It’s easy to find a good mobile game these days, but a great one? Now, that’s a challenge. Fortunately, that’s our specialty here at Hardcore iOS. Your favorite source for all things mobile gaming has once again plumbed the depths of the App Store and surfaced with what we guarantee to be the crème de la crème of mobile games. Without further ado, we present our picks for the best iPhone games 0f 2024.
20. Pokémon Café Remix
Open your very own café and hire your favorite pocket monsters as staff in the first entry on our list of the best iPhone games of 2024—Pokémon Café Remix—a free-to-start puzzle game from The Pokémon Company. Solve puzzles to recruit Pokémon with abilities called specialty gimmicks that make solving puzzles easier. Deepen your bonds through challenges and raise your Pokémon’s friendship to max level. As you employ more ‘mons, they’ll concoct plenty of new drinks and dishes to serve to your ravenous patrons. You’ll also earn tons of outfits in a variety of styles and colors for dolling up your Pokémon. With plenty of modes and three tiers of puzzle difficulties, even the toughest puzzle solver will find their prowess challenged. Order up!
Available on the App Store
19. Kraino Origins
From solo developer, GameAtomic, Kraino Origins is an epic old-school-inspired platformer. The evil Dr. Bacula has created a slew of malicious monsters and only Kraino, a reanimated skeleton sporting a purple top hat, can defeat them. A masterpiece of platforming action, Kraino Origins includes many secret areas to uncover.
Whether battling bouncing monster heads in the dank sewer or dodging fireballs in a burning town, the game stays fresh and engaging. With fluid controls, a cute yet spooky aesthetic and epic platforming action, Kraino Origins is one of the best iPhone games of 2024.
Available on the App Store
18. PubG Mobile
PUBG Mobile is a near-flawless port of the popular PC title PUBG: Battlegrounds. An enticing battle royale, PUBG Mobile pits you against 99 other players. As you fight rival players and gather loot, the playable area shrinks, forcing remaining players into proximity. Your goal is simple, be the last play standing. The game includes a variety of guns for players to utilize in battle, as well as multiple gameplay modes to keep you engaged. With beautiful 3D graphics and stellar combat, PUBG Mobile is an epic battle royale title and one of the best iPhone games of 2024.
Available on the App Store
17. Marvel Snap
Marvel Snap by Nuverse is a new and exciting card game featuring all of your favorite Marvel superheroes. Equipped with a deck of 12 cards, you’ll battle for control of three randomized locations. Gameplay is both simple and challenging. You’ll need to gain control of at least two of the three locations to win, so you’ll need to think strategically to defeat your opponent. Appealing to both fans of Marvel and card games alike, Marvel Snap is an engaging title that is more than worthy of a spot on our list.
Available on the App Store
16. Super Snail
Enter the Snailverse and save the world from the eight Demon Gods in Super Snail from developer Qcplay. Play as a snail plucked from a dystopian future by The Gods and embark on a time-hopping quest in this quirky idle RPG where every decision shapes your journey. Join bizarre characters as you battle the apostles and minions of the Demon Gods. Choose one of five character attributes to develop and unlock quests unique to each. Find and collect over 400 real-world objects known as Relics, which work to power up your snail’s abilities. With a compelling story and tons of hidden jokes and pop culture references to discover, Super Snail more than earns its place among the best iPhone games of 2024.
Available on the App Store
15. Sky: Children of the Light
For cozy game enthusiasts, we suggest Sky: Children of the Light, a peaceful MMORPG from thatgamecompany. Meaningfully connect with players from all over the world as you soar across the seven realms of Sky, a world populated by Spirits. Become a Descendant of the Light and and use your compassion and wonder to rescue Spirits from dark realms and uncover their stories. Earn ancient treasures alongside other players as you work together to return the fallen stars to their rightful places in the constellations. Unlock seasonal stories and events and express yourself by customizing your Descendant. Tired of questing? Wind down by chatting with others or playing instruments together while you drink in the surrounding beauty. With gorgeous graphics and a much-needed reminder of the importance of human connection, Sky promises a relaxing gaming experience.
Available on the App Store
14. OxenFree: Netflix Edition
What could go wrong when a group of teens hosts a party on an abandoned military island in Oxenfree: Netflix Edition? Recently added to the Netflix game library, the game centers around rebellious teenager Alex as she, her stepbrother and her friends have an overnight party on an abandoned military island. Things take a turn for the worse when Alex unintentionally opens a ghostly rift. Unravel several mysteries as you explore the ominous island.
