Virtual reality is no longer a fresh, new concept, but that doesn’t make the experience any less exciting. Now that headsets are more easily accessible, we’re seeing more and more people try out this tech for the first time and learn how fun it can be.
A few years back, virtual reality seemed far removed from anything I had experienced in my lifetime. Now, virtual reality headsets are becoming more powerful and are finding themselves in the homes of many. Fortunately, there is a wealth of games available to play too. Sure, it is nothing compared to the 2000+ catalog of games that are available for the Nintendo DS, but there’s something strong for every genre.
There are some great experiences to be had in virtual reality. Whether you own a brand-new Meta Quest or have been a virtual reality veteran for a while now, here are some suggestions of the best titles available to play right now.
Superhot VR
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, Valve Index, HTC Vive, PSVR
Superhot started out as a browser-based demo almost ten years ago. But the stylish shooter has come a long way since then. The game is yet another shooter title that has you pitting yourself against a room of enemies, but there is a distinct twist.
In Superhot VR, time moves only when you do. This makes for a rather interesting experience as you duck and dive away from enemy attacks, with things to be slowed down dramatically as you are standing still plotting your next move.
Because of how Superhot VR works, it is impossible not to almost feel like an assassin while playing it. The satisfying gameplay makes it one of the best VR shooters.
Beat Saber
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, Valve Index, PSVR, HTC Vive
If Guitar Hero and Star Wars had a baby together, it would likely turn out to look something like Beat Saber. This rhythmic VR title is one of the most popular of its kind and has players wielding glowing lightsabers in sync with their chosen song.
With your saber, you hack and slash away at the various obstacles that come toward you. All being well, you should be hitting the boxes away in time with your chosen track, which leads to some satisfying gameplay (and honestly, a bit of a workout at times too).
Beat Saber has a wealth of tracks to choose from, so there is something to suit the tastes of anyone who picks it up. Beat Saber is a must-try for any VR enthusiast.
Tetris Effect: Connected
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, Valve Index, HTC Vive, PSVR
Tetris Effect: Connected is a modern, flashy version of the original Tetris game that a great many of us know and love. In this particular installment, you are accompanied by pleasurable visuals and music that complement your actions.
The game certainly isn’t for everyone. The visuals can feel like an experience within itself. They personally distracted me from the main goal of the game. However, if you want to try a much more illuminated and trippier version of Tetris, you are in for a lot of fun.
Batman: Arkham VR
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, Valve Index, PSVR
While Batman is possibly better played elsewhere if you want to have the full experience, this virtual reality scenario is ideal for those who want a piece of Arkham action in virtual reality.
Batman: Arkham VR is the follow-up to the final game released in the Batman Arkham series, but instead of being a direct continuation of those titles before it, it is more of a self-contained story. In your bat suit and your VR headset, you will be able to prowl the streets of Gotham City in this DLC-sized story.
But don’t anticipate the same amount of combat and action from the original series. Batman: Arkham VR will have you sleuthing a lot more than fighting. It really lets you tune into the detective side of being Bruce Wayne.
Elite: Dangerous VR
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, Valve Index
Elite: Dangerous is a title that has a passionate, active community behind it, and providing virtual reality support for the game has been groundbreaking.
The game itself is a space flight simulator. You get to pilot your own ship, mine materials from asteroids in space, and of course, you will also need to go about collecting bounties. All in all, you can literally live another life in space from the comfort of your home.
Elite: Dangerous is multiplayer too. With a lively community, not only is the game an immersive standalone experience that supports a 4K Ultra HD display, but it is even more innovative when experiencing it alongside others.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, PSVR, Valve Index
I have played Skyrim a few times now, and there is nothing quite like experiencing it again in VR. Sprinkle some mods into the mixer, and you are set for a truly chaotic adventure. The VR version of the game is not without its issues, but as we’ve said already, with a few quality-of-life mods, Skyrim VR is possibly the best Valve Index adventure to embark on.
The game is literally the same Bethesda classic but in VR. There is nothing added to or altered in the game, but exploring the world of Tamriel and meeting its characters through a whole new lens is quite whimsical.
Let us not forget to mention how epic it feels fighting a dragon in VR, too.
Moss
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, PSVR, Valve Index
Moss is a unique virtual reality game because, soon enough, you are transformed into a mouse. Moss’ protagonist, Quill, is a tiny rodent, and you are knocked down to its size, so you can really step into its shoes. It can actually be very disorienting, but once you are used to it, the adventure is great fun.
Moss is an action-adventure, so you can expect plenty of exploring, puzzles to solve, and enemies to maneuver around. The environments are also great fun to get lost in, featuring scenic forests galore.
Playing as a mouse can be difficult, but fortunately, Moss will occasionally give you free rein over the environment for some puzzles. So, don’t fear that you’ll be disadvantaged in the game; this is an adventure that is fit for a mouse.
No Man’s Sky VR
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, PSVR, Valve Index
No Man’s Sky may have had a rocky start at launch, but it is now one of the best space exploration games available. If you can leave the past behind you, now is a great time to jump into No Man’s Sky – and even better if you can try it out in VR.
In No Man’s Sky, you traverse dozens of procedurally generated planets with their lush (and sometimes dangerous) environments. While doing so, you will gather, hunt, and craft to build your base in outer space. You could even befriend some aliens and keep them as pets, as long as you steer clear of Sentinels.
