Best iPhone Games You Should Play in 2022
There are a lot of different types of games for iPhone out there. Whether you’re looking for car racing games like Asphalt 9 Legends, or casual games like Subway Surfers, this list contains a variety of games from different genres to suit the needs of all types of gamers. So, you can use the table of contents below to navigate to which ever game suits your fancy.
1. PUBG Mobile
Very few games have hogged as much spotlight in recent years as Tencent’s PUBG Mobile. And rightly so. Boasting more than 1 billion players around the world, PUBG is like a go-to battle deck for gaming aficionados. Talking about the gameplay, the battle royale game is all about shooting and fighting to be the last man standing at all hazards.
PUBG features multiple game modes such as the epic 100-player Classic Mode, the action-packed 4v4 Team Deathmatch, Infection Mode, and Payload Mode. If you prefer fast-paced battles, you would be glad that it also offers 10-minute matches where you can go your all out to eliminate your rivals within a limited time. Notably, PUBG provides fully customizable controls so that you can fine-tune the controls in accordance with your convenience.
Another area where PUBG shines is the availability of several maps that are designed to offer an intense survival experience. Not to mention, it can also hold the fort on the neat gameplay mechanics department. For newbies, it even offers a pretty handy training mode where they can master the tricks to succeed. Everything considered; PUBG deserves to be rated as one of the best iOS games.
Note: If you’re in India, you will not be able to download PUBG Mobile. You can, however, download Battlegrounds Mobile India (Free), which is the PUBG version for India.
Install: (free, 60 unknown cash is available for $0.99)
2. Candy Crush Saga
When I think of one of the greatest games for iPhone and iPad, the one name that doesn’t take long to strike the mind is King’s “Candy Crush Saga”. Probably the best part about this tasty puzzle adventure is the pretty simple yet addictive gameplay where all you have to do to crack puzzles is just switch and match candies. With quick thinking and smart moves, you can knock down hurdles and progress to the next level.
To master this game, plan your moves by matching 3 or more candies in a row and executing it swiftly. Super delicious rewards like rainbow-colored cascades and tasty candy combos help you get into the groove within no time. Featuring a ton of levels, Candy Crush Saga can keep you engrossed for hours.
Install: (free, extra moves are available for $0.99)
3. Clash Royale
Supercell’s “Clash Royale” is a top-notch strategy game and it has been deserved ranked as number one in this category in the App Store. The gameplay is centered around building a robust battle deck and decimating your rivals in real-time battles. Hatch a killer strategy and then place your cards accordingly to defeat the enemy king and princesses from their towers.
You can collect and upgrade more than 100 cards featuring Clash of Clans troops, unique heroes, spells, and defenses. Moreover, it also offers you a chance to take part in global tournaments to fight against players from around the world. Couple that with the seasonable events where you can unlock lucrative items like tower skins, emotes, and a plethora of magic items, and Clash Royale seems to have checked off all the boxes to be your preferred tower defense game for real-time PvP battles.
Install: (free, pass royale available for $4.99)
4. Plants vs. Zombies
If fun-loving gameplay is on top of your mind, Plants vs. Zombies could be an ideal pick for you. The game is about defending your home against a mob of zombies using zombie-zapping plants such as cherry bombs, wall-nuts, peashooters, and more. As each zombie has special skills, you will need to fend off attacks with different strategies and plant faster.
Additionally, Plants vs. Zombies also has an exciting “Adventure Mode” with 50 levels with varying challenges. So, if you ever find the “Survival Mode” less appealing, the adventure mode with gripping gameplay would come into play. Be warned that zombies can gobble up your plants and throw your limited supply into deep trouble. Hence, make sure to form a viable strategy to deal with those unruly zombies.
Install: (free, ad-free version is available for $2.99)
5. Call of Duty: Mobile
If you are hunting for a top-notch alternative to PUBG, look no further than Call of Duty: Mobile. This battle royale game has got all the bases covered to deliver a thrilling survival experience. For starters, it comes with a 100-player battle royale battleground where you can showcase your gaming prowess to be the last one standing. Furthermore, it also features a power-packed 5v5 deathmatch and sniper vs sniper battle to test your shooting skill to the hilt.
With customizable controls, COD is fully equipped to deliver a console-quality HD gaming experience on your iOS device. The multiplayer maps are neatly crafted to let you battle with several players simultaneously and take control of the game at your own pace. The 3D graphics along with the matching sound further boost its profile.
Loaded with several power-packed multiplayer modes like domination, hardpoint, free for all, search and destroy, frontline, and more, COD can safely claim to be one of the best multiplayer games for iPhone and iPad.
