Are you looking for the best iOS games to keep your mind and fingers busy in 2022? You're in the right place. While the iPhone has many incredible features to offer today's smartphone fans, one of its most compelling components is its incredible app market.
The Apple App store is full of fun games to explore, whether you're looking for a brain-teasing puzzle or something with a little more action and adventure.
Of course, with great choice often comes a lot of confusion. With thousands of potential apps to choose from today, it's difficult to know where to start your search for the ultimate boredom buster.
Fortunately, we've done the hard work for you. We've scrolled, tapped, and tilted our way through a host of the highest-rated iOS games for the year to deliver a list of all the incredible titles you don't want to miss.
Let's dive in.
1. Genshin Impact
Officially published in 2020, Genshin impact is the immersive, open-world action role-playing game everybody is talking about. If you're looking for a console-quality title on a compact screen, it's hard to go wrong with Genshin. You'll have the option to play as one of four interchangeable characters as you explore a genuinely phenomenal world with many challenges to unlock.
The open-world style environment is unlike anything we've seen in the mobile gaming world before, and it's great for those with a love of action and roleplaying. If you like the idea of a game where you can climb waterfalls and swim through lakes without having to load up your console, this could be the title for you.
2. Pokemon Unite
Pokemon games have proven to take the mobile world by storm just as much as the standard console landscape. While Pokemon Go introduced the world to a brand-new style of gaming in the form of Augmented Reality experiences, Pokemon Unite delivers a more battle-focused experience.
The 5-on-5 battle arena allows you to work with your Pokemon team to secure the most points. You can access unique designs to make your Pokemon stand out in battle, and the game is cross-platform, so you can play with Android and Switch fans too. The more time you spend building your team, the more addicted you become.
3. Minecraft
If you don't mind spending a little extra on a game offering hour of world-building fun, Minecraft is the title for you. About a decade old at this point, Minecraft is far from a new trend for 2022, but that doesn't make it any less appealing.
This blockbusting game has emerged as one of the most influential titles in the mobile market. You can build castles, fight skeletons, and even design your own automated farms. What more could you want? For extra control when you're navigating around lava pits, make sure you plug in your own smartphone controller.
4. Among Us
Among Us launched in 2018, but it didn't achieve its ultra-popular status officially until 2020. Now, the world seems to have gone Among Us mad, with toys and accessories everywhere you look. Among Us is best known for its fun animations and cooperative play styles, sure to have you questioning everyone you thought you knew.
The cooperative multiplayer game works by asking friends to work together to “suss” out who's the saboteur in your group. It's an incredible but simple game that is ideal for anyone looking for fun with friends. While there aren't a vast number of landscapes to explore, you'll have endless fun playing match after match with other players.
5. Brawlhalla
If you're a fan of Super Smash Bros (and who isn't?), but you want to get a less Nintendo-branded experience on your smartphone, Brawlhalla is the game for you. This free-to-play, fun fighting game puts a host of tiny, colorful characters into the ring.
Like with Smash Bros, you'll have access to various wacky weapons and unique fighting styles as you work to bash your opponents off the stage. The more time you spend experimenting with different characters, the more you'll discover which champions perfectly suit your fighting style, making it even harder to put this game down.
6. Call of Duty: Mobile
Call of Duty is one of the biggest game franchises of all time, earning the attention of countless dedicated players worldwide. There are even CoD leagues in the eSports world, with top-ranked players who've mastered the game.
The stunning maps and fun game types translate perfectly into the mobile world for Call of Duty: Mobile. You can still access Battle Royale mode and play challenges daily to improve your skills. It's an instant classic, ideal for those who already love the immersive call of duty world. Just be prepared for some tough competition in the online world.
7. Crashlands
A little older than some of the games mentioned on this list, Crashlands first debuted in 2016 as a fun action-adventure crafting RPG with a unique plot. The game leaves you stranded on an uncivilized planet, where you need to mine for resources, fight monsters and fulfill quests.
The great thing about this game is how immersive and fast-paced it can field. There's also cross-platform support, so you can easily explore the worlds you build across Android, iOS, and even the Nintendo Switch. If you want a unique adventure game with some crafting elements built-in, this could be the iOS title you've been searching for.
8. Hearthstone (Heroes of Warcraft)
It's hard to find anyone who's not familiar with the addictive nature of World of Warcraft. In 2014, the WoW franchise got a little bigger when it introduced Hearthstone for the mobile world. The Hearthstone free-to-play game is a turn-based collectible card game app, ideal for those who love getting immersed in a fantasy world.
There are various elements from the World of Warcraft trading card game that have made their way into this app if you're already familiar with that title. The popularity of this mobile game has also earned it various expansions over the years.
9. Pokemon Go
There's always room for another Pokemon game. Pokemon Go is one of the most iconic titles ever to hit the iOS market. Known for changing the way we look at gaming forever, Pokemon Go introduced us to what life could be like if we could actually bring the characters we loved into the real world. The augmented reality app gave birth to a slew of new gaming styles.
