The 20 Best Free Games for the iPhone
The iPhone offers a massive array of mobile games, many of which are free to play. With a diverse selection across genres—from action-packed shooters to relaxing puzzle games—there’s something for everyone. The best part? These games are completely free, although many offer in-app purchases for additional content. Whether you’re a casual gamer or someone who craves more immersive experiences, you’re bound to find something that fits your style. Below, we’ll explore the top 20 free iPhone games that have captured the hearts of players worldwide. Each one offers unique mechanics, engaging gameplay, and the convenience of being free to download and play.
1. Among Us
Among Us quickly became one of the most popular free games on iPhone due to its unique multiplayer experience. In this game, players work together to complete tasks on a spaceship while one (or more) players is secretly sabotaging their efforts. The game is a mix of strategy, deception, and social interaction, as players need to figure out who the imposter is before it’s too late. Whether you’re playing with friends or strangers, Among Us promises countless hours of fun.
With its simple controls and compelling gameplay, it’s easy to jump in and start playing. The free version allows you to play with others online, while in-app purchases unlock cosmetics and other customizations. Despite its minimalist graphics, the game offers a highly engaging experience that encourages communication and strategic thinking.
2. Call of Duty: Mobile
Call of Duty: Mobile brings the legendary first-person shooter series to your iPhone, and it’s completely free to play. The game offers a combination of classic multiplayer modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Battle Royale, all packed into a mobile-friendly format. The graphics are top-tier, providing a console-like experience on your phone.
What makes Call of Duty: Mobile stand out is its combination of familiar mechanics from the Call of Duty series, as well as controls optimized for mobile. You can customize your loadouts, unlock new weapons, and compete in both casual and ranked modes. While the game is free to download, there are in-app purchases for skins and other cosmetic items, but they don’t affect gameplay.
3. Fortnite
Fortnite is one of the most well-known battle royale games available for the iPhone, and it is free to download and play. Players are dropped onto an island where they must fight to be the last one standing. The game is famous for its building mechanics, where players can create structures for defense, attack, or strategic positioning.
Fortnite’s free-to-play model relies on in-app purchases for cosmetics, such as skins, emotes, and other items. While these purchases are purely cosmetic and don’t affect gameplay, they do allow players to express their personality in the game. With its engaging gameplay, frequent updates, and cross-platform play, Fortnite remains one of the best free games on the iPhone.
4. Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is an action-packed RPG that has captured the attention of gamers worldwide. Set in the fantasy world of Teyvat, players take on the role of a character searching for their sibling while exploring vast open-world environments, solving puzzles, and fighting monsters. The game’s stunning visuals, rich storyline, and engaging combat system make it a standout title on the iPhone.
While Genshin Impact is free to play, it features a gacha system where players can spend money to unlock new characters, weapons, and other items. However, the game can still be fully enjoyed without spending a dime, making it an excellent choice for fans of open-world adventures.
5. PUBG Mobile
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, or PUBG, is another top battle royale game that’s free to play on the iPhone. Similar to Fortnite, players are dropped onto an island and must fight to be the last one standing. PUBG Mobile features realistic graphics, diverse weapons, and intense combat. The game is well-optimized for mobile, offering both a smooth and immersive experience.
The game’s free-to-play model includes in-app purchases for skins, outfits, and other cosmetic items. While these items don’t impact gameplay, they allow players to personalize their characters. PUBG Mobile’s engaging gameplay and large player base make it a top choice for iPhone users looking for a competitive multiplayer experience.
6. Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9: Legends is one of the best free racing games available on the iPhone. With stunning graphics and fast-paced gameplay, it offers a realistic racing experience on mobile. Players can race across exotic locations, customize their cars, and compete against others in various modes, including time trials and online multiplayer races.
The game’s control scheme is optimized for mobile, making it easy for both new and experienced players to pick up and play. While Asphalt 9 offers in-app purchases for car upgrades and customization, these are not required to enjoy the game. Asphalt 9 delivers one of the best racing experiences on iOS, making it a must-play for racing fans.
7. Clash Royale
Clash Royale is a popular strategy game that combines elements of collectible card games and tower defense. Players use cards to summon units, cast spells, and defend their towers against enemy attacks. The game is highly competitive, with players facing off in real-time battles to earn trophies and climb the ranks.
As a free-to-play game, Clash Royale includes in-app purchases for chests, cards, and other items that can enhance your deck. However, the game is well-balanced, and you can enjoy competitive gameplay without spending money. With its strategic depth and fast-paced matches, Clash Royale remains one of the most addictive games on iPhone.
8. Subway Surfers
Subway Surfers is a classic endless runner game that has stood the test of time. In this game, players control a character running along train tracks while avoiding obstacles and collecting coins. The game’s simple mechanics, colorful graphics, and fast-paced gameplay make it perfect for short gaming sessions on the go.
While Subway Surfers is free to play, it includes in-app purchases for characters, power-ups, and other cosmetic items. Despite this, the core gameplay remains free, making it one of the best free games for casual gamers. With its engaging mechanics and frequent updates, Subway Surfers continues to be a fan favorite.
9. Candy Crush Saga
Candy Crush Saga is one of the most well-known free-to-play puzzle games on iOS. In this game, players match three or more candies of the same color to clear them from the board. The game’s simple yet addictive mechanics make it perfect for quick gaming sessions, while the increasing difficulty keeps players coming back for more.
