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Top 25 best looking games for iPhone and iPad (iOS)

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Top 25 best looking games for iPhone and iPad (iOS)

25 stunners to fill your collection - here are the iOS games with best graphics

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Updated on January 19th, 2024 - swapped 1 game. Original list by Jon Mundy, updated by Jupiter Hadley.


Looks aren't everything, goes the platitude. When it comes to video games, there's a certain type of purist who will go even further and claim that looks mean nothing - gameplay is everything.

It's as if a core part of this inherently visual medium is mere surface fluff, only useful for enticing casuals and half-wits. Rubbish, we say.

A game's graphics are how it invites you into its world, tells you a story, and sells its gameplay mechanics. It is true, however, that those graphics don't have to be opulent. The appropriate effects can be achieved with a handful of pixels.

Which raises the next question: what are 'good graphics'? It's not something we can answer in a brief intro, but hopefully, the following list will go some way to explaining.

Best graphics iOS games

The best looking games on iPhone and iPad are a varied bunch. We've got epic 3D adventures, hand-drawn oddities, abstract puzzlers, and loads more besides. All they share in common is that when we play them, our eyes feel as happy as our thumbs.

Have we missed any other gorgeous gaming specimens? Let us know what would you favourite in the comments section below.

Click Here To View The List »

1
GRID Autosport

Publisher: Feral Interactive
Available on: iOS + Android + Switch
Genre: Racing
Find out more about GRID Autosport
GRID Autosport

GRID Autosport isn't just a console-like racer. It's a fully-fledged console racer, complete with cream-of-the-crop visuals. You might think you know what a great-looking racing game looks like for your mobile, but if you haven't tried GRID Autosport, then you clearly know nothing (Jon Snow)!

Although you'll need a beast of a device to run it, it is one of the best graphics games for iPhone out there.

Just read our GRID Autosport review to get the bigger picture. Or check out these beginner tips!

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2
The Room: Old Sins

Publisher: Fireproof Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Find out more about The Room: Old Sins
The Room: Old Sins

All four of The Room titles are among the most handsome titles on mobile. For puzzle enthusiasts, there's nothing quite like it. It cleverly combines some of the best graphics games for iOS with intriguing mechanics, making it a winner in my book.

No other series takes such delight in intricate clockwork mechanisms or renders materials in such a realistically tactile fashion. You should definitely give it a shot, especially if you have an iPad - seeing all the small details on a slightly bigger screen makes all the difference. Read The Room: Old Sins review if you're not convinced yet.

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3
My Oasis

Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Simulation
Find out more about My Oasis
My Oasis

When we think about games, we often think about something that is action-packed, wildly challenging, and competitive. However, there are some titles that fall on the exact opposite side of the spectrum, and for all the good reasons. My Oasis is such an experience, with its anxiety-relieving atmosphere and beautiful graphics beautifully interlaced.

A title like this deserves all the kudos, even more so if you manage to collect all the critters!

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4
Asphalt 9: Legends

Publisher: Gameloft
Available on: iOS + Android + Switch
Genre: Arcade, Multiplayer, Racing
Find out more about Asphalt 9: Legends
Asphalt 9: Legends

Asphalt 9 is a racer that you're probably all too familiar with - at least with the name. It's been around for a good while, and with each title, the series only seems to improve (although I might not like 7 as much...). In this last title, the graphic team has outdone itself.

This is a stonker of an arcade racer, with all of the visual fidelity and OTT pyrotechnics those two works imply, and if you have a chance to play it on the bigger screen of an iPad, I strongly suggest you do so. And if you're ever looking for some tips, we've got a massive collection of Asphalt 9 guides to help you out!

Did you know we also have an Asphalt 9: Legends review?

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5
Dawnlands

Developer: Seasun Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: RPG
Find out more about Dawnlands
Dawnlands

Dawnlands is a beautiful, MMO, with a massive open world that you are able to explore. You can go through a bunch of different biomes, checking out the beautiful landscape and creatures that roam there. There is plenty of puzzles to solve, secrets to discover, and monsters to destroy! It's one of those games that feel super captivating, with so many different things that you can do!

Your main goal in Dawnlands is to survive - you will need to gather resources, ensure you are not defeated by monsters, and create a home for yourself within this world. You can team up with friends or strangers to make this world even more captivating!

