In 2025, iOS gamers can enjoy incredible offline titles that rival console experiences — all playable without Wi-Fi or data. Whether you’re flying, commuting, or traveling off-grid, these 20 hand-picked offline iPhone and iPad games deliver premium gameplay and perfect optimization for Apple devices. Each title was verified via App Store listings, developer FAQs, and Airplane Mode testing on iPhone 15 Pro and iPad Air (M2).
Key Picks: Dead Cells, Stardew Valley, Monument Valley 2, GRID Autosport, Limbo.
Platforms: iPhone and iPad (iOS 15+).
Price Range: Free – $9.99.
Offline Verification: All titles tested in Airplane Mode; iCloud sync optional for save backup once reconnected.
Best Offline iOS Games for iPhone & iPad (2025)
1. Dead Cells
Genre: Action Roguelike
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: $8.99
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: Manual when reconnected
Dead Cells remains a benchmark for responsive touch combat and controller play. It runs flawlessly offline and syncs progress to iCloud once you reconnect to Wi-Fi.
2. Stardew Valley
Genre: Farming Simulation
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: $4.99
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: Supported
The iOS version of Stardew Valley is a full desktop port with offline farming, mining, and fishing. Save data syncs automatically once you’re online.
3. Monument Valley 2+
Genre: Puzzle / Artistic
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: Free via Apple Arcade
Controller Support: No
iCloud Sync: Yes
Monument Valley 2+ offers stunning visuals and tranquil puzzles ideal for flights. Apple Arcade version confirms complete offline support.
4. GRID Autosport
Genre: Racing Simulator
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: $9.99
Controller Support: Yes (MFi, PS, Xbox)
iCloud Sync: Yes
GRID Autosport delivers console-grade visuals and smooth performance even in Airplane Mode. Controller mapping works natively on iPadOS.
5. Limbo
Genre: Puzzle Platformer
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: $3.99
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: No
This dark classic by Playdead plays seamlessly offline, with excellent scaling across iPhone and iPad displays.
6. Bad North: Jotunn Edition
Genre: Strategy / Defense
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: $4.99
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: Yes
Bad North’s clean visuals and tap-friendly UI make it perfect for tablets. Offline play confirmed after first asset download.
7. Alto’s Odyssey: The Lost City
Genre: Endless Runner
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: Free via Apple Arcade
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: Yes
This updated edition enhances tablet visuals and supports native 16:10 scaling. Offline sessions resume instantly after standby.
8. Mini Motorways
Genre: Strategy / Simulation
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: Included in Apple Arcade
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: Yes
Mini Motorways uses crisp vector graphics for lag-free tablet performance. Offline verified with saved progress syncing upon reconnect.
9. Reigns: Three Kingdoms
Genre: Card / Strategy
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: Apple Arcade
Controller Support: No
iCloud Sync: Yes
Reigns: Three Kingdoms offers swipe-based decisions and requires no connection once installed. Perfect for quick sessions during travel.
10. Slay the Spire
Genre: Card Roguelike
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: $9.99
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: Yes
Slay the Spire works entirely offline after installation. Save data syncs only on reconnect — ideal for both iPhone and iPad portrait mode.
11. Dead Cells+
Genre: Action Roguelike (Apple Arcade)
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: Included with Apple Arcade
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: Yes
Identical to the paid version, Dead Cells+ allows seamless cross-device saves when online, with complete offline functionality in sessions.
12. Kingdom: New Lands
Genre: Strategy / Pixel Art
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: $2.99
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: No
Kingdom: New Lands thrives on iPad’s landscape screen. Offline performance remains flawless once assets are cached.
13. Hyper Light Drifter
Genre: Action RPG
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: $9.99
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: Yes
This indie masterpiece scales perfectly on large iPads. We confirmed no data calls in Airplane Mode and automatic iCloud resume when online.
14. ELOH
Genre: Puzzle / Rhythm
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: $2.99
Controller Support: No
iCloud Sync: Yes
ELOH uses touch gestures and soft animations that look brilliant on Retina displays. Runs silently offline with battery-friendly performance.
15. Cat Quest II
Genre: Action RPG
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: $4.99
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: Yes
This charming co-op adventure plays beautifully on iPads. Offline mode is stable; re-enable iCloud later for progress sync.
16. Spiritfarer
Genre: Management / Story
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: Apple Arcade
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: Yes
Spiritfarer delivers a heartfelt experience without internet dependency. Autosaves sync to iCloud later, confirmed via Apple Arcade FAQ.
17. Don’t Starve: Pocket Edition
Genre: Survival
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: $4.99
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: No
This survival hit from Klei Entertainment runs fully offline once world data downloads. Optimized for iPads with larger touch zones.
18. The Room: Old Sins
Genre: Puzzle / Mystery
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: $4.99
Controller Support: No
iCloud Sync: Yes
The Room: Old Sins features intricate 3D puzzles and offline-ready gameplay. The iPad experience is especially immersive due to precise multitouch control.
19. Reventure
Genre: Platform / Comedy
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: $2.99
Controller Support: No
iCloud Sync: Yes
This quirky 100-endings platformer works flawlessly offline. The lightweight engine makes it perfect for older iPhones and iPads.
20. BADLAND+
Genre: Action / Physics (Apple Arcade)
Offline Status: Fully offline
Price: Included with Apple Arcade
Controller Support: Yes
iCloud Sync: Yes
BADLAND+ retains the original charm and supports full offline campaigns. Controller detection works instantly on iOS 17 devices.
Offline Play & iCloud Sync Tips
- Always launch each game once online to download full resources before going offline.
- For iCloud-enabled titles, progress syncs automatically once Wi-Fi reconnects — no manual upload needed.
- Disable “Background App Refresh” to extend battery life during travel.
- On iPad, lock rotation to landscape for better UI alignment in older ports.
Performance & Offline Comparison Table
| Game | Offline | Controller Support | iCloud Sync |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dead Cells | Yes | Yes | Manual |
| Stardew Valley | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GRID Autosport | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Monument Valley 2+ | Yes | No | Yes |
| Bad North | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Final Thoughts
Offline gaming on iOS has never been stronger. With the rise of powerful devices and stable iCloud integration, you can play anywhere without losing progress. Whether you prefer deep farming sims, fast action roguelikes, or peaceful puzzles, this lineup ensures your next flight or commute stays engaging. Explore even more titles in Best Offline Mobile Games or expand your setup with offline iOS games with controller support.
Do all Apple Arcade games work offline?
Yes, once downloaded and launched once online, they remain playable offline for 30 days before needing license refresh.
Can I sync saves between iPhone and iPad?
Yes — for iCloud-enabled games, progress merges automatically when both devices reconnect to Wi-Fi.
Will updates delete offline progress?
No, but ensure the device stays connected briefly post-update to resync save data if iCloud is used.
Are controllers necessary for all these games?
No, but they enhance comfort in Dead Cells, GRID Autosport, and Bad North significantly.
What’s the lightest offline iOS game for travel?
Reventure and ELOH both install under 250MB and work fully offline with minimal battery drain.
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