Playing games on your iPad is a fun way to pass time, whether you’re at home or on the go. With thousands of choices in the App Store, finding great games for your tablet can be tough. The best iPad games offer easy controls, good graphics, and fun gameplay that works well on a bigger screen.
Some iPad games are free to download while others cost money upfront. Many games also have in-app purchases that let you buy extra levels or items. iPad games cover many types, from casual puzzle games to action adventures and strategy titles.
Best iPad Games in 2025
The iPad continues to be a powerhouse for gaming in 2025, thanks to the M-series chips, high refresh rate displays, and Apple Arcade’s growing catalog. Whether you’re into immersive RPGs, competitive shooters, or laid-back puzzle games, there’s something stellar to play. Here’s a breakdown of the top iPad games this year—both paid, free, and Apple Arcade exclusives.
1. Honkai: Star Rail
- Genre: Turn-Based RPG
- Why It’s Great: Smooth performance, cinematic combat, and a huge interstellar story.
- What’s New in 2025: Version 3.2 just launched with new characters, realms, and story arcs.
Honkai: Star Rail is a flagship RPG that feels right at home on iPad’s vibrant display. It supports controller play, has PC-level graphics, and regular events that keep players coming back.
2. Resident Evil 4 Remake
- Genre: Action Horror / Third-Person Shooter
- Why It’s Great: Console-level visuals, full controller support, intense combat.
- Price: Premium title (no ads, no IAPs)
With the M1/M2 iPads, Capcom’s remake runs incredibly well. It’s the full console experience, not a mobile spin-off.
3. Stardew Valley+ (Apple Arcade)
- Genre: Farming Sim / Life RPG
- Why It’s Great: 8-player multiplayer now available on iPad, no in-app purchases.
- Platform Perk: Free with Apple Arcade
Relaxing, nostalgic, and endlessly replayable. The 2025 update added new festivals, dialogue, and items—making this the most complete version yet.
Stardew Valley stands as one of the most loved farming simulators available on iPad. Players can build their own farm, grow crops, raise animals, and connect with townspeople in a charming pixel-art world.
The iOS version has been rebuilt for touch-screen gameplay with mobile-specific features. These include auto-select to switch between farming tools quickly and auto-attack for fighting monsters in the mines.
The game offers a peaceful escape from everyday life. Many players find it acts as a mindfulness exercise, helping them relax while tending to their virtual crops and animals.
Stardew Valley lets players set their own pace. They can focus on farming, fishing, mining, or building relationships with the game’s many characters. There’s no rush to complete tasks, making it perfect for casual gaming sessions.
The game consistently ranks among the best iPad games year after year. Its simple controls work well on the tablet’s larger screen, making farm management easy and enjoyable.
Some iPad users have noted that certain content found in other versions, such as Ginger Island, may not be available in the iOS version. Players should check for the latest updates that might have added this content.
Despite any differences from other platforms, Stardew Valley on iPad offers huge value. Players can easily sink hundreds of hours into building their perfect farm and exploring the game’s many secrets.
4. Vampire Survivors
- Genre: Roguelike / Bullet Hell
- Why It’s Great: Addictive, easy to pick up, hard to put down.
- Free-to-Play with DLC
Still one of the best pick-up-and-play games. Frequent DLC updates in 2025 added new characters, weapons, and maps.
5. TMNT: Splintered Fate (Apple Arcade)
- Genre: Action Roguelike
- Why It’s Great: Great for fans of the franchise, slick co-op gameplay.
- Multiplayer: Up to 4-player co-op on iPad with Apple Arcade
Think Hades meets Ninja Turtles. Gorgeous art, rewarding upgrades, and replayable missions.
6. Death Stranding Director’s Cut
- Genre: Action / Open-World Adventure
- Why It’s Great: A technical marvel running natively on M1 iPads and above.
Kojima’s cult classic arrives fully intact, including haptic feedback if you’re using a DualSense controller. The surreal visuals and haunting story look amazing on an iPad Pro.
7. Brawlhalla
- Genre: Fighting / Platformer
- Why It’s Great: Cross-play with consoles and PC, tons of characters, and regular events.
- Free-to-Play
Super Smash Bros. fans will love this. Solid touch controls, but shines with a connected controller.
8. Dead Cells+ (Apple Arcade)
- Genre: Roguelike Metroidvania
- Why It’s Great: Fast, fluid action; new Castlevania crossover content included.
