Virtual Reality has become one of the biggest trends in the gaming industry in recent years. With it, people have engaged in worlds and means of play beyond what anyone thought was possible back in the beginning days of gaming. Though it has evolved a great deal in the short time it has existed in the mainstream, VR still has its share of problems. The price of admission can be steep, even Apple thinks so.
However, such a barrier does not have to stop people from having the best VR experience possible. With an expanding library of free VR games, people now have plenty of options when it comes to what they want to play in VR without making quite so big a dent in their wallets.
Moon Rider
- Official Site
Beat Saber has seen massive success thanks to its fun and engaging rhythm-based gameplay that sees players slicing and dicing their way to the beat through their favorite songs. It also features a dedicated modding community that is dedicated to filling its libraries with as much possible. Those that are looking for a free-to-play alternative to the musically-infused smash hit can check out Moon Rider.
As a web-based program, players won’t even need to download anything to get started. Instead, they’ll simply need to head to the website (moonrider.xyz) in their Oculus Quest web browser (or using another applicable headset browser). Once there, players will have immediate access to over 15,000 songs that they can play, with a very similar feeling to Beat Saber.
Moon Rider Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Moon Rider was released back in 2020 and is available as a web-based program, meaning players with all types of headsets can hop into the release so long as they can access a web browser on their device. It’s considered one of the better Beat Saber-like releases out there and plays incredibly well for a browser-based title.
Pavlov Shack
- Oculus Link
Those that are looking for a VR-based first-person-shooter that feels fun to play and offers both cooperative and multiplayer elements will want to check out Pavlov Shack. This free-to-play title is still in “beta” on the Oculus Quest marketplace, and it’s not clear if it will stay that way due to its addictive gameplay, so players should be sure to try it in case it ends up releasing as a paid title.
With many guns to try, levels to explore, and multiplayer action, Pavlov Shack strikes the perfect balance between “realism” and “arcade action.” The gunplay feels very satisfying, and the graphics are solid. With good sound and level design, Pavlov is a fantastic experience that players can have without spending a dime.
Pavlov Shack Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Pavlov Shack is currently in beta and has not “officially released” yet but players can still download it for free for the Oculus Quest 2 on the marketplace. As of writing, it has very favorable reviews, with approximately 76% of players giving it a perfect score.
The Lab
- Steam Link
Any relatively new technology needs to familiarize users with its functionality, which is essentially the purpose of Valve’s The Lab. Consisting of eight mini-games, The Lab drops players into a pocket universe where they can become accustomed to the wonders of virtual reality. None of the games are long or especially deep, but they are all polished and enjoyable in their own right.
The Lab might not have too much value for those who are already deep into the world of VR, but newcomers should consider starting with this free package.
The Lab Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
The Lab came out on April 5, 2016, and is compatible with the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, and Valve Index.
Although the game did not receive enough critical reviews to earn a Metacritic score, The Lab’s reception was largely positive. The same can be said for its reviews on Steam.
SCP: Labrat
Inspired by 2012’s SCP – Containment Breach, SCP: Labrat casts players as a test subject imprisoned in an underground research facility. Their goal is to escape, a journey that presents its share of thrills and frights.
Labrat is currently in early access, so the game is not complete yet. That said, there is enough content here to justify a playthrough, and a multiplayer beta was even released towards the end of 2021. For horror lovers looking for a short but enjoyable VR experience, this game is a solid pick. Fans of the 2012 title looking to relive it from a new perspective should also try this spiritual successor.
SCP: Labrat Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
SCP: Labrat entered early access on May 17, 2021, and it can be played using a Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality.
Due to its status, the horror game has no critical reviews. On Steam, Labrat has been well received, garnering a very positive reception.
Horizon Beyond
Most free-to-play VR games are designed to give new players a sample of what the technology can offer. Even if these headsets have been around for a few years by now, this is still uncharted territory in the grand scheme of things, and experiences like Horizon Beyond can ease people into the glorious world of virtual reality.
Short and sweet, Horizon Beyond puts players on a ship and allows them to sail among the skies as they view the landscapes that exist within the clouds. VR is all about teleporting people to new worlds, and Horizon Beyond demonstrates that ability without costing a dime.
Horizon Beyond Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Horizon Beyond was released on August 31, 2019, and is available on the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Valve Index.
