Top 10 AR Games You Should Be Playing in 2024

Augmented Reality (AR) has taken gaming to a new level, creating an immersive experience by blending the digital world with real environments. As 2024 rolls in, AR gaming continues to push boundaries, combining cutting-edge technology with unique gameplay mechanics that let you interact with the virtual world in your real-life surroundings. This list covers the top 10 AR games you need to check out this year, from battle simulations to fitness games.

1. Pokémon GO: Still the King of AR

Let’s kick off with a classic that remains at the forefront of AR gaming—Pokémon GO. Since its launch in 2016, Pokémon GO has captured the hearts of millions, revolutionizing mobile gaming by allowing players to catch Pokémon in their actual environment.

The key to its success lies in its constant updates. With seasonal events, new Pokémon from different generations, and limited-time challenges, the game is far from stale. Plus, Pokémon GO now integrates real-time weather, meaning that the type of Pokémon you encounter may change based on the weather in your area.

Why it’s still popular: It’s easy to pick up and play, with its massive fanbase and frequent updates keeping things exciting. Whether you’re battling in gyms, joining a raid with friends, or completing quests, it offers something for everyone.

2. Jurassic World Alive: Unleash Dinosaurs in Your Neighborhood

Who wouldn’t want to see a T-Rex roaming down their street? In Jurassic World Alive, players collect DNA samples from various dinosaurs, allowing them to create hybrids in a world populated by prehistoric giants. Using AR, you can watch these massive creatures come to life in your environment. The game’s real-time multiplayer battles and alliance system keep things fresh, while new dinosaurs are constantly being added, ensuring long-term engagement.

Why it stands out: Few games deliver the sense of awe that Jurassic World Alive does. Watching a life-sized Velociraptor roam through your backyard is simply something you can’t experience in any other medium.

3. Knightfall AR: Defend the Fortress

Knightfall AR brings medieval combat to life like never before. Set in the Crusades, this game places you in the middle of a battlefield, defending your fortress from invaders. The unique aspect of Knightfall AR is how it allows you to lay out your battle plan in real-world environments. Using AR, you can place knights, archers, and catapults right on your kitchen table. The highly detailed models and interactive controls offer an immersive experience that feels like you’re directing a real medieval battle.

Why it’s a must-play: Strategic combat combined with high-level immersion makes Knightfall AR a standout. You can even view your battles from different angles, offering a truly interactive experience.

4. The Walking Dead: Our World – Zombie Apocalypse in Your Neighborhood

The Walking Dead: Our World offers a terrifyingly fun experience by merging your reality with a zombie apocalypse. In this game, you’ll be battling walkers (zombies) right on your streets, using real-world locations to scavenge for supplies and complete missions. The game’s combat feels fluid, with immersive AR mechanics that put you right in the middle of the action.

5. Zombies, Run! – Fitness Meets Survival

Running isn’t always exciting, but Zombies, Run! changes that by turning your morning jog into a life-or-death experience. As you jog, you’re placed into a post-apocalyptic world filled with zombies. The game tracks your pace, and as you run faster, the in-game zombies fall behind.

You’ll also gather supplies and uncover mysteries along the way. The audio integration is one of its strongest elements, with radio-style updates from in-game characters, making your run more immersive.

6. Egg, Inc.: Build a Virtual Farm in AR

For something a bit more relaxed, Egg, Inc. offers a charming take on farming simulators. Using AR, you can watch your virtual chickens run around your actual living room or set up your egg factory right on your kitchen counter. The game is simple to pick up, with casual yet addictive gameplay. You can unlock upgrades, expand your farm, and see the impact of your actions in AR, providing a mix of strategy and fun without the stress of other AR games.

7. Ingress Prime: A Tactical AR Experience

From the creators of Pokémon GO, Ingress Prime turns the real world into a battlefield for control. Players align with one of two factions, The Enlightened or The Resistance, and fight to control portals—real-world locations that serve as points of interest within the game.

What sets Ingress Prime apart from other AR games is its complexity and depth. It has an intricate storyline, tactical gameplay, and real-time strategic decisions that affect the game world.

8. Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery – Jump Scares in Your Home

This one is for the horror fans. Five Nights at Freddy’s AR: Special Delivery brings the terrifying animatronics of Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza into your home. Through your phone’s AR camera, you’ll see animatronics coming towards you in real-time, and you must fend them off using in-game tools. The jump scares are intense, making this one of the most adrenaline-pumping AR experiences out there.

9. Temple Treasure Hunt: A Mystical Journey

This location-based AR game challenges you to become either a treasure protector or a hunter. You’ll need to follow clues through your real-world environment, uncovering mysteries and solving puzzles along the way. The AR features place interactive elements in your surroundings, guiding you through the story and adding a sense of adventure.

10. ARrrrrgh! – A Pirate’s Life in AR

Who wouldn’t want to be a pirate? ARrrrrgh! is a fun, family-friendly AR game where you search for treasure in your surroundings. Using your phone, you’ll uncover hidden pirate chests and earn rewards. The whimsical art style and simple gameplay make it an easy choice for casual gamers and kids alike.

Final Thoughts: Why AR Gaming is the Future

What sets AR gaming apart from traditional games is how it merges the physical and digital worlds. Games like Pokémon GO and Jurassic World Alive show just how immersive AR can be, whether you’re hunting dinosaurs or catching Pikachu in your neighborhood. The versatility of AR means there’s something for every type of gamer, from fitness enthusiasts using Zombies, Run! to horror lovers experiencing Five Nights at Freddy’s in their own home.

As AR technology continues to develop, expect more games to push the envelope, offering even richer, more immersive experiences. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer looking for the next big thing or just someone who wants to have fun on your phone, AR games in 2024 are sure to impress.