My first taste of virtual reality came in a visit to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in New York where I strapped a computer on my back so I could feel like was hunting ghosts like a real Ghostbuster.
That was in 2015. It is now 2025, and VR has become a household product with an entry price of $300.
This past holiday the PSVR2 was $350 (currently at it’s original price of $549.99) , the Meta Quest 3S remained at $300 and the Meta Quest 3 is still at $500. This might have inspired some of you to get one of those headsets.
As an owner of the Meta Quest 3 and the PSVR2, I have purchased many games for my VR headsets. I feel that the only place to find advice on which games to play came from Reddit. I want to provide a comprehensive list for new VR users of games that I would recommend.
For those of you still deciding which headset to get, I will explain which headset is best for you.
If you own a PlayStation 5 and are in the market for a premium gaming experience in virtual reality, you should waste no time and purchase the PSVR2. The headset is designed for the most immersive virtual reality gaming experience.
There is haptic feedback in the headset and the controllers. The graphics generated for the PSVR2 are better than the Meta Quest 3, because the headset is dependent on the GPU and CPU of the PS5 making it more powerful than the meta quest 3. In addition to the graphics, the headset produces the image on an OLED screen with 110 degrees of view.
While the degrees of view are less than the Meta Quest 3, the OLED screen with eye tracking and haptic feedback makes for a great gaming experience. (I also prefer the design of the controller. The hand tracking is better, and the controllers are rechargeable.)
If you’re a PC and Xbox gamer, the Meta Quest 3 is probably best for you.
You can link up the Meta Quest 3 to Steam and play seamlessly, but the experience can be a drag if you do not have a Wi-Fi 6 router or a computer with a strong enough graphics card.
With that said, the Meta Quest 3 is a standalone headset, it offers great games on a 4k screen. Since it is a standalone headset, it is more like a computer for your face. You can browse the internet, engage in VR games, and play Xbox Game Pass on the headset.
(For those who might have tried streaming games on the Xbox Game Pass back in 2021 and became upset with the streaming quality, a lot has changed. The streaming quality is much better, and it streams the game with the same graphics quality of an Xbox Series X.)
Each headset is great in their respective ways, but I personally prefer the PSVR2 for VR gaming. The PSVR2 with a premium subscription is ideal for any user with a PlayStation 5. You start off with 12 free games with the premium subscription.
The games available for the PSVR2 are often sold at lower price points with sales that happen throughout the year. The Meta Quest also has a subscription service. There are constant sales in both stores which allows for users of both experiences to buy these games for low prices.
The Meta Quest 3s isn’t a bad choice either. If I had kids that wanted a VR headset or wanted to save money on my VR experience, the Meta Quest 3s is most likely what I would get. The battery life is even longer than the Quest 3, but the graphics and computing power is lower than the Quest 3.
With that said, here are a list of games for each headset that I wish someone told me to get.
As of this moment, many of the titles are on sale in the PlayStation store for much lower than listed below.
Games available on both headsets
Arizona Sunshine & Arizona Sunshine 2
If you’re looking for an ideal zombie shooter with a character as memorable as Duke Nukem himself, Arizona Sunshine lets you to play as a funny resident of Arizona who finds himself in a zombie apocalypse. As he is shooting his way to his destination in both games, you will have the opportunity to use myriad guns from a pistol to an M249 to a machine gun. It is wholesome family fun – if you’re family appreciates exploding heads. The Freddy bundle which includes both games is available for $59.99 in the Meta Quest Store and PlayStation store.
Alien Rogue Incursion
If you are a fan of the “Alien” franchise, you have been waiting for a game just as good as Alien Isolation. This game delivers. If Alien Isolation captured the environment of the first film, “Alien,” this captured the fun and terror of the sequel, “Aliens.” You’re a former Space Marine who is taking on hordes of Aliens. You have access to a handheld radar that does the same beeping as in “Aliens” and you also get the rifle used in the “Alien” series. I appreciated that it has a big VR map that didn’t need much loading time. The backlash online about adding “Part One” to the title right before launch is amusing but distracting from the truth; this is a great standalone game in the “Aliens” series. The game is available for $39.99 in both the PlayStation store and the Meta Quest store.