Lasting roughly 20 minutes, Horizon Beyond is a bite-sized package that most people will probably not return to after playing through it once. Although the VR game didn’t make much of a splash on Metacritic, it has been well-received on Steam.
Republique VR
Camouflaj’s Republique is an episodic stealth game that debuted in 2013. Garnering a decent overall reception, this title understands its genre, without necessarily bringing too much new to the table. In 2022, Republique VR made its way to PC and PS VR, making it one of the few stealth games on the market.
Initially solid for $14.99, Republique VR and its non-VR version are nowadays free-to-play, and they are both solid experiences. Rather than control Hope, the protagonist, players essentially act as an overlooker who assists the main character by hacking doors and completing puzzles. The gameplay might not be to everyone’s tastes, but it is well executed. The storyline is also quite engaging, and the episodes do not overstay their welcome.
Republique VR Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Republique VR was released on March 10, 2022, and can be played on PlayStation VR, Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift.
The virtual reality iteration does not have an average score on Metacritic, but the standard PS4 release comes in at 72. On Steam, 72% of Republique VR’s scores are positive.
Ultimechs
VR is steadily amassing a decent selection of multiplayer offerings, but the hardware has yet to create something that catches on like a Rocket League or Fall Guys. While it is still too early to say whether Resolution Games’ title could be that game, Ultimechs has that mix of accessibility and depth which tends to make these types of projects so successful.
Players control mechs as they venture into soccer-style arenas. Either alone or with a partner, players must try to outmaneuver (or outhit) their opponents as they seek to score goals. The concept is straightforward and works quite well, and this free VR game could blossom into something special if it finds an audience.
Ultimechs Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Ultimechs was released on September 15, 2022, and is available on Valve Index, HTV Vive, and Oculus Rift.
At the moment, Ultimechs has no critical reviews on Metacritic. On Steam, the game has a “Very Positive” review score.
Gorilla Tag
Feel like a game of tag? Also, want to ditch humanity and return to monke? If the answer is “yes” to both (or either) of these questions, then Gorilla Tag will deliver the goods. Boasting endearing dated visuals, Gorilla Tag is one of the most popular VR games on the market, quite an achievement considering it is still in early access.
The free title is rough around the edges in the most charming way possible, as there is just something lovable about jumping around as a gorilla in a harmless game of tag.
Gorilla Tag Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Gorilla Tag was released into early access on February 12, 2021, and is available on Oculus Quest, Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality.
Gorilla Tag has attracted a massive fanbase that has rewarded the game with mostly positive reviews on Steam. While the vast majority of free VR games are one-and-done experiences, Gorilla Tag has proven that it can keep people coming back for more.
Echo VR
One of the earliest and best VR games to gain mainstream attention, Echo VR is a treat for fans of zero-g, sci-fi competition. Originally known as Echo Arena, Echo VR has since expanded to include Echo Combat as well. However, only Echo Arena is free.
That being said, it is still well worth the download. Navigate a zero-g arena with a team to throw a frisbee into the enemy team’s goal. Seems simple, but the result is some of the most pulse-pounding, sweat-inducing gameplay you can have in a VR setting. This game’s movement system is unique and intuitive; easy to learn, difficult to master. Though like many great VR games, it is exclusive to Oculus systems.
Echo VR Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Echo VR was released on May 5, 2020, and is available on the Oculus Quest.
Being a game all about getting up and moving around, some players have found that they have gained better hand-eye coordination and some have even lost a bit of weight! The setting and graphics make one feel like they’re in some of their most beloved sci-fi settings, which very much adds to the fun factor.
Fly Dangerous
In early access, Stargoat Games’ Fly Dangerous is a racer that puts players in the backseat of a fast spaceship. Just to be clear, this game plays out mostly like an arcade-style racer and does not aim to be a flight sim. Consequently, it can be quite fun to just jump into a session and run through a few rings.
As a free title that is still in development, there is not all that much to do in Fly Dangerous, although there is an online leaderboard and a free roam mode to add a touch of replay value. While flight stick is the ideal way to control the ship, the game also supports keyboard & mouse, gamepad, and the steering wheel.
Fly Dangerous Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Fly Dangerous entered early access on May 24, 2022, and is available on Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift.
