If you want to find a good arcade in Riyadh you will come across tons of options and that would be quite confusing.
Arcades in Riyadh aren’t just limited to gaming. They are your escape from traffic, to-do lists, and whatever adulting nonsense you were supposed to be doing today.
So if you are trying to find places to visit in Riyadh with your family or maybe you just love button smashing and VR racing then you will have a good time at these arcades.
After trying many fun places in Riyadh I have shortlisted six of my favorite arcades in Riyadh which are:
- Takenda
- Magic Planet
- 404 We Found
- Duel Arena
- Firstaiment
- Planet X
You might be looking for video games in Riyadh or maybe just some solid weekend activity.
In any case
These arcades won’t let you down.
No more chitchat lets get started.
1. Takenda
Before I visited this place I thought Arcades in Riyadh just have a few dusty machines and some joysticks but Takenda changed my outlook completely.
Located inside Boulevard Riyadh City its more like an entertainment theme park pretending to be an Arcade.
I went there thinking I will try a game or two but came out three hours later slightly sweaty, and slightly deaf from the sound of games and racing cars.
I NEED TO COME BACK HERE WITH MY FRIENDS!
What’s Inside This Arcade?
You are not ready for what I have to say.
The place has over 500 arcades.
Yup you heard it right over 500!
You have things like the retro air hockey and advanced simulators that will make you feel like you are inside a game.
There’s also a VR zone where you are going to feel like you are the main character in an action movie. You will feel the adrenaline rush in this place for sure.
For the little ones they have a place called Turbo Lounge.
I know its for kids but it had me more hyped than I expected. This is basically Mario kart but you are physically inside the kart.
If you are here with your family or kids you have a shisha lounge, a full-on restaurant, and a café inside to chill while the family has all the fun.
Also, fun fact: WWE stars and Special Olympics champs have dropped by Takenda. If that doesn’t give it “official cool” status, I don’t know what does.
2. Magic Planet
This place has that arcade touch but it doesn’t stop there. Magic Planet in Riyadh goes beyond the basic gaming consoles and offers many activities that will keep you engaged for hours.
Classic Arcade and Video Games
This is like the heart of this place and you will get a variety of games like those nostalgic classics and latest video game releases.
You will find those intense racing and shooting games along with some dancing and fighting simulators.
YOU WILL LOOSE TRACK OF TIME HERE!
The games are swipe-to-play using your Magic Planet card, so once it’s charged, you’re good to go.
Redemption Games and Prize Wins
This is where you will show your competitive side.
I LOST ALL
These redemption games will allow you to win prize tickets but they aren’t easy to win. The more you play (and win), the more loot you can collect at the prize counter.
You get the old school claw machines and merch games here.
And yeah
don’t let the kids beat you too easily.
Your pride’s on the line.
Thrill Rides
Not everything should involve screens. This is like an amusement park but make it indoors. You get different options for rides that spin, bounce, and zoom.
PERFECT DOSE OF ADRENALINE!
Griffiti
If your children are too lazy and you want them to burn some calories this is where you take them. It’s a gravity free zone where those little ones can bounce, flip and free themselves without getting hurt.
As an adult I really wanted to try this but they won’t let me do so.
Where Is This Arcade In Riyadh Located?
You can find this gaming place in Riyadh at The Riyadh Front, right off Northern Ring Branch Road in Al Aqiq.
3. 404 We Found
This place has caught the attention of both kids and adults in the recent few months. This is the arcade where grown up kids go to play.
Unlike other arcades in Riyadh this one has DJs, burgers, and seriously competitive Jenga.
For Adults Only: 16+ Zone
You might want to tell your kids that you are going out for a meeting because they won’t be allowed here anyways.
I love how this arcade has that underground rebellious vibe.
You will get to see neon lights, mirrors, and a circus-style entrance. I wish they build more arcades for adults because sometimes the place gets a bit too much crowded.
What’s Inside?
Once you step inside you will be confused for a few seconds because the variety here is just insane. You will get to see arcade machines, claw games, video game consoles, air hockey, and even bowling.
And
If that’s not your cup of tea then you can head over to the board games section where you get cards and many other games which I never even heard of.
If you are planning a full afternoon here you will have to recharge your card a few times and that isn’t cheap.
BUT HEY!
You will remember this place for quite some time.
Food, Music, and Chill Vibes
This place doesn’t limit itself just to gaming and you do get hungry after an intense game. I tried their “just a burger” and it should have been on my list of best burgers in Riyadh.
If you have a sweet tooth don’t miss their lolly waffles or Kinder-loaded desserts.
DON’T MISS THE WEEKEND!
They have DJ’s every weekend and the energy here is unmatched. They also host community events like:
- Halloween parties
- Saudi National Day celebrations
- soccer nights
Jenga
This is one of the wildest things in this arcade. You will get matched with teammates and compete against other groups. The final round had people so hyped it felt like a penalty shootout in a world cup final.
4. Duel Arena: Arcade in Riyadh for Gamers
If you take gaming seriously then Duel Arena is the arcade you should be visiting in Riyadh. This place is equipped with high end Pc’s and is ideal for those competitive matches and tournaments.
If you want to settle the scores with someone through gaming bring them here.
High-Level Gaming Setup
I like to call this place more of a next-gen gaming lounge. You get those sleek, high end PC’s, top-tier consoles, custom gaming chairs, and enough RGB lighting to make you feel like you are in some kind of a world championship.
You will get to see games like:
- Call of Duty
- FIFA
- Valorant
- League of Legends
I thought I would just try a few games but got into a competition with another person there. After 2 hours I was hunched over a keyboard and played like my life depended on it.
The place offer:
- Fast internet
- Chill zones
- Amazing vibes
- tournament-style setups
5. Firstaiment
If you like games that don’t involve screens or big lights and are more physical then this arcade should be on top of your list.
This place is basically a tactical chaos in the best way possible. You will feel out of breath after coming out of this place.
1st Paintball
This isn’t your backyard paintball. Its includes all the gear like masks, shields, markers and combat style gear.
You’ll duck, dive, panic, laugh, and maybe get a little too competitive.
Don’t get too close to the opponent or you will end up hurting yourself.
1st Target
If your reflexes aren’t great you can try this to be more like the sniper of your squad. You will get a few minutes to prove that your aim is better than the rest of the people.
1st Goal
I totally failed this one but hey!
I tried my best
You will be challenged to try freekicks from 7, 10, or 15 meters. The best part is that they have speed tracking, accuracy points and even certificates (which I didn’t get) at the end.
1st Paintball Moving Unit
Got a party?
If you’re planning a party or just want to spice up your backyard hangout, Firstaiment’s team will set up the full experience right where you are.
6. Planet X
The last but in no way the least is this futuristic arcade in The Zone Riyadh. Its an intergalactic gaming experience that offers:
- VR simulations
- Escape Rooms
- Arcade Games
VR Games
I love the variety of VR games in this arcade. You get those 360 degree immersive experiences and you will find yourself battling dragons, exploring alien worlds, or racing through futuristic cities.
I think this is probably the most advanced VR location in Riyadh.
Arcade Games
The arcade games section has both retro and modern games. You will see people aiming for high scores on those vintage machines
BUT
Most people will be around those redemption games trying to win prizes.
MOST FAIL!
Escape Rooms
For those mental games the escape rooms in planet x are a must try. There are three different themes which are:
- Walking Death: Survive a zombie apocalypse in an abandoned prison.
- Jack the Ripper: Solve the mystery of the infamous London serial killer.
- Philosopher’s Stone: Go on a magical quest to retrieve the legendary artifact.