In the VR version, the experience has been made that much more immersive. The space survival game soon feels like your reality, and zipping around the galaxy firing at asteroids in virtual reality is otherworldly, although sometimes a little nauseating.
Pistol Whip
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, PSVR, Valve Index
Pistol Whip is another VR game that will have you ducking and diving and forces you into a rhythm of firing at enemies, looking cool while doing it. Well, you might not look half as cool as you think while wielding your headset, but you will certainly feel like a badass.
The game gives you rewards for shooting the enemies in synchronization with the accompanying backing track, so I am not joking when I say that it gets you into a rhythm. Think Beat Saber, except you have got guns and wacky environments to go wild in.
The unique visuals and distinct colors in Pistol Whip aren’t for everyone, but if you like the idea of landing headshots in sync with a spectacular riff, this is a chance to feel like the main character in an action movie.
Blade and Sorcery VR
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, Valve Index
If what you are really looking for is chaos – in the form of brute strength and violence – then Blade and Sorcery is the game for you. This game isn’t for the faint-hearted or those who prefer a more laid-back experience.
Blade and Sorcery is a medieval-sandbox game built specifically for VR. The physics of combat feels incredibly satisfying; it feels realistic and acts as a great way to blow off steam. If you can look past how brutal you need to be as a warrior, you will get quite a laugh out of Blade and Sorcery, too.
The Outer Rim edition is one of Blade and Sorcery’s biggest mods, changing the game in a big way to make it feel as though you have landed in a Star Wars movie. If you are a fan of the franchise, it is a must-try.
The Room VR: A Dark Matter
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, PSVR, Valve Index
For those drawn to creepy horror titles, The Room VR: A Dark Matter is one to consider trying. It is an enchanting puzzle game seething with mystery, and it feels very much like you are immersed in a real escape room.
The storyline for The Room VR is about the disappearance of an Egyptologist, prompting a police investigation into exactly what happened to them.
There are no speedy transitions that will knock you sick. The escape-the-room premise of the game means there is time to pause and take everything in if needed. The Room VR is packed with fascinating visuals and references to the occult, and any fan of darker premises will surely love it.
Vader Immortal
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, PSVR
You might be able to spar with Darth Vader in Blade & Sorcery, but what if you could actually duel with the dubious, masked antagonist of Star Wars?
Vader Immortal consists of a three-chapter story, which is short but sweet and ideal for any VR experience. You will learn how to be a Jedi, explore Mustafar, and wield a lightsaber like a true Jedi. In Vader Immortal, there are plenty of puzzles along the way, and that is where your Jedi mind powers take to the stage.
If you want a break from fighting enemies across Mustafa or simply want to become a master at wielding a lightsaber, there is even a Lightsaber Dojo that you can visit outside the main story. With practice, you could probably give Obi-Wan Kenobi a run for his money.
Demeo
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, Valve Index
Demeo is a virtual reality clone of Dungeons & Dragons. It is another dungeon crawler, but this time in virtual reality and also with friends. It is perhaps one of the best multiplayer experiences for VR fans, especially if you have some friends with headsets too.
This four-player cooperative adventure transforms your evening of tabletop gaming. As you would expect, you choose a class and get to prowl randomly generated dungeons with your group, and you don’t need to be in the same room with your friends to kick it all off.
Demeo sessions are difficult; some of them will last a matter of minutes, and others several hours. There is one thing guaranteed, though. If you are a tabletop RPG fan and have a few friends to join you, Demeo will surely end up being one of your favorite VR experiences.
Resident Evil 4
Platforms: Meta Quest 2
Resident Evil 4 is probably the best game in the series. Not only do we get to see Leon Kennedy take the reins after he has proved himself as a rookie cop, but we are taken to an all-new destination in rural Spain.
The game’s acclaim is no doubt one of the reasons why it is one of the very few Resident Evil games that have been officially ported to VR, and it works surprisingly well. Stepping into Leon’s shoes, you must rescue the president’s daughter whilst dipping and diving between zombies in VR.
It is scary, but in all honesty, it is an amusing game that is made all the more entertaining in virtual reality. If Resident Evil 4 isn’t your favorite, Resident Evil 7 is available on PSVR, and several other games in the series can also be played using a headset, thanks to some talented modders.
Half-Life: Alyx
Platforms: Oculus Rift, Meta Quest 2, HTC Vive, Valve Index
If you own a VR headset, it is likely that someone has told you to play Half-Life: Alyx. Sure, it is not a direct sequel to Valve’s Half-Life predecessors, but it is still very much a full-sized game that continues to elevate the series.
In this game, you play as Alyx Vance after the events of Half-Life but before the events of Half-Life 2. The game is around 10-11 hours long and was specifically built by Valve to be played in VR, so you know that you will be getting your money’s worth with this experience.
While we await the arrival of Half-Life 3, Half-Life: Alyx is the best VR game to tide you over in the meantime. Packed with incredible puzzles, shoot-outs, and a memorable narrative, you get to fight against aliens in stunning environments. When you are finished, you could even take a look at Half-Life: Alyx’s Steam Workshop and try some of the community content on offer.
