When you get on a plane and adjust your phone to airplane mode, the immediate sense of being cut off from the world can be boring.
Although the temporary disconnection from phone calls and mobile data, your phone can still be your best friend and entertainment hub to fill those hours in the sky.
Here are some mobile and pad games, ranging from puzzles to racing and strategy, to keep you entertained and avoid boring throughout your flight.
To download each game, just head to the App Store on your iPhone or iPad or Google Play, tap the Search icon, and type its name into the search bar. You’ll find it available for download there.
1. Blocky Football
Love the thrill of football but confined to a plane seat? Blocky Football is a game built with the classic runner style in mind, which sends you sprinting down the field, dodging opponents, and scoring touchdowns.
With its easy-to-understand mechanics and charming blocky graphics, it is suitable for all age groups—making it an excellent choice for travelers looking for some light-hearted enjoyment.
2. Smash Hit
Take a break from the usual and immerse in Smash Hit, a game that pairs abstract aesthetics with a simple yet addictive gameplay. As you move through a dimension with a futuristic feel, you will throw metal balls to smash glass obstacles in your path.
The game is designed to test your focus, concentration, and timing. What makes it suitable for flights is its ability to mesmerize.
3. Super Arc Light
Super Arc Light is a minimalist, arcade-style radial shooter where quick reflexes and a sharp aim are your keys to survival. Set in a circular playing field, you control a small ship defending its base against an onslaught of geometric foes that increase in speed and numbers.
4. Twofold Inc.
Twofold Inc. is not your average puzzle game. With its vibrant colors and uniquely engaging gameplay, it will test your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. The game is about arranging a grid of colored tiles to clear them from the play area by using a limited number of moves.
5. Drop Flip
Drop Flip brings the laws of physics right to your fingertips. Each level requires you to adjust various elements to guide a falling ball into a bucket.
As each level progresses, the game introduces more complex solutions that call for careful planning and a bit of trial and error, which can be both rewarding and deeply absorbing.
6. Sputnik Eyes
Sputnik Eyes is a charming puzzle game that invites you on an interstellar journey. You’ll help a group of explorers, the titular ‘Sputnik Eyes,’ to scan and explore an array of different planets. Each level presents a set of differently colored eyes on a grid and similarly colored spots where they must be placed.
The catch is that the paths cannot cross, adding a layer of complexity that will have you scratching your head in deep thought.
7. Tape It Up!
In Tape It Up!, you’re thrown into the role of a tape dispenser whose mission is to seal up boxes as quickly as possible. This frantic arcade game is about fast fingers and quick reflexes.
You’ll swipe left and right to move your tape dispenser across an assembly line of boxes, timing your swipes perfectly to achieve a streak of perfectly taped boxes.
8. Hocus
Hocus is a perspective-based puzzle game that is both visually stunning and mentally stimulating. It features minimalist architecture in impossible geometries, reminiscent of an M.C. Escher artwork, where you guide a cube to its destination.
The game is not just about finding the path, but also about changing your perspective to see the solution.
9. HoPiKo
HoPiKo is an intense speedrun platformer where your aim is to save gaming from a malicious virus. Its fast-paced levels are perfect for quick bursts of play – ideal for when you’re waiting for the seatbelt sign to switch off. Suitable for gamers who thrive on high-speed challenges and pixel-perfect jumps.
10. Bejeweled Classic
Bejeweled Classic is the quintessential match-three puzzle game that’s easy to learn but challenging to master. Its hypnotic gameplay engages casual players and strategic thinkers alike with its sparkling gems and explosive combos.
11. Asphalt 8: Airborne
Asphalt 8: Airborne is for those who seek the thrill of high-speed racing at 30,000 feet in the air. The game features high-octane races with an impressive roster of cars and bikes, ensuring that adrenaline junkies have their fix.
12. Candy Crush Saga
Candy Crush Saga’s sweet allure is perfect for casual gamers looking for a pick-up-and-play experience. Swap and match candies through hundreds of levels in this delicious puzzle adventure to progress to that next layer of sugary satisfaction.
13. Crossy Road
Crossy Road’s simple premise – helping a chicken cross the road – is addictively fun. Its colorful 8-bit graphics and easy-to-understand gameplay make it an ideal choice to pass time.
14. Words with Friends
Words with Friends combines the joy of word-making with the sociability of playing with others. It’s the board game enthusiast’s perfect airborne companion, allowing for playful competition with fellow passengers or friends on the ground via in-flight Wi-Fi if available.
