Traveling by plane often means being disconnected from the internet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun on your device. Having good games ready on your iPhone can make long flights go by much faster. The best iPhone games for airplane mode work completely offline, offer engaging gameplay that won’t drain your battery too quickly, and provide enough depth to keep you entertained for hours.
Finding quality offline games can be tough with so many options in the App Store. From puzzles and adventures to strategy games and simulators, there are plenty of choices for every type of player. These games don’t need Wi-Fi or cellular data to work, making them perfect companions when you’re up in the air.
If you’re planning to fly soon and want to keep your iPhone entertainment offline, there are plenty of excellent games that work perfectly in Airplane Mode. Here’s a curated list of some of the best offline iPhone games available in 2025, spanning various genres to suit different preferences:
Top Offline iPhone Games
Puzzle & Strategy
- Wordscapes
- – A relaxing word puzzle game that blends crossword-style challenges with beautiful backgrounds.
- Blackbox – Innovative puzzles that utilize your phone’s sensors in unique ways, offering a fresh take on problem-solving.
- KAMI 2 – A visually stunning paper-folding puzzle game that offers a calm and compelling experience.
- Automatoys – A tactile puzzle game where you guide a ball through intricate mechanical contraptions.
Endless Runners & Action
- Alto’s Odyssey & Alto’s Adventure – Beautifully crafted endless runners that take you through serene landscapes with dynamic weather and lighting effects.
- Temple Run – The classic endless runner that started it all, challenging you to escape from ancient temple guardians.
- Subway Surfers – A vibrant and fast-paced game where you dash through cityscapes, dodging obstacles and collecting coins.
RPGs & Roguelikes
- Vampire Survivors – A pixel-art roguelike survival game where you battle hordes of enemies with evolving weapons.
- Soul Knight – A fast-paced dungeon crawler with a variety of heroes and weapons to choose from.
- Micro RPG – A turn-based RPG that offers quick battles and a unique fight system, perfect for short play sessions.
Sports & Simulations
- Retro Bowl – A nostalgic American football game with simple controls and deep team management features.
- Good Pizza, Great Pizza – Run your own pizza shop, taking orders and crafting pizzas to satisfy customers.
- Pocket City – A city-building simulation game where you can create and manage your own metropolis.
Racing & Arcade
- Asphalt 8: Airborne – An adrenaline-pumping racing game with a wide selection of cars and tracks, all playable offline.
- Crossy Road – An endless arcade hopper where you guide characters across roads and rivers, avoiding obstacles.
Tips for Offline Gaming on Flights
- Pre-download Games: Ensure all games are fully downloaded and updated before your flight.
- Check Offline Compatibility: Some games may require an initial internet connection for setup; test them in Airplane Mode beforehand.
- Save Progress: Look for games that save progress locally to avoid data loss.
1. Alto’s Adventure
Alto’s Adventure is a popular iPhone game that works perfectly in airplane mode. This beautiful snowboarding game takes players through stunning landscapes while performing tricks and collecting coins.
The game features simple one-touch controls that make it easy to pick up and play. You tap the screen to jump and hold to perform flips. This simplicity is perfect for playing in tight airplane seats.
Many players consider it one of the best iPhone games ever due to its relaxing nature and lack of annoying ads. While it costs $4.99, there are no in-app purchases to worry about during your flight.
The visuals in Alto’s Adventure stand out with a minimalist art style and day-to-night transitions. The changing weather patterns and lighting create a peaceful gaming experience at 30,000 feet.
Its soothing soundtrack adds to the relaxing experience, making it perfect for calming pre-flight nerves. The music complements the gameplay without becoming repetitive or annoying to seatmates.
Alto’s Adventure has gained praise from travelers who specifically recommend it for long flights. Its engaging yet casual gameplay keeps you entertained without requiring intense focus.
Battery efficiency is another plus for airplane gaming. The game doesn’t drain your phone quickly, though playing at lower brightness settings helps conserve even more power for those longer flights.
The game offers good replay value with different characters to unlock and challenges to complete. This variety keeps the experience fresh during extended travel periods.
Alto’s Adventure consistently appears on lists of best airplane mode games, showing its popularity among travelers. Players appreciate that it works perfectly without an internet connection.
2. The Room Two
The Room Two is a perfect choice for your next flight. This puzzle game doesn’t need internet, making it ideal for airplane mode.
The game wraps mystery and puzzles in a beautiful 3D world. Players explore various rooms filled with intricate objects and mechanisms that need solving.
