Way back in the summer of 2016, gamers of all ages were treated to the world-changing event that was the release of Niantic’s Pokémon GO. By harnessing augmented reality, they brought anyone with a smartphone to partake in the game. Overnight, people were everywhere looking for their favorite Pokémon —viewed not just on a screen, but seemingly right in front of them. Using augmented reality, or AR, Pokémon that we all know and love would be viewed through our phone’s camera.
If you’re curious about AR games, this article will guide you through what they are, the best titles available, and what makes them stand out.
What Is Augmented Reality?
Consider augmented reality, virtual reality’s little brother. It is a halfway point between the real world and virtual environments. In augmented reality simulations, the real world is infused with virtual objects (like Pokémon) and provides an interactive experience.
It can also be known as ‘mixed reality’, as it does just that; it mixes the computer-generated world with our reality.
The potential for augmented reality is easier than ever in this day and age. With merely smartphones or tablets within our reach, we can be intimately introduced to the concept of augmented reality.
In many augmented reality experiences, the user’s GPS is used to create a more realistic approach to gaming, allowing for the seamless transition between real-world environments and technological ones.
It is plain to see that augmented reality has brought us leaps and bounds technologically to places where we haven’t been before. That is fine, but what about the most important thing for us all? I am, of course, talking about GAMES, specifically, AR games.
How Does AR Gaming Work?
In AR gaming, specific hardware and software are necessary to open up a world of possibilities:
- Camera and Sensors
- Location-Based Gameplay
- Real-Time Interaction
Types and Genres of AR Games
AR gaming covers a wide range of styles and audiences. These are some of the most popular game genres:
- Adventure & Exploration
- Competitive Multiplayer
- Educational
- Fitness & Health
- Puzzle & Strategy
- Horror & Thriller
The Best Augmented Reality Games
Pokémon GO was not the first, and definitely won’t be the last augmented reality game. Well, here is the list of the 10 best AR games:
Pokémon GO
This was the game that Pokémon fans worldwide were waiting for: a game to catch Pokémon and use them to battle at certain hotspots in the real world (usually landmarks or other places with heavy foot traffic), labeled as gyms, to exert dominance on other users.
The reason it is more relevant than ever is that Niantic keeps improving the game with more updates and lots of events.
It is clear that the popularity has not waned one bit for Pokémon GO, making it, I believe, one of the contenders for best AR games and, dare I say, all the time.
Difficulty
Its various features, such as Gym battles and Raid Bosses, can present challenges that require strategy and cooperation, especially for higher-tier encounters. The game balances casual gameplay with elements that can be complex for those seeking a more competitive experience.
In-Game Purchases
- In-Game Currency Packs: Purchase packs of in-game currency at different price points for various in-game transactions and items.
- Event Access: Obtain tickets or bonuses for access to special in-game events or content during limited-time promotions.
Zombies, Run!
Six to Start | 2012 | Free
Zombies, Run! was released in 2012 by British game developers Six to Start. This augmented reality game is very story-driven, having the player listen to stories about a zombie outbreak, as well as having the players become proactive members.
Players will have to do what we now know is expected of us in a dreaded zombie outbreak: collecting valuable items for survival, helping others, and, of course, running from the zombies.
Along with all of this, the supplies the runner picks up during their exercise session will, in turn, benefit the town of Abel Township. The game then transitions to a city builder, like a strategy game, in which you can improve buildings and defenses.
And, as expected, the better the player does in terms of exercise, the more beneficial the town and its bonuses become, creating a nice cycle of positive health as well as addictive gameplay.
These aspects of positivity are just one positive aspect of augmented reality games and the bright future they have in our society.
Difficulty
The game is designed to be accessible to all fitness levels, with adjustable difficulty settings. It provides an engaging challenge by integrating zombie chases, requiring players to increase their pace to evade the undead.
In-Game Purchases
- Premium Content Access: Unlock additional content, features, or benefits within the game with these in-game purchases.
- VIP Membership: Subscribe to a VIP Membership for exclusive perks, content, or bonuses during your gameplay.
Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
Niantic, Inc. | 2019 | Free
As you can surmise, J.K. Rowling’s beloved world of wizards and muggles comes to life in this augmented reality game. The premise is simple: the player takes on the role of a wizard who must battle beasts through the use of their GPS and cell phone.
