The 41 Best VR Games

Welcome to CNET's updated rundown of the very best VR games right now. VR keeps changing, but many of its best classic games are still around. New titles are emerging to push new boundaries, too. 

This isn't a list of apps: These are all games, and we list the availability for each. To make it easy, we broke everything down into the most popular categories: Quest 2, Steam VR, PlayStation VR 2, and also the original PlayStation VR (which still has a lot of classic games that aren't playable on PSVR 2 yet).

We'll continue to update this list. Check back regularly.

Steam VR

Valve's iconic dystopian first-person sci-fi franchise gets a VR-based outing with Half Life: Alyx that CNET's Scott Stein raved about, and his colleague Andrew Lanxon called "a milestone in the franchise and a big step forward for VR gaming." 

Set between the events of the first Half Life and Half Life 2, Alyx puts you behind the hands of resistance fighter Alyx Vance, following her journey as she takes the fight to the alien Combine forces. 

Series fans will be familiar with the world setting and various familiar enemies, but its VR nature makes this game dramatically more immersive, frightening and visceral. From aiming shots at shambling zombies to simply throwing tin cans at pigeons, Half Life: Alyx makes superb use of VR to make an existing series feel fresh and exciting. 

PSVR 2

This PlayStation VR 2-exclusive game, made as a VR-focused spin-off of Sony's futuristic and robo-pocalyptic Horizon games, is one of the most beautiful and intense VR experiences next to Half-Life: Alyx. Most of the game involves climbing up mountains and shooting enemies with your bow and arrows, with some puzzle solving thrown in. The game's use of optional eye tracking, rich visuals and uncanny details throughout make it a PSVR 2 must-have.

PSVR 2

All of the already-fantastic Gran Turismo 7 racing game on PS5 is playable on Sony's new PlayStation VR 2 headset, making this one of the best PSVR 2 games and one of the best VR games anywhere. Just a couple of caveats: The races are the only part that snap into VR, and GT7 doesn't work with the Sense controllers (you need to use the DualSense controller or a compatible wheel), but the level of driving detail is absolutely stunning.

PSVR 2

Another PS5 game that has a complete PSVR 2-compatible upgrade, Resident Evil Village looks stunning and takes advantage of the PS5 graphics and the PSVR 2 display to create one of the most detailed immersive horror games yet. The translation to VR isn't always perfect, but it's still an amazing demonstration of how good VR gaming can look.

Steam VR, PSVR, PSVR 2

No Man's Sky is a game that's only gotten more and more spectacular with age, becoming an endless space adventure with a ridiculous amount of things to do. The entire game can be played in VR, and the results are often jaw-dropping. For sheer play value alone, this is worth adding to your VR collection. The PSVR 2 upgrade is one of the headset's best games at launch.

Quest 2, PSVR 2, Steam VR

Devolver Digital's adorable sea monster puzzler puts you in the role of a giant tentacled beast that helps tiny townspeople do things. Of course, things get weird. Of course, you end up accidentally bopping people on the head or throwing shipping containers through buildings. The sense of the tentacle-arms the game gives you is really fun, and the game translates really well to the Quest 2.

Quest 2, PSVR 2

ILMxLab has made several iconic VR games (if you haven't played Vader Immortal, you should try that too). Tales From The Galaxy's Edge is newer, and is set in on Batuu, the planet from Disney's Star Wars theme parks. It's also more shooter-based, with some well-designed weapon mechanics. If you want to feel like you're living a Star Wars life for a while, this is your first VR destination (check out Squadrons for another good option).

Quest 2, Steam VR, PSVR

Two lightsabers, slashing to music. Beat Saber is a music-rhythm movement/dance game that's done so well, it's already in arcades. Slash blocks in particular directions, avoid bombs, duck obstacles and suddenly it's a workout. A really, really great rave-dance VR lightsaber workout, and with its frequent music packs and upgrades, it's become one of the all-time VR classics.

