Want to get in on the VR action but need a rest from shooters? Take a look at our list of the best VR action games.
Yes, a lot of VR’s best combat takes place with a gun in-hand, but it’s also true that there are tons of incredible action games that don’t have you aiming down the sights. These aren’t necessarily combo-building button mashers (though we do have a bit of that) but games with fantastic action mechanics sewn into the overall adventure.
To be absolutely clear, our definition of action games here means combat-oriented VR titles that aren’t strictly focused on shooting. We have a list of the best VR shooters right here, but we also wanted a list that focused on action outside of just pulling a trigger, so you’ll see some crossover with FPS titles — along with other genres — but games in which the primary mechanic is firing a gun aren’t applicable. So, no, Half-Life: Alyx isn’t winning this one!
As always, you’ll find these best VR action games on Steam, theOculus StoreandPlayStation Storewhere applicable.
Best VR Action Games
10. Star Wars: Vader Immortal Lightsaber Dojo – Quest, PSVR, Rift/Link | Star Wars: Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge – Quest
Somewhere in between all the story-driven sequencing, there is something resembling an action experience in these two big budget Star Wars VR titles. While Vader Immortal’s story earns it a place in our list of best VR movies and experiences, the Lightsaber Dojo is more than worth the price of entry for those wanting a demanding lightsaber game that really delivers on the Jedi dream. Tales From The Galaxy’s Edge also has some great setpieces that Force fans won’t want to miss.
Read More: Star Wars: Vader Immortal Review
9. Chronos – Rift/Link
If you’re looking for a traditional action game akin to the original God of War games then Chronos is probably as close as you can get. It’s a full third-person action game in which you tackle a mysterious labyrinth with a sword and shield in hand. Granted it’s not the most compelling exploration of VR’s potential and the combat is closer to Zelda than, say, Devil May Cry, but if you’re looking for a traditional action experience, Chronos is a safe bet.
Read More: Chronos Review
8. Moss – Quest, PSVR, PC VR
We’re throwing Moss into this list mainly on the same grounds as Chronos – it’s a lot closer to your traditional third-person action game than most of the other entries on the list. And it’s a great experience, but it also has a heavy emphasis on platforming, meaning combat isn’t quite as big of a focus as other entries on the list. It’s still definitely worth checking out with Moss 2 on the way, though.
Read More: Moss Review
7. Blade And Sorcery – PC VR | Blade And Sorcery: Nomad – Quest 2
There’s going to be a bit of a trend in the second half of this list that might indicate what we feel makes a truly great VR action game. And it starts with Blade And Sorcery, an incredibly complex and thrilling sandbox combat simulator that offers some of the most realistic swordplay you’ll find in VR today. The game is still very much in early access, with huge updates arriving a few times a year. We’d expect Blade And Sorcery to climb the ranks of this list once it’s a ‘finished’ experience, but it’s already one of the best VR action games.
Read More: Blade And Sorcery: Nomad Review
6. Iron Man VR – PSVR
There are some technical troubles that hold this ambitious superhero sim back but, once you get over those, Iron Man VR is an absolutely thrilling action experience. Developer Camouflaj went out of its way to not just make the flying feel natural on PSVR but also deliver a deliberate and meticulous combat system that’s equal parts empowering and demanding. Add that up and you have a PSVR exclusive that’s still worth seeking out today.
Read More: Iron Man VR Review
5. In Death – PSVR, PC VR | In Death: Unchained – Quest
You could argue that In Death: Unchained belongs on the shooter list more than it does an action game but we’d argue that process of firing a bow and arrow over and over again is a much more physical experience more akin to melee combat than just pointing a gun and firing. With that in-mind the game earns a comfortable spot in our list of best VR action games thanks to its moreish roguelite gameplay that’s tough to master but incredibly rewarding once you find your flow. If you can, grab Quest’s newer Unchained edition, which is still being updated with new content not available on PSVR and PC VR.
