Most Graphically Demanding iPhone Games

Thinking back to the days of the Nintendo Entertainment System, no one could have ever believed what the future of gaming would hold. The potential of how far graphics would be pushed was especially unknown. Now, as the world embraces the latest console generation, it seems like video games are getting ever closer to photo-realism.

Although visuals in games are pushing the envelope, you don’t need a high-powered console or PC to experience impressive graphics. Dazzling visuals are only a pocket dial away, as your iPhone is home to many incredible games that also happen to look amazing.

Updated November 21, 2024 by Jacqueline Zalace: The iPhone is home to some games with incredible graphics. As such, we’ve updated this list with a few more games with high graphics that will put your phone to the test.

17 Diablo Immortal

Set between the second and third Diablo games, Immortal is an isometric MMORPG perfect for quick pick-up-and-play sessions. You explore a series of monster-filled dungeons, each lasting no more than 15 minutes. Fans of the series will feel right at home with the real-time combat, though you may want to swap the touch controls for a controller.

Visual-wise, Diablo Immortal is pure eye candy. The vibrant colors make each animation pop, and the moody lighting engine emphasizes the eeriness of each moonlight battlefield and candlelit cave. It just goes to show how the right atmosphere can create an immersive experience.

16 Call Of Duty: Mobile

Call of Duty needs no introduction. The mobile version was designed specifically for iOS and Android, seamlessly reworking the fast-paced first-person shooter gameplay for touch controls. It even comes with a battle royale mode, which pits you against 99 other players in an intense free-for-all.

The game doesn’t skimp on the visuals, either. COD Mobile looks comparable to a mid-spec PC when playing with high graphics. Even the low settings are nothing to sneeze at, featuring decent textures, particle effects, and a fairly solid lighting engine.

15 Alien: Isolation

Based on the iconic 1979 horror film, Alien: Isolation follows astronaut Amanda Ripley, trapped on a desolate spaceship with a bloodthirsty alien. You must use a mix of stealth, resource management, and first-person combat to find a way to escape, all while the clever beast searches for you.

The graphics are nothing short of stunning. The detailed textures ensure every blood-soaked wall and foggy corridor is bone-chilling. Plus, the excellent particle effects make each explosion and flamethrower look dazzling on the iPhone’s screen. Not to mention the superb lighting, which adds an extra layer of creepiness with flickering lights and menacing shadows.

14 Monster Hunter Now

Have you ever wanted to fight dragons in real life? As an AR game, Monster Hunter Now lets you do just that. Similar to Pokemon Go, the game tracks your location and has you explore your local area in search of monsters. Once you enter a fight, you’ll have 75 seconds to take the beast down.

The eye-catching visuals make each battle a spectacle to behold. Not only are the monster designs creative and unique, but the detailed textures accentuate their scaly faces, matted fur, and colossal wings. It looks even cooler when superimposed onto your real-life location.

13 League Of Legends: Wild Rift

League of Legends: Wild Rift brings the iconic MOBA to iOS devices, albeit with slight tweaks. Two teams of five must storm the opposing side’s base and destroy the Nexus inside. Each round lasts about 15 minutes, making it ideal to play in short bursts.

While the gameplay has been scaled back a bit from its PC counterpart, the graphics remain just as impressive. Every aspect looks as detailed and vibrant as a full-fledged console game, making Wild Rift a fine way to play League of Legends on the go.

12 Sky: Children Of The Light

Made by the same team as Journey, Sky: Children of the Light is an open-world adventure where each part of the land represents a different stage of life. Equipped with the power to fly, you explore the remains of a fallen kingdom, solve puzzles, and unravel the backstory behind these desolate ruins.

Each area is a treat for the eyes, thanks to the rich colors and breathtaking particle effects. The game was even nominated for Best Mobile Game at the 2019 Game Awards.

11 Pokemon Unite

Pokemon Unite is a free-to-play MOBA in which two teams try to knock each other out while simultaneously battling wild Pokemon. There are dozens of Pokemon to choose from, providing plenty of room for strategy and diverse teams.

The vibrant color scheme, smooth battle animations, and stylish UI provide a dazzling look. Playing on a powerful iPhone can make it look almost as good as it does on Switch. On the other hand, older models deliver graphics that rival, if not surpass, the Pokemon games on 3DS.

10 The Witness

The Witness is a critically acclaimed puzzle game set in a relaxing, immersive world. After emerging from an underground bunker, you step onto a gorgeous island brimming with clever brain teasers. With no linear path to follow, the world is yours to explore at your own pace.

