Summary
TheiPadunlocks a huge range of amazing games for players of all skill levels, likeStardew ValleyandDead Cells. From methodical puzzle games and soulslike RPGs to colorful indie games, the iPad’s larger screen and brighter colors can enhance gaming beyond the typical mobile game experience. iPad owners can find any number of well-made games on the App Store for relatively cheap price points, usually under ten dollars or even free, which makes iPad gaming economical and entertaining.
Mobile gaming has advanced significantly since the days ofFlappy BirdandTemple Run. Gaming on the iPad can pass the time with more fun, especially when traveling or sitting in waiting rooms. There are a variety of mobile games to try on the iPad, ranging from classic turn-based strategy games to emotional wordless indie stories.
10Monument Valley (2014)
An Architectural Dreamscape
Short and sweet,Monument Valleytakes players throughmind-bending architectural puzzles with striking visuals. Playing as Princess Ida, players must manipulate their environment through optical illusions to reach the exit.
Monument Valley’s puzzleshave been praised as both difficult and too simple, so players may have varying experiences with this title. However, the beautifully designed levels alongside the carefully crafted soundscape create a unique gaming experience. Additional puzzles titled Ida’s Dream are also available for purchase to add more to the admittedly short length ofMonument Valley.
9FTL: Faster Than Light (2012)
Never Play The Same Game Twice
InFTL: Faster Than Light, players save the galaxy by guiding their own spaceship through the trials and tribulations of space and transporting valuable information to allies as aliens attack and the ship experiences catastrophic failures.FTL: Faster Than Lightis a roguelike, with randomly generated gameplay every time, sono two games are ever alike.
Players can upgrade their ship, recruit new crew members, and fight off various enemy factions.FTL: Faster Than Lightis uniquely perfect for the iPad, given itsalmost real-time combat, which is convenient for a mobile device,and the iPad’s large screen makes controlling the ship even more immersive.
A Mobile, Pixel Art Soulslike
Unlike the other more relaxing games listed,Dead Cellsis achallenging side-scrolling game with rougelike features. Playing as the Prisoner, players traverse an island full of monsters while trying to escape their prison, using swords, shields, bows, and traps.
After each death, the Prisoner begins again in their prison with a permadeath feature that only excludes some permanent items, like special weapons and potions.Dead Cellsis a difficult gamethat rewards learning how each unique enemy behaves and how to deal with them efficiently.
7Alto’s Odyssey (2018)
Sandboard Into Beautiful Landscapes
Alto’s Odyssey, the sequel to 2015’sAlto’s Adventure, is an endless runner game full of colorful landscapes. However, instead of running, playerssandboard through the desert while collecting points, using power-ups, and unlocking new characters. With its beautiful visuals and smooth gameplay,Alto’s Odysseyis a perfect game for relaxing on the iPad.
Alto’s Odysseyis another game with an emphasis on calm vibes, with a Zen Mode and an original soundtrack. However,Alto’s Odysseyis trickier than it seems and may be difficult to master as players learn tricks, grind rails, and bounce off of obstacles.
6Bastion (2011)
Traverse A Broken World Of Floating Islands
Bastionis an action RPG where players traverse a broken world, discover what happened, and what they can do to fix it. After the Calamity destroyed part of the world, the Kid wakes up and heads to a sanctuary named Bastion. As the Kid, playersexplore floating fragments of the world to collect Coresand attempt to uncover what happened to the city of Caelondia.
Bastionis notable for itsoutstanding voice acting, hand-painted art style, and intriguing plot. It is the very first game by Supergiant Games, also known forHades,and came out to critical acclaim in 2011.
5Stardew Valley (2018)
An Idyllic Farm At Your Fingertips
Build your perfect small-town life in this iconic farming simulator. After inheriting a run-down patch of land,players can start up their own farm and explore life in Pelican Town. The nearby town is full of lively characters to build relationships with and unlock special story moments with. Enjoy seasonal festivals, fight your way through the mines, or just go fishing.
Update 1.6 forStardew Valleyis coming soon for mobile, as it released for PC in March 2024.
Stardew Valleycan be whatever you make of it, asthis game encourages taking farming and living at your own pace. The mobile version ofStardew Valleyincludes some special mobile-specific features like auto-attack for enemies and auto-select for swapping between tools.
4Civilization VI (2017)
Dominate The World With Just An iPad
After a few sequels,Civilizationfinally came to mobile in 2016.Civilization VIis a classic turn-based strategy gamethat everyone should try at least once. Taking charge of one civilization, players develop from the Stone Age to the modern Age, all while trying to rule the world.Dominant the world through superior technology, overwhelming armies, or cultural influence.
The first 60 turns are free on the mobile version ofCivilization VI.
Civilization VIis a uniquely addicting game, and playing it mobile on an iPad is a surefire way to increase screen time. Build cities, invent new technologies, deploy troops, spread your culture, and explore the world.
3Rocket League: Sideswipe (2021)
A 2D Take On Car Soccer
Rocket League: Sideswipebrings all the fun of car soccer to mobile with a 2D environment and easy touch controls. This easy-to-learn version ofRocket Leagueiscolorful and addictive from the very first match. Compete in 2v2 matches in fact-paced, action-packed matches with classicRocket Leaguecar combat. Players can customize their car with countless cosmetics, level up through seasonal battle passes, and earn rewards through Ranked gameplay.
ThoughRocket League: Sideswipemay not be the fullRocket Leagueexperience ported from desktop, it doesdistill the core gameplay into a mobile-sized packageand provides an excellent multiplayer experience.
2Donut County (2018)
Raccoons and holes make the perfect indie game
This quirky indie game from Annapurna Interactive, the same studio that createdStrayandOuter Wilds,boasts bothfun physics-based puzzle and a unique art style. Playing as a trouble-making raccoon named BK,players utilize holes to steal objects from around town.
This might not go over well with the townspeople as holes eat the town building by building and BK is confronted about his actions. The soundtrack forDonut Countyadds a funky yet soothing vibe to the gameplay, so verify to play with headphones!
1Unpacking (2023)
Making moving a pleasure
Unpackingtakes one of the worst tasks in real life - packing, moving, and unpacking - and creates a relaxing puzzle game full of detail and hidden meaning.Place objects and decorate to your heart’s content across eight different new homes,including childhood bedrooms, dorm rooms, and family homes.
Unpacking Review: A Calming Lifetime of Memories in Moving Boxes
Unpacking is a zen-like indie game experience of life, love, and moving. Although short, the story and experience are well worth the effort.
InUnpacking,players methodically unpack the unnamed main character’s belongings over the course of eight years, and learn about their life through objects and locations. The gameplay ofUnpacking, alongside the soundtrack and audio, is perfect for relaxation as players can unpack and redecorate at their own pace on theiPad.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a charming indie farming scene that took the world by storm. After inheriting a run-down farm from their grandfather, the player moves to Stardew Valley to start a new life away from the city. Grow crops, raise animals, befriend the villagers, and discover the secrets the valley has to offer.