Read More: In Death: Unchained Review
4. Gorn – Quest, PSVR, PC VR
Gorn is a physics funhouse from the developers behind games like Broforce. It’s a slapstick gladiator sim that’s unapologetically gory, allowing you to dismember meatheaded opponents with a huge range of weaponry. Things quickly get messy, with limbs lopped off and eyeballs rolling around, but it’s too comic in nature gor you to ever find it anything more than hilarious. Though it’s ultimately quite comparable to a game like Blade And Sorcery (and many may prefer the latter’s more realistic combat), it’s the fun level structure that slowly introduces you to new weapons that gives Gorn the edge in our list of the best VR action games.
Read More: Gorn Review
3. Until You Fall – Quest, PSVR, PC VR
Until You Fall might not have the physics-heavy sandbox fun of a Boneworks or Blade And Sorcery, but we’d argue that its arcade-driven approach to VR sword fighting is just as compelling, and makes for a much more cohesive game. Another roguelite adventure, this one sees you tackling runs of a dungeon, following on-screen prompts to block incoming attacks and then returning fire with your own series of deadly blows. It takes real skill to master, the progression is perfectly tuned and it’s a pretty demanding workout too. Don’t sleep on Until You Fall, it’s easily one of the best VR action games.
Read More: Until You Fall Review
2. Boneworks – PC VR
Boneworks is one of two games on this list that also features in our rundown of the best VR shooters, but it’s outside the gunplay that the game shines brightest. Whether it’s taking an axe to the head of a brainless AI zombie, using the lid of a garbage can to shield yourself from incoming bullets or swinging a robotic headcrab by its legs, the game proves revelatory in the sheer sense of freedom it provides. You’ll never forget the first time you used a crowbar in Boneworks; it shows you exactly how VR moves on from flatscreen gaming.
Read More: Boneworks Review
1. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Quest, PSVR, PC VR
Again, it’s true that Saints & Sinners has an impressive arsenal of rifles and shotguns, but anyone that’s played it knows that it’s the visceral melee mechanics that really make the experience. Stabbing a zombie’s brains in Saints & Sinners actually feels like you’re doing it and, as unsettling as that may be, it quickly proves to be a gruesome treat. It might not have quite the physical complexity of Boneworks but, for our money, it’s Saints & Sinners’ excellent campaign with multiple engaging elements that really helps it secure its place as the best VR action game.
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And that’s our list of the best VR actions games across all platforms. Do you agree with us? Would you make any changes? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
What VR game has the best combat? ›
If boxing is your chosen form of combat then there is no better VR title to pursue that with than Thrill Of the Fight. It is not only the most intense workout in VR, but also one of the most rewarding action experiences to overcome.
Are there any sword fighting games for VR? ›Developed by Trebuchet and published by Fast Travel Games, Broken Edge is a multiplayer fantasy sword-dueling action VR game where you choose your fighter and go head-to-head against another player online.
What's the best fighting game on VR Oculus realistic? ›- 1) The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners. The Walking Dead franchise needs no introduction. ...
- 2) Creed: Rise to Glory. ...
- 3) Blade & Sorcery. ...
- 4) Until You Fall. ...
- 5) Hellsplit: Arena. ...
- 6) Gorn.
| Rank | Franchise | Arcade unit sales |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Street Fighter | 500,000 |
| 2 | Virtua Fighter | 110,000+ |
| 3 | Tekken | 94,000+ |
| 4 | Mortal Kombat | 51,000+ |
Chaotic Dojo is a VR martial art dojo and self-defense experience.
Is there a VR boxing game? ›Manny Boxing VR is aimed at realistic Boxing games using virtual reality systems. If you want to enjoy Boxing through VR, Manny Boxing VR will be a choice without regret!
What is the game where you fight someone in VR? ›DAVIGO is a VR vs. PC "cross-reality" battle game. The VR player embodies a giant and faces off against 1-4 PC players in fast-paced, explosive combat!
Is there a VR lightsaber game? ›Saber Fight VR on Steam. A VR game focused on laser sword fighting. Cut your enemies and environment to pieces in a physics-based world.
Is there a VR Samurai game? ›Wrath of the Samurai is a made for VR strategy hack and slash game that takes inspiration from old hack and slash titles and implements them into virtual reality, you are a Ronin samurai pitted against thousands of enemies.
Is there a Transformers VR game? ›The