By
Diego Nicolás Argüello
on

4460364 bestvrgames2025%282%29


GameSpot may earn income from affiliate and advertising partnerships through this content and from purchases made via links.

The greatest VR games are sure to astonish, delight, or even terrify you in numerous ways. Above all, the finest examples of VR gaming excel in immersion, transporting you to diverse realms in an instant or with a simple hand movement.

No matter which current system you opt for, there exists a vast range of VR experiences awaiting your exploration. The PlayStation VR 2, Meta Quest 3, and Apple Vision Pro are at the forefront lately, showcasing their unique strengths and trade-offs. On the other hand, PC VR accommodates a diverse array of compatible headsets, such as the Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2, as well as the recent addition of the PlayStation VR 2. That is, if you can locate stock of the PC adapter.

Our collection caters to every type of gamer, irrespective of platform or genre preferences. Our choices coincide with the 25 most thrilling horror games available, where you’ll spot a recognizable franchise. While some titles are exclusive to VR, others began as traditional versions, with a handful of esteemed options appearing on our top PS5 games and top PC games compilations.

If you’re unsure about which headset to choose, this list will assist you in confirming what you already own in your library that has a VR variant ready to play, before diving into our compilation of the best VR headsets for 2025 for further insights. If you prefer not to spend more immediately after acquiring a headset, we’ve also compiled 15 of the top free VR games to enjoy.

The outlook for the VR industry may appear unclear following a challenging 2024, yet creators are not halting their innovative pursuits. With upcoming titles like Zombie Army VR, The Midnight Walk, and F1 25 VR, there has never been a more opportune moment to start honing your VR skills and experience adventures in a manner unrivaled by just a TV and a controller.

Beat Saber

Beat Saber

  • Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
  • Release Year: 2018
  • Developer: Beat Games
  • VR Intensity: 3

Much like many of the tracks within the Beat Saber collection, classics never fade away. At this point, Beat Saber has evolved into a symbol of VR, offering a straightforward concept: equipping you with two virtual lightsabers to slice through blocks to the rhythm of renowned artists such as Queen, Fall Out Boy, and Lady Gaga.

Beat Saber serves as an excellent means to demonstrate VR’s potential to newcomers quickly, without too much physical exertion. However, a significant challenge awaits those eager to push their limits, featuring various difficulties to conquer, multiplayer options, and even a 360-degree variant that requires you to rotate in place while anticipating the next wave of blocks. You can’t go wrong with Beat Saber, and there are numerous free music packs included with the game, ensuring you won’t need to spend extra right away.

Read our Beat Saber review.

Half-Life: Alyx

Half-Life: Alyx

  • Platform: PC VR headsets
  • Release Year: 2020
  • Developer: Valve
  • VR Intensity: 7

Meeting expectations can be challenging when discussing a new Half-Life title, but somehow, Half-Life: Alyx surpasses them. It offers a fresh perspective on a cherished (and previously dormant) universe and showcases remarkable VR utilization. Featuring the Gravity Gloves, best experienced with the premium Valve Index, you are invited to completely engage with your surroundings, using the environment and your ingenuity to tackle puzzles and perilous situations.

Only time will reveal if Half-Life: Alyx will ever transition outside the PC ecosystem. If you don’t own a specific headset for desktop use, the Meta Quest can be employed to access Valve’s unique experience via wired connection or wirelessly, thanks to a recent update for Steam Link for Meta Quest. Performance may fluctuate based on your hardware specifications, as well as your chosen method. Nonetheless, Alyx is an experience you won’t want to overlook—it was GameSpot’s Game of the Year for 2020.

Read our Half-Life Alyx review.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

  • Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
  • Release Year: 2020
  • Developer: Skybound
  • VR Intensity: 7

This may come as a shock, but one of the finest zombie games available is in VR. The Walking Dead:

Saints & Sinners is a raw and detailed simulation game where you must scavenge for materials, create weapons, and gather resources while managing your injuries and hunger to endure the apocalypse in a fictionalized version of New Orleans.

Few VR games manage to blend suspense and a sense of achievement quite like Saints & Sinners. Assisting the local people through primary and secondary missions while intently checking the watch on your wrist to strategize your escape before nightfall creates an exhilarating experience that’s seldom duplicated, especially outside of a VR headset. If you possess a Meta Quest 3 or PlayStation VR 2, developer Skybound has rolled out updates tailored for each platform, enhancing visuals and adding quality-of-life improvements.

