Games have aged better on older iOS than almost any other category. Unlike productivity or social apps that constantly require OS-level features, a good game from 2019 is still a good game in 2026 — and its developer has little incentive to push the iOS minimum requirement higher unless they add new features that genuinely require it.
The result: the iOS 15 games library is surprisingly deep. This list covers the best free games that are actively maintained, still installable fresh from the App Store on iOS 15, and worth playing in 2026.
💡 How to use this list with AppCompat: Use the games filter for iOS 15 to see the full catalogue sorted by rating — this article covers our top picks, but there are hundreds more.
Puzzle & Strategy
- Mini MetroiOS 12+
Design a subway network before it collapses. Minimalist, absorbing, one of the best mobile games ever made. Free to try, paid full version.
- Monument Valley 2iOS 10+
Impossible architecture puzzles with stunning visual design. The sequel to one of the App Store's defining games. Premium but frequently free or deeply discounted.
- Alto's OdysseyiOS 10+
Endless desert snowboarding with gorgeous procedurally generated environments. Free to download, gorgeous on iPad.
- Really Bad ChessiOS 9+
Chess where your pieces are randomly assigned. Surprisingly deep, brilliant for casual chess players, completely free.
- Threes!iOS 8+
The original number puzzle that spawned a thousand clones. Still better than all of them. Small price, enormous replay value.
- PatternediOS 14+
Jigsaw puzzles with beautiful patterns. Genuinely relaxing. Free to play.
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Casual & Arcade
- Alto's AdventureiOS 13+
The snowboarding original. Peaceful, beautifully animated, and highly replayable. One of the best mobile games for relaxing play sessions.
- Crossy RoadiOS 7+
Endless Frogger-inspired hopping. Thousands of unlockable characters. Still getting updates in 2026. Completely free.
- Jetpack JoyrideiOS 9+
Classic endless runner. Halfbrick's defining title — still updated, still free, still fun. Works perfectly on older hardware.
- Subway SurfersiOS 13+
Endless runner with weekly world tour updates. Consistent performance on A8/A9 chips. Huge install base means ongoing support.
Strategy & Card Games
- Chess.comiOS 14+
Play millions online, analyse your games, watch streams. The most complete chess app available, free tier is substantial.
- RISK: Global DominationiOS 13+
Full-featured RISK with online multiplayer, multiple maps, and tournaments. The best digital version of the classic game.
- HearthstoneiOS 15+
Blizzard's card game. Exactly iOS 15 minimum — perfectly in range. The iPad version with its large screen is the definitive way to play.
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Action & Multiplayer
- Call of Duty: MobileiOS 14+
Fully-featured mobile CoD with battle royale and multiplayer modes. A10 Fusion handles it at medium-low settings. The most impressive free mobile FPS available.
- Brawl StarsiOS 13+
Supercell's team brawler. Quick 3v3 matches, huge variety of characters, massive active player base. A great online game on older iPads.
- Clash RoyaleiOS 13+
Real-time card strategy PvP. Supercell's second-longest-running game. Smooth on older hardware.
Relaxing & Creative
- Stardew ValleyiOS 13+
The definitive farming RPG. Paid (around £5) but listed here because it's one of the best games on any platform and regularly appears in App Store sales.
- MekoramaiOS 8+
Guide a small robot through diorama puzzles. Charming, completely free, 50 built-in levels plus community creations.
- Cosmic MurmuriOS 14+
Ambient and generative puzzle experience. Unique and calming — a good counterpoint to fast-paced games.
Also see: iPad mini 4 guide · iPhone 6s guide · Best music apps for older iPads
Game availability and minimum iOS requirements change frequently. Always verify on the App Store listing before downloading. List correct as of July 2026.