Today, Pokemon Go continues to update and improve all the time. There are Raid Battles, new Pokemon, items, and various other features to explore if you haven't logged on in a while.
10. PUBG Mobile
Similar to Call of Duty, PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds has earned a significant following on the PC gaming and home console market. It only makes sense that the franchise would want to transition into the gaming world eventually. Players can join forces in a giant Battle Royale experience from their mobile devices.
The game is still as fast-paced and chaotic as ever, with tons of exciting mechanics to explore and various ways to hone your skills. If you love the chaos of Fortnite and want something similar, PUBG mobile is an excellent choice.
11. Brawl Stars
A fun and slightly retro approach to mobile gaming, Brawl Stars is an eye-catching multiplayer mobile game that throws players into a fast-paced and colorful world. You can customize your character, play new season challenges solo, or team up with friends.
There are fun 3v3 multiplayer events where you can take on other players with some pretty bizarre weapons. Plus, the more you play, the more you'll unlock super abilities, new gadgets, and different abilities. This is one of the easiest iOS games to get addicted to right now.
12. Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
Castlevania is one of the best-known game franchises ever released by Konami, with a strong presence in the mobile world. The iconic game “Symphony of the Night” is now available to play on mobile, complete with its retro-style graphics and classic console-style design.
The fast-paced mobile game allows users to quickly dash and slash their way through the infamous castle of Dracula while encountering endless enemies and characters along the way. If you have a controller for your smartphone, it's probably worth plugging it in for this game.
13. Dragalia Lost
If you love final fantasy style or anime games with a focus on role-playing and adventure, Dragalia Lost is the incredible iOS game you've been searching for. This swipe-controlled action RPG takes you on a quest into a world where you can fight alongside dragons or turn into one yourself.
Aside from its phenomenal gameplay, one of the best things about this game is the beautiful music you'll get to listen to as you play. The music is by Japanese artist DAOKO, and it's great for keeping you in the right mind through the game.
14. Doors: Paradox
Feel like something a little more mentally challenging? Puzzle games are a big deal in the iOS landscape lately, and few are more popular than the phenomenal “Doors: Paradox” saga. The relaxing, diorama-based puzzle gives you access to various 3D doors you can explore and learn how to unlock in your own time.
Though designed to be relaxing, with stunning graphics and serene music, the Doors saga can also be a little frustrating sometimes, so be prepared to put your brain to the test while working on this game. It's definitely a worthwhile game to explore if you love puzzles.
15. Final Fantasy VII
One of the top-selling games of all time, and a well-known masterpiece by Square Enix, Final Fantasy is a title you can't help but fall in love with. For those who want to take the Final Fantasy love affair with them wherever they go, you can now access Final Fantasy VII on your iPhone.
Keep in mind, that you're downloading the whole game here, complete with its amazing characters, turn-based battles, and story. This means you're going to need a pretty significant amount of memory on your phone to get through everything.
16. Chrono Trigger
Go back in time with your gaming experience, with your very own version of Chrono Trigger for iOS. You might be familiar with this Square Enix game from when it was first released in 1995, but you don't have to have much background knowledge to enjoy the experience.
With Chrono Trigger, you'll have endless opportunities to explore the past, present, and future, and battle various creatures along the way. The experience is wonderfully nostalgic, with beautiful, pixelated worlds to explore. This game is considered one of the best RPGs of all time, so it's worth a look if you're looking for something fun.
17. Gwent: The Witcher Card Game
Fans of the Witcher game series rejoice! Now you can play Gwent as often as you like from the comfort of your own iPhone. Gwent is the Witcher universe's favorite card game, designed to put your mind to the test as you clash against other plays in online PvP duels.
Far from the standard card game experience, Gwent will require all of your cognitive skills as you work on complex deck construction methods and try to bluff your way to success. You'll also be able to grow your collectible arsenal over time, gathering more unique abilities and skills to help you turn the tables in more difficult battles.
18. Legends of Runeterra
An iconic card game created by the visionaries at Riot Games, Legends of Runeterra is a title about skill and creativity. You'll need to dedicate some time to learning how different cards work, mixing and matching champions and allies as you move through the regions of Runeterra.
The dynamic alternating approach to gameplay in Runeterra is part of what makes this iOS game so compelling. You're not stuck in the same game experience over and over. Instead, you get to experiment with different methodologies as you play and find new ways to win. Different regions even work in unique ways with different characters.
19. Stardew Valley
Wonderfully relaxing and brimming with beautiful moments, Stardew Valley is one of those iOS games that warms your heart. This simulation role-playing game is the perfect pick if you're looking for something to help you unwind after a stressful day. The game has earned infinite success on the PC and other platforms like Nintendo Switch.
You'll have opportunities to fight monsters, explore hidden caves, build your own home, harvest crops, and develop meaningful relationships with the characters you mix. It's a fantastic game you can play repeatedly with different results.