At the moment, this space racer has no critic reviews, and that is unlikely to change while it is still in early access. On Steam, it has a “Mostly Positive” reception, which means it is a largely enjoyable experience. The main criticism are the controls on some devices and a lack of content.
Dagon: By H. P. Lovecraft
Dagon: by H. P. Lovecraft is one of the best free horror games on Steam. A loyal Lovecraftian experience, Dagon is short and, for a lack of a more appropriate word, sweet, one that will surely hit the mark for any fans of the author’s works.
While not available at launch, virtual reality support was eventually added to the game, taking an already intense experience and maximizing its fear factor. Now, it should be said that intractability is not Dagon’s priority, as this title predominantly focuses on presenting Lovecraft’s ideas through a more visual medium.
Dagon: By H. P. Lovecraft Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Dagon: By H. P. Lovecraft was released on September 24, 2021, with VR being introduced roughly two months later. The game can be played using a Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality.
Developed by Bit Golem, Dagon has garnered near-universal praise, particularly for its dedication to authentically capturing the essence of a Lovecraftian story. Fans of the source material should definitely check this out, and even people who have never read anything by Lovecraft are likely to find something to appreciate in this title.
War Thunder
Launching in 2013 as an open beta, War Thunder is approaching its 10-year anniversary, and the free-to-play vehicular combat game is still very active on Steam. Offering three styles of battles that range from arcade goodness to war sims, War Thunder covers a wide spectrum of preferences, and it handles most of these areas quite well.
Virtual reality support was eventually added to the MMO, introducing a new dimension to an already robust package. Now, it should be said that War Thunder is still primarily designed to be played without VR, and the game’s standard version plays better; nevertheless, this option elevates the immersion to the next level. Through VR, War Thunder becomes a proper flight or tank sim, and a pretty fun one at that.
War Thunder Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
War Thunder launched officially on December 21, 2016, and the PC version supports the Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets.
The vanilla version has a Metascore of 81, although most reviews are close to a decade old and do not reflect the current state of the game. Even if it is treated more like a neat bonus than a required part of the experience, War Thunder’s VR mode is considered decent.
Google Earth VR
While not strictly a game, this VR experience is a must-have for anyone who wants to see with their own eyes the majesty of planet earth. This isn’t just Google Earth with added depth–every area mapped by Google can be explored in 3D for the player to enjoy at their discretion.
Want to visit Paris? Teleport to the address and experience the city and its scale. The player even has the ability to fly, making them feel like Superman. This game may not be the best option for those with a fear of heights though, or for those who are prone to motion sickness.
Google Earth VR Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Google Earth VR was released on November 16, 2016, and is available on the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
While many can claim this is more of a standalone miscellaneous feature than an actual game, players still seem to be having a lot of fun with it. Those indulging in a virtual reality geographical adventure are the same people who look for funny and crazy sights on Google Maps, though with the increased enjoyment of being immersed in the setting as opposed to simply viewing it from a screen.
Cartoon Network Journeys VR
Published by Cartoon Network Games, this free project takes players on a colorful journey to an array of distinct worlds. Unfortunately, these locations are not based on Cartoon Network’s existing properties, but each level is still unique, imaginative, and charming.
Mainly designed with children in mind, Cartoon Network Journeys VR has rather limited interactivity, so it is unlikely to keep people coming back in the long run. Nevertheless, there are more than enough mini-games and puzzles here to justify a quick session.
Cartoon Network Journeys VR Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Cartoon Network Journeys VR was released on October 1, 2019, and is available on Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift.
Like so many free-to-play VR games, this release was not reviewed by critics; in fact, Cartoon Network Journeys VR flew by mostly unnoticed, not even garnering a User Score on Metacritic. Still, the game has a good reception on Steam.
VR Chat
- Link
VRChat has become the premier app for interacting with others over VR, expanding itself even to this day. The limit is the player’s imagination, with VRChat offering a ton of freedom. With endless mod support, the player can take on the appearance of just about any fictional character and explore virtually any landscape.
With mini-games galore, there is no shortage of things for the player to do. However, the main draw to this game is the community. The game’s community is the living personification of the internet itself. Whether or not that is a good or a bad thing, it guarantees entertainment.
VRChat Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
VRChat was released on January 16, 2014, and is available for the Oculus Quest.
