever a new mainline EA FC is released. Tihs means that the in-game schedule mirrors the official FC 26 promo calendar, so players are treated to new promos, LTMs, and content every single week. So, if you’re looking for some casual football action in a portable form factor, this is one of the best iPhones games to check out.

And that wraps up our picks for the 25 best iPhones games to play in 2026. What did you think of our selections? Let us know in the comments.