The best VR games to play on Meta Quest, PS VR, HTC Vive and beyond

As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must say that virtual reality (VR) has truly revolutionized the gaming world! The immersive and interactive nature of VR games takes the gaming experience to an entirely new level.

As a film enthusiast diving into the realm of virtual reality gaming, choosing where to begin can be quite a challenge – what with Sony’s PlayStation VR 2, Meta Quest 3, HTC Vive, Valve Index, and numerous other headsets all hitting the market.

Each VR headset has its own list of games, too. Confusing.

Rest assured, my friend! I’m excited to share with you some top-notch Virtual Reality games that are currently captivating players like us. Let’s dive in!

Absolutely, I’ve got to give a shout-out to the incredible Batman: Arkham VR – it’s an outstanding addition to the iconic Arkham series that takes immersion to a whole new level. Stepping into the Dark Knight’s shoes and patrolling Gotham City in virtual reality? Now that’s living the dream!

So, onto the full list of our picks for the best VR games money can buy right now.

To enjoy virtual reality gaming, you’ll need a VR system. Check out our curated lists featuring the top deals on Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, and PS VR2 for your convenience.

Best VR games to play now

Batman: Arkham Shadow

Platforms: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 3S

Previously, we’ve had a brief taste of a Batman VR adventure, but Arkham Shadow is the genuine article. Imagine a fresh Arkham game (Asylum, City, Origins, and Knight), only this time in virtual reality. If you thought you were experiencing being Batman in those games, think again – this will change your perspective.

Asgard’s Wrath 2

Platforms: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 2

In an innovative blend of Zelda, Prince of Persia, and The Witcher, Asgard’s Wrath 2 promises to be a remarkably ambitious virtual reality role-playing game, immersing players in a rich narrative that could effortlessly consume many hours. This deep RPG offers a fully realized open world, four distinct characters, each with unique traits, and intricate puzzles designed to challenge the boundaries of technology. Sanzaru Games has truly surpassed expectations with this creation.

In this game that’s been praised with great enthusiasm, you assume the role of a Norse deity chasing after the trickster Loki through ancient Egyptian landscapes. As you go, you clash with other gods and encounter fearsome creatures. Remarkably, it comes at no cost for those who buy a Meta Quest 3.

Batman: Arkham VR

Platforms: PS VR, HTV Vive, Oculus Rift

Have you ever dreamt of stepping into the role of the Dark Knight? Rocksteady’s immersive VR experiment offers just that – a chance to don the Bat-shoes and experience Gotham City from Batman’s perspective. The story unfolds between the incidents of Arkham City and Arkham Knight, as you investigate the mysterious disappearance of Nightwing and Robin in this gripping, suspenseful tale. Expect a mix of entertaining puzzles leveraging Batman’s collection of gadgets and some real-life detective work.

Horizon Call of the Mountain

Platforms: PS VR2

For the debut of PS VR2, Sony’s headlining game takes players back to the realm of Horizon, offering an action-packed adventure with an emphasis on scaling environments. Despite its excessive focus on climbing, it’s unrivaled in terms of grandeur and visual spectacle. Experienced from a first-person viewpoint, this eight-to-ten-hour journey revolves around assisting a former Shadow Carja warrior named Ryas, who seeks pardon for his past misdeeds by successfully completing an apparently impossible task.

I Expect You to Die 2

Platforms: Meta Quest 2, PS VR, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, HTC Vive

In line with the Bond-themed title, I Expect You to Die 2 embraces classic spy tropes, making it even more enjoyable. This game allows you to experience the typical movie spy narrative, where you evade hidden lasers, dodge heat-seeking missiles, and find ways out of progressively complex traps to thwart a wicked criminal mastermind.

Just as the game resembles a Virtual Reality Archer, its narrative strikes an enjoyable blend of affectionate tribute and satirical play on the genre, boosted by excellent voice acting from Wil Wheaton of Star Trek fame. However, with a limited timeframe to decipher puzzle-like mysteries reminiscent of escape rooms in order to save the world, you’ll undeniably feel like a secret agent after playing.

Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR

Platforms: Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro, Meta Quest 2

Another triple-A franchise turns to the world of VR with Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR, an action-adventure game that has you exploring Renaissance Italy, Ancient Greece and Colonial America. This is the ultimate stealth game, acting as a hacker hired to infiltrate an Abstergo project called the “Nexus Eye”. Expect lots of climbing, hand-to-hand combat and inventive assassinations.

Pistol Whip

Platforms: Valve Index, Meta Quest, Windows Mixed Reality, PS VR

Experience the intense thrill of stepping into the shoes of action heroes like John Wick, Neo, or other characters portrayed by Keanu Reeves (excluding Ted from Bill & Ted) in an unparalleled virtual reality setting, Pistol Whip. This immersive VR adventure allows you to fire, dodge, and maneuver through a barrage of bullets while grooving to a pulsating soundtrack that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping. A unique blend of rhythm game and shooter, Pistol Whip is an exhilarating rollercoaster ride you won’t want to miss!

