Only recently got yourself an iPhone or iPad? Lapsed mobile gamer looking for something new to play? Well, we’re here to help. In fact, we’ve put together a list of what we consider to be the best iOS games currently available, updated for 2022 to include the latest hits. What’s more, we’ll update this list as new games launch, providing they deserve to be in this list, of course! We’ll also remove games that shut down or get decimated by updates. It happens!
We’ve also put together a list of the best Apple Arcade games, for those subscribed to Apple’s awesome Game Pass-like all-you-can-play games service. If a game doesn’t appear in either one of these lists, it simply isn’t worth your time.
The Best iOS Games
Now, let’s crack on with our list of the best iOS games, updated for 2022.
Vampire Survivors
The surprise major release of 2022 is easily Vampire Survivors, which easily tops our list of the best iOS games. It’s fiendishly addictive and deceptively simple. You play as one of a number of different unlockable characters, and have to battle hordes of enemies, earning XP that levels you up. Each time you gain a level, you can pick up, or upgrade, a skill.
Each time you play Vampire Survivors, you start from the beginning rogue-like style. That’s what makes this game so difficult to put down. There are so many different characters and character builds to try, and as you progress you’re drip-fed with more choices. It also receives regular updates that provide new areas to explore, and more characters, weapons, and skills.
Get it right now on the App Store.
Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact isn’t only one of the best iOS games, it’s one of the best games in the world period. This absolutely enormous gacha RPG features a ton of different characters to collect, which you can create a party out of, swapping between them in the midst of combat. Fighting feels very satisfying, thanks to an elemental synergy system that lets you create powerful combos.
The world itself is huge, with different regions to explore that are full of secrets. It also receives an update every six weeks or so, which typically provides new content, so there’s an insane amount to do here. If you want a game that will keep you busy for the foreseeable future, Genshin Impact is the choice for you.
Get it right now on the App Store.
Call of Duty Mobile
When Call of Duty Mobile was first announced, we were all fairly sceptical about how a mobile interpretation of the world’s biggest shooter would work. Could it run on mobile? Would touch screens provide a satisfying imitation? Would it be rife with pay-to-win? The answer is a resounding yes, yes, and no.
The name describes exactly what you’re getting here: a solid adaptation of the hit shooter series that you can play anywhere, at any time. The shooting mechanics are just as satisfying here as in the real deal, and there’s a wealth of different characters and weapons to unlock – most of which is free. Anything you can buy with real cash is purely cosmetic too, putting to bed any pay-to-win worries.
Get it right now on the App Store.
PUBG Mobile
Speaking of great mobile shooter ports, PUBG Mobile fulfils that criteria nicely. In fact, this was the first shooter to successfully make the transition to mobile, and it’s an eerily accurate representation of the world’s first battle royale shooter. In fact, if you put them side-by-side, it’s actually quite challenging to tell them apart.
In fact, the mobile iteration may actually be the better of the two. It certainly receives updates more often than its big brother, and generally receives more love from the developer. There’s even a case to be made for it being the better looking of the two, thanks to a series of updates that has revamped it for modern times.
Get it right now on the App Store.
Apex Legends Mobile
We realise that this list is getting quite shooter heavy, but it’s not really our fault that three of them make the list of best iOS games ever. Apex Legends Mobile, much like the two we listed above, is a fantastic recreation of one of the world’s most popular shooters for your phone.
It takes a similar approach to PUBG Mobile, and focuses on making a like-for-like interpretation of the game, but making the most of its target platform. That means revamped visuals for a smaller screen, touch controls, and faster-paced combat for smaller playing sessions.
Get it right now on the App Store.
Among Us
Lockdown smash hit Among Us works like an absolute treat on mobile, and it really feels like the best home for it. This minimalistic whodunnit supports 4-15 players, as one of you tries to slaughter everyone, while the remaining players try and figure out who the murderer is.
If you’re looking for something to play with friends – particularly with a big group – you really can’t do much better than Among Us. The ease with which you can boot up a game, and the instantaneous fun is simply unbeatable.
Get it right now on the App Store.
The Best iOS Games FAQ
Now, we’ll answer any questions you may have about our best iOS games feature.
How Did We Pick The Listed Games?
We’ve been playing iOS games since the birth of the App Store, and have watched our beloved platform blossom over the years. As such, it’s quite easy for us to pick games that we consider to be the best.
We do pay close attention to what you, our readers, play as well and try and tailor it towards that. The App Store itself is another location we pay close attention to, monitoring the biggest games that everyone is playing right now.
How Often Do We Update Our Best iOS Games List?
We sweep through the list on a monthly basis, adding in new games and taking out any that have shut down or are no longer good. Any new games we add have to be very good though, so you won’t find any duds on this list.