The VR games market is experiencing a revival with more active users than ever before. That’s the result of hardware becoming cheaper, more and more AAA-quality VR gaming experiences available, and other VR game trends.
With a reignited interest in VR games, players are looking for top VR games to play and explore these new experiences.
Our top VR games list includes the best PC VR games, the best VR games on Steam, VR games on PlayStation, online virtual reality games, etc. Moreover, we’ve included a wide range of fun VR games in terms of style and genre. For example, if you’re into high-end graphics, you can find AAA VR games on this list. There are also some upcoming VR games to look forward to.
Without further ado, an overview of the best VR games in 2024 that you should try!
1. Half-Life: Alyx
Those who are looking for an AAA experience on VR should check out Half-Life: Alyx – it’s one of the best VR games around!
Released by Valve in 2020, Alyx is a first-person shooter VR game from the popular Half-Life PC series. It’s no wonder a shooter game is at the top of the best VR games list as this genre is one of the most popular ones among the top 100 VR games by MAU. (Newzoo)
Because it was developed exclusively for VR, it’s a well-rounded game that’s superior to others, most of which are VR versions of popular games.
Furthermore, this is one of the most immersive VR games. For example, in Alyx, players can interact with and manipulate most objects.The environments and animations look superb as well. However, such a game requires a powerful PC, which is the only thing that limits its user base.
The game was made for Valve Index, and people who own these VR headsets get Half-Life: Alyx for free. However, the game also works with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Oculus Quest, and Windows Mixed Reality.
2. Resident Evil Village VR
Sony’s announcement that Resident Evil: Village, the latest game from the popular horror franchise, is coming to PlayStation VR was met with a lot of excitement from VR gamers.
It was launched in February 2023.
Additionally, Resident Evil 4 is officially available on Oculus Quest. It won the award for best AR/VR game at The Game Awards 2021.
3. Skyrim VR
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has the reputation for being one of the best open-world RPG games ever released. Even though it was released back in 2011, it’s still very popular and has an active community.
Bringing this game to VR extended its lifespan even more. Players can now explore this intricate fantasy world and fight ancient dragons in a new immersive experience.
This is without a doubt one of the best PC VR games around – but you can also play it on PlayStation.
Skyrim VR supports Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets.
4. Blade & Sorcery
Blade & Sorcery is a game that’s built for VR, rather than being a VR version of an existing game. Even though this physics-based fantasy sandbox game is still in early access and is being developed with the help of its players, it is already quite popular and has a big and active community. For example, the game’s Reddit page has almost 60,000 members. That’s impressive for a new early-access game.
One of the things that make Blade & Sorcery so popular is its realistic combat system. According to the game’s Steam page, “collisions are dictated by fine hitboxes, objects have weight and follow the laws of physics, creatures have full body physics and presence, and blades can be used to penetrate soft materials or deflect magic.”
The full release of Blade & Sorcery is planned for 2024.
5. No Man’s Sky VR
No Man’s Sky is another existing game that made the successful leap to VR. However, the VR version offers a completely different and improved experience and many think of it as one of the best VR games ever released.
In this visually stunning VR game, players can explore planets, build a base, farm resources, and survive in dangerous environments. In other words, everything that’s in the original No Man’s Sky is available in the VR version as well.
Not only that but there are even some extra details in the virtual reality experience. For example, in No Man’s Sky VR, players can look around and see what’s inside in their spaceship cabin, which is not something players can do in the regular version.
Interestingly advanced human society and alien galaxies are among the top three VR game themes according to Newzoo and No Man’s Sky belongs in both of those categories.
6. Phasmophobia
If you thought Phasmophobia is a scary game to play, you should check out its VR version – it’s infinitely more terrifying. Published by Kinetic Games, Phasmophobia is a ghost-hunting game where players collect evidence on paranormal activities.
This is the second horror-themed game on our list of best VR games, which is a popular genre for virtual reality. According to research by Newzoo, the paranormal horror theme is among the most popular themes in the top 100 VR games by MAU.
The game can be played on all the major headsets including Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality. According to Steam, Phasmophobia had an all-time peak of more than 100,000 active players on the platform.
7. War Thunder
War Thunder is a free MMO military game that has both standard and VR modes, compatible with PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, and Microsoft Mixed Media.
In this simulation game, players get access to hundreds of historically accurate aircraft models and vehicles. Those who are into realism and love detailed games will enjoy playing War Thunder.
