Top VR Games of 2024: Must-Play Titles and Hidden Gems

1. Batman: Arkham Shadow

Okay, so if you’re a Batman fan and you’ve got a Meta Quest 3, you absolutely need to check out Batman: Arkham Shadow. Seriously, this game feels like they took the best parts of those older Arkham games – you know, the ones on regular consoles – and just dropped them right into VR. It’s not some short little tech demo; this is a full-on Batman experience. You get to do all the stuff you’d expect: throwing batarangs, sneaking around, and, of course, beating up a bunch of thugs. The hand-to-hand combat feels really good, and pulling off combos is super satisfying. Plus, gliding around Gotham? Pretty cool.

It’s a big step up from some other VR superhero games I’ve tried. This one really makes you feel like you’re the Caped Crusader. It’s got that gritty Arkham vibe down pat, with investigations and stealth sections that actually work well in virtual reality. Honestly, it’s one of the main reasons I even considered upgrading my headset. After some of the letdowns we’ve seen lately, it’s good to know the Arkham universe can still deliver a solid experience, especially in VR.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it stand out:

• Faithful Arkham Gameplay: The combat, stealth, and gadget use feel like they’re ripped straight from the console games.
• Immersive VR Translation: It successfully brings the core mechanics of the Arkham series into a virtual space.
• Full-Length Campaign: This isn’t a short experience; it’s a proper Batman adventure.
• Returning Voice Actor: Roger Craig Smith is back as Batman, which is a nice touch for fans.

2. Asgard’s Wrath 2

Okay, so Asgard’s Wrath 2. This is the big one for Meta Quest, seriously. If you have a Quest headset, you really need to check this out. It’s a massive open-world RPG, and it feels like they really threw everything at it. You play as this ancient Egyptian warrior who can shapeshift and get all these different powers. Your main goal is to stop Loki, the Greek god of mischief. Yeah, it’s a bit of a mix-and-match with the mythology, but it works.

What makes it stand out is how much there is to do. You’ve got exploration, fighting, solving puzzles, and a ton of side stuff. It’s easily the best example of what an open-world RPG can look like in VR when given enough time and money. Plus, if you have the Quest 3, there’s some cool augmented reality stuff mixed in, which is pretty neat.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect:

• Vast World: Explore different areas, from deserts to more mystical places.
• Deep Combat: Master different fighting styles and abilities.
• Engaging Puzzles: Test your brain with various challenges.
• Lots of Content: Expect tens of hours of gameplay, with plenty of optional activities.

Honestly, it’s the kind of game that makes you appreciate what VR can do when developers really commit to it.

3. Half-Life: Alyx

Okay, so maybe it’s not Half-Life 3, but honestly, who cares when Half-Life: Alyx is this good? Valve really proved that there are still plenty of stories to tell in the Half-Life universe, and they found some really cool new ways to tell them. This game is set between the original Half-Life and Half-Life 2, and you play as Alyx Vance, a resistance fighter trying to push back against the alien Combine. It’s the benchmark for what a VR shooter can be. The level of detail in the environments is just insane, and the way you interact with the world feels so natural. You’re not just looking at things; you’re actually in them.

Here’s why it’s a must-play:

• Immersive Storytelling: The narrative pulls you in from the start, making you feel like a genuine part of the resistance.
• Groundbreaking Interaction: Picking up objects, manipulating controls, and using your gravity gloves feels incredibly intuitive and satisfying.
• Stunning Visuals: City 17 has never looked better, with incredible lighting and environmental detail that really sells the atmosphere.
• Intense Combat: The firefights are frantic and require actual tactical thinking, not just mindless shooting.

Seriously, if you have a VR headset, you owe it to yourself to experience this one. It’s a masterclass in VR game design.

4. Metro Awakening VR

Get ready to dive back into the grim, post-apocalyptic world of Metro with Metro Awakening VR. This isn’t just a port; it’s a brand-new adventure built from the ground up for virtual reality, promising to immerse you deeper than ever before in the Moscow Metro’s dangerous tunnels. You’ll step into the boots of Artom, a new protagonist, as you uncover secrets and face the mutated horrors that lurk in the darkness.

