Best VR Gaming Experiences: Top International Picks for 2024
- Claudia Levi
- Aug 10, 2024
- 8 min read
Virtual reality (VR) gaming is growing fast, offering players a whole new way to enjoy their favorite games. With so many titles to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time. That's why we've put together a list of the best VR gaming experiences for 2024. These games offer something for everyone, from intense action to relaxing puzzles.
Key Takeaways
Half-Life: Alyx is a must-play for any VR gamer, offering a rich story and engaging gameplay.
Beat Saber combines music and movement for a fun and energetic experience.
No Man's Sky VR lets you explore endless planets and galaxies, making it a great choice for adventure lovers.
Resident Evil 4 VR brings the classic horror game to life in a new and terrifying way.
Gran Turismo 7 offers a realistic racing experience that's perfect for car enthusiasts.
1. Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx is a groundbreaking VR game that takes place between the events of the original Half-Life and Half-Life 2. In this game, you step into the shoes of Alyx Vance, a fan-favorite character, as she battles the alien Combine forces. The game is known for its stunning graphics, realistic physics, and immersive gameplay, making it a must-play for VR enthusiasts.
Platforms:
HTC Vive
Oculus Quest
Oculus Rift and Rift S
Valve Index
Windows Mixed Reality
Why We Picked It
Half-Life: Alyx is not just another VR game; it is a full-fledged experience built specifically for VR. The game features impressive physics mechanics and top-tier graphics, offering an 11-hour campaign filled with intense combat and intricate storytelling. If you've been waiting for a new Half-Life game, this is the one to play.
Who It's For
This game is perfect for fans who have been eagerly waiting for Half-Life 3. The storytelling, combat, and visuals are all top-notch, making it a must-own for anyone itching for more Half-Life action. Whether you're new to the series or a long-time fan, Half-Life: Alyx offers an experience that is both engaging and transformative.
2. Beat Saber
Beat Saber is a rhythm game that has become an absolute VR staple over the years. Players wield virtual lightsabers to slice through blocks that come at them in sync with the music. This game combines the excitement of Dance Dance Revolution with the futuristic feel of Star Wars.
Platforms:
Meta Quest 2
Valve Index
HTC Vive
Oculus Rift
PSVR
The game is known for its flashy, rhythm-based gameplay that still packs a punch. Thanks to a constant flow of downloadable content (DLC), the song library keeps expanding, featuring tracks from popular artists like Billie Eilish and Skrillex.
If you love music and motion, Beat Saber is worth exploring. However, be prepared to energetically slice music blocks while jamming to the beat. This game is best enjoyed standing up, as it requires a lot of physical activity.
3. No Man's Sky VR
No Man's Sky VR offers an epic space adventure in a near-infinite galaxy filled with stars, planets, and moons to explore. This game combines elements of exploration, creation, and survival, making it a unique experience in virtual reality.
Players can pilot their ships, discover new planets, and interact with alien species, all while enjoying the game's beautiful landscapes and otherworldly features. The VR mode enhances the sense of scale and immersion, making it feel like you're truly exploring alien worlds.
Platforms
Oculus Rift
HTC Vive
Valve Index
PSVR
Key Features
Procedurally generated universe
Regular updates with new features
Base building and resource management
Multiplayer mode
4. Resident Evil 4 VR
Resident Evil 4 VR is a thrilling remake of the classic survival horror game, now available on the Meta Quest 2 platform. In this game, you play as Leon S. Kennedy, tasked with rescuing the U.S. President’s daughter from a mysterious village plagued by parasite-infected villagers. The immersive VR experience makes you feel like you're truly in the game, facing down hordes of enemies with just a knife, handgun, and whatever tools you can scavenge.
The game offers a variety of comfort options to ensure you feel scared but not queasy. The controls are highly intuitive, making it easy to get lost in the action. You'll find yourself fully engaged as you navigate through the eerie Spanish countryside, solving puzzles and battling terrifying foes.
If you enjoyed Resident Evil 7: Biohazard on PSVR, you'll love Resident Evil 4 VR. Both games offer intense, heart-pounding action and immersive horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
5. Gran Turismo 7
Gran Turismo 7 is a standout in the VR gaming world, especially for racing enthusiasts. Developed by Polyphony Digital and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, this game was released on March 4, 2022. It is available for both PS4 and PS5, priced at $59.99 and $69.99 respectively.
Gran Turismo 7 has a lot of good and plenty of great. The game is known for its realistic driving experience and a wide variety of cars. The use of DualSense and the particularly well-tuned loading is exemplary, making it a top choice for VR racing.
Game Modes
Gran Turismo 7 offers different modes to keep players engaged:
Single-player campaigns
Exciting multiplayer races
Awards and Recognition
The game has received several accolades, including being the runner-up for Best VR/AR Game at The Game Awards 2023.
Pricing
Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore racing fan, Gran Turismo 7 offers an immersive and thrilling VR experience.
