The Best Multiplayer Apple Arcade Games That Support Controllers

Apple Arcade is revolutionizing mobile gaming by offering a library of premium, ad-free games that appeal to a wide range of players. While many of these games offer captivating single-player experiences, the multiplayer options take gaming to the next level, especially when paired with a controller. Whether you're battling it out with friends or teaming up for cooperative gameplay, Apple Arcade offers a plethora of multiplayer games that support controllers.

Why Controllers Matter for Apple Arcade

Before diving into the list of top multiplayer games, let’s address the elephant in the room: why should you even use a controller when gaming on Apple Arcade? After all, mobile games are designed with touchscreens in mind, right?

Enhanced Precision and Comfort: While touchscreen controls have improved over the years, they still can’t beat the precision, responsiveness, and comfort offered by controllers. Whether you’re engaged in a tense battle royale or a fast-paced platformer, having a controller makes a world of difference.

Console-Like Experience: Apple Arcade brings console-quality games to your fingertips, so why not maximize that experience by using a gamepad? Many of the multiplayer titles on Apple Arcade were developed with console gameplay in mind, and they simply play better when you can use a traditional controller.

Now, let’s get into the best multiplayer games on Apple Arcade that support controllers.

1. Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm

Genre: Action RPG
Tags: Adventure, RPG, Multiplayer, Action
Oceanhorn 2 offers an epic action-adventure experience reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda, complete with gorgeous graphics and sprawling worlds. The game features a cooperative multiplayer mode where you and your friends can battle enemies and solve puzzles together. Using a controller makes combat smoother, especially during boss fights, while also offering better movement and interaction with the environment.

2. LEGO® Brawls

Genre: Fighting
Tags: Battle, Multiplayer, LEGO, Fighting
LEGO® Brawls is an action-packed brawler that allows players to team up or go head-to-head in chaotic, fun-filled combat. The game offers both competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes, and with a controller, you'll find it much easier to perform special moves, build defenses, and navigate the various battle arenas. It’s a perfect game for family game nights or casual competitive play with friends.

3. Sonic Racing

Genre: Racing
Tags: Racing, Multiplayer, Competitive
If you’re a fan of racing games, Sonic Racing brings the thrill of fast-paced kart racing with a Sonic the Hedgehog twist. This multiplayer game lets you compete against friends or players online, and having a controller makes steering and power-sliding far more precise. With the ability to customize vehicles and characters, the game delivers endless fun and friendly competition.

4. Fantasian

Genre: RPG
Tags: RPG, Story, Multiplayer
From the creator of Final Fantasy, Fantasian offers an engrossing RPG experience with stunning diorama-style visuals. Though the game focuses heavily on a single-player story, it also incorporates a multiplayer component, allowing players to team up for certain quests and battles. Using a controller enhances the gameplay, particularly during complex combat scenarios, making the overall experience much smoother and more immersive.

5. Spaceland

Genre: Strategy
Tags: Strategy, Multiplayer, Tactical
Spaceland is a tactical turn-based strategy game that supports both single-player and multiplayer modes. The multiplayer experience allows players to work together in defeating alien foes on a far-off planet. With a controller, the strategic elements of the game—like positioning units and activating abilities—become much more intuitive. The game’s crisp graphics and streamlined UI make it a perfect fit for both solo and team play.

6. Crossy Road Castle

Genre: Platformer
Tags: Platformer, Multiplayer, Co-op
This co-op platformer game takes the classic Crossy Road formula and turns it into a multiplayer extravaganza. You and your friends work together to scale towers, solve puzzles, and avoid obstacles. The game is charmingly chaotic, but using a controller helps you navigate the hazards and time your jumps with greater precision, giving you an edge over your opponents.

7. Secret Oops!

Genre: Party
Tags: Party, Multiplayer, Co-op
Secret Oops! is a quirky, cooperative multiplayer game where you and your friends control invisible spies attempting to complete various missions. It’s a perfect party game, combining elements of puzzle-solving and stealth. The use of controllers makes coordinating movements and actions much more fluid, preventing unnecessary “Oops!” moments. This is one of the most unique games on Apple Arcade, and it’s even better with friends.

8. Ultimate Rivals: The Court

Genre: Sports
Tags: Sports, Multiplayer, Competitive
Ultimate Rivals: The Court is a fast-paced basketball game that pits athletes from various sports against each other in a high-energy, competitive environment. Controllers allow you to pull off complex dribble moves, alley-oops, and high-flying dunks with ease, giving you a significant advantage in multiplayer matches.

9. What The Golf?

Genre: Party
Tags: Party, Multiplayer, Golf
If you’re looking for a game that’s less about competition and more about sheer ridiculous fun, What The Golf? offers a multiplayer mode that turns traditional golf on its head. Whether you’re catapulting cows or hitting homes, the use of a controller makes the game’s strange physics more manageable, allowing for more accurate—and often hilarious—shots. The game's quirky humor makes it a hit for casual multiplayer gaming sessions.

10. Sociable Soccer

Genre: Sports
Tags: Soccer, Multiplayer, Competitive
Sociable Soccer is a fast-paced, arcade-style soccer game that’s perfect for multiplayer matches. The game combines simple controls with deep mechanics, and with a controller, you’ll find dribbling, passing, and shooting to be more fluid and intuitive. Whether you're competing against friends or facing off against AI opponents, the controller elevates the experience.

How to Connect Your Controller to Apple Devices

Now that you know which games are worth playing, let's cover how you can connect your controller to your Apple device for seamless gameplay.

1. Xbox or PlayStation Controllers
   Most Xbox and PlayStation controllers are compatible with Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Apple TVs. To connect, simply go to the Bluetooth settings on your device, turn on the controller’s pairing mode, and select the controller from the list of available devices. Once connected, you’re ready to play!

2. Other Supported Controllers
   Apple Arcade also supports several third-party controllers, including the SteelSeries Nimbus+ and the Razer Kishi. These controllers offer excellent compatibility with iOS and tvOS, providing even more options for gamers who want a premium experience.

Why Multiplayer Matters on Apple Arcade

Multiplayer gaming on Apple Arcade allows for social interaction, whether you're teaming up with friends or competing against strangers. The arcade’s emphasis on high-quality games means that many of its multiplayer offerings are on par with console and PC games. Using a controller makes these experiences even richer, ensuring that you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the convenience of mobile gaming and the precision of console-like controls.

Closing Thoughts: Maximizing Your Apple Arcade Experience

Apple Arcade has truly come into its own as a gaming platform, offering a wide variety of multiplayer games that support controller use. Whether you’re into action, strategy, racing, or party games, there’s something for everyone. Pairing a controller with these games not only improves gameplay but also brings a level of immersion and precision that rivals console gaming.

By taking full advantage of Apple Arcade's multiplayer games and using a controller, you can elevate your gaming sessions and enjoy the best mobile gaming has to offer. From intense competitive matches to laid-back cooperative missions, these games will keep you and your friends entertained for hours.