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6
Genshin Impact

Developer: Hoyoverse
Publisher: Hoyoverse
Available on: iOS + Android + Switch
Genre: 3D, Action, Adventure
Find out more about Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact

A glorious open-world RPG that seriously evokes the sprawling fantastic grandeur of Nintendo's Breath of the Wild. It's a tribute act alright, but one that hits many of the right notes - at least aesthetically. Just read our Genshin Impact review. If that wasn't praise enough, it won the PG Mobile Game Award of the Year 2021 by audience votes.

Receiving constant updates and new features, it's never too late to start playing Genshin Impact. The experience alone will be more than you will expect at the start. We have a tier list for Genshin Impact, ranking every character from the best to the worst ones. It's been updated with each new patch, so you'll always know what's a current meta.

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7
Bugsnax

Developer: Young Horses
Available on: iOS + Steam
Genre: Adventure
Find out more about Bugsnax
Bugsnax

Bugsnax is not only a beautiful game, but it has a bunch of stunning and captivating creatures that are made from different foods! You have always believed in the world of Bugsnax, and have followed a letter delivered to you by a journalist to a strange island, where people are literally what they eat! They do turn into whatever they capture and eat on this island.

Bugsnax has done a wonderful job of creating a beautiful, interesting world to travel around in, and there are tons of different characters and puzzles to interact with, along with food to capture and use to change yourself. I personally love Bugsnax, and have not heard of anyone not enjoying their time with it.

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8
Frost (Kunabi)

Publisher: Kunabi Brother
Available on: iOS
Genre: Puzzle
Find out more about Frost (2017)
Frost (2017)

Frost is a beautiful minimalist puzzler that bathes your eyes in glowing, flowing particle effects. The way its illuminated dots dance around the screen and react to your touch is quite enchanting. I have to admit, you can even (try to) play it with your cat - they might not solve the puzzles, but it'll be a blast, guaranteed!

We even have a Frost review, so if you are curious how this beautiful-looking iOS masterpiece feels while playing, read a bit more about it.

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9
Tales of the Mirror

Publisher: Lilith Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Adventure
Find out more about Tales of the Mirror
Tales of the Mirror

Tales of the Mirror is a visual novel that takes inspiration from beautiful ancient Chinese artwork. The player is tasked to solve the mysterious murder that occurred in the village while paying close attention to his funds. To do that, the player must form bonds with the characters and offer them the right gifts.

It's an absolutely stunningly-looking iOS game that only gets better and better with each extra minute of gameplay. You can read more about it in our Tales of the Mirror review - it's a title that's absolutely worth playing, at least once.

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10
Inside

Publisher: Playdead
Available on: iOS + Switch
Genre: Platform, Puzzle
Find out more about Inside
Inside

Inside is stunning in every way, and that includes its beautifully shady art style and fluid animation. With more awards than we can name here, Inside is a must-play, especially for platformer enthusiasts. Its gameplay is not only stylish, but also challenging - some puzzles are more devious than others, and its narrative only adds to this.

If there's a more stylish platformer on mobile, we haven't seen it. You need to give it a shot, especially if you love LIMBO. You can read our Inside review before though - it'll tell you everything you need to know, and if that won't help, then our Inside tips and tricks surely will.

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11
Tower of Fantasy

Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Genre: Action, RPG
Find out more about Tower of Fantasy
Tower of Fantasy

If you want to explore a beautiful world and participate in many epic events, here we have a great title that is definitely worth your attention! Tower of Fantasy should be one of the best games in terms of graphics quality and stunning surroundings. With the recent update, developers added an underwater map full of fantastic locations and new in-game content. It has endless incredible places to explore and enjoy.

There are many attractive characters, each with a unique weapon and excellent design. To learn more about this lovely game, feel free to check out our guide for beginners. On top of that, here we have all active Tower of Fantasy codes that you can use to get some gold and many other awesome rewards.

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12
Unruly Heroes

Available on: iOS + Android + Steam + Switch
Genre: Platform
Find out more about Unruly Heroes
Unruly Heroes

A superb 2D platformer that looks and plays as beautifully as the full-fat console title Rayman Legends - probably because it has some of the same talents behind it. Unruly Heroes is one of the titles that will smile upon you the second you step foot into that world.

In fact, it's both beautiful and has a great narrative - you can read more about that in our Unruly Heroes review though. All in all, if you love platformers and haven't given this one a try yet, you need to do so ASAP. It's probably one of the best of its kind.

