All Apple Arcade Games Ranked

In a world brimming with countless mobile games, Apple Arcade offers a selection of high-quality, curated titles that have captivated players since its launch. But with over 200+ games in its ever-expanding library, the burning question is: Which ones stand out? In this article, we delve deep into the vast collection of Apple Arcade games, providing a detailed ranking based on gameplay, innovation, replayability, and overall experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a casual player looking to get the most out of your subscription, this ranked guide will ensure you know where to start. Prepare to discover hidden gems, blockbuster hits, and everything in between.

The S-Tier: Must-Plays That Define Apple Arcade

1. Fantasian
Developed by Mistwalker, Fantasian is easily one of the crown jewels of Apple Arcade. Crafted by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, this RPG is set in a stunning diorama world, blending physical sets with digital characters. The combat system brings a refreshing twist with its Dimengeon Battle feature, allowing you to collect enemies and battle them all at once, reducing random encounters. The story, while traditional, is emotionally gripping and immersive. Fantasian is a reminder of why turn-based RPGs still hold a special place in gamers' hearts.

2. Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm
A spiritual successor to Zelda games, Oceanhorn 2 is an action-packed RPG that delivers stunning visuals, captivating exploration, and challenging puzzles. The world is expansive, offering numerous side quests and secrets to uncover. It’s a perfect game for those who crave adventure and exploration, and it shows just how far mobile games have come in mimicking console-quality experiences.

3. Grindstone
One of the most addictive puzzle games on Apple Arcade, Grindstone is both strategic and action-packed. Developed by Capybara Games, it blends match-three mechanics with combat, creating a uniquely satisfying loop. The art style is quirky, and the animations are top-notch, making each level feel rewarding. With a seemingly endless amount of content, Grindstone is the kind of game you’ll keep coming back to.

4. What The Golf?
A hilarious and creative twist on traditional sports games, What The Golf? is an absolute joy to play. It’s a parody of golf, but in the most entertaining ways imaginable. Instead of simply hitting a ball into a hole, you'll find yourself launching houses, animals, and even the golfer themselves across bizarre levels. Each new stage presents a delightful surprise, keeping the experience fresh and laugh-out-loud funny throughout.

A-Tier: Highly Recommended but Just Shy of Perfection

1. Sayonara Wild Hearts
An interactive music video in game form, Sayonara Wild Hearts is visually stunning and emotionally charged. You’ll race through neon-lit environments, dodge obstacles, and engage in rhythm-based battles to the beat of a phenomenal soundtrack. The game is short, but the experience is so unique that it leaves a lasting impression. It’s a game that has to be played with headphones for the full immersive effect.

2. Spaceland
If you enjoy tactical turn-based strategy games, Spaceland is a solid entry. With a sci-fi setting reminiscent of XCOM, you’ll command a squad of heroes as they fight through various levels. It’s more streamlined compared to its PC counterparts, but the fast-paced combat and clean graphics make it perfect for mobile play.

3. Mutazione
A narrative-driven adventure game, Mutazione is filled with beautiful hand-drawn art and a touching story about family, community, and healing. You play as Kai, a girl visiting her ailing grandfather in a strange, mutated town. The game’s strength lies in its characters and world-building, offering a slow, contemplative experience rather than fast-paced action. It’s a game that leaves you thinking long after the credits roll.

B-Tier: Fun, but Limited in Scope

1. Mini Motorways
This minimalist puzzle game has you designing road networks to keep traffic flowing in growing cities. While incredibly satisfying in short bursts, Mini Motorways can become repetitive over time, with the gameplay loop not evolving much as the game progresses. That said, it’s a great game for those who enjoy strategy and management without overwhelming complexity.

2. Sneaky Sasquatch
A light-hearted game with a playful premise, Sneaky Sasquatch puts you in the shoes of a Sasquatch trying to live among humans. You’ll sneak around, steal food, and engage in fun mini-games. While charming and full of personality, the gameplay can feel simplistic after extended sessions. Nonetheless, it’s perfect for younger audiences or those looking for a more laid-back experience.

3. Cat Quest II
This action RPG offers co-op gameplay and a vibrant, colorful world filled with puns and humor. Cat Quest II is entertaining, but lacks the depth of other RPGs on the platform. The combat is basic, and the story, while fun, is more lighthearted than gripping. Still, it’s a great game for casual players and those who enjoy simple RPG mechanics.

C-Tier: Games That Miss the Mark

1. Projection: First Light
A game with an intriguing premise, Projection: First Light focuses on shadow play mechanics as you navigate a 2D platforming world. Unfortunately, the controls feel clunky, and the puzzles, while creative, can be frustrating due to imprecise mechanics. The art and story are beautiful, but the gameplay doesn’t live up to its potential.

2. Kings of the Castle
An action game where you race against time to rescue a prince from a dragon’s castle. Kings of the Castle is visually appealing, but the gameplay lacks depth and quickly becomes repetitive. The time-trial nature of the game can also feel stressful rather than fun, especially for casual players.

3. The Enchanted World
A puzzle game that falls short in execution, The Enchanted World features beautiful art but lacks challenging gameplay. The puzzles are overly simplistic, and the story, while charming, doesn’t offer enough to keep players engaged for long. It’s a game that could have benefited from more complex mechanics or deeper narrative elements.

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Titles Worth Playing

1. Guildlings
A quirky, story-driven RPG, Guildlings combines a modern-day setting with fantasy elements, creating a unique world where you text with party members and embark on epic quests. The game’s humor and dialogue are its strongest points, making it a joy to experience for those who enjoy narrative-driven games.

2. Card of Darkness
Designed by Adventure Time creator Pendleton Ward, Card of Darkness is a deceptively simple card game with deep strategy elements. The art style is quirky, and the gameplay, while easy to pick up, offers enough challenge to keep you hooked for hours. It’s a perfect game for quick sessions but offers enough complexity to satisfy hardcore gamers.

Conclusion: What Apple Arcade Offers

Apple Arcade continues to provide a unique service in the world of mobile gaming. Its subscription model, free of ads and microtransactions, ensures a more focused and enjoyable experience. With a mix of action, puzzle, RPGs, and more, there’s something for everyone. While not every game is a hit, the overall quality of the service is undeniable, and new titles are added regularly, ensuring that the library remains fresh.

For those who appreciate indie games, Apple Arcade is a treasure trove of creativity and innovation. Whether you’re in it for the deep narratives, strategic challenges, or quick, fun sessions, there’s no shortage of excellent games to play.