Star Wars: Tales From the Galaxy’s Edge
While there is another Star Wars series that I will recommend, this one is available on both consoles. There is an enhanced edition only available on the PSVR 2 which showcases the amazing graphics available with that system. However, the same fun can be experienced on both headsets. It is a game that explains the story behind the latest addition to the Disney Parks, which adds a layer of interest to the game. The aspect that I enjoyed the most is that it brought you various parts of the Star Wars experience and allowed you to appreciate them. The cost is $24.99 in the Meta Quest store, and $39.99 in the PlayStation store for the Enhanced Edition or free with a premium subscription.
7th Guest VR
If you’re in the mood for a campy horror game, this is the game for you. You progress through the game by solving puzzles that make it like a virtual escape room experience. I appreciate that the game also helps you understand the puzzles to progress. It allows for some individual approaches, but the storyline is firm and you’re made aware of which locations you need to go to. The supernatural elements of the game make it spooky, but not scary which make it ideal for family fun of all ages. The 7th Guest is available for $29.99 in both the PlayStation and Meta Quest stores.
Red Matter & Red Matter 2
In this sci-fi space horror, you are solving the mysteries of the base where you live. The story is that a country like the Soviet Union is in a space race against a country similar to, but not nearly as amazing as, the United States. The game has plenty of twists and turns that make it a great story, but it also has surprising moments that will keep virtual reality fans thoroughly entertained. It is easily one of my favorite series in virtual reality. The game bundle is available in the Meta Quest store for $49.99 and $40 for the PlayStation store.
The Room VR: A Dark Matter
This is another game that’s somewhat spooky but not scary. It is a mystery game where you progress in the story by solving puzzles. You’re a detective in 19th century London, and you encounter unique artifacts that transport you to a fun adventure. It is available for $29.99 in the PlayStation Store and the Meta Quest Store.
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord
I bought this thinking it would be like the Ghostbusters game at Madame Tussauds, but I was wrong. With that said, I did enjoy it. There is a story in the game which can allow you to play with friends across platforms. The story is entertaining enough for you to appreciate the Ghostbusters lore, and it reads more like Ghostbusters the animated series. The game is available for $29.99 in both stores and is available for free with a PlayStation Premium subscription.
The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Chapter 1 and Chapter 2
Whether or not you were a fan of “The Walking Dead,” this is a great zombie apocalypse story set in New Orleans. It arguably is the best game if you’re a VR beginner because the controls are like those in all other games. In both the first and second chapters, you are exploring zombie-filled New Orleans. You can level up and equip your character by looting and finding resources. By upgrading your character, you are more capable of getting through difficult parts of the game. I highly recommend this game to folks who are looking for a traditional gaming experience using VR. I bought this on the Meta Quest and it is available for free with a PlayStation Premium subscription. The bundle costs $59.99 on the PlayStation Store and $79.98 if you bought both in the Meta Quest Store.
Propagation Paradise Hotel
This is one of my favorite horror games available in virtual reality. If you’re someone who has loved any game made by an indie studio, this is the video game experience for you. The focus of the game is the narrative. For that reason, I am just going to say that the story is about a mysterious series of events at a hotel. The game has an abrupt ending, which might make you believe that a sequel is coming sometime in the distant future, but the developers have made clear that they are waiting to see if it is financially viable. For the sake of supporting story telling for virtual reality platforms and supporting an indie studio, I highly recommend buying this game. The game is available for $19.99 in both the Meta Quest and PlayStation store.
Tetris Effect Connected
Tetris is a really simple game. You line up different falling shapes to form a perfectly connected straight line. This prevents the screen from filling up and ending the game. It seems like an easy task, until the pieces fall faster and faster. This iteration of the game is my favorite of the franchise. It has been around for quite some time, but it is as enjoyable on a flat screen television as it is on any VR headset. The music is pretty epic too. I highly recommend making this purchase for any VR headset. With that said, it is available with a Meta Quest Plus subscription for free, but it is available for purchase for $39.99 in the PlayStation store and $29.99 in the Meta Quest Store.
Doctor Who: The Edge of Time
I am not going to say that this game is earth-shattering or the type of game that will get you to love virtual reality. But it is the type of game that you will want to play if you are a fan of “Doctor Who.” It brings a classic “Doctor Who” adventure to the VR headset, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Who-universe. I doubt any Whovian could ask for anything more. You get to mess around with a sonic screwdriver, stand in the Tardis, and be a Dalek. The game is available in the PlayStation store for $24.99 and the Meta Quest store for $19.99.