Thumper

Thumper

  • Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
  • Release Year: 2016
  • Developer: Drool
  • VR Intensity: 6

There are vivid dreams and vivid nightmares. Thumper undoubtedly belongs to the latter. Presented as perhaps the most intense approach to rhythm games to date, you play as a space beetle racing at breakneck speeds through surreal environments.

Even if you’ve tried the original version, the VR adaptation heightens the depth of the visuals and audio throughout the entire experience. Your challenge is to learn and re-learn patterns until you can progress, then do it all over again as the challenges become increasingly difficult. Very few games provide the relief that Thumper offers once you conquer a level you’ve struggled on for days.

Read our Thumper review.

Rez Infinite

Rez Infinite

  • Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
  • Release Year: 2016
  • Developer: Monstars Inc., Resonair
  • VR Intensity: 4

Rez, first launched in 2002, delivers a sensory experience that continues to impress. Rez Infinite, released in 2016 with HD visuals and VR support, is the ultimate modern version of this classic on-rails shooter. Its focus on creating a synesthetic experience, along with unique VR elements, makes it stand out.

The standout feature is Area X, a mode designed specifically for VR. Unlike the original version—which also performs excellently with a headset—you can navigate freely across various distinct levels. The thrill of using eye-tracking to target enemies, along with using your head to maneuver the avatar through a stunning backdrop of visual effects, makes Area X a must-try experience for all.

Read our Rez Infinite review.

Tetris Effect

Tetris Effect

  • Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR
  • Release Year: 2018
  • Developer: Resonair, Monstars, Stage Games
  • VR Intensity: 4

Tetris Effect shines on all platforms. Even if you aren’t an enthusiast of the original Tetris, you’ll easily become engrossed in the captivating visuals and sounds as you gradually improve your skills in aligning Tetrominoes. When combined with VR, this experience becomes even more enchanting.

While there isn’t a particular level designed exclusively for VR like in Rez Infinite, Tetris Effect transitions seamlessly to your headset. You’ll naturally find yourself moving your head to appreciate the often awe-inspiring landscapes up close. Additionally, the Connected DLC brings a wealth of content to explore, even for players who enjoyed the original release.

Read our Tetris Effect review.

Resident Evil Village

Resident Evil Village

  • Platform: PlayStation VR 2
  • Release Year: 2021
  • Developer: Capcom
  • VR Intensity: 8

Resident Evil Village represents a significant shift from the classic essence of the series, building upon the new groundwork laid by Resident Evil 7. Nevertheless, it achieves remarkable success. Once again controlling Ethan Winters—arguably one of the most unfortunate protagonists in gaming—you find yourself in a residence filled with horrific beings, from vampires to haunted dolls.

Engaging with Resident Evil Village in VR amplifies the suspense and reframes the entire experience. The VR adaptations of Resident Evil 7 and the Resident Evil 4 remake are definitely worth experiencing on their own, but Village stands out: it fully utilizes the power of newfound immersion, looks fantastic in the headset, and guarantees that your encounter in House Beneviento will be unforgettable.

Read our Resident Evil Village review.

No Man's Sky

No Man’s Sky

  • Platform: PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
  • Release Year: 2018
  • Developer: Hello Games
  • VR Intensity: 8

Developer Hello Games is already busy creating its next major title, titled Light No Fire, but No Man’s Sky remains relevant. In recent years, the space simulator has expanded significantly, introducing new ships, missions, and a variety of mechanics that integrate combat with crafting.

No Man’s Sky ranks among the best Xbox Game Pass titles available. However, if you wish to see it from a fresh perspective, the VR version greatly enhances immersion. If you felt underwhelmed by the PlayStation VR 2 port initially, don’t fret, as the developer has introduced a significant update to implement Foveated Rendering, greatly improving the clarity of visuals.

Read our No Man’s Sky review.

.

Batman: Arkham Shadow

Batman: Arkham Shadow

  • Platform: Meta Quest 3
  • Release Year: 2024
  • Developer: Camouflaj
  • VR Intensity: 7

It was reasonable to believe that Rocksteady Games had concluded the Batman: Arkham saga for good, but developer Camouflaj took on the responsibility for an unforeseen revival. Batman: Arkham Shadow is a Meta Quest 3 exclusive, and at first glance, it’s evident why. It stands out as one of the most visually impressive games on the platform, and fortunately, Camouflaj recognized the significance of honoring the franchise’s rich history.

