What are the best Apple Arcade games? Apple Arcade is genuinely one of the best video game subscription services around. Not only does it have a huge library of games that encompasses countless genres and big IPs, but the selection of games is expanded significantly every month. The library of Apple Arcade games is filled with classics and modern hits, and even several exclusive releases in the mix, too.
Those who use a Mac can essentially enjoy these like the best free PC games, as most current Apple devices are compatible with Apple Arcade. For most people, though, it'll be a case of playing on your iPhone or iPad. However you play, and whether you prefer the best farming games or the best platform games, we've got a list of recommendations that offer a little bit of everything.
Here are the best Apple Arcade games:
1. Balatro+
Why carry around your hulking handheld to play the best Steam Deck game when you can enjoy Balatro on your mobile phone? Balatro+ is the incredible card game you love, or will fall in love with, perfectly playable on iPhone or iPad. It's actually our ideal way to play the roguelite, considering how intuitive the controls are.
The premise is simple. Over the course of various decks, each with its own challenges, you'll have to earn points playing poker hands to advance through progressively harder Antes. However, the Jokers - as well as plenty of other special cards - will give you the chance to increase your points. Even if you don't typically play card games (like me), you'll still be able to fall in love with Balatro.
2. Civilization 7: Arcade Edition
Apple Arcade is mostly known for slightly more casual games. You've got your puzzlers and platformers, but the recent addition of Civ 7 shows that Apple is really trying to make this something of an everything service. For those who have yet to experience this classic (or indeed, any of Sid Meier's Civilization games) perhaps this could be your introduction.
Like its predecessors, Civ 7 is a turn-based strategy game that's all about building a civilization. It's very much rooted in reality, too, with various historical figures available to play as you strive to become a powerful force across the land, passing through different ages (and accessing new options and technologies) and using war or diplomacy to expand your influence. It's so easy to get sucked in for hours - especially when you're playing with friends. Read our full Civilization 7 review to learn more.
3. Stardew Valley+
Concerned Ape's 2016 indie masterpiece, Stardew Valley, put farming sims on the map in a big way and is widely regarded as one of the best indie games ever made. If you have yet to play this delightful cozy game, you can enjoy it as part of an Apple Arcade subscription. Though the + in the title may lead you to believe that it's a new version of the game, it's essentially identical, just with the added benefit that you can switch between any Apple Arcade-compatible device and keep your file going - which is handy if you're playing on your Mac at home, then want to continue on your iPhone on the way to work.
But, anyway, for those who are unfamiliar with this game, it harkens back to the classic Harvest Moon games, but gives them a slightly nicer coat of paint with its modern pixel art style, and really smashes through the glass ceiling in terms of the freedom it gives you. In addition to the farming you'd expect, you can romance just about anyone in your local community (including same-sex characters), have or adopt children, explore caves, fight monsters, go fishing, and loads more. You can easily spend over 100 hours in this fantastic game.
4. Slay the Spire+
The Apple Arcade version of Slay the Spire, similar to Stardew Valley, only differs from other versions in the sense of having the ability to easily access your save across different devices. Aside from that, it's the same deck-building dungeon-crawling roguelike that we all know and love - if you're not familiar with the game, that might just sound like a random mishmash of genres, but believe us when we say, it works perfectly.
The game includes a selection of four characters who each have their own unique approach to battle. The dungeons you make your way through are made up of a number of turn-based battles, which give you the chance to play cards from the decks that you're continuously enhancing. The more dungeons you clear, the more cards you can add to your retinue, and the more unique combinations of attacks you'll be able to create. This leads to some really fun and varied battles. There's quite a decent spread of enemies, too, each of which requires a slightly different technique. Read our full Slay the Spire review for more on the game.
5. Sonic Dream Team
A 3D Sonic game that utilizes a gameplay style rather similar to that seen in the Sonic Adventure games. Not only is it really cool, but it's currently exclusive to Apple Arcade, which will be a huge pull to Sonic fans of a certain age. While most (though not all) 3D Sonics have focused on speed above all else, this one rewards exploration too, with secret red rings hidden around the maps. On your first play-through of a level, you might rush through the obstacles to get to the end as quickly as possible, but on your second play-through, you can take things slow.
