Want to turn your iPhone or iPad into a handheld console? With Backbone, Xbox, PS, or MFi controllers now fully compatible, you can enjoy offline iOS games that feel just like console titles. We tested the best 2025 picks that work perfectly offline and feature verified controller support — including setup tips and in-game mapping advice.
Key Picks: Dead Cells, GRID Autosport, Stardew Valley, Cat Quest II, Slay the Spire.
Platforms: iPhone and iPad (iOS 15+).
Price Range: Free – $9.99.
Offline Verification: All games tested in Airplane Mode using Backbone One, Xbox Series X, and DualSense controllers.
Best Offline iOS Games with Controller Support (2025)
1. Dead Cells
Genre: Action Roguelike
Controller Support: Backbone, Xbox, PS, MFi
Offline Status: Fully offline
Bluetooth Mapping: Auto-detect via iOS native gamepad API
Dead Cells offers perfect latency and full control remapping. Pair your controller via Settings → Bluetooth before launching for instant detection.
2. GRID Autosport
Genre: Racing Simulator
Controller Support: Backbone, Xbox, PS, MFi
Offline Status: Fully offline
Mapping Notes: Analog triggers mapped to acceleration/brake; customizable steering sensitivity
GRID Autosport transforms iPhone into a racing console. Once installed, it plays fully offline with console-grade input precision.
3. Stardew Valley
Genre: Farming Simulation
Controller Support: Xbox, PS, MFi
Offline Status: Fully offline
Mapping Notes: Left stick = movement, right stick = cursor control
Stardew Valley supports controllers natively. Works offline across all Apple devices with intuitive UI scaling for iPad screens.
4. Cat Quest II
Genre: Action RPG
Controller Support: Backbone, Xbox, PS, MFi
Offline Status: Fully offline
Mapping Notes: Right trigger = attack, bumpers = skill shortcuts
Cat Quest II’s co-op gameplay feels natural with controllers. All controls auto-map upon connection and remain available offline.
5. Slay the Spire
Genre: Card Roguelike
Controller Support: Xbox, PS, Backbone
Offline Status: Fully offline
Mapping Notes: Button shortcuts toggle decks and confirm moves
Slay the Spire supports physical input for rapid deck navigation and offline campaign runs with local saves.
6. Riptide GP: Renegade
Genre: Racing / Sports
Controller Support: All major Bluetooth controllers
Offline Status: Fully offline
Mapping Notes: Left stick = steer, right trigger = throttle
Riptide GP: Renegade features dynamic water physics that feel immersive on controller. Works perfectly offline after first boot.
7. Grimvalor
Genre: Action / Platformer
Controller Support: Backbone, PS, Xbox, MFi
Offline Status: Fully offline
Mapping Notes: D-pad or stick for movement, face buttons for combos
Grimvalor’s precision combat and controller input make it one of the smoothest offline action games on iOS.
8. BADLAND+
Genre: Physics Platformer
Controller Support: MFi, PS, Xbox
Offline Status: Fully offline
Mapping Notes: Simple one-button flight control
BADLAND+ scales beautifully on iPad with controller or touch. Fully offline gameplay verified in Apple Arcade and standalone builds.
9. Dead Trigger 2
Genre: FPS / Action
Controller Support: Backbone, Xbox, PS
Offline Status: Partial (campaign offline)
Mapping Notes: Aim with right stick, trigger = fire
Dead Trigger 2 lets you mow down zombies offline through its main story mode. Pair controller before opening for best stability.
10. Hyper Light Drifter
Genre: Action RPG
Controller Support: Backbone, Xbox, PS, MFi
Offline Status: Fully offline
Mapping Notes: Left stick = movement, right stick = aim dash
Hyper Light Drifter offers tight combat and responsive controls, running perfectly offline on both iPhone and iPad.
How to Pair Controllers on iOS
- Go to Settings → Bluetooth and hold the pairing button on your controller (Backbone connects via Lightning or USB-C automatically).
- Select your controller name (e.g., “DualSense Wireless Controller”). Once connected, the indicator light will confirm pairing.
- Most games auto-detect input; if not, restart the game while connected.
- Use Settings → General → Game Controller on iOS 17+ to remap buttons globally.
Controller Performance Table
| Game | Offline | Controller Type | Mapping Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dead Cells | Yes | All | Yes |
| GRID Autosport | Yes | All | Yes |
| Cat Quest II | Yes | All | Auto |
| Grimvalor | Yes | All | Yes |
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer deep roguelikes or cinematic racers, these offline iOS games prove controllers make mobile gaming feel next-gen. Every title listed works flawlessly without Wi-Fi and supports at least one major controller type. For more offline game ideas, explore offline iOS iPad big-screen games or the master collection of best offline iOS games of 2025.
Do all controllers support vibration feedback on iOS?
Most PS and Xbox models do, but Backbone and MFi controllers vary by app.
Can I use wired USB-C controllers?
Yes, most connect instantly without latency issues on iPhone 15 and iPad Pro.
How do I fix lag or dropped inputs?
Turn off Bluetooth accessories like headphones and ensure Low Power Mode is disabled.
Can two controllers connect for local co-op?
Yes — supported in GRID Autosport and Cat Quest II when both are paired before launch.
Do these games support offline saves?
Yes, all progress saves locally and syncs to iCloud once reconnected.
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