The Best Games on iPhone in 2025
Our retrospective ranking of the best games on iPhone in 2025 — the standout iOS titles and breakout hits of the year, hand-tested by our editors.
2025 was a landmark year for iPhone gaming — the year console-grade ports went mainstream and a few small indies became global obsessions. This is our look back at the titles that defined it: the breakout hits, the critical darlings, and the games that earned a permanent spot on millions of home screens. For our current picks, see our best games of 2026 guide.
Our Top 12 Picks
Ranked by our editors. Tap a game's blurb to see why it made the cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the best iPhone game of 2025?
Balatro was the breakout indie hit and our overall pick, while Death Stranding and Resident Evil 4 proved console blockbusters belonged on iPhone.
What were the best free iPhone games of 2025?
Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Wuthering Waves, and Vampire Survivors were the standout free titles of the year.
Are these 2025 games still worth playing in 2026?
Absolutely — every title here remains excellent. For the latest releases, see our best games on iPhone 2026 guide.