If you have a VR headset that can be connected to a PC, then you can play a huge library of PCVR games. There are loads of awesome games to play too. You can choose from a selection of VR experiences, including free ones, multiplayer ones, engrossing single-player VR games and more.
We’ve tried a lot of different games on various headsets including the HTC Vive Pro 2, the Pimax Crystal, the HP Reverb G2 and, of course, the Meta Quest 3 using Quest Link.
Best VR adventure games
The Invisible Hours
- Type: VR mystery adventure
- What makes it interesting? The Invisible Hours is a VR experience like no other. It’s a story-rich adventure that’s brilliantly crafted and as intriguing as it is enjoyable.
- Publisher: Tequila Works
- Developer: Game Trust
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
The Invisible Hours is a VR experience like no other we’ve seen. This is more of a voyeuristic story-telling adventure than a traditional game. You don’t play the hero or the protagonist, just an onlooker witnessing events unfold as a body is found and things kick off in a “whodunit” fashion.
We were immediately hooked and wanted to discover everything the game had to offer. Think of this game as a film played out in virtual reality, where you can see each of the actors throughout the story and see what they might be doing, who they’re talking to or where they are when other things are happening. This gives you an idea of the power of the experience and just how brilliant it is.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
- Type: Psychological atmospheric adventure
- What makes it interesting? Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a moving and thoroughly intriguing psychological game that’s now VR compatible thanks to a free update.
- Publisher: Ninja Theory
- Developer: Ninja Theory
- See it on Steam
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is a dark and atmospheric journey into mental illness and psychosis. This game is set during the Viking age and sees the main protagonist (Senua) journeying into hell to save the soul of her beloved.
In virtual reality, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is utterly immersive, disturbing and enthralling. This isn’t just a bolt-on either – the entire game is playable in VR.
Half-Life: Alyx
- Type: Action/adventure
- What makes it interesting? The fantastic wonder of Half-Life bought to life in VR
- Publisher: Valve
- Developer: Valve
- See it on Steam
Half-Life: Alyx was much hyped before launch and after completing it we can say the hype came with good reason. This is a brilliantly polished outing into the Half-Life universe with all the puzzles, looting and rich environments we’ve come to love from the series.
It might not be Half-Life 3 as such, but it’s certainly something very special. There’s nothing quite like having head crabs leaping out at you from the dark or solving holographic puzzles with your hands. Valve has crafted some ace gaming mechanics into this game including the ability to force-grab loot and pull it to you in a flash. It’s a bit short, at around 11 hours, but is well worth picking up if you’re a fan of the series.
Skyrim VR
- Type: Open-world VR adventure
- What makes it interesting? Just when you thought Skyrim couldn’t possibly get remade again, here it is in VR. It’s surprisingly good like this too. And not cut down or belittled for VR either.
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is now an old game, but like L.A. Noire, it was a highlight of its time. Also like L.A. Noire, it’s seen several different iterations since its initial release that includes enhanced editions, a Nintendo Switch version and now an update into virtual reality.
This is the same Skyrim that we know and loved all those years ago, only with an update control system and a whole new experience thanks to the wonderful immersion of VR.
Despite the dated graphics, Skyrim VR somehow still manages to be a magnificent RPG romp with all the freedom, fun and frolics we remember. The update for virtual reality includes a number of options for “physical sneaking”, “realistic bow aiming”, “realistic shield grip” and “realistic swimming” that make Skyrim an interesting gaming experience.
Blocking with a virtual shield, parrying with your sword, blasting spells or using Dragonborn shouts – all are so much more interesting in virtual reality than they were on PC with a mouse and keyboard. Other things too, like riding a horse across the barren lands are incredibly enjoyable.
We found it was easier to get lost in the Skyrim universe in VR than in other versions we’d previously played. The hours quickly slip by as you carry out quests, grow your skills or learn to harness your Dragonborn abilities.
