With so many options to pick from on the App Store, finding the best iPad games is no mean feat. That's why we're here to help, with our long list of games that feel right at home on Apple's tablet. We're not just talking about puzzlers or cozy games, though. While the iPad might lend itself to casual play, it's also the home of some great RPGs, roguelikes, and action-adventure games, and all you have to do is decide which to play first.
With both paid-for and free-to-play games, our guide to the greatest iPad games features a bunch of titles we've spent hours playing ourselves, as we'd never recommend something we don't think is truly fantastic. We've also picked out some of the best offerings from the Apple Arcade library, just in case you're a subscriber trying to make the most of your monthly payment. Whatever the case, all the options below are perfect for a lazy afternoon on the sofa, a long-haul flight, or wherever you might find yourself with your iPad
The best iPad games are:
1. Vampire Survivors
Since it first arrived in late 2021, Vampire Survivors has captured the hearts of countless gamers. Combining roguelike gameplay with gothic pixelated visuals, plus a sort of tongue-in-cheek charm that never takes itself too seriously, this is one of those games that keeps you coming back for more and more until you realize it's later than you thought and you should probably go to bed.
In our 2022 Vampire Survivors review, Nathan Ellingsworth described the game as a "retro-style action-roguelike that feels like Castlevania on steroids," awarding it with a stellar 9/10 score. Nathan's description is pretty apt, but it's worth mentioning that since our initial review, we've seen multiple DLC releases for Vampire Survivors, so there's now more content than ever to dig your fangs into, including a bunch of new weapons and power-ups to test out on some unsuspecting monsters.
In the years following the release of Vampire Survivors, we've seen plenty of clones of the game, but few compare to the glorious playability of the original. It's also worth noting that we were lucky enough to chat to Luca Galante, the mind behind the game, in our Vampire Survivors interview, where we got more insight into the inspiration behind the roguelike and how it became such a surprising success.
Check prices: Apple Arcade
2. Destiny Rising
No matter whether you're a fan of Bungie's sci-fi shooter series or not, Destiny Rising is worth checking out. Unlike a lot of mobile spin-offs, this one actually feels like the core game, sharing the same lore and shooting mechanics that feel just as engaging as they do on console. It's a treat for the eyes, too, with plenty of deep space locations that give the likes of Honkai Star Rail and Starfield a run for their money.
Kayleigh Partleton handled our Destiny Rising review, giving the game an 8/10 score while complimenting the "intriguing" campaign and the "fun to use" characters. Like a lot of mobile games, Destiny Rising does feature a gacha system for unlocking characters and a lot of optional microtransactions, but as far as we're concerned, they're not nearly as egregious as what you find in some other games.
As far as sci-fi games go, Destiny Rising has it all, including a host of space-age weapons that feel great to use and can cause some serious damage. It also has an in-game codes menu, where you can use Destiny Rising codes to pick up resources that'll enable you to unlock more characters quicker, which is always a lovely touch.
Play for free: App Store
3. Honkai Star Rail
Here at Pocket Tactics, we love Honkai Star Rail. Admittedly, we're a big fan of Hoyoverse games in general, but between the sci-fi aesthetics, the turn-based gameplay that feels like a throwback to the glory days of PlayStation 2 RPGs, and the stellar - or should we say, interstellar - cast of characters, it's just a fantastic game. It's very much one of those that you can load up with the intention of just fulfilling your daily tasks, only to find yourself four hours later having cleared a bunch of missions and beaten some tricky bosses.
In Tilly Lawton's Honkai Star Rail review, published just after the game's launch back in April 2023, she gave the game a 9/10 score, describing it as an "awesome sci-fi adventure." As HSR is a live service gacha game, there's now even more content to check out, and there's no sign of content slowing down soon, with the developer, Hoyoverse, regularly introducing new characters, mechanics, and story elements every six weeks or so.
While Honkai Star Rail might be a gacha game, meaning there are a lot of optional in-game microtransactions, Hoyoverse is pretty generous when it comes to gifting resources, so you can unlock some new characters courtesy of the different Honkai Star Rail banners. Don't fret if you're not lucky enough to pull one of the top picks from our Honkai Star Rail tier list right away, though, as even the lower-ranking characters have something to offer, especially in the early game.
