If you prefer gaming on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, Apple Arcade is easily one of the best investments you can make. The subscription offers a fantastic collection of games that cater to all tastes and preferences, from thrilling adventures to relaxing puzzles. All with no ads or in-app purchases, making it a great choice for gamers of all ages. But with so many titles to choose from, where do you start?
I’ve listed some of the best Apple Arcade games for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. The list contains titles from various genres to suit your taste, and each will bring a unique gaming experience to your device.
1. Hello Kitty Island Adventure
- Genre: Adventure
- Age: 4+
- Players: Single-player
- Supports hardware controllers: Yes
Hello Kitty Island Adventure allows players to explore a vibrant island, complete quests, solve puzzles, and interact with beloved characters from the Hello Kitty universe. The game’s colorful graphics and heartwarming storyline make it a perfect choice for younger players and fans of the franchise.
What sets this game apart is its wholesome and relaxing gameplay. Players love the sense of adventure and the opportunity to engage with familiar characters in new and exciting ways. The open-world design encourages exploration, ensuring everyone playing this has a purr-fect time.
2. Sonic Racing
- Genre: Racing
- Age: 4+
- Players: Multiplayer
- Supports hardware controllers: Yes
Sonic Racing is one of the best racing games available on Apple Arcade, which lets you race as your favorite Sonic characters across vibrant tracks in a high-speed adventure. Players can race through dynamic tracks, utilizing power-ups and special abilities to gain an edge over their competitors.
Adding to the fun is the game’s engaging multiplayer mode, which allows you to race against friends and other players worldwide. The variety of characters and customizable vehicles add depth and replayability, ensuring that no two races are the same.
3. Disney Melee Mania
- Genre: Action
- Age: 9+
- Players: Multiplayer
- Supports hardware controllers: Yes
In Disney Melee Mania, players step into the shoes of their favorite Disney and Pixar characters to engage in fast-paced 3v3 battles. Each character has unique abilities and powers, making every match a strategic and exciting challenge. The game’s colorful and detailed environments bring the magic of Disney characters to life in a new, action-packed format.
Of course, each player will have their favorite character. While my favorite is Buzz Lightyear, there are a total of 17 champions to choose from to form your party trio. There’s also the option to battle it out with friends. The game’s regular updates and events keep the experience fresh and engaging, making it a favorite among Disney fans and gamers alike.
4. WHAT THE GOLF?
- Genre: Puzzle
- Age: 9+
- Players: Single-player
- Supports hardware controllers: Yes
WHAT THE GOLF? is a hilarious and unconventional take on the traditional golf game. Each level offers a new and unexpected twist, turning everyday objects and situations into golf challenges. The game’s witty humor and creative design make it a standout title on Apple Arcade, providing endless entertainment and surprises.
The thing I love the most about this game is that this is still a physics-based golf parody game. As such, even though things might seem silly, science is always the answer. Its unique spin on golf ensures that you never know what to expect next, adding to the overall charm and appeal of the game.
5. NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition
- Genre: Sports
- Age: 4+
- Players: Multiplayer
- Supports hardware controllers: Yes
For basketball fans, NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition brings the excitement of the sport to Apple Arcade. With realistic graphics and smooth gameplay, players can enjoy authentic NBA action on their Apple devices. This game stands out for its high-quality graphics and detailed simulation of NBA games.
Most players love the ability to customize players and compete in various modes. The multiplayer option adds a competitive edge, making it a favorite among sports enthusiasts who enjoy testing their skills against others. To add to the fun, the game also includes a TakeOver meter, which fills up when you perform GOAT basketball moves on the court.
6. Sayonara Wild Hearts
- Genre: Music
- Age: 9+
- Players: Single-player
- Supports hardware controllers: Yes
Imagine a game that is a pure depiction of art while also being interactive. That’s Sayonara Wild Hearts for most users, including me. The game is a dreamy, music-driven adventure that takes players on an emotional journey through stunning, abstract landscapes. It combines elements of rhythm, action, and visual storytelling to create an experience that is both beautiful and captivating.
Each level in this game is set to a unique track, enhancing the overall immersive experience. Players are drawn to Sayonara Wild Hearts for its mesmerizing visuals and fantastic soundtrack. The game’s narrative and artistic design provide a deeply emotional experience, making it more than just a game but a work of art. This unique blend of music, racing, and shooting will keep you coming back for more.