Since this is more of an experience than a true game, one’s enjoyment in VRChat is heavily dependent on factors besides those of the mini-games. This is a program meant to connect people online in the same way that social simulations like Second Life and similar titles have been doing for years. As such, those looking for gaming are often bored while those looking to simply chat can be enthralled.
Rock Life: The Rock Simulator
Rock Life: The Rock Simulator is pretty much a joke game as it is an immersive sim about being a rock. Not an anthropomorphic boulder or a stone with googly eyes; no, just a plain old everyday rock. Outside of looking at a rocky companion and swapping the environment, there isn’t all that much to do in this free VR game. The player simply sits there and does nothing.
As bare bones as this experience is, it is kind of relaxing to assume a life where the only goal is to exist. While obviously not for every person or occasion, Rock Life can be therapeutic in the right situation.
Rock Life: The Rock Simulator Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Rock Life: The Rock Simulator was released on July 20, 2022, and is available on HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Valve Index.
Unsurprisingly, the game has no reviews on Metacritic, but it has a “very positive” score on Steam. This rating needs to be taken with a grain of salt since most of the comments seem to be in jest, however, Steam’s users usually call out a gag game if it is done poorly.
The Red Stare
This game oozes style. Become a spy in 1950s America on the prowl for secret communist agents. The twist is that this job must be performed from the comfort of a single room. The player must observe their neighbors across the street and through a series of clues, identify which of them is a communist spy.
The Red Stare will be a delight for anyone interested in games of deduction or in this wild period of time. Thanks to it being free, it’s only a download away.
The Red Stare Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
The Red Stare was released on July 31, 2017, and is available on HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Valve Index.
Initially, fans of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic Rear Window (1954) will immediately see a similarity in regard to the perspective and point of view. Voyeurism can often be seen as sleazy and kind of weird, however, when national defense is on the line, players can rest easy about getting really into this photographic experience to help their country.
A Shopping Trip To Eklan Tor
Most free virtual reality games teleport players to unique worlds for quick stays, and they are not meant to keep someone playing for hours on end like non-VR freebies such as Apex Legends. Basically, they offer a brief excursion away from reality, presenting people with a way to visit an alien land without having to leave their homes.
A Shopping Trip to Eklan Tor serves as a great example of VR’s ability to create short but sweet experiences. Set in the beautiful town of Eklan Tor, players must search through this tiny world to find a couple of things. The game should only take someone a few minutes to complete, but its memory will linger on for much longer.
A Shopping Trip To Eklan Tor Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
A Shopping Trip to Eklan Tor came out on September 18, 2020, and supports HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.
Unsurprisingly, this game has no reviews, but it is highly regarded on Steam. Simple and amusing, this title is a delight.
Astral Slider
If games like Beat Saber prove anything, it is that some of the best VR games can be summarized in a quick sentence. Designed by Kyle Rodgers, Astral Slider is one of those VR titles. The player’s goal is simple: maneuver through a cyber-themed road while blasting red boxes and avoiding black ones. The concept is simple and straightforward, translating into a game that anyone can grasp at a glance.
Now, a premise means nothing if the execution is not there. Thankfully, Astral Slider also largely delivers the goods in practice, blending intuitive gameplay with eye-catching visuals and a solid soundtrack.
Astral Slider Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Astral Slider was released on March 10, 2022, and it is compatible with the Oculus Quest. The game can also be played without VR.
At the moment, Astral Slider has not received any critical reviews, however, the game has a mostly positive reception on Steam. In the world of free VR projects, this title is a relatively small release, so it has garnered too much attention since its March 2022 debut.
Spellbound Spire
A student project, Spellbound Spire is a short puzzle game set in a magic tower. As corruption spreads through the building, players must use a special pair of gloves to fix things before it is too late. Focusing on gravity-based puzzles, Spellbound Spire rarely gets overly challenging, but its brainteasers are engaging enough to be satisfying.
This free VR game is essentially a tech demo for a unique movement system, and it is an impressive one at that. The tower is also quite fun to explore.
Spellbound Spire Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Spellbound Spire was released on June 23, 2020, and requires an Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, or Valve Index.
This release does not have a score on Metacritic, which is unsurprising considering its origin. On Steam, 92% of Spellbound Spire’s reviews are positive.