Skyrim is likely the definitive role-playing experience and it’s magnificent in VR too. It’s not cheap, but it’s also likely one of the biggest games you’ll play on the HTC Vive. Hours and hours of content await in a wonderful world that’s moddable too.
Trover Saves the Universe
- Type: Comedy action/adventure
- What makes it interesting? All the hilarity of Rick and Morty but in game form with plenty of swearing and chaos
- Publisher: Squanch Games, Inc.
- Developer: Squanch Games, Inc.
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
Trover Saves the Universe comes from the co-creator of Rick and Morty and that should immediately give you an idea of the vibe of this action-adventure game. This game is compatible with both standard desktop play and virtual reality using a PCVR headset. We’ve played it on PC and loved it, but in VR it’s something special too.
You play a Chairopian – a weird space alien who’s bound to a comfortable recliner that’s able to zip around the place with the use of teleportation portals. As this character, you control Trover – another alien with purple skin and power babies for eyes. And you do so using a virtual controller your character is clutching in his hands. By now, you’re getting an idea of the vibe of this game and just how weird and wonderful it is.
As you might expect, it includes unnecessary amounts of space-based weirdness, rude language and plenty of hilarity too. Trover Saves the Universe is almost certainly the most insane and inane action-adventure game you’re likely to come across but it’s a total blast if you’re a fan of the humour of Rick and Morty.
We found this game to be a refreshing change from the norm. It’s a fantastic game with plenty of daftness to enjoy and even more so in VR.
Accounting+
- Type: Comedy action/adventure
- What makes it interesting? Bonkers visuals, weird characters and an indescribable vibe.
- Publisher: Squanch Games, Inc.
- Developer: Crows, Crows Crows and Squanch Games, Inc.
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
Accounting+ starts off in an incredibly relaxing way that lulls you into a false sense of security – with a soft and gentle voice narrating you into the basics of the game in a way that feels like an ASMR video but then suddenly becomes something very different indeed.
This game is partly built by Squanch games, so there’s a Rick and Morty vibe here – in that there’s bonkers humour, weird and wonderful visuals and insane/unnecessarily vulgar happenings. This is not necessarily a bad thing if you want a break from the norm and don’t mind being weirded out.
The enjoyment of Accounting+ comes from working out what the heck is going on and just having the freedom to do weird stuff without having anyone judge you. Like what happens if you drink acid? Or stab the king and wear his innards as a VR helmet? There’s only one way to find out.
L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files
- Type: Action-adventure
- What makes it interesting? You can step into the shoes of a cop in 1940s LA.
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Developer: Rockstar Games
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
L.A. Noire has seen several re-releases over the years but the VR version might be one of our favourites. It gives a whole new feel to the experience of looking a crook right in the eyes as you investigate. There’s also something brilliant about having an old-timey shootout in downtown LA as well.
Best VR boxing games
Creed: Rise to Glory
- Type: VR boxing sim
- What makes it interesting? This game is not only a great workout, but you also get to box with Rocky. What more could you want?
- Publisher: Survios
- Developer: Survios
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
Creed: Rise to Glory puts you in the shoes of Adonis Creed, son of boxing champion Apollo Creed who is following in his father’s footsteps, battling his way to greatness with the help of Rocky Balboa. Yes, that does mean you get to see and train with Rocky in the game, which is something special indeed.
It’s utterly exhausting, but incredibly good fun. An ace campaign, free play mode, PVP fights and multiple leaderboard-focussed mini-games make this one worth picking up time and time again. As long as you can find the energy to keep on playing!
Knockout League
- Type: Arcade-style VR boxing
- What makes it interesting? This is a VR boxing game that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but is hilariously enjoyable
- Publisher: Grab Games
- Developer: Grab Games
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
Knockout League is another brilliant boxing game that shouldn’t be overlooked. We worked up a real sweat when playing this game for review and had a lot of good things to say about it.