In the game, the player chooses all their favorite aspects of the Harry Potter wizarding world, namely, choosing all of the customizable elements. Want a cool wand? Which house do you want to be part of? After you decide which specific wand and wizarding house to align with, and your specific class (in the guise of creative titles like Professor, Auror, or Magizoologist), you will travel around and battle mythological beasts like the basilisk and trolls from the Harry Potter books, films, and franchise.
And another surprise, Niantic published this title. They also worked alongside Warner Bros. Games to develop. It truly seems that Niantic is one of the pioneers in popular augmented reality games, and I am all for it.
Difficulty
“Harry Potter: Wizards Unite” offers a multi-layered gameplay experience that can be initially overwhelming for newcomers due to its array of features and mechanics.
Spirit Camera
Tecmo Koei | 2012 | Paid
Make sure you are playing in broad daylight with this next title. Evoking imagery and fond memories of the terrifying Fatal Frame series of horror games, Spirit Camera has you thrust into the position of a character wielding a camera (the Camera Obscura) that defeats ghosts.
For the Nintendo 3DS, Spirit Camera is a handheld Fatal Frame title, released in 2012. The game is split into three different game modes: story, minigames, and challenges. The story mode is where most of the ‘meat’ of the gameplay lies, especially the augmented reality features of the game.
The game is split into three different game modes: story, minigames, and challenges. The story mode is where most of the ‘meat’ of the gameplay lies, especially the augmented reality features of the game.
Difficulty
The game’s reliance on specific AR and gyroscope conditions, such as needing well-lit areas and ample space, can make it inconvenient and challenging to play in various settings.
Jurassic World Alive
Jam City, Inc. | 2018 | Free
“Jurassic World Alive” is an Augmented Reality (AR) mobile game that was released to coincide with the 2018 Jurassic World movie. Developed by Ludia and co-published by NBCUniversal, the game plunges players into a world where they can collect, evolve, and engage dinosaurs in strategic turn-based battles.
Drawing elements from the movie, such as the concept of collecting dinosaur DNA, the game stands out with its innovative features. While it pays homage to the cinematic universe of Jurassic Park, “Jurassic World Alive” offers a fresh and immersive gaming experience, making it a standout title in the AR gaming genre.
Players prepare their teams, evolve their dinosaurs, and then dive into the action-packed combat. Outside of combat, players engage in collecting genes for specific dinosaurs, with stages like the Hunting stage, where they shoot darts to collect dinosaur DNA.
What Makes It Great
Innovative Augmented Reality (AR) Experience: Unlike many movie tie-in games, “Jurassic World Alive” offers a unique AR experience, allowing players to collect and interact with dinosaurs in the real world through their mobile devices.
Strategic Gameplay: Beyond just collecting dinosaurs, the game offers a deep turn-based combat system. Players can evolve their dinosaurs, prepare their teams, and engage in 1vs1 battles, making strategic decisions based on each dinosaur’s unique abilities.
Broad Accessibility and Replayability: The game is designed for a wide audience, from casual players to hardcore gamers. With its high accessibility, varied gameplay modes, and connection to the beloved Jurassic Park franchise, it offers a lot of content and replay value.
Difficulty
The turn-based combat system adds depth, challenging players to think tactically in 1v1 battles. While the game incorporates AR elements similar to Pokémon Go, it also offers diverse gameplay modes, making it both engaging and moderately challenging for players.
In-Game Purchases
- Monthly Subscription – Offers various benefits and rewards for subscribers.
- In-Game Item – Players can acquire various in-game items, which include items to enhance gameplay or cosmetic items.
The Walking Dead: Our World
Next Games | 2018 | Free
“The Walking Dead: Our World” offers players a unique blend of real-world interaction and virtual zombie combat. Players can team up with friends or even strangers in the game to tackle these undead foes. They can also embark on missions to rescue survivors, earning extra points and even constructing shelters for the uninfected, adding another layer of depth to the game.
Additionally, the game introduces building elements, allowing players to create shelters for survivors, further enhancing the gameplay’s depth. The game is easy to dive into, with players simply pointing their cameras at the ground to engage with zombies.
Overall, “The Walking Dead: Our World” offers an engaging mix of AR gaming and strategic combat, making it a must-try for fans of the series and newcomers alike.
What Makes It Great
Real-World Integration: The game seamlessly blends the virtual world of zombies with the player’s real-life surroundings, offering a unique and immersive AR gaming experience.
