There’s never been a better time to dive into the ever-evolving world of virtual reality. Last year, we already saw VR evolve in big ways, from the PS5-compatible PlayStation VR 2 to HTC’s premium Vive XR Elite stand-alone device. Our favorite VR headset, the Meta Quest 3, keeps getting great new software, and Apple’s upcoming Vision Pro device could set the stage for even more immersive gaming experiences.
These new high-end VR headsets feature plenty of apps around productivity and community, but games are the most important. Thankfully, regardless of which device you own, there are dozens of great games available via various digital marketplaces such as Steam as well as the PlayStation and Quest stores. If you’re new to the world of VR or in need of new games for your library, here are some of the best titles to consider.
Asgard’s Wrath 2 on the Meta Quest 3 sets a new standard in virtual reality. This sequel to the 2019 hit game enhances every aspect, from combat mechanics to intricate platforming, offering a deeply immersive and dynamic experience. Its spectacular visuals, which harness the full potential of Meta Quest 3, and over 100 hours of captivating gameplay mark a significant leap in VR gaming.
Korean developer Smilegate managed to turn its hit military multiplayer shooter Crossfire into a fantastic VR arcade shooter that’ll remind many of classics like Contra and Gunstar Heroes. Crossfire: Sierra Squad’s story can be nonsensical, but the shooting mechanics are fantastic in VR and the pacing is gleefully frantic. In a nice touch, both Steam and PSVR2 versions offer crossplay, meaning you can team up with friends regardless of platform.
The original 7th Guest helped push the notion of CD-ROM as a legitimate physical medium for gaming. The interactive movie puzzle game was a horror experience that had players exploring a mansion and solving puzzles as the story unfolded. In VR, The 7th Guest is even better. Everything from the story and puzzles remain the same, except in full 3D. As a nod to the original, the full-motion video segments have been replaced with volumetric video technology with new actors.
For VR, the Assassin’s Creed series looks back into its entire history, allowing players to step into the shoes of Ezio, Kassandra and Connor as they sneak, stalk, parkour and fight to retrieve fragment codes of an Isu machine that can change the world if used with the Animus. If Ubisoft is using this to springboard its move into VR, Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR is a phenomenal first step.
The first Arizona Sunshine was a goofy zombie shooter that had a great sense of humor backed by strong shooting mechanics when it dropped in 2016. Its sequel Arizona Sunshine 2 retains all of that and more. Gunplay is elevated by the introduction of melee combat which is a great way to conserve ammo —?though the game is already friendly when it comes to replenishing bullets. It also features some really cool set pieces that feel pulled out of Call of Duty.
Half-Life: Alyx may not have been the Half-Life game many wanted following the groundbreaking release of Half-Life 2 in 2004, but it’s definitely the one we needed. This Steam exclusive pushes the VR medium forward in meaningful ways while paying homage to everything that makes the sci-fi shooter franchise so great. Despite being released in 2020, there are still very few VR titles that can match the experience provided by developer Valve.
A mostly linear experience, Horizon Call of the Mountain revolves around traversing through climbing and arrow action. Like in other games in the series, Ryas can craft new arrow types and learn new abilities as the 15- to 20-hour single-player comes to a close. To extend the game, there are also challenges ranging from target challenges to obstacle courses.
Let’s be frank here: Beat Saber is the definitive rhythm game for VR. Since its release in 2018, there isn’t a VR headset that doesn’t support the Beat Games-developed title. There are even arcade versions at various locations. Featuring simple mechanics that are difficult to master, Beat Saber has players striking blue and red boxes to music in a variety of directions while attempting to avoid obstacles. Beyond the sheer fun of whacking boxes to the beat, it’s a serious workout.
Starting at $10 per month or $100 per year, Supernatural has become a killer app for the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 2. Featuring four different exercise types, including Flow, Boxing, Meditation and Stretch, across five trainers, the app is perfect for those who want to get fit without spending time at the gym. Its focus on music gives Supernatural one of the best licensed soundtracks available that grows even bigger with new playlists added daily.
Last year, developer Capcom released a Resident Evil 4 remake for current consoles that we absolutely loved. Similar to RE7 and RE Village, the most current remake of RE4 also gained a VR mode for those who own Sony’s PSVR 2 and a copy of the game. The free addition — available as downloadable content on the Playstation Store — features VR-centric controls similar to previous games in the series that utilize the first-person perspective. The OG RE4 is also available to play entirely in VR for Meta Quest owners.
In this BigBox VR-developed title, players form squads of three or more players who kill other squad combatants until only one remains. Like other games in the battle royale genre, players collect various items and weapons to give their squad a fighting chance. One of the key differences with Population: One is the ability to climb nearly any surface and glide from point to point.
On its own, Superhot is considered one of the most inventive first-person shooters to come from an indie studio. Set in a minimalistic environment where the only colors are white, orange, red and blue, players are tasked with taking out enemies in a battle area. The game’s signature mechanic is that time only moves when the player does and players can die in one hit. This leads to a puzzle-like nature to combat that stays addictive from beginning to end.
Skyrim is a fantastic experience across traditional consoles and PC, and gets even better in VR. Playing the action role-playing game will be exactly as players remember it alongside the added immersion from the swinging of the sword to the pull of the arrow. VR is an even better way to explore the world of Skyrim, as the scale of dragon encounters can be truly terrifying.
Blade & Sorcery: Nomad is built from the ground up for VR as a medieval fantasy sandbox that allows players to do almost whatever they want. Featuring an incredibly realistic physics system, the game lets players do everything from using swords to casting fireballs to defeat enemies. Most importantly, Blade & Sorcery: Nomad perfectly nails the heavy feeling of attacking enemies with swords or blasting them with magic.
When it comes to fighting games in VR, there isn’t a sport that’s more appropriate than boxing. The Thrill of the Fight — VR Boxing is a full-body workout that’ll have anyone feeling like a real boxer. Compared to other boxing-style games out there, it’s also affordable at around 10 bucks. Players will box against a variety of challengers with matches that get longer and longer with each fight.
Moss and its sequel, Moss: Book II, are some of the most unique adventure games available in VR. The game has players finding a book that transports them to a magical kingdom where they are introduced to the Quill. Players serve as both the reader of the book and person controlling Quill through various puzzle and combat scenarios. To help Quill, players can also manipulate the environment as well.
Tetris Effect: Connected really clicks in VR because of how much of a rhythm it has once the colors and sounds blend with the shapes falling. There’s also a Zone ability that slows down time, which allows you to create setups that clear even more lines. Outside of single-player, there are plenty of online multiplayer modes leaning on both cooperative and competitive play.
