Games Like Pokemon GO (2026): 9 Outdoor Games to Play

Pokemon GO turned an ordinary walk into a hunt. You step out of the door, check your phone and there's something waiting round the corner. If you've played for a while, or you simply fancy a different reason to leave the house, it's natural to look for another game that sends you outside.

This page lists nine map-based and walking games, in no particular order and sorted from A to Z. Some use the real map around you, some build a story around your route and one is a real treasure hunt. Every detail comes from each game's own website, so I've kept the descriptions short and left out anything I couldn't confirm there. If you'd like indoor games for the days when the weather wins, my list of two player games for one phone is a good place to start.

Pokemon GO style outdoor games in one table

In the free to play column, Yes means the game's own website says it's free to join or play. No means I couldn't confirm that on the page I read, which isn't the same as saying it can't be free, so check the app store before you download. Details change, so don't rely on this table alone.

Game	Platforms	Good for	Free to play
Draconius GO	iOS, Android	Finding and collecting dragons in the real world	No
Geocaching	iOS, Android, GPS device	A worldwide treasure hunt for hidden containers	Yes
Ingress Prime	iOS, Android	Team-based territory play around real landmarks	No
Jurassic World Alive	iOS, Android	Collecting and battling dinosaurs on a map	No
Monster Hunter Now	iOS, Android	Hunting big monsters while out and about	No
Munzee	Mobile app	A real-world scavenger hunt played on your phone	No
Orna	iOS, Android	A fantasy role-playing game built on real maps	Yes
Pikmin Bloom	iOS, Android	Growing Pikmin and planting flowers as you walk	No
Zombies, Run!	iOS, Android	Story-led missions that turn a walk or jog into an adventure	No

Nine walking and map games to try after Pokemon GO, A to Z

Draconius GO

Best for: Players who like the walk-and-collect idea but would rather gather dragons than pocket creatures.

Geocaching

Best for: People who'd like an outdoor hobby with real hidden finds, a logbook to sign and a community of fellow hunters.

Ingress Prime

Best for: Players who want a more strategic outdoor game, joining one of two factions and exploring hidden Portals.

Jurassic World Alive

Best for: Dinosaur fans who like the idea of finding creatures nearby and building up a collection.

Monster Hunter Now

Best for: Fans of monster-hunting games who want to track creatures outdoors and craft weapons and armour from what they find.

Munzee

Best for: People who enjoy a scavenger-hunt style of play, with a community to share finds with.

Orna

Best for: Players who want monsters, magic and levelling up, played out across the streets around them.

Pikmin Bloom

Best for: People who want a gentle walking game with friendly characters, weekly challenges and group walks.

Zombies, Run!

Best for: Walkers and runners who like an audio story, supplies to collect and a reason to get outside.

Staying safe when you play outdoor games like Pokemon GO

Games that send you outside are great, but your eyes are on a screen and not on the pavement. A few simple habits make a big difference, whichever game you pick.

• Look up often. Glance at the phone, then look at where you're going. Stop walking when you need to tap or read.
• Take care near roads. Never check the screen while crossing a road, and keep away from kerbs, cycle paths and car parks while distracted.
• Stay on public ground. Don't go onto private land, building sites or anywhere signs say to keep out, however good the reward looks.
• Choose daylight and busy places. If you're heading out alone, tell someone where you're going and avoid quiet spots after dark.
• Keep children with an adult. Younger players should go out with someone responsible, and parents should check the age rating and chat settings on each game's store page.
• Mind your phone. Hold on to it in busy places and keep the battery topped up before you leave.

What to look for in a game like Pokemon GO

These games look alike from a distance, yet they play very differently. Think about which part of Pokemon GO you'd miss most before you choose.

• Collecting. If gathering creatures is the draw, look at the games built around finding things as you go.
• Walking for its own sake. Some games reward steady walks and are happy for you to take it easy.
• Strategy and teams. Others have two sides, shared goals and a bit more thinking.
• A story. A few build a narrative around your route, so the walk has a point.
• Real-world finds. Treasure hunts give you something to touch at the end of the walk.

Pokemon GO players: which outdoor game suits which habit

• Daily commuters suit games that count steps or run quietly while you travel.
• Weekend wanderers suit treasure hunts and scavenger-hunt games.
• Family outings suit gentle collecting or walking games that younger players can enjoy with an adult.
• Joggers suit story games that turn a run into a mission.
• Fantasy fans suit role-playing games that turn a familiar route into a map of monsters.

If you often play in places with a weak signal, my guide to Google games you can play offline has ideas for the gaps, and Halloween games for your phone is handy when the evenings turn dark and spooky.

Questions to ask before you download a Pokemon GO style game

• Does the app need mobile data, and will it use a lot of battery?
• Does it work in my area, and are there places to play nearby?
• Does it need to track my position all the time, and am I comfortable with that?
• What age rating does the store give it, if a child may play too?
• Does it have chat or social features I need to set up carefully?

Mistakes people make when hunting for games like Pokemon GO

• Expecting a copy of Pokemon GO, then feeling let down when a game plays differently.
• Playing while crossing roads or walking in busy places.
• Skipping the store page and finding the game isn't available in their country.
• Sharing your position or your account details without checking the privacy settings.
• Forgetting to check the age rating before handing a phone to a child.

Do you make mobile or PC games? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

Choosing your next game after Pokemon GO

Think about why you went outside in the first place: the collecting, the walking, the company or the challenge. Try one or two games that match, play for a week, and keep the one that gets you out of the door. If you also enjoy sport, offline cricket games for Android and PC is another place to look.

Frequently asked questions

Are there games exactly like Pokemon GO?

No game is an exact copy, but several use the map around you. Each adds its own twist, such as strategy, a story or a treasure hunt. Try a couple to see which suits you.

Are games like Pokemon GO free to download?

Some on this page say on their own website that they're free to play, while for others I couldn't confirm it from the page. The free to play column shows which is which, so check the store page in your country.

Is it safe to play outdoor map games?

They can be, as long as you look up, stay away from roads while using the screen, keep to public places and go out with an adult if you're young. Check the privacy and map settings in each app.

Can I play these games indoors?

Most rely on a live map and are built for being outside. A few, such as story or walking games, are happy for you to play wherever you're sitting. Check each game's own page.

Are these games suitable for children?

Ratings differ from game to game. Look at the age rating on each store page, check any chat features and go out together first if you're unsure.