Play for free: App Store
4. Mini Motorways
The iPad is perfect for puzzle games, and Mini Motorways is a standout of the genre, offering gameplay that pushes you to think outside the box. The concept is simple; you're essentially a civil engineer, building roads between homes and buildings so that the people of Los Angeles, London, and plenty of other real-life locations can get around. The complications arise when more buildings pop up on the map, forcing you to get creative with where you develop new roads.
In my 2022 Mini Motorways review, I gave the game an 8/10 score, describing it as "a zen-puzzler that achieves everything it sets out to do." All these years later, and I still regularly pick Mini Motorways up, as it's part of the Apple Arcade library, alongside other picks from this list, such as Balatro and Hello Kitty Island Adventure. Not only that, but developer Dinosaur Polo Club has added multiple new maps in the last couple of years, and some of them serve as a great challenge for returning players.
While Mini Motorway's mechanics, visuals, and subtle soundtrack lend themselves to a relatively relaxing experience, there's also a competitive side to the game, with daily challenges pitting you against countless other amateur civil engineers. So, once you've made a few roads in Manila and built your bridges in Busan, you can truly put your skills to the test and see where you land on the leaderboard. For more on this one, check out our Dinosaur Polo Club interview.
Check prices: Apple Arcade
5. Stardew Valley
If you're looking for something that's cozy, inviting, and almost ridiculously engaging, look no further than Stardew Valley. This is the sort of game you can easily pour over 100 hours into without realizing it as you tend your crops, build relationships with the people of Pelican Town, delve deeper into an abandoned mine, and, most importantly, return a community center to its former glory. Yes, there's more than enough here to keep you busy, and if you're like me, you'll love almost every second of it.
In my Stardew Valley review, I gave the game top marks, 10/10, describing it as the "game that saved my life." The feature I highlighted the most was the game's 20-minute gameplay loop of each day on the farm, which is the perfect length to get plenty done, such as fishing or foraging, while leaving you with tasks to complete the following day.
Given how taxing life on the farm can be, it's nice that Stardew Valley also doubles as a dating game, with 12 eligible partners who you can romance during your time in Pelican Town. While it's not quite as spicy as some other games, the bond you build with your future wife or husband - yes, you can get married - makes the experience all the more endearing, especially as you have the option to have children, introducing another generation to the farming life.
Check prices: Apple Arcade
6. Candy Crush Saga
If you've not played Candy Crush Saga by now, that's likely by choice more than circumstance, but all these years later, it's still one of the most engaging mobile games. Across thousands of levels, King's colorful puzzler evolves from a simple match-three title to something even more engaging, thanks to a bunch of special power-ups and frequent in-game events to keep things interesting. It's also a great game to keep on your iPad if you've got little ones around, as something about the colors and simple-to-grasp mechanics makes this the sort of game that little ones can't help but
While it's true that Candy Crush Saga is one of the games that introduced the world to the concept of microtransactions, it often rewards you for powering through puzzles by way of some power-ups, making it easier to make it to level 1,000 and beyond. It's worth taking the time to harness your skills, too, with King holding an annual Candy Crush tournament. In 2025, the competition had a $1 million prize pool, so you could perhaps make your future riches by crushing some candy.
If you've already played this game before, it's worth pointing out that there are other Candy Crush games on the App Store, including Soda Saga, Jelly Saga, and Solitaire. Those fellow puzzlers from King are all a lot of fun and are easy to get the hang of, but if you're a fan of match-three mechanics and you've still never tried the original, that's the place to start.
Play for free: App Store
7. Marvel Snap
There are a lot of great multiplayer card games you can play on your iPad, but as far as we're concerned, Marvel Snap is one of the very best. With over 350 cards, regular in-game events with fresh game modes, and frequent patches and balance updates to keep things fresh, it's always evolving. Whether you're a new player looking to put together a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed deck or a returning deckbuilder ready to harness the powers of the latest cards, it's worth giving it a go.
We published our Marvel Snap review back in 2022, with Kayleigh Partleton scoring the game as an 8/10, thanks to its "great gameplay" and "satisfying deck building." As with some of the other live service games from this list, it's only gotten better since, with the developer allowing the game to constantly evolve by introducing new mechanics such as cards that activate at a specific time and end-of-turn effects.
Given that there are so many cards, the possibilities when creating new Marvel Snap decks feel almost endless, and there's no better feeling than when an in-game combo you dreamt up while deckbuilding comes to fruition. Each game consists of just six turns, too, so you can almost always squeeze in a quick game if you find yourself with a few minutes to spare on your iPad.