Shattered Lights
Horror and VR are made for each other, and Shattered Lights showcases this wicked union beautifully. Team Morbid’s title uses non-euclidean geometry to create a fully immersive experience designed around the player’s physical movement. Consequently, the game requires a rather large play area, and anyone looking to try this title should first check they have the necessary space.
Conceptually, Shattered Lights is a relatively straightforward horror game. Players investigate an abandoned medical facility with just a flashlight. The visuals are quite great as well, and they certainly make for an intense playthrough.
Shattered Lights Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Shattered Lights debuted on June 11, 2019. The game can be played using a Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Oculus Rift DK2.
While it has no reviews on Metacritic, Shattered Lights has an 89% average on Steam. The title has over 350 reviews on Valve’s platformer, which is a decent sample size for a free virtual reality game.
Gun Raiders
Gun Raiders does not deviate too far from the beaten path when it comes to first-person multiplayer shooters, but it does the basics nicely. On the surface, this might not sound like all that glowing of a recommendation, but that’s not the case as there are not all that many free-to-play FPS VR titles out there; consequently, Gun Raiders fills a void.
Beyond just availability, Gun Raiders controls well, has a few modes to inject some variety, a decent selection of weapons, and a colorful visual style. The game is also receiving frequent updates and patches as it steadily develops into a more complete and satisfying package.
Gun Raiders Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Gun Raiders debuted on October 7, 2021, and it is currently in Beta. The FPS supports Oculus Quest, Quest 2, and Oculus Touch.
For the most part, Gun Raiders has been received well by players, developing a dedicated fanbase in the process. Such a game lives and dies by its community, and for the moment, Gun Raiders is managing to keep people engaged.
The VR Museum Of Fine Art
Admittedly, describing Finn Sinclair’s The VR Museum of Fine Art as a game is a stretch. This app allows VR users to explore a museum containing some of the world’s most iconic sculptures, paintings, and artifacts. Not everyone can visit Paris’s Louvre to see the Mona Lisa, but if someone has a VR-capable PC and a compatible headset, they can experience the next best thing.
Unlike the real items, their VR counterparts are not restricted behind layers of security, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with the art pieces. The VR Museum of Fine Art is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but the release provides a relaxing way to kill an hour.
The VR Museum Of Fine Art Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
The VR Museum of Fine Art launched on August 20, 2016, and it is compatible with SteamVR and HTC Vive.
The app does not have any Metacritic reviews, which is not surprising. However, on Steam, 90% of The VR Museum of Fine Art’s reviews are positive.
Quanero VR & Quanero 2 - System Release
- Quanero VR’s Steam Link Quanero 2 - System Release’s Steam Link
Quanero VR is a student project that presents players with a small but immersive world to explore. Cast as a detective who can manipulate time, users get to witness a peaceful bar erupt into chaos following an explosion, leading to a fight. The detective’s job is to piece together what exactly happened and discover the cause behind the explosion. While not particularly lengthy or interactive, Laserboys3000’s Quanero VR is nevertheless impressive and showcases the technology’s ability to craft the ultimate explorative experience.
The same students worked on a more ambitious sequel entitled Quanero 2 - System Release, although the project’s initial blueprint was left incomplete. That said, Laserboys3000 released a more streamlined version of Quanero 2 that is similar to the original game. The sequel is worth trying out as well, particularly for those who enjoyed its predecessor. Together, they offer roughly an hour’s worth of gameplay.
Quanero VR & Quanero 2 Release Dates, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Quanero VR was released on August 12, 2016; meanwhile, its sequel was added to Steam on June 25, 2020. Both games are compatible with the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.
Neither project received any critical reviews, which tends to be the case with student releases AND free-to-play VR games. On Steam, both Quanero titles have an average score of 90% positive reviews.
Star Wars: Droid Repair Bay
Released ahead of The Last Jedi, Star Wars: Droid Repair Bay is a short but charming package that trusts players with fixing a few astromech droids, including BB-8. As tends to be the case with tie-in VR projects, Droid Repair Bay does not offer much in the way of gameplay, at least in terms of length and substance. However, the game gets by on charm alone, and it does a splendid job of crafting a lively setting.
Non-fans will not get much out of this release, but Droid Repair Bay is designed specifically for people who just want to exist in Star Wars’ universe.
