Say goodbye to your idle time. Apple Arcade is here to stay. With new and exciting mobile games added to Apple Arcade’s extensive library every single month, you are likely staying put too.
Mobile gamers are almost spoiled for choice. With well over 200 games to choose from, settling on one can be all but impossible. That’s where we come in.
Today, we’re going to round up the very best gaming experiences Apple Arcade has to offer, so you can spend less time searching and more time gaming.
Hadrian/ShutterstockWhat Is Apple Arcade?
When Apple announced the launch of their new gaming subscription service at the end of 2019, few knew what to make of it. Gamers know better than that now. The monthly subscription service costs $4.99 a month, and boasts an ever-growing library of over 200 ad-free games. Better yet, none of the Apple Arcade games have in-app purchases.
The games on offer far exceed most people’s mobile-gaming expectations too. Apple enlisted some of the biggest game developers in the world like Capcom, Sega, Konami, and Annapurna Interactive to bring unique exclusives to the service. The result is an impressive catalog of top-tier — and exclusive — mobile gaming experiences.
Below you’ll find a highlighted list of the growing number of must-play games available on Apple Arcade right now.
Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm
Take control of a young knight and embark on an epic adventure in Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm. The sandbox, open-world action RPG raises bar for mobile gaming by providing an experience on-par with the console giants.
Despite having a lot in common with The Legend of Zelda series, Oceanhorn 2 does enough to differentiate it from Nintendo’s juggernaut adventure series. This is thanks to the game’s unique characters, style, and personality.
If you’re hoping to use your mobile phone to help Theo and his pals take out the terrible Oceanhorn once and for all, you’ll need an Apple Arcade subscription.
Monument Valley+
The less you know about Monument Valley+, the better. Its puzzle-driven mechanics require you to manipulate the environment to help guide the game’s protagonist through a series of monuments, optical illusions, and secret paths. The game’s incredible art design and unforgettable twists and turns make its short single-player campaign an absolute must play for puzzle fans.
Exit the Gungeon
This mobile sequel to the critically acclaimed indie darling, Enter the Gungeon, was first released on Apple Arcade in September of 2019. While it has since released on all platforms, the game is at home on a mobile device.
Exit the Gungeon is an arcade-style dungeon climber that’s full of action, challenge, and bosses. This game is not for the faint of heart. But, if you’re willing to endure the onslaught of enemies, then you will undoubtedly be rewarded with one of the most unique and memorable gaming experiences available to Apple Arcade subscribers.
Cozy Grove
Cozy Grove is for gamers that are looking to wind down. The art style is calming, the soundtrack soothes the soul, and the down-tempo life-sim game mechanics do a nice job of lulling you into relaxation.
The game has a lot in common with other popular life-sims like Animal Crossing and Don’t Starve. You can fish, make friends, and collect stuff. But the Cozy Grove’s endearing cast of characters and odd aesthetic does a lot to help the game stand on its own.
Sneaky Sasquatch
Sneaky Sasquatch puts you in control of the fabled beast with one simple goal in mind: don’t get caught! Stealth your way through a populated park to find food, loot, gear, and fun, all while avoiding the attention of nosy campers or that angry park ranger.
Sneaky Sasquatch was good enough to earn the Apple Arcade Game of the Year in 2020, and we’re confident that stealthy puzzle junkies like you will get a real kick out of it.
Mini Motorways
For those that fancy a little bit of city planning, there’s an Apple Arcade strategy game for you in Mini Motorways. This game gets the player to draw roads, and build road networks that link houses and buildings in a dynamically growing cityscape.
This ultra-fast strategy game offers up a real challenge to gamers that love other popular city builders like SimCity and Civilization.
Disney Melee Mania
Pick your favorite Disney character and duke it out against your friends in a fast-paced, 3v3 multiplayer battle. Disney Melee Mania features multiple game modes, daily events, and 17 champions to unlock throughout the course of your adventure.