6. Superhot VR
Superhot VR is a unique blend of shooter and puzzle game that has captivated VR enthusiasts since its release. Time only moves when you do, creating a thrilling, slow-motion experience that makes you feel like an action hero. Available on multiple platforms, including Meta Quest 2, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, and PSVR, this game is a must-play for anyone looking to dive into VR gaming.
In Superhot VR, you find yourself in various scenarios where you must use whatever weapons are available—guns, frying pans, or even vases—to fend off waves of enemies. The minimalist style and challenging scenarios make it a standout title in the VR space.
While the game is relatively short, its replayability and the sheer satisfaction of dodging bullets in slow motion make it a staple in any VR library.
7. Tetris Effect: Connected
Tetris Effect: Connected takes the classic puzzle game and transforms it into a mesmerizing VR experience. Developed by Resonair, Monstars, and Stage Games, and published by Enhance Games, this title is available on multiple platforms including Meta Quest 2, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Valve Index, and PSVR. The game combines light and music with the iconic Tetris gameplay to create an entirely new experience.
Each level in Tetris Effect: Connected has its own unique theme, complete with tailored music and visuals. For instance, you might find yourself playing in an underwater world with soothing sounds and sparkling whales floating around. This makes the game not just a puzzle challenge but also a meditative experience.
Why We Love It
A trippy and addictive light show
Infinitely replayable
Take Note
No multiplayer in this version
Tetris Effect: Connected is a must-play for anyone with a VR headset, offering a sensory overload that is both hypnotic and captivating. Whether you're a long-time fan of Tetris or new to the game, this VR version is sure to leave a lasting impression.
8. Ghosts of Tabor
Ghosts of Tabor is a VR first-person shooter that combines both PvP and PvE elements. This game stands out with its hardcore survival aspects, reminiscent of games like DayZ. Players must navigate through intense environments, scavenging for resources while fending off both AI and human opponents.
The game offers a variety of weapons and gear, allowing for a range of playstyles. Whether you prefer stealth or direct confrontation, Ghosts of Tabor has something to offer. The realistic mechanics and immersive gameplay make it a must-try for VR enthusiasts.
9. Horizon Call of the Mountain
Horizon Call of the Mountain is an action-adventure game exclusive to the PSVR2. Developed by Guerilla Games and Firesprite, it was released in February 2023. This game is designed to showcase the capabilities of Sony’s new virtual reality headset.
Players will find themselves in a captivating world filled with breathtaking visuals. The game features virtual climbing, which not only adds to the excitement but also gives your arms a workout. However, it can be challenging for VR novices and requires a PS5 to play.
Despite some mixed reviews, Horizon Call of the Mountain remains a fine introduction to the PSVR2’s potential and leaves players wanting more.
10. Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator offers one of the most immersive VR experiences available today. This game allows you to explore the entire planet from the comfort of your home, thanks to its use of Bing map data and procedural generation. You can even hover a virtual helicopter outside your own house, which is pretty mind-bending.
The game is meticulously detailed, from the individually rendered knobs and switches of an Airbus A380 dashboard to the vast and sprawling landscapes over which you’re flying. Even the cockpit glass looks impressive, with tiny imperfections and scratches that subtly catch the light as you move your head around.
With the first-person viewpoint offered by your VR helmet, you can examine all the buttons and switches up close, gaining an extra level of immersion as you take off and land at airports around the world. Fly through the clouds and admire the landscapes below.
If that sounds overwhelming, the game lets you tailor how much of your plane's controls are automatically or manually controlled. For a more relaxing experience, you can let the game handle the hard stuff and just enjoy flying around. But if you want to feel like an actual pilot, you can take off the training wheels and tinker to your heart's content.
Conclusion
In 2024, VR gaming is more exciting and accessible than ever before. With a wide range of games available across different genres and platforms, there's something for everyone. Whether you're into racing, puzzles, horror, or fitness, VR offers a unique and immersive experience that traditional gaming can't match. As technology continues to improve, we can expect even more innovative and engaging VR games in the future. So, grab your headset and dive into these amazing virtual worlds. Happy gaming!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best VR game right now?
Ghosts of Tabor is considered the best VR game right now, having won the VR Game of the Year award in 2023 by AIXR.
What is the most played VR game right now?
War Thunder is the most played VR game on Steam, with an all-time peak of 121,318 players.
What is the number 1 VR game in 2024?
Resident Evil Village VR Mode is often listed as the number 1 VR game in 2024, having won an award at The Game Awards.
What’s the best free VR game?
One of the best free VR games is Rec Room. It offers a wide variety of user-generated games and experiences.
Do VR games feel real?
Yes, VR games can feel real due to their immersive environments, realistic graphics, and interactive gameplay. The level of realism depends on the game’s design and the VR hardware used.
How do I avoid motion sickness while playing VR games?
To avoid motion sickness, check if the game has accessibility controls to change movement settings. Most people get used to VR after a few plays, but some might still feel dizzy if they move quickly in VR or have to fly, hover, or spin.