Featuring lovely 2D visuals, the narrative-driven title features a unique mechanic in which Alex uses radio frequencies to manipulate the environment and communicate with spirits. You’ll even get stuck in eerie time loops. With an in-depth story that is affected by your decisions and unique, engaging gameplay, OxenFree: Netflix Edition is one of the most phenomenal titles on mobile.
Available on the App Store
13. Harry Potter: Magic Awakened
Enter the Wizarding World once again and embark on a brand-new adventure in Harry Potter: Magic Awakened from Portkey Games. Set a decade after the defeat of Voldemort, you’ll journey to Hogwarts and deepen your magical knowledge. Part collectible card game, part RPG adventure, Magic Awakened tasks players with proving their mettle against other wizards and witches in multiplayer duels. Collect and level up over 70 cards to cast spells like Incendio in real-time card battles. Attend classes to collect new magical cards, brew potions or expand your knowledge of Harry Potter lore. Players can also customize their characters in Diagon Alley, practice their skills in Dueling Club or explore the Forbidden Forest to gather ingredients or battle monsters, including dragons! There’s even a Dance Club where players can impress their friends with their smooth moves. Mischief managed, indeed.
Available on the App Store
12. Kinder World: Wellbeing Plants
Tend to virtual houseplants while nurturing your emotional health with Kinder World: Wellbeing Plants from developer Lumi Interactive. Learn life-changing techniques to identify and better manage your emotions, backed by scientifically based wellness exercises for a few minutes, twice a day. Engage in a number of arts and crafts activities and daily gratitude prompts that help you tend your inner flowerbed. Grow a variety of houseplants, unlocking new options as you build healthy habits. Drawing heavily from cozy games like Animal Crossing, Kinder World also allows players to befriend animal NPCs and decorate their home with stylish furniture. Designed with the help of wellness researcher Dr. Hannah Gunderman, Kinder World will help players cultivate emotional intelligence and empathy for themselves and for others in measurable, meaningful ways.
Available on the App Store
11. Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic by Aspyr Media lets you harness the force as you lead your companions on a quest to save the galaxy. It’s 4000 years before the birth of the Galactic Empire and you’ve been tasked with defeating Darth Malak. Earn light side or dark side points depending on your actions and dialogue choices. Said points ultimately determine whether you defect to the dark side or fight on the light side of the force.
Players wield a lightsaber in battle and can use force abilities to take down foes. Conversely, some battles can be avoided with the use of stealth. Visit familiar planets, like Tatooine, master the force and become the Jedi you’ve always wanted to be in one of the best games ever to grace the iPhone.
Available on the App Store
10. Call of Duty: Mobile
The popular mobile version of Activision’s iconic franchise, Call of Duty: Mobile more than earns its place on our list of the best iPhone games of 2024. Incorporating elements from Black Ops and Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: Mobile delivers all the FPS action you’ve come to expect on the go with console-quality graphics. Customize your loadouts using dozens of operators, weapons, outfits, score streaks and gear, then battle in iconic maps like Shipment, Raid and Standoff. Link up with your friends in multiplayer modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination and Kill-Confirmed, or fight solo in the 100-player Battle Royale. With seasonal content, including new maps, themed events and rewards available to unlock each month, you’ll want to stay locked and loaded.
Available on the App Store
9. Evoland and Evoland 2
Evoland and Evoland 2 by Pladigious are groundbreaking RPGs that take players on a tour through gaming history. The games begin in a monotone 8-bit world but transform to 16-bit and eventually 3D the further you progress. Besides thoroughly engaging plotlines, both titles offer evolving styles of gameplay, featuring platformer, stealth and fighting game mechanics at different points. Combat in Evoland and Evoland 2 also transitions from classic turn-based to real-time. Solve puzzles, defeat enemies and travel through time in these highly unique and engaging titles.
Available on the App Store
8. Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out
It’s the end of the world, and your tiny tribe’s survival hinges on your choices and relationships with the remaining gods and their followers. Choose wisely as you navigate the socio-economic impact of your decisions in interactive storybook/turn-based strategy game Six Ages 2: Lights Going Out from developer A Sharp. While there’s no correct path, each decision, from settling advisor disputes to battling angry ghosts, matters as they could have a lasting impact on future generations. Players can continue their data from the previous installment, Six Ages: Ride Like the Wind, or begin anew. With over 600 interactive scenes and multiple outcomes, as well as short episodes and autosaving, players can expect a top-notch strategy game experience.
