Head mounted displays (HMDs) are becoming increasingly popular as a wealth of virtual reality content continues to come from developers. Gaming is one of the most exciting aspects of VR, with the ability to plunge users into truly immersive and interactive environments.
The real truth is the VR gaming market is so rich at the moment that this list could include 10 different games and still be impressive. Equally, picking a de facto number one game was tough because we love all of the VR games listed below. However, we have selected titles based on how immersive they are – something we think is really important in VR. Additionally, we tried to include high-concept games that need PC or console power and smaller games that run on mobile. From indie gems to full titles from major publishers, it’s all here. Please note that you’ll need a decent VR headset to enjoy all the virtual reality games listed below though.
Perhaps the real takeaway from the best VR games games of 2018 list is that this is a great place to start. These games represent an excellent place to begin your VR gaming adventure before diving deeper into the hundreds of titles that are now available.
1. Rick and Morty Simulator: Virtual Rick-ality
The key to success for any new consumer technology is accessibility achieved through product or content that can entice masses of consumers. Sure, triple A games will attract fans of VR gaming in general, but it’s fun pop culture-inspired titles like Rick and Morty Simulator: Virtual Rick-ality that will draw in the casuals.
It’s a good thing, then, that the game just happens to be excellent. Rick and Morty Simulator is a fun delve into the world of the popular cartoon. Gamers can complete puzzles, explore worlds, and embark on adventures, all the while accompanied by the dry wit and hilarity of the TV show.
Sure, this may appeal more to hardcore fans of the show, but there is a winning casual VR gaming experience here too. Is that the best game on VR? Maybe not, but arguably the most accessible and a great place to start at.
Genre: Simulation Video Game
Compatible devices: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive (PlayStation VR from April 10, 2018), Windows Mixed Reality
OS: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4
Developer: Owlchemy Labs
Price: $29.99
2. Sprint Vector
In many ways, Sprint Vector is a perfect game to test the possibilities of virtual reality hardware. The game requires lightning fast reflexes, so the VR headset and PC hardware will need to be powerful. Players take part in a galactic sporting event based on running across wonderfully imaginative environments.
Like any race, crossing the finish line results in a win. Naturally, it is the journey between start and finish that provides the experience here, and we really love the sense of sheer speed while racing through the virtual landscapes. Our only caution would be to gamers who get motion sick, Sprint Vector is a fast and shaky game.
Genre: Racing
Compatible devices: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive (PlayStation VR from April 10, 2018)
OS: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4
Developer: Survios
Price: $29.99
3. Fallout 4 VR
The Fallout series of games is legendary, and 2015’s Fallout 4 was a hit on PC and console. Thanks to the capabilities of the HTC Vive, players can now experience this post-apocalyptic action adventure role playing game in virtual reality. While there are control niggles, the experience of walking through ruined cities is both eerie and exciting in the virtual space.
Environments are faithfully reproduced and the game looks just about as good as it did on console and PC. This is just so immersive; make no mistake, the age of triple A VR gaming is upon us. The drawbacks are a reliance on high-end hardware. Anything short of a GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD RX Vega 56 GPU in a PC will not work. Yes, there are better VR-specific action shooters, but none feel as majestic and awesome as Fallout 4 VR.
Genre: Action RPG
Compatible devices: HTC Vive (PlayStation VR from April 10, 2018)
OS: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Price: $59.99
4. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes
A multiplayer game with a very unique twist. Like many VR games, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes found its initial success on non-virtual reality devices. However, it becomes an immersive and nervy experience that can be played between two and six people when an HMD is added to the equation. If you play this alone, you won’t keep talking and you will explode!
However, while this needs more than one person to play, only one of your party will actually be controlling gameplay. The object of Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is to literally defuse a bomb before it goes off. This is easier said than done because said bomb has a 23-page manual, which needs to be printed or downloaded. Other people in a party will read the manual and guide the HMD wearer in stopping the explosion.
Requiring loads of concentration, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is plenty of fun, but certainly not for everyone.
Genre: Puzzle
Compatible devices: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive (PlayStation VR from April 10, 2018)
OS: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Android, Mac OS
Developer: Steel Crate Games
Price: $14.99
5. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
No genre is as perfect for virtual reality games as horror. Considering horror games are designed to create atmosphere and scares, placing the player in the actual in-game environment takes the genre to a new level. In terms of survival horror, no franchise is as iconic as Resident Evil. Now on its seventh full iteration, the series has been through spin offs and movies, but has perhaps found its true calling on VR.
Launched last year on consoles, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is playable in its entirety on VR. As this is a triple A game, you will need the best spec’d headset and PC/console technology to run Resident Evil 7. If you have them, you will be treated to an utterly immersive exercise in shredded nerves and jump scares. Graphically beautiful, this is a stunning VR title in the most deliciously grim way possible.
