The iPad has long been a favourite device for gamers who want the portability of a tablet combined with impressive graphical power. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated gamer, the App Store is filled with games that cater to every taste, age group, and skill level.
With the start of 2024, we’ve compiled a list of the 15 best iPad games that will keep you entertained for hours, complete with information on whether the game is free or paid its difficulty level and its target audience.
Free | Moderate | Suitable for teens and adults
Genre: Open-world RPG
One of the most popular games of 2024, Genshin Impact continues to reign supreme in the mobile gaming world. Its breathtaking visuals, sprawling open world, and a gacha-style system keep players engaged for hours. Though the game is free to download, there are in-app purchases for those who want to enhance their gaming experience. The game combines exploration with combat and puzzle-solving, making it an engaging option for players who love adventure and role-playing games.
Free | Easy to moderate | Suitable for kids, teens, and adults
Genre: Multiplayer social deduction
Among Us took the gaming world by storm and continues to be a favourite multiplayer experience in 2024. This social deduction game pits crewmates against imposters aboard a spaceship, where the goal is to complete tasks or eliminate the traitors before they sabotage the mission. The game is easy to pick up but requires strategy to master. Free to play, Among Us offers in-app purchases for cosmetic upgrades.
Paid ($4.99) | Moderate | Suitable for all ages
Genre: Puzzle
For those who enjoy puzzle games, Monument Valley 2 is a must-play. The game offers beautifully crafted environments and mind-bending optical illusions that challenge your spatial thinking. The puzzles increase in complexity as the game progresses, offering a calm yet intellectually stimulating experience. With no violence or mature content, it’s perfect for players of all ages, including children and adults.
Free | Moderate to difficult | Suitable for teens and adults
Genre: First-person shooter (FPS)
Call of Duty: Mobile delivers a console-quality first-person shooter experience right on your iPad. Featuring popular maps, modes, and a Battle Royale format, this game appeals to fans of the franchise and competitive players alike. While it’s free to download, in-app purchases allow players to customize their load-outs and skins. The game’s multiplayer matches can be intense, so it’s best suited for experienced gamers or those looking for a challenge.
Paid ($4.99) | Easy | Suitable for all ages
Genre: Endless runner
Alto’s Odyssey stands out in the endless runner genre with its stunning visuals and calming gameplay. Players take control of Alto as he snowboards across vast landscapes, performing tricks and avoiding obstacles. The gameplay is easy to pick up but offers enough depth for more seasoned players. It’s an excellent choice for gamers who want a stress-free experience, making it ideal for both adults and kids.
Paid ($6.99) | Easy to moderate | Suitable for all ages
Genre: Sandbox, adventure
Minecraft remains a classic, offering endless possibilities for creativity and exploration. Whether you’re building intricate structures, mining for resources, or fighting monsters, this sandbox game is as immersive as it gets. It’s perfect for all ages, with settings that allow parents to control the level of challenge for younger players. The mobile version is a paid app, but it’s worth every cent for the sheer volume of content available.
Free | Difficult | Suitable for teens and adults
Genre: MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena)
League of Legends: Wild Rift brings the competitive MOBA experience to mobile devices with streamlined controls and shorter matches, making it more accessible for on-the-go gaming. While the game is free, in-game cosmetics and characters can be unlocked through microtransactions. Wild Rift is a team-based strategy game that demands quick reflexes and in-depth game knowledge, making it ideal for competitive gamers.
Free | Moderate | Suitable for teens and adults
Genre: Real-time strategy, card-based
Clash Royale combines card-battling mechanics with real-time strategy in a format that’s fast-paced and incredibly engaging. Players build a deck of cards representing troops, spells, and defences to battle against opponents in real-time. The game is free to play but offers in-app purchases for those who want to progress faster. With a competitive edge, this game is perfect for teens and adults looking for a quick strategy fix.
Paid ($7.99) | Easy to moderate | Suitable for teens and adults
Genre: Farming Simulation, RPG
For fans of life-simulation games, Stardew Valley is a must-play. You take on the role of a farmer, growing crops, raising animals, mining, and building relationships with the townsfolk. The game offers an endless supply of activities and is incredibly relaxing. With a price tag of $7.99, it’s a steal for the amount of content and replay value it offers. Suitable for both casual and more experienced players, it’s great for teens and adults alike.