Available on the App Store
7. Miners Settlement: Idle RPG
From developer Funventure P.S.A. comes the beautifully pixelated, open-world RPG Miners Settlement: Idle RPG. After the destruction of your mining village, you discover that the heart of the mountain—the village’s valuable artifact—has gone missing. Create your own pixelated miner and complete story-driven quests to locate the missing artifact and restore your town to its former glory. Explore mines and dungeons to fight monsters, gather materials and unlock pets to farm resources. Players can also join guilds and challenge special event bosses to earn valuable rewards. Wind down by fishing or harvesting ingredients and cooking unique dishes. With plenty of pets to collect and gorgeous pixelated graphics, fans of idle RPGs won’t want to miss out on this solid indie iPhone game.
Available on the App Store
6. Usagi Shima
Entice a wide variety of adorable bunnies to visit your personal island paradise in Usagi Shima, a hand-drawn, casual bunny collecting game from developer Pui Pui Yu. Become the caretaker of an abandoned island and transform it into a cozy island resort. As you expand your island’s decorations, cute bunnies will appear for you to interact with and befriend. Dress them in different hats and receive special keepsakes for reaching best friend status. Additionally, after wooing them to certain levels, you can invite your new pals to take up residence. Usagi Shima features over 30 rabbits to collect and over 100 different items for you to spruce up your island. With a cozy island ambiance and a day/night system synched with your real time of day, players may never want to leave their tropical getaway.
Available on the App Store
5. Death Road to Canada
Death Road to Canada from Rocketcat LLC offers a clever spin on the zombie survival genre. Sporting adorable pixel graphics, the game centers around a car full of survivors exploring new cities. Battle zombie hordes with a variety of melee and ranged weapons. The game randomly generates every location and event, so no two playthroughs are alike. You’ll come across plenty of eccentric characters that you can recruit to your caravan. Additionally, you can play by yourself or with up to three friends. A humorous pixelated action title that’s thoroughly engaging, Death Road to Canada is one of the best iPhone RPGs of 2024.
Available on the App Store
4. Honkai: Star Rail
From developers miHoYo and Cognosphere, enter Honkai: Star Rail—the next chapter in the HoYoverse’s space fantasy RPG series. Reality-constructing beings called the Aeons have left their mark across countless worlds. Travel the galaxy, following their path on the Astral Express, exploring new civilizations and meeting new comrades along the way. Master the brand-new command combat system and use Techniques and Ultimate moves to finish off enemies. Experience the mazes of the Simulated Universe in style with top-tier voice acting, dubbed in four languages, and high-quality cinematics. Will you emerge victorious or fall to the perils of the Stellaron Crisis? Hop aboard and find out.
Available on the App Store
3. XCOM 2 Collection
Aliens have taken over the world and it’s up to you to rebuild XCOM to reclaim the earth and save humanity in XCOM 2 Collection. This strategic title from Feral Interactive Ltd offers an utterly engaging tactical turn-based battle system. Research new technologies, upgrade your base and customize your soldiers to gain an advantage over the aliens. Recruit engineers and scientists to your cause, convert alien artifacts into new experimental weapons and more in this challenging strategy title. Additionally, the XCOM 2 Collection comes with several DLCs to enhance your experience.
Available on the App Store
2. The Banner Saga 1 & 2
The Banner Saga and The Banner Saga 2 merge a Norse aesthetic with the Oregon Trail-like gameplay to create a unique strategy RPG experience. Developed by Stoic, the games see players lead a caravan through beautifully hand-drawn environments. Manage your scarce supplies, take part in strategic battles against foes and make difficult choices that impact the story. The turn-based grid-style combat system offers players a fun and engaging challenge. Both games offer compelling narratives that fully immerse you in The Banner Saga world.
Available on the App Store
1. Invisible Inc
Have you always fantasized about becoming a secret agent? Then you’ll love Invisible Inc., an enticing turn-based strategy title from Klei. Use stealth and precision to complete dangerous missions as an agent of Invisible Inc. The game’s randomly generated locations mean no two playthroughs are alike. Develop and adapt your strategy to deal with the obstacles at hand. Customize your agents with arguments and items to suit your needs. But be careful; if an agent is compromised, they’ll be down for the count. A stellar strategy game with a spy theme, Invisible Inc is one game you don’t want to overlook.
Available on the App Store
Enjoyed the list? Check out our take on the Best iPhone Strategy Games of 2024 and the Best iPhone RPGs of 2024.
Android users, head on over to Hardcore Droid and check out their best of 2024s: the Best Android Games of 2024, the Best Android Strategy Games of 2024 and the Best Android RPGs.
And, if you’re still looking for more mobile game recommendations, check out our list of the Best iPhone Games Like God of War and the Best iPhone Horror Games. As always, stayed tuned to Hardcore iOS for all things mobile games.