Pistol Whip
I avoided playing this game for a while because I didn’t think much of the premise. You get a gun and shoot your way through a series of levels. Then I realized this is Beat Saber with guns and that makes it pretty epic. The difficulty of the game comes from the player’s ability to duck bullets or obstacles while shooting targets. This is available for $29.99 in both stories and free with a PlayStation Premium subscription.
Hubris
This fun sci-fi adventure forces you to find a missing agent on a strange world where your trusty gun and wits will help you get away from the madness. If you are interested in a sci-fi campaign with good graphics, this game is a fun way to go. It is $29.99 on the Meta Quest Store and the PlayStation store.
Among Us VR
If you’re not familiar with Among Us, it is basically the board game Clue in space. Two teammates are secretly trying to sabotage and kill the crew. You can either be the crew trying to fix the ship or the secret saboteurs. If you are looking for a cross-platform party game aside from Ghostbusters, this would be a fantastic choice. It is available for $9.99 for both the Meta Quest and PlayStation store.
Jurassic World Aftermath Collection
This is a fun Jurassic Park game. Don’t go in expecting highly detailed dinos that look similar to the ones in the films. This game takes an animated approach. While you may think the animation takes away from the experience, it doesn’t. The severity of each situation matches the intensity of the films and the exciting plot brings Jurassic World lore into the game. I highly recommend this for players of all ages. Jurassic World Aftermath Collection is available for $29.99 on both platforms.
Resident Evil 4
When this was released, it seemed like an impossible feat was accomplished. An AAA game made for console was recreated for VR audiences. If you’re a fan of the Resident Evil series, this is a no-brainer to purchase. Capcom’s title reminds us what we value in the series. I played this on the Oculus Quest 2 when it first came out and thought it was amazing. The graphics are improved for PlayStation users and with a PlayStation Pro, you can experience a Pro Enhanced game for VR. It is $39.99 on both platforms.
Beat Saber
Beat Saber is a must-buy for the folks who love to pass their time by just listening to music. It combines the fun of swinging a lightsaber with amazing music that can be expanded upon by buying more music packs. If you’re looking for a game that would engage someone who barely plays video games, this would be the game that I recommend. An easy must-have for any VR player. It is available for both the PSVR2 and the Meta Quest for $29.99.
PlayStation VR2 Only
Switchback VR
This was the first game that I purchased for the PSVR2 and I loved every minute of it. It is a horror game on a roller coaster. You shoot at zombies, monsters and machines to save lives and get out of the hell that you are in. The game has a plot with a twist. It is the best iteration of a VR game in which your only task is to shoot your guns. It is an actual horror game with some good jump scares. It is best played sitting down in a swivel chair. It is available for the fine price of $29.99 in the PlayStation Store
Synapse
This is a sci-fi shooter that builds upon those PlayStation 5 exclusives that restarted you from the very beginning every time you died. If you think that would detract from the possible fun, you would be wrong. It provides a fun experience every time. And when you finally beat the game, there is additional content to bring you back. This game is available for $34.99, but it is also free to download with a PlayStation Premium subscription.
Gran Turismo
While Microsoft Flight Simulator is available exclusively for VR with a PC set up, this is the ultimate driving experience in a VR headset. If you want to go one step further to provide the ultimate immersive experience, you could purchase the steering wheel, pedals, stick and uniquely built gaming chair for driving. It would probably run you an additional $250 to do that, but I bet Bob, my editor in chief, would recommend that because nothing demonstrates freedom more than capitalism. (Please note, I did not ask Bob that, but I am sure that he would agree.) The game has both a campaign and multiplayer mode to keep you going for hours on end. Gran Turismo is available for the PSVR2 for $69.99. I highly recommend it, and I bet Bob would too even though he has never played the game or reviewed this list.
Horizon: Call of the Mountain
Admittedly, I have never played any Horizon game before this one. However, it got me very interested in the franchise. This game is available in a PSVR2 bundle, or can be purchased separately. I loved the campaign. It demonstrated the full breadth in capability of the PSVR2 headset, and the gameplay is equally as exciting. It is available for $59.99 in the PlayStation store or can be purchased when buying the PSVR2 headset.
