There are a few ways to play iOS games on your PC. The most popular method involves using emulators, made to test iOS apps without owning an Apple device. In case they can’t handle the game’s system requirements, and cause stuttering or crashes, don’t despair. Instead, use wired or wireless methods of mirroring the screen of your iOS device to your PC. Then, connect a keyboard and mouse or (preferably) a wireless gaming controller to transition away from the touch screen. Also, many of the games below were made for PC, then ported to iOS, so they’re available on both platforms. Now, let’s get into the best iOS games for PC.
1. Roblox
Roblox isn’t a game; it’s an online platform for 20+ million games created by the community. The games share source code, written in Lua programming language, overall visuals, base character models, and the fact they’re free to play. Beyond that, developers craft the gameplay, define the genre, add custom objects or character models, moderate access and players’ behavior, and more. Players can customize their character’s aesthetics via cosmetic items, skins, and minor upgrades by purchasing Robux. It’s a virtual in-game currency that lets developers monetize their games.
2. PUBG MOBILE
PUBG MOBILE is the leading iOS game for PC that shares nearly everything with the desktop game, PUBG. It’s a battle royale PC game ported to mobile, but also features Player vs. Player (PvP) combat and different game modes – 100-player battles, 4v4 Team Deathmatch, Zombie Mode, and Arcade Mode. You can queue solo, duo, or in squads of 4 players, switch between FPS and third-person shooter perspective, pick up weapons, drive vehicles, and customize in-game controls. Moreover, bots fill up empty player spots, and the anti-cheat system ensures everyone respects the rules.
3. Call of Duty: Mobile
Are you a long-time Call of Duty series fan? Enjoyed playing Call of Duty: Warzone or would, if your PC was powerful enough? If so, you’ll love Call of Duty: Mobile. It’s very similar to PUBG MOBILE since it’s also a battle royale with 100-player matches. However, it has a stronger emphasis on weapons, the presence of long-distance encounters (sniper showdown, anyone?), and more game modes, including Domination, Free for All, Search and Destroy, and Hardpoint. Maps are iconic and some are direct ports from Black Ops and Modern Warfare (2019) games.
4. Subway Surfers
Trying Subway Surfers with a mouse and keyboard or controller, while tough at first, will make you feel like playing a different game. You’ll find it easier to dodge obstacles on a larger screen, for example. Also, you’ll see many of the intricate graphical elements you have missed on a 6-inch screen. The base gameplay remains; you’ll run for your life from an inspector and his dog, and play as Jake, Fresh, Yutani, Tricky, and other ever-changing Subway Surfer gang members. The scenery changes often, too, and maps feature both landmarks and unknown places.
5. Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9: Legends is the best car racing game for iOS and then PC, consequently. It won the 2019’s Apple Design Award, and others for audio, video, technical prowess, and mobile racing/sports genre accomplishments. The game lets you collect 60+ sports cars, carbon copies of real-life models from Lamborghini, Porsche, and Ferrari, and others. You can customize vehicles to your liking, and test them on 80 different racetracks. Asphalt 9: Legends has a single-player/Career mode, while multiplayer lets you battle up to 7 more players, and allows creating or joining Clubs, e.g., guilds/clans.
6. Minecraft
We don’t think Minecraft needs an introduction. It’s not only the best-selling game of all time, but we regularly make guides and mention it. It’s a sandbox survival game that lets you express your creativity to the fullest, test your independence, and practice and master crafting, digging and fighting. Minecraft is available across various platforms, including PC, where it originated. However, each game version is sold separately, and the PC version is drastically more resource-intensive. Therefore, playing an iOS version can be a solution for gamers with low spec computers.
7. Among Us
Among Us!, one of the top time management games for PC, was first released on iOS, although the two versions are nearly identical. The only reason to struggle with setting it up on PC is improved privacy or using Apple Pay to remove ads or purchase cosmetics. With that said, the game revolves around 4-15 players that spawn in a spaceship. One of those is an impostor that sabotages the ship and kills his crewmates. Other players must complete various tasks, including ship repair while fighting to avoid premature death, and regularly vote on whom they think the impostor is.
8. Dead Cells
Dead Cells left Early Access on Steam in August 2018 and since then, achieved a 96-99% overall rating. Its iOS version was launched in 2019 and achieved the same critical acclaim. The game is in a genre of its own, “RogueVania”, a mix of rogue-lite games and Castlevania games, and features 2D action across 13 levels. You’ll use 90+ weapons and skills, 4 special powers, and unlock new areas and paths to reach the notoriously difficult 4 main bosses. While the combat system is intuitive, you’ll die a lot, and you’re supposed to. Depending on that, it’ll take you 10-30 hours to reach the end.
9. Project Makeover
We felt personally attacked playing this game after more than a year of worldwide quarantine, but the end made it a joyous and rewarding experience. Although it’s a game for girls on the surface, it’s vastly more complex. You not only need to select clothes, accessories, makeup, and overall appearance, but also the person’s room. Their look must fit their occupation, and you must adjust to their personalities, handle frequent drama, and chase level-ups. The storyline and dialogue feel genuine, the graphics are pretty, and the challenges are intricate, especially puzzle solving.