7. Skate City
- Genre: Sports
- Age: 4+
- Players: Single-player
- Supports hardware controllers: Yes
Skate City is the perfect relaxing game for fans of skating. In this, you can grind, ollie, and kickflip through beautifully designed cityscapes. The game offers a relaxing and stylish skateboarding experience, with controls that are easy to learn but challenging to master.
Most players love to play Skate City due to its laid-back atmosphere and smooth, realistic skateboarding mechanics. Players love the freedom to skate at their own pace, exploring the city and perfecting their tricks. The chill soundtrack further goes on add a sense of peace to what many consider one of the best casual games on Apple Arcade.
8. Oceanhorn 2
- Genre: RPG
- Age: 9+
- Players: Single-player
- Supports hardware controllers: Yes
While you can run emulators on your iPhone to play most Nintendo games, how about playing games that are just like what Nintendo makes? Take Oceanhorn 2, for example, which many players consider to be like The Legend of Zelda on Nintendo Switch, except you can play it natively on your Apple devices.
I’ll let you decide whether it’s inspired by Zelda or not. But one thing is for sure: the game offers a deep and immersive experience, thanks to a rich storyline, engaging combat, and beautifully crafted environments. In fact, its blend of action, puzzle-solving, and storytelling makes it a standout title on Apple Arcade, appealing to both casual players and hardcore RPG fans.
9. Hot Lava
- Genre: Action
- Age: 9+
- Players: Multiplayer
- Supports hardware controllers: Yes
As a child, most of us played “The Floor is Lava”, right? Well, Hot Lava brings the same childhood game to life in an exciting and challenging platformer. Players must navigate through intricate obstacle courses without touching the floor, which is depicted as molten lava. The game’s fast-paced action and creative level design make it a thrilling experience.
There’s also a multiplayer mode that lets you compete and cooperate with friends, adding to the fun. The game’s vibrant graphics and unique challenges keep players coming back for more, making it a favorite for those seeking a bit of excitement and competition.
10. Stardew Valley +
- Genre: Simulation
- Age: 4+
- Players: Single-player
- Supports hardware controllers: Yes
If you’re even remotely associated with the world of gaming, you have undoubtedly heard of Stardew Valley. It’s a beloved farming simulator that lets players build and manage their own farms. From planting crops to raising animals, players can experience the joys of rural life. The game also offers a rich social aspect, with townsfolk to befriend and seasonal events to participate in.
Unlike the PC and console versions, the mobile version doesn’t feature a multiplayer experience. That said, the mobile version does come with a simple autosave feature. Also, for those of you wondering, Stardew Valley+ is the same game as the original Stardew Valley, except that it’s available for free for subscribers of Apple Arcade. If you haven’t yet tried this game but are subscribed to Apple’s membership, this is the time to go check it out.
11. tint.
- Genre: Puzzle
- Age: 4+
- Players: Single-player
- Supports hardware controllers: No
While Skate City is my go-to for a casual game on Apple Arcade, tint is another game that appeals to a wider fanbase simply because of how simple it is. It’s a relaxing and creative puzzle game where players use watercolor painting to solve challenges. Each level requires players to mix colors and paint paths to guide droplets to their destination.
The game’s soothing aesthetics and calming music create a peaceful and enjoyable experience. In addition, its beautiful design and gentle difficulty curve make it accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages. One thing I will suggest is that while the game looks great on iPhones too, you will be able to truly embrace its visuals on the iPad.
12. Sonic Dream Team
- Genre: Action
- Age: 4+
- Players: Multiplayer
- Supports hardware controllers: Yes
What can I say, Sonic is so popular that not one, but two games around this beloved character are featured on our list. In Sonic Dream Team, Sonic and his friends come together to save the world from the evil Dr. Eggman. You need to use teamwork and special abilities to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles.
What makes Sonic Dream Team a hit is its blend of nostalgic elements and fresh ideas. Fans love the dynamic gameplay and the opportunity to play as multiple characters from the Sonic universe. In addition, the game gets frequent updates that bring additional levels to the Sweet Dreams Zone for you to enjoy.
Signing Off
With so many fantastic games to choose from, Apple Arcade has a library full of games. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, there’s something for everyone. So grab your device, download your favorites, and get ready for hours of fun.
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