Star Wars: Droid Repair Bay Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Star Wars: Droid Repair Bay was released on December 6, 2017, and can be played on Valve Index and HTC Vive.
The game received no reviews upon release, but it has maintained a “Very Positive” average on Steam.
Vertical Shift
In Early Access, Vertical Shift presents itself as a VR eSport. Armed with grapple hooks, gliders, and jet packs, players are dropped in impressive arenas where they can swing and fly through the air. The game supports both PvP and PvE, and there are various modes such as Freeze Tag and Infection.
Vertical Shift moves at a blistering pace and comes with a learning curve. Thankfully, the game has single-player content so that newcomers can come to grips with the movement options before they jump into multiplayer.
Corrupted Media Productions is actively supporting Vertical Shift as well, even releasing a new update in September 2022.
Vertical Shift Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Vertical Shift entered Early Access on December 24, 2021, and is available on Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift.
As the game has yet to be fully released, it currently has no reviews. However, Vertical Shift has a “Very Positive” rating on Steam.
Spider-man: Far From Home VR
Few movie tie-in games have had the pleasure of being called good throughout the course of video game history, but this game can be considered one of the few that took such a venture and made the best of it. The premise is simple: play as Spider-man in VR. This includes web-swinging, web-shooting, and enjoying solid voice acting.
The player can engage in racing, fight enemies, or just swing at their pleasure. It is bare-bones for sure, but it more than makes up for it by being great at the things it does do.
Spider-man: Far From Home VR Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Spider-man: Far From Home VR was released on June 25, 2019, and is available for PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, and Oculus Rift.
Essentially just a way to become Spider-man for a short while, some players have complained that there isn’t much to do in this VR experience. Despite this, hardcore fans of the movies and comic books featuring everyone’s favorite web-slinging savior will be sure to get a thrill out of this spidey simulator.
Google Spotlight Stories: Pearl
Google Spotlight Stories is an initiative designed to showcase the potential of VR to open new avenues for storytelling. The service has produced its share of successful pieces, and Pearl is right up there with the best of them. The story follows a father and daughter as they travel across the country in their car; the short is moving, sweet, and powerful.
Now, it should be said that Pearl is essentially a movie and not a game or an interactive experience. Through their headsets, people accompany these characters along their journey as flies on the wall.
Google Spotlight Stories: Pearl Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Google Spotlight Stories: Pearl was released on October 19, 2017, and requires a Valve Index, HTC Vive, or Oculus Rift.
Pearl has not received any official critical reviews, but the VR experience has a “Very Positive” reception on Steam. Shorter than 10 minutes, Pearl is a quick sit that makes the most of its runtime.
Rec Room
For the player looking for a more curated and casual social VR experience, look no further than Rec Room. Less chaotic than VR Chat, this game boasts a more gameplay-oriented community. As such it can be a much more relaxing VR experience.
While there is not as much that the player can do to express themselves in this game; what they gain in return is a more refined experience made up of higher quality games to play with others. The player is practically guaranteed to find new friends over the course of their time playing this game.
Rec Room Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Rec Room was released on June 1, 2016, and is available for the Oculus Quest and PlayStation VR.
While the gameplay-geared setting will be nice for players who don’t really want to just sit around and chat, there have been some user complaints about community toxicity. There have been many issues with false reports, heavy-handed moderators, and other problems. Despite this, Rec Room can still be great fun if gamers avoid these negative aspects by playing with individuals who understand how to show others courtesy online.
Surgeon Simulator VR: Meet The Medic
Surgeon Simulator is a charmingly grim game, and Meet the Medic takes things to the next level. While nothing more than a demo for the HTC Vive, Surgeon Simulator VR: Meet the Medic offers a lighthearted and fun way to spend a few minutes, particularly for fans of Team Fortress 2.
Most of the best free VR games are designed to showcase the technology’s potential, which is exactly what this demo accomplishes. It might not be something people will endlessly revisit, but Meet the Medic is good for a laugh.
Surgeon Simulator VR: Meet The Medic Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Surgeon Simulator VR: Meet The Medic was released on April 5, 2016, and is available for the Valve Index and HTC Vive.