Collaborative Gameplay: Players can team up with friends or even strangers within the game to combat zombies, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and strategy in surviving the apocalypse.
Diverse Challenges and Missions: Beyond just combating zombies, players can embark on missions to rescue survivors, construct shelters for the uninfected, and strategize to use their resources effectively, adding depth to the gameplay.
Difficulty
The game emphasizes strategy; every bullet counts, and players must choose their mode of attack wisely. Additionally, missions involve rescuing survivors, which rewards players with extra points, and there’s an innovative feature allowing players to construct shelters for the uninfected.
With impressive graphics that make the undead appear lifelike in real-world settings, players must be vigilant and strategic to survive in this game.
In-Game Purchases
- In-Game Currency – in-game currency with real money for buying various items and upgrades.
Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs
Rovio Entertainment | 2019 | Free
“Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs” marks a significant evolution for the iconic Angry Birds franchise, bringing the game into augmented reality. Developed by Resolution Games and published by Rovio, this iteration allows players to experience the game’s 40 levels superimposed onto their real-world surroundings.
Whether it’s your kitchen floor or a city park, players can physically move around the structures, identifying weak points and hidden items, adding a layer of strategy and immersion not seen in previous versions.
The game retains the classic Angry Birds mechanics, where players launch birds with unique abilities from a slingshot to topple structures and defeat the mischievous pigs. However, the transition to AR means players now navigate in three dimensions, making trajectory prediction and shot placement even more crucial.
The game’s AR technology is lauded for its stability and realism, with only minor hiccups in gameplay. As the review suggests, “Angry Birds AR” not only rejuvenates the franchise but also stands as one of the most impressive showcases of augmented reality in gaming to date.
What Makes It Great
Augmented Reality Integration: The game seamlessly superimposes its 40 levels onto real-world surroundings, allowing players to physically move around and interact with the game environment, adding a new layer of immersion and strategy.
Engaging Gameplay: Retaining the classic Angry Birds mechanics, the game challenges players to think in three dimensions. The AR functionality allows players to identify weak points and hidden items, and strategize their shots more effectively.
Stable AR Technology: The game’s AR tech is notably stable, with levels appearing grounded in real-world surroundings. This solid illusion enhances the overall gaming experience, making the virtual and real-world blend almost seamlessly.
Difficulty
While the game retains the familiar mechanics of launching birds to topple structures and defeat pigs, the AR dimension adds depth, requiring players to think spatially and consider angles and trajectories in three dimensions. The game strikes a balance between challenge and engagement.
In-Game Purchases
- Advertisement Removal – Remove ads for a one-time purchase or with a subscription fee.
Ghosts ‘n Guns
Turbo Chilli Pty Ltd | 2017 | Free
Ghosts ‘n Guns” is an ARKit arcade game for iOS that thrusts players into a vibrant pixel-art world where they fend off hordes of invading pixel ghosts. The game is played from a first-person perspective, challenging players to eliminate these spectral invaders that appear in their real-world surroundings.
It stands out for its one-touch controls, allowing players to shoot continuously, a feature that proves essential given the unpredictable movement of the ghosts and the sheer number of enemies that spawn.
Coupled with modern AR technology, “Ghosts ‘n Guns” offers a delightful blend of old-school charm and cutting-edge gameplay, making it a must-play for both arcade enthusiasts and new gamers alike.
What Makes It Great
One-Touch Controls: The game features intuitive one-touch controls, enabling players to shoot continuously. This design choice enhances the gameplay experience, especially given the unpredictable movement of the ghosts and the volume of enemies that appear.
Challenging Boss Fights: Beyond the standard enemies, the game introduces boss fights that are both visually entertaining and challenging. These encounters add depth to the gameplay and provide players with a rewarding experience upon completion.
Retro Pixel-Art Design: The game’s pixel-art visuals and soundtrack evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of classic arcade games. This design choice, combined with modern AR technology, offers players a unique blend of old-school charm and contemporary gameplay.
Difficulty
The game boasts charming pixel-art visuals reminiscent of classic arcade games, and its standout features are the challenging boss fights. These encounters are not only visually entertaining but also offer a balanced gameplay experience, demanding players to strategize and adapt to the erratic movements of the bosses and their accompanying fighters.
In-Game Purchases
- Premium Upgrade – Purchase the Premium Upgrade to enhance your gaming experience with additional features and benefits.
