15 Best Free IOS Games

Free-to-play games aren’t exactly a new phenomenon on the App Store, but it felt like the balance of power really shifted away from premium affairs in 2013, with a much larger chunk of the notable new releases each week favoring the freebie model — even those from developers that had seemingly thrived with paid games in the past. While there’s still plenty of grating, energy-limiting, and paywall-inhibiting junk in the free mix each week, the surge of noted creators embracing the model means that there’s also quality to be found. Here are our picks for the 15 best free games for iPhone and/or iPad, which cumulatively deliver loads of entertainment without demanding a dime in return.

Asphalt 8:Airborne

We lavished praise on Asphalt 8: Airborne (Universal) when it launched as a premium app, but after just a few months, Gameloft shed the price tag without changing up the game’s design. The result is not only one of the best free iOS games around, but also easily one of the best portable racing games we’ve ever played. It’s wildly frantic, amazingly polished, and really just a load of fun to play.

Sid Meier's Ace Patrol

He’s created some of the most beloved computer strategy games of our time, but Sid Meier’s Ace Patrol(Universal) sees the legendary designer working on a much smaller scale — thankfully without losing a step. The cartoonish, turn-based tactical flight affair sees you commanding a squadron during World War I, with loads of free missions and plenty of premium content for those who get hooked.

FIFA 14

EA Sports’ soccer series impressed last year with a premium entry, but we’re thrilled to see FIFA 14(Universal) make the transition to free-to-play without tripping up. The new Ultimate Team mode is the centerpiece of this freebie, letting you build and customize a squad from collected cards, though the all-new touch-centric controls also make the game feel more comfortable on iOS than ever.

Pocket Trains

Like Pocket Planes before it, NimbleBit’s Pocket Trains (Universal) manages to make the cross-country transport of goods into a rather satisfying streamlined simulation. Managing multiple trains across various rail lines might seem like a complex undertaking, but it’s all surprisingly breezy here, which makes this an ideal game for popping into during your commute and other down moments.

Temple Run 2

One of the best endless runners is even better in its second go-round, as Temple Run 2 (Universal) delivers a huge visual upgrade while also notably varying the terrain you’ll traverse — without sacrificing the swipe-based thrills. Instead of simply sprinting on flat land, you’ll also swing down a zip line, ride in a mine cart, and navigate hills as you amass gems and react quickly just to stay alive.

Solitaire Blitz

The classic card game Solitaire might not be the most exciting diversion around, but with a dash of PopCap magic in tow, Solitaire Blitz (Universal) proves one of the better freebies around. You’re given just 60 seconds to to clear a deck of cards by matching them up or down in any suit, with speed and card chains both essential to winning the round and securing a smashing score.

Draw Quest

Less a competitive venture than an entertaining social sketching experience, DrawQuest (Universal) gives you a new daily prompt in the form of a partially-completed drawing. It’s up to you to complete it however you wish — bold creativity and humor are both encouraged — and then submit it to the community for folks to vote on. It’s arguably just as fun to see what others have dreamed up.

Smash Bandits

Finding the fun in high-speed pursuits can’t be that difficult, but making it an entertaining one-finger experience — and free, no less — must be tough. So kudos to the makers of Smash Bandits (Universal) for doing just that, with a really smart single-thumb control scheme that’s solidly precise and useful, plus plenty of chaos to cause on both land and water alike as you gleefully zip about.

Plants vs Zombies

Plants vs. Zombies 2 (Universal) makes the free-to-play leap without major sacrifices, delivering a casual-friendly tower defense affair that’s as silly and charming as ever. The sequel spices up the terrain a bit via missions in different time periods, and introduces numerous new plants to use to keep the undead uprising at bay. Luckily, some initially repetitive design has been alleviated recently.

Solstice Arena

The multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre is absolutely huge on PC, but mobile players have a stellar option with Zynga’s Solstice Arena (Universal), a speed-oriented take that lets you team up with online allies in three-player squads to dominate an opposing crew. Your goal is to topple your foes’ towers and ultimately their base before they do the same to you, and it’s a tense, thrilling time.

Real Racing

Real Racing 3 (Universal) made serious waves when it launched as a freemium entry early this year, but mostly for good reasons. EA’s slick simulation delivers hundreds of events to tackle, dozens of licensed cars, and excellent presentation without demanding a cent, with only somewhat-irritating repair meters to slow your roll. The recent addition of real-time multiplayer is a huge boost, as well.

Magic The Gathering-Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014

Like last year’s entry, Magic: The Gathering — Duels of the Planeswalkers 2014 (iPad) does the collectible card game classic justice, recreating the excitement of a well-played battle with a smartly tuned digital adaptation. It’s worth switching to 2014, though, as a second campaign, a sealed deck mode with customizable decks, and various tweaks really enhance the experience

Robot Unicorn Attack 2

Adult Swim delivers a welcome dose of absurd fun with Robot Unicorn Attack 2 (Universal), the pastel-smacked side-scrolling runner that finds you guiding a metal steed through fantasy worlds. It’s one of the most addictive free-to-play entries we’ve played all year, with fun social challenges and a new daily course to tackle, though the premium backing songs sold within are well worth the cash.

Pixel People

Pixel People (Universal) might aim for a retro look with its minimal visual design, but this simplified simulation actually sets its sights on the future, as you’ll spend much of your time splicing various genes to fill your city with little… well, pixel people. The striking aesthetic and cool genetic tweaks add a nice hook beyond the SimCity-style approach, and it’s all really easy to learn and enjoy.

Backyard Monsters:Unleashed

The original Facebook entry might’ve strongly inspired Clash of Clans, but now Backyard Monsters: Unleashed (Universal) is on iOS, and it’s a pretty stellar mix of base construction and tower defense elements. You’ll build up your fortress with fortifications to withstand monster attacks, and you can send your own such strikes to other players, or take on 27 single-player campaign missions.