The year 2024 is coming to an end, and once again, we have been delighted when it comes to mobile games. Apple continued to keep its promises by attracting AAA titles, previously reserved for last generation consoles. This is the ideal opportunity to discover or rediscover these games through our top picks. The first part of this selection is accessible for free (although in-app purchases may be required to unlock everything), while the second is paid.
You will find titles like Monument Valley 3, Resident Evil 2, Wuthering Waves, After Inc, Pokémon Pocket, Balatro, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Squad Busters, COD Warzone or even Naruto Ultimate Ninja STORM. Something to have fun on your new iPhone or iPad you received at Christmas!
A recurring annual top
As with the 2023 rankings and those of past years (2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, etc.), we may have missed some gems. Don’t hesitate to tell us about them in the comments.
Whether they are free or paid, financed by big budgets or independent studios, whether they are aesthetically attractive, divisive, captivating, original or even frightening, all these games for iPhone and iPad have that little extra that makes them stand out in the immense ocean of the App Store, with its 2 million applications. Some titles are exclusive to services like Apple Arcade or Netflix Games, and we highlight this where it’s relevant.
For the record, last year, we crowned NBA 2K24, Tomb Raider Reloaded, Arena Breakout, Resident Evil Village, Hitman Blood Money, TMNT, Dawnlands, Little Nightmares, Sonic Dream Team and Subpar Pool.
The best free games of 2024 on iPhone / iPad
Assassin’s Creed Mirage (Game, Role-playing / Action, iPhone / iPad, v1.4.0, 5.7 GB, iOS 17.4, Ubisoft)
In Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Ubisoft’s AAA title, you play Basim, a nimble thief haunted by disturbing visions, in search of answers and justice. After committing a bloody act of revenge, Basim flees Baghdad to join the ranks of an ancient organization, The Hidden Ones.
The mobile port is superb and immersive, with graphics that rival those of home consoles, thanks to Apple’s new hardware capabilities. It requires an iPad with M1 chip or higher, or an iPhone 15 Pro or higher. Our test should convince you, especially since the first part of the game is accessible for free.
Download the free game Assassin’s Creed Mirage
Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile (Game, Action, , v4.1.0, 3.7 GB, iOS 17.0, Activision Publishing, Inc.)
The famous Call of Duty: Warzone arrived in early 2024 on mobile! As seen during our test, it is a real Warzone, magnificent on the latest iPhone and iPad, with graphics options up to 2K resolution, and fine controls.
What a pleasure to find this Battle Royale with its emblematic maps like Verdansk and Rebirth Island. But that’s not all, there are the Shipment, Shoot House and Scrapyard multiplayer maps to discover. And like in any good Warzone, you can improve your weapons, gain experience, etc.
Download the free game Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile
Squad Busters (Game, Action, iPhone / iPad, v9.520.6, 634 MB, iOS 12.0, Supercell)
The latest HIT from Supercell. As always, each game is unique, fun and unpredictable! As seen when it was released, it is a new MOBA featuring characters from Clash of Clans, Clash Royale and other HITs from the studio like Brawl Stars.
Expand your squad, loot bosses, kill your friends, and collect iconic characters. Play epic 10-player games that are always different thanks to endless combinations of cards and gameplay. Collect as many gems as possible and climb the leaderboards!
Download the free game Squad Busters
Pokémon Pocket (Game, Cards, iPhone / iPad, v1.0.9, 241 MB, iOS 13.0, The Pokemon Company)
Pokémon cards, available in 89 countries, are now accessible on your mobile device thanks to Pokémon Pocket. Open two free booster packs every day to get cards, mixing nostalgic illustrations and app-exclusive designs. Immerse yourself in the world of cards with new immersive 3D cards that give the illusion of stepping into the illustrations.
Share your collection with portfolios and display frames, and most importantly, engage in relaxed battles, whether solo or with friends. Yes, a collectible app and a game!
