Walking is more fun with a purpose. These Apple Watch games transform mundane steps into meaningful rewards—whether that's caring for a virtual pet, surviving a zombie apocalypse, or exploring distant galaxies. The key: they work in the background while you walk, so you can enjoy your surroundings and check rewards later.
Your steps keep your Belly pet happy and healthy
How Walking Games Work
Walking games on Apple Watch use your step data from Apple Health to power gameplay. You don't play actively while walking—instead, the game tracks your movement in the background and rewards you when you check in. This means you can focus on your walk, your podcast, or your surroundings while still making game progress.
8 Best Walking Games for Apple Watch
1. Belly: Cute Pet on Your Watch
Your pixel cat's health is directly tied to your walking. Every step earns hearts that keep your virtual pet happy. Walk more and you'll have plenty of hearts to spend on food, toys, and customization. The game works standalone—leave your phone at home and your watch still tracks every step.
Perfect for: Daily walkers who want a gentle, rewarding companion that celebrates their movement.
Download Belly Free →2. Zombies, Run!
Turn your walks into a zombie survival adventure. Audio stories play through your headphones while you walk, with zombie chases that encourage you to speed up. Collect supplies based on distance walked. The narrative makes walking feel like an adventure rather than exercise.
Perfect for: Walkers who want immersive storytelling during their routes.
3. Walkr: Fitness Space Adventure
Walk to power your spaceship and explore the galaxy. Steps convert to energy that fuels interplanetary travel. Discover new planets, collect cute aliens, and build your cosmic fleet. The charming art style and endless exploration keep walking interesting.
Perfect for: Walkers who enjoy exploration and collection mechanics.
4. Wokamon
Walk to hatch and evolve cute monsters. Each step powers the incubation of Wokamon eggs, and longer walking triggers evolutions. Building a collection of unique creatures provides ongoing motivation to keep walking daily.
Perfect for: Walkers who enjoy creature collection and evolution mechanics.
5. Standland
While focused on hourly standing, Standland encourages regular movement throughout your day. Each hour you stand and walk, you collect new adorable creatures. The gentle nudge to move regularly complements longer walks.
Perfect for: Office workers who want to maintain movement throughout the day.
6. Stepbet
Bet on yourself to reach step goals. Join games where everyone puts in money, and those who hit their personalized step goals split the pot. The financial stakes make walking feel more consequential—but only join if you're confident in your commitment.
Perfect for: Competitive walkers who respond to financial motivation.
7. Pokemon GO (Watch Companion)
The Apple Watch companion tracks walking distance for egg incubation and buddy Pokemon candy. While the main gameplay happens on iPhone, your watch ensures every step counts toward hatching those rare eggs.
Perfect for: Pokemon fans who want walking to contribute to their game progress.
8. Pikmin Bloom (Watch Companion)
Walk to grow Pikmin and plant flowers along your route. The Apple Watch companion tracks your steps for the main game. A gentler, more cozy alternative to Pokemon GO with adorable Pikmin companions.
Perfect for: Walkers who want a cute, non-competitive walking companion.
Tips for Walking Games
- Enable background tracking – Make sure Apple Health can track steps when your phone is locked
- Choose standalone games – Games like Belly work without your phone, so you can walk light
- Combine games – Your steps can power multiple games simultaneously
- Check after walks – Save the reward checking for post-walk to stay present during your walk
- Use complications – Watch face complications let you see progress at a glance
Frequently Asked Questions
What games can I play while walking with Apple Watch?
The best walking games track your steps in the background. Belly turns steps into pet care, Zombies, Run! uses walking for audio adventures, Walkr powers space exploration, and Wokamon hatches creatures. You don't actively play—just walk and check rewards later.
Do walking games work without iPhone?
Many walking games like Belly work standalone on Apple Watch. Your watch tracks steps independently, so you can leave your phone at home. Check each game's requirements—some need iPhone for certain features.
More Activity Games
- Step Tracking Games – All games that use your steps
- Fitness Games – Gamify all your workouts
- Standalone Games – Walk without your phone
- Health Games – Wellness-focused gaming