Starting today, the Apple App Store is lighting up with a dedicated Indie Games Week. The event showcases a curated selection of independent titles that have been adapted for iPhone and iPad, allowing players worldwide to discover new worlds, master fresh mechanics, and pre-order a long-awaited mobile version of a space-exploration classic.
Apple’s head of App Store Worldwide, Carson Oliver, highlighted that the platform has always served as a global stage for daring creators. By featuring seven highly praised games, the company aims to emphasize the artistic ambition and innovative gameplay that indie developers bring to the mobile ecosystem.
Featured releases and what they bring to mobile
Sifu
Sifu arrives on iOS as a meticulously retuned third-person combat experience. Players control a young kung-fu student on a revenge-driven journey, where each death ages the protagonist. The mobile port includes custom touch controls, an overhauled camera system, and full controller compatibility, ensuring the game’s demanding reflexes translate smoothly to handheld play.
Vampire Crawlers
Born from the breakout hit Vampire SurvivorsVampire Crawlers reimagines the frantic action as a gothic deck-building experience. Instead of dodging waves of enemies, players construct card combos to defeat skeletons, bats, and other nightmarish foes. An iOS-specific update, dubbed the “Death Parade,” adds fresh weapons, gems, and a short story mode, while the touch interface feels as responsive as on console.
No Man’s Sky
After a decade of evolution on PC and consoles, No Man’s Sky makes its first appearance on iPhone and iPad on October 28, with pre-orders now open. The mobile version bundles every major expansion, including the recent Cosmos update, and runs on devices as modest as the iPhone 11 and 3rd-generation iPad Air. Touch controls, mouse-and-keyboard support on iPad, and full controller input are all baked in, though multiplayer, settlements, and cross-save features will arrive later.
Little Kitty, Big City
For players seeking a lighter, open-world adventure, Little Kitty, Big City offers a whimsical stroll through a bustling metropolis from the perspective of a curious cat. The game is free to download, with an optional $9.99 unlock that expands the city and adds new quests.
Dome Keeper
Dome Keeper blends resource-mining with tower-defense mechanics. While mining for rare materials, players must also protect their dome from alien assaults. The iOS build includes Game Center integration and supports family sharing, making it a solid pick for quick, strategic sessions.
9 Kings
This strategic kingdom-builder casts players as card-wielding monarchs. In 9 Kings you assemble armies, manage resources, and out-maneuver rivals on a beautifully illustrated board. The mobile version retains the depth of the desktop experience while adding touch-friendly gestures and optional controller support.
Yes, Your Grace 2: Snowfall
Continuing the morally ambiguous saga of ruling a crumbling empire, Yes, Your Grace 2: Snowfall challenges players with tough decisions that affect the realm’s fate. The title is free to start, with a $4.99 in-app purchase unlocking the full narrative.
Technical considerations and pre-order details
All seven launches have been optimized for Apple’s hardware. Storage footprints stay under 5 GB, even for the expansive No Man’s Sky universe, meaning the game fits comfortably on most modern devices. Each title supports Game Center achievements, and many include Family Sharing, allowing multiple users to enjoy a single purchase.
Touch controls have been thoughtfully designed: Sifu and Dome Keeper feature on-screen buttons that mimic console inputs, while No Man’s Sky offers a dedicated UI layer for navigating menus and piloting starships. For players who prefer tactile feedback, Apple’s MFi controllers work seamlessly across the entire lineup.
Pre-orders for No Man’s Sky are live today, with the full game available to try for free on launch day. An optional $19.99 in-app purchase unlocks the complete experience, granting access to every expansion released since the original launch.
Apple will spotlight a different title each day of the week, curating editorial collections that guide players toward the genre that fits their mood—whether it’s high-octane combat, strategic card play, or serene exploration.