Knockout League is not just great fun, it’s also a good way to keep fit and have a blast doing it. You can track calories burnt and have a smashing time dodging, ducking and bashing it out with a variety of weird and wonderful opponents. It’s also cheap and well worth every penny in our book.
Best space-based VR adventure games
Elite Dangerous
- Type: Space sim
- What makes it interesting? All the space-based adventures of Elite Dangerous, but in VR.
- Publisher: Frontier Developments
- Developer: Frontier Developments
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
Both Elite Dangerous and the Elite Dangerous Horizons pack are VR-enabled and compatible with PCVR headsets.
We played the original game on an Oculus Rift a few years back and loved it then. It is just as great a VR experience now, although you will need a decent PC graphics card to play without lag or low resolutions, we found.
No Man’s Sky
- Type: Space sim
- What makes it interesting? It’s the same game, but with a VR view of the world
- Publisher: Hello Games
- Developer: Hello Games
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
No Man’s Sky is easily one of our favourite PC games. It’s a brilliant open-world space adventure with procedurally generated planets that can be explored on your own or with friends.
It’s also possible to play the game in VR now, which is likely the closest you’ll ever come to going to space yourself and it’s fantastic.
Star Trek: Bridge Crew
- Type: Space RPG
- What makes it interesting? You get to pilot and crew a Star Trek ship. What’s not to like?
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
Star Trek: Bridge Crew is a brilliantly geeky VR experience that Star Trek fans will love. We certainly do!
Highlights include the ability to play in co-op, manning the bridge of a starship with all your buddies while adventuring around in the depths of space. You can engage in numerous space adventures that include everything you’d expect as well battles with the Borg. The game has been updated since it launched and there’s even DLC to let you play in the Next Generation era. It’s nerdtastic and we love it.
Best VR combat games
GORN VR
- Type: VR gladiator simulator
- What makes it interesting? Over-the-top gore and gladiatorial combat
- Publisher: Devolver Digital
- Developer: Free lives
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
GORN is pitched as a “ludicrously violent VR gladiator simulator” and we’re certainly sure this isn’t something you shouldn’t let your kids play. Blood-curdling brutality abounds as you smash, stab and stomp your way to victory.
GORN is chocked full of gruesome gore, hilarious battles and the promises of a smashingly good time. The graphics and gameplay on this one are nothing short of hilarious. Cartoon-like cel-shaded graphics and amusing physics take away from the blood-curdling brutality and only help to add to the amusement.
You need plenty of space to play this one. We’d highly recommend clearing a good amount of play space to avoid bashing and boshing things in the real world while you’re having a smashing time in the virtual one.
There’s loads of content to play through here – with a multitude of different levels to play, weapons to fight with and bosses to battle. Weapons can be unlocked and upgraded too, so there’s plenty of reason to keep coming back for more. We really enjoyed our time with GORN. It’s exhausting, but a brilliant stress reliever and full of chortles too.
Best VR rhythm games
Beat Saber
- Type: VR music game
- What makes it interesting? Banging tunes and plenty of fun
- Publisher: Beat Games
- Developer: Beat Games
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
Beat Saber has quickly become synonymous with rhythm games in VR. It’s a game with a really simple premise that’s easy for anyone to pick up but tough to master.
You essentially have two lightsabers. A red one and a blue one. With one in each hand, you then need to hit coloured blocks as they come towards you in time with the music. Hit them in the relevant direction and with perfect timing and you’ll get the best results.
Beat Saber shines not only because it’s fun to play but also because it has plenty of awesome songs to get stuck into, including 11 classic songs from Linkin Park.
Pistol Whip
- Type: VR music game
- What makes it interesting? Shoot to the beat and burn a million calories
- Publisher: Cloudhead Games
- Developer: Cloudhead Games
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
Pistol Whip is a lot like Beat Saber but with guns. Rather than chopping floating blocks to the beat, you shoot and punch enemies in time with the music, as well as dodging incoming shots.
