Top 5 The Best VR Games for 2023
Astro bot rescue mission
Best for Casual, Controller-Based Platforming
Platform: PlayStation VR
Why We Picked It
This colorful action-platformer puts you in control of the titular Astro, a cute, blue-eyed robot tasked with rescuing his mechanical compatriots who’ve been scattered across space. The game offers 20 story levels packed with platforming conundrums, epic bosses, and 26 bonus challenges to complete, which is enough content to keep you entertained for a long time. The VR elevates the platforming action by giving you richly detailed, 360-degree worlds, as well as unique, VR aiming mechanics that feature a hook shot, water gun, throwing stars, and other secondary weapons.
Beat Saber
Best for Guitar Hero Fans
Platforms: HTC Vive; Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift and Rift S; PlayStation VR; PlayStation VR2; Valve Index; Windows Mixed Reality
Why We Picked It
Beat Saber is a rhythm game with an active twist. The setup is similar to other music games, such as Audio surf, Guitar Hero, and Rock Band, but instead of controlling a virtual ship or using fake instruments, you slash your way through a song with virtual laser swords. As the music plays, Beat Saber generates patterns of color-coded blocks that you must hit with the right or left controller as they slide towards you. Obstacles also appear that require you to duck or slide away.
Blade and Sorcery
Platforms: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and Rift S, Valve Index, Windows Mixed Reality
Why We Picked It
Blade and Sorcery combines great physics with intuitive action to give each of your swings heft and feedback without feeling too restrictive or realistic. Add to that a telekinetic ability to summon weapons to you, blast rubble with cannon-like force, or shoot lightning from your hands, and you have a thrilling, hilarious, and utterly satisfying combat simulator to enjoy in VR. The game features extensive mod support that keeps things fresh.
Elite: Dangerous
Best for Narrative-Focused Role Playing
Why We Picked It
You play as an AI entity named Jack that’s tasked with assisting your captain in unraveling a dangerous mystery. Lone Echo takes place on a space station orbiting Saturn’s rings, and features photorealistic visuals, freeform movement, and excellently tuned VR controls. It also features interactive dialogue options to shape the narrative.