Are you looking for the best VR games to play? You’ve come to the right place!
We’ve gathered some of the best VR games across a variety of genres, whether you’re a fan of first-person shooters, puzzles, or something in between.
There’s sure to be something here that you can spend hundreds of hours on, both with friends or by yourself. And, with VR becoming increasingly popular, there’s never been a better time to jump in.
Half-Life: Alyx
Release Date: March 23, 2020
Platforms: Steam VR, PSVR
Half-Life: Alyx is a prequel to the original Half-Life games, and takes place between the events of Half-Life and Half-Life 2. You play as Alyx Vance, a member of the resistance fighting against the Combine, an alien occupying force.
From the intriguing and immersive story to the brisk and action-packed gameplay, Half-Life: Alyx is an impressive display of what virtual reality can do. You’ll most likely be spending your first half of the game in the oppressive and claustrophobic sewage systems fighting off Headcrabs, and the second half overworld, exploring the derelict, Soviet-inspired city. All the while unraveling the secrets of the Combine’s rule.
At an average playtime of about 12-13 hours, it may not be as long as Valve’s previous games, but that shouldn’t influence your decision. Half-Life: Alyx boasts a fine mix of cerebral puzzle-solving, funny dialogue, and fluid combat mechanics. If there’s one game that shows the true potential of virtual reality, it’s this one.
Beat Saber
Release Date: May 21, 2018
Platforms: Meta Quest 2/Pro, Steam VR, PSVR / 2
Beat Saber is a time-based, rhythm game that features a collection of different tracks and colored blocks. It’s a simple concept inspired by the likes of Tap Tap Revenge and Rhythm Heaven—and Beat Saber is the best example of the genre in VR.
Armed with two energy swords, your goal is to slice and dice colored blocks that come flying at you in time with the music. Depending on your chosen difficulty level, you can play the game at your own pace, whether you’d like it as a cardio exercise or a full-fledge journey towards mastery.
Beat Saber also comes with a track editor, which allows you to create and share custom song packs with the community. The official website also hosts a large number of official and user-generated tracks, giving you a virtually endless supply of songs to slash.
VR Chat
Release Date: Early 2018
Platforms: Steam VR, Meta Quest / 2
Virtual reality has disrupted how many people socialize with others beyond their normal social circles. No game embodies this more than VR Chat—a metaverse where you can hang out with friends, join communities, and attend virtual events, conducted through your VR headset and controls.
In VR Chat, you can pick and customize your avatar in any way you want. Sonic the Hedgehog, a Genshin Impact character, or a real-life actor suit your fancy? No problem!
While not a game per se, VR Chat is a fascinating social experiment that’s worth checking out, especially if you want to see the potential of virtual reality for social interactions.
Aside: Another contender for this list that we didn’t have room for but can’t not mention is Rec Room. It’s similar to VR Chat in that you can explore millions of servers and play and build with the community. If you’re not getting your social fill from VR Chat, Rec Room is worth a visit!
Minecraft VR
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Platforms: Meta Quest/2, PSVR, Steam VR
Yes, believe it or not, Minecraft VR is compatible with virtual reality headsets for free. And it’s just as cool as you think it is.
The VR version of Minecraft allows you to explore the blocky world through the eyes of your in-game avatar. From digging for diamonds in abandoned mineshafts to building a giant mansion, the possibilities are nearly endless in this timeless classic.
Minecraft VR developers also introduced a feature called the Virtual Living Room to prevent eye strain, allowing players to ‘tap out’ of their in-game character and instead view the game from a simulated lounge. Neat!
Pistol Whip
Release Date: November 7, 2019
Platforms: Meta Quest, Steam VR, PSVR
Pistol Whip is unlike most VR titles: it offers that delightful middle ground between giving you complete control of your movement and allowing you to stand in place.
This cool VR game puts you in the middle of an action sequence, where you’ll have to shoot, dodge, and duck your way through a hail of bullets. The camera pans in the direction of the action, granting you full focus on the heart of the action instead of having you control and flimsily search for your targets.