Download the free game Pokémon Pocket
Wuthering Waves (Game, Action / Role-playing, , v1.4.1, 3.2 GB, iOS 14.0, KURO GAMES)
As seen at its launch, Wuthering Waves, the new open world gacha game from Kuro Games, impresses with its dynamic exploration, its advanced combat system and its strategic customization via the Echo system. Although its story is slow to start, it becomes captivating with interesting antagonists. However, the tough difficulty may discourage some players.
Wuthering Waves has positioned itself as the best alternative to Genshin Impact of the year!
Download the free game Wuthering Waves
RESIDENT EVIL 2 (Game, Action, , v1.0.1, 700 MB, iOS 17.0, CAPCOM) goes from €39.99 to free.
Resident Evil 2 Remake, released in 2019, modernizes the 1998 classic with improved graphics, smoother controls and a preserved horror atmosphere. The game uses the RE Engine to deliver an immersive 3D experience, with detailed visuals and a hand-held camera that intensify the atmosphere of the Raccoon City police station. Although the storyline and enemies have evolved, the gameplay remains true to key elements like resource management and puzzle solving.
The mobile port is truly faithful to the original content, with adaptations for touch control and controller compatibility, but not keyboard and mouse compatibility. In any case, fluidity is there on iPhone 15 Pro and above. Better a large iPad to take advantage of it.
Download the free game RESIDENT EVIL 2
Monument Valley 3 (Game, Puzzle / Adventure, , v1.0.15001, 472 MB, iOS 16.0, Netflix, Inc.)
Monument Valley 3 develops themes of hope, loss and independence without dialogue, through subtle animation and character interactions, where you play as Noor in a world in decline, affected by rising seas.
The game’s aesthetic is inspired by contemporary art, with levels that appear origami, contrasting with the sleek designs of previous games, and where solving clever puzzles relies on the manipulation of perspective.
This new episode introduces innovations like aquatic levels and natural environments, reflecting ecological themes, while mixing rigid structures and more open areas for renewed puzzle solving.
Please note, you need a Netflix subscription to enjoy it!
Download the free game Monument Valley 3
The best paid games 2024 on iPhone / iPad
NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM (Game, Role-playing / Action, iPhone, v1.0.15, 3.2 GB, iOS 14.0, Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc…)
“NUNS” offers a 3D gaming experience where players can take on opponents using impressive ninjutsu techniques and dodges, with the ability to customize the fighting style and use support characters. The mobile version simplifies touch controls for ninjutsu techniques and adds features like autosave and varied combat modes.
However, the game lacks an online multiplayer mode and its story mode, called “Ultimate Mission”, is considered repetitive and less ambitious. Despite these weak points, the graphics faithful to the anime and the dynamic combat make “Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm” an enjoyable game, especially for its accessibility.
Download NARUTO: Ultimate Ninja STORM at €15.99
Balatro (Game, Cards / Strategy, iPhone / iPad, v1.1.7, 93 MB, iOS 13.5, Playstack Ltd)
Balatro is an addictive card game that combines elements of solitaire and poker while offering a unique way to break the rules. The goal is to strengthen your poker hands to beat bosses and their blinds. Find game-changing wilds, create awesome combos, and collect enough tokens to defeat challenging bosses. Explore hidden bonus games as you progress.
More than 150 maps and several game modes for this title which has been a great success on PC and consoles. We love it or we hate it, but in the editorial office we are fans!
After Inc. (Game, Simulation / Strategy, iPhone, v1.0.5, 210 MB, iOS 13.0, Ndemic Creations)
After Inc takes place after a zombie apocalypse, where vegetation has reclaimed the world, but the undead remain a threat. This game combines 4X strategy and city building, giving players the opportunity to rebuild civilization from scratch. You manage key resources like water and food, while balancing the survival and happiness of your community, with each choice influencing the fate of your colony.
Adapted for mobile with a clean interface and short play sessions, After Inc offers a rewarding experience, although slightly limited without the first season’s DLC.