Install: (free, extra small pack is available for $0.99)
6. Minecraft
For exploring different worlds and building incredible castles, you can’t go wrong with Minecraft which is ranked as the number one game in the simulation category on the App Store. The game has two modes: Creative and Survival. While the creative mode offers you unlimited resources to build amazing things, the survival mode requires you to craft weapons and armor to fight out dangerous mobs.
If you wish to further expand your game, discover unique things such as maps, texture packs, skins, and more developed by creators from around the world. Besides, you can also tweak how the game plays and use a wide range of Minecraft mods and add-ons to fully customize your experience. Long story short, Minecraft has been designed to get the most out of you as a creator.
Install: ($6.99)
7. Subway Surfers
I bet, Subway Surfers will make you fall in love with endless running gameplay. This game is about dashing as fast as you can while dodging the oncoming trains and other hurdles to reach your destination. Jake, Tricky, and Fresh are trying their best to escape from the corrupt inspector and his dangerous dog. Can you help them escape?
Based on your preference, you can challenge your friends or enable them to achieve their goals. Apart from the colorful and vibrant HD graphics, I always loved Subway Surfers’ smooth swipe acrobatics that makes dodging and jumping pretty straightforward. Intriguing gameplay aside, exploring vivid subways is no less exciting.
Install: (free, extra small pack is available for $0.99)
8. Asphalt 9: Legends
Widely considered to be the best iPhone racing game, Asphalt 9: Legends is what you should pick to drive a variety of hypercars from esteemed manufacturers such as Porsche, W Motors, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and more. Moreover, it also offers a pretty neat car editor to let you customize cars to your heart’s liking.
Probably the biggest highlight of Asphalt 9: Legends is a great collection of tracks in real-world locations. So, whether you wish to showcase your racing repertoire across the sandy beaches of the Caribbean, take on the landslides in the Himalayas or avoid tornados in the American wilderness, the game has got you covered.
There is a single-player mode where you can race at your own pace and complete over 900 events to grow your roster of supercars. However, if you want to put your racing skill on full display, race against up to 7 rival players in the online multiplayer mode. Interestingly, Asphalt also lets you create a club of like-minded racers and collaborate with them to unlock big rewards and rule the club leaderboard.
Install: (free, starter pack is available for $0.99)
9. Super Mario Run
Nintendo’s Super Mario Run is a fun-loving game that you can play for hours. In this action-packed game, you will need to time your taps to execute stunning jumps, midair spins, and also jump many other hurdles to reach your goal. Along the way, you will earn plenty of coins that you can use to buy power-ups.
Super Mario Run features four modes such as World Tour, Toad Rally, Remix 10, and Kingdom Build. In the World Tour, you need to clear 24 courses to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. While Remix 10 offers 10 pretty short courses which you can take on in quick succession, Toad Rally allows you to compete against your friends. As for the Kingdom Builder, it’s all about collecting plenty of coins and toads to build your kingdom. While the free version allows you to try out all four modes, you will need to shell out $9.99 to play the game without any restriction.
Install: (free, the full version is available for $9.99)
10. Fire Emblem Heroes
For the folks looking for a strategy-driven role-playing game, Fire Emblem Heroes is a solid contender. In this strategy RPG game, you need to summon characters from across the Fire Emblem universe and develop killer Heroes’ skills that will help you fight your enemies in epic battles.
What puts Fire Emblem Heroes ahead of the curve is a huge roster of over 1500 story stages. You can clear these stories to earn Orbs and use them to the best effect to summon Heroes. With rich graphics and a gripping story, this strategy RPG leaves very little room for complaint.
Install: (free, a pack of 3 orbs is available for $1.99)
11. Angry Birds 2
If it’s time to get into bird flinging and pig popping, you would be hard-pressed to find a better alternative to Angry Birds. The popular fun action game is centered around using the slingshot to fling birds at the piggies’ towers in order to save the eggs.
You can choose which bird to fling and play challenging levels with your friends. Just be beware of the boss pigs as they can derail your entire plan. To ensure you always have something new to try, Angry Birds offers daily challenges and allows you to earn big rewards. Moreover, you can also compete in the arena and rise to the top of the global leaderboards.
Install: (free, a pile of gems is available for $0.99)
12. 8 Ball Pool
8 Ball Pool is a pretty addictive pool game. As you may have already guessed, the game is played with 8 balls divided into two groups such as Strips and Solids. Whoever is able to pocket the first fall needs to stick with that specific group and has to pocket all the balls before their rival does. And the one who pockets all their balls wins the game.