With an energetic and synth-pop soundtrack, Pistol Whip is one of the most intense and exhilarating VR experiences out there.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Platforms: Steam VR, PSVR
Skyrim’s widespread acclaim has pushed it into nearly every gaming console. So it’s only natural that Bethesda would vie its RPG epic for a place in the virtual reality market.
And it did not disappoint. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR is every bit as imaginative and engrossing as its original 2011 release. From the very beginning, you’re immediately immersed in the game’s fantastical world with its sweeping score and breathtaking landscapes.
The game’s combat system has also been updated to fully track your hand movements, making for a more intuitive and natural way to wield weapons and shields using realistic movements.
Superhot VR
Release Date: December 5, 2016
Platforms: Steam VR, PSVR
Imagine dodging bullets and projectiles in real-time, Matrix-style. That’s the premise of Superhot VR, and it’s as cool as it sounds.
In a nutshell, time in Superhot VR only moves when you do. This mechanic completely changes the flow of combat, and makes for tactical and thrilling maneuvers that reshape the standard FPS formula.
Unlike on PC and consoles, the virtual reality aspect of Superhot VR adds a sense of weight and physicality to the game. Every movement you make is crucial and purposeful, and one wrong step could spell your demise.
Because of the time mechanic, Superhot VR feels more like a puzzle game than a traditional shooter. But don’t be fooled, there are still plenty of action-packed moments where you’ll be adequately challenged.
No Man’s Sky
Release Date: August 12, 2016
Platforms: Steam VR, PSVR
No Man’s Sky is an intergalactic sandbox game that allows you to explore 18 quintillion procedurally-generated planets. And yes, that’s not a typo—18 quintillion planets.
In No Man’s Sky, you play as a space explorer who hops across different planets in search of resources and new lifeforms. With the plethora of new things to see and hear, you’re never going to get bored of this game, especially in VR.
Even though the game was met with mixed reviews upon its initial release, it’s improved a lot since then. The VR version also includes all the recent updates such as multiplayer and base building, making it a more well-rounded game.
Doom VFR
Release Date: December 1, 2017
Platforms: Steam VR, PSVR
What do you get when you mix a no-holds-barred demon shooter and virtual reality? Doom VFR—one of the most intense VFR games out there.
Unlike in Pistol Whip, which automatically directs your gaze towards the firefight, this game will have a horde of enemies coming at you from all sides. You’ll have to think fast and shoot even faster to survive the onslaught of demons.
While the game is mildly held back by clunky controls, DOOM VFR is still one of the most iconic titles in the virtual reality FPS space.
The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners
Release Date: January 20, 2020
Platforms: Meta Quest/2, PSVR, Steam VR
In The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners, you’re a zombie apocalypse survivor who must be ready to make difficult decisions to survive.
Before you dismiss this game as your typical, run-off-the-mill zombie game with a famous TV show stamped on it, know that this title is constantly being updated by developers with new missions, challenges, and game modes. It’s mad-filled with content, and it doesn’t look like it’s stopping anytime soon.
Resident Evil 7 VR: biohazard
Release Date: January 23, 2017
Platforms: PSVR
The Resident Evil series is the epitome of household horror games, and this mainline installment does not disappoint in the VR department.
Resident Evil 7: biohazard is an unsettling first-person experience that’s more than capable of sending chills down your spine. The game introduces new monsters that are just as horrifying as the classic zombies, and with the PSVR headset, that feeling of tension is amplified two-fold.
This game departs a bit farther from the main series’ formula by relying on a first-person experience and by using a protagonist that isn’t immediately recognizable by fans of the franchise. That said, this departure could be seen as a boon, as it allows the title to stand on its own, while still paying homage to what made the series popular in the first place.
War Thunder VR
Release Date: August 15, 2013
Platforms: PSVR, Steam VR, Meta Quest/2
War Thunder is a VR game where you’re able to pilot some of the most historically accurate aircrafts out there! It lets you duke it out with your fellow players in an epic airtime brawl. You’ve got weapons at your disposal – large amounts, to be precise.
Hear the enemy blow up, take that time to switch targets, and appreciate the beauty of the virtual sky while you’re at it – the fun never stops! Pair all of this with the comprehensiveness of an MMO, and you have a complete VR package at your disposal.
