10 Best iMessage Games for iPhone and iPad

iMessage is packed with features designed to make your communications fun. You can create and send stickers, animate text and images, use SharePlay, and more. Additionally, you can also play games! What games and how? Well, let us help you explore some of the best iMessage games for iPhone and iPad and how to play them.

Gone are those days when messages were limited to texts. Thanks to apps like iMessage, WhatsApp, Telegram, etc., you can share your screen, media, and voice messages. However, gaming is a privilege exclusive to iMessage users, so let’s get on with it without further ado.

1. 8 Ball Pool – Best iMessage Game for Pool Lovers

We probably don’t need an introduction to the pool, but we need all pool lovers to meet 8 Ball Pool. It’s a classic billiards game skillfully adapted for iMessage, so you can engage in thrilling pool matches with your friends right from your chat.

And not just PvP mode, the app also offers multiplayer support and different balls and table types. Moreover, 8 Ball Pool offers realistic ball physics, so you feel like you’re playing on a real pool table.

So much so that the app claims that it could help you improve your aim when shooting balls with the cue in real life. Well, that claim you’ll have to try for yourself and tell whether it stands true.

Overall, 8 Ball Pool is the perfect iMessage game for challenging friends without leaving your conversation. Whether you’re a seasoned pool player or looking for some casual fun, this can be your jam.

Price: Free; In-app purchases: $0.99 onwards

Download 8 Ball Pool

2. Tic Tac Toe – A Classic iMessage Game

Tic Tac Toe, also known as ‘X and O’ or ‘Noughts and Crosses,’ is a game almost everyone has played repeatedly. Its appeal is the straightforward gameplay that’s easy to understand but difficult to guarantee success.

Crafted to add a layer of friendly competition to your conversations, Tic Tac Toe can be played by two players at a time. What’s more? You can use its quick gameplay as a substitute for the real-life rock, paper, scissors game, and the loser has to perform the dreaded task as punishment.

The classic game brings the joy of an age-old pastime to your iMessage conversations. It’s perfect for those who appreciate simplicity, strategy, and quick challenges. So what are you waiting for? Get the app and see who’s better at Tic Tac Toe, you or your BFF.

Price: Free; In-app purchases: $0.99 onwards

Download Tic Tac Toe

3. GamePigeon – Multiple Games in One Package

If you have several friends with varied interests, this might save a lot of effort, phone storage, and hassle. How? Because GamePigeon is a collection of mini-games that you can play through iMessage.

So, you don’t have to download different iMessage games for friend circles; one will do the deed. And it’s not just some silly games. The app has over 20 games, including 8-ball to mini Golf, Anagrams to Gomoku, Chess to 20 Questions, and Archery to Word Bites.

Moreover, GamePigeon is a perfect device to break the ice with new friends, hold a friendly competition, and converse on iMessage while keeping each other entertained. So, jump into the fun and see who among your friends can conquer these engaging mini-games.

Price: Free; In-app purchases: $1.99 onwards

Download GamePigeon

4. Pictoword – Word Puzzle Game for iMessage

If you and you’re friends are into puzzle games, this might be the iMessage game you’re looking for. It will test your brain, but not too hard. So, you get to be competitive with your friends while maintaining the entertainment quotient.

As the name suggests, Pictoword brings an exciting, picturesque twist to the traditional word-guessing game. Instead of conventional clues or written descriptions, you’re offered imagery. Decipher the puzzle by combining two pictures that, when put together, form a single word.

Overall, it’s simple, addictive, and fun to play around with friends. Moreover, it’s a creative and visually stimulating word game, channeling your ability to make word associations. And you can do all this within your iMessage chat. So, get on with it.

Price: Free; In-app purchases: $1.99 onwards

Download Pictoword

5. Cobi Hoops – A Basketball Game for iMessage

It’s the perfect iMessage game to play with friends if you all are basketball enthusiasts. It’s not your typical simulation game, where you’ll form a team and compete with each other. Cobi Hoops’ vibes are a little chiller yet competitive.

You and your friends participate in a 30-second fast-paced free throw challenge. The goal is simple: who can score the most baskets and claim the title of basketball champ in your iMessage group?

To keep the gameplay interesting, there are new players, locations, trick shots, and bonus challenge modes that are initially locked. As you compete and score, these become available to you.

Price: Free; In-app purchases: $1.99 onwards

Download Cobi Hoops

6. Let’s Puck It! – Air Hockey Game

An iMessage game that brings the thrilling action of air hockey right to your text conversations. Challenge your friends to intense air hockey matches with fun yet high stakes. Before you begin the match, select a bet from a friendly, quirky list, say the loser has to buy dinner or do the winner’s laundry.

Moreover, the gameplay gets harder by the minute as the speed increases on each volley. Thanks to easy-to-use touch controls, cool graphics, realistic physics, and competitive edge, the gameplay is fun and engaging.