Quest 2, Steam VR, PSVR, PSVR 2

Moss: Book II follows much the same format as the original Moss game, a platformer in which you guide adorable mouse Quill through various puzzles. 

This sequel sees a continuation of Quill's story, with fresh puzzles, wider, more interactive environments and beautiful visuals. The original Moss and Moss Book II are both fantastic, and you should play them both. But you might as well pick the newest one if you're a newcomer, since it stands on its own and has improved graphics.

Quest 2, Steam VR, PSVR

And if you can't wait to get back out to the links, Walkabout Mini Golf offers a range of fantasy courses for you to play either solo, with friends or against online opponents. 

The ball physics (don't laugh) are great, and there are a variety of additional golf clubs and balls to unlock as you progress, helping achieve the 'Overwhelmingly Positive' review score on Steam. As CNET's Scott Stein puts it "you have no idea how good VR mini-golf is."

Quest 2, Steam VR

A bow and arrow, and waves of evil creatures. In Death Unchained's roguelike design, which is new every time you play, is a challenge of pure survival and some incredibly satisfying archery mechanics. It won us over the moment it arrived on the scene, and remains one of the best arcade-like games on the Quest 2 (it's just called "In Death" on PC).

Quest 2, PSVR 2, Steam VR

Tabletop role-playing vibes come to this excellent turn-based VR game that cross-plays to any other platform. The clever design lays out a 3D dungeon map you move through while playing cards from your hand that deal damage. Along with Walkabout Mini Golf, this is the best casual multiplayer VR experience you can have.

Quest 2, PSVR

Ever dream of being Iron Man? This game will have you hovering around in a jetpack, using your hands to aim and blast through a series of missions that are surprisingly kinetic and fun. Iron Man was originally a game on the PlayStation VR, but the move to Quest 2 is far more fun because there are no wires to worry about getting tangled in. 

PSVR, Steam. VR, Quest 2

If you love zombies and survival action, Saints & Sinners and its Chapter 2 sequel are the way to go. These games look great on the PC and also play really well on the Quest 2. An upcoming PSVR 2 adaptation looks extremely promising.

Quest 2, PSVR 2, Steam VR

Absurdity. If you've ever played the marvelously weird indie game What The Golf, this VR game made by the same developers does the same for baseball. You have bats for hands, and a series of puzzle mini-games have you figuring out what exactly you're supposed to do next with your bat-hands. It's a great game for casual VR players, too.

PSVR, PSVR 2, Steam VR, Quest 2

Named after the real-life cognitive phenomenon and designed by Tetsuya Mizuguchi, the creator of Rez Infinite and the classic Lumines, this is Tetris... in VR... and it's incredible. Music and visuals sync with your moves to create synaesthetic, hypnotic flow gaming. It's also a great way to show off the PSVR 2's high-contrast display.

Quest 2, Steam VR

The multiplayer battle royale experience of Population One is very Fortnite-like. In fact, it's extremely Fortnite-like. That's a good thing. There are few large-scale multiplayer VR games right now, and this is one of the best. Dropping down from above, navigating the shrinking map, climbing and hunting for supplies, and excellent controls make this a must-play team shooter. Plus, there are constant season updates.

Quest 2, Steam VR

We've played Myst countless times, but it's worth another time through in VR. Cyan's loving adaptation is beautiful to wander through, and its controls feel perfectly adapted for VR. The only downside: It's hard to take notes with a headset on.

Steam VR, Quest 2, PSVR

If you're up for a creepy dive into mysterious puzzle boxes, this unique VR game from the makers of the hit game series called The Room is a fantastic and spooky mental challenge (it's not great for kids, though). Fans of the mobile versions of the series will appreciate the intricate puzzles while the approachable VR controls make it perfectly suited to newcomers to the franchise too.

Read our The Room VR: A Dark Matter review.

Quest 2

Playing the classic Resident Evil 4 in VR feels like a whole new game. The ability to use your hands, holster weapons and actually walk into creepy settings is transformative. Other than 2D cut-scenes, this feels like a native VR game. Resident Evil 4 is a Quest 2 exclusive, so original Quest owners can't play it. But this is an excellent game to show off how good stand-alone VR has become.