While the game is free to download, it offers in-app purchases for extra lives and boosters, but they aren’t required to progress through the levels. Candy Crush Saga is a perfect choice for those who enjoy puzzle games and want a fun, casual gaming experience.
10. Temple Run 2
Temple Run 2 is another fantastic endless runner game that’s free to play. Players control a character running through an ancient temple, avoiding obstacles and collecting coins. The game’s fluid controls, vibrant graphics, and exciting gameplay make it one of the best games in its genre.
While the game includes in-app purchases for power-ups and costumes, the main gameplay experience remains free. Temple Run 2 is perfect for players who want a quick and exciting gaming experience that they can play anytime, anywhere.
11. Minecraft: Pocket Edition
Minecraft: Pocket Edition brings the beloved sandbox game to your iPhone. While the game does require a one-time purchase, it offers a free trial, making it an excellent choice for iPhone gamers looking for a deep, creative experience. Minecraft allows players to build and explore vast worlds, creating everything from simple homes to massive cities.
The game features both survival and creative modes, allowing players to choose between gathering resources and fighting off monsters or simply creating without any constraints. With its pixelated graphics and boundless creativity, Minecraft continues to be a favorite for gamers of all ages.
12. Hearthstone
Hearthstone is a free-to-play collectible card game developed by Blizzard. Players build decks from a variety of cards representing characters and spells from the Warcraft universe and battle other players in strategic card duels. The game is easy to learn but difficult to master, offering countless hours of strategic gameplay.
Hearthstone is updated regularly with new expansions, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. While players can spend money to buy card packs, the game allows you to earn cards through play, making it accessible without spending a cent.
13. Brawl Stars
Brawl Stars is a multiplayer online battle game where players engage in fast-paced, team-based matches. The game features various modes, including Bounty, Heist, and Showdown, offering a fresh experience each time you play. The characters, known as Brawlers, each have unique abilities, adding a layer of strategy to every match.
While the game is free-to-play, it offers in-app purchases for skins, brawlers, and other cosmetic items. These do not affect gameplay, making it a fair and fun experience for everyone. With its vibrant characters and intense action, Brawl Stars is a must-try for mobile gamers.
14. Clash of Clans
Clash of Clans is a real-time strategy game that has stood the test of time. Players build and upgrade their village, train an army, and raid other players for resources. The game’s combination of base-building, resource management, and tactical combat makes it highly addictive.
The free-to-play model includes in-app purchases for resources and other items, but you can still progress without spending money. The game’s blend of strategy and action makes it a top choice for those looking for a mobile strategy game.
15. Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout
Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout brings the chaos of obstacle course racing to your iPhone. Players control a cute, bouncy character as they race through various challenges, attempting to avoid elimination and be the last one standing. The game’s quirky visuals and physics-based mechanics make it a lot of fun to play.
Although the game is free to play, it includes in-app purchases for costumes and other cosmetic items. However, these items are purely for customization and don’t impact gameplay, making it a fair experience for all players.
16. Stick Fight: The Game
Stick Fight: The Game is a simple yet fun multiplayer fighting game where players control stick figure characters and battle each other in physics-based combat. The game’s minimalistic art style and chaotic gameplay make it both hilarious and addictive.
It’s easy to pick up and play with friends, and while it does offer in-app purchases for cosmetic upgrades, the core gameplay remains free. Stick Fight is perfect for anyone looking for a fun, action-packed game with a lighthearted tone.
17. 8 Ball Pool
8 Ball Pool is one of the best free-to-play pool games available on the iPhone. Players can compete in 1v1 matches or join tournaments, using their skills to sink balls and win coins. The game’s intuitive controls and realistic physics make it a great option for pool lovers.
While the game offers in-app purchases for items like cue upgrades and pool tables, these are not required to enjoy the core gameplay. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive one, 8 Ball Pool offers an engaging and fun experience.
18. War Robots
War Robots is a free-to-play action game where players control massive robots in tactical battles against other players. The game features a variety of different robots, each with unique abilities and weapons, allowing for different playstyles.
While the game does include in-app purchases for robot upgrades and skins, the gameplay remains enjoyable without spending money. War Robots offers intense multiplayer combat and a variety of tactical options, making it one of the best action games available for iPhone.
19. Solitaire
Solitaire is one of the most timeless card games, and it’s available for free on the iPhone. Whether you prefer classic Solitaire or a more modern variation, this game offers hours of entertainment with its simple but challenging mechanics.
The free version of the game includes ads, but the core gameplay remains free. If you’re looking for a relaxing game to pass the time, Solitaire is an excellent choice.
20. Plague Inc.
Plague Inc. is a unique strategy game where players simulate the spread of a virus with the goal of infecting and wiping out the world’s population. The game requires careful planning and strategy as you develop and evolve your plague to overcome the world’s defense mechanisms.
The game is free to download, with in-app purchases for additional scenarios and content. Plague Inc. provides a thought-provoking, strategic experience that is both fun and challenging.
Conclusion
The iPhone offers an extensive collection of free games that cater to every type of gamer, from casual puzzle enthusiasts to competitive battle royale fans. The games on this list represent the best of what the mobile gaming world has to offer. Whether you’re into racing, strategy, or action-packed adventures, there’s something for everyone. With frequent updates, new content, and innovative gameplay, these free iPhone games ensure that you’ll never run out of fun ways to pass the time. Most importantly, they all prove that you don’t have to spend a dime to enjoy high-quality gaming experiences on your iPhone.