You can customize your cue and pool table to your liking. It lets you play in multiplayer or in PvP mode using a variety of different balls and pools. What’s more, you also get a chance to play in the 3D multiplayer league matches and win a lot of rewards which you can use to access more exclusive match locations. Couple that with the iMessage support and 8 Ball Pool can easily claim to be one of the best iMessage games for your iPhone and iPad.
Install: (free, a golden spin is available for $0.99)
13. Temple Run 2
An intriguing game like Temple Run deserves a shot in this extensive lineup of the best iPhone games. In this endless running game, you will need to go your all out to escape with the cursed idol. Bear in mind that your escape is not going to be easy as dangerous cliffs, mines, zip lines, and forests will make your running really challenging. But bother not, this is where power ups come into play. Every time you go past a hurdle, you have a chance to earn rewards which will make your endless running worthwhile.
Install: (free, a handful of gems is available for $0.99)
14. Clash of Clans
Clash of Clans is a highly rated strategy game where you will build your empire, raise a huge clan, and then showcase your heroics in the never-ending clan wars. The key to mastering this game is to hatch a strategy using different combinations of troops, powerful heroes, as well as spells and execute them to perfection to defeat your enemies.
To further empower your arsenal, make sure to collect and loot pivotal resources whenever the opportunity arrives. Clash of Clan has got a solid library of weapons so that you can choose from a variety of towers, bombs, cannons, mortars, walls, and traps to wreak havoc. Notably, it also allows you to create custom PVP experiences through friendly challenges and special live events where you can lock horns with your friends.
Install: (free, a pile of gems is available for $4.99)
15. Sniper 3D: Gun Shooting Games
If a thrilling shooting game is what you are after, Sniper 3D could be a top pick. The gameplay revolves around cleaning terrorists from cities to restore peace. With hundreds of missions featuring different challenges, it can keep you engrossed for more. There is a solid roster of weapons from guns to snipers to rifles so that you can choose the preferred asset to eliminate terrorists. As someone who loves to try a variety of weapons during the shooting spree, I have found Sniper 3D’s collection impressive. I don’t think there are too many shooting games that can beat it on this front.
Moreover, Sniper 3D also allows you to take part in limited-time events where you can kill zombies and robots to earn exclusive rewards. Talking about graphics, they look quite realistic. The animations and background sounds are also in sync.
Install: (free, a pocket of tokens is available for $1.99)
16. Genshin Impact
If exploring a vast world and unraveling mysteries appeal to your taste, Genshin Impact could be a winner for you. The game puts you and your sibling in a fascinating world called “Teyvat” where you will need to seek answers from The Seven (the gods of each element). To succeed in your mission, you can build a team of diverse characters and use them to unearth the underlying mysteries and defeat your enemies.
There are also boss fights where you can squad up with your friends to decimate your rivals and conqer challenging domains. You can harness the seven elements to unravel unique elemental reactions which will give you upper hand in the battle. Beyond battles, Genshin Impact treats you with gorgeous visuals and beautiful character animations. And with the soothing soundtrack, it ensures your adventure in the world remains a pleasing experience.
If you enjoyed Genshin Impact, you should also check out some other games like Genshin Impact that might prove to be your next favourite title.
Install: (free, a blessings bundle is available for $4.99)
17. My Talking Tom
Now, how about having a virtual pet? My Talking Tom is a fun-filled virtual pet game where you will have a great time dealing with your naughty cat called “Tom”. Apart from offering the needed care and love to your pet, you will also have to do everything possible to keep the cat entertained. So, make sure to take it on exciting tours and also buy nice-looking clothes for it.
One of the funniest things about the pet is that it responds to your love and anger. Hence, you can shower love on the pet for being nice and scold it when it misbehaves. Additionally, My Talking Tom also provides a handful of mini-games that you can play to earn extra goodies. Overall, it’s an entertaining virtual pet game for iOS that you would like to take on.
Install: (free, a stack of gold coins is available for $1.99)
18. Trials Frontier
Trials Frontier is a critically acclaimed bike-racing game. What gives it an edge over other bike-racing games is the stunning physics-based gameplay where you will get a chance to perform crazy mid-air flips, jaw-dropping stunts, and jumps. Packed with over 250 race tracks and challenging missions, the game boasts several hours of story-driven gameplay.
Furthermore, Trials Frontier has an unmatched collection of bikes. If you don’t like the predefined options, you can also build and customize bikes for a more personalized experience. Another feature worth mentioning is the option to participate in the monthly ranked seasons where you can race against players from around the world and earn rewards. And each win will take you higher up on the global leaderboards.
