I’ve recently got an iPad and I’m looking to explore some great games on it. I’m into a variety of genres, so I’m open to all kinds of recommendations. What would you suggest as the must-try games? Thank you!
So you’ve got an iPad and you’re looking for the best games to dive into? Awesome. There’s a ton out there, so let’s dig in.
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Monument Valley 1 & 2: If you haven’t played these yet, they’re a must. Gorgeous visuals, mind-bending puzzles, and just a really immersive experience. The mechanics are simple but the puzzle-solving aspect will keep you hooked.
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Genshin Impact: Basically an open-world RPG with beautiful graphics. Think Breath of the Wild but on your iPad. It’s got a gacha system too, so you might find yourself spending some $$$. But it’s definitely worth a try.
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Stardew Valley: Farming, relationships, managing your farm, and exploring caves. This one’s a time sink in the best possible way. Perfect for when you want something chill yet engaging.
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Among Us: If you haven’t tried this yet, it’s a blast, especially if you have friends to play with. It’s a mix of social deduction and strategy. You either try to complete tasks or sabotage them as the imposter.
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Alto’s Odyssey: An endless runner with a stunning aesthetic. It’s simple but the serene visuals combined with smooth gameplay make it super relaxing.
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Grimvalor: For some hack n’ slash action, Grimvalor is top-tier. Solid combat mechanics and a nice dark fantasy world to explore. It’s a premium game but worth every penny.
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Civilization VI: If you’re into strategy games, this is a top pick. It’s basically the full Civilization experience but optimized for touch. You can spend hours plotting your path to global domination.
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Fortnite: You’ve probably heard of it. The battle royale craze is just as strong on iPad, though the touch controls do take some getting used to. But the community’s huge and there’s always something happening in the game.
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Threes!: Classic puzzle game that’s easy to pick up but hard to master. If you enjoy a challenge that you can play in short bursts, this is ideal.
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Old Man’s Journey: A visually beautiful narrative-driven puzzle game. It’s short, but the story and art are incredibly moving.
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Call of Duty Mobile: For FPS fans, this is a solid choice. It’s amazing how well they’ve adapted that Call of Duty experience to mobile. It’s a bit heavy on the file size though, so make sure you’ve got the space.
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Oceanhorn 2: Looking for something that scratches that Zelda itch? Oceanhorn 2 is a fantastic action-adventure game with a lot of heart and depth.
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Magic: The Gathering Arena: Love card games? This is a no-brainer. The iPad version is well-optimized and the game itself is as deep and rewarding as any CCG gets.
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Dead Cells: This roguelike Metroidvania is endlessly replayable and has tight, rewarding combat. Very satisfying if you’re into challenging experiences.
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Baba Is You: A unique puzzle game where you manipulate rules themselves to solve puzzles. It’s incredibly innovative and makes you think outside the box.
And hey, if you’re into more premium, deeper experiences and don’t mind spending a bit, definitely check out Grimvalor and Civilization VI. Both offer some rich, hardcore experiences for the platform. Enjoy your new iPad gaming spree!
Hey, @cacadordeestrelas got a ton of good picks, but let me throw some more into the mix.
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Sky: Children of the Light: Developed by the creators of Journey, this one’s a beautiful, social adventure game. The world-building and graphics are stunning, and it’s great if you’re into more tranquil, exploratory gameplay.
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Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition: If survival games are your thing, this is a great one to have. It’s challenging and you’re always discovering new ways to not die. The art style is quirky and unique too.
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Oxenfree: Really cool narrative-driven game with supernatural elements. The dialogue system is unique, and the story is pretty gripping. It’s an excellent choice if you enjoy story-rich experiences.
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Badland 1 & 2: Side-scrolling action adventure games that are visually striking. The mechanics can be simple but are fun and engaging, great for quick sessions or longer gameplay.
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Mini Metro: This is a puzzle strategy game about designing the most efficient subway system. It’s addictive and surprisingly relaxing. Great for when you want to strategize with minimal stress.
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Monument Valley isn’t totally my jam, tbh. Gorgeous, for sure, but felt a little shallow puzzle-wise. For more depth, you might wanna check out The Gardens Between. It’s another beautiful puzzle adventure with time manipulation mechanics.
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The Room Series: If you’re a fan of puzzles and escape rooms, these are top-notch. The tactile experience is amazing and the puzzles are super satisfying. Perfect for getting lost in some intricate brain-teasers.
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Terraria: A sandbox adventure game that’s been around for a while but still holds up. It’s got a bit of everything - mining, crafting, building, and fighting. Think of it like a 2D Minecraft with more intricate combat.
Always good to balance between those heavier, graphically intense games and some that are lighter and quick to jump into. Happy gaming!
If you wanna get the most outta your iPad gaming experience, try Sayonara Wild Hearts. It’s like playing inside a dreamscape accompanied by an amazing soundtrack. You ride motorcycles, wield swords, and face down your inner demons—all set to a killer pop-electro soundtrack.
Pros:
- Visually stunning.
- Unique blend of rhythm and action.
- Short but replayable.
Cons:
- It’s more of an interactive music video than a deep game.
Another gem is Hearthstone if you’re into card games. It’s highly polished with a rich, strategic depth, plus it’s free to play (although there are in-app purchases if you get serious about card collection).
Pros:
- Strategic and can be played in short bursts.
- Free to play.
Cons:
- Can become pay-to-win if you’re aiming for competitive play.
Terraria is also a solid pick. While @yozora already highlighted its versatility, it’s perfect for both short sessions and deep dives. Unlike Minecraft’s three-dimensional vastness, its 2D nature makes it more accessible but doesn’t skimp on complexity.
If you’re apprec gonna love The Witness for something meditative yet complexiating puzzles. It’s got beautiful visuals and intricate design that can keep you scratching your head for hours.
Pros:
- Deep, thought-provoking puzzles.
- Gorgeous island setting.
Cons:
- No story or narrative, which might be a turn-off for some.
While @cacadordeestrelas mentioned Sky: Children of the Light, if audio-visual experiences are your thing, you should also check out Journey. It’s made by the same creators and offers an immersive, almost zen-like gaming experience.
For those who enjoy keeping things simple but engaging, take a look at Florence. It’s short, more like an interactive graphic novel, but the story is touching and the mechanics are beautifully integrated into the narrative.
Finally, diverging from what both @yozora and @cacadordeestrelas suggested, dig into Reigns: Her Majesty for something different. It’s a card-swiping kingdom management game that’s both quirky and surprisingly strategic.
You’ll find a mix of strategy, light RPG, and decision-making. Perfect for someone looking for something light yet absorbing.
Pros:
- Quick to play, great for breaks.
- Unique decision-based gameplay.
Cons:
- Can get repetitive.
Happy gaming!