Pistol Whip is a hell of a workout, so make sure you’re warmed up and hydrated before you begin.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Platforms: Valve Index, HTC Vive, Meta Quest, Windows Mixed Reality, PS VR

Though The Walking Dead series has concluded, there appears to be an abundance of undead existence within its universe. This is because we’re expecting additional TV productions and further installments in the video game sector related to the franchise.

This immersive VR adventure, titled “Saints & Sinners,” plunges you directly into the heart of the zombie apocalypse. Will your courage and resilience be enough to endure the impending assault?

Half-Life: Alyx

Platforms: Valve Index, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality, Meta Quest (only when connected to a PC)

13 years after its last installment, Half-Life series came back in a grand way with Half-Life: Alyx. This game is set during the time gap between Half-Life and Half-Life 2, where players are given the task of an uphill battle against the Combine, a seemingly invincible enemy. Alyx Vance becomes humanity’s last hope for survival in this thrilling adventure. Once again, Valve demonstrated why they are one of the most innovative developers by showcasing stunning graphics, exceptional shooting mechanics, and intelligent design that maximizes the potential of virtual reality technology.

Beat Saber

Platforms: Valve Index, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality, Meta Quest, PS VR

In simpler terms, Beat Saber is an immersive virtual reality rhythm game that keeps you hooked. It’s set in a vibrant neon-lit future where your task is to slice or dodge approaching beats synchronized with “exciting music” as they approach. You can immerse yourself for extended playtimes at the end of the day, or even find time for a quick game during lunch breaks. Beat Saber stands out as one of the most enjoyable virtual reality releases yet.

I must say, you’ve got quite an impressive collection of music packs here! From the electrifying beats of Lady Gaga and Queen, to the energetic tunes of Fall Out Boy, Green Day, Panic! at the Disco, The Rolling Stones, and the enchanting melodies of Billie Eilish, Imagine Dragons, Linkin Park, BTS, and many more, there’s truly something for every music lover.

Astro Bot: Rescue Mission

Platforms: PS VR

Astro Bot is pure joy, and we’ve lost count of how many times we played the PS5 introductory Astro’s Playroom. It’s endlessly charming and, in some ways, is like the Super Mario 64 of VR. Made up of 20 levels across five worlds, players must help the adorable character to rescue their bot friends from sharks, spiders, giant monkeys and even aliens. If this doesn’t convince you of the potential of VR, nothing will.

Resident Evil 4 VR

Platforms: Meta Quest 2

If you’re sensitive or easily scared while playing horror video games, then immersive virtual reality (VR) could potentially intensify your fears to an uncomfortable level.

Indeed, this observation particularly applies to Resident Evil, one of the most prominent and outstanding horror series in video gaming. The fourth installment focuses on Leon Kennedy as he pursues 20-year-old Ashley Graham, the daughter of the U.S. president, who was abducted by the Los Illuminados, in a secretive European village.

Superhot VR

Platforms: Valve Index, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality, Meta Quest, PS VR

In Superhot VR, there’s an intriguing mechanic where time advances only when you take action – a unique feature that makes the virtual reality experience incredibly enjoyable.

Feedback for this has been overwhelmingly positive, with numerous users labeling it as one of their top virtual reality games available. We wholeheartedly endorse this title.

Check out the best games on each platform:

The very best PS5 games
The best Xbox Series X games
The best Nintendo Switch games ever
Best Switch games for kids

Doctor Who: Edge of Time

Platforms: Valve Index, HTC Vive, Meta Quest, PS VR

As a passionate connoisseur of time-traveling tales, I find myself utterly overwhelmed by the recent influx of Doctor Who updates. However, this very moment presents an ideal opportunity to immerse oneself in a captivating Virtual Reality escapade through space and time.

In a turn of events, an ominous, enigmatic adversary looms, threatening to shatter the cosmos. It falls upon you to assume the role of Jodie Whittaker’s 13th manifestation of The Doctor – a time-traveling hero – to counter this menace.

Danger Goat

Platforms: Windows Mixed Reality

As a movie reviewer immersed in the digital realm, I can’t help but share my enthusiasm for an unexpected cinematic experience – Danger Goat. If you’ve ever played Goat Simulator and found yourself chuckling at the antics of these cloven-hoofed characters, then you’re in for a treat! Danger Goat is another thrilling, fun-filled goat escapade that’s sure to tickle your funny bone.

In this game, you’ll find yourself in control of a goat character who faces off against a diverse array of perilous and whimsical adversaries such as shrinking devices and eccentric mechanical menaces – and indeed, the goat embarks on an interstellar journey!

Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series

Platforms: Meta Quest, PS VR

Three installments in the VR Vader Immortal series were launched simultaneously, and these games came as a set when they debuted on the PlayStation 4’s Virtual Reality platform.

As I immerse myself in this interactive masterpiece, I can’t help but feel like I’ve become the Jedi I’ve longed to be. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that this isn’t just a game; it’s an unparalleled experience. And when the fun and excitement are this palpable, it’s hard not to let the technicalities slide.

2024-12-12 20:39