Each puzzle connects to a larger story. The atmosphere is eerie and captivating, pulling you in with its detailed graphics and immersive sound design.
The touch controls work wonderfully on iPhone. You’ll pinch, swipe, and tap to manipulate objects and discover hidden mechanisms.
What makes The Room Two special is how it balances challenge with satisfaction. Puzzles are complex enough to keep you thinking but not so difficult that you’ll get stuck for hours.
The game progresses through different environments. Each new location introduces fresh puzzle concepts while building on what you’ve learned.
Battery life isn’t a concern either. The Room Two runs efficiently, so you can play through a long flight without draining your iPhone.
The sequel improves on the original with more varied locations and puzzle types. If you enjoyed the first game, this one offers more of what made it great while expanding the concept.
One of the best features is the hint system. If you get stuck, gentle nudges help you move forward without giving away the whole solution.
The Room Two typically takes 4-6 hours to complete. This makes it perfect for a medium to long flight, giving you plenty to do without running out of content too quickly.
The game has received numerous awards for its design. Critics and players alike praise its atmosphere and clever puzzles.
For anyone who enjoys brain teasers and atmospheric games, The Room Two delivers a premium experience that works perfectly when you’re disconnected from the internet.
3. Monument Valley
Monument Valley is a standout game for airplane mode on your iPhone. This beautiful puzzle game lets you guide a silent princess through impossible architecture and stunning landscapes.
The game’s unique design is both eye-catching and brain-teasing. You’ll twist, turn, and manipulate structures that seem to defy physics to create paths for your character to walk through.
Each level in Monument Valley is like a small work of art. The developers at ustwo games created a world with soft colors and geometric designs that make playing a peaceful experience.
What makes Monument Valley perfect for flights is that it works completely offline. You can set your device to flight mode and still enjoy the full experience without any internet connection.
The puzzles are challenging but not frustrating. They strike a nice balance that keeps you engaged without making you want to throw your phone down the aisle of the airplane.
Battery life is another plus for Monument Valley. Unlike some games that drain your phone quickly, you can play Monument Valley for longer stretches without worrying about running out of power mid-flight.
Many travelers recommend Monument Valley for long flights because it’s engaging but also relaxing. The game doesn’t demand quick reflexes or constant attention, making it perfect for the sometimes distracting environment of an airplane.
There’s also Monument Valley 2 if you finish the first game. Both games have earned spots on many lists of best iOS games for airplane mode.
The sound design is worth mentioning too. The gentle music and sound effects add to the experience, but the game is just as enjoyable with the sound off if you forgot your headphones.
Monument Valley isn’t a long game, but its puzzles and beauty make it worth replaying. Each level takes just enough time to solve without becoming tedious, perfect for breaking up a long flight.
4. Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition
Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition brings the epic adventure of the console game to your iPhone in a more compact form. The game features adorable chibi-style characters but keeps the main story intact.
This game is perfect for airplane mode as it can be played completely offline. You won’t need an internet connection to enjoy the journey of Prince Noctis and his friends.
The pocket version simplifies the gameplay while maintaining the essence of the original. Combat is streamlined for touch controls, making it easy to pick up and play during your flight.
The visuals are charming and work well on smaller screens. While not as detailed as the console version, the cute art style has its own appeal and runs smoothly on most iPhone models.
One of the best aspects of FFXV Pocket Edition is that it’s best enjoyed with headphones. The game features excellent voice acting and music that helps immerse players in the story.
The game is split into chapters, making it easy to play in short bursts during your flight. Each chapter takes about 30-60 minutes, perfect for when you need a break from movies or reading.
Players who have experienced the full version will appreciate this entertaining analogue to the sprawling RPG. Newcomers can enjoy the story without needing to invest 100+ hours.
The touch controls are intuitive and work well for both exploration and combat. Moving around the world feels natural, and the simplified battle system is fun without being too challenging.
While some complex elements from the original were removed, the core storyline and character relationships remain intact. This makes it an excellent way to experience the Final Fantasy XV story during your travels.
The first chapter is free to try, with additional chapters available for purchase.
5. Crashlands
Crashlands is a top pick for airplane gaming. This crafting RPG lets you explore an alien planet after your ship crashes, offering hours of gameplay without needing internet.
The game combines crafting, fighting, and quests in a colorful world full of weird creatures and funny dialog. You’ll build bases, make tools, and battle strange monsters while trying to escape the planet.
TouchArcade gave it a perfect 5/5 score, calling it “a design masterpiece.” The game’s humor stands out, with characters and situations that will make you laugh even during a long flight.