Read our Resident Evil 4 review.

Quest 2, Steam VR, PSVR

VR can turn your sense of reality inside out, and A Fisherman's Tale is the best type of out-of-body experience. A room with puzzles to solve also has a dollhouse, which is a perfect model of the room you're in. You can reach into your own space and as you do, a larger hand from above enters your room. It's like living in your own weird puzzle dollhouse universe, and it's fantastic. A sequel is coming out this year.

Quest 2, Steam VR, PSVR 2

Putting together 3D jigsaw puzzles made of actual 3D-scanned locations is a more brilliant idea than you realize. In VR, the puzzles are surprisingly challenging... and as you put together each one, a little world opens up. Lift a model and stick your head inside, and look around. It's a great way to while away a few minutes.

Quest 2, Steam VR

Ping-pong in VR is a workout. The table tennis physics in Eleven Table Tennis are superb, making this one of the most realistic simulations you can have in a headset. The difficulty levels ramp up to some seriously unforgiving levels, too. Get good at this, and you might just improve your ping-pong game.

Quest 2, Steam VR, PSVR

A series of diabolical escape rooms infused with a bunch of humor make I Expect You To Die 2 a great counterpoint to the grimmer, creepier escape room tones of The Room. A sequel is coming soon, but really, play them all.

Quest 2

Theater experience? Art mystery? Strange world? Tender Claws' bizarre VR cabaret sometimes has live theater events, and other times is just a world to dip into and experience. Our favorite weird game-art-experience that Quest has on offer.

Steam VR, PSVR

There are many ways to play Skyrim, but experiencing it all in VR is more entertaining than you might think. The entire game's here, but now you can look around to take in the epic views, or use your hands to strike out or cast spells. One of the better ports of a game into VR, and it can be played seated, too.

PSVR

Sony's miraculous Mario-like platforming game isn't available on the new PSVR 2 yet, but it's still one of the best VR games. Big, bright worlds and charming, hyper-real animated creatures surround you as you dive into a series of platforming challenges to rescue lost robot buddies. The level designs, puzzles and clever tools that seem to sprout from your PlayStation controller are inspired. It's as close to "Nintendo in VR" as we're likely to get (even if it's not made by Nintendo).

Quest 2

You have no idea how surprisingly intense VR rock climbing can be until you've tried The Climb 2. This sequel to a classic VR game (also on Quest and seen further down this list) uses your hands to reach up and grab ledges, grab ropes and zipline. It sounds easy, and yet discovering ledges, holding the right grip and keeping focus can be a real challenge. It's also absolutely beautiful.

Read our The Climb 2 first take.

Quest 2, Steam VR

You're a gladiator in the arena, and it's time to bash in some skulls -- with a zany array of seemingly spring-loaded weapons you actually swing with your own two hands. Gorn is a bloody mess in more ways than one. Not at all for kids.

Steam VR, Quest 2, PSVR, PSVR 2

You're on the highway to hell, banging your head to the beat. Your steed is a silver beetle traveling at the speed of sound, on a collision course with the devil himself. He's throwing every obstacle in your path, bending the fabric of space itself to stop your deadly charge. Press buttons, to the beat, to dodge his traps and destroy him.

I just made half of that up, but it describes Thumper to a T. It's fast, furious and fantastic. You can play it without VR, too, but it's just not the same.

Check out the trailer here.

Steam VR, Quest 2, PSVR

One of the very best VR games only requires one person to wear a headset. In Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes, one player is in a tiny room, faced with a fiendish bomb to defuse. Everyone else has the hilariously complex bomb defusal manual, and both sides have to describe the bomb, and the instructions, before it explodes. A perfect party game classic.

Check out the trailer here.

Quest 2, Steam VR, PSVR

A video game about video games, where you sit down and play a video game on a TV and then get sucked into the world of that video game. Fans of retro console games will get a huge kick out of the way this one gets meta (so to speak).

