5 best games on Apple Arcade in 2023: Stardew Valley, Dead Cells & more

Apple Arcade is a great way for people to game if they are in the Apple ecosystem, and there are plenty of titles to choose from - so here's our rundown of the best picks to play in 2023.

The vast library of over 200 Apple Arcade games offers top titles that can be played anywhere - and at any time - thanks to the streaming capabilities of the platform. All of the games can be found in the App Store, with the low-cost subscription allowing for seamless streaming capabilities on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV with no advertisements or in-app purchases.

Whether you’re new to Apple Arcade, or a long-time user, check out our list of the best games you can play on Apple Arcade in 2023 - you might even be surprised that some of these iconic games are available on the platform. 

• Here are the best games like Diablo 4 you should be playing if you're a fan of the isometric ARPG

Best games to play on Apple Arcade

5 - Stardew Valley+

• Developer: ConcernedApe
• Apple Arcade release date: July 21, 2023
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Apple Arcade
• Key features:
• A surprising amount of depth
• Relaxing gameplay that you can get lost in for hours
• Fully cross-platform for co-op play with up to four players

Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game through and through, and while that might not sound like the most exciting game, it is one of the most relaxing gaming experiences.

It's incredibly easy to get lost in the game for hours upon hours, and is a great change of pace from many of the action-heavy games available. Since the game was originally released in 2016, it has sold over 20 million copies, making it one of the best-selling indie games of all time - and one of our top picks for the best games available on Apple Arcade.

• We've also covered the best games like Stardew Valley
  

4 - Getting Over It

• Developer: Bennett Foddy
• Apple Arcade release date: May 4, 2023
• Platforms: PC, iOS, Android, Apple Arcade
• Key features:
• A really great game for speedrunners and competitive gamers
• Getting Over It features a commentary discussing various philosophical topics
• Simple, easy to get to grips with gameplay

Getting Over It is simple yet very punishing, and is absolutely one of the best games available on Apple Arcade on this list because of it.

To play all you need to do is hold a button and aim your hammer to move and climb as high as you can. However, this is easier said than done, and it will take a lot of practice before you're able to master the game, but once you do, it is incredibly satisfying and makes for a great speedrunning game if you're more competitive in nature.

• Check out the best games like Baldur's Gate 3 if you're looking for another RPG

3 - Sonic Dash

• Developer: Hardlight
• Apple Arcade release date: April 8, 2022
• Platforms: iOS, Android, Apple Arcade
• Key features:
• Endless Runner similar to Temple Run
• The fast-paced gameplay that the Sonic the Hedgehog series is known for
• Vibrant and colourful levels

Games such as Temple Run helped make the Endless Runner genre one of the most popular in mobile gaming and became some of the earliest popular apps on smartphones.

Sonic is a natural fit for the genre as his entire character is based around being able to run fast, and the vibrant, colourful landscapes of the Sonic the Hedgehog series make for the perfect backdrop for an Endless Runner game. 

• If you're ready for Fall, check out the best cosy games you should be playing in 2023

2 - Dead Cells+

• Developer: Motion Twin
• Apple Arcade release date: December 2, 2022
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Apple Arcade
• Key features:
• 2D side-scrolling roguelike-Metroidvania
• Levels are randomly generated
• Very punishing combat that takes time to master

When it comes to roguelike Metroidvanias, Dead Cells may be the cream of the crop. Dead Cells takes what makes the genre great and elevates it with an increased level of difficulty thanks to randomly generated levels and the Dark Souls-style of punishing combat.

It may not be for those who get frustrated and give up easily, but once you learn how to play Dead Cells, it is one of the best modern games to play if you're a fan of the genre - and absolutely one of the top picks on Apple Arcade. 

• Here are the best Soulslike games you'll want to check out this year

What is the best Apple Arcade game?

1 - Limbo+

• Developer: Playdead
• Apple Arcade release date: May 4, 2023
• Platforms: PC, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android, Apple Arcade
• Key features:
• Classic 2D platforming
• Minimalist grey scale graphics
• One of the best modern indie games

Limbo has been called a masterpiece by many and they’re not wrong - which is why it's our pick for the best game currently on offer on Apple Arcade. The game helped make smaller indie titles be taken more seriously and showed that it didn’t need to be an AAA release to be a great game.

With 2D platforming, an atmosphere that's dark and spooky, alongside a minimalist noir look that could be likened to film noir - Limbo should be on the top of your list to check out if you're an Apple Arcade gamer. 

That's all for our list of the best Apple Arcade games you can play right now in 2023. Many of these games are readily available to play on most platforms too, so even if you can't use Apple Arcade, we highly recommend checking them out.

For more game recommendations, be sure to check out our lists homepage right here at GGRecon.