Surgeon Simulator VR: Meet The Medic does not have a Metacritic score, but it has been well received by the Steam community. While the content is silly, the game’s controls are intuitive, making this small title worth a download.
Wolfenstein 3D VR
- Itch Link
It’s all that Wolfenstein goodness in a VR package developed by a fan. What the player will quickly realize when experiencing this game is why exactly it became the known classic it is today.
Storm through Castle Wolfenstein and take on the nazi forces guarding it. Every level of the original game is lovingly recreated in VR for the player to enjoy. Another thing to note is that this game can be found on Itch.IO, an online repository for indie games, and a surprising source of great VR titles.
Wolfenstein 3D VR Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Wolfenstein 3D VR was released on August 26, 2018, and is available on HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality.
Those who can get a nostalgia boost from this title will be sure to love this VR version of the classic Wolfenstein game, however, so will new players! Many enjoy the fluid controls and the fast pace, which are enhanced by VR-only capabilities, such as being able to snap-turn for greater mobility.
We Are One Prologue
Scheduled to debut in the Fall of 2022, We Are One is a puzzle game that centers around a time manipulation mechanic. Instead of teaming up with other people, players create clones of themselves and then use a time loop to get past scenarios. We Are One has a fascinating central concept, albeit one that is a bit difficult to fully comprehend without directly experiencing the game.
Thankfully, VR owners can do just that as Flat Head Studio OG has released We Are One Prologue for free. Including a few levels from the main game, this prologue is basically a proof of concept, and it is likely to get people excited about the full release.
We Are One Prologue Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
We Are One Prologue was released on February 9, 2022, and it supports the Valve Index and Oculus Rift.
As this is essentially a demo, We Are One Prologue reviews are non-existent at the moment; that said, the game seems to be going down well with players.
Propagation VR
For the more horror inclined, or for fans of Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, there is this survival shooter. Unceasingly creepy and dripping with a sinister atmosphere, Propagation VR will have the player standing their ground against an onslaught of terrifying enemies ranging from zombies to mutant monstrosities.
Equipped with nothing but a pistol, a shotgun, and their own two fists, the player will have to utilize all the tools at their disposal to survive. Once it gets going, this game is non-stop action that will keep the player on their toes till the credits roll.
Propagation 3D VR Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Propagation VR was released on September 25, 2020, and is available on Windows Mixed Reality.
Many gamers compare this title to a Resident Evil game for its setting and enemy design, which is high praise when speaking of a new horror game. Players can become especially terrified when enemies aren’t just on a screen, but all around them. VR is such a great fit for horror, and Propagation is one of the few free projects that demonstrate that fact.
Guns’n’Stories: Preface VR
While some free games are designed to sell users on the technology, others serve as demos for larger titles. Guns’n’Stories: Preface VR contains the first chapter of Guns’n’Stories: Bulletproof VR and the demo does a brilliant job of highlighting the shooter’s satisfying gameplay.
Guns’n’Stories: Preface VR is not complicated. The free VR game simply throws waves of enemies at the player and asks them to eliminate them. The western setting is endearingly cheesy, and the gunplay is impactful, smooth, and responsive.
Guns’n’Stories: Preface VR Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Guns’n’Stories: Preface VR was released on October 26, 2017, and is available for Valve Index, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows Mixed Reality, and PS VR.
The shooter has received a positive reception, although its review count on Steam is quite low. Lasting less than half an hour, Guns’n’Stories: Preface VR does not overstay its welcome while offering more than enough content to inform a user on whether they should purchase the full version.
DCS World Steam Edition
The best VR games find ways to put the most content into as little space as possible–one of the many reasons why VR games have the player standing in place. That being said, no other experience adheres to this idea better than a flight simulator.
This game will put the player in charge of an aircraft in its complete majesty. The controls are complex, but what the player can pull off with these controls is fantastic. One can drop bombs, fire missiles, and evade enemies, amongst other things. And if that wasn’t enough, there is mod support as well.
DCS World Steam Edition Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
DCS World Steam Edition was released on March 18, 2013, and is available on the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.
Despite being fairly old, getting VR capabilities really rocketed this flight simulator back into the view of mainstream consumers. This genre naturally lends itself very well to the potential of VR controls, and this was confirmed by many players claiming it is the most fun they’ve ever had in a VR game both due to the refined controls and excellent immersive qualities.