The game aims to capture the tense atmosphere and survival elements the Metro series is known for, all while leveraging the unique capabilities of VR. Expect to use your gas mask, manage your limited resources, and engage in visceral combat against both human and monstrous foes. The developers are focusing on a compelling narrative, so prepare for a story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Immersive Storytelling: A new chapter in the Metro saga, told from a fresh perspective.
• VR-Native Gameplay: Designed specifically for virtual reality, with intuitive controls and interactions.
• Atmospheric Survival: Experience the chilling environment of the Metro like never before.
• Visceral Combat: Engage in intense firefights and close-quarters encounters.

Metro Awakening VR is slated for release in 2024 across PSVR2, Meta Quest, and PC VR platforms, making it a highly anticipated title for fans of narrative-driven shooters and survival horror.

5. Horizon Call of the Mountain

When the PlayStation VR2 headset first came out, Horizon Call of the Mountain was the big showcase title. It really showed off what the new hardware could do, especially with the fancy controllers that had all that haptic feedback. The game looks absolutely gorgeous, with massive robot dinosaurs that feel truly imposing in VR. It was a big bet by PlayStation to get people excited about their VR system, and while it didn’t make everyone rush out and buy one, it’s still a standout experience if you own a PSVR2.

Playing as a new character, Ryas, you’re on a quest to find a cure for a mysterious illness affecting your brother. This involves climbing, exploring, and of course, fighting off those familiar robotic creatures from the Horizon universe. The climbing mechanics are pretty cool, making you feel like you’re really scaling these massive structures.

Here’s a quick look at what makes it special:

• Stunning Visuals: Seriously, this game is a feast for the eyes. The environments are detailed, and the machines look incredible.
• Immersive Gameplay: The PSVR2’s features are used well, making you feel more connected to the world.
• Epic Scale: Facing down a Thunderjaw in VR is an experience you won’t forget.
• Engaging Story: While not as deep as the main Horizon games, the personal quest of Ryas is compelling enough.

6. Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR

Ubisoft finally brought the Assassin’s Creed series into virtual reality with Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR, and it’s a pretty neat experience. You get to step into the shoes of three different assassins from the franchise’s history: Kassandra from Odyssey, Connor from Assassin’s Creed III, and Ezio Auditore from Assassin’s Creed II. Each of them has their own section of history to explore, offering a taste of their respective eras.

It’s not a full open world like the main games, but the areas are big enough to feel like you have some freedom. You can climb buildings, sneak around, and use your hidden blade, which feels really cool in VR. It’s a good way to revisit some favorite characters and settings.

Here’s a quick look at what you can do:

• Play as three iconic assassins: Kassandra, Connor, and Ezio.
• Explore distinct historical settings: Ancient Greece, Colonial America, and Renaissance Italy.
• Engage in classic Assassin’s Creed gameplay: Stealth, climbing, and combat.
• Experience familiar mechanics in VR: Using the hidden blade and eagle vision feels more personal.

7. Arizona Sunshine 2

Okay, so if you’re looking for a solid zombie-slaying experience in VR, Arizona Sunshine 2 is definitely worth checking out. Vertigo Games really stepped up their game with this sequel. It’s got a pretty decent single-player campaign that throws a ton of undead at you, and there are all sorts of ways to take them down. You can go loud with shotguns, get up close and personal with melee weapons, or even get a bit creative with traps and explosives.

One of the coolest things is the addition of a canine companion. This dog isn’t just for show; he’s genuinely helpful in combat, distracting zombies and even fetching items. It adds a nice layer to the gameplay and makes you feel a bit less alone in the wasteland. Plus, the story, while not groundbreaking, is engaging enough to keep you pushing forward.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it stand out:

• Satisfying Combat: Plenty of weapons to find and use, from pistols and shotguns to more makeshift options.
• Helpful Companion: Your dog buddy is a real asset, both in fights and for exploration.
• Co-op Mode: You can team up with a friend for the campaign, which is always a blast.
• Environmental Interaction: You can use the environment to your advantage, like setting up ambushes or using explosive barrels.

It’s not just about shooting everything that moves, though. There are moments of quiet exploration and resource management, which break up the action nicely. The sheer variety of ways you can dispatch the zombie horde is a real highlight. If you enjoyed the first game, this is a big step up. If you’re new to VR zombie shooters, it’s a great place to start.