20. League of Legends: Wild Rift
Want to take your addiction to League of Legends to the next level? LoL Wild Rift ensures you can get involved in fun, fast-paced 5v5 battles wherever you go. This online battle-arena-style game was built for mobile, so it speeds up the experience you might be used to on the PC.
The great thing about this game is how fun it is to experiment with different champions and learn how to use them to your advantage. Each champion has its own unique skills and plays style, which means you'll eventually find one or two that make the most sense for you. There are even league challenges to explore.
21. Monument Valley
Combine truly stunning art with puzzling challenges in the Monument Valley world. The game is one of the most attractive you'll find on the iPhone app store today, with endless stunning experiences to explore. You'll guide a silent character through a beautiful world, exploring new abstract textures and colors as you go.
This relaxing game is a treat for the eyes and the senses. Although you might not get the most time out of this game, with only a handful of chapters to look through, there's always a second game if you're craving more after finishing the first chapter. This title won the Apple Game of the Year Award and the Design Award for 2014.
22. The Room Series
The Room Series is a collection of mystery and puzzle-based games available for iOS. Easily one of the most popular puzzle games of all time, The Room has captured the hearts and minds of countless challenge seekers over the last few years. The title has become a critically acclaimed masterpiece, with multiple different “Rooms” to choose from.
While some of the puzzles in this game are frustratingly difficult, they can offer the perfect way to spend an afternoon if you're looking for something to test your mind. You might find this game is a little easier to wrap your head around on a larger smartphone screen, though.
23. Retro Bowl
Keep things simple the next time you load up your iPhone screen with a blast from the past in the form of Retro Bowl. This American football video game was designed for Android and iOS and offered a fantastic opportunity to dive into the loving arms of nostalgia.
Retro Bowl has a simple-to-use roster management system that allows you to play American football against a range of teams on an endearing pixelated screen. If you're a sporting fan looking for a way to celebrate your love of sports and gaming, this could be your title.
24. GRID Autosport
Ideal for lovers of fast-paced video gaming, GRID Autosport is a high-octane racing game developed initially for PC and console gamers. The iOS app allows you to take the fun of racing straight to your phone, where you can speed along countless tracks and compete against other racers.
The game is wonderfully engaging, with traditional arcade-style handling and various environments to explore when you're racing. This is the game for you if you're an arcade racer nut with a passion for fast cars.
25. Rush Rally 3
Another top pick for racing enthusiasts is this mobile game with a touch of nostalgic fun. The old-fashioned graphics are sure to make you feel like you're playing on your favorite console from childhood all over again. The rally simulation game even comes with more than 72 unique stages.
You'll have access to a range of ways to play with this app, including weekly events where you can compete against other players worldwide and world rally racing via a fun “career mode.”
26. Sky: Children of the Light
Easily one of the most beautiful and relaxing iOS games on our list, Sky: Children of the Light is sure to give you an experience like no other. The experts created this heart-warming title behind Journey and Flower, designed to give you a sense of absolute peace as you play.
More than just a gorgeous app experience, the Sky game is an open-world MMORPG where you can meet other people, create new friendships, and work together to discover the amazing wonders the app offers.
27. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Otherwise known as “KOTOR”, Knights of the Old Republic is a fantastic mobile game for iOS which throws you deep into the lore of the Star Wars world. The greatest thing about this app is you can choose precisely which direction you go in. You can master the Jedi way or join the dark side, depending on how you like to play.
As a bonus, you get plenty of opportunities to explore some of the most iconic places in the Star Wars landscape. At the same time, you play, including the Sith Academy on Korriban and the Cantina on Tatooine.
28. This War of Mine
If you're a fan of the survival game aesthetic, you're going to love “This War of Mine”. Different from most war-themed video games, the app focuses on the experience of civilians surviving in a war-torn environment, rather than the combat on the frontline.
You'll need to learn how to survive in an extremely dangerous environment and devise ways to protect yourself as the war continues to rage outside. This includes building your shelter, crafting weapons, and more.
29. Dead Trigger 2
An instant classic for lovers of the survival horror landscape, Dead Trigger 2 is one of the top zombie games on the iOS market right now, and for a good reason. The game allows you to kill hordes of zombies in various unique environments, with a host of fantastic weapons you can collect as you go.
The great thing about this game is the vast number of seasonal events. For example, you can collect “eggs” during Easter to win prizes.
30. Oxenfree
A game designed to tug at your heartstrings, this critically-acclaimed supernatural adventure has you exploring a stunning haunted island, where you can forge bonds with other characters or gradually turn them into enemies.
The Oxenfree environment is made even better by a powerful synth-pop soundtrack that seems to come straight from the 80s.
The Best iOS Games for 2022 ? Summing it up
Apple game players are in an excellent position, as tons of titles make up the list of the best iOS games for 2022. You'll have no problem finding the games that appeal to you, whether you're all about survival and puzzles or looking for something action-based. Which games are you loving most right now?
Finally, while you are here, you may want to check our lists of the best gacha games, cross-platform, and gacha games.