Genre: Survival horror
Compatible devices: HTC Vive (PlayStation VR from April 10, 2018)
OS: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Developer: CAPCOM Cp., Ltd.
Price: $29.99
6. Robinson: The Journey
Even away from VR gaming, one of the things we love the most about virtual reality is its endless potential. One day, we could even travel to anywhere in the world with an immersive mixed reality environment. Robinson: The Journey is one of the best games at simply plunging users into an illustrious virtual world to explore.
It is a walking simulator crossed with an FPS where the gamer is Robin, a man who has been stranded on a planet where dinosaurs still roam. While this is bad news for Robin, it is great news for you as the world is simply beautiful and unique. It’s a joy to explore this land, and The Journey is the sort of experience that VR gaming was made for.
Genre: First-person shooter
Compatible devices: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive (PlayStation VR from April 10, 2018)
OS: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4
Developer: Crytek
Price: $29.99
7. Project Cars 2
Another high-concept console favorite gets the VR treatment, and this time it is one of the best VR games of the racing genre ever. Project Cars 2 VR is a stunning racing sim that in virtual reality puts you truly in the driving seat of some of most exotic and beautiful vehicles. Thanks to VR, this is motor racing at its most high-octane.
In virtual reality, racing takes on a new dynamic where the gamer can understand space and speed more accurately. This is perfect for deciding if an overtaking maneuver is possible or how much braking needs to be applied through a corner. Graphically wonderful and always exciting, this is an essential addition for fans of racing games.
Genre: Racing simulator
Compatible devices: Oculus Rift, HTC Vive (PlayStation VR from April 10, 2018)
OS: Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Developer: Slightly Mad Studios
Price: $59.99
8. Minecraft VR
What list of top games on any form factor would be complete without Minecraft? The game has become so massive and popular that a bona fide community surrounds it. One of the reasons Minecraft has been such a hit (the second biggest selling game of all time) is because it translates so well to different products, from mobile to PC and consoles.
On virtual reality headsets, Minecraft takes on a new level of possibilities. Users are placed in the open world and can create whatever they want. If you have played Minecraft, you will know the building possibilities are almost endless. What’s exciting about VR is the ability to simply walk around a map and enjoy it. In survival, making it through a night in the virtual space is outright scary, making for one of the best horror experiences on VR.
All virtual reality content can trigger motion sickness issues, but on Minecraft VR it is extreme. Luckily, there is a theater view available where users can play the game as if looking at a screen as opposed to the normal 360 degree VR gaming world.
Genre: Sandbox building game
Compatible devices: Oculus Rift, Samsung Gear VR
OS: Microsoft Windows, Android
Developer: Mojang
Price: $6.99
9. BattleZ VR (Android, iOS)
While many of the VR games in this list are console and PC titles first and foremost, there are some true gems to be found that were created specifically for virtual reality. BattleZ VR is one such title – a first person shooter that brings plenty of action thrills to the virtual environment. It is also a mobile VR game, bringing some proper FPS action to smartphone users who crave a VR experience.
Players can conduct multiplayer games with other mobile users to tackle zombies in a post-apocalyptic world. There are a variety of enemies and you can never quite trust your own team during gameplay. Thrilling and fast paced, BattleZ VR is a great highlight of what VR on mobile devices can achieve.
Genre: First person shooter
Compatible devices: Samsung VR, Google Cardboard, Google Daydream View, Other Mobile HMDS
OS: Android, iOS
Developer: Realiteer Corp.
Price: Free
10. Trail World VR (Android, iOS)
Virtual reality has the magic of plunging users into a world in which they can theoretically do anything. However, sometimes it is enough to enjoy the created world and move around how you want. Trail World VR is the best walking simulator, allowing users to travel across amazing virtual landscapes including mountains, rolling hills, towns, and more.
Among the unique events gamers can enjoy are a rollercoaster ride, characters to interact with, fishing, flying, and much more. Each is a joy to do and just adds that extra bit of immersion to the game.
Genre: Walking Simulator
Compatible devices: Samsung VR, Google Cardboard, Google Daydream View, Other Mobile HMDS
OS: Android, iOS
Developer: No pressure Studios
Price: Free
These are what we think are the 10 most interesting and best VR games at the moment, based on some selections available on PC, console, and mobile. However, one of the interesting things about the virtual reality market at the moment is developers are really embracing it. There is a content boom and hundreds of games are available.
With that in mind, the VR games in this list are certainly not the only good ones you can have on your HMD. High-concept PC/console-level titles are widely available and some worth considering are Doom, Skyrim, Eve: Valkyrie, Batman Arkham VR, Gunheart, and more. Equally, the mobile side of VR is also an exciting place of creation and some noteworthy games not listed above include the soon to launch Vacation Simulator, Eagle Flight, Surgeon Simulator, Vanguard V, and the imaginatively titled Romans from Mars.