8. Behemoth

Okay, so Behemoth. This one’s a bit different. It’s a VR game that throws you into this really intense, almost claustrophobic setting where you’re basically a Viking warrior fighting off these massive creatures. Think Shadow of the Colossus, but you’re up close and personal, and everything is trying to stomp you into a pulp.

The combat is where this game really shines, though. You’re not just swinging a sword; you’re using your whole body. You have these grappling hooks that you use to climb onto the giants, and then you’re hacking away at weak spots. It feels incredibly physical, and honestly, pretty exhausting in the best way possible. It’s not just about brute force; you have to figure out the best way to approach each Behemoth, finding their weak points and using the environment to your advantage.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes it tick:

• Climbing Mechanics: Getting onto these colossal enemies is a challenge in itself. You’ll be using your grappling hooks and sheer grit to ascend.
• Strategic Combat: It’s not just hack-and-slash. You need to identify weak points and plan your attacks.
• Immersive VR: The sense of scale is incredible. You really feel tiny next to these things.
• Atmospheric World: The game has this dark, gritty aesthetic that really pulls you into its world.

It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, and you’ll probably want to clear some space around you before you start playing. But if you’re looking for a VR experience that’s both physically demanding and incredibly rewarding, Behemoth is absolutely worth checking out.

9. Beat Saber

Okay, let’s talk about Beat Saber. If you’ve spent any time in VR, chances are you’ve heard of it, and if you haven’t played it, well, you’re missing out. Released back in 2018, this game basically defined what a rhythm game in virtual reality could be. You’re given these two sabers, one red, one blue, and colored blocks come flying at you. Your job is to slash them with the matching saber color and dodge obstacles. Simple, right? It’s incredibly satisfying to get into a flow state, slicing blocks to the beat.

What really makes Beat Saber stand out is its music. The base game has some solid tracks to get you started, but the real magic happens when you start grabbing song packs from your favorite artists. From electronic music to pop, there’s usually something for everyone. Plus, playing on the higher difficulties can be a surprisingly good workout. Seriously, you can break a sweat without even realizing it.

Here’s a quick rundown of why it’s still a must-play:

• Intuitive Gameplay: Easy to pick up, but takes practice to master.
• Vast Music Library: Base game plus tons of DLC and custom song support (on some platforms).
• Great Exercise: A fun way to get your heart rate up.
• Visually Striking: The neon lights and block-smashing effects are a treat for the eyes.

It’s one of those games that just feels right in VR. The sense of immersion and the physical feedback of swinging those sabers make it an experience you won’t forget. Even years later, it holds up as one of the best VR titles out there.

10. Tetris Effect

You might think you know Tetris, right? It’s that game with the falling blocks. Simple. But then Tetris Effect came along and completely changed the game, especially in VR. It’s not just about clearing lines anymore; it’s a whole experience. The music swells and changes with your gameplay, and the backgrounds shift and morph around you. It’s like a psychedelic trip set to a killer soundtrack.

When it first came out, it was a big deal on PSVR, but now you can play it on Meta Quest and PSVR2 too. Honestly, playing Tetris in VR is something else. It makes the simple act of fitting blocks together feel incredibly satisfying. It’s probably the best way to play the game that’s been around forever.

Here’s why it works so well:

• Sensory Overload (in a good way): The combination of visuals, sound, and gameplay creates a trance-like state.
• Evolving Environments: The world around you changes as you play, reacting to your performance.
• Pure Puzzle Satisfaction: It takes the classic Tetris formula and makes it feel fresh and exciting again.

If you’ve ever enjoyed Tetris even a little bit, you owe it to yourself to try Tetris Effect in VR. It’s a surprisingly deep and engaging puzzle game that really shows off what VR can do.

Wrapping It Up

So, that’s our look at some of the best VR games you can jump into right now. Even though VR gaming isn’t always in the spotlight, there are clearly some really solid titles out there, whether you’re looking for a big adventure or something a bit more unique. We’ve seen some great stuff this year, and it looks like there’s still plenty to get excited about for anyone with a headset. Hopefully, this list gives you some good ideas for your next virtual reality session.