Table of Contents
Introduction
Although the tech surrounding VR headsets has stagnated somewhat, there are still plenty of fantastic titles that make great use of the technology available. In this article, we have chosen some of our favorite VR games for you to try now and over the coming year. Whether you are a fan of rhythm games, adventure games, or puzzle games, there is something for everyone on this list.
Beat Saber
Beat Saber is one of the top VR games available and remains incredibly popular. It features an existing library of free songs, but you can also purchase songs from popular artists like Skrillex and Billie Eilish. Additionally, with a little bit of elbow grease, you can even add your own tunes to the game.
At its core, Beat Saber is a rhythm game where you must cut through incoming cubes in specific directions to the rhythm of the song. The gameplay is relatively simple, but it has a remarkably high skill ceiling, becoming more challenging on higher difficulties.
Compatible with: Meta Quest, Meta Quest 2, Meta Rift, HTC Vive Pro, HTC Vive Pro 2, PlayStation VR
Price: $30
Dance Central VR
Developed by Harmonix, the same studio behind Rock Band and Guitar Hero, Dance Central VR is a must-play for fans of rhythm and dance games. This game is the logical evolution of the franchise, which debuted on the Kinect, and offers a fun and active VR experience.
Dance Central VR features 32 songs and several remixes that span different eras and genres, from ’80s hip-hop to modern alternative. While there are a dozen or so DLC songs available, the store is no longer receiving updates. However, the game includes a rudimentary built-in fitness tracking function that estimates the number of calories burned during gameplay.
Compatible with: Meta Quest, Meta Quest 2, Meta Rift
Price: $30
The Climb 2
If you’re not afraid of heights, The Climb 2 offers a thrilling mountaineering experience in VR. Developed by Crytek, the game features 12 peaks of increasing difficulty spread across four distinct environments, from Alpine mountain ranges to urban cityscapes. Each ascent offers multiple routes to the top and a scoring system that allows you to compete against other players on a global leaderboard.
The mechanics of The Climb 2 are simple and intuitive, allowing you to use your hands to grip and climb. As you progress, the game introduces new challenges, such as leaping across gaps and performing tricky maneuvers to extend your grip on ledges. Playing The Climb 2 for extended periods can be physically demanding, making it a great workout option.
Compatible with: Meta Quest, Meta Quest 2, Meta Rift
Price: $30
Resident Evil 4 VR
Resident Evil 4 is a classic entry in the Resident Evil franchise that has been re-released multiple times. However, the leap to VR platforms has given this aged game a new lease on life. The VR version retains most of what made the original game great while making some changes to enhance the immersion.
Resident Evil 4 VR moves the action to a first-person perspective, increasing the tension significantly. Actions that were previously relegated to button presses, such as reloading, now require manual efforts in VR. This adds a new level of challenge and realism to the gameplay. If you’re a fan of the franchise or enjoy immersive horror experiences, Resident Evil 4 VR is a must-play.
Compatible with: Meta Quest 2
Price: $26 (discounted from $40)
Superhot VR
Superhot VR is a unique and innovative game that combines action and puzzle elements. Just like its non-VR predecessor, Superhot VR puts you in scenarios where you are constantly outnumbered and outgunned. However, there’s a twist: time only progresses when you move. This time distortion mechanic adds a cerebral element to the gameplay, making it more than just a typical shooter.
In Superhot VR, you must use your surroundings and the limited resources at your disposal to find creative ways out of tough situations. The game challenges you to think strategically and act decisively, offering a satisfying and intense gameplay experience.
Compatible with: Meta Quest, Meta Quest 2, Meta Rift, HTC Vive Pro, HTC Vive Pro 2, PlayStation VR
Price: $25
Rez: Infinite
Rez: Infinite is a trippy VR experience that has been considered a masterpiece by some. This BAFTA-nominated game is a rail shooter at its core but offers a unique and mesmerizing experience when played in VR.
In Rez: Infinite, you control the game primarily through head-tracking and controller inputs. This allows you to aim by simply looking and shoot by pressing a button. The gameplay feels remarkably fluid, especially when combined with the game’s amazing techno soundtrack. As you destroy enemies, the action releases a flurry of loops and beats, creating a hypnotic audiovisual experience.
Compatible with: Meta Quest, Meta Quest 2, Meta Rift, HTC Vive Pro, HTC Vive Pro 2, PlayStation VR
Price: $20
In Death: Unchained
In Death: Unchained is a challenging VR game that combines elements of Dark Souls and roguelike games. The story may be minimal, but the difficulty is brutal, making it a game that keeps you coming back for more. While combat is limited to bows and different types of arrows, In Death: Unchained excels in making its weapons feel satisfying to use.
Originally made for the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift, In Death: Unchained is a remake exclusively designed for the Oculus Quest 2. This version compromises the graphics slightly to accommodate the hardware but offers additional levels to bridge the gap.
Compatible with: Meta Quest, Meta Quest 2
Price: $30
Tetris Effect: Connected
Tetris Effect: Connected is a visually and musically engaging VR game that adds a new dimension to the classic block-stacking game. While you can play Tetris Effect without VR, the VR component offers a unique and immersive experience.
The core gameplay of Tetris Effect remains the same, but the VR version is driven by a combination of musical rhythms and vivid colors. Each level offers a different experience, ranging from intense and fast-paced to meditative and calming. The VR component adds depth and dimension to each level, making Tetris Effect: Connected a distinct and captivating gameplay experience.
Compatible with: Meta Quest, Meta Quest 2, Meta Rift, HTC Vive Pro, HTC Vive Pro 2, PlayStation VR
Price: $40
Cities: VR
Cities: VR is a clever adaptation of the popular city-building simulation game, Cities: Skylines, for VR. This game offers a new perspective on city management, allowing you to oversee everything from a bird’s-eye view down to the pedestrian level.
While not all features of the original Cities: Skylines are available in the VR version, fans of the franchise will still find the interface and systems familiar. Although you can’t edit terrain or experience natural disasters in Cities: VR, the game captures the essence of the original game and offers an immersive city-building experience in VR.
Compatible with: Meta Quest 2
Price: $30
Battlegroup VR
Battlegroup VR is an exciting game for fans of space battles and strategic gameplay. If you enjoy The Expanse or spectacular space battles, this game is a must-play. Developed by SpaceOwl Games, Battlegroup VR allows you to command and upgrade your small fleet from the bridge of your flagship, offering a cinematic view of battles.
The game provides a high level of control over each ship, allowing you to manage firing arcs, power distribution, and movement through three-dimensional space. With a modest narrative-driven campaign and a randomized skirmish mode, Battlegroup VR offers hours of engaging gameplay. It is one of the best real-time strategy games available for VR.
Compatible with: Meta Quest, Meta Quest 2
Price: $30
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of rhythm games, adventure games, or puzzle games, the VR titles listed above offer a diverse range of experiences. From the immersive and energetic gameplay of Beat Saber and Dance Central VR to the intense and challenging experiences of The Climb 2 and In Death: Unchained, there is something for everyone in the world of VR gaming. So grab your VR headset and dive into these top VR games for an unforgettable gaming experience.