It’s great fun, and it’s also one of the most intense VR workouts, as you dip and dive around the incoming shots and work up a serious sweat. If you’re looking for some exercise that doesn’t feel like a chore, this game is a blast – quite literally.
Best VR driving games
Dirt Rally 2.0
- Type: Racing Sim
- What makes it interesting? Dirt Rally was one of our favourite racing sims and the second edition also includes VR support.
- Publisher: Codemasters
- Developer: Codemasters
- See it on Steam
When Dirt Rally 2.0 was launched Codemasters promised VR support in a free update. Now that’s come and we’re happy to report it works with other VR headsets as well. It’s also fantastic.
It is, of course, not the only driving game with VR capabilities, Project Cars 2, Assetto Corsa Competizione are also options, but this is the best in our mind. There’s something awesome about driving rally cars in VR.
The detail is fantastic here, as are the VR thrills. Turning your head to see spectators, observing the world rushing by as you tear up the track or just glimpsing at your body responding to your movements as you blast through the game, all are magnificent touches.
Warning though, if you suffer from VR motion sickness problems, this might not be the game for you.
Best VR bullet-time experience
Superhot VR
- Type: Bullet-time shooter
- What makes it interesting? A brilliant and interesting take on bullet-time for VR that’s thoroughly enjoyable
- Publisher: SUPERHOT Team
- Developer: SUPERHOT Team
- See it on Steam/See Oculus Store
Superhot VR is a simply smashing gaming experience.
This game puts a fresh spin on the classic bullet time mechanic. Superhot VR pitches you against angry red men who are apparently made entirely of glass. These chaps are out for blood and you need to defend yourself from their vicious onslaught.
The twist is time is at a complete standstill until you to move. Swing your hands or move your head and time begins to move too. Of course, you need to move to look around and suss out the environment, so it takes times to adjust to this logic.
Superhot VR feels completely unnatural to play – confusing, amusing and extremely exhausting to boot. It’s this unusual design though, that makes it so enjoyable.
We’d also highly recommend this one if you want to show off the joys of VR to your friends. The developers built a “party mode” just for such shenanigans.
Most atmospheric VR zombie shooter
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners
- Type: VR action RPG
- What makes it interesting? All the atmosphere of the Walking Dead but in virtual reality form.
- Publisher: Skydance Interactive
- Developer: Skydance Interactive
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam/See it on the Oculus Store
This is a brilliantly crafted and awesomely atmospheric zombie adventure in the Walking Dead universe. Scavenge, survive and enjoy.
We found this game to be incredibly tense – with a real focus on careful looting as you search the post-apocalyptic world of New Orleans for essential gear while avoiding the lurking walkers.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners tries to remain true to the series with zombies needing to be brained in order to kill them. Headshots and stabbings are the only way, which makes it incredibly tough to survive.
Killing Floor Incursion
- Type: VR action horror
- What makes it interesting? A fantastic zombie shooter with oodles of atmosphere
- Publisher: XREAL Games
- Developer: XREAL Games
- See it on Steam/See it on Oculus Store
Zombie games might be a bit cliché but they also work really well in virtual reality. Fighting off hordes of zombies is much more intense and immersive in VR than it is on any other platform.
Killing Floor: Incursion is likely the most atmospheric, well-crafted and enjoyable zombie shooter we’ve played in VR.
The game takes place in an eerie, foreboding and immersive zombie-filled world with a mass of weapons at your disposal.
Killing Floor: Incursion’s mechanics make it easy to play and far less frustrating than some other VR shooters we’ve tinkered with.
Killing Floor: Incursion allows you to blast, bash and bludgeon zombies in a variety of satisfying ways. It also includes a wide range of enemies which make for an interesting bit of VR combat.
Campaign levels are varied and interesting too. Our favourite feature might be the ability to play in the game in co-op mode with a friend. Shooting and stabbing zombies is always much more satisfying you’ve got a buddy to watch your back.
