Want the best iPhone games but tired of wasting space and battery on duds? I’ve tried dozens so you don’t have to. Below you’ll find solid picks across genres, quick rules to pick games that run well, and tips to avoid in-app purchase traps.
Casual and quick: Monument Valley and Alto’s Odyssey are perfect for short sessions. Both look great and won’t drain a lot of battery. Party and social: Among Us and Brawl Stars are easy to jump into with friends. Heavy and immersive: Genshin Impact and Baldur’s Gate (mobile ports) give near-console experiences but need storage and good battery life. Strategy and thinking: Into the Breach, Reigns, and Civilization VI (mobile) reward careful moves more than reflexes. Relaxing and long-term: Stardew Valley and Minecraft are great for slow builds and creativity.
If you use Apple Arcade, check titles like Sayonara Wild Hearts or Oceanhorn 2 — arcade games remove ads and many in-app purchases for a flat monthly fee.
Check requirements first: open the App Store page and read the iOS and device requirements. Newer 3D titles like Genshin Impact often list a modern chip and a lot of free storage. Don’t ignore file size — some games need 5–20 GB after updates.
Look for controller support if you prefer gamepad play. Most big action and racing games support Xbox/PlayStation controllers via Bluetooth. If a game lists MFi or controller support, you’ll get a far better experience for some genres.
Watch for battery and heat notes in reviews. High-end 3D games push the CPU and GPU, which shortens playtime and can make the phone hot. Simple pixel/indie games usually run cool and save battery.
Test free demos and read recent reviews. App Store scores can be outdated; sort reviews by recent to spot new bugs or pay-to-win shifts. If a free game feels like it constantly nags for purchases, stop — you can usually find a better paid indie that doesn’t push you.
Use iCloud or Game Center for saves. Before deleting a large game, make sure your progress syncs to iCloud or Game Center so you can reinstall later without losing hours of play.
Final tips: turn on Low Power Mode for longer sessions (but expect lower performance), keep Bluetooth controllers charged, and clear background apps when playing demanding titles. Want recommendations for your exact iPhone model or a genre list? Tell me your phone and what you like to play, and I’ll suggest games that fit.