Located in the timeframe between Batman: Arkham Origins and Batman: Arkham Asylum, players assume the role of the nocturnal hero as you chase after The Rat King, who is wreaking havoc in the city. Incorporating first-person combat reminiscent of the iconic Arkham mechanics, investigative segments, and a substantial narrative, Arkham Shadow is a true gem among rare VR experiences and merits all the accolades it receives.

Thrasher

Thrasher

  • Platform: Meta Quest headsets, Apple Vision Pro
  • Release Year: 2024
  • Developer: Puddle
  • VR Intensity: 3

The excitement of VR is unmatched by any other technology, but the experience can be further enriched with creative concepts and tools. Thrasher, crafted by a team that includes the artist and composer from Thumper, perfectly exemplifies how to utilize hand-tracking alongside a VR headset.

Guiding an ethereal eel through numerous vibrant, short levels, players use gestures such as pointing, pinching, and swiping in the air to steer the creature past obstacles and face bosses, all while learning movement and attack strategies. It’s as surreal as one would expect from the creators of Thumper, yet with a completely different premise.

Gran Turismo 7

Gran Turismo 7

  • Platform: PlayStation VR 2
  • Release Year: 2022
  • Developer: Polyphony Digital
  • VR Intensity: 5

One of the most exclusive VR experiences requires both a PlayStation 5 and a PlayStation VR 2, and it just happens to be among the finest VR games available. If you appreciate the precision and finesse that Gran Turismo 7 demands, you’re in for a treat, as experiencing these races while wearing a headset enhances the enjoyment.

Whether you opt for the DualShock controller or a racing wheel, utilizing the PlayStation VR 2 greatly boosts the immersion, placing you right in the heart of the race. Watching the sunset from your vehicle as you finish a race in second place will make every defeat less of a disappointment.

Read our Gran Turismo 7 review.

The Room VR: A Dark Matter

The Room VR: A Dark Matter

  • Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, Playstation VR 2, PC VR headsets
  • Release Year: 2020
  • Developer: Fireproof Studios
  • VR Intensity: 3

Sometimes, after a tiring day, all you want is to relax. There are numerous VR games available to entertain or divert your attention; however, if you prefer to use your remaining energy to decipher puzzles instead, The Room VR: A Dark Matter is ideal for you.

The tale begins with the mysterious vanishing of an Egyptologist, triggering an array of events revolving around a police inquiry. You must discover the truth as you interact with eerie and enigmatic mechanisms. The ability to engage with the environment is amplified in VR, but note that you won’t have quick access to your phone for puzzle solutions unless you remove the headset.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR

  • Platform: PlayStation VR, PC VR headsets
  • Release Year: 2018
  • Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
  • VR Intensity: 8

Indeed, it’s The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in virtual reality. Even if it appears safe to assume you’ve already explored Skyrim for countless hours, one might question whether replaying Skyrim in VR is worthwhile.

In simple terms, the VR rendition of Bethesda’s epic is truly captivating. The PlayStation VR variant may feel somewhat dated compared to today’s standards, especially if you’re accustomed to newer headsets, thus it’s advisable to choose a PC VR headset instead. Regardless of the platform, you are likely to spend dozens of hours meandering through Tamriel once more, all for the sake of nostalgia.

Read our The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim review.

Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia

  • Platform: PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
  • Release Year: 2020
  • Developer: Kinetic Games
  • VR Intensity: 8

If you have any enthusiasm for horror or multiplayer games, you’ve likely heard of Phasmophobia by now. Its VR version, however, introduces a new dimension of tension that is hard to replicate in the flat-screen format.

The mission remains unchanged: Explore a variety of frightening locations and gather clues to identify the entity responsible for the supernatural happenings. Even in a dimly lit room and with headphones on, the task is intimidating. The initial descent down the stairs into a basement by yourself in VR, armed with just a flashlight and your instincts, is something you must experience at least once. Let’s hope the spirit isn’t lurking there with you.

Pinball FX VR

Pinball FX VR

  • Platform: Meta Quest headsets
  • Release Year: 2025
  • Developer: Zen Studios
  • VR Intensity: 3

Zen Studios stands as a trailblazer in crafting VR experiences that recreate the sensation of engaging with a pinball table in reality.

life. Following several launches over the last few years, Pinball FX VR stands out as an impressive demonstration of the studio’s progress, providing a virtual arcade filled with various tables and options for mixed reality.

