Do you often find yourself bored on long flights or stuck without reliable access to the internet? Games that can be played offline can come to the rescue in such times to keep you entertained and engaged. Whether you like puzzles, adventure, or strategy, there are lots of options on the App Store that can help you pass the time, so you’re never stuck with anything to do. Check out these best offline games for iPhone to play in Airplane mode.
8 Best offline games you can play on iPhone
I’ve compiled a list of the best offline iPhone games to play in airplane mode that will help you tackle those boring flight hours with no access to the internet. Let’s have a look at them below.
1. Hill Climb Racing 2
I’ve been playing Hill Climb Racing since its early days. The game has endless levels, similar to Temple Run, and employs a fun physics system, making the game as challenging as it is. There are different levels to try out as well.
The game gives you various vehicles, each with its characteristics, to try on different levels. You can upgrade them as you progress through the levels and gather resources. From a dirt bike like Motorcross Madness to 4×4 trucks, there’s a good range of vehicles to try.
Even if you load the game offline, entire levels will be pre-downloaded. Since these levels are near-endless, you can progress as much as you possibly can in each level. This adds an enormous scope of replayability to the game. Its fun and addictive nature draws you in and keeps you hooked for long!
Pros
- Multiple tracks to explore
- Customize your character and vehicle
- Intuitive graphics featuring animals, houses, etc.
- Compete with others in cup modes
Cons
- Issues with vehicle mechanics
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
2. Subway Surfers
Go as fast as you can and dodge the trains in this addictive endless runner game. The amazingly vivid HD graphics will take you on a tour of a variety of train stations around the world. It’s bound to keep you engaged for the duration of your flight.
Test your reflexes and strategy by helping Jake and his crew of friends escape the grumpy security guard. With hoverboard surfing, lightning-fast acrobatics, fun characters, and tons of action, this is one of the best games to play offline on iPhone.
Pros
- Clean and minimalistic interface
- Easy to understand and play
- Packed with challenges
Cons
- Might feel repetitive over time
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
3. Sniper 3D
Sniper 3D is one of the best shooting games for iPhone. When you choose to play, the game turns you into a professional sniper with jaw-dropping shooting skills. Smooth controls, intense action, and life-risking challenges make Sniper 3D a perfect pick for game lovers.
The gameplay takes you on several unique missions set across multiple environments. Travel worldwide while fighting off high-profile targets in this intense iPhone game where you must kill to survive. Plus, the robust offline mode makes Sniper 3D a perfect game when the internet leaves your side.
Moreover, the game houses a thrilling collection of 180+ weapons to shoot down your threats. Feel free to choose between sniper rifles, assault rifles, and more. Lastly, you can switch between PVE and PVP modes where the former involves challenge completion while the latter requires you to play against others in real-time. Fun!
Pros
- Simple interface
- Fluid controls
- Unique locations to play on
- Free of cost gaming
Cons
- Frequent crashes
- Plenty of ads
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $2.99)
4. Solitaire
Solitaire is an age-old classic entertaining people since the early days of the Microsoft PC. Thankfully, it’s no longer exclusive to Microsoft. If you’ve played Solitaire before, this version on the iPhone will surprise you for its different customization options and animations that they’ve added to the gameplay.
If you’ve never played Solitaire, this would be a good place to start. The ease of use and general gameplay will surprise you. However, it can also be difficult to master.
There are different themes to choose from, with each theme representing a different season. There are challenges to complete, and you can play the game either with the AI or your friends.
Pros
- Simple to learn and play card game
- Juicy trophy rewards
- Leaderboard shows scores against competitors
Cons
- It might get boring after some time
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $1.99)
5. Jetpack Joyride 2
Like Temple Run and Subway Surfer, Jetpack Joyride also features endless running mechanics, but with a twist. You can choose your preferred jetpack and run along the endless paths laid out in front of you.
On your way, you’ll face numerous challenges to overcome by upgrading your jetpack. One of my favorite things about the game is the background music. It’s fun, peppy, and will urge you to try your best and set a high score. As you keep playing to unlock better upgrades, you’ll also find some exclusive machines with special characteristics.
If you’re anything like me, you’re likely to search for the three S.A.M tokens that can be found once a day. This enables you to use the Strong Arm Machine (S.A.M.). Using this beast of a machine allows you to deflect oncoming projectiles and plow your way through obstacles.
Pros
- Intuitive features
- In-game gears
- Juicy goodies and currency as rewards
Cons
- Only available as part of Apple Arcade
Price: Available with Apple Arcade
6. Shadow Fight 2
I grew up watching martial arts movies starring the likes of Jackie Chan and Jet Li. For my inner kid, finding out that a game such as Shadow Fight 2 exists was an absolute boon! If you’re a martial arts fan or a fan of the Mortal Kombat/Tekken/Street Fighter series on consoles, you should have a look at Shadow Fight 2.
Keeping true to the name, the characters in the game are in black, white, and shades of grey. The background is contrasting and colorful. This makes the characters stand out, and the fluid movement looks even more realistic as they fight each other.
Different ninjas have different skills, and the in-game shop allows you to equip your favorite characters with various weapons that can change their stats and the gameplay itself. The 3D environments create an atmosphere to appreciate what the developers have created.
Pros
- Easy-to-play UI
- RPG and traditional fighting included
- Action-filled themes
Cons
- It can be disturbing for some users
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
7. Fruit Ninja
Who hasn’t heard of Fruit Ninja, an extremely popular arcade game? The game has been around since 2010 but is still relevant today for its fun core gameplay mechanics and constant updates.
In Fruit Ninja, various fruits pop up on the screen, and you have to swipe across the screen at the right time to cut through all the fruits. The faster and more fruits you swipe across, the more points you accumulate. Slicing through some fruits will give you added boosts and points.
Don’t mistake its simplicity for boredom! Fruit Ninja is one of the most addictive games to play on your iPhone. After you’re addicted to Fruit Ninja, ensure that you don’t try to slice fruits in real life as you do in the game!
Pros
- Cute Ninja adventures
- 40+ blades to chop fruits
- Lucrative rewards with each win
Cons
- Less likely to impress advanced gamers
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
8. Monument Valley 2
If you’re a puzzle enthusiast, Monument Valley 2 has a lot to offer. Yes, I know that the game is old, being released in 2017. However, its evergreen nature is fuelled by the numerous updates that the game continues to receive. The game has also inspired numerous others in the App Store.
In the game, you have to guide Ro and her child out of numerous environments. Essentially, every part of the environment continues to change into different shapes, trying to make Ro’s escape almost impossible. If you like optical illusions, you’ll find that the numerous optical illusions in the game make your objectives a lot more challenging and engaging.
Further, the soundtrack also accompanies the gameplay well, bringing each environment to life. You’ll find yourself lost in the labyrinths of this game when you’re trying to kill time on your flight.
Pros
- 3D surroundings
- Smooth game controls
- Soothing soundscapes
Cons
- No free version
- Limited features
Price: $3.99
Wrapping up…
So which of these offline games are you going to play on your next flight? Go ahead and try them beforehand to see which one you love. Share your favorites in the comments below.
Read More:
- Best free games for iPhone
- Best strategy games for iPhone and iPad
- Fun iPhone games to play with friends