What makes Crashlands perfect for airplane mode is how it saves your progress automatically. You can play for a bit, put your phone down during drink service, and pick up right where you left off without losing anything.
The controls are simple enough for anyone to learn quickly. Tapping and dragging feels natural, so you won’t struggle while playing in tight airplane seats.
The story keeps you engaged for hours, making it ideal for cross-country or international flights. Many players find themselves so absorbed in the game that they barely notice the flight time passing.
Crashlands has appeared on multiple lists of best iOS games for airplane mode because it offers complete gameplay without needing any internet connection.
The game’s cartoon style looks great on iPhone screens of all sizes. The bright colors and clear visuals work well even in the varying lighting conditions you might experience on a plane.
For $6.99, Crashlands offers excellent value with no ads or in-app purchases to worry about. Once you download it, you have the complete experience ready for your travels.
6. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a perfect game for airplane travel with your iPhone. This award-winning farming RPG works completely offline, making it ideal for long flights.
The game puts you in charge of an inherited farm where you can grow crops, raise animals, and build relationships with villagers. There’s no internet needed to enjoy these activities.
With over 50 hours of gameplay, you won’t run out of things to do even on the longest international flights. The game saves automatically, so you can play in short bursts between airplane meals or naps.
Many players find Stardew Valley incredibly absorbing despite its simple graphics. The charm comes from its depth rather than flashy visuals.
Beyond farming, you can explore caves, fish, craft items, and attend town festivals. These varied activities prevent boredom during your travels.
The controls have been adapted specifically for mobile play. This makes it comfortable to enjoy on your iPhone without needing a controller or keyboard.
Though it costs a few dollars upfront, Stardew Valley has no in-app purchases or ads. You won’t be frustrated by pop-ups asking for money while you’re disconnected at 30,000 feet.
Players often report losing track of time while playing this game. Your flight might feel shorter as you get caught up in just one more day on your virtual farm.
The game is frequently mentioned in discussions about airplane-friendly mobile games. Its offline capability and engaging gameplay make it a traveler favorite.
The iOS version includes all the content from the original game, so you’re not getting a watered-down experience. Everything that made Stardew Valley popular on other platforms is here too.
7. The Wolf Among Us
The Wolf Among Us is a perfect game for airplane mode that keeps players entertained for hours. Based on Bill Willingham’s Fables comic book series, this episodic mystery adventure game brings fairy tale characters into a gritty, modern-day setting.
You play as Bigby Wolf (the Big Bad Wolf) who serves as sheriff in Fabletown. The game features an engaging storyline where your choices matter and affect how the story unfolds.
The graphics have a distinctive comic book style that looks great on iPhone screens. Its dark, noir atmosphere pulls you right into its world, making time fly during long flights.
What makes this game especially good for airplane travel is that once you download all episodes, you can play completely offline. No internet needed to enjoy this story-driven experience.
The gameplay combines investigation, conversation choices, and some action sequences. Each decision shapes relationships with other characters and changes story outcomes, giving the game good replay value.
Episodes are broken into manageable chunks, perfect for playing during different parts of your flight. You can easily pause between scenes if you need a break or if the drink cart comes by.
Many players enjoy how the game balances its fantasy elements with mature themes and storytelling. The characters are complex, and the mysteries keep you guessing.
Battery consumption is reasonable, making it suitable for longer flights without draining your phone too quickly. The touch controls are intuitive and work well even in turbulence.
The Wolf Among Us consistently appears on lists of recommended airplane mode games because of its quality storytelling and engaging gameplay. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who enjoy narrative-focused games with memorable characters.
8. Infinity Blade
Infinity Blade stands out as one of the most visually impressive games ever released for iPhone. This action role-playing game lets you battle through a castle filled with powerful enemies without needing an internet connection.
The game features stunning graphics that still hold up today. Players swipe the screen to slash their sword, block attacks, and dodge enemies in exciting one-on-one combat sequences.
As you progress, you collect better weapons and armor. Your character also gains strength with each playthrough, making it perfect for long flights where you can really get into character development.
Infinity Blade III is particularly good for airplane mode gaming. The epic storyline keeps players engaged for hours, making time pass quickly during long flights.
One of the best things about Infinity Blade is that it saves your progress automatically. You can play for a bit, put your phone down to eat the airplane meal, and pick up right where you left off.
Battery life is something to consider. The impressive graphics do use more power than simpler games, so it might be worth bringing a portable charger for very long flights.