If you like multiplayer online battle arenas — MOBAs for short — or are just a fan of all things Disney, consider adding this one to your library.
The Pathless
Explore a vast open world with only your instincts to guide you.
In The Pathless, you control a master archer known only as the Hunter. The game redefines world traversal with an innovative, yet simplistic movement mechanic that maintains a constant state of flow.
The Pathless is full of puzzles to solve and regions to discover, all anchored by a gripping mainline story that takes roughly six hours to beat. If you like action adventure, be sure not to sleep on this one.
Fantasian
From legendary Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi comes Fantasian. This stylish JRPG is one of the biggest games to hit Apple Arcade. The game relies on close to 160 handmade dioramas to deliver an authentic and unique role playing experience catered to mobile devices.
Fantasian is an absolute must-play for fans of Final Fantasy or JRPG lovers in general.
The Oregon Trail
Choose a wagon leader and set out on a cross-country adventure.
If the name feels familiar, that’s because it should be. Apple Arcade’s The Oregon Trail offers modern gamers an updated twist to the iconic educational game that was popularized in the 1970s.
This time you’ll be able to enjoy 15 playable journeys and obtain over 140 achievements. This is in addition to learning all about the real people and places that populated 19th century America.
Assemble with Care
If you love tinkering, then you’ll no doubt love Assemble with Care. The popular puzzle game creates fun out of taking things apart and putting them together. The game transforms the mundane into the delicate, all while telling a personal story about sentimentality and restoration.
Assemble with Care is a relaxing, zen-like experience that’s unlike anything that has come before it.
Grindstone
Capybara Games’ Grindstone sets out to revolutionize the match-three, block-matching genre with striking visuals, a great soundtrack, and a memorable story. Take control of a Viking warrior and slash your way up to the peak of an enemy covered mountain collecting cash and treasure all along the way.
Grindstone is a satisfying puzzler that’ll keep you locked to your Apple device across its more than 200 levels.
Card of Darkness
If Card of Darkness looks familiar, it should! The art comes courtesy of Adventure Time creator Pendleton Ward and gives the game a familiar and engaging feel.
As the game’s title suggests, this is a card game that calls on the player to slay monsters, discover treasures, and, most importantly, play the right cards. Card of Darkness features over 150 monsters, five bosses, and new challenges that change every day.
What the Golf?
What the Golf? isn’t really a golf game. In truth, it’s tough to describe exactly what the game actually is. The game uses the same “pull back, aim, release” mechanic that you’d expect from a traditional touch-screen golf game, but that’s where the similarities end.
What the Golf? has loads of interesting puzzles, odd surprises, and lots of laughs in store for anyone open-minded enough to give it a try.
Sayonara Wild Hearts
Retro inspired visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and narration from Academy Award winning actress Queen Latifah highlight this unique, music-driven experience. Sayonara Wild Hearts uses action racing gameplay mechanics and its impressive soundtrack to grab and hold your attention.
The eclectic experience was entertaining enough to earn the title of Apple Arcade Game of the Year for 2019.
Shantae and the Seven Sirens
Metroidvania fans are more than familiar with the affable half-genie Shantae. Her humorous brand of action platformer has been a cult favorite since she debuted on the Game Boy Color all the way back in 2002.
The fifth entry to Shantae’s saga, Shantae and the Seven Sirens, takes her through a tropical landscape filled with treasure, magic, and challenging bosses.
If you call yourself a fan of Metroidvanias or just love running, jumping, and fighting, be sure to check this one out.
Conclusion
When we said that Apple Arcade was loaded with great games, we weren’t kidding. From Sneaky Sasquatch, to Fantasian, to Monument Valley+, it’s safe to say you’re in for an exciting adventure no matter where you are.
The games featured here take mobile gaming to a level that far surpasses the likes of Flappy Bird and Candy Crush. From brain-teasing puzzles to full-fledged role playing adventures, it’s clear that Apple Arcade serves up something to satisfy every type of gamer.