The core game presents three unique tables at the beginning, along with a campaign mode, challenges, and leaderboards accommodating both casual and competitive gameplay styles, plus a customizable virtual arcade space. For those seeking to enhance their experience, a selection of DLC tables inspired by iconic Williams Pinball tables—including themes like Star Trek and the Twilight Zone—are already available, as well as options from Universal TV classics.

While the virtual arcade is an enjoyable area to gather, the addition of mixed reality is significant, enabling users to scan their surroundings and position tables and decorative elements according to their preferences. Furthermore, players can now place their (virtual) hands on the sides of the tables for interaction, moving away from the previous limitation of controlling bumpers from afar.

Hitman: World of Assassination

Hitman: World of Assassination

  • Platform: PlayStation VR 2
  • Release Year: 2025
  • Developer: IO Interactive
  • VR Intensity: 7

IO Interactive has worked to convey the excitement of Agent 47’s missions in VR, although results have varied.

Hitman 3 was the starting point, which subsequently integrated missions from earlier titles (culminating in the World of Assassination collection), but it fell short in terms of environmental interactions and other desirable VR features, like manual weapon reloading. Hitman 3 Reloaded was introduced as a Meta Quest 3 exclusive but suffered in performance and visual quality to accommodate the headset’s capabilities.

Fortunately, the PSVR 2 edition of Hitman: World of Assassination successfully meets expectations while rectifying some issues from earlier versions. Requiring both the base game and a $10 purchase to unlock the VR mode, this adaptation presents all new Hitman missions in a format that fully exploits the headset’s features.

It also introduces active reloading, dual-wielding, complete ambidexterity for simultaneous task completion, fully functional sniper scopes, enhanced physics, and improved environmental interactions. If you’ve been longing for a new playthrough or simply wish to experience the series from a fresh perspective, there’s finally an all-in-one version to explore.

Star Wars Squadrons

Star Wars Squadrons

  • Platform: PlayStation VR, PC VR
  • Release Year: 2020
  • Developer: Motive Studio
  • VR Intensity: 7

Commanding a TIE Fighter in VR is a given, and Star Wars: Squadrons allows you to do even more than that. Engaging in dogfights while wearing a headset is as thrilling as one might assume, letting you get intimately involved with various ships in the depths of space.

The VR experience also features head-tracking, which could be somewhat challenging if you’re not acclimated to VR. However, once you get the hang of it, you might wonder why Star Wars: Squadrons is not accessible on PSVR 2 or newer Meta Quest devices, especially given the incredible sensations it delivers the instant you enter your ship.

Read our Star Wars: Squadrons review.

Blade and Sorcery

Blade and Sorcery

  • Platform: PC VR headsets
  • Release Year: 2018
  • Developer: WarpFrog
  • VR Intensity: 7

If you have any curiosity about VR, it’s likely that you’ve encountered Blade and Sorcery at some point. This physics-driven medieval fantasy sandbox is quite intricate, but fundamentally, it’s a hilariously raw encounter with VR’s possibilities.

You can engage in melee, magical, and ranged combat in numerous violent manners. Alongside the more basic maps for battling against others in an arena, the game frequently updates with novel modes and features, including the recent incorporation of dungeons to explore. For owners of a Meta Quest headset, Blade and Sorcery: Nomad offers a streamlined experience that delivers similar excitement, albeit with lower graphic quality, fewer on-screen enemies, and some compromises.

Walkabout Mini Golf

Walkabout Mini Golf

  • Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
  • Release Year: 2021
  • Developer: Mighty Coconut
  • VR Intensity: 2

Walkabout Mini Golf, initially launched for PC VR before being adapted for PlayStation VR 2 and Meta Quest headsets, does precisely what its title implies: It’s a light-hearted mini-golf experience in VR where you can engage in matches across a multitude of courses.

Physics play a crucial role in the gameplay, complemented by the opportunity to engage with others in multiplayer. If you’re looking for a relaxing time or a new Friday night tradition with friends, virtual mini-golf is an excellent choice.

Supernatural

Supernatural

  • Platform: Meta Quest headsets
  • Release Year: 2020
  • Developer: Within Unlimited
  • VR Intensity: 5+

If the idea of heading to the gym doesn’t appeal to you but you’re keen on getting some exercise at home, Supernatural offers a far more fitness-oriented experience than other cardio-intensive games. Yes, the gameplay is quite similar to titles like Beat Saber, especially with its licensed music. However, it offers more than just a workout routine.

