11 Best VR Games to Play in 2023
This article was originally published on Udonis’ blog.
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.
Here’s an overview of the best VR games on the market right now!
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 will launch in February 2023. However, there are also unofficial Resident Evil Village VR mods, like the one from Praydog, that are very popular.
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.
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 Q4 2023.
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. 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.