15. Hill Climb Racing
Hill Climb Racing’s physics-based gameplay is absorbing and endlessly entertaining, as you navigate bumpy terrains without flipping your car. It’s a great little arcade time-killer for those who enjoy a mix of skill and strategy.
16. Monument Valley 2
Monument Valley 2 delights with its artistic levels that mix optical illusions and M.C. Escher-inspired puzzles. The tranquil gaming experience it offers is perfect for the peaceful isolation of a long flight.
17. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a charming farming simulator that engrosses players in its quaint pixelated world. Run your own farm, interact with villagers and explore caves in a game that’s as relaxing as it is rewarding.
18. Gone Home
Gone Home is an interactive exploration game that takes you on a captivating narrative journey. Uncover the story of a family’s disappearance as you investigate an empty house, making it perfect for gamers who love a good mystery.
19. Candy Crush Soda
Candy Crush Soda is another match-three puzzle sensation that’s equally addictive with its fizzy twist on the original Candy Crush Saga. Satisfy your puzzle cravings by popping soda bottles and matching candies to unleash colorful cascades.
20. Alto’s Adventure
Alto’s Adventure is a visually enchanting and serene endless runner. Slide down alpine hills, rescue llamas, and enjoy the game’s graceful movements, making it a calming pastime amid the chaos of travel.
21. RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic is a nostalgic simulation game where you can create and manage thrilling amusement parks. This deep and engaging strategy game is a fantastic diversion for those long hours in flight.
22. Pokémon Quest
Pokémon Quest is a free-to-play action-adventure for all Pokémon fans. With its unique blocky design, explore an island and befriend Pokémon, providing a light-hearted, exploratory break from the confines of your cabin seat.
23. The Room
The Room presents a mysterious puzzle box that players unravel with intricate, tactile mechanics. Enjoy its atmospheric challenge and lose yourself in the intrigue of figuring out what secrets lie within.
24. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
Dive into the expansive open world of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Get lost in story missions or just explore the city to get a break from the reality of being cooped up on a plane.
25. Airplane Flying Rescue Games
Embrace the irony with Airplane Flying Rescue Games, putting you in the pilot’s seat to perform daring rescue missions. It offers a unique vantage point, swapping your passenger perspective for that of a heroic aviator.
26. Monopoly Deal
Monopoly Deal takes the classic board game and reinvents it for swift card-game action. Play against the AI or fellow passengers to make deals, collect sets, and steal properties, turning hours to minutes in airborne competition.
27. Dobble
Dobble is a fast-paced matching game that challenges your observational skills and reflexes. Spot the matching symbol between two cards in a race against the clock; a simple yet addictive game perfect for keeping your brain active.
28. Dr. Panda Airport
Ideal for kids or kids at heart, Dr. Panda Airport turns you into an airport manager and offers a series of fun mini-games. Navigate through various airport activities with cute characters, providing a playful escape during air travel.
29. Air Battle Royale: Sky Blitz
Air Battle Royale: Sky Blitz offers exhilarating aerial combat as you maneuver a fighter jet through dogfights. It’s perfect for action-loving gamers who want to experience the thrill of an air battle while in the sky.
30. Jump into the Plane
As an arcade-style game, Jump into the Plane puts your timing and precision to the test. Safely navigate your character into a moving airplane, a quirky and light-hearted way to pass the time.
31. Airplane Game Simulator
Airplane Game Simulator provides a simulated pilot experience where you manage take-offs, landings, and in-air flight maneuvers. It’s perfect for aviation enthusiasts who want a taste of flying while seated in their own window or aisle seat.
32. Florence
Florence is a beautiful narrative-driven game that tells a heartfelt story of love and life through simple yet engaging puzzle mechanics. The experience is perfectly suited for those quiet moments above the clouds.
33. Minecraft: Bedrock Edition
In Minecraft: Bedrock Edition, craft and build in an endless blocky world. The creative freedom and exploration in this game make it an excellent choice for imaginative minds looking to construct their own adventure mid-flight.
34. War Thunder
War Thunder is an MMO military game offering an extensive array of aerial, land, and sea battles from different eras. Engage in historical skirmishes that will keep you busy until you reach your destination.
35. Bomber Crew
Bomber Crew tasks you with managing a WWII bomber on dangerous missions. Strategy and crew management are key, which provides an immersive game to deep-dive into.
36. Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown combines intense dogfighting action with a gripping storyline. Soar through beautifully rendered skies and engage in combat that will make time fly as fast as you do.
37. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Immerse yourself in the realistic world of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Navigate the skies with various aircraft models and enjoy the technical depth this game offers, ideal for aviation aficionados looking to experience a pilot’s perspective.