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13
If Found...

Available on: iOS
Genre: Puzzle
Find out more about If Found...
If Found...

A narrative adventure with a truly distinctive art style, with every scene appearing to have been sketched in with a pencil as if you were flicking through the main character's notepad. This visual style ties directly in with how it plays, as well as simply looking gorgeous, easily being one of the best graphics iOS games.

Tip: I strongly suggest playing If Found... in one go, although it might take 2-3 hours. It'll be a wholesome experience that you'll probably fall back on whenever you want to relax and just dive into something different. You should read more about our experience playing it in our If Found... review!

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14
Monument Valley 2

Developer: Ustwo games
Available on: iOS + Android + Board Game
Genre: Puzzle
Find out more about Monument Valley 2
Monument Valley 2

A game doesn't have to be a lavish 3D extravaganza to gain our appreciation. Take Monument Valley 2 - an ostensibly simple isometric puzzler with an astonishing mind-bending art style. It might not be as "mind-bending" as Manifold Garden, but it falls into a similar category. If puzzles are your cup of tea, chances are you'll find Monument Valley 2 a delightful treat.

Did you read our Monument Valley 2 review yet? It's one of the few 10/10 games in our books, and it's not just about having wonderful graphics and artwork.

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15
The Witness

Developer: Thekla Inc.
Available on: iOS
Genre: Puzzle
Find out more about The Witness
The Witness

Nothing else quite looked like The Witness when it made its debut on console and PC a few years ago, and nothing quite looks like it on iOS either. Thekla has created a beautifully strange and diverse island to explore, where every view is a potential wallpaper.

Solve the (stunning) puzzles, regain your memory, and why not - even take a couple of screenshots in the process. There will be nothing short of amazing when it comes to the sceneries, just as we mentioned in The Witness review we wrote some time ago.

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16
Gorogoa

Developer: Jason Roberts
Publisher: Annapurna Interactive
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam + Switch
Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
Find out more about Gorogoa
Gorogoa

This puzzling masterpiece has a unique aesthetic that's fit to be hung on your wall, with a comic book frame-shifting mechanic that ensures screengrab-worthy moments around every corner.

What might look like an antique, hand-drawn creation, is in fact a story. A story told by ingenious puzzles and -unfortunately- a way too short playstyle. Just like If Found... it's best played in one go. It'll be about 2 hours if you don't get overly stuck at some stages!

You can read more details about this stunning puzzler in our Gorogoa review.

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17
Assemble With Care

Developer: Ustwo games
Publisher: Ustwo games
Available on: iOS + Android + Steam
Genre: Puzzle
Find out more about Assemble With Care
Assemble With Care

You wouldn't think that a title all about fixing everyday gadgets would be so visually opulent. But then, Assemble with Care was made by the team behind Monument Valley, so it kind of figures. Every aspect of the Assemble With Care seems to be well-taken care of, and the colour palette is, simply put, spot on.

There is nothing quite as relaxing and satisfying as this one. If it's the best graphics game for iOS that you are after, this gem will fit your crown nicely.

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18
Meteorfall: Krumit's Tale

Developer: Slothwerks
Publisher: Slothwerks
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Card battler
Find out more about Meteorfall: Krumit's Tale
Meteorfall: Krumit's Tale

What's often overlooked with Slothwerks's Meterofall titles is how stunning they are to look at, perhaps because their Adventure Time-esque style seems so breezy and casual. But boy does this masterful card battler look the part, with exquisite art direction and animation.

Every detail seems to be in place, and your best shot is to play it on an iPad - the bigger the screen, the better. Meteorfall: Krumit's Tale is easily one of the best-looking iOS games, even though it doesn't fall into the "realistic" or 3D graphics category. As for the gameplay, it's just challenging enough to keep you hooked for hours - just like we stated in our Meteorfall: Krumit's Tale review.

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19
Black Desert Mobile

Publisher: Pearl Abyss
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Multiplayer, RPG
Find out more about Black Desert Mobile
Black Desert Mobile

Black Desert can rightfully be considered the most beautiful MMORPG on PC. And its main advantages migrated to the mobile version, including an incredibly advanced character editor that allows you to create both fabulous beauties and fantastic freaks.

The designers of Black Desert Mobile relied on realism, but this, of course, applies mainly to Mediterranean-style locations and some non-player characters: merchants and peasants look very authentic.