The iPad version runs flawlessly and is perfect for on-the-go dungeon crawling with zero ads or interruptions.
9. Sky: Children of the Light
- Genre: Social Adventure
- Why It’s Great: Stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, free-to-play
Created by the studio behind Journey, it remains one of the most visually poetic games on iOS. New realms and seasonal content continue to expand the universe.
10. Kingdom: Two Crowns
- Genre: Strategy / Side-Scrolling Base Builder
- Why It’s Great: Gorgeous pixel art, smart co-op play, challenging mechanics
A hidden gem for strategy fans. Build your kingdom, defend it from nightly monsters, and explore across multiple biomes.
Honorable Mentions:
- Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile – Best FPS for high-end iPads
- Civilization VI – Deep 4X strategy now supports cross-save with PC
- Genshin Impact – Still huge, new regions added in 2025
- The Pathless+ (Apple Arcade) – Fluid exploration and boss fights
- Monopoly Go – Surprisingly addictive casual hit
- Minecraft – New 2025 update adds ray tracing-like lighting on M-series iPads
Other Great Games For iPad
11) Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact stands out as one of the best iPad games available today. This free-to-play action RPG brings a huge open world to your tablet screen.
The game puts you in Teyvat, a vast world full of elemental energy. Players control a traveler searching for their lost sibling while exploring beautiful landscapes and meeting colorful characters.
iPad owners enjoy special benefits when playing Genshin Impact. The larger screen shows off the game’s stunning visuals better than phones. Touch controls work well, but players can also connect controllers for more precise movement.
The iPad Pro M2 currently ranks as one of the best mobile devices for playing Genshin Impact. It handles the game’s demands with ease, delivering smooth frame rates and quick loading times.
Players can adjust graphics settings on their iPads to find the right balance between visual quality and performance. Higher-end models support the highest settings without issues.
The game features a gacha system for collecting characters and weapons. Each character has unique abilities tied to elements like fire, water, and lightning.
Combat mixes real-time action with strategic element combinations. Players switch between four characters to create powerful reaction effects against enemies.
Regular updates add new areas, stories, and characters every six weeks. This keeps the game fresh even for long-term players.
iPad gamers can play alongside friends on other platforms thanks to cross-play support. The game connects PlayStation, PC, mobile, and iPad players in the same world.
12) Among Us
Among Us is a hit game that puts players in space as crew members trying to fix their ship. But watch out! Some players are actually imposters trying to sabotage the mission and eliminate the crew.
The game works great on iPad, offering smooth gameplay that takes full advantage of the larger screen. Players can easily tap to move around the spaceship and complete mini-tasks.
You can join games online with 4-15 players or play locally with friends. Each round brings a new mystery as you try to figure out who’s an imposter before they take everyone out.
The controls are simple – just tap where you want to go and interact with objects. When a dead body is found, everyone gets to chat and vote on who seems suspicious.
The game has earned an Editors’ Choice award for iPhone gaming, and it plays even better on iPad’s bigger screen. The cartoon-style graphics look crisp and colorful.
Some iPad users have reported crashes on older models, but most modern iPads run the game without issues. The developers keep updating the game to fix bugs and add new content.
Best of all, Among Us is free to download with optional in-app purchases for cosmetic items. This makes it easy to try out one of the best games available for iPad.
13) Minecraft
Minecraft is one of the most popular games ever made, and it shines on iPad. This block-building adventure gives you infinite worlds to explore and create in.
The iPad version offers the full Minecraft experience with touch controls that work surprisingly well. You can play with friends across different devices since it uses the Bedrock Edition, which supports cross-platform play.
What makes Minecraft great on iPad is its portability. You can build massive structures, fight monsters, or just mine for resources anywhere you go. The game runs smoothly even on older iPad models.
Many parents appreciate Minecraft for its educational value. Apple even has a helpful guide for parents explaining the game’s benefits and safety features.
For travelers, Minecraft is a perfect choice. As one user asked on Reddit, it’s ideal for playing on the go during trips when you need entertainment.
The game supports keyboard and mouse connectivity on iPad, according to Quora users. This means you can play almost like you would on a PC if you prefer that control style.
IGN has named it one of the best iPad games to play in 2025, placing it alongside other top titles like Genshin Impact and Stardew Valley.
For $6.99, Minecraft offers almost endless gameplay value. The regular updates keep adding new content, ensuring you’ll always have something fresh to try.