Play for free: App Store
8. Balatro
Balatro is a difficult game to describe, but it's one of those that, once it has its hooks in you, is very hard to put down. Each new run starts the same way, as you combine playing cards to form poker hands, and the better your hand, the better the score. As the ante goes up, and the score you need to get to the next round gets higher, you need to start using joker cards, which multiply the points you get for every hand. With eight rounds to beat and three antes per round, a lot of runs end before the score starts getting silly, but when it does, that's when the game really starts to open up.
I handled our Balatro review, awarding the game a 9/10 score, but honestly, I could have just as easily given it a perfect 10. As I pointed out in the review, Balatro feels "almost impossible to put down, with each run giving you new ideas for the next one in a gaming feedback loop that never gets old." To give you an idea of how engaging Balatro is, I spent more than 100 hours playing it in 2024, and there are still plenty of achievements I need to unlock - not that I need an excuse to go back for a few more rounds.
Unlike a lot of the best mobile card games, Balatro is a purely solo experience, but that doesn't make it any less fun. Each run feels completely different, so while you are technically doing the same thing over and over again, there's a distinct feeling to every attempt, and with 150 unique jokers that multiply your score exponentially and different decks to unlock, there's license to get pretty creative.
Check prices: Apple Arcade
9. Hello Kitty Island Adventure
If you're a Hello Kitty fan, you likely won't need much cajoling to play this game, but even if you're not, it's well worth checking out. Hello Kitty Island Adventure is an absolute treat for cozy gamers, with minigames for fishing, cooking, decorating, and even seapony racing - yes, that last one is as joyful as it sounds. Not only that, but it's full of adorable characters, including Cinnamoroll, Chococat, and everyone's favorite alligator, Big Challenges.
In our Hello Kitty Island Adventure review, Daz Skubich gave the game a 9/10 score, putting the spotlight on the game's friendship mechanic, in which "each character's personality and dialogue feels unique and genuine," while also praising the "sheer amount and quality of gameplay." Simply put, making new friends has never felt so good.
As far as cozy games go, they don't get much cozier than Hello Kitty Island Adventure, making it the perfect choice for when you just want to snuggle up on the sofa and spend a little quality time on a faraway island. If you've already played it, it's worth returning to following the launch of the Wheatflower Wonderland DLC, with even more activities to keep you and Hello Kitty entertained.
Check prices: Apple Arcade
10. Delta Force
You might not think that the iPad is a perfect fit for an intense Call of Duty-style shooter, but if you play Delta Force on your Apple tablet for just a little while, you might feel differently. This reimagining of the FPS series from the 2000s offers high-intensity gun battles between two game modes. There's Warfare, which sees you take part in a skirmish between two teams of 24, or Operations, which is a great pick for fans of extraction shooters, as you land with fewer weapons and must loot your way to victory.
In our Delta Force review, Sam Comrie gave the game a 9/10 score, detailing it as "the only mobile FPS worth your time." Those are some pretty big words, especially in a world where Call of Duty: Mobile and PUBG Mobile exist, but Sam justifies his score, explaining that Delta Force feels like "a rousing combination of Call of Duty's casual appeal and a dash of Battlefield's vision of teamwork." Oh, and it's free-to-play, which means there are plenty of players in the lobbies waiting to hit the battlefield.
Like all the greatest FPS games, Delta Force offers controls that are easy to pick up, whether you're playing with a controller or using the touchscreen mechanics, and that reward you for putting the time and effort into learning all the nuances. Of course, it's just as much fun for those who prefer to pray-and-spray, so if you want to relive the glory days of the shooter genre on your iPad, be sure to give this one a go.
Play for free: App Store
11. Final Fantasy VII
There's a lot of great retro games on the App Store, but few are as legendary as Final Fantasy VII. If you've still never played this game, with its iconic turn-based battle mechanics and epic narrative, in 2025, checking it out on your iPad is a great way to remedy that without having to go out and pick up an original PlayStation. It might be one of the few paid-for options on this list, but for your $15.99, you're getting over 40 hours of content to lose yourself in.
In Ruby Spiers-Unwin's retrospective Final Fantasy VII review, in which she gave the game a perfect 10/10 score, she credited it with shaping the "JRPG landscape into what it is today." She's not wrong, as not only have the game's battle mechanics inspired countless other RPGs, but Final Fantasy VII easter eggs are everywhere, from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 to The Simpsons Game. If that's not influence, I don't know what is.
