Augmented reality games blend digital characters and objects with the world around you, using your phone's camera, motion sensors and GPS. You do not need a headset. If you own a reasonably recent phone, you can turn your living room into a game board or your neighbourhood into a map.
We have grouped 25 AR games by the kind of experience they offer, so you can jump straight to what suits you, whether that is a walk with friends, a quick game on the kitchen table or a long-running strategy battle.
What makes a good AR game?
- AR that matters. The best games use the real world as part of play, not as a gimmick on top.
- Comfortable sessions. Short, easy-to-pick-up sessions work well when you are on the move.
- Fair monetisation. Free players should still be able to enjoy the game.
- Safe play. Good location-based games encourage awareness of your surroundings.
Explore the real world
These games use GPS to turn streets, parks and landmarks into the game map.
Pokémon GO Location-based
The game that brought location-based AR to the mainstream. Walk around to find and catch creatures, join group raids, and use camera mode to place them in your surroundings.
Ingress Prime Location-based strategy
A team-versus-team territory game played on a real-world map, where landmarks become portals you capture and link. It rewards planning and cooperation more than quick reflexes.
Pikmin Bloom Walking
A gentle game where your daily steps grow a squad of Pikmin companions. A relaxed choice if you want a game that fits around a normal day.
Monster Hunter Now Location-based action
Track and hunt monsters in your area through short, snappy encounters designed for quick sessions on the go.
Jurassic World Alive Collection and battle
Discover, collect and battle dinosaurs in the real world, with AR views that let you see them in your space.
RPG and strategy
If you like progression, deeper systems and long-term goals, these are worth a look.
Orna GPS RPG
A role-playing game on a real-world map with classes, crafting, exploration and guild play. Known for depth that goes well beyond simple collecting.
Knightfall AR Medieval combat
A medieval-themed AR battle game that brings fights into your own room, with a focus on tactical combat.
Reality Clash AR combat
An AR combat game where you fight in the space around you. It suits players who prefer action to exploration.
Nightenfell: Shared AR Shared AR
Built around shared AR sessions, where players take part in the same scene together instead of each playing alone.
World of Monsters Creature AR
A creature-themed AR game where monsters appear in your surroundings, aimed at players who enjoy collecting and discovery.
Tabletop and casual fun
Place the game on your desk or floor and play for a few minutes. These are the easiest AR games to share with friends and family.
Stack AR Arcade
Build a tower on a real surface by timing each placement. Simple, quick and satisfying.
Jenga AR Tabletop
A digital take on the classic block-removing game, set up on any flat surface so you can play without the physical tower.
AR Dunk Sports
Put a basketball hoop in your room and line up your shots. A good example of how AR can make small sports games feel physical.
Beer Pong AR Party
Virtual cups on a real table, played without the mess. Best enjoyed with friends in the room.
Big Bang AR Graphics-heavy AR
A visually rich AR game. Expect high battery usage on longer sessions, so keep a charger nearby.
Action and arcade
Faster-paced picks for when you want your AR with a bit of adrenaline.
AR Dragon Virtual pet
Raise a virtual dragon in your own space. A friendly option for younger players and anyone who likes pet-style games.
Ghosts 'n Guns AR Shooter
An arcade shooter where ghosts appear around you and you aim to clear them. Short rounds make it easy to pick up and put down.
Genesis AR TCG Card game
A trading card game that adds AR to the card-battle format, so your cards and creatures can come to life on screen.
Angry Birds AR: Isle of Pigs Puzzle
The slingshot formula placed on your table, so you can move around the level and find new angles for each shot.
Father.io Laser-tag style
A multiplayer shooter in the style of laser tag, played in real spaces with other people.
Fitness, exploration and everyday play
Finally, a handful of games that turn walks, runs and outings into something more playful.
Zombies, Run! Fitness
A story-driven running game delivered mostly through audio, so you can focus on the route while the narrative keeps you moving. It relies on GPS rather than the camera.
Geocaching Treasure hunt
A worldwide real-life treasure hunt. Use the app to find hidden containers placed by other players near you.
Snapchat Lens games Social AR
AR games built into Snapchat Lenses that use your face or surroundings. You can play and share with friends without installing a separate game.
Draconius GO Location-based
A dragon-themed game on a real-world map in which you collect and train creatures as you explore.
Peridot Virtual pet
A pet-style game in which a creature lives and reacts in your environment through your camera. Check current availability in your region.
Tips for playing AR games safely
- Look up regularly. Never walk into traffic or cross a street while watching your screen.
- Play in well-lit, familiar areas, and avoid restricted or private property.
- Close other apps before long sessions. AR uses the camera, GPS and graphics together, which drains the battery quickly.
- Review permissions. Only grant camera and location access that the game genuinely needs.
Thinking of building your own AR game?
AR games are a strong way to create memorable, shareable experiences for entertainment, events and brand campaigns. The best ones start with a clear core idea, a prototype that proves it is fun, and a technical plan that works on a wide range of devices.
Our game development team builds AR and mobile games from concept to launch. Tell us about your idea using the form below and we will help you plan the next step.