Everything from the lush forests to the serene lakes looks stunning on the iPhone, and it’s beyond impressive that such a massive environment fits on such a tiny device. If you like puzzle games, you owe it to yourself to play The Witness.

9 Asphalt 9: Legends

Asphalt 9: Legends proves the iPhone is more than capable of delivering fantastic-looking, high-speed games without sacrificing quality. This arcade-style racer has you zooming through San Francisco, the Himalayas, and many other real-life locations while pulling off as many stunts as possible.

The smooth textures, incredible lighting, and detailed backgrounds make every race a sight to behold. Even when going at blistering speeds, the environments are still a treat for the eyes. Fast-paced and visually stunning, Asphalt 9: Legends is an excellent choice for racing fans.

8 Grid Autosport

Racing games have a great winning streak on the iPhone, and Grid Autosport often takes first place for many mobile fans. It’s a fully-fledged racing simulator with customization options, gorgeous and detailed vehicles, and layered backgrounds to immerse yourself in.

With several real-life tracks to race through and extensive multiplayer options, you can easily pour dozens of hours into this game. Although it’s bound to drain iPhone batteries pretty quickly, Grid Autosport is definitely a must-play for any fans of the genre.

7 Genshin Impact

If you want an open-world RPG for iOS, it doesn’t get better than Genshin Impact. Taking inspiration from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the game places you in a vast fantasy world rich with secrets, quests, and bosses. You can even team up with a friend and explore together.

The world of Teyvat is brought to life through lively colors and a stunning anime art style. Having such an expansive adventure at your disposal on the iPhone is almost surreal, but Genshin Impact miraculously pulls it off.

6 Honkai: Star Rail

From the developers of Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail is a turn-based JRPG that blends science fiction with fantasy. You control an amnesia-riddled deity known as the Trailblazer, who travels from planet to planet to prevent the destruction of the universe.

Known for its in-depth story, fantastic world-building, and engaging combat, Honkai: Star Rail is widely celebrated as one of the greatest mobile games ever made. Even better – the iOS version sacrifices very little regarding graphics, creating an experience that looks and plays fantastically.

5 Death Stranding

Initially launching on PlayStation 4, Death Stranding follows Sam Bridges, a courier who traverses a post-apocalyptic open world to deliver supplies needed to keep humanity going. The goal is to find the safest and quickest route to your destination, utilizing the help of other players via the game’s online functionality.

Not only are you getting an incredible-looking game with detailed environments and a massive open world, but you’re also getting an unforgettable soundtrack. You’ll need a powerful iPhone to play it, but you’re in for a remarkable journey if you own one.

4 Resident Evil 4 Remake

Often considered the scariest game on iOS, Resident Evil 4 faithfully remakes a legendary survival horror game from the GameCube. When the president’s daughter goes missing, special agent Leon Kennedy must travel to a remote village in Spain to confront the parasite-infected cult responsible.

Considering this is a port of a PlayStation 5 title, it’s a miracle it runs on an iPhone at all. Thankfully, the entire game is here, and everything from the gothic Salazar Castle to the bone-chilling village looks spectacular. It requires a top-of-the-line phone, but it’s well worth it.

3 Resident Evil Village

If you need to get more Resident Evil delivered straight to your phone, you’re in luck. In addition to Resident Evil 4 Remake, you can play Resident Evil Village straight from your iPhone, which is honestly quite impressive for this 2021 title.

Resident Evil Village takes place in, well… a village. Here, you’ll find a Victorian village stuck in time that’s filled with terrifying sights. If you’ve spent any time on the internet, then you have probably seen Lady Dimistrescu before. Now, you can have this gigantic lady right on your phone.

2 Pascal’s Wager

Next, we have Pascal’s Wager. Named after a philosophical argument debating God’s existence, this is a Soulslike game with absolutely beautiful graphics. Interestingly, this originally launched on iOS back in 2020, and has branched out to Android, PC, and Nintendo Switch since then.

Pascal’s Wager is a great game to play if you are looking for a Soulslikie game to play on the go. There are also four different characters that you can play as, with each one bringing a new play style to the table (or iPhone).

1 CarX Street

Last but not least, we have CarX Street. It seems that racing games get more and more realistic every year, and CarX Street is no exception. This high-speed racing game lets you progress through a career, upgrade your car, and even buy a house.

If you’re a fan of racing against others in real time, then you’re in luck. The real-time multiplayer system allows you to flawlessly race others. On top of that, CarX Street boasts realistic handling of the cars, ensuring that you get a realistic driving experience.