Zornitsa Vuteva If you are looking for a spine-tingling, heart-pounding gaming experience, then VR is the best way to make the most out of horror games. With its advanced 360-degree graphics, immersive audio, and life-like environments, VR horror games offer players an unconventional way to fully experience any form of thrill. The following games are some of the most highly reviewed and best-in-performance VR horror games, which should be added to anyone’s to-play list.
Key Takeaways
- VR tech is capable of turning anything imaginary into a thrilling experience. That’s why the development of new horror games is highly anticipated, as players always expect improved graphics and game plots.
- Some of the most popular VR horror games involve hunting ghosts, exploring dungeons, and hiding from terrifying creatures and evil spirits.
Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia is an early-access horror game available on SteamVR. The main goal of the game is to hunt ghosts. With up to four players in the game and a variety of ghost types, each playthrough is unique.
You can use EMF meters and night vision cameras to record supernatural occurrences, and voice recognition allows you to summon ghosts by saying their names.
You can also switch between 2D and VR modes for the ultimate experience. With 22 equipment pieces, 7 maps, and 5 default difficulties, Phasmophobia offers plenty of options for horror fans.
The Forest
The Forest is a game that allows the player to feel the terror of surviving in a hostile environment. Owned by Valve Corporation, this game contains intense violence, blood and gore, horror themes, and occasional nudity, making it unsuitable for young players. The goal is to not allow the mysterious creature in the forest to get you.
It’s available on Steam, where you can purchase it at a 75% discount for $4.99.
Dreadhalls
The horror game Dreadhalls is set in a massive dungeon, where the procedurally generated levels and light-based defense system will keep you on your toes as you explore and try to survive.
With no weapons to protect yourself, you must rely on your wits and speed to outrun the terrifying creatures. Dreadhalls has proven to be a must-have for horror fans, with 73% of reviewers giving it a 5-star rating on Meta Store.
For only $9.99, you can purchase the game on Meta Store and SteamVR.
Escape the backrooms
Escape the Backrooms is the perfect escape room-style horror experience in virtual reality.
Up to four players can explore 20+ unique levels based on backroom creepypasta lore and must avoid 12 hostile entities with unique mechanics.
This is an early-access game available on SteamVR. Instant access and regular content updates make this game an exciting and ever-evolving experience. With minimal user interfaces, the focus remains on the thrilling atmosphere of the backrooms.
After the Fall
After the Fall is an intense VR co-op shooter horror game that puts you and up to three friends in the middle of a Peter Jackson-style splatter movie. You get to choose from a variety of weapons and explore a large open-world map as you battle and slay hordes of undead monsters. Voice chat encourages cooperation and strategizing.
After the Fall launched in April 2022 and has since released several new game modes and maps. It’s a great way to experience intense horror with friends, no matter what VR platform they use – SteamVR, Playstation VR, Playstation VR 2, or Meta Quest 2.
Currently, the game is priced at $29.99.
Forewarned
Forewarned is a 1-4 player VR horror game set in ancient Egyptian tombs. Players must investigate phenomena, collect treasure, discover lore, and survive danger. It features PC & VR crossplay, in-game voice chat, customizable character creation, procedurally generated tombs, equipment purchasing and upgrading, and AI with particular strengths and weaknesses.
To complete an expedition, players must banish the Mejai, a ritual that can be found in the game.
Forewarned can be found on SteamVR for $9.09.
Affected: The Manor
Affected: The Manor – Complete Edition is a virtual reality game for Meta Quest 2. It offers a thrilling and terrifying experience through the exploration of a haunted manor, which has way too many secrets to be uncovered.
The game features realistic graphics, immersive sound design, jump scares, and multiple endings, making it a worthwhile purchase at only $9.99.
Jurassic World Aftermath
Jurassic World Aftermath is a virtual reality game that immerses players in the world of Jurassic World. With Oculus VR, gamers can experience full 360-degree movement, hand-tracking, gesture recognition, and spatial audio.
Additionally, the game provides a range of weapons, tools, stealth and strategy elements, resource management, puzzles and obstacles, and familiar locations from the franchise. Plus, regular updates, support, online communities, and competitive leaderboards keep players engaged.
Although it’s free on Meta Store, it may not always be available for download, as Meta has reported to be working on technical issues regarding the performance of the game.
Cosmodread
You’re stranded on an abandoned spaceship and must explore to find a way home in Cosmodread, a roguelike virtual reality horror game developed by VR expert Sergio Hidalgo.
Combining the thrills of Event Horizon and Dead Space, you’ll discover messages left behind by the missing crew to uncover what happened. Randomized inventory, room layout, and enemy distribution mean a new, unpredictable story awaits with each playthrough.
You’ll have to be ready to battle a sinister alien matter infecting the ship, and more.
Cosmodread is available on Meta Store and SteamVR for just $14.99
A Chair in a Room: Greenwater
Featuring a gripping narrative about familial abuse and mental instability, A Chair in a Room: Greenwater is a must-play for anyone looking for a chilling horror VR experience inspired by American gothic.
Utilizing room-scale technology, the game allows you to physically move around the environment and explore a brightly lit hospital setting with mysterious dark visions.
Players have to find medication to suppress haunting figures, search for hidden notes to unlock the dark events that led to institutionalization and uncover souvenirs with no memories. It includes a remastered soundtrack, additional cues and clues to assist with puzzles and story progression, smoother gameplay and faster loading, achievements, cloud saves, and a free DLC.
Available on the PS Store, HTC Vive / SteamVR, Oculus Rift, and PlayStation VR, A Chair in a Room: Greenwater is a must-have VR horror game that comes at the cost of $24.99.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for something subtle or something that’ll make your heart race, these horror VR games will definitely leave you feeling terrified.
From the jump-scares of Phasmophobia to the suspense of Affected: The Manor, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on any VR horror game deals on SteamVR, especially during the spooky season. This is the perfect opportunity to get your hands on a life-like horror experience that will test your level of sanity without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Hardware Do I Need to Play Horror VR Games?
To experience horror VR games, you’ll need a VR headset, such as an Oculus, HTC Vive, or a PlayStation VR.
Are Any of These Horror VR Games Suitable for Younger Audiences?
All of the mentioned VR games are designed for a more mature audience and are not suitable for younger players.
How Much Do Horror VR Games Typically Cost?
The cost of horror VR games varies, from as little as $10 to $30.
Are There Any Horror VR Games With Multiplayer Capabilities?
Yes, most of the featured games support multiplayer mode.
Are There Any Free Horror VR Games Available?
Yes, early access games like Phasmophobia are free.
