With the rising popularity of the virtual reality medium, gamers have been introduced to an entirely new way of experiencing video games. VR headsets are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible, and while the community is still relatively small when compared to the PC gaming scene, VR has seen some truly remarkable games in the last couple of years. We break down our picks for the best VR games of today, so stay tuned.
Image Source: Schell Games
Escape room games have never been this entertaining – I Expect You To Die is a VR puzzle game that puts you in the shoes of a secret agent on a mission to stop Zoraxis, an evil corporation with some devious plans. Solving puzzles requires a mix of strategising and reading clues while the clock is ticking down. The pressure can sometimes feel overwhelming, given that if the time runs out, you die; so do your best to stay sharp and clean up the puzzle rooms quickly.
The game is played from a stationary position, as the gameplay doesn’t include much movement. You can interact with your surroundings and solve puzzles while sitting, putting the focus on the strategy and thinking aspects, and making for a demanding yet rewarding experience. The I Expect You To Die series has been improving with each title, so don’t waste your time; get your hands on this fun and challenging VR game.
Image Source: Steam
Another unique puzzle VR game, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes traps you and a second player in a room – one with a ticking time bomb and one with the manual on how to defuse it. The twist is that the player holding the manual cannot see the bomb, so the game is all about properly explaining and describing the situation to the other player, under pressure.
Ideally, you and the companion will remain friends by the time you finish the game, as it can become incredibly stressful if you get off on the wrong foot. Luckily, the game is both rewarding and fun, so with some clear-headed thinking, strategising, and deciphering, you’ll get the bomb defused in no time. VR has introduced some truly amazing puzzles, and Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is arguably one of the best VR games in this genre.
Oh, we weren’t too clear about the whole 2-player thing. 2 is the minimum number of players needed to play. If you want to experience some truly chaotic gameplay, get 4 of yourselves in a lobby and try defusing the bomb with constant overlapping chatter and panic.
Image Source: Reddit
Animal Company is a thrilling new free-to-play title, and with over one million active monthly players, it’s slowly cementing its place as the next big multiplayer VR game. It takes inspiration from Gorilla Tag’s mechanics and Lethal Company’s gameplay loop, bringing the silly horror experience to virtual reality in style. The game can be scary at times, but the goofy atmosphere brings so much fun when experienced with friends.
The loop consists of embarking on an expedition with a couple of other players, finding valuables, and extracting out to cash them in, which in turn allows you to purchase helpful new items for future expeditions. With Animal Company being set in a hazardous world full of deadly enemies and traps, this is no easy task and is sure to test your skill and abilities. It’s a fresh and fun take on the co-op VR survival genre, and is well on its way to becoming the next multiplayer hit.
Image Source: Steam
Beat Saber is a critically acclaimed rhythm VR game that took the virtual reality community by storm when it launched in 2019. Besides the dance games, this is easily one of the most physically demanding VR games out there, keeping the players constantly on the move. Hitting the perfect score after a few minutes of nonstop action can be extremely satisfying, though, and is a part of what makes this game so addictive and fun.
There is a huge amount of community-made material available, providing Beat Saber with an extra level of versatility and elevating its replayability to new heights. If you have access to a VR headset, this game should immediately be in your catalogue. While it can certainly take a bit of time to figure everything out, it is well worth it, as no other game to date has matched Beat Saber’s rhythm experience.
Image Source: Steam
Among the many survival titles available today, Subnautica stands out as one of the best VR games as far as survival goes, thanks to its exceptional atmosphere, stunning world design, and challenging survival mechanics. It is a perfect example of how an incredible atmosphere can completely immerse players in a world of possibilities.
It puts you in the shoes of a spaceship crash survivor, stranded on a vast alien ocean world full of wonderfully designed submarine species and mysterious environments. The game is challenging, but all the more rewarding once you get your bearings on this strange planet.
Virtual reality takes the immersiveness to the next level, and with so much to explore and craft, Subnautica’s world feels truly alive in incredible detail. Encountering huge, hostile lifeforms can be jaw-dropping, if not outright horrific, so keep this in mind when diving by yourself. That said, the game absolutely shines when experienced in a quiet environment with no one to bother you, as it teleports you to a place of awe and wonder that very few VR games can render.
Subnautica: Below Zero comes with native VR support while for the original Subnautica, you’ll have to fiddle with mods. But the effort is well worth it!
Image Source: Capcom
Horror games can be exponentially more intense in VR, but when it comes to Resident Evil: Village, there is arguably no other VR game that can top the level of primal fear. Encountering Lady Dimitrescu for the first time can’t be replicated on a monitor, as the only way to grasp how huge and terrific this mutant is is to experience it in VR.
Village truly shines in this medium, with its setting enhanced by the beautiful visuals and immersive atmosphere. Combat is action-packed and well-executed, which, in combination with the gorgeous visuals, makes for a great gameplay experience. The environment is intricate and packed with details. It’s a horror game, though, so if you’re easily scared, this will surely be an exciting experience.
Image Source: Steam
The Half-Life franchise certainly needs no introduction, and the developers set out to conquer VR with Half-Life: Alyx. This game is proof that Valve is at the top of the gaming industry, making one of the most complete and polished virtual reality experiences ever.
While some fans were disappointed to hear that Alyx won’t be getting a PC release, it simply wouldn’t do the game any justice. VR allowed Half-Life to explore new possibilities and push boundaries, with the game’s intricate details, mechanics, and interactivity placing it far above the competition. Every little object is interactive and can influence the gameplay in some way, and the precise and polished movement mechanics allow the world to feel immersive and alive.
The astounding visuals, coupled with the phenomenal sound design and OST, make for an atmosphere that feels otherworldly. Half-Life: Alyx manages to evolve the traditional Half-Life experience into an entirely fresh journey without losing the elements that made the original games incredible. This game is at the top of the best VR games of today and is simply a must-play for anyone looking to experience what VR is truly capable of.
| Game | Rating | Release Date | Developer & Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| I Expect You To Die | 8.1/10 | December 6th, 2016 | Schell Games |
| Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes | 8.5/10 | July 16th, 2015 | Steel Crate Games |
| Animal Company | 8.6/10 | July 3rd, 2024 | Wooster Games |
| Beat Saber | 9.0/10 | May 21st, 2019 | Beat Games |
| Subnautica | 9.2/10 | January 23rd, 2018 | Unknown Worlds Entertainment |
| Resident Evil: Village | 9.3/10 | May 7th, 2021 | Capcom |
| Half Life: Alyx | 10/10 | March 23rd, 2020 | Valve |
Read Also: Valve’s New Game – What is Neon Prime?
LOL
CS2
Dota 2
Valorant
Fortnite
Call of Duty
Mobile Games
Gaming
EN Global 
JP 日本語