The gaming world has definitely gotten a whole new level of experience with the introduction of augmented reality, or AR games. Players can now enjoy rich graphics, HD sound effects, and real-time gaming while playing with it.
AR games integrate visual and audio content with the player’s environment in real-time. It differs from virtual reality because it does not create a new environment where the players are immersed in. Instead, it uses the player’s existing environment to create the playing field. AR games don’t require special headsets or controllers as well; all you need is your smartphone or tablet.
Ready to have a fun-filled time playing AR games? Here are 20 of the best AR games for mobile. Whether you’re an Android user or iOS user, you’ll surely find one that you’ll love playing for hours on end.
Top 20 AR Games For Mobile
1. Pokémon GO
Free for Android and iOS
From the popular and well-loved Japanese animated cartoon comes an augmented reality game that took the world by storm after it was launched. Unlike its Gameboy counterpart, Pokémon GO by Niantic has more realistic graphics and provides an infinitely better player experience.
Pokémon Go uses the player’s real surroundings and superimposes virtual Pokémons into the player’s environment. It makes the players feel as if they have caught a real Pokémon in their own backyard or at the mall. Since its launch in 2016, this popular AR game is still being enjoyed until today.
2. Zombies, Run!
Free for Android and iOS
Bored of your usual running routine every day? Give yourself a new motivation to sprint with Zombies, Run! This AR running game lets you play as a hero in your own zombie adventure story. So, while you’re running around the block, you’re also trying to outrun zombies in the game and collecting supplies for survival.
Zombies, Run! uses GPS and pace tracking to seamlessly incorporate the game to your location. It also uses your own playlist to play music in the background as you jog, run, or sprint. Working out will never be boring again, not if you’re trying to run from zombies with this AR game.
3. Ingress Prime
Free for Android and iOS
This AR game is another hit among adventure and sci-fi fans. Developed by Niantic, it follows the story of the discovery of Exotic Matter and the fight between the Enlightened and the Resistance. Ingress Prime is an update to the original Ingress game, complete with a redesigned user interface.
Ingress Prime uses the player’s GPS to locate and interact with ‘portals’ located near the player. These portals are where the game’s backstory is unfolded as the player searches for more portals.
4. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite
Free for Android and iOS
Are you a certified Potterhead? Can’t get enough of the franchise since Deathly Hallows part 2? Relieve the magic and mystery of Hogwarts and the wizarding world by playing this AR game based on J.K. Rowling’s phenomenal books. You can experience Harry Potter on a whole new level by installing and playing this game.
Choose your wizarding house, wand, and profession and get ready to battle mythical beasts and creatures. You can also stop at inns, greenhouses, and fortresses located in real establishments or landmarks near you. Cast a spell and download this game now.
5. Jurassic World Alive
Free for Android and iOS
Bring dinosaurs back to life in this exciting game by game developer Ludia Inc. Your mission is to collect dinosaur DNA from different sources and create new dinosaur hybrids. You can also challenge your friends to battle with their teams of dinosaurs in real-time arenas.
Using the mobile device’s GPS, you can discover and collect different species of dinosaurs within your area. The graphics are excellent and the game allows you to strategize with different moves. Plus, the better your dino hybrid is, the bigger your chances of winning are.
6. Ghostbusters World
Free for Android and iOS
If there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who are you going to call? No need to dial the Ghostbusters gang because you can round up ghosts yourself with this AR game. Based on the hit film that has been a pop culture sensation for decades now, Ghostbusters World uses AR technology to find and bust ghosts in the real world.
Featuring the classic story characters as game avatars (Peter Venkman, Raymond Stantz, Egon Spengler, and Winston Zeddemore). You can bust ghosts around your neighborhood and check in at Dimension Doors in nearby landmarks as well.
7. Euclidean Lands
$3.99 on iOS
Do you love playing with spatial games? Euclidean Lands will definitely become one of your favorites in no time. Developed by architecture student Miro Straka, it’s a puzzle game where you have to navigate your character on complex 3D structures. As you move, you have to kill opponents and stay alive until you reach the exit.
You can shift and rotate the 3D world to change perspectives. There will also be plenty of puzzles to solve before you win the game. If you want a game that will challenge your problem-solving skills, download this AR game now.
8. Splitter Critters
$2.99 on Android and iOS
One of the easiest AR games to play with is Splitter Critters. If you want a mindless game to pass time by, this will surely keep you entertained for hours on end. With a swipe of your finger, you can split the world in the game and rearrange it. Your mission is to guide the adorable critters back to their spaceship safely.
To add a fun twist to the game, the planet is full of unknown dangers, challenging puzzles, and innovative mechanics. The graphics are nice and the soundscapes set the tone of the game. Perfect to play when you have a quiet afternoon ahead of you.
9. Ghosts ‘n Guns AR
Free for Android and iOS
Defend yourself from an army of pixel ghosts that look like they’re right in front of you with this fun AR game. All you have to do is open the camera in the app, point your phone to any surface, and this will open a portal for your enemies. It might look easy, but as the game progresses, its difficulty also increases.
