Top 10 AR Games You Must Try in 2025: A New Era of Gaming

Augmented Reality (AR) gaming has revolutionized the gaming world, merging virtual worlds with real-life environments. With the advancements in mobile technology, AR games have become more immersive and accessible, offering players unique experiences that blend the digital and physical worlds. Whether you’re using a smartphone or a specialized AR headset, these games have raised the bar for interactive entertainment. Here’s a list of the top 10 AR games that are a must-try in 2025.

1. Pokémon GO

Release Year: 2016 | Platform: iOS, Android

Since its launch, Pokémon GO has remained the quintessential AR game. It lets players hunt for Pokémon in the real world using their smartphones. With continuous updates and new features like special events, Team Rocket battles, and the ability to catch Legendary Pokémon, Pokémon GO remains one of the best AR games of all time. In 2024, the game continues to innovate with enhanced features and interactive gameplay.

Why it’s great: The game’s expansive open world and social features like gym battles and player raids ensure hours of outdoor entertainment.

2. Harry Potter: Wizards Unite

Release Year: 2019 | Platform: iOS, Android

Developed by Niantic (the creators of Pokémon GO), Harry Potter: Wizards Unite merges the magical world of Harry Potter with the real world using AR. Players assume the role of a wizard tasked with investigating mysterious “Foundables” scattered throughout the real world. Though officially shut down in 2022, the game’s immense popularity has inspired a resurgence of similar AR-based experiences in gaming.

Why it’s great: Its mix of exploration, spellcasting, and immersive storytelling makes it one of the most loved AR games.

3. Ingress Prime

Release Year: 2018 | Platform: iOS, Android

Ingress Prime is Niantic’s first AR game and serves as the foundation for their subsequent releases, including Pokémon GO. The game pits two factions against each other in a battle for control of “portals” located in the real world. These portals are often tied to real-world landmarks and public spaces, turning your town into an interactive game board.

Why it’s great: It’s perfect for players who love strategic gameplay and exploration.

4. The Walking Dead: Our World

Release Year: 2018 | Platform: iOS, Android

Based on the popular TV series, The Walking Dead: Our World allows players to fend off zombies in their local environment using AR. The game features iconic characters from the show and combines the survival mechanics of The Walking Dead with the excitement of AR gameplay. Players can team up to fight hordes of zombies, collect weapons, and complete missions.

Why it’s great: The use of real-world locations adds immersion, and fans of The Walking Dead will enjoy seeing their favorite characters in action.

5. Minecraft Earth

Release Year: 2019 | Platform: iOS, Android

Minecraft Earth brings the block-building excitement of Minecraft to the real world using AR technology. Players can build structures, interact with creatures, and complete challenges in their environment. The game encourages creativity and collaboration, allowing users to build in their own neighborhoods or explore the creations of others.

Why it’s great: The game combines the beloved mechanics of Minecraft with the added excitement of seeing your creations come to life in your physical space.

6. Jurassic World Alive

Release Year: 2018 | Platform: iOS, Android

Jurassic World Alive lets you collect and interact with over 100 different dinosaurs that appear in your environment via AR. Similar to Pokémon GO, players can capture, level up, and battle their dinosaurs in real-world locations. The game also features regular events and challenges that add variety to the gameplay.

Why it’s great: The AR mechanics are particularly impressive with the way dinosaurs appear, making it feel like you’re surrounded by Jurassic creatures.

7. ARzombie: Survival

Release Year: 2021 | Platform: iOS, Android

In ARzombie: Survival, players fight against zombies that have invaded their neighborhoods. The game uses AR technology to project these zombies into the player’s environment, making for an immersive and sometimes spooky experience. You must gather resources, defend yourself, and work to survive as long as possible in this apocalyptic world.

Why it’s great: The game is perfect for fans of survival horror who want to experience a zombie apocalypse from the safety of their own home.

8. Street View Racer

Release Year: 2023 | Platform: iOS, Android

Street View Racer blends AR with Google Maps’ Street View to create an interactive racing experience. Players race against others in real-world locations, utilizing the actual streets of their city as tracks. With a unique twist, the game dynamically changes its course based on the real-time surroundings, offering endless possibilities for racing challenges.

Why it’s great: It’s an exciting and unique way to enjoy racing games while exploring real-world locations.

9. Ghostbusters World

Release Year: 2018 | Platform: iOS, Android

Ghostbusters World brings the iconic franchise to life using AR. Players step into the shoes of a ghostbuster, capturing a variety of supernatural entities in their neighborhood. With the ability to upgrade gear, complete missions, and battle ghosts, the game offers an exciting way to hunt down paranormal creatures.

Why it’s great: Fans of the Ghostbusters franchise will appreciate the detailed environments and the opportunity to interact with the supernatural in a familiar world.

10. Zombie Run: AR Survival

Release Year: 2023 | Platform: iOS, Android

A unique twist on fitness games, Zombie Run combines AR with a fitness challenge. Players must run in the real world while avoiding zombies that appear in their path. The faster you run, the further you get from the zombies. The game has various levels and environments, adding more challenges as you progress.

Why it’s great: It’s a fun way to stay active while also engaging in a thrilling AR experience.

Conclusion

The future of gaming is bright with the continuous development of AR technology. Whether you’re exploring Pokémon-filled streets, surviving a zombie apocalypse, or racing through the streets of your city, these top 10 AR games will take you on thrilling adventures. The immersive nature of AR gaming allows players to break the barrier between virtual and real, making the gaming experience more exciting than ever. Try them out in 2025, and dive into the next generation of gaming today!