Getting Started with AR Game Development in Unity (2025 Guide)

Augmented reality (AR) games are hotter than ever in 2025, thanks to the success of titles like Pokémon GO, which revolutionized mobile gaming with immersive experiences. As of 5:50 PM EEST on June 19, 2025, AR game development in Unity offers beginners a chance to create interactive worlds that blend the real and virtual. Whether you’re inspired by capturing virtual creatures or building AR adventures, this guide will walk you through the basics of AR game development in Unity. Let’s explore the tools, setup, and tips to get you started on your AR journey this year!

Step 1: Install Unity and AR Foundation Package

The first step in AR game development in Unity is setting up your environment. Unity’s AR Foundation provides a unified API for AR platforms like ARCore (Android) and ARKit (iOS).

• How to Do It: Download the latest Unity Hub from unity.com and install Unity 2023.x or later. Open a new 3D project, go to Window > Package Manager, search for “AR Foundation,” and install it along with “ARCore XR Plugin” and “ARKit XR Plugin.”
• Why It Matters: These packages enable cross-platform AR support, making your Unity AR tutorial versatile.
• Tip: Ensure your system meets AR hardware requirements (e.g., a compatible phone with a camera).

Step 2: Set up an AR Scene with a Simple Object

Creating an AR scene is the foundation of your game. Let’s add a basic 3D object that tracks the real world.

• How to Do It: In your Unity project, create a new scene. Add an AR Session (GameObject > XR > AR Session) and an AR Session Origin (GameObject > XR > AR Session Origin). Drag a 3D cube from the standard assets into the scene as a child of AR Session Origin. Attach this corrected C# script to the cube:

using UnityEngine;
using UnityEngine.XR.ARFoundation;
using System.Collections.Generic;

public class ARPlacement : MonoBehaviour
{
    private ARRaycastManager arRaycastManager;
    private List hits = new List();

    void Start()
    {
        arRaycastManager = FindObjectOfType();
    }

    void Update()
    {
        if (Input.touchCount > 0 && Input.GetTouch(0).phase == TouchPhase.Began)
        {
            Vector2 touchPosition = Input.GetTouch(0).position;
            if (arRaycastManager.Raycast(touchPosition, hits, UnityEngine.XR.ARSubsystems.TrackableType.PlaneWithinPolygon))
            {
                transform.position = hits[0].pose.position;
            }
        }
    }
}
    

• Why It Matters: This code lets the cube track planes in the real world, a key feature of Unity AR Foundation.
• Tip: Adjust the cube’s scale (e.g., 0.5, 0.5, 0.5) for a better fit.

Step 3: Add AR Interactions

Making your AR scene interactive enhances the game experience. Let’s enable tap-to-place functionality.

• How to Do It: Build on the script from Step 2. Modify the Update() method to instantiate a new cube when tapped:

void Update()
{
    if (Input.touchCount > 0 && Input.GetTouch(0).phase == TouchPhase.Began)
    {
        Vector2 touchPosition = Input.GetTouch(0).position;
        if (arRaycastManager.Raycast(touchPosition, hits, UnityEngine.XR.ARSubsystems.TrackableType.PlaneWithinPolygon))
        {
            Pose hitPose = hits[0].pose;
            Instantiate(gameObject, hitPose.position, hitPose.rotation);
        }
    }
}
    

• Why It Matters: This adds gameplay where players can place multiple objects, a staple of AR game development.
• Tip: Add a material to the cube (e.g., a bright color) for visibility.

Step 4: Test on Android/iOS with ARCore/ARKit

Testing ensures your AR game works on real devices, a critical step for mobile success.

• How to Do It: Connect an Android device with ARCore or an iOS device with ARKit. In Build Settings (File > Build Settings), select Android or iOS, enable the XR Plug-in Management, and check ARCore/ARKit. Build and run the app on your device. Point the camera at a flat surface to see the cube placement.
• Why It Matters: Real-device testing catches issues like camera lag or plane detection failures, essential for Unity AR tutorial projects.
• Tip: Use a USB cable for Android or Xcode for iOS to deploy and debug.

Conclusion

AR game development in Unity in 2025 opens a world of creative possibilities, from interactive stories to location-based adventures. By installing AR Foundation, setting up a scene, adding interactions, and testing on devices, you’re well on your way to building immersive AR experiences. For more details, check out the AR Foundation documentation.