There are plenty of free or freemium games on the App Store, but the best iPhone games are typically reserved for those with an Apple Arcade subscription - including both free-to-play games with ads removed and complete premium titles.. Balatro, Sonic Dream Team, and Stardew Valley are some of the essential icons I have on my home screen, and all of them are included on Apple Arcade. If you've been curious about the service, now would be the ideal time to get it, since Apple is offering three months for the price of one in select regions like the UK, France, and more. Sorry, it's not for us in the US.
I have far too many subscriptions pulling money out of my bank account each month, but if I had to keep one, it would likely be Apple Arcade. In between writing about games and thinking about games, I can be found whipping out my iPhone for a quick play session - if I knew how much I played Balatro, I think I'd be deeply concerned. Luckily, I keep my head firmly in the sand by not checking my gameplay hours. Check out our list of the best Apple Arcade games if you want to find out about our favorites on the service.
There's no shortage of underappreciated titles available through the service, too. Grindstone remains a favorite of mine, with a fantasy vibe to fit this puzzler, and I was hooked for weeks when I first played it. Speaking of puzzle games, I've spent hours trying to become a road developer perfectionist in Mini Motorways, and while I'm still not good at it, it remains a healthy mix of frustrating and fun. Or funstrating, you could say.
However, if you prefer not having to think too hard when playing games, titles like Disney Dreamlight Valley or Hello Kitty Adventure Island bring in the cozy vibes, allowing you to relax in a home away from home, helping to create a magical experience in the palm of your hand. I'm not afraid to admit that, after getting demolished in matches of Delta Force and similarly competitive titles, Disney Dreamlight Valley is a refreshing change of pace from my usual appetite.
That's really just the tip of the Apple Arcade iceberg, and so long as you have an ongoing subscription, you can play as many as you'd like. While it's typically $6.99 / £6.99 per month, new subscribers can get three months for just $6.99 / £6.99 with Apple Arcade, meaning you get two extra months to give the service a try - and of course, if you don't get as much value as you'd hope, you can opt to cancel the renewal. Although if you're anything like me, chances are you'll be a regular subscriber soon.
The deal ends on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, so don't spend too long thinking about it. As this is the only time Apple Arcade has had a deal like this, we don't know if it will ever happen again.