Our favorite VR Hockey Games

Zornitsa Vuteva 2 years ago 0 720

Sports games are fascinating to both play and watch, however, they all require a great physical shape and set of skills, which can only be attained after years of dedicated training. Hockey is a great example of a sport that is not as popular worldwide and demands a well-maintained ice rink as the playing field. Virtual reality enables everyone with a headset to experience a small part of how the game of hockey is being played without the need to leave their home. Here, we’ve selected some of the most realistic hockey game simulators in VR.

Key Takeaways

VR hockey games provide opportunities for skill improvement through training drills and practice in shooting, stickhandling, passing, and other hockey techniques.
Some VR Hockey Games have gained professional endorsement from NHL teams and USA Hockey, making them a reliable and effective training tool.
VR Hockey Games offers a variety of gameplay, with different modes and options that allow players to upgrade their skills, challenge themselves, and experience the thrill of playing a real hockey game.

How do we choose the best VR Hockey games?

The following selection of hockey titles has been chosen based on the following criteria:

The realism of the simulation – hockey is a sport that is being played with specific equipment pieces on ice, which is why it is paramount that the VR game has captured the realism of the environment and the physical movements.
Different game modes – the more variety the simulation provides, the better. Multiplayer mode is the greatest perk a VR hockey game could have.
User opinion – reviews of gamers on gaming platforms and forums are always taken into consideration, as the insider information regarding gameplay highlights all the pros and cons of the product.

Here, you can find our recommendations for other similar VR games:

VR Sports Challenge

VR Sports Challenge is a sports game developed by Sanzaru Games and published by Oculus, released in 2016. The game offers a variety of sporting challenges, including hockey, football, baseball, and basketball, all playable in virtual reality. Players can immerse themselves in these sports, performing actions like throwing, catching, pitching, swinging, passing, and shooting using the innovative Oculus Touch Controllers, which provide an unprecedented level of immersion and realism.

In the hockey portion of VR Sports Challenge, players take on the role of a forward, making fast breaks towards the opposite net. The game utilizes the Touch controllers to simulate the actions of a hockey player, such as blocking shots and scoring goals. The game’s design ensures that players learn new skills and techniques as they progress, making it a fun and engaging experience.

In Meta Store the rating of the game is 3.8/5.

VR Hockey League

This virtual reality hockey game offers a truly unique experience, with its physics system and intuitive controls designed to challenge even the most novice players.

VR Hockey League enables you to challenge yourself with real hockey training drills to hone your skills. Players get to collect awards to display in the Hall of Fame and enjoy the feeling of controlling the puck and scoring goals in various ways. Tested by real hockey players, this hockey training simulator is a must-have for any hockey fan.

You can get VR Hockey League for $9.99 from SteamVR.

Hockey Player VR

Hockey Player VR allows you to experience hockey from the first point of view with 100% control and realistic physics. You can test your puck skills in online multiplayer mode with up to four players. There are four training modes to help you master the game, and leaderboards and voice chat to make it even more competitive.

To become a true master, you must be prepared to put in the hours in the virtual hockey arena. With its realistic physics, Hockey Player VR gives you the chance to develop your own tactics and tricks.

The game costs $4.99 and can be purchased from both SteamVR and Meta Store.

Hockey VR

Developed by Melcher Studios, this realistic physics-based simulation game allows you to use an actual hockey stick to play.

It helps you practice shooting, stickhandling, and passing so you can become a better player in no time. With HockeyVR, you can practice in the comfort of your own home, and it only takes a few minutes a day to see an improvement in your game.

The RealStick is an add-on that could be attached to either your controller or personal hockey stick, and it makes shooting more accurate. However, it is not required for regular gaming.

HockeyVR supports Oculus Quest and Rift headsets and can be purchased from the Meta Store for $3.99.

Pick-up League Hockey

Pick-up League Hockey offers realistic skating physics, full-size rinks, haptic controller feedback, shooting and puck-handling practice, body checking, and dedicated servers.

It’s available for Oculus Quest, Rift, and other VR platforms and is praised for its immersive hockey experience. With regular updates based on community feedback, you can enjoy a full-scale VR hockey experience.

Plus, the game is ideal for 3 vs 3 players, so you can always find a match and hone your skills.

Keep in mind that Pick-up League Hockey is still in development and thus is available only through Meta’s App Lab. The game can be purchased for $3.99 on Oculus Store, where it has a 4.2/5 rating.

NHL Sense Arena

Endorsed by NHL teams and USA Hockey player development directors, NHL Sense Arena offers Elite VR Training, Drills and Training Plans, and Competitive Modes. Compatible with Oculus Quest VR headset and standard hockey equipment, it’s been used by five NHL teams and is the official training tool of USA Hockey.

Over 26,000 users from 40 countries have participated in more than 2 million drills. With annual and monthly membership options, you can access unlimited access to drills, training plans, and competitive modes.

NHL Sense Arena is free to play and is available through Meta’s App Lab.

Hockey Shooter VR

Hockey Shooter VR allows you to experience the thrill of playing hockey in a stadium by yourself. You get to upgrade your skills with five different game modes.

The Free Play mode lets you skate, trick, and score goals with no limits.

Target Practice and Long Range modes help you practice shooting accuracy and long shots, respectively.

Obstacle Course mode is perfect for those seeking a challenge, while Goalie mode tests your reflexes.

Hockey Shooter VR can be bought from SteamVR for $7.99 or from Oculus Store for $3.99.

Do VR hockey games help on the ice?

VR hockey games can provide several benefits to help improve on-ice skills and abilities. They can enhance decision-making and systems, improve cognitive skills, and allow users to train in confined spaces.

However, they may not capture the nuances of actually playing on ice or provide the same level of technical skill improvement as traditional training.

Therefore, it’s best to use VR hockey games as an augmentation to traditional training methods. This way, you can benefit from the advantages of both and maximize your on-ice performance.

Conclusion

VR hockey games are an exciting way to get a taste of the action without having to lace up skates. Whether you’re looking to hone your skills or just have a good time, there’s a virtual hockey game that would suit your needs.

It’s a great way to add a little fun to any hockey fan’s life, and who knows – you might even pick up a few tips to take with you onto the ice.

However, it is important to keep in mind that even if you do really well in the virtual game, you may face difficulties on the real ice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Hardware Is Required to Play VR Hockey Games?

To play VR hockey games, you’ll need a gaming console, VR headset, and motion controllers. Depending on the game, optional accessories like a camera or additional controllers may be required.

What Is the Cost of VR Hockey Games?

The cost of VR hockey games varies and can range from free to $10.

Are There Online Multiplayer Features Available in Any of the VR Hockey Games?

Yes, there are online multiplayer features available for games like VR Hockey Player.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Playing VR Hockey Games?

Most VR hockey games do not have age restrictions, however it is recommended that young children be supervised while playing.

Are There Any VR Hockey Games That Offer a Tutorial Mode?

Yes, Hockey Shooter VR offers a free tutorial mode.