Huge Apple Arcade update: here's all 32 new and classic games added today

Apple Arcade
(Image credit: Apple)

Apple Arcade is adding 32 new games to its service in its biggest expansion since the service launched in September 2019. This raises Apple Arcade's catalogue to over 180 games, and you can enjoy them all on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV devices.

The 32 new games (all listed below) include Arcade Originals like Star Trek: Legends - an official team-based RPG - and NBA 2K21 Arcade Edition, as well as the highly-anticipated JRPG Fantasian – the latest game from Final Fantasy creator Hironobu Sakaguchi, who described the game and his career in an in-depth interview with TechRadar.

Many of the new games are joining one of two newly-added categories in Apple Arcade: Timeless Classics and App Store Greats. Timeless Classics will expand Apple Arcade's library of more traditional games like Chess and Backgammon, whereas App Store Greats will add some popular mobile favorites such as Fruit Ninja Classic and Monument Valley.

All of these games and more can be enjoyed on Apple Arcade without ads or in-app purchases. You can play them all for yourself with a subscription that costs $4.99 / £4.99 / AU$7.99 a month and you’ll get a one-month free trial when you first sign up.

What kind of games just got added to Apple Arcade? 

With 30 new games to choose from, it can be hard to work out which to jump into first, but there are a few standout titles that you should definitely check out.

For fans of traditional games, Really Bad Chess is a fantastic app that mixes up a classic - by giving you random pieces. Chess masters can enjoy the challenge of having to win with eight rooks and 7 pawns, while beginners can enjoy playing without the need to learn intense strategies.

If you’d prefer something more modern, Monument Valley - the surreal puzzle game where you wander through impossible architecture - could be one for you. Cut the Rope is getting a 3D remaster and The Oregon Trail remake will let you relive a classic from your childhood.

World of Demons is a new hack-and-slash game released just for Apple Arcade by PlatinumGames, makers of the Bayonetta series and Astral Chain. 

Last but not least, Fantasian will give players a Final fantasy-style, turn-based RPG experience in a beautiful world made using real-life dioramas. This game looks stunning and we can’t wait to try it out for ourselves.

The full list of all 32 new games

Want to know exactly what's been added? Here's the full list of new Apple Arcade games that were just added:

What is Apple Arcade? 

Apple arcade

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple Arcade is Apple’s answer to services like Google Play Pass and, to an extent, Xbox Game Pass. It’s a subscription platform that, for a monthly fee, gives you unlimited access to a library of games. It’s like the Netflix of App Store titles.

Once you’ve subscribed you’ll be able to download and play every App Store game that’s included on the platform, including some Arcade exclusive games you wouldn’t be able to play otherwise.

Currently, Apple Arcade is only available on Apple devices - iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV - so Android fans are unfortunately stuck with just what’s available on Play Pass. With now over 180 games to play, you’re almost guaranteed to find something you enjoy.

David Lumb

David is now a mobile reporter at Cnet. Formerly Mobile Editor, US for TechRadar, he covered phones, tablets, and wearables. He still thinks the iPhone 4 is the best-looking smartphone ever made. He's most interested in technology, gaming and culture – and where they overlap and change our lives. His current beat explores how our on-the-go existence is affected by new gadgets, carrier coverage expansions, and corporate strategy shifts.