Free | Moderate | Suitable for teens and adults
Genre: Action, multiplayer
In the action-packed multiplayer game Brawl Stars, users select from a wide range of characters (Brawlers) to take part in various game modes like team-based fighting, battle royale, and more. Although it’s free to play, you can buy character skins and upgrades in the app store. The game is approachable because of its simple controls, yet experienced players will still find enough of a challenge from its quick pacing and competitive style.
Paid ($4.99) | Moderate to difficult | Suitable for adults
Genre: Puzzle
The Room: Old Sins is an intricate puzzle game that challenges players with complex mechanisms and mind-boggling mysteries. Players must explore a dollhouse filled with hidden secrets, manipulating objects to uncover clues. While the difficulty can be quite high, it’s perfect for players who enjoy cerebral challenges. The game is best suited for adults due to its dark atmosphere and complexity.
Free | Moderate | Suitable for all ages
Genre: MOBA
Pokémon Unite blends the competitive MOBA genre with the beloved Pokémon universe. In 5v5 bouts, players choose their favourite Pokémon to battle against other players and wild Pokémon in an attempt to score points. While improvements and cosmetics can be purchased through in-app purchases, the game is free to play. Compared to other MOBAs, its mechanics are more straightforward, making it appropriate for both adult and younger players.
Paid ($19.99) | Difficult | Suitable for teens and adults
Genre: Turn-based strategy
For strategy lovers, Civilization VI is the ultimate experience. Players take control of a civilisation and guide it through history, making crucial decisions about diplomacy, warfare, and culture. The iPad version of this iconic game offers the full experience, making it worth the higher price point. Its depth and complexity make it best suited for experienced players or those looking for a serious challenge.
Free | Easy | Suitable for kids and families
Genre: Simulation
Disney Magic Kingdoms lets players create their own theme park, complete with beloved Disney characters and attractions. The game is designed for younger audiences but offers enough depth to engage older players as well. Free to download, it features in-app purchases for additional content and upgrades. It’s a relaxing game perfect for families and children.
Paid ($9.99) | Moderate to difficult | Suitable for teens and adults
Genre: Roguelike, card game
Slay the Spire is a deck-building roguelike that has players ascending a tower filled with enemies and challenges. The game combines strategy, deck-building, and resource management, providing a unique and challenging experience. While it starts simple, the difficulty ramps up quickly, making it ideal for players looking for a strategic challenge.
Among the games listed, several offer the option to play offline, though some may have limited functionality when not connected to the internet. Here’s a breakdown of the games that can be played offline:
1. Monument Valley 2 – Monument Valley 2 can be fully played offline, as it is a single-player puzzle game with no need for an internet connection.
2. Alto’s Odyssey – This endless runner game can be played offline without any restrictions, making it a great option for gaming on the go.
3. Minecraft – Minecraft can be played offline in single-player mode. However, online multiplayer and server-based play will require an internet connection.
4. Stardew Valley – Stardew Valley is fully playable offline, allowing you to farm, mine, and explore without needing an internet connection.
5. The Room: Old Sins – As a single-player puzzle game, The Room: Old Sins is entirely playable offline, with no need for online features.
6. Civilization VI – Civilization VI can be played offline, though you’ll need to be connected to the internet for multiplayer or updates.
7. Slay the Spire – Slay the Spire can be played completely offline, as it is a single-player deck-building roguelike.
8. Disney Magic Kingdoms – While some aspects of Disney Magic Kingdoms may work offline, the game relies heavily on server-based mechanics, so a stable internet connection is typically required.
With the wide variety of games available on the iPad, 2024 promises to be a fantastic year for mobile gamers. Whether you’re into fast-paced action, complex puzzles, or relaxing simulations, there’s something here for every type of player; as the iPad remains one of the most versatile gaming platforms available. Explore the games that best match your tastes, and prepare to lose yourself in the world of mobile gaming!
Disney Magic Kingdoms, Pokémon Unite, and Among Us (with supervision) are great free games suitable for 7-year-olds.
Monument Valley 2, Stardew Valley, and Alto’s Odyssey offer ad-free experiences providing uninterrupted gameplay after a one-time purchase.
Call of Duty: Mobile, Genshin Impact, and Minecraft offer controller support for enhanced gaming experiences on iPad.
The iPad Pro (M2) is the best for gaming in 2024, offering superior processing power, graphics, and refresh rates.
Intensive gaming may cause iPads to warm up, but overheating is rare with proper ventilation and system updates.
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