38. Digital Combat Simulator World
Digital Combat Simulator World, or DCS World, is a highly realistic flight simulator with detailed combat scenarios. It’s a game for those who appreciate meticulous control and strategy in their gaming experiences.
39. Airline Commander: A Real Flight Experience
Take control of an entire airline in Airline Commander. From flight planning to taking off and landing, this game caters to would-be pilots and business strategists alike, making it a comprehensive and engaging pastime.
40. Angry Birds 2
Angry Birds 2 brings back the classic slingshot action with new levels, birds, and challenges. Its lighthearted, physics-based gameplay is great for all ages looking for familiar and casual fun.
41. Crashlands
Crashlands mixes crafting, combat, and RPG elements in an alien world. It offers a compelling and humorous story that’s bound to keep you entertained on even the dullest of flights.
42. Fruit Ninja
Fruit Ninja’s simple and satisfying swipe action makes for an addictive casual game. Slash fruits, dodge bombs, and aim for high scores to keep your mind sharp and entertained on your journey.
43. Sudoku
The time-tested puzzles of Sudoku are ideal for travelers who love to challenge their logical thinking. It’s perfect for those periods when you want a quieter gaming experience that still engages your brain.
44. Flight Pilot Simulator 3D
Flight Pilot Simulator 3D puts you in the cockpit to perform various flying missions. With its diverse set of challenges and accessible controls, it provides a flight of fantasy to break the monotony of air travel.
45. SteamBirds
SteamBirds has you strategizing aerial combat from a top-down perspective. This turn-based game wraps tactical decisions in a simple interface, excellent for those who like to think ahead.
46. Shadow Fight 2
Shadow Fight 2 fuses fighting with RPG elements. Its intuitive controls and combat system filled with weapons and moves make for an engaging way to combat flight boredom.
47. Hill Climb Racing 2
Hill Climb Racing 2 is a charming physics-based driving game with fun challenges and customizable vehicles. Conquer hills and break records while finding ways to keep your car from flipping.
48. Temple Run
Temple Run is an iconic endless runner that’s easy to play but hard to master. Dodge traps and collect coins as the temple’s environment keeps you on the edge of your seat – or airplane cushion.
49. Trivia Crack
Test your knowledge with Trivia Crack, a trivia game that offers a variety of questions on different topics. It’s a social and fun way to engage your brain and learn new facts as you fly.
50. Sky Rogue
Sky Rogue is a roguelike flight game that combines simple controls with tough dogfights. Face off against air and ground units, making the best use of your weapons in this retro-style game.
51. Arma 3
Dive into Arma 3’s military simulation, where strategy, tactics, and combat realism take center stage. It’s a hit with fans of detailed military tactics and operations, offering in-depth gameplay that’s perfect to get lost in on a long flight.
52. Superflight
Superflight is an indie game all about soaring through colorful landscapes as you wear a wingsuit. Experience the thrill of flight with easy-to-learn controls and procedurally generated maps.
53. Flying Motorbike Simulator
In Flying Motorbike Simulator, defy gravity by taking a motorbike to the skies. With its arcade-like feel, it’s an entertaining break from the usual travel routine, letting you roam around a 3D world from an entirely different perspective.
54. Star Wars: Squadrons
Live out your starfighter fantasies with Star Wars: Squadrons. This immersive game lets you hop into the cockpit of iconic ships from the Star Wars universe, engaging in dogfights that will make your flight feel epic.
55. IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles
IL-2 Sturmovik: Great Battles stands out for its historical accuracy and detailed flight simulation in WWII settings. Pilot a variety of aircraft and engage in realistic battles to occupy your flight time with historical skirmishes.
56. Jetpack Joyride
Jetpack Joyride offers endless arcade fun as you maneuver Barry Steakfries through a lab with his trusty jetpack. Dodge obstacles and gather coins in a game that’s simple, addictive, and endlessly replayable.
57. Civilization VI
Civilization VI lets you build an empire to stand the test of time. Considered one of the best turn-based strategy games available, it offers deep, rewarding gameplay that can make a long flight feel like a short trip.
58. Playdead’s INSIDE
Playdead’s INSIDE presents a dark, narrative-driven puzzle platformer where suspense and cerebral challenges await. Dive into its eerie world for an atmospheric distraction from the cabin noise and chatter.
Conclusion
Before you board your next flight, stock your device with a selection of these games to ensure a journey that’s both enjoyable and swift. You might find yourself looking forward to the flight just as much as the destination! Safe travels and happy gaming.