Players applaud this game for being a quick but entertaining play. It also launches fast and detects surfaces faster than most AR games out there. The pixel ghosts and ghouls plus the machine guns make it a fresh take on other games that you’re used to.
10. AR Dragon
Free for Android and iOS
If you have ever dreamed of having a pet dragon, you can definitely make it come true with AR Dragon. Using augmented reality technology, you can hatch, care, and grow your own dragon at your own backyard. You can collect hats and glasses to dress up your dragon as it grows. Plus, each dragon is unique, so your virtual dragon will look one of a kind and different from the others.
The graphics are exceptional, which makes the dragons a hundred times more adorable. Aside from the occasional ads that pop up during the game, it’s a cute way of owning and taking care of a virtual pet – even if it’s a scaly dragon.
11. Ghost Snap
Free for Android and iOS
Pump up your adrenaline and make your hairs stand on one end with this scary AR game. Ghost Snap uses AR technology with the camera app to make it seem like you’re moving around a horror scene. Use your camera to transform your house into an extremely creepy setting … and maybe catch a glimpse of a ghost or two.
If you’re a horror fan or an adrenaline junkie, you’ll surely love Ghost Snap. It will let you see your surroundings in a completely different and horrific perspective. Best of all, there are no ads despite the app being free.
12. Jenga AR
Free for Android
Want to play Jenga with your friends but forgot to bring the blocks? Worry no more, Jenga AR is here. You can play the classic game with your friends using your smartphone. Up to 2-5 players can join in the fun and choose between small blocks on the table or big blocks on the floor.
The time challenge mode adds a thrilling twist to Jenga AR. You and your friends can choose from 4 unique worlds to build the tallest tower before time runs out. Perfect for sleepovers or hangouts with your friends.
13. Slingshot Island ARCore
$0.99 for Android
Play the role of a dragon-slaying hero with Slingshot Island ARCore. Your mission is to destroy as many castles as you can to find and destroy dragon eggs. Otherwise, the land of Poach will become overrun with terrible monsters.
This is one of those AR games that uses motion controller to launch virtual projectiles. You can move around to find the best angle to shoot. This game requires ARCore to play.
14. Zombie Gunship Revenant AR
Free for Android and iOS
Instead of outrunning zombies in this game, you’ll be facing them head on. Zombie Gunship Revenant AR is one of those zombie shooter AR games that add realism to the game. This time, you’ll be controlling a heavily-armed helicopter and taking down zombies from the sky.
The AR feature of this game seems to be bit of work still. The developers even advised to play it in a well-lit area for best results. But other than that, it’s a great shooter game to play that will take your boredom away.
15. The Machines
$4.99 for Android and iOS
This game was featured in the Apple Keynote and was applauded for its great 3D sound, powerful graphics, and amazing gameplay. The goal is to destroy the enemy’s base using tactics and perspectives combined with AR technology. You can use weapons by simply aiming your phone and adjusting your position.
It also allows you to play with your friends through the multiplayer feature. There is also a single player feature that allows you to train so you can climb the leaderboards faster.
16. Beer Pong AR
Free for Android
Whether it’s a wild college party or a small get-together, beer pong will always be a fun game to play with friends. Beer Pong AR lets you play the game sans the plastic cups and ping pong ball. Using your phone, try to shoot the ping pong balls accurately in the cups with a swipe of your finger. Get ready for a fun time with your friends!
This app is only available for Android. However, iOS users can download a similar app entitled AR Beer Pong for free.
17. Peronio Pop-Up Book
Free for Android and iOS
For kids and kids-at-heart, Peronio Pop-Up Book takes story book reading on a new level. This AR interactive book combines virtual and augmented reality tech to deliver holographic game-play experience. However, it can be played even without VR glasses so your smartphone is enough.
The educational and fun stories filled with colorful illustrations make it an entertaining and fun story and game. Built by adults, for kids and kids-at-heart, this AR game will make bedtime stories infinitely better.
18. AR Invaders Attack
Free for iOS
If there are zombie shooter games, then there are also alien shooter AR games. AR Invaders lets you assume the role of a mighty hero fighting against aliens and UFOs. Defend earth’s freedom against a spawn of aliens while enjoying AR tech with it.
As the game progresses, more alien spawns will arrive. This will make the game even more challenging to play. Good luck, soldier!
19. Father.IO AR
Free for Android and iOS
Playing Father.io is like being in the set of the Terminator movies. This first-person shooter game allows you to flex your battle strategies and tactics with AR technology. You can aim at your enemies at up to 50 meters distance (that’s 150 feet!). You and your friends can also play with each other with the 16 vs 16 in team matches.
Ready to play a first-person shooter game with AR tech? Download Father.io AR now.
20. ARZombi
Free for Android and iOS
Love a good scare? ARZombi will give you the chills and thrills of an ‘80s horror movie through modern AR tech. Your job is to board up the AR portals (your doors and windows) and fight off the undead. You’ll have your hands full trying to defend your house and keeping zombies away with this game.
There is also a Survival Mode that gets more difficult as the game progresses. Bring out the big guns and defend your home!
For more top 20 gaming reviews, check out our comprehensive mobile gaming section on Cellular News.
