Playing games on your iPhone is a great way to pass time, whether you’re commuting, waiting in line, or just looking to unwind. However, most games require an internet connection for features like multiplayer, stats tracking, ads, and downloading additional content. Luckily, there are plenty of great iOS games that can be played 100% offline once downloaded.
In this article, we’ll highlight the top 25 offline iPhone games across various genres like action, puzzle, RPG, and more. We’ll also share tips on how to identify and download iOS games that don’t need internet access.
Key Takeaways:
– Many popular iOS games like Alto’s Adventure, Stardew Valley, and Monument Valley can be played offline once downloaded.
– Genres like endless runners, tower defense, and Turn-based RPGs work well offline as they don’t require real-time connectivity.
– Identify offline iOS games by looking for the “Offline Play Supported” tag or app descriptions specifying no internet required.
– Downloading games over WiFi prevents eating into your mobile data allowance.
– Premium paid games usually offer offline play while freemium games rely on internet for ads and IAPs.
Action Games
1. Alto’s Adventure
Alto’s Adventure is an endless snowboarding runner with simple one-touch controls and gorgeous endless mountain scenery. Your goal is to snowboard as far as possible while collecting coins and performing tricks. With multiple characters to unlock and zen-like gameplay, it’s one of the most popular offline iOS games.
2. Dan The Man
This retro-style action platformer stars a hero named Dan who must save his girlfriend Josie from evil robots and bosses. With hand-drawn pixel art and fast-paced combat, Dan The Man pays homage to classic arcade brawlers like Double Dragon.
3. Dead Cells
This roguelike action platformer lets you battle your way through ever-changing castle dungeons. With permadeath mechanics, 90+ weapons, and responsive controls, Dead Cells will keep you playing for hours trying to defeat the final boss.
4. Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat
Based on the popular action hack-and-slash franchise, DMC: Peak of Combat brings the frenetic sword and gunplay to iOS. Play as series protagonists like Dante and Nero to dispatch demons in style across 80 challenging levels.
5. Gunslugs
Run and gun your way through this chaotic retro shooter full of aliens, cowboys, and wacky bosses. Gunslugs offers pixel art visuals, non-stop action, and a kick-ass chiptune soundtrack you’ll be humming for days.
Puzzle Games
6. Framed
Rearranging comic book panels to plan a protagonist’s escape makes for a unique noir-style puzzle experience. With over 100 levels and an intriguing wordless narrative, Framed will rewire your brain and keep you engrossed.
7. hocus.
Minimalist aesthetics and relaxing music set a soothing backdrop to this mind-bending Escher-inspired puzzle game. Manipulate impossible shapes and optical illusions to guide your cube to the goal.
8. Monument Valley
This surreal 3D puzzle adventure is a work of art you can hold in your hand. Guide the silent princess Ro through stunning architecture that shifts and transforms as you alter perspectives.
9. Prune
Prune combines the joy of cultivation with ingenious puzzle design. Shape trees to grow and spread their leaves ever downward in this meditative experience crafted with love.
10. Swap Sword
This match-3 puzzler adds a fun RPG twist by letting you battle monsters using the swords you swap on the grid. With thousands of levels and endless gameplay, Swap Sword is easy to learn but hard to master.
Strategy Games
11. Antihero
Control a thieves guild in this Victorian era turn-based strategy game. Blackmail, bribe, and assassinate your way to wealth and power one turf war at a time.
12. Frozen Synapse Prime
Take turns plotting tactical moves in this turn-based strategy game. Then watch the action unfold in slow-mo as your soldiers follow orders and blast their enemies away.
13. Kingdom Rush Series
No other tower defense series comes close to the polish of Kingdom Rush and its sequels. Defeat the forces of darkness by building towers and stopping enemies in their tracks.
14. Out There: Ω Edition
Explore the unknown in this sci-fi survival roguelike. Mine resources, craft items, and make difficult choices that affect your chances of returning home.
15. Rymdkapsel
Minimalist real-time strategy comes alive in this alien base builder. Balance expanding your base with building defensive capabilities to survive waves of attackers.
Racing Games
16. AG Drive
This futuristic racer exhibits stunning visuals as you speed through stark neon landscapes. Intuitive touch or tilt controls round out this must-play sci-fi racing experience.
17. Horizon Chase
Rekindle your love of classic arcade racers with this old-school style game featuring colorful retro graphics and upbeat tropical music.
18. Rush Rally 3
drifting and sliding through over 72 stages spanning snow, dirt, and asphalt. Rush Rally 3 simulates rally racing physics for an authentic challenge.
Arcade Games
19. Downwell
Descend an endless well while blasting enemies and combos in this addictive action game. Simple controls and randomized levels make Downwell endlessly replayable.
20. Drop7
Connect numbered tiles into rows and columns to blast them away in this crazy addictive puzzle game. With multiple modes and tons of free levels, Drop7 will melt your brain in the best way.
21. Holedown
Chip away at blocks to guide balls into holes in this deceptively simple brick buster. With unlimited levels and increasing difficulty, Holedown is easy to pick up but hard to put down.
22. Oxide
This free arcade game ramps up the challenge by only giving you 5 lives to complete over 50 mini-levels. Oxide’s tight platforming will push your skills to the limit.
RPG Games
23. Darkest Dungeon: Tablet Edition
This gothic Turn-based RPG will test your resolve as you lead a team of troubled heroes through hazardous dungeons in search of redemption.
24. Star Wars: KOTOR
This classic Star Wars role-playing game lets you join the light or dark side of the Force as you uncover your true identity as a Jedi Knight.
25. The Quest
Explore a massive fantasy world in this retro grid-based RPG. With dozens of environments to discover and extensive character customization, The Quest is a mobile exclusive not to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if an iOS game can be played offline?
The easiest way is to look for the “Offline Play Supported” tag on the App Store listing. The app description usually clarifies it too. Terms like “no internet connection required”, “offline mode”, “airplane mode supported” indicate offline play.
Do I need to be connected while downloading a game?
Yes, you need an internet connection to download and install the game from the App Store. But once downloaded, offline games can be launched and played without connectivity.
What if my phone storage space is limited?
Many offline games allow you to initially download a smaller base version. Additional content like levels and graphics can be selectively downloaded later as needed.
Why are free-to-play games rarely fully offline?
Freemium games rely heavily on internet connectivity for functions like loading ads, in-app purchases, social features etc. So most free games require periodic connectivity even if gameplay is offline.
Do offline games drain my phone’s battery faster?
Not necessarily. However, graphically rich games do consume more power compared to simpler games. So battery life when playing offline may reduce faster for games with intense graphics.
Whether you prefer quick arcade sessions or immersive RPG quests, this list covers the best offline iOS games across all major genres. Many popular titles like Monument Valley, Alto’s Adventure, and Stardew Valley can provide hours of offline entertainment once installed on your iPhone. Just remember to download them over WiFi in advance to avoid eating into your mobile data allowance.
With mobile data connectivity improving worldwide, offline play is no longer the necessity it once was. However, these 25 games exemplify why offline play still holds a unique appeal for many gamers. Being able to play uninterrupted while commuting or traveling is a huge perk, not to mention avoiding mobile data charges. And you don’t have to deal with network latency, long update times, or sudden loss of connectivity while playing offline.
So the next time you find yourself offline, load up one of these excellent iOS games rather than just mindlessly browsing social media. Your time will be much better spent enjoying these gaming gems free from the shackles of internet connectivity. Just make sure your iPhone battery is fully charged!