Overall, Let’s Puck It! is an ideal mix of casual and competitive gaming, making it a perfect choice for some light-hearted competition with friends. And if you’re a fan of arcade games, this one will surely steal your heart.

Price: Free; In-app purchases: $0.99 onwards

Download Let’s Puck It

7. Blackbox – Unique and Innovative Game

Blackbox is not for faint-hearted or casual gamers. The intriguing puzzle game leverages various sensors and features on your device, such as touch, tilt, sound, and more, to create puzzle challenges.

It pushes you to think outside the box. To solve puzzles, you’ll have to crack down on creative ways to manipulate your device. Moreover, it packs a wide range of puzzles under its belt, and each requires a distinct and often unconventional approach to solve.

So, each level will be a challenge that you and your friends must brainstorm together to solve. While other iMessage games encourage friendly competition, this one asks for collaboration.

Overall, Blackbox offers an entirely different and engaging gameplay experience than others on the list. So, whether you love puzzle solving or not, you should give this one a shot.

Price: Free; In-app purchases: $1.00 onwards

Download Blackbox

8. Letter Fridge – Best iMessage Game for Family Night

Who says family night can’t be virtual? While we encourage spending time face-to-face, it’s not always possible. For such occasions, this game is the perfect companion. For starters, everyone, whether grandparents, adults, young adults, teens, or children, can enjoy this game equally.

The word-centric puzzle experience combines the challenge of word puzzles with the fun of a refrigerator-themed setting. Players must unscramble letters to form words and progress through various difficulty levels.

Letter Fridge is an enjoyable and educational game. Furthermore, the refrigerator-themed setting brings interactive and whimsical vibes to the table. We’re sure you and your family will enjoy unscrambling letters. So get this iMessage game ASAP.

Price: Free; In-app purchases: $0.99 onwards

Download Letter Fridge

9. Mr. Putt – Multiplayer Mini Golf Game

A fun and challenging game that brings the joy of mini-golf into your iMessage conversations. It offers four creative and inventive mini-golf courses, including Frost, Blaze, Retro, and Nebula.

Moreover, thanks to intuitive touch controls and imaginative hole designs, the game provides an engaging and interactive mini-golf experience. Notably, all locations and gameplay are designed to help your family and friends unwind and enjoy.

Overall, Mr. Putt captures the enjoyable and competitive spirit of mini-golf, allowing you to test your skills while chilling with friends and family. So, what are you waiting for? Challenge your friends or start a group game for extra competition.

Price: Free

Download Mr. Putt

10. Yahtzee With Buddies Dice – iMessage Game for Couples

While great for friends and family, Yahtzee is great for some date night fun as well. The digital version of the classic Yahtzee game provides an entertaining and competitive experience. Simply roll the iconic dice, strategize, and aim for the highest scores as you challenge your bae in this beloved board game.

Apart from some friendly competition, Yahtzee also brings a dose of nostalgia. It could be an icebreaker or conversation starter, as reminiscing and sharing old stories will strengthen your bond.

Although the gameplay requires some strategy, the element of luck makes the game intriguing and unpredictable. It recreates the thrill of rolling the dice, strategizing, and aiming for high scores. So, get the dice rolling and see which of you take the trophy.

Price: Free; In-app purchases: $2.99 onwards

Download Yahtzee with Buddies Dice

How to Play iMessage Games on iPhone or iPad

Note: You can only play these iMessage Games with your friends or family if they have also downloaded the same app. So, remember to share your findings with them.

To play iMessage games on your iPhone or iPad, you’ll first need to install the game on your device. Once done, follow the instructions mentioned below.

For iOS 17 and Later

Step 1: Open the Messages app and go to any iMessage chat.

Step 2: Tap the + icon from the bottom-left corner.

Step 3: Scroll to find and select the game you want to play from the list.

Now, the instructions might vary as per the game selected. But follow the on-screen instructions to invite your friend to play a game with you.

For iOS 16 and earlier

Open the iMessage chat in the Messages app → tap the App Store (A) icon → swipe left or right to find the game. If you can’t find it, tap the three-dot icon, add the game to the App Drawer, and select it. Follow the on-screen instructions to send the game invite.

Can I Play iMessage Games With Android Users

No. Unfortunately, iMessage games are exclusive to Apple devices. Since Android users do not have access to iMessage, playing these games with Android users is not possible. However, you can still enjoy these games with your friends and family who use iPhones or iPads.

Keep Playing

There are some amazing apps in iMessage’s arsenal. From sharing quick GIFs to quick money transfers, there’s a lot you can do. Thanks to these iMessage Games, you can unwind and play games with your friends and family from your iPhone and iPad.

What’s your favorite iMessage Game? Share your recommendations for us and our audience in the comments below.