For me, the best thing about Final Fantasy VII is the characters. Final Fantasy games always have a pretty stellar cast, but as far as I'm concerned, there's no better hero and villain pairing in gaming than Cloud and Sephiroth. They're an iconic duo, so much so that we've seen them plenty of times outside of FF VII, including in the Kingdom Hearts series and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Check prices: App Store
12. Pokémon TCG Pocket
If, like me, you grew up collecting Pokémon cards, Pokémon TCG Pocket is a great way to get that blast of nostalgia without having to compete with scalpers to pick up some real-life shiny cardboard. Boasting a roster of 1,500 cards, including series icons such as Mewtwo, Charizard, and more, with new arrivals every month, it's a dream for Pokémon fans, or even those with a passing interest in Pikachu and the rest of the gang.
Pokémon TCG Pocket isn't just about collecting cards and filling out your Pokédex, though. The game features a condensed version of the competitive TCG format, and you can test your decks either against the game's AI or in online battles. There's even a ranked ladder, which offers rewards the higher you place each season, so you can pick up some in-game currency for defeating opponents.
Like a lot of games from this list, Pokémon TCG Pocket rewards you for returning every 24 hours, and at this point, I honestly don't know how I'd start my day without opening a pack. Who needs a coffee when you could be discovering the Pokémon TCG Pocket cards that finally make that Blastoise-themed deck you always wanted to play possible? Not me, that's who.
Play for free: App Store
13. Wildfrost
Wildfrost is a bit of a weird one, as while it has a lot in common with other top picks from our guide to the best iPad games, such as Balatro and Marvel Snap, it also feels uniquely itself. That probably has a lot to do with the game's gorgeous cartoon-style visuals or its quirky cast of characters, but if you're a fan of a card game and you're looking for something that has a surprisingly engaging story as well as captivating mechanics, this could be it.
In our Wildfrost review, Tilly Lawton awarded the game a 10/10 score, focusing her praise on the "magnificently moreish yet maddening gameplay loop." It's by no means an easygoing experience, with Tilly also describing it as "ruthless," but also rewarding, as the more you play, the more character and power-ups you unlock, enabling you to take your runs deeper as you attempt to find a way to put a stop to a never-ending winter.
While a lot of roguelike games are slightly lacking in the story department - I'm looking at you, Balatro - Wildfrost goes the extra mile to use the gameplay mechanics to tell a tale that's equal parts morbid and uplifting. Really, it's all about life finding a way, and when you combine that with the intoxicating card game mechanics, you've got something a bit special.
Check prices: App Store
14. Monument Valley 2
We've got a few puzzle picks in our guide to the best iPad games, but none of them are nearly as beautiful as Monument Valley 2. Ustwo Games' second installment in the indie series is a short but spellbinding game, taking you on a journey that explores parenthood in a nuanced way while presenting you with some puzzles that force you to think outside the box.
I tackled our Monument Valley 2 review, describing the game as "a sleek puzzler, with an ethereal soundtrack underpinning the zen charm of vibrant worlds and intelligent level design." It's the sort of game that sticks with you, even after you've completed it, and it serves as a nice change of pace from some of the App Store's more overwhelming options that are littered with power-ups, microtransactions, and ads.
Monument Valley 2 also features some lovely audio design work that lends itself to the almost spiritual experience that starts to settle in once you've cleared the first couple of puzzles and are truly on your way. I enjoyed it so much that I sat down with the developers in our Monument Valley 2 interview, which serves as a great companion for anyone who's finished this puzzle game and wants to know more about its inspirations and core themes.
Check prices: Apple Arcade
15. Cat Quest 3
There aren't a bunch of action-adventure games on the App Store, but if you're craving a perilous journey with plenty of sword fighting and gun slinging, Cat Quest 3 has you covered. This third entry in The Gentlebros' indie series takes to the waves, and while most cats might not like water, the feline protagonist of this game is more than willing to face the ocean, to the point where you'll find yourself taking on pirate ships at sea within half an hour of starting your adventure.
In our Cat Quest 3 review, I awarded the iOS port with a swashbuckling 8/10 score, highlighting the "epic" pirate ship battles and "incredibly replayable" gameplay. The replayability factor is down to Cat Quest 3's New Game + mode, which allows you to start the journey all over again but with all of your weapons and equipment, as well as your level upon finishing the game. It's not a walk in the park, though, with the enemies also getting stronger with each New Game Plus run, so if you're looking to challenge yourself, you can keep on grinding.