Install: (free, a handful of gems is available for $4.99)
19. Township
What makes Township a great iPhone game to play with friends and loved ones the is fun-filled gameplay that consists of both city building and farming. The adventure game provides a wide range of buildings and decorations to let you create your dream town. Moreover, it also lets you adorn your town using famous landmarks such as Big Ben, the Statue of Liberty, and more.
As for farming, Township offers you the desired freedom to harvest crops, process them at your modern facilities, and then sell goods at the preferred price. Notably, you can also build a zoo where you can breed animals. It has a large community where you can interact with other players and play games with them. Thanks to the integration with Game Center and Facebook, you can easily invite your friends to play the game with you.
Install: (free, a handful of coins is available for $2.99)
20. Shadow Fight 2
From the creators of Vector, Shadow Fight 2 is a blend of classic fighting and RPG. In this adrenaline-fuelled RPG, you will journey through six different worlds full of dreading demons and eliminate them to close the gate of shadows. Apart from featuring a variety of lethal weapons and armor sets, the game boasts a gripping storyline with several twists and turns. The rich graphics coupled with the life-life details as well as matching animation further enhance its reputation as a highly-rated fighting game for iOS.
To get started, you can customize your fighter with magical swords, special powers, and armor suits which will play a vital role in helping you fend off ferocious attacks and also defeat enemies. Furthermore, Shadow Fight also features a ton of martial arts techniques that you can master to stay ahead of the curve.
Install: (free, a pile of gems is available $2.99)
21. Vailglory
As a multiplayer online battle arena game, Vailglory belongs to an elite league. Powered by the EVIL cross-platform game engine, this MOBA game has top-of-the-line graphics and pretty intuitive controls. It provides real-time combat with and against players from around the world. Additionally, you can also choose to lock horns against bots.
Based on your preference, you can fight in the fast-paced 5-minute BRAWLs or choose to showcase your heroics in the full 5V5 battle arena. Better still, Vainglory has a great roster of more than 48 heroes with unique combat skills. So, building a mighty team with diverse characters shuldn’t be a big ask for you.
As it doesn’t require you to shell out any bucks to unlock powers or features, you can play it without any restriction. In a nutshell, Vainglory is one of the best free games for iPhone and iPad.
Install: (free)
22. Word Collect
If you are looking for a word puzzle game to test your vocabulary or play with your dear ones during your free time, Word Collect could be a worthy contender. The game has more than 2500 levels with varying challenges. Plus, it also offers a daily challenge to keep you pumped up. With every puzzle, you get a chance to win plenty of coins which you can use to buy hints. Since Word Collect is available offline as well, you can crack word puzzles endlessly without burning your limited bandwidth. This nifty feature puts it among the top offline games for iOS and iPadOS.
Install: (free, a coin pack is available for $0.99)
23. World Cricket Championship 2
Claiming to be the ultimate mobile cricket game, World Cricket Championship is what you should pick to play cricket in all its glory. It has 15o different batting animations and features over 25 different bowling actions that can go a long way in spicing up your gameplay. That’s not all, WCC2 consists of 18 different international teams and 10 domestic teams. Combine that with the availability of several tournaments like the World Cup, World T20 Cup as well as ODI series and it’s got all the bases covered to quench your thirst of becoming a cricket star in reel life.
Install: (free, ad-free version is available for $3.99)
24. Carrom Pool: Disc Game
An addictive multiplayer carrom pool game like this one can be a notable addition to any game roundup. So, there is no question of missing out on this one. In this carrom pool game, you can play multiplayer matches in two different modes such as freestyle and Carrom/Disc Pool. Courtesy of the smooth controls and realistic physics, you will have the desired control while taking on daily golden shots or playing around the world in major arenas. Install: (free, a golden shot is available for $1.99)
25. FIFA Soccer
Well, I have picked out this game for ultimate soccer fans. If that’s you, FIFA Soccer will win you over. The soccer game is about building a dream team of superstars and competing in major events to win plenty of rewards. With the luxury to choose from over 15, 000 soccer stars, creating an unbeatable team should be a cakewalk for you. The upgraded stadiums, the sounds of cheering crowds, and the live on-field audio commentary from legendary commentators make FIFA Soccer one of a kind.
Install: (free, a frozen offer is available for $2.99)
Top iPhone and iPad Games Lined Up for You
So, that wraps up our exhaustive lineup of the best games for iPhone and iPad. From strategy games to brain teasers to MMORPGs to MOBAs, the lineup has got enough variety to let you discover your favorites. Hopefully, you’ve found the games that can cater to your specific demand. If you’re someone who enjoys tower defense games on iPhone, you should check out our linked roundup. By the way, which one of these games have you chosen for your gaming drive? Make sure to drop their names in the comments section below.