14) Alto’s Odyssey
Alto’s Odyssey takes the sandboarding adventure to new heights. This sequel to the popular Alto’s Adventure moves from snowy mountains to beautiful desert landscapes.
The game features simple one-touch controls that are easy to learn. You tap to jump and hold to flip as Alto slides down sand dunes and across vines.
The visuals in Alto’s Odyssey are stunning. The changing weather and day-night cycles create a magical atmosphere that pulls you into its world. The game supports ProMotion on iPad Pro, making gameplay extra smooth.
What makes this game special is its peaceful nature. The “Zen Mode” lets you play without any pressure – no scores, no game overs. Just you and the endless desert.
Alto’s Odyssey includes full iOS features like iCloud support and Apple TV compatibility. Your progress syncs across all your Apple devices.
The game challenges you to find “The Lost City” while uncovering hidden secrets along the way. Each run feels different with randomly generated levels.
Many players find Alto’s Odyssey more enjoyable than its predecessor. The improved mechanics and new environments make for a better gaming experience.
The soundtrack deserves special mention. The music changes with your gameplay, creating a truly immersive experience that matches the beautiful graphics.
15) Bloons TD 6
Bloons TD 6 stands out as one of the most popular tower defense games for iPad. Players build defensive towers to pop invading balloons (called “Bloons”) before they reach the end of the track.
The game offers endless hours of strategic gameplay that keeps millions of players coming back. You can create the perfect defense by mixing different Monkey Towers and Heroes to stop the Bloon invasion.
The 3D graphics make this sixth installment in the series visually impressive. Each tower has multiple upgrade paths that let players customize their defense style.
Bloons TD 6 runs smoothly on iPad, though some players note it may be less laggy on PC. The touch controls work well on the iPad’s larger screen, making tower placement easy and precise.
The game receives regular updates with new content. This keeps the gameplay fresh even after many hours of play.
For Apple Arcade subscribers, Bloons TD 6+ offers the same fun without ads or in-app purchases. This makes it a great choice for younger players.
Bloons TD 6 is available on multiple platforms including iOS, Android, and Steam. The iPad version takes advantage of the device’s processing power and screen size.
The game includes different difficulty modes that appeal to both casual and hardcore players. This flexibility makes it a good fit for anyone who enjoys strategy games.
16) Darkest Dungeon
Darkest Dungeon is a challenging gothic roguelike that works perfectly on iPad. The game blends turn-based combat with psychological stress management in a dark fantasy setting.
Players lead a team of flawed heroes through dangerous dungeons filled with monsters. Each character can develop mental issues from the horrors they face, adding a unique twist to standard RPG play.
The iPad version has been praised for its excellent touch controls. You can tap and drag to arrange your team, plan attacks, and manage your estate with natural finger movements.
The art style stands out with its grim, hand-drawn look. Dark shadows and blood-red highlights create a mood that matches the game’s tough challenges.
Death is permanent in Darkest Dungeon. When heroes die, they stay dead, making each decision carry real weight. This adds tension to every move you make.
The game offers tons of replay value. With procedurally generated dungeons, no two runs feel exactly the same. You’ll face different monsters and traps each time.
If you enjoy games like FTL or Don’t Starve, Darkest Dungeon will fit right into your collection. It offers that same mix of difficulty and reward.
The Tablet Edition includes all the content from the PC version but designed for touch screens. The interface feels natural and easy to use.
For iPad gamers who want a deep, challenging experience that will test both their tactical skills and nerve, Darkest Dungeon delivers hours of grim adventure.
17) Slay the Spire
Slay the Spire combines card games with roguelike elements to create a unique gaming experience. Players build decks as they climb a mysterious spire filled with monsters, treasures, and tough choices. The game offers four different characters to play as, each with their own card sets and play styles.
The gameplay loop is simple but addictive. You fight enemies using cards from your deck, earn rewards, and add new cards to become stronger. No two runs are the same thanks to random encounters and card offerings.
What makes this game stand out is its incredible balance. Slay the Spire is amazing and ranks among the best roguelikes available. The iPad version gives players the full experience with touch controls that work well.
Each run takes about an hour, making it perfect for short gaming sessions. You can pick it up, play a quick game, and put it down without feeling rushed. This works great on iPad where you might play in short bursts.
The game doesn’t explain everything upfront. Players learn through trial and error, discovering powerful card combinations and strategies over time. This discovery process keeps the game fresh even after many hours.