The controls are simple enough that anyone can learn them quickly. Yet the combat system has enough depth to keep experienced gamers challenged and interested.
Each battle feels different as enemies have unique attack patterns. This variety prevents the gameplay from becoming repetitive during extended play sessions.
While the game does cost a few dollars, it offers excellent value with no ads or in-app purchases to worry about while you’re offline. Once downloaded, everything you need is already on your device.
9. Cat Quest
Cat Quest is a charming open-world RPG that works perfectly in airplane mode. This adorable adventure lets you play as a cat hero exploring the vast land of Felingard.
The game features a huge map filled with dungeons, treasures, and side quests. You’ll battle dragons and other enemies while helping a cast of furry characters along the way.
What makes Cat Quest great for flights is its simple yet engaging gameplay. The controls are easy to learn but offer enough depth to keep you interested during long trips.
The colorful art style and cat-themed puns add to the game’s charm. Even if you’re not typically a fan of RPGs, the cute characters might win you over.
Cat Quest doesn’t require an internet connection, making it perfect for airplane mode. All game features are available offline, so you won’t miss anything while in the air.
The game offers a good balance of combat, exploration, and story. You can play at your own pace, making it ideal for both short and long flights.
Cat Quest is available on the App Store and has become popular enough to spawn sequels. The franchise has multiple games, each offering cat-filled adventures.
Combat is action-based and straightforward. You’ll dodge enemy attacks and strike back with your sword and magic spells.
If you enjoy this game, you might want to check out the other titles in the series when you’re back on the ground. Each game builds on the fun cat-themed world established in the original.
For travelers who enjoy lighthearted RPGs with cute characters, Cat Quest hits the sweet spot. It provides enough content to keep you busy without requiring too much focus—perfect when you’re dealing with the distractions of air travel.
10. Sunless Sea
Sunless Sea is a unique game of discovery and adventure set in a Victorian Gothic universe. This award-winning game works perfectly in airplane mode, making it ideal for long flights.
The gameplay focuses on exploration of a vast underground ocean. You’ll command a ship, manage your crew, and face many dangers along the way. Death is frequent in this world, but each playthrough teaches you something new.
The game has a strong storytelling element with text-based narratives that pull you into its mysterious world. Its mix of seafaring action and rich storytelling keeps players engaged for hours.
Many players enjoy the intuitive tablet controls of the iOS version. The touch interface works well with the game’s navigation and menu systems.
The pacing is deliberately slow at first, which actually adds to the atmosphere. This slow-paced game of discovery has strong Cthulhu monster vibes that create a sense of both wonder and dread.
One of the game’s strengths is how it builds tension. The further you sail from safe harbors, the more dangerous and strange the world becomes. Managing your fuel, supplies, and crew’s sanity becomes critical.
The full PC experience has been faithfully adapted to iPad without compromise. All the content from the original version is included, though you can’t add mods like in the PC version.
For travelers who enjoy atmospheric games with depth, Sunless Sea is perfect. The game doesn’t require internet connection once downloaded, so it’s ideal for airplane mode.
The haunting music and art style create an immersive experience that will make your flight time disappear. The game balances exploration, combat, and storytelling in a way that keeps you coming back for more.
Understanding Airplane Mode
Airplane Mode is a setting on iPhones and other mobile devices that disables wireless functions like cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. This feature changes how games work on your device during flights or in areas with no connectivity.
How Airplane Mode Affects Game Functionality
When you switch on Airplane Mode, your iPhone can’t connect to the internet or download new content. This means only games that work offline will function properly. Many games require constant internet connections for features like:
- Multiplayer gameplay
- Downloading new levels
- Storing progress in the cloud
- Displaying advertisements
- Accessing in-app purchases
Games designed for offline play store all necessary content directly on your device. These games don’t need internet access for core functions. Some games might limit certain features in Airplane Mode but still allow you to play the main game.
Popular offline-friendly games include puzzle games, adventure games, and single-player experiences like Alto’s Adventure and Crashlands.
Benefits of Playing Games in Airplane Mode
Playing games in Airplane Mode offers several advantages beyond just following flight regulations. For starters, your battery lasts much longer since your phone isn’t constantly searching for signals.
Games run smoother without background processes trying to connect to networks. You won’t face frustrating interruptions from incoming calls, messages, or notifications while enjoying your game.
Airplane Mode gaming also helps you avoid unexpected charges. Without data connections, games can’t use your cellular data or make unexpected purchases. This is especially helpful when traveling internationally.