Resident Evil: Village
I only played the trial version of this because I purchased and beat the game on the Xbox Series X when it first came out. With that said, this is one game that I did not play or beat to completion that deserved to make the list. The VR game has essentially the same high-quality graphics whether playing on Series X or the PS5 in a VR headset. I highly recommend it for those looking for a full-length game for console for a VR headset. It is available for $39.99 but can be frequently found on sale for $15.99.
Madison VR
Madison VR will be available for Meta Quest headsets sometime this year, but it currently is only available for the PSVR2. This game is scary. The jump scares and eerie environment make it a thrilling game for horror VR fans. It is one of the few vr video games that shows the potential of horror for VR. While it is a game that you will likely only play once, once is enough for a memorable experience. It is available for $34.99, but it can be found on sale with a decent amount of frequency.
Meta Quest 3 or 3S Only
Asgard’s Wrath 2
This game was available in a bundle with the first purchases for the Meta Quest 3 and is available for free with a Meta Quest Plus subscription. It demonstrates what I felt has always been solid about the Quest headset, a game with a great story with larger-than-life action. It is a story about an immortal god who helps an Egyptian mortal achieve his goal against the gods. The game is available for $59.99.
Batman: Arkham Shadow
Batman Arkham VR might have been one of the most pointless VR games ever made. It was a cash grab using an IP that was going to inspire folks to buy the game based on name recognition alone. Batman: Arkham Shadow more than makes up for that release. If you considered playing any game in the Arkham series in VR, this is the experience that you waited for. You are Batman delivering senseless beatdowns on Gotham’s villains in true comic book fashion. The plot is easily one of my favorite aspects of this game, because it harkened me back to Batman The Animated Series. If you were unable to get the Quest 3 bundle that provided this game with the purchase of a headset, definitely head to the Meta Quest 3 store to buy it for $ 49.99.
Warplanes: Air Corp & Warplanes: WW1 Fighters
These titles are sold separately, and the missions are endless. You just keep buying airplanes and blowing things out of the sky. You have the chance to fly an A-10 Warthog, an F-35, an Osprey, and a slew of modern military aircraft in Warplanes: Air Corp. The Warthog even went brrrrttttt when I fired. Warplanes WW1 Fighters might not seem as fun when you have the option to use modern military aircraft in Air Corp, but both games do a fantastic job of providing endless fun. I am sure after playing a session of either game, you will settle for nothing less than a glass of water, because bottled water is not for pilots. Warplanes: Air Corp is available for $19.99, and Warplanes: WW1 Fighters is available for $19.99 as well in the Meta Quest store.
Available for PSVR, but will always be available on the Meta Quest Platform
The games listed below are not exclusives to either console, but are unplayable using a PSVR2. If you own a Meta Quest 3 or 3s, I would highly recommend the games below.
Vader Immortal Series
There are three Vader Immortal episodes. All three are amazing. There is even the option to try your lightsaber skills in a minigame available with each Vader Immortal release. The entire series gives you a fantastic story about the protagonist, but it provides a great deal of understanding of what happened to Anakin Skywalker when he became Darth Vader after the events of Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith. If you own the PSVR and haven’t played it, I would recommend it. The entire series is available for the PSVR for $29.99, and each episode in the series is available for $9.99 in the Meta Quest store.
Star Trek: Bridge Crew
I am a Trekkie. I will not say that this series is meant for every gamer. In fact, I would argue that this game appeals strictly to Star Trek fans. If you ever wanted to be the captain on the bridge, waste no time and command your ship through space battles and missions of exploration in Star Trek: Bridge Crew. It is available for the PSVR for $24.99, and $ 29.99 in the Meta Quest store. It is also available for free with a PlayStation subscription and a recent update allows you to play the game without a headset.
Paranormal Activity: The Lost Souls
As we reach the bottom of the list, you may have noticed that I am a fan of horror VR games. This game is perfect for those who would enjoy playing a horror game as opposed to watching a horror movie. It is not a long game, providing a few hours of entertainment, but it is solid enough to recommend buying. It is available for the PSVR for $29.99 and $19.99 in the Quest store.
These are not the only games available on either platform, and there are plenty of other games worth mentioning. However, I wanted to provide a new user of VR gaming a comprehensive list of games that would not disappoint. I hope this list helps.