Fans of card games will find plenty of depth in crafting unique decks and finding powerful relics. The iPad screen size makes it easy to read card effects and plan your moves carefully.
For those who enjoy Slay the Spire, other similar games like Dawncaster, Dark Mist, and Night of the Full Moon offer comparable experiences. But many players find themselves returning to the Spire for its perfect balance of luck and skill.
18) Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9: Legends stands out as one of the best racing games for iPad. Players can challenge up to 7 opponents from around the world in exciting online multiplayer races.
The game shines on iPad with stunning graphics and smooth gameplay. The larger screen makes it easier to see the track and control your car during intense races.
Drifting is a key skill to master in Asphalt 9. Players need to perfect their drift skills to win races and earn rewards.
Many gamers enjoy the cross-platform multiplayer feature. This lets iPad users race against friends who play on different devices.
The game runs very well on newer iPad models. The powerful processors in modern iPads handle the game’s graphics without any slowdown.
Some players have shared their experiences playing Asphalt 9 on iPad through YouTube videos. These videos show how the game looks and plays on the larger screen.
The game includes many cars to collect and upgrade. Players can unlock new vehicles by winning races and completing challenges.
Control options are flexible in Asphalt 9. Players can choose between touch controls or tilt controls based on their preference.
The iPad version offers better visuals than phones. Details like reflections on cars and track environments look more impressive on the larger display.
Free to download, Asphalt 9 does include in-app purchases. However, many players enjoy the game without spending money.
19) Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Castlevania: Symphony of the Night brings one of gaming’s most beloved classics to the iPad. This action RPG lets players control Alucard as he jumps, dashes, and slashes through Dracula’s massive castle.
The iOS port stays true to the original 1997 release. The pixel-art graphics shine just as brightly as they did when the game first came out, now on the iPad’s vibrant display.
Touch controls might worry fans of the console version. However, many players find the mobile experience surprisingly good. The game runs smoothly and the sound quality is excellent, with the famous soundtrack fully intact.
The game offers deep RPG elements with equipment to find, stats to upgrade, and abilities to unlock. Players can explore the castle freely, finding new paths as they gain powers.
Symphony of the Night stands out among iPad games because of its depth. Most mobile games focus on short play sessions, but this title offers a full console experience with many hours of gameplay.
For just a few dollars, players get the complete action RPG experience without ads or in-app purchases. This makes it an excellent value compared to many free-to-play iPad games.
While some may question if playing such a classic with touch controls makes sense, many fans find it works well on iPad. The larger screen gives more space for the virtual controls than on phones.
Compatibility Across iPad Models
Not all iPad games work on every iPad model. Game performance depends on your iPad’s processor and iOS version. These factors affect which games you can play and how well they run.
Apple Silicon vs. Intel
The switch to Apple Silicon chips has transformed iPad gaming. Newer iPads with M1, M2, or A14 chips and above can run graphically demanding games like Dead Stranding and Alien: Isolation with console-quality graphics. These games often won’t run properly on older Intel-based models.
Performance differences are significant. Games like Civilization VI run smoothly on newer models but may lag on older iPads. The latest iPad Pro models offer the best gaming experience with faster load times and higher frame rates.
Storage is another consideration. Many premium games require 2-4GB of space. The base 64GB iPad might fill up quickly if you install several large games.
RAM affects multitasking while gaming. Budget iPads may force-close background apps when running memory-intensive games.
iOS Version Requirements
Game developers regularly update their apps to work with the latest iOS versions. As of March 2025, many newer games require iPadOS 18 or later to run properly.
Older iPads that can’t update beyond certain iOS versions may not support newer games. For example, the iPad 5th generation maxes out at iPadOS 15, making many recent releases incompatible.
Compatible iPad Models for Modern Gaming:
- iPad Pro (all models from 2018 onward)
- iPad Air (3rd generation and newer)
- iPad mini (5th generation and newer)
- iPad (8th generation and newer)
Some games offer scaled-down versions for older devices. Popular titles like Battle for Polytopia and Slay the Spire are optimized to run across multiple generations of iPads.
Always check the App Store listing for specific compatibility requirements before purchasing games.
Exploring Game Genres
The iPad’s versatile touchscreen and powerful hardware make it perfect for many types of games. Game developers have created unique experiences that take advantage of the tablet’s larger display and intuitive controls.