While you’re punching the air and squatting to evade obstacles, Supernatural features real-world locations as backdrops. Coaches guide you audibly throughout workouts, providing insights for meditation and stretching. Unlike the other entries in our best VR games list, Supernatural requires a $9.99 monthly subscription, although there’s…

A 14-day trial that you can cancel at any moment to test it out.

Path of Fury - Episode I: Tetsuo's Tower

Path of Fury – Episode I: Tetsuo’s Tower

  • Platform: Meta Quest headsets
  • Release Year: 2025
  • Developer: Leonard Menchiari and Abonico Game Works
  • VR Intensity: 7

The virtual reality realm has seen a multitude of games inspired by the medieval era, featuring swords and sorcery, while shooters are plentiful. However, few titles focus on intimate, hand-to-hand melee combat. Path of Fury – Episode I: Tetsuo’s Tower offers a distinct experience, inviting you to fight your way to the top of the eponymous tower on a guided path.

Similar to arcade classics such as Time Crisis, Path of Fury propels you from one confrontation to the next with rapid intensity. Drawing inspiration from titles like Beat Saber, every foe you face has specific impact points around their body, marked in colors corresponding to your left or right hand. Naturally, they will strike back, prompting you to block and deflect punches and kicks with your virtual hands. While some mechanics may feel familiar to VR fans, the execution and overall presentation are remarkable.

Pistol Whip

Pistol Whip

  • Platform: Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, Playstation VR 2, PC VR headsets
  • Release Year: 2019
  • Developer: Cloudhead Games
  • VR Intensity: 8

Pistol Whip is more than simply “Beat Saber with firearms.” This rhythm shooter has you navigating through various levels on a guided path as adversaries appear from all directions attempting to eliminate you. Your primary defense is to fire a weapon, which can vary greatly depending on the mode you’re playing, alongside your agility to dodge incoming projectiles.

If your movements align with the rhythm of the accompanying track, you’ll receive bonus points for your overall score. In practice, this becomes instinctive, as levels are crafted to complement the song, responding to its highs and lows. Depending on your selected difficulty, however, Pistol Whip can be one of the most exhilarating VR experiences available. Keep a water bottle nearby!

Before Your Eyes

Before Your Eyes

  • Platform: PlayStation VR 2
  • Release Year: 2021
  • Developer: GoodbyeWorld Games
  • VR Intensity: 3

Before Your Eyes was listed among GameSpot’s finest games of 2021, and for a good reason. This narrative-rich journey employs a straightforward yet impressively executed mechanic: You advance through the experience simply by blinking.

For PC users, this is achieved via a webcam, while mobile users rely on the front camera. On PlayStation VR 2, however, Before Your Eyes utilizes the headset’s eye-tracking feature to detect your blinks. The headset isn’t exactly waterproof, and the narrative is quite touching, so proceed with caution.

Check out our Before Your Eyes review.

Gorn 2

Gorn 2

  • Platform: PC VR, Meta Quest headsets (PSVR 2 anticipated for Summer 2025)
  • Release Year: 2025
  • Developer: Free Lives and Cortopia Studios
  • VR Intensity: 8

A blood-soaked gladiatorial arena is an easy fit for VR, and Gorn delivered thrillingly back in 2019. Six years later, Free Lives returns with a sequel, preserving the humor of exaggerated violence and erratic physics while broadening the array of tools at your disposal.

Gorn 2 boasts a selection of 35 weapons, new enemy types, and a heightened focus on utilizing the environment for your chaotic destruction. Trap pitfalls leading to meat grinders, large structures to drop foes from above, and lava provide significant assistance when battling multiple adversaries at once. Featuring a four-hour campaign, this sequel is a delightful throwback with enough enhancements to warrant a revival. Just be cautious of your real-life surroundings and roommates when swinging that axe.

Asgard's Wrath 2

Asgard’s Wrath 2

  • Platform: Meta Quest headsets
  • Release Year: 2023
  • Developer: Sanzaru Games
  • VR Intensity: 7

Asgard’s Wrath 2 stands as one of the top VR games currently available. Launched in December 2023, this RPG is complimentary with the purchase of a Meta Quest 3. However, it’s not merely a tech showcase; it offers a lengthy experience filled with stunning visuals and unexpected depth.

It’s challenging to succinctly describe Asgard’s Wrath 2, as it encompasses numerous mechanics. There’s wall running, a grappling hook, alongside swords and sorcery. If you seek an RPG that will keep you occupied for extended periods, look no further.