Best action games for iPhone and iPad (iOS)

Updated on July 2nd, 2026

---

You can stick 'action' before any other genre, and it'll instantly make it seem more fun.

If a friend tells you they're playing an RPG, you'll instantly think of extended quests, interminable conversations, and patience-testing battle systems. If they tell you they're playing an action RPG, your thoughts will turn to thrilling slashy combat, a steadily growing arsenal, and rip-roaring adventure. Or, y'know, a Zelda game.

More broadly, action games tend to involve a certain kind of pacey violence, whether that be shooting, punching, or slashing. All that really matters for something to make this list is that there's lots of kinetic stuff happening on screen at once.

A good action game will be the perfect tonic when you've had a really crappy day, and you just want to blow off some steam and mow down some goons.

Rather like love, you know an action game when you see it. Here are the best of the suckers, all playable on your iOS device. Don't mention it.

Dead Cells

Dead Cells is a roguelite platformer that doesn't let its clever procedurally generated algorithms get in the way of what it does best - quicksilver combat. Whether you're hammering baddies with a giant sword or pinning them with a powerful multi-shot bow, it never feels less than deliciously tactile. Before you dive into this action platformer, you should read our Dead Cells review. And once you do start playing, you shouldn't miss our beginner tips - they'll definitely see you out of some dire situations.

Steredenn

Steredenn might look like an old-school bullet hell shmup, but it's so much more than that. Roguelike elements and a highly customisable weapon system make this far more interesting than your average blaster. We absolutely loved it (like we mentioned in our Steredenn review), but if you're eager to see for yourself, it's worth trying. You have gorgeous graphics, an intense play style and a space action for iOS that will take you decades into the retro future. Sounds intriguing? That's because it is!

Downwell

In Downwell, your guns are located in your character's boots as you embark on an endless drop. This means that as well as taking out baddies, it acts as a means of locomotion. It's a genius concept that we've praised in our Downwell review too! If you haven't had a chance to check it yet, make sure you do so ASAP. This is probably one of the all-time best action games for iPhone, and with each passing year, it feels better and better. You can read our Downwell tips too!

Guns of Boom

If you want to shoot other players, look no further than Guns of Boom. It simplifies the FPS format just enough without compromising on strategy or depth. We have a comprehensive Guns of Boom review, so if you're curious, check it out. We also gathered some essential tips for Guns of Boom, so have a look if you do decide to give it a go!

Into the Dead 2

Next on the list is a pretty impressive action romp where you have to fight for your life in a post-apocalyptic, zombie-filled world. Into the Dead 2 tasks you with trying your best to overcome any difficulties in order to save your family. To increase your chances of surviving, you can find and upgrade many powerful weapons, as well as adapt your strategy to different types of enemies. Have a look at our Into The Dead 2 review to get a better idea - we also have some Into the Dead 2 tips and tricks to help you survive in this dangerous world.

Hyper Light Drifter

Imagine a top-down action RPG like the classic Zelda games, but with the emphasis very much on the 'action' part of the equation. That's Hyper Light Drifter, which features hyper-kinetic sword fighting and pinpoint gunplay in a breathtakingly beautiful fantasy-sci-fi world. Did you know we have a Hyper Light Drifter review too? If our introduction hasn't convinced you to try it out yet, this most certainly will.

Black Paradox

Don't let the retro graphics and 2D shmup mechanics fool you - Black Paradox is a decidedly modern experience, complete with roguelike elements and stacks of weapon types. It's as beautiful as it is exciting to dive into. Just read our Black Paradox review to get a better grasp of how it plays - you might want to check our money-making guide and progression guide too!

Space Marshals 3

Space Marshals 3 is a far more considered and varied twin-stick shooter than you might be accustomed to. But at its core is a brilliantly weighty drag-and-aim shooting system that lifts combat to another level. You never expect this to be as exciting as it actually is. We added it to our best iOS action games list because it's full of action (obviously!) but also because it looks like a top-down PUBG Mobile or something similar.

Vampire Survivors

In Vampire Survivors, you'll face hordes of monsters each time you enter a level. If you aren't smart about your movements and you're not planning ahead, the end of each run will come much earlier. 

The graphics are pixelated, but the art style is wonderful - it's reminiscent of the good ol' days of Amiga, NES, SEGA and other systems that we all cherished so dearly.

Immortal Rogue

A truly awesome roguelike hack and slasher that you can play single-handed, but that doesn't lack in strategy or depth. Immortal Rogue is an action game with brains as well as brawn, and we've expanded on that in our Immortal Rogue review. Once you start playing this bloody hack n slasher, you should also check our Immortal Rogue tips to get upgrades fast, as well as some of our essential combat tips.

Pigeon Wings Strike

Pigeon Wings Strike is an endless runner with shmup and racing elements woven through. While these little birds might not immediately scream action!, you can most certainly expect Pigeon Wings Strike to get your adrenaline pumping. We've written down a Pigeon Wings Strike review to give you a glimpse into this winged universe, but one thing's for sure - you'll definitely enjoy yourself more than you might expect while playing this!

Streets of Rage 4

If you've never tried this classic beat-em-up franchise, now's your chance. Streets of Rage 4 is a sequel that's over two decades in the making, and it manages to find that crucial sweet spot between old and new with its massively revamped graphics, from flickering neon lights to gorgeous comic-inspired artwork. You'll side-scroll through 12 stages, beating up thugs in order to bring control back to the streets. 