10. Hyper Light Drifter
When asked about Hyper Light Drifter, the lead developer called it a “combination of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Diablo”. The game is a 2D action RPG that features neon-colored aesthetics and combines 8-bit and 16-bit gameplay. You play as the Drifter, who suffers from an undisclosed illness. He uses a primary weapon, an energy sword, as well as weapons, ammunition, and batteries he picks up on along the way. His in-game goal is slaying monsters, which progressively increase in difficulty. A notable fact is that there’s no spoken dialogue, only silence, and a soundtrack.
11. Run of Life
In Run of Life, you start as a baby and complete levels collecting achievements and items that reduce your age and dodging obstacles that make you older. The scenarios are based on real life. For example, making healthy choices like gym workouts and not eating junk food makes you younger. Also, you’ll learn not to take blind risks, such as run across a busy road. The game is designed to be near impossible to finish, so you better have nerves of steel. For example, you must be a baby or a kid to survive long enough to reach the top of the stairway to Heaven at the end.
12. Street Fighter IV CE
We realize we provided no alternatives to the fighting games on PC. Well, here’s one, Street Fighter IV CE, a port of the 2008 computer game that provides access to 31 fighters, many of which are old, and some that are new. The game has a solo Arcade mode, but is better known for its multi-player modes, – locally, vs. friends, and online, against players worldwide. Furthermore, the port includes settings and optimizations for controller use, especially MFi controllers. Finally, there are 4 difficulty levels, which lets both newbies and veterans get straight into the action.
13. Bastion
Although Bastion as a contestant among iOS games was released in late 2019, it’s on PC since 2011. During that time, it earned a nearly perfect Steam rating and 100+ game industry accolades. This action RPG features 40+ hand-painted surroundings, 10+ upgradable weapons, and plenty of beasts to kill in a desolate world. What makes Bastion special is the constant narration of your every move. Also, the end of the game merely unlocks 2 more game modes, “New Game Plus” and “Score Attack”. This provides hours of bonus storyline and reactive narration.
14. League of Legends: Wild Rift
League of Legends: Wild Rift is the mobile version of League Legends, one of the best-known PC MOBA games. The differences are almost invisible, though. It also focuses on 5v5 matches, unranked or ranked, in identical roles – ADC/support/mid/top/jungler, and allows joining alone, in duos, trios, or a full team. Moreover, you can access all champions without paying. Instead, you can spend the paid in-game currency, Wild Cores, on cosmetics, mainly character skins. It’s no surprise that this title topped the list of the MOBA iOS games list instantly.
15. Hearthstone
Hearthstone, one of the top Blizzard titles, is a free online strategy card game that, clearly, revolves around collecting decks of cards. Then, you must figure out which card combinations can beat a wide array of decks your opponents are building too. If you’re new, the card text describes the effect or ability. Other graphics indicate the type of card (minion, spell, hero, or weapon), whether it’s collectible or uncollectible, and values such as Health, Mana, Attack, and Armor and class. Unlocking new cards can be as easy as finishing daily tasks and spending currency.
16. Five Nights at Freddy’s
Five Nights at Freddy’s is one of the leading horror games for iOS and is ported from a remastered eponymous PC version. The game controls are simple, yet the game can become terrifying quickly. The premise is that you’re hired as a night security guard at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. Unfortunately, the 3 robots, which animate the crowd daily, aren’t static at nightfall. You must monitor their position on the computer screen up until the electricity goes down. Obviously, this leads to the shut down of your office machines, lights, and the security system in the safe room.
17. Lara Croft GO
Lara Croft GO is, according to many, the best Square Enix game for iOS. They back up the claim via titles such as Apple’s iPhone “Game of the Year” in 2015 and the “Best Mobile/Handheld Game” at The Game Awards 2015. But while graphics are up to par, the gameplay has changed to a turn-based adventure with 115+ puzzles and 7 in-game chapters. Don’t fret, you’ll still explore the luscious jungle environment with the ruins of an ancient civilization, and collect artifacts and outfits. Also, you’ll dodge traps, overcome obstacles, and fight or escape dangerous enemies.
18. Alto’s Odyssey
Alto’s Odyssey, although a sequel to Alto’s Adventure (2015), requires no prior knowledge. The game combines skiing, jumping, and running, and forces you to spend the majority of the time going up and down a hill. In different biomes, though, because the game features mountaintops, desert canyons, beaches with bodies of water, and even lost temples. Moreover, you’ll bounce off of hot air balloons and ride enormously high rock walls and grind rails, while battling the day-night cycle and dynamic weather elements. Finally, Alto’s 6 friends are unlockable and playable.
19. Journey
Journey, besides one of the leading iOS PC games, was first released as a quick game for computers and consoles. Luckily, the mobile port still forces you to experience the dreadful feeling of being alone in an eerily quiet environment. Your goal is to discover your origins in a vast, seemingly empty desert. You’ll traverse great distances by flying or gliding and only come down to solve puzzles and beat levels. And, besides playing solo, you can try the two-player mode. This is drastically more fun because you’ll use chirp sounds to communicate with the other person.
20. Leo’s Fortune
Leo’s Fortune is a platformer game that sends you on an adventure to solve the enigma of your stolen gold, and the thief responsible for it. You’ll start easily, because the thief left gold pieces throughout the forest, like breadcrumbs. Obviously, those lead to a trap, but you, as Leopold “Leo”, don’t have a choice. You’ll go through 24 levels across different surroundings, many of which are based on solving challenges and puzzles. Also, finishing the game once unlocks Hard-core Mode. This lets you win special prizes if you beat the game from start without dying.