Best shooters
Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond
- Type: WWII shooter
- What makes it interesting? A revisit to the Medal of Honor series which feels like a throwback to its heyday.
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Developer: Respawn Entertainment
- See it on Steam/See it on Oculus Store
Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond is an interesting VR outing which feels like a throwback to the glory days of the Medal of Honor games. Thrown into the shoes of an OSS operative, you’re dropped into Nazi-occupied Europe, battling it out in various historic locations on land, air and sea.
It feels very nostalgic in its playstyle, yet requires a powerful PC in order to run well. It might not be as technologically advanced as other VR games but if you remember the original Medal of Honor games with rose-tinted goggles, then you’ll love this one. The campaign runs at around 10 hours long and then there’s a multiplayer mode and plenty of extra content to enjoy too.
That content includes 3D and 2D short films and documentaries to retell the stories of those who were there. These alone are well worth viewing and are a nice homage to those who fought to free Europe from tyranny.
Space Pirate Trainer
- Type: VR space shooter
- What makes it interesting? A great soundtrack and plenty of different guns for a wave-based shooter. This one has been regularly updated since launch too.
- Publisher: I-Illusions
- Developer: I-Illusions
- See it on Steam/See it on Oculus Store
Space Pirate Trainer is an exhilarating virtual reality space-based shooter with a simple premise and a banging soundtrack.
You’re dropped onto a platform in space with two pistols and waves of flying bots that need to be shot out of the starry sky.
A variety of weapon modes allow you to mix up your play styles, blasting away while ducking and dodging incoming fire.
With only three lives to play with that don’t replenish between waves, you’re always close to failure which makes Space Pirate Trainer as intense as it is enjoyable.
Space Pirate Trainer is one the cheapest games on our list, it’s also one of the most exhilarating experiences on the Oculus Rift.
Best puzzle games
BoneLab
- Type: Action-adventure
- What makes it interesting? BoneLab is one of the most interesting physics VR games you can play
- Publisher: Stress Level Zero
- Developer: Stress Level Zero
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
BoneLab is the follow-up to the VR-only hit, BoneWorks. It’s an awesome experience that feels somewhere between Portal and Half-life. It’s an action-adventure game with a strong focus on physics and that’s where it shines. There’s a lot of movement, puzzle solving and engagement with the world around you that makes Boneworks incredibly immersive and thoroughly enjoyable too.
Boneworks also warns gamers that it uses “advanced VR mechanics” and is recommended for experienced VR gamers. We’d agree with this, as at times, it makes us quite prone to motion sickness – but if you can get past that, there’s endless fun to be had. Especially if you dive into the modding scene.
The Last Clockwinder
- Type: Puzzle
- What makes it interesting? Brilliant cloning mechanics and increasing complexity
- Publisher: Pontoco
- Developer: Cyan Ventures
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
The Last Clockwinder is a delightfully charming puzzler that centres around a clever mechanic where you record your movements to generate clone robots. It starts off simple enough, using a couple of clones to pass items to each other, and gradually gets more and more complex as the game progresses.
It has a kitschy laid-back vibe and is a nice departure from some of the more action-packed games on this list. It’s not likely to spike your adrenaline, but instead it’ll give your brain a good workout as you figure out what to do next.
I Expect You To Die 3: Cog in the Machine
- Type: Puzzle / Escape Room
- What makes it interesting? Hilarious, immersive and clever
- Publisher: Schell Games
- Developer: Schell Games
- Platform: Steam
- See it on Steam
I Expect You To Die 3, and its two predecessors, are brilliant escape room-style puzzle games with a classic James Bond aesthetic. The games are witty and cartoonish and offer an awesome blend of head-scratching puzzles and action-packed sequences.
You can expect to don disguises, diffuse bombs and conduct espionage of the highest degree. The puzzles often have multiple solutions, so there’s lots of room for creativity and great replay value.