Augmented Reality Games
AR games on iPad blend digital content with the real world through the device’s camera. The iPad’s larger screen makes these experiences more immersive than on phones.
Popular AR titles include:
- Pokémon GO – Catch virtual creatures in real-world locations
- Minecraft Earth – Build block structures that appear in your actual surroundings
- The Machines – A tactical combat game played on your tabletop
These games transform everyday spaces into playgrounds. Your living room floor might become a battlefield, or your backyard could hide fantasy creatures.
AR games often encourage physical movement and exploration. They work best in well-lit areas with plenty of space to move around.
Puzzle and Strategy Adventures
The iPad shines with puzzle and strategy games that benefit from its touch interface. These games test your brain rather than your reflexes.
Darkest Dungeon is considered by some players to be “the best iPad game of all time.” It combines strategic team management with Gothic horror.
Other standout titles include:
- Slay the Spire – A deck-building roguelike game
- FTL: Faster Than Light – A spaceship management sim
- Monument Valley – Geometric puzzle solving with stunning visuals
For space exploration fans, Star Traders offers deep RPG gameplay. The game lets you captain a spacecraft through a vast universe filled with choices.
Chess and board game adaptations also work wonderfully on the larger screen.
Multiplayer and Social Experiences
iPads connect friends through shared gaming experiences, whether sitting side-by-side or playing across the world.
Top multiplayer options include:
- Among Us – Find the impostor in this social deduction game
- Minecraft – Build and survive together in blocky worlds
- Hearthstone – Competitive card battles against real opponents
The iPad’s screen size makes it ideal for local multiplayer. Two players can enjoy games like “Fruit Ninja” or racing titles on the same device.
Disney Dreamlight Valley and Hello Kitty Island Adventure offer social simulation experiences where you can build relationships with characters and create your own space.
Online multiplayer games often include voice chat options. This helps players coordinate and socialize during gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
iPad gamers often have burning questions about the best titles for different situations and preferences. Here are answers to some common questions to help you find your next favorite game.
What are the top-rated iPad games currently available for adults?
Genshin Impact stands out as one of the highest-rated games for adult iPad users. This free-to-play action RPG offers stunning visuals and an immersive open world.
Alien: Isolation delivers a terrifying survival horror experience that makes excellent use of the iPad’s larger screen. The atmospheric tension and graphics are impressive.
For strategy fans, Stardew Valley provides a relaxing yet deep farming simulation with relationship building and exploration elements.
Which free iPad games are most popular among users right now?
Among Us continues to be a hit free game, with its social deduction gameplay perfect for playing with friends or strangers online.
PUBG Mobile and COD are consistently ranked as “the best tablet gaming experiences” for battle royale fans who enjoy competitive gameplay.
Trivia Crack 2 has gained popularity with its wide range of topics and knowledge-testing questions. It’s free to download with optional in-app purchases.
What highly recommended iPad games are suitable for children?
Minecraft remains the gold standard for kids’ games on iPad. It encourages creativity, problem-solving, and provides a safe digital playground.
Trivia: Questions and Answers offers “a series of tricky brain teasers” that can be both fun and educational for children.
Alto’s Odyssey provides a beautiful, family-friendly endless runner experience with simple controls and gorgeous visuals.
Which iPad games offer the best experience without an internet connection?
Stardew Valley shines as an offline game, allowing players to build their farm and explore the charming village without needing internet access.
Erudite — Trivia & Quiz Games is specifically designed as an “offline trivia game” with “different topics, tricky questions, interesting facts” to enjoy anywhere.
Minecraft offers a complete offline experience with all its building and survival features available without an internet connection.
Can you suggest some iPad games that are particularly popular with women?
Stardew Valley has a dedicated female player base who enjoy its relationship-building elements, farm customization, and relaxing gameplay loop.
Erudite — Trivia & Quiz Games appeals to women who enjoy testing their knowledge across various subjects in an engaging format.
Alto’s Odyssey attracts many female players with its beautiful art style, meditative gameplay, and low-pressure gaming experience.
What are the most engaging iPad games that won’t cost anything to play?
Genshin Impact offers an incredible amount of free content with its vast open world and regular updates. Players can enjoy the full story without spending money.
Trivia Crack 2 lets players “test your knowledge on your favorite TV shows, movies, books, artists and more” completely free, with optional purchases.
PUBG Mobile provides one of the most complete free gaming experiences on iPad, with the full battle royale experience available without payment.