According to Steam, War Thunder had an all-time peak of almost 80,000 players on Steam.
8. Beat Saber
Published by Beat Games, Beat Saber is a VR-only rhythm game. It won plenty of game awards and is still very popular, even though it was released back in 2018. The goal of the game is to slash beats of music with a saber in a futuristic environment.
Even though this game is very simple compared to others on our list of best VR games, Beat Saber is incredibly addictive. Plus, it’s a great workout. The Virtual Reality Institute of Health and Exercise likens it to playing tennis.
9. Boneworks
Boneworks is a VR game released by Stress Level Zero that falls into the narrative, action, and adventure genres. Its most impressive features are advanced experimental physics mechanics, creative combat, an abundance of weapons, and realistic object and environment interaction.
This game is not recommended for beginner VR gamers, but rather for more experienced ones. It supports sitting, standing, and roomscale player modes as well as a variety of headsets.
10. I Expect You to Die
I Expect You to Die is a VR puzzle game in which players assume the role of a James Bond-like secret agent. The goal of the game is to survive and escape by using problem-solving skills.
This game is endlessly fun and has tons of missions players can go through. There’s also a sequel, I Expect You to Die 2, which includes new puzzles, new locations, and an intricate story.
11. The Room VR
If you’ve ever played The Room, you’ll love the VR version of it.
The Room VR is a virtual reality puzzle game where you step into the shoes of a detective exploring mysterious settings and solving intricate puzzles.
The game centers around the disappearance of an Egyptologist, leading you through various environments, from dusty libraries to ancient tombs. Each location is filled with unique, interactive puzzles that take full advantage of VR’s immersive capabilities. The game is designed with rich visuals and a haunting atmosphere, pulling you deeper into its enigmatic world.
12. Vader Immortal
If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll love this one.
Vader Immortal is a virtual reality game that allows you to step into the Star Wars universe and experience a narrative-driven adventure directly involving Darth Vader. The game is split into three episodes, each offering a blend of storytelling, exploration, and lightsaber combat.
Set on the lava-world of Mustafar, the same planet where Anakin Skywalker was transformed into Darth Vader, you’ll uncover ancient secrets beneath the planet’s surface and learn new facts about the Star Wars lore. One of the key features of Vader Immortal is the Lightsaber Dojo, a practice arena where you can hone your skills with the iconic weapon.
This game is notable for its immersive experience that combines engaging narrative elements with interactive gameplay, making you feel like a part of the Star Wars universe.
Whether you’re exploring dark corridors, solving puzzles, or dueling with enemies, Vader Immortal captures the essence of being in a galaxy far, far away.
13. Demeo
Dungeons and Dragons fans, this one is for you!
Demeo is a virtual reality game that emulates a tabletop role-playing game, much like Dungeons & Dragons. It’s a cooperative multiplayer experience where you and up to three friends can dive into a fantasy world, choosing from different classes and battling through dungeons filled with various monsters and traps. The game features turn-based combat and focuses heavily on strategy and teamwork.
The unique VR environment enhances the traditional tabletop gaming experience by allowing players to virtually sit around a game table, interacting with the game pieces and the dungeon environment in a more immersive way. The dungeons you explore in Demeo are randomly generated, providing a fresh experience each session and requiring players to adapt their strategies on the fly.
14. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a virtual reality party game that offers a thrilling and unique multiplayer experience.
In the game, one player wears the VR headset and is presented with a bomb to defuse, while the other players, who cannot see the bomb, have access to a bomb defusal manual. The players with the manual must give clear instructions to the player in VR, guiding them through the process of defusing the bomb before time runs out.
The game is designed to test communication skills and teamwork under pressure, as each bomb and its puzzles are randomly generated, ensuring no two games are the same.
This setup leads to intense and often humorous interactions as players scramble to convey the right information in time. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is widely appreciated for its innovative use of VR to create a social, cooperative experience.
It’s a popular choice for game nights and parties.
15. VRChat
The final game on our list of best VR games is VRChat. It’s a collection of virtual worlds and experiences where creation is in the hands of players.
Along with unleashing their creativity, players can also socialize and hang out with other players, express their identity by customizing their avatars, and explore more than 25,000 community-created worlds.
According to Steam, on their platform, VRChat has tens of thousands of active users, which is a testament to its popularity.
Best VR Games: A Summary
With so many cool VR games out there, it’s so hard to pick which one to play. Which virtual reality game did you like the best? Let me know in the comments!
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