The Most Graphically Demanding iPad Games

Though the iPad may not be known for its immense graphical output, that doesn’t mean there aren’t gorgeous and graphically demanding games available on the platform. The iOS store is full of games that will surprise you with their graphics, and some of them aren’t even after your entire wallet’s contents.

Whether it’s racing games, puzzle games, or ports of games available on other platforms, the iPad’s graphics can pack a hefty punch in the right game. Here’s a list of the top games that will push your iPad to the limit.

Updated December 19, 2024 by Jacqueline Zalace: Some games really push the iPad to the limit in terms of graphics. If you’re looking for more graphically demanding iPad games, you’re in luck. We’ve added a few more games to this list that will showcase the true power of your iPad!

24 Asphalt Legends Unite

Originally launched in 2018, you might think that Asphalt Legends Unite’s graphics are becoming outdated. This simply isn’t the case, as the game was ported to Nintendo Switch in 2019. The arcade racing hit still stands up to this day, with extremely detailed car graphics and a variety of different tracks to speed around.

If this game sounds familiar, it’s important to note that Asphalt 9: Legends was renamed to Asphalt Legends Unite in 2024, but it’s still the same game! This name change came with a new expansion and a new track for you to enjoy.

23 Real Racing 3

To stick with the racing theme, Real Racing 3 is another top-tier racing game. This was launched even further back, in 2013, but still looks great. Its graphics were unparalleled at the time of launch and are still a sight to behold.

Real Racing 3 is known for its sheer size. There are hundreds, potentially thousands, of cars and tracks to complete. However, it will cost you to access all that content; the microtransactions can become a bit overwhelming in this game.

22 Genshin Impact

This Action-RPG from HoYoversde took the world by storm and is arguably one of the most impressive mobile games in many years. Not only is Genshin Impact’s gameplay vast in scope, but it also boasts an open-world and an action battle system. You can now even play the popular mobile game using a controller on iOS.

In terms of graphics, Genshin Impact is colorful, detailed, and comparable to Breath of the Wild. It’s a game that will certainly push older iPad models to the brink of overheating. Plus, if you can possibly resist the lure of the gacha mechanics, the game is free-to-play.

21 Call Of Duty: Mobile

Sure, this Call of Duty game won’t look as smooth as Cold War on a brand-new Series X, but the mobile game does a very good job of translating the shooter’s graphics to a mobile platform. Classic maps and weapons can be enjoyed via Call of Duty: Mobile, which also has an impressive eSports scene and a massive international player base.

Call of Duty: Mobile also offers a bunch of graphics settings, something not that common with mobile games. You can adjust the graphics up to High in the menu if your iPad can handle the frame rate.

20 Civilization 6

The fact there is a full PC port of Civ 6 to mobile is quite astounding. Aspyr Media handled the port, and they did an exceptional job of bringing pretty much the entire game’s function to mobile without compromising on gameplay or graphics.

You can play the first 60 turns for free on an iPad and then purchase the game for full price. If you balk at the price at first, this is pretty much Civilization 6 with all of its mechanics which runs almost as well as the Mac version.

19 Bastion

Bastion is a little gem of a game originally released by Supergiant Games on iOS back in 2011. It’s an Action RPG game that features fantasy environments and various enemies to take down. The level design is gorgeous and the game looks great on iPad.

The game was also critically-acclaimed for its audio and sound design, including the iconic narration that fans of the game always remember with a nostalgic fondness. If you’ve never played Bastion before, you can try it for free on iPad and then invest if you like it. It’s widely considered a great entry point for newcomers to the Action RPG genre.

18 Black Desert Mobile

Black Desert Mobile is a huge MMO that launched back in 2018. Over the past couple of years, the mobile version has received multiple updates and changes that have improved performance on mobile, and now the game runs well and looks fantastic.

Thankfully, this is another mobile game that provides quite an in-depth graphics menu, allowing you to adapt the game to your device’s performance. You can tweak the effects from Low to High and even play around with the game’s resolution. With the right settings, Black Desert Mobile is a graphically-stunning game.

17 The Gardens Between

This highly-rated puzzle game looks beautiful on iPad and has been known to push older models to the limit. Puzzle games aren’t always known for their intense graphics, but the studio at The Voxel Agents has managed something impressive with The Gardens Between.

The game holds a respectable 4.8 rating and is praised for its intricate level design and puzzle variety. Available for a flat purchase rate, this game also won’t mess you around with microtransactions. You pay for what you get, and what you get is a brilliant iPad game.

16 Grand Mountain Adventure

Grand Mountain Adventure is an open-world ski adventure game with graphics that wouldn’t look out of place on the Nintendo Switch. You can test the game out on a free mountain level and then purchase the premium pass to explore the rest of the game’s content.

