25 Must-Play iPhone Games for 2025

The iPhone gaming landscape continues to evolve rapidly, offering increasingly sophisticated and engaging experiences. From casual puzzlers to console-quality action titles, 2025 brings an exciting array of games to suit every taste. Let’s explore some of the top iPhone games that are captivating players this year.

Action and Adventure

Honkai: Star Rail

This sci-fi RPG from the creators of Genshin Impact has taken the mobile world by storm. Featuring a deep, turn-based combat system and a sprawling interstellar narrative, Honkai: Star Rail offers console-quality gameplay on your iPhone.

Key Features:

  • Stunning anime-inspired visuals
  • Strategic turn-based combat
  • Gacha system for character collection
  • Regular content updates and events

Dredge: Depths of Dread

A mobile port of the hit indie game, Dredge brings its unique blend of fishing and cosmic horror to iPhones. Navigate treacherous waters, upgrade your vessel, and uncover eldritch secrets lurking beneath the waves.

Key Features:

  • Atmospheric exploration
  • Fishing mechanics with a horror twist
  • Ship upgrades and customization
  • Lovecraftian narrative

Strategy and Simulation

Stardew Valley

This beloved farming sim continues to charm iPhone gamers in 2025. Escape to the countryside, build your dream farm, and forge relationships with the quirky residents of Pelican Town.

Key Features:

  • Deep farming and crafting systems
  • Relationship-building with NPCs
  • Dungeon exploration
  • Regular content updates

Civilization VI

Experience the pinnacle of mobile strategy gaming with Civilization VI. Guide your civilization from ancient times to the space age, managing resources, diplomacy, and warfare along the way.

Key Features:

  • Full Civilization VI experience on mobile
  • Turn-based 4X gameplay
  • Multiple victory conditions
  • Expansion content available as in-app purchases

Puzzle and Casual

Monument Valley 3

The long-awaited sequel in the critically acclaimed Monument Valley series has arrived. Navigate impossible architecture, solve mind-bending puzzles, and immerse yourself in a hauntingly beautiful world.

Key Features:

  • M.C. Escher-inspired level design
  • Stunning minimalist art style
  • Soothing soundtrack
  • New gameplay mechanics building on previous entries

Wordle+

The viral word game phenomenon has evolved into a full-fledged app with additional modes and social features. Challenge friends, compete in daily tournaments, and flex your vocabulary muscles.

Key Features:

  • Classic Wordle gameplay
  • New game modes (timed, hard mode, etc.)
  • Global and friend leaderboards
  • Optional hint system

Sports and Racing

EA Sports FC Mobile

The rebranded FIFA series continues to dominate mobile soccer. Build your ultimate team, compete in leagues, and experience fluid, realistic gameplay optimized for touch controls.

Key Features:

  • Licensed teams and players
  • Ultimate Team mode
  • Live service with regular events
  • Cross-platform progression with console versions

Asphalt 10: Hyperdrive

The latest entry in the Asphalt racing series pushes iPhone hardware to its limits. Race exotic supercars through dynamic, destructible environments in breathtaking 120 FPS gameplay.

Key Features:

  • Photorealistic graphics
  • Extensive car customization
  • Online multiplayer races
  • Dynamic weather and time of day

Multiplayer and Social

Among Us VR

The hit social deduction game goes virtual. Use your iPhone as a VR controller in conjunction with a mobile VR headset for a truly immersive experience of sussing out impostors on a space station.

Key Features:

  • Full 3D environments
  • Voice chat integration
  • New tasks and sabotages designed for VR
  • Cross-play with non-VR mobile version

Fortnite Mobile 2.0

After years of legal battles, Fortnite returns to the App Store with a completely rebuilt mobile experience. Enjoy the full battle royale experience with touch controls fine-tuned for competitive play.

Key Features:

  • 120 FPS gameplay on supported devices
  • Customizable HUD and control schemes
  • Mobile-exclusive cosmetics and events
  • Cross-progression with all platforms

Role-Playing Games (RPGs)

Baldur’s Gate 3 Mobile

The critically acclaimed RPG makes its way to iPhones, bringing the full depth of its branching narrative and tactical combat. Explore the Forgotten Realms and shape your own adventure on the go.

Key Features:

  • Faithful adaptation of the PC/console version
  • Turn-based combat with D&D 5e ruleset
  • Vast, reactive world to explore
  • Cloud save support for cross-platform play

Final Fantasy VII: Ever Crisis

Square Enix’s reimagining of the FFVII compilation comes to mobile. Experience a new take on Cloud’s journey with modernized gameplay and stunning visuals optimized for iPhone.

Key Features:

  • Episodic storytelling covering the entire FFVII timeline
  • Active-time battle system with touch controls
  • Gacha elements for character and weapon collection
  • High-quality cutscenes and voice acting

Augmented Reality (AR)

Pokémon GO Ultra

The AR phenomenon evolves with more immersive features. Use your iPhone’s LiDAR scanner for precise Pokémon placement, engage in real-time battles with local trainers, and watch your Pokémon interact with the real world like never before.

Key Features:

  • Advanced AR interactions
  • Real-time PvP battles
  • Enhanced graphics and animations
  • New Pokémon and regional variants

Minecraft Earth Reborn

Microsoft revives its AR Minecraft experience with lessons learned from its initial release. Build elaborate structures in the real world, collaborate with friends, and defend your creations from hostile mobs.

Key Features:

  • Persistent AR world shared with local players
  • Gather resources from real-world locations
  • Cooperative building and adventure modes
  • Integration with Minecraft Marketplace for custom content

Indie Gems

Hades 2 Mobile

The sequel to Supergiant’s critically acclaimed roguelike comes to iPhone. Hack and slash your way through the Underworld with tight, responsive controls optimized for touch.

Key Features:

  • Fast-paced action combat
  • Roguelike progression with persistent upgrades
  • Rich Greek mythology-inspired narrative
  • Cross-save support with PC version

Hollow Knight: Silksong Pocket Edition

Team Cherry’s long-awaited Hollow Knight sequel arrives on iPhone. Explore a vast, interconnected world as Hornet, with precision platforming and challenging combat perfectly adapted for mobile play.

Key Features:

  • Metroidvania-style exploration
  • Challenging boss battles
  • Hauntingly beautiful hand-drawn art
  • New abilities and tools unique to Hornet

As iPhone hardware continues to advance, the line between mobile and console gaming grows increasingly blurred. Whether you’re looking for quick puzzle-solving sessions or deep, immersive experiences, the App Store in 2025 offers something for every type of gamer. Remember to check age ratings and in-app purchase details before downloading, and happy gaming!