Since the introduction of the Apple iPad in 2010, the tablet has proven its place in the computing landscape, with its gorgeous display lending itself well to all types of digital content. And while other tablet manufacturers haven't found nearly as much success, the iPad continues to thrive with each new iteration.
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Beautiful graphics are not limited to consoles and PCs, as these graphically impressive iOS games demonstrate.Some of that success is attributed to the quality of the apps available to download from the Apple Store. Because, unlike their Android counterparts, which more often than not were built for phones and stretched to fill the tablet form factor, the apps built for iPad take advantage of its extra real estate. The same goes for the games, the best of which offer immersive mobile experiences. Here are some of the very best available today.
Updated November 4, 2023, by Chris Sanfilippo: Our latest update adds three unique games that will play well on the iPad: Mortal Kombat: Onslaught, Get Over It+, and Samurai Shodown for iOS.
Cooking Mama: Cuisine!
The Cooking Mama series gained a Michelin star reputation over various delicious entries on the Nintendo DS, 3DS, and Wii consoles. These days, you can bake, fry, dredge, and more with your favorite home chef in the iOS game Cooking Mama: Cuisine!
This sequel sticks to the tried and true Cooking Mama formula. You'll cook dishes via minigames based on peeling potatoes, flipping burger patties, and other kitchen tasks. And while this gameplay may sound dull to some, it's a calming experience that fits the iPad perfectly!
Get Over It+
Mobile gaming often caters to a casual audience looking for relaxation rather than frustration. But in the Apple Arcade game Get Over It+, the frustration is the fun. This poignant experience is inspired by a flash game called Sexy Hiking, in which you must use a hammer to fling yourself up a mountain. Sounds simple, right? Think again.
Get Over It+ reimagines Sexy Hiking's concept by trapping you in a pot from the waist down. Like Sexy Hiking, your only tool of mobility is a hammer. The graphics look much better than any flash game, a boon for the iPad. However, what sells the game is creator Bennett Foddy's narration, which curates Get Over It as an exploration of tenacity in the face of adverse challenges.
Night In The Woods
At first glance, Night in the Woods might look like a children's game with its cutesy, minimalistic visuals. But anyone who has taken the time to experience its coming-of-age tale would know that it targets a much older audience.
It is a story-driven adventure game that explores some very mature issues, like depression, through the lens of its memorable cast of anthropomorphic characters. Night In The Woods launched on PC and consoles in 2017, but the iOS version plays just as well on an iPad.
Lifeline+
iPads are multi-functional devices. They can run various apps, from word processors to triple-A games. However, many utilize iPads as their primary reading devices. Reading engages our imaginations in ways video games never could. However, what if you're a reader looking for a more interactive experience?
Lifeline+ is an engaging text-adventure game for the 21st century. This sci-fi journey is about a student abandoned on a foreign planet after a horrible crash landing. Lifeline uses push notifications to create an immersive adventure outside of the app. It's one of the best iPad games for readers looking for a new tale!
Sky: Children Of The Light
Billed as an open-world social adventure game, Sky: Children of the Light is the latest game by thatgamecompany. However, unlike their previous releases, which were published by Sony and launched exclusively on the PS3, this one debuted on iOS devices.
The game lets you explore a beautiful fantasy world where you'll encounter other players and unlock special abilities from the world's seven realms. In addition, Sky heavily employs a flying mechanic that should feel right at home to players of Journey. It's the best iPad game when you wish to connect with others.
Zen Pinball Party
Going on epic adventures in far-off lands has its allure. But what if you'd instead enjoy an arcade-like experience? In that case, you'll love the Apple Arcade exclusive Zen Pinball Party! This easy-to-pick-up pinball simulator lets you whack flippers and tilt the machine with taps and swipes.
This game has plenty of unique pinball machines, including Williams Classics, Zen Originals, and licensed machines like the Star Wars Pinball series! Various gameplay modes, live events, and tournaments keep gameplay fresh. If you're a certified Pinball Wizard, this is the best iPad game!
Hitman Go
When Hitman Go was announced, the first question on everyone's lips was how exactly the new team at Square Enix Montreal would translate the main series's open-ended stealth game into a turn-based puzzle game. It turns out the two genres work together surprisingly well.
Hitman Go presents as a board game, with players controlling Agent 47 through grid-based levels populated by enemies, all represented by miniature figurines. The combo of simple gameplay and engaging art style makes it the best iPad game for long-time Hitman fans and those new to the series.
Bastion
Long before it would take the world by storm with the brilliant Hades, indie developer Supergiant Games had thrown its hat into the game development ring with Bastion. Released in 2011, the action RPG laid the foundation for Supergiant's subsequent games, including Transistor and Pyre.
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Deck builders, survival sims, turn-based combat and more: Apple Arcade is home to great RPG-like experiences of all types.The outstanding presentation, including fully-voiced narration and a beautiful hand-painted art style, makes Bastion unique. This stellar presentation is why it remains one of the best iPad games from a purely aesthetic standpoint.
Dead Cells+
iPad owners who want a hardcore gaming experience will love the roguelike Dead Cells+. This dungeon-crawling action game places you in the role of The Beheaded, a warrior revived from the dead who can manipulate other dead cells. You'll collect more cells by killing enemies, which you can exchange for weapons and skills.
Dead Cells+ is a game that works best with a Bluetooth controller. However, if you use touchscreen controls, the Assist Mode includes various options to make gameplay feel less cumbersome. In short, Dead Cells+ is one of the best iPad games for roguelike fanatics and newcomers!
Samurai Shodown
Did you know your Netflix account provides access to more than film and television shows? The streaming platform also offers free mobile games. One such example is Samurai Shodown, a mobile port of SNK's 2019 reboot.