Beat Hazard 2

Beat Hazard 2 is a bullet hell shmup - and a darned pretty one at that - with one almighty twist. Its levels and bosses bop along to the beat of your own tunes. This rhythm-action influence makes for one of the most distinctive shooters on the App Store. We have a pretty good idea of whether or not we like it (the answer is simple - you see the game on this list, so yeah, we love it!), but we also asked our friends over at App Army to share their opinions.

Brawl Stars

Brawl Stars is a battle royale, but it's also a quick-paced action game for iOS and Android that will keep you on your toes (or rather thumbs) every minute of every round. It became an instant hit right after its release. Controls are pretty simple, and it's easy to get used to the gameplay if you've ever played anything similar. Takes about half an hour to start rocking, and then it's hard to let go. If you're eager to try it, have a look at our best brawlers tier list, which will help you pick the right character and enjoy the heck out of it!

Blazing Star

This classic SNK Playmore shoot-'em-up plays wonderfully on mobile, bringing a taste of the late-'90s arcade to your pocket. It's one of those arcade games that looks old, feels old, (actually) is old, but never gets boring. You can play it, and 10 years from now, it'll still be as exciting as ever. If you haven't tried it out yet, we strongly suggest you do. Oh, and did you know we have a Blazing Star review? Don't forget to check it out if you're eager to see how we played this arcade shooter on our iPhone.

Diablo Immortal

Diablo Immortal was released on June 2nd, 2022. The developers have created an excellent story campaign, and the PvP mode turned out to be somewhat fun. The storyline of Diablo Immortal unfolds between the second and third parts of the series - you have already defeated Diablo and the Lord of Destruction Baal, but it's not time yet to rejoice. The fact is that one of the most powerful creatures of Diablo, the demon Skarn, is trying to resurrect his lord, and you have to stop his diabolical plan. We have also covered games like Diablo Immortal if this one doesn't suit your needs!

Super Fowlst 2

Super Fowlst 2 sees you tapping the screen to hop your little 2D chicken around each arena-like level, avoiding attacks and bopping baddies. While this is not as action-packed as others on this list, it's still a pretty intense one, all things considered. We have a list of Super Fowlst 2 tips to help you out, so when in doubt, don't forget to check them out!

Bullet Echo

Bullet Echo is a stealth action game where you will need to use your weapons and abilities to clear buildings and take out targets. You can play with a bunch of friends to create a tactical team. Bullet Echo has a limited view, where you can only see through the cone of your flashlight, making it quite challenging. There are tons of weapons to upgrade and abilities to master.

Gumslinger

You are an anthropomorphic jelly bean. You must raise your gun and blast another anthropomorphic jelly bean in the face. Now repeat the process. Gumslinger takes a basic duelling premise and raises it to near perfection with daft sound effects, tight physics and gorgeously springy visuals. If you're as much about satisfying-looking games and sleek visuals, chances are you'll enjoy Gumslinger as much as we did. It's one of those underrated action iOS games that never gets old.

Otherworld Legends

A really quite brilliant hardcore 2D shooter that evokes the memory of classic arcade machines, with pacy gameplay and chunky graphics. You've got beautiful pixelated visuals and unforgiving action every step you take. You can summon warriors from different times/zones/areas, and that's only part of the fun. In Otherworld Legends, you'll eventually come to discover a long-buried secret behind this realm. If that's not enough to get your blood pumping, I don't know what is.

The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth

A port of one of the most beloved indie games of recent years, The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a twin-stick shooter that's so packed full of randomised elements that no two runs are the same. You've got the mandatory horror and gross-looking elements, as usual, but that's not where the fun stops.

Now, in our Binding of Isaac: Rebirth review, we didn't exactly give it five stars, but it's still a pretty viable choice if you're looking for a classic action shooter.

Super Hydorah

Here's a shooter for all the R-Type fans out there. It expertly emulates those classic side-scrolling shmups, but adds a sprinkling of fresh ideas. Super Hydorah is something that you won't often see nowadays as a fresh release, but it's still pretty fun and exciting. 

Punishing: Gray Raven

If you want a stunning anime hack 'n' slash action RPG, Punishing: Gray Raven is a fantastic pick. It's pretty much in a league of its own, being such a beautiful and complex game from all perspectives. It has a deep narrative to keep you immersed in the universe, and it has action-packed battles that are unforgiving when they want to be. It's pretty much do-or-die, but packed nicely into a beautiful world, with beautiful characters and a beautiful story. We also have a list of PGR codes, so if you want to claim the latest rewards, don't forget to check it out!

Neon Chrome

Neon Chrome feels like a proper, fully fleshed-out console shooter right in the palm of your hand. It's a twin-stick shooter with a moody story, heaps of weapons, formidable bosses, and a rollicking sci-fi story. We love every part of this, both the slightly strategic approach and the explosive top-down action alike. It's just an overall exciting experience to dive into even years after its release. 

Pokémon Unite

And finally, we round out our best action games for iOS with Pokemon Unite. You essentially have a MOBA, similar to League of Legends: Wild Rift and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, but with Pokemon... who wouldn't want to experience that? It's fun, it's intense, and you get to play as some of your favourite characters! If you've ever wanted to zap someone to death as Pikachu or blast someone in the face with Blastoise, now is your chance. We even have a Pokemon Unite tier list to help you pick the best Pokemon based on their role!