Cheerful Pacific tree frogs. Beautiful neon tetras. Nurture all sorts of adorable fish, reptiles and amphibians in Pondlife’s freshwater sanctuary.

What we love: Watching our little pals become adults. Wide-eyed tadpoles transform into chunky frogs, while teensy tetras become strong, sleek swimmers. Learning about these critters’ life phases – and gleaning fun facts from the game’s Aquapedia – is as enlightening as it is entertaining.

Quick tip: Touch and hold to see the status of your entire pond, including each creature’s stage of development and how long it’ll be before they’re hungry again.

Meet the creator: New Zealand–based Runaway specialises in heart-warming games rooted in the natural world. Its other titles include Bunny Haven, Flutter: Butterfly Sanctuary, Furistas Cat Cafe and Old Friends Dog Game.