Samurai Shodown is a faithful mobile adaptation featuring all the stages, mechanics, and characters as its console forbearer (minus console DLC, like Baiken from Guilty Gear). Furthermore, the reboot's distinct art style stays intact. The game's touch controls are very straightforward, albeit a little wonky, making the absence of Bluetooth controls a setback. Still, SamSho for iOS is an excellent addition to any hardcore fighting game fan's mobile library.
Fantasian
Fantasian is an RPG produced and written by Hironobu Sakaguchi of Final Fantasy fame. The music was likewise composed by fellow Final Fantasy alum Nobuo Uematsu.
This title is arguably the best iPad game for RPG lovers. Fantasian's gorgeous environments are based on handcrafted dioramas photographed and transferred into the game. But the real sell is its gameplay, which combines classic JRPG elements with quality-of-life features that keep it accessible to mobile gamers.
Pokemon Unite
The Pokemon Company is not afraid to experiment with mobile releases since its immense success with Pokemon Go in 2016. And with Pokemon Unite, they've made the foray into MOBAs.
This free-to-play title lets you assemble a team of Pokemon and use them to battle other players in its battle arenas. MOBAs are traditionally a competitive game that's difficult for newcomers. But Unite keeps its mechanics simple, making it the best iPad game for Pokemon fans new to MOBAs.
Skate City
Skate City proves that a skateboarding game does not have to be as complex as Tony Hawk's Pro Skater to be fun and challenging. On the contrary, much like other 2D-skating games like OlliOlli, Skate City gives players challenges and trials to overcome while exploring skate parks worldwide.
This game's uncomplicated touch controls make it the best iPad game for X Games fans. However, with progressively higher goalposts and many tricks to learn, Skate City never feels stale or too simplistic.
Hot Lava
Remember the childhood game 'The Floor Is Lava,' where you would pretend that your living room carpet is a pool of deadly molten rock? Hot Lava for iOS brings this pastime to life with gorgeous graphics and enhanced obstacles akin to an episode of Ninja Warrior!
Hot Lava is the best iPad game for those who want to get the most from its expanded screen. And you can make it through Hot Lava's courses adequately with touch controls. But competitive players looking for the fastest times will notice more immediate reactions and ease from a handheld Bluetooth controller.
NBA 2K23: Arcade Edition
2K Games is responsible for many of the best professional sports games for consoles, including PGA Tour 2K, WWE 2K, and the venerable NBA 2K series. But how does a realistic basketball game translate to mobile devices? The iOS-exclusive NBA 2K23: Arcade Edition proves these mechanics translate well.
NBA 2K23: AE shines due to its malleable controls. Players new to the series can use the game's three-button control scheme and AI Assist mechanic. Seasoned players can use manual controls to perform specialty shots and maneuvers with little hassle. It's, without a doubt, the best iPad game for basketball lovers!
Mario Kart Tour
There are many racing games for iOS. Some, like the Horizon Chase series, offer a detailed, technical experience. But for casual racers, Mario Kart Tour is the best iPad game. And while the game has been around for a few years, its removal of predatory gacha elements in October 2022 is worth trying this free-to-play game.
Two standout features of Mario Kart Tour are its content and controls. Cups launch biweekly and feature classic courses from past Mario Kart games. Furthermore, its impressive control scheme replicates Mario Kart mechanics, like drifts, tricks, and items, with the flick of a finger!
The Room Two+
Escape room-themed games have become more common in the past decade, with titles like Zero Escape and Escape Academy as prominent examples. However, one indie breakout that has catapulted into success is The Room series. These titles lead you into puzzle rooms while unraveling eerie paranormal mysteries!
The Room Two+ makes its escape room experience accessible for mobile devices. For instance, its straightforward touch controls are perfect for the iPad. Furthermore, the game's various locations will look striking on the iPad's high-res screen! It's easily the best iPad game for escape room lovers!
Mortal Kombat Mobile
Plenty of fighting game ports have been launched for iOS over the years, with various levels of success. Some titles, like SNK's The King Of Fighters-i 2012, offer console-level ports with a scaled-down virtual controller. That's great for smaller devices like an iPhone. However, performing button combinations on a tablet can get tricky.
Thankfully, Mortal Kombat Mobile offers a fun, dynamic, and strategic fighting game without complex controls. The title has all the bells and whistles MK fans will love, including high-res graphics, fan-favorite characters, and gore-tastic fatalities! It's the best iPad game for fans of the series.
Mortal Kombat: Onslaught
Mortal Kombat's storyline shifted significantly with the introduction of Liu Kang's new timeline in Mortal Kombat 1. However, you can experience a new story in MK11's dark and gritty universe in the new mobile RPG Mortal Kombat: Onslaught. Onslaught chronicles Shinnok's attempt to escape the Neatherrealm and become the conqueror of all realms and the MK heroes' efforts to stop him.
MK: Onslaught features the first mobile-exclusive cinematic story in MK history, making it a fantastic game to experience on the iPad's hi-res screen. Combat (or "kombat"?) is automatic and uses special moves you can activate at the push of a button. So, you don't need to be an MK veteran to enjoy Onslaught's tactical, gory fun!
Among Us
Initially released in 2018, Among Us didn't hit the peak of its popularity until the COVID lockdowns of 2020, when casual gamers were stuck at home and in dire need of something else to play aside from Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
It's no surprise why Among Us took off during that time. This deep space romp combines collaborative gameplay with tools of deception, the perfect ingredients for a fun and raucous virtual game night. In short, Among Us is the best iPad game to play with family and friends!