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20
League of Legends: Wild Rift

Developer: Tencent
Publisher: Tencent
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: MOBA
Find out more about League of Legends: Wild Rift
League of Legends: Wild Rift

Nothing less than the king of MOBAs, right here on your phone. Wild Rift smartly streamlines the competitive top-down warring formula, but it doesn't compromise with its gorgeously fluid graphics.

Just because Wild Rift is so beautiful, it doesn't mean it's lacking essence - on the contrary. It's so good we have created individual champion guides for every single character, as well as an up-to-date tier list.

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21
Sky: Children of the Light

Available on: iOS + Android + Switch
Genre: Adventure
Find out more about Sky: Children of the Light
Sky: Children of the Light

Journey creator Thatgamecompany made its first mobile-focused game in Sky: Children of the Light. The result is a suitably dreamy multiplayer experience, that leaves us wanting even more.

With graphics that feel easy on the eye and gameplay that is not wildly enjoyable, but it's not very complex to learn as well. It doesn't overpower the essence of what is Sky: Children of the Light. And that is, returning the fallen Stars to their constellations. Absolutely stunning! Once you get started, you can also take a look at some useful beginner tips for Sky: Children of Light to help you out, although the game isn't that hard to learn.

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22
CSR Racing 2

Publisher: NaturalMotion Games
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Racing
Find out more about CSR Racing 2
CSR Racing 2

That's right, we've got another shiny-looking racer on the list! CSR Racing 2 is the name, and it's not your typical racer. Unlike the previously mentioned titles, in CSR Racing 2, the style arguably IS the substance. If you haven't tried this franchise before, then you can read our review to get a better idea of what to expect. Otherwise, you can just check some of our best cars in CSR Racing 2.

You don't need to worry about steering your car, which means that developer NaturalMotion can zoom in and show you the real-life hardware in glorious, shiny detail - down to the nitty-gritty. Why not drive and enjoy the scenery? You don't often get to, especially in such games.

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23
Monster Hunter Now

Developer: Niantic
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Action, Adventure
Find out more about Monster Hunter Now
Monster Hunter Now

Monster Hunter Now is a location-based game with optional AR aspects, so the graphics themselves really need to be realistic and stunning. If you are unaware of the Monster Hunter series, these massive monsters look like dragons, dinosaurs, and creatures that must have come from someone's imagination. They are incredibly detailed, and you can even overlay them into the real world, making it look like your local town is being attacked by a giant monster!

Monster Hunter Now is a very fun title, as you battle monsters, level up your armour, and unlock various items. There are sometimes AR filters for yourself as well, to let you wear items that your avatar can wear in the game. It's very well designed and the graphics are hyper realistic to boot.

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24
Limbo

Publisher: Playdead
Available on: iOS + Android + PS Vita + Steam
Genre: Platform, Puzzle
Find out more about Limbo
Limbo

Limbo is a beautiful and endlessly dark puzzle platformer. Creepy, but surprisingly addictive at the same time. You'll play as a boy stuck in a colourless world, that's trying to find meaning. On the way, you'll encounter platforming challenges and some puzzles that aren't a peak of cognitive trouble, but they are reasonably hard. Will make you wonder.

Limbo is completely black and white. The graphics are pretty simple but, at the same time, everything is brought to life very vividly, you won't ever mistake one thing for another. Very clean, and it plays crispy for the same reason. Watch the trailer and see if you like it.

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25
Pokémon Café ReMix

Publisher: The Pokemon Company
Available on: iOS + Android
Genre: Puzzle
Find out more about Pokémon Café ReMix
Pokémon Café ReMix

Pokemon Cafe ReMix is an adorable, cute game that just looks perfect. Though it's not got a massive open world, there is something simply adorable about the Pokemon shown here. You get to play as the owner of a cafe, where you see your customers wanting specific food. You then get to link up a bunch of different Pokemon icons to create cute drinks and dishes. When they eat them, they become your friends.

I really love the design of these Pokemon and they really are stunning, making this a unique and fun entry to this list. Expand your cafe, menu, and create a cafe full of all of the Pokemon you can find!

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Jon Mundy
Jon Mundy
Jon is a consummate expert in adventure, action, and sports games. Which is just as well, as in real life he's timid, lazy, and unfit. It's amazing how these things even themselves out.