BBC Civilizations AR
BBC Media Applications Technologies Limited | 2020 | Free
“Civilisations AR” is a groundbreaking augmented reality app developed in conjunction with the BBC Two series “Civilisations.” The app, a collaboration between BBC Arts, BBC R&D, Nexus Studios, and around 30 museums and galleries across the UK, allows users to bring the treasures of these collections into their own homes. By overlaying virtual objects onto the real world, users can explore and interact with over 40 meticulously scanned artefacts from various museums and galleries.
Whether it’s a hidden gem in a remote museum or a renowned masterpiece in a major city, “Civilisations AR” brings these artefacts to life in the user’s environment.
Beyond just viewing, the app encourages users to delve deeper into the history and significance of each artefact, fostering a deeper connection to the art and the BBC Two series.
What Makes It Great
Diverse Collection: The app showcases a curated selection from over 280 artefacts submitted by more than 50 museums and galleries. This vast range ensures users are exposed to a rich tapestry of human history and art from various cultures and time periods.
Real-World Contextualization: Unlike traditional museum visits, the app allows users to place artefacts in their own environment, be it their living room, garden, or classroom. This juxtaposition of ancient artefacts in contemporary settings can lead to new perspectives and interpretations.
Interactive Learning: The AR experience is not passive. Users can move around the artefacts, view them from different angles, and get up-close details, promoting a more interactive and hands-on approach to learning.
Difficulty
There might be challenges in understanding the historical context and significance of each artefact. The experience is designed to be accessible and informative for users of all backgrounds and ages.
Five Nights at Freddy’s AR
Illumix, Inc. | 2019 | Free
“Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery” (FNaFAR: SD) revitalizes the renowned horror game franchise by introducing augmented reality (AR) into its gameplay. In this iteration, players are thrust into a world where Fazbear Funtime Services delivers animatronics right to their doorstep.
The game’s AR mechanics are straightforward yet engaging. Players use their device’s camera to scan their environment, and when static appears, it signals an animatronic’s proximity. The objective is to locate and zap these creatures before they attack.
Beyond the thrill of the chase, the game offers a mischievous twist: players can design their own animatronics and unleash them on others, hoping to give them a genuine scare.
What Makes It Great
Personalized Horror Experience: The game’s AR feature transforms familiar surroundings into a horror playground, making the scares more intimate and personal. This close-to-home experience amplifies the game’s tension and fear factor.
Community Interaction: The ability to send out custom-designed animatronics to other players fosters a sense of community interaction. This feature not only adds a competitive edge but also encourages players to get creative in their designs to out-scare their peers.
Evolving Gameplay: While the game retains the core essence of the Five Nights at Freddy’s series, the introduction of AR and the ability to create and send out animatronics adds layers of depth and strategy, ensuring that even seasoned players find new challenges to tackle.
Difficulty
The game’s AR mechanics are straightforward: players use their device’s camera to scan their surroundings, and when static appears, it signals an animatronic’s proximity. The game thrives on its fun and campy horror elements, making it suitable for both younger audiences and casual horror fans.
In-Game Purchases
- In-Game Currency Packs: Purchase packs of in-game currency at different price points for various in-game transactions and upgrades.
- Animatronic Skins: Customize and enhance the appearance of your animatronics with different skin options available for purchase.
- Additional Game Content: Unlock extra game content, such as episodes or special challenges, by making in-game purchases.
- Starter Packs: Acquire starter packs offering items or bonuses to help kickstart your game progress.
Honorable Mentions:
Aside from the 10 recommended titles on the list, here are more augmented reality games that will surely deliver a unique gaming experience:
- Euclidean Lands
- Father.IO AR Laser Tag
- Genesis Augmented Reality Trading Card Game
- Kings of Pool AR
- Temple Treasure Hun
Final Thoughts
Augmented reality games have changed how we learn and play. At the same time, it is plain to see that augmented reality games hold a much more significant role in the way we interact with the world around us and with others.
Beyond entertaining, these games have become transformative catalysts. The positive impacts these games have, namely coming together as a society to share great experiences, and even improving health, have proved to be an extreme boon to the game development industry.
Whether you prefer to catch Pokémon, run with zombies, or visit ancient civilizations from your living room, there’s an AR game out there for you. Whatever you choose, these 10 AR games are no doubt the best bet on premier augmented reality entertainment on the market today.
