What is Ingress?
Ingress is a massively multiplayer augmented-reality game. What does that actually mean? An augmented-reality game is a game that takes place both in the real world and in a virtual space. It’s difficult to explain. In Ingress, players are tasked with capturing portals, and linking multiple captured portals to create control fields. These portals can only be captured by travelling to that location. So, suppose one of your control fields is broken up by someone capturing one of your portals. You’ll have to physically get back to that portal to recapture it, and reopen your control field. It may not sound like much, but this game has become an absolute cultural phenomenon over the years, and it boasts a massive, dedicated user base.
If you’re looking for a game like Ingress, I’m going to be up-front with you. It’s impossible to find a game that has Ingress’s sci-fi narrative, large user base, and overall popularity. This game was pretty much proof of concept for the augmented reality medium, and it was one of the first to actually take off. It’s hard to beat the first, but some games come pretty close. In this article, I’ll talk about some of those games. Whether you’re getting bored of Ingress, or just looking for something different, I think that at least one of these games will give you what you’re looking for. Without further ado, let’s jump right in to the 2018 list.
5. Pokemon GO
I’m probably cheating with this choice, because Pokemon GO hasn’t actually been released yet. However, it has made several headlines over the last few months, advertised as a massive-multiplayer, in-person Pokemon gaming experience. The Pokemon fan base has been begging for an MMO game for ages, and it’s looking like Pokemon GO may be as close as they’re going to get. With this game, players will walk around in search of wild Pokemon to capture. These Pokemon can be used in battle, which consists of battling someone who is physically nearby to you. Basically, it’s Pokemon taking place in the real world, and a lot of people are really excited about it.
4. Shift
Shift is an interesting take on this genre of game. You’ll find that majority of augmented-reality multiplayer games involve taking over specific areas. Emphasis is placed on location and traveling above all else. In Shift, you’re more focused on pursuing people than you’re focused on pursuing static locations. Some players are designated as hunters, and others are designated as runners. Hunters are in charge of finding runners, who are able to leave little hints of their werebouts around the map. Now, the idea of being actively pursued by total strangers is a little weird, so I think that this game is best played among friends.
3. Run an Empire
Out of every game on this list, I think that Run an Empire is technically the most similar to Ingress. In Run an Empire, you’re trying to claim as many tiles of land for your empire as possible. This means that, like Ingress, you’re spending a considerable amount of time running around your town and using your phone. You don’t just claim land, though. You’re also able to fight for land that belongs to someone else, as well as set up reinforcements around a tile that you already own. This game is basically like a standard strategy game that takes place in an augmented reality world, and I think it’s super cool.
2. Turf Wars
Most of these games tend to have a theme. Ingress is about sci-fi. Run an Empire is more about fantasy. Turf Wars is about the mafia. In this game, you play as a member of a mafia who is fighting for territory in your local area. You’re able to claim your territory by physically walking to the area that you want to claim, and you’re able to defend your turf by using different kinds of weaponry. It’s a unique spin on the Ingress concept, and I think that fans of Ingress will really like it. I should note, though, that the amount of fun that you have in this game is partially determined by where you live. If you live in the middle of nowhere, odds are you won’t have many people to compete with in this game. if you live in the middle of a city, you’re going to have a blast.
1. Zombies, Run!
One of the most compelling parts about Ingress is the narrative that the game crafts for you. It’s much more fun to play a game like this when you’re part of a greater story — it makes all of those long treks out to portal spots much more bearable! In Zombies, Run! players are faced with a story that I think is by far the best story that I’ve ever seen out of an augmented-reality game. You play as Runner Five, a person who has been tasked with the job of “runner” for their settlement, which exists in a zombie-infested world. You need to outrun different zombies as you run around the map in search of supplies and answers. The narrative that this game crafts is really great, and it keeps users motivated.
That brings us to the end of my list of the top five best games like Ingress. Did I forget to mention one of your favorites? Feel free to drop in the comment section below and talk about them.
Thanks for the shoutout, Jake – it’s much appreciated! I’m Mihnea (I handle comms for Run An Empire). If you’re ever looking for more details or news about Run An Empire, do please feel free to get in touch!
You forgot Father I/O and thanks for the list.
ShadowCities started this. Bet Grey Area is kicking their butt for dropping out.