However, don’t forget to take some water breaks in between, or the never-ending fun will quite literally form an unquenchable thirst in you, once the online banter gets rolling!
Fallout 4 VR
Release Date: December 12, 2017
Platforms: Steam VR
A Bethesda classic, Fallout 4 VR is a must-have for gamers who enjoy roaming around one of the most iconic post-apocalyptic RPGs in video game history.
This title transports you into the Wasteland and allows you to experience the story and world of Fallout 4 in a whole new way. With an improved crafting and combat system designed specifically for VR, the game opens up new avenues of exploration and gameplay that couldn’t be experienced in the original.
And if the base game wasn’t enough, there’s also an expansive modding community that continues to create new and interesting ways to experience the world of Fallout 4. From quality-of-life mods to extensive overhauls, there’s a long list of ways for players to enjoy this fun VR game.
Resident Evil 4 VR
Release Date: October 21, 2021
Platforms: Meta Quest 2
One of the most celebrated titles in the franchise, Resident Evil 4 is a survival horror masterpiece, and its VR adaptation does not disappoint.
In RE4 VR, you play as Leon, who is sent to a rural village in Spain to rescue the President’s daughter. However, not all is as it seems, and Leon quickly discovers that the village is infested with hostile enemies and mind-controlled villagers.
With its excellent gunplay and iconic story progression, as well as its flexible and thoughtful VR controls, RE4 VR is a game to play for both franchise fans and newcomers alike.
Tetris Effect
Release Date: November 9, 2018
Platforms: Steam VR, Meta Quest/2, PSVR
Imagine Tetris: one of the most iconic and timeless video games of all time. From there, bring in an infusion of fresh concepts and a graphical and auditory overhaul, and you get Tetris Effect.
Tetris Effect takes the classic formula of the beloved tile stacking game, then flips it on its head with vibrant graphics, a thumping soundtrack, and 30+ stages that you can play to compete with others.
With overwhelmingly positive scores on Metacritic and Steam, Tetris Effect is undoubtedly the best rendition of the classic tetris formula in the VR.
Phasmophobia
Release Date: September 18, 2020
Platforms: Steam VR
Phasmophobia VR is a game optimized to make you experience all the horrors and thrills of the paranormal world. As a team of 4 players, you – along with your team – are tasked to enter haunted locations, and gather evidence.
With over 10 locations, and 4 different game modes, Phasmophobia does a great job of keeping the experience fresh, whether it’s your first game or the 1000’th. The crust of the game lies in your ability to cooperate with your teammates.
By monitoring every corner through the CCTVs, and looking out for each other, the evidence is just a step away! Pair the realism of VR with all of this, and you’re essentially living in a horror movie!
Subnautica VR
Release Date: December 16, 2014
Platforms: Meta Quest 2, Steam VR
Subnautica VR is an absolutely enthralling virtual reality game that plunges players into the depths of an unknown oceanic realm. This game’s terrain is set in a peculiar extraterrestrial water world where adventurers must explore and thrive in an immense and varied environment that teems with perils and marvels.
By utilizing VR tech to the fullest, it lets one become completely engrossed in the deep-sea environment, delving into its breathtaking visual and sonic elements with a sense of authenticity that is truly staggering. While navigating the game’s terrain, players have the opportunity to harvest resources, establish bases, and construct tools that can help them survive!
[18 /25]
Onward
Release Date: March 26, 2019
Platforms: Steam VR, PSVR
Dubbed by many as the Counter-Strike for VR FPS, Onward is a team-based shooter that emphasizes tactics and planning over mindless run-and-gun gameplay.
In Onward, you play as part of a team of soldiers who are pitted against another in a close-quarters combat scenario. Utilizing cover and flanking maneuvers is key to victory, as every player you’re fighting against is a real person with a conflicting objective as your own.
Onward boasts an abundant amount of weaponry and attachments, giving you the freedom to play how you want. If you’re looking for a more strategic VR FPS game, Onward is top-notch.