If it wasn't obvious from the description, Cat Quest 3 is an ideal pick for fans of Zelda games, making up for the fact that none of Link's adventures are currently playable on the iPad. While it might not have the scope of something like Breath of the Wild or Tears of the Kingdom, it's an endearing adventure, littered with charming character designs, brilliant combat, and, of course, plenty of pawsome cat-related puns.
Get the demo: App Store
16. Yes, Your Grace
If you're a fan of medieval fantasy, such as Game of Thrones and The Witcher, Yes, Your Grace could be the one for you. You play as King Eryk of Davern, and it's your job to watch over your kingdom, which means making decisions and dealing with the consequences of your decisions. That might sound like a pretty simple concept, and it is, for the most part, but it can quickly get complicated, and if you don't play your cards right, you could end up as Davern's last king.
In our Yes, Your Grace review, James Osbourne highlighted the "wonderful design" and "enthralling atmosphere and narrative" before awarding the game a 9/10 score. That's pretty high praise for a strategy game you can play on the iPad, especially considering that the genre isn't all that well represented on Apple's tablet.
Outside of the engaging story, Yes, Your Grace is also a top pick for fans of resource management - yes, I know you're out there - as the Davern isn't the biggest kingdom, so every decision you make counts. Finally, it's worth noting that while the game is listed as free-to-play, that's just the demo version, but you'll only have to part with $5.99 if you want to unlock the full game.
Check prices: App Store
17. Sid Meier's Railroads!
When it comes to simulation games, Sid Meier is an absolute icon, and this transport simulation game is proof of the developer's prowess. Unsurprisingly, this game is all about building railroad routes, but it's much deeper than just laying down some tracks. It's your job to sustain industries by connecting resource hubs, while also making sure to invest in new technologies to keep your trains running and the money pouring in.
In our 2023 Sid Meier's Railroads review, Ben Johnson awarded the game a solid 8/10 score, praising the iconic PC game as "a perfect fit for mobile." It feels both authentic to the original but with the quality-of-life updates necessary to make the gameplay experience feel fluid all these years, which, of course, means touch screen controls and a bit of a graphics glow-up.
Railroads also features a bunch of individual scenario challenges, some of which enable you to take on the role of an old-fashioned robber baron. It might all sound a bit technical, but after a few hours, you'll be able to think about little else but station management and new routes. If that isn't the sign of a good game, I don't know what is.
Check prices: App Store
18. PowerWash Simulator
There's a lot of great games in the Apple Arcade library, but few are as cathartic and engaging as PowerWash Simulator. This breakout indie hit might not sound as riveting as some of the other options from our list of the best iPad games, but trust us, once you've completed your first level, you won't be able to put your tablet down.
In our PowerWash Simulator review, Daz Skubich gave the game top marks, a rare 10/10, highlighting the "vibrant" level design and "satisfying" gameplay. It's worth noting that the review was from just after launch, and since then, we've seen developer FuturLab introduce some new content to the game, including Tomb Raider and Final Fantasy-inspired jobs.
While PowerWash Simulator might not sound, or even look, like a game with a core narrative, it's actually a great example of subtle storytelling. Each level offers a glimpse into Muckingham, the game's central location, from missing pets to government corruption, and things get surprisingly sci-fi in the late game.
Check prices: Apple Arcade
New iPad games
Our upcoming mobile games guide is full of titles coming to the iPad in the coming months, including Ananta, Neverness to Everness, and others. As big Pokémon fans, we're also very excited to get our hands on Honkai Nexus Anima, Hoyo's take on the creature collector genre. Assassin's Creed Jade is another much-hyped launch, with Ubisoft first revealing the game way back in 2022. If you want to look further afield than just what's coming to the App Store, we've also got a list of all the upcoming Switch games, with some future delights for Fire Emblem and Pokémon fans.
There you have it, our guide to all the best iPad games. If you're looking for even more to keep you busy, we've got guides to the best Switch games and the best mobile games, including a lot of free-to-play options. If you'd like to vocally disagree with our picks - but please, be nice - be sure to become a member of the official Pocket Tactics Discord server, where you can tell us why we should have picked your favorite game instead.