Puzzle Games:
* Monument Valley: A beautiful and mind-bending puzzle game with stunning visuals and a unique art style. It's a true gem.
* The Room Series: Intricate puzzle games set in Victorian-era puzzle boxes. The atmosphere is incredible, and the puzzles are challenging and satisfying.
* Mini Metro: A minimalist yet addictive puzzle game where you design subway lines for growing cities.
* Flow Free: A simple but engaging game where you connect matching colors to create a flow.
* Word Cookies: A word puzzle game with a fun, casual vibe.
Action/Adventure:
* Alto's Adventure: A visually stunning endless runner with a relaxing and serene atmosphere.
* Sky: Children of the Light: A social adventure game that emphasizes exploration, flying, and building friendships with other players.
* Jetpack Joyride: A classic arcade-style endless runner with fun upgrades and wacky characters.
* Subway Surfers: Another popular endless runner, this one with a more fast-paced and energetic feel.
* Smash Hit: A cathartic game where you smash objects with a ball in slow motion.
Strategy:
* Bloons TD 6: A tower defense game with a surprising amount of depth and strategy.
* Plants vs. Zombies 2: A classic tower defense game with quirky humor and a vibrant aesthetic.
* Clash Royale: A strategic card game with a competitive element, but it requires skill rather than spending money. (Be careful about spending here, but the base game is good).
Other Great Free Games:
* SimCity BuildIt: Build and manage your own virtual city.
* Stardew Valley: A charming farming simulator with a strong focus on exploration, character interaction, and romance.
* Crossy Road: An addictive arcade game where you guide a variety of characters across a busy road.
* Cut the Rope: A classic physics puzzle game where you need to guide candy to a hungry monster.
Tips for Avoiding "Greedy" Games:
* Read Reviews: Pay attention to reviews that discuss the game's monetization practices. Look for mentions of "pay-to-win" or "energy bars."
* Look for Free Trials: Some games offer free trials or limited-time events that allow you to test the game before committing.
* Check for In-App Purchase Options: Make sure to check the App Store listing for any indication of in-app purchases.
* Play Games with Simple Mechanics: Games with complex mechanics often require more resources, which can lead to more aggressive monetization strategies.
By following these tips and exploring the list of free iOS games above, you should be able to find plenty of enjoyable and genuinely free games to keep you entertained!