Parents appreciate Airplane Mode for creating a distraction-free environment for kids. Children can enjoy simple games like Flow and 2048 without accidentally making purchases or accessing inappropriate content online.
For long flights, having a selection of offline games ready can make those 14-hour journeys much more enjoyable.
Optimizing iPhone Settings for Offline Gaming
Getting your iPhone ready for offline gaming can make a huge difference in your experience during a flight. The right settings will help your games run smoothly and ensure they’re actually available when you need them.
Adjusting Battery Settings
To maximize gaming time on a flight, turn on Low Power Mode and Airplane Mode when playing. This not only complies with flight regulations but also boosts performance for demanding games.
Reduce screen brightness to save power. Slide it down to about 30-40% – still visible but much less power-hungry.
Turn off background app refresh in Settings > General > Background App Refresh. This prevents other apps from using battery in the background.
Close all unused apps by swiping up from the bottom (or double-clicking the home button on older models) and swiping away apps. This frees up RAM and processing power.
Consider turning off Location Services during flight as it drains battery quickly and won’t work in the air anyway.
Managing Storage for Game Downloads
Check your available storage before your flight in Settings > General > iPhone Storage. This shows which apps take up the most space.
Delete unused apps and videos to make room for games. Photos can be backed up to iCloud to free up space without losing them.
Many games now exceed 1GB in size, so download them while on WiFi before your trip. Games like Stardew Valley and Vampire Survivors work great offline but need to be fully downloaded first.
Create a special folder just for your travel games so they’re easy to find when you’re on the plane. Simply press and hold an app icon, then drag it onto another to create a folder.
Test each game in Airplane Mode before your trip to ensure it works properly offline. Some “offline” games still require an internet connection for certain features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many iPhone games work perfectly during flights when internet access isn’t available. These games offer entertainment without requiring Wi-Fi or cellular data connections.
What are some highly-rated iPhone games that can be played in airplane mode?
Several iPhone games have earned top ratings and work great offline. Alto’s Adventure combines beautiful visuals with simple gameplay as you snowboard down endless slopes.
The Room Two offers intricate puzzles that will keep you engaged for hours. Monument Valley is another favorite with its stunning architecture puzzles and relaxing soundtrack.
Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition brings the console experience to your phone without needing internet. Crashlands offers a fun survival crafting adventure that works perfectly offline.
Can you recommend any free iPhone games that are perfect for playing on a flight without Wi-Fi?
Many free games work great on flights. 2048 and Crossy Road are simple yet addictive options that don’t need Wi-Fi.
Flow is another free puzzle game that offers relaxing gameplay perfect for airplane mode. Wordscapes combines word searches with crossword puzzles and works completely offline.
Pocket God is a humorous game that many travelers enjoy while flying. These games don’t cost anything but provide hours of entertainment.
What are the top iPhone games that don’t require an internet connection?
The most popular offline iPhone games include puzzlers and adventure games. Monument Valley tops many lists with its beautiful design and clever puzzles.
Alto’s Adventure works perfectly without internet and offers endless snowboarding fun. The Room series provides mysterious puzzle boxes to solve during your flight.
Good Pizza, Great Pizza lets you run a pizza shop completely offline. Crashlands offers a huge world to explore with no internet required.
Which iPhone games have the best gameplay for offline mode during air travel?
Games with simple controls work best during turbulence. Alto’s Adventure only requires occasional taps, making it perfect for bumpy flights.
Puzzle games like Monument Valley and The Room Two let you take your time with each move. These games don’t penalize you for setting your phone down during drink service.
RPGs like Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition offer deep gameplay that can fill even the longest international flights. The save-anywhere feature makes them ideal for travel interruptions.
Are there any engaging iPhone games that are accessible when my phone is on airplane mode?
Yes! Wordly’s Challenge works great in airplane mode and helps build vocabulary while you travel. It combines education with entertainment.
The Room series creates mysterious atmospheres that pull you in without needing any internet connection. Monument Valley’s beautiful design and clever puzzles work perfectly offline.
Strategy games like Mini Metro let you build transit systems with no internet required. These games keep your mind busy during long flights.
Could you suggest some fun iPhone games to play while on a long plane journey with no internet access?
For long flights, story-driven games like Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition provide hours of entertainment. The episodic format lets you play in manageable chunks.
Sandbox games such as Crashlands give you freedom to explore and craft without running out of content. You can build, fight monsters, and complete quests all offline.
Puzzle collections like Offline Games – No Wifi Games bundle multiple games together, offering variety for extended travel. These packages prevent boredom on even the longest international flights.