Assetto Corsa
Release Date: First added in 2013, then progressed until 2017
Platforms: Steam VR
Assetto Corsa gives a new meaning to the phrase “letting go”, as you release all locks, hop in your favorite car, and zoom through the traffic.
It’s a classic racing game with a VR twist that essentially lets you drive to your heart’s content without needing to worry about your safety. It’s the perfect “blow off steam” game a player can hope for!
There’s no limit to the customization, and virtualization, and with so many cars to choose from, you’re well on your way to experience racing in full throttle!
BONEWORKS
Release Date: December 10, 2019
Platforms: Steam VR
BONEWORKS is a physics-based VR puzzle game that puts you in the shoes of an anonymous test subject. Set in the Monogon Industries research facility, you’ll have to solve a variety of puzzles and fight through enemies to unravel the game’s underlying mystery.
BONEWORKS boasts hyper-realistic interaction and a plethora of different weapons to choose from. With its excellent puzzle design, intense playscapes, and fun gunplay, BONEWORKS is one of the best VR games that should not be missed.
Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-Ality
Release Date: April 15, 2017
Platforms: Steam VR
If you look fondly at the Schezuan sauce debacle a few years ago, then you’re the perfect audience for this VR game. In Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-Ality, you play as a Morty clone in a weird and wacky reality that is the Rick and Morty Universe.
One moment, you’re in Rick’s garage working on some gadget. The next, you’re in an interdimensional portal with aliens out to get you. The characters all retain that sense of humor from the TV show, so if the show was your jam, this should be a no-brainer pick. But instead of Morty taking the brunt of the verbal abuse, you’re absorbing it instead, all in VR!
The game is a bit short, but for what it lacks in length, it makes up for with substance. There are interesting puzzles and missions the game provides, so even if you don’t remember the show too much, there’s still some entertainment value you can get out of this game.
[22/25]
ASTRO BOT Rescue Mission
Release Date: October 2, 2018
Platforms: PSVR
Need a dose of cuteness in your next game sesh? Look no further than ASTRO BOT Rescue Mission.
In this 3D platformer, you’ll guide ASTRO the Bot through a series of levels to rescue his lost crew. It’s a charming game with tight controls and plenty of polish.
ASTRO BOT Rescue Mission uses the Dualshock 4 controller effectively, with the majority of gameplay being mapped to the Dualshock’s face buttons. This makes for a comfortable and intuitive experience that any PSVR owner can pick up and play.
Lone Echo II
Release Date: December 11, 2019
Platforms: Oculus Rift and Rift S
The sequel to Lone Echo hits the ground running with an equally exciting story, better graphics, and more object interactions.
There are a few reasons why it’s a rank lower than its prequel, however. The puzzles are quite a challenge at first, but they start getting easily solvable once you reach a certain point. The characters you meet are charming, but there’s barely any progression in their development.
While it’s fun, if you have options, it’s best to play the first Lone Echo first.
STAR WARS™: Squadrons
Release Date: October 2, 2020
Platforms: Steam VR
Fans of Star Wars, rejoice! STAR WARS™: Squadrons is a VR game that lets you live out your starfighter pilot fantasies.
Players are pitted in 5v5 space battles where they must work together with their squadron to reach their objectives. Upon victory, players can unlock new components like weapons, shields, and engines to improve their starfighter ship and keep gameplay new and refreshing.
Before heading out to battle, players may also choose to customize their load-outs and cosmetics however they desire. The biggest drawback is that multiplayer queues can take ages to appear, but once it does, you’re sure to have a blast.
Asgard’s Wrath
Release Date: October 10, 2019
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest/2
Asgard’s Wrath is an action RPG title that pays tribute to Norse mythology. With many reaching 20 hours of gameplay without full completion yet, it’s also one of the most meticulous and fleshed-out VR games right now.
In this game, you’ll play as the fledgling God of Animals under the care of Loki. As the story unravels, you’ll meet your fair share of foes and allies in the gorgeous setting, and it’ll be up to you to put a stop to their plans.
The diverse character classes, Norse mythology setting, and mind-bending puzzles all add flavor and character to the game. The controls are impeccable too, boasting one of the cleanest and most graspable combat mechanics from any other VR game. Don’t miss this one!
