Back in 1999, even NASA used some kind of Augmented Reality in their X-38 spacecraft, which was used to help improve navigation in test flights. However, AR has advanced a lot in the last couple of years. Many people get confused about the difference between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. However, it’s very simple. VR is a computer created simulation that makes players feel like they are in a virtual world. AR combines the actual real world with some virtual elements.
Top Augmented Reality Games for Android in 2019
Today, there are many Augmented Reality games for Android, ranging from some small and simple games, up to games downloaded more than 10,000,000 times. Since we have played many of them, we will separate the best ones for you. So, let check them out!
1. Pokemon GO
You must have heard of Pokemon GO. Although the rapid rise of frenzy about this game ended almost the same year it was released, after many updates and improvements, the game is still being played around the world. It seems that developer’s main goal was to actually make people walk as much as they can. Therefore, you will need your GPS to be turned on, and in most of the time, you can’t play the game as it is supposed to, if you are connected on Wi-Fi. When you create an account, you will be able to customize your avatar, which you will see on a map based on your geographical location. It’s interesting that the map is based on a real world, and that’s why you will have to walk in order to access different features and reach different places. The main goal is to catch Pokemons, upgrade them as you play, and enter the battle tournaments. The player must travel real world in order to find Pokemons. When you encounter one, you can enter the AR mode in which you can actually try to “catch” it, by trowing a Poke Ball on it. The success depends on the Pokemon catch rate, timing and the type of Poke Ball used. PokeStops and PokeGyms can be found on a map. PokeStops can be equipped with “Lure Modules”, which attract a very rare Pokemon. PokeGyms are used as battle locations for team based matches. Both PokeStopos and PokeGyms are usually placed in a places of interest, but sometimes even in a dangerous locations, such as now-deleted Korean Demilitarized Zone. In 2018, developers added a new feature – friends list. It allows you to see friends playing stats, such as how far they have walked, how many Pokemons they have caught in total, how many battles they have won, etc. Also, you are now able to trade with friends, but must be within 200 meters of each other to trade – which also encourages walking. From the very beginning, the game had various technical problems, such as random crashing. However, most of the problems are now solved with the recent updates. Although the game is Free-to-play, it offers IAPs (In App Purchases), which include Poke Balls and other various in-game items.
2. Ingress
Although it’s created in 2013 for Android, it’s still very popular among players – probably because of a unique and interesting plot. An unknown force called Exotic Matter was discovered by a team of scientists in Switzerland and has been associated with the “Shapers”, which is some kind of a mysterious phenomenon or an alien race. Therefore, two fractions begin to form on our planet – Enlightened and the Resistance. Enlightened see Exotic Matter as a possibility to improve and “enlighten” the mankind. On the other hand, the Resistance sees this matter as a potential threat to mankind and want to destroy it. When you start the game, you choose between the two of the fractions. On the map, you can see portals, Exotic Matter, links and control fields. You must be physically in a radius of 40 meters to interact with any object. “Portals” are usually placed on places of interest in your town. When you go to a location where the portal is placed, you can hack or capture it, by deploying items known as “Resonators”. When you capture a portal, you can link it to another captured portal. When you form an enclosed triangle of captured portals, a “Control Field” will be created, which secures the territory of your fraction. As you play, you will achieve Action Points which are used for leveling your character, which therefore opens up new abilities for the player. The game is free but offers in-app-purchases for various items. It’s definitely worth a try!
3. Army of Robots
This game doesn’t have many downloads, but it’s definitely a good one. Probably it will take some time until its rise since the game was published relatively recently. The game is simple, yet interesting. Your goal is to search the real world area with a camera until you find a monster. This is when the fun begins! Except only shooting at the enemy, you will also have to move in order to evade the bullets/missiles (which might look awkward sometimes). You can play through 12 different stages and fight up to 16 different enemies. Maybe the amount of stages and enemies is a bit too low, but we hope that they will soon release an update. As you can see on the screenshot, graphics are fine and enemies are positioned very well in the real world. You can also recruit allies all over the world, or just chat about the game on their Facebook page.
4. Geocaching
If you like treasure hunting games, this is the best choice for you! There are millions of “containers” called geocaches hidden in almost every country in the world. Probably there are some near you right now. The point is to actually go outside and find those “treasures”, which might be in your backyard, or maybe on the top of some mountain near your city. There are so many different treasures in many different places. When you find a treasure, you log a photo in and hide it for the next players. You can also ask other players for help or directions. The game is free, however, it offers a premium version, which offers different premium features – such as special treasures which can’t be found by Freemium players. If you like to walk and like the idea about finding treasures and hidden items, this is a must have AR game for you! Go ahead and download it from the link below!
5. Slingshot Island – $0.99
This is a puzzle game with a very interesting playing concept. Your goal is to get rid of a terrible dragon by demolishing castles and destroying the dragon’s eggs. You use your device as a slingshot, which can be very interesting. Somehow, the actual puzzle part of the game might remind of Angry Birds. All the 30 levels can be played in your room, by “placing” a castle on the table, for example. When the level starts, you will have to move around your room to find the best angle/distance for throwing and passing the level with a better score. You can choose between different kinds of projectiles, which adds even more “sandbox” feeling to the game. You can choose between bombs, missiles, rocks, boulders, and even parachute bombs. This game is definitely worth a try. Although it’s not free, once you buy it, you won’t have to think about in-app-purchases. When you buy the game, you get everything that comes with it.
6. AR Smash Tanks – $1.99
This game is absolutely brilliant and worth every cent! Basically, you play tank battles one-on-one against a friend or a computer. You can play it on your desk or a table, for example. It’s just amazing how cool it looks. The game offers different weapons and customizations for your tank, also including different play modes. Physics are nice, and actually, make you want to destroy the whole map. Graphics and animations are also very cute, and the virtual world fits very well to the real world, as you can see from the screenshot. Also, pay attention for the weak spot of your and your opponent’s tank. Try out different strategies to evolve and be better than the others. When you buy the game, you won’t have to worry about any kind of ads or in-app-purchases. If you like Augmented Reality games and like multiplayer competition too, this can be the right choice for you!
So, What To Play?
Sincerely, if you like Augmented Reality games, you can’t make a mistake by downloading any game from the list. If you are wondering if the games from the list that need to be bought are worth the money, they sure are! Since we have done in-depth testing of AR games, you don’t have to look any further. Since not all of them are released in 2019, these are our top picks that are currently the best. If you would like to check older AR games, you can check our post from 2015 here. What are your favorite AR games? Have you played any game from the list yet? Please let us know in the comments below!