It's also one of those games that's not ashamed of the expanded Sonic cast, with Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy, Cream, and Rogue all playable. When was the last time you could be most of them in a Sonic game that wasn't a spin-off? Despite being a relatively low-key release, it really is one of the best Sonic games in a while. Whether you're a longtime fan looking to recapture that certain nostalgic feeling or someone who's never played Sonic before looking for a fun platforming fix, this is well worth a try.
6. Monument Valley+
Truly one of the best puzzle games of recent years - if not one of the most beautiful too. The game sees you navigating some bizarre, impossible, and otherworldly architecture. At its heart, it's a simple case of walking from one point to another, but to do that, you have to manipulate the buildings that you're navigating. Here you'll find things that look like Penrose triangles and other optical illusions - often it will seem like there's no solution, but it's very satisfying when you finally figure out how to progress.
In writing, it may not sound so enticing, but when you play, you'll see it's a super charming game. There's a peaceful, zen-like feeling to it (with a hint of creepiness,) and it's this atmosphere that makes it a truly unforgettable experience. The + version of the game included with Apple Arcade has the added benefit of all the game's original DLCs being accessible from the get-go. These aren't the only extra challenges, either, because if you play through it all, you can dive straight into Monument Valley 2+ (also on Apple Arcade) when you're done.
7. Suika Game
Get one of your five a day with Suika Game, also known as Watermelon Game! You've probably already come across this irresistibly addictive puzzle game, but now it's available on Apple Arcade. It blends soothing music with deceptively simple gameplay. You'll drop various fruits into a well, similar to that in Tetris. Although you'll need to display spatial awareness like you would in ole Tetris, instead of creating lines, you merge fruits to create new, larger ones. For instance, if you merge two cherries, you make a strawberry. Two strawberries make a grape, and so on, with your ultimate aim being to create the watermelon.
While a preview bubble offers a glimpse of the next fruit, the physics-based bouncing adds a layer of unpredictability, turning each drop into a careful balance of planning and chaos. Smart placement is essential because a few misjudged moves can overflow the chamber and end with a dead run. With no timer and a focus on long-term strategy, Suika Game rewards thoughtful play. Whether you're chasing high scores or just vibing, it's a quirky gem that's easy to pick up and hard to put down.
8. Galaga Wars+
Galaga is one of those retro games that many gamers have a huge soft spot for, and which continues to be very fun to this day. Galaga Wars was originally a free micro-transaction-based game that took a modern approach to the old formula, and the Apple Arcade version of it is the same experience with the micro-transactions stripped out.
The game has you flying out into the galaxy and getting into outer space dogfights. On your first outing, you'll probably find yourself getting blown up pretty quickly - but the good news is that you collect coins each time, which are then used to upgrade your ship, or even to buy new ships. What's really cool is that these other ships are all taken from other classic arcade shooters like Xevious or Galaxian. There's even a Pac-Man ship! It's a lot of fun and a perfect game to play whenever you've got a bit of time to kill.
9. Return to Monkey Island+
The Monkey Island series has long provided gamers with exciting pirate adventures with a decent helping of humor in the mix. Return to Monkey Island is a continuation of what came before, with plenty of references and Easter Eggs to make old fans smile, while still being perfectly accessible as a jumping-on point for anyone who hasn't tried a Monkey Island game before.
This is a point-and-click adventure where you play the pirate adventurer Guybrush Threepwood (a series mainstay). You'll find yourself visiting iconic locations like Mêlée Island and Monkey Island itself, as he hunts to find the titular location's deeply hidden secrets and treasures. The whole game is filled with memorable characters and fun puzzles that require creative thought. If you like a good story-based game, then this is one to try.
10. Disney Dreamlight Valley: Arcade Edition
If, like a lot of people, you grew up watching Disney movies, then Disney Dreamlight Valley will be a wonderfully comforting and nostalgic experience. In it, your avatar character explores the titular valley, where many iconic Disney characters reside, including Mickey Mouse (obviously), Woody, Scar, Gaston, and loads of others (read our full list of all Disney Dreamlight Valley characters to find out more). There's a dark influence corrupting the valley, and it's up to you to help get to the bottom of that.
The gameplay is mostly based around running errands for and with the different characters you encounter. These errands may take the form of doing some cooking together, doing some gardening, or finding certain items for them. It might sound a bit basic when written out like that, but the game excels in its presentation (perfectly capturing that Disney charm) and its writing, which really sets it apart from other games. A cozy experience like this is the ideal way to bring together all these Disney characters in one place, and part of the reason we consider it one of the best Disney games.