Steam VR, Quest 2, PSVR, PSVR 2

In a world where robots have taken all the jobs, there are no consequences for failure. That's why Job Simulator is so hilarious. Pick an office drone, auto repair worker, short-order cook or convenience store clerk, then "fulfill" an increasingly complex set of orders with clever combinations of the tools and ingredients around you. Or just grab things and throw them.

This still remains one of the best VR games of all time, but be sure to try Vacation Simulator or Cosmonius High if you want more from developer Owlchemy Labs (now a part of Google).

Check out the trailer here.

Steam VR, Quest 2, PSVR

When I put people into VR for the very first time, Space Pirate Trainer used to be one of my go-to titles. It's a highly addictive game where you shoot waves of flying robots with twin laser pistols that transform into shotguns, grenade launches and gauss rifles at the push of a button, while using your actual body to dodge enemy laser beams. 

The classic arcade feel of it never gets old.

Steam VR, Quest 2, PSVR

How can Virtual Virtual Reality, a game released years ago for VR headsets that didn't even have full motion, still be great? Somehow, it is; this is a testament to Tender Claws, whose parody of VR itself still feels relevant now. You're a human performing jobs in virtual reality in a future where artificial intelligence rules the world and see human labor as artisanal (sound familiar?). And then the cracks in reality start to appear. The sequel, Virtual Virtual Reality 2, is also worth a try -- but we prefer the original.

Steam VR, PSVR 2

Pavlov VR has become one of the most popular online VR shooter games around. 

While the basic game is a riff on Counter-Strike (you buy weapons each round with money you earn, go defuse bombs and things like that), there's a lot more going on than that. It's worth getting on PSVR 2 until Firewall Ultra arrives.

Steam VR, PSVR, PSVR 2, Quest 2

There's no describing the majesty that is Rez Infinite. The original Rez was already a musical mind trip on old-school 2D TVs in 2002. Now, the Tron-like environments are all around you. It's like flying through neon code. 

Rez Infinite has ended up on all VR platforms, and even on the PSVR 2: on the PSVR 2, it has optional eye tracking for weapon aiming that's a trip to try out.

Steam VR, Quest 2, PSVR, 

With or without VR, Superhot has a brilliant conceit: Time only moves when you move. 

Which means you can be utterly surrounded by enemies bristling with machine guns or ones ready to slice you into pieces, and still defeat them all by -- oh so slowly -- brushing their weapons aside, dodging bullets, throwing pots and pans, etc. Every level plays like a puzzle as much as a shooter, and you come out looking like an action hero every time. 

VR just means you do it all with your own hands and head, and you feel that much closer to Superhot's plot -- which I won't spoil here.

Check out the trailer here.

Steam VR, Quest 2, PSVR

It's the Wii Sports-meets-Roblox of VR, and my colleague Dan Ackerman says it's the most fun he's had when it first launched. It's a completely free-to-play online multiplayer lounge, dressed up like a school gymnasium, filled with sport games to play and a ton of social events. Even just juggling in front of peers is amusing, but the teleportation-filled paintball game is the real entree. 

Steam VR, PSVR

Star Wars: Squadrons puts you in the cockpit of a variety of Star Wars starfighters for team-based dogfights in everyone's favorite battleground: space. 

Told mostly from a seated perspective inside a cockpit, the game seems built to be a VR-first experience and it's one that CNET Editor Dan Ackerman was extremely taken with. There's a single-player story mode too, if you're not fond of the 5v5 epic space battles. But then, why fire up a Star Wars game if firing lasers in all directions isn't your thing?

PSVR

Wipeout isn't available on Sony's newest PSVR 2 yet, but if you have the original PSVR and a PS4 or PS5, this is the best racing game you can play on it. (If you have a PSVR 2, go with Gran Turismo 7.)

Did we miss a VR game that's as good or better than anything on this list? Hit me up at sstein@redventures.com.