Graphically, Grand Mountain Adventure is sublime. Its environments are rendered smoothly, with impressive frame rates for an iPad. There is also a lot of gameplay variety, from completing ski courses to going off-piste to have your own adventure.

15 League of Legends: Wild Rift

League of Legends: Wild Rift is essentially the mobile version of League of Legends. The PC version of this game has incredibly good graphics, and this holds true for the mobile version as well. Many gamers believe that Wild Rift has even better graphics than the original game, and this may be due to how new it is.

Rather than a PC port to mobile, Wild Rift was rebuilt from scratch. Whatever the case, Wild Rift is a perfect game to play on an iPad. The game has a smaller roster, as well as smaller maps, making it run smoothly on your iPad.

14 Dragon Raja

Dragon Raja is a classic MMORPG, complete with phenomenal graphics. While playing the game, you will be met with crisp animation and settings that almost look real. The story of Dragon Raja isn’t the most complex; you essentially play to save the world. Along the way though, you will get to traverse through beautiful cities that are bound to catch your eye.

This game runs with Unreal Engine 4, which is known for bringing us games with impressive graphics, such as Stray and Final Fantasy 7 Remake. Overall, Dragon Raja will put your iPad to the test.

13 Divinity: Original Sin 2

Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a unique game that is only available through the App Store for iPads. In the game, you and three other players can travel through the world, slaying anything that stands in your way.

Many gamers emphasize that the iPad version of the game runs and looks better than the Nintendo Switch version. As it’s a hefty game, you will need a fairly current operating system for your iPad, which is something that you should keep in mind, as this game is quite expensive compared to others on this list.

12 Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

We all know Grant Theft Auto: San Andreas. This classic GTA game launched in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, and since then, has spread across a variety of consoles and platforms. Now, almost two decades after its original release, you can play it on your iPad.

While the game in general doesn’t have the most realistic graphics, it’s still impressive that the entire game can be played on your iPad. If you decide to invest in this game, it’s important to note that cheats cannot be used.

11 Age of Magic: Turn-Based RPG

As its name suggests, Age of Magic: Turn-Based RPG is a turn-based RPG where you can play through a complex story, collect heroes, and battle other players.

Rather than just collecting characters with fixed stats like other gacha games, you are able to improve your party by leveling up their gear and weapons. Overall, this is a nice balance between gacha and RPG.

10 Grid Autosport

Grid Autosport may be another racing game on our list, but it’s well worth it. In this game, you can find over 100 cars, as well as over 100 circuits. This amount of circuits and cars will keep you playing for hours.

Many players even suggest playing Grid Autosport with a wireless controller. With this, you won’t even feel like you are playing an iPad game. As a paid game, there are also no pay-to-win features or microtransactions that you need to worry about.

9 Hearthstone

Hearthstone is a classic deck-building game that began as an extension of World of Warcraft. If you don’t want to sit at your computer though, you can play Hearthstone from anywhere on your iPad.

While it isn’t the biggest game, gamers across the internet can attest that it can push your iPad to its limits. Of course, if you are playing on an iPhone, you may experience your phone become very warm too. Still, if you have a device that can run it, Hearthstone makes for a great comfy couch game.

8 Pascal’s Wager

Pascal’s Wager is an absolutely beautiful Souls-like game set in a dark fantasy world. This is a great game if you are looking to scratch the Souls-like itch you’re feeling. In Pascal’s Wager, you play as a courier who is simply looking to learn the truth behind Colossi.

For an iPad game, Pascal’s Wager can be quite challenging. We suggest using a Bluetooth controller when playing, as it can make some of the combat and navigation easier.

7 Death Stranding

Death Stranding on an iPad? You’ve heard us right. If you don’t have a PlayStation, you can simply buy this game and play it directly from an iPad. Of course, this game requires an A17 chip, which means that you will pretty much need a brand-new iPad to play.

If you do though, you can sit back and take in the sights of the Director’s Cut version of Death Stranding. While it may not look quite as crisp as the PlayStation 5 version, Death Stranding on the iPad is still a great experience.

6 Alien: Isolation

Alien: Isolation is another heavy-duty iPad game, although it’s not as intense as Death Stranding. If you want a survival horror experience based on a popular franchise though, then Alien: Isolation is just right for you.

Don’t be fooled by its presence on a tablet though; Alien: Isolation still manages to be quite terrifying. Nothing is lost from the PC version of this game! Settle down, wrap yourself in a cozy blanket, turn off the lights, and let the horror begin.

5 Warframe

If you’ve played Warframe for any amount of time, then you know that there is a mass amount of content in the game. Fortunately, this can also be accessed right from your iPad! The game also features cross save, so you can play on your PC, and then open it on your iPad when you’re on the go.

Before diving into Warframe on your iPad, it’s important to note that the game isn’t quite as good as it is on PC or console. As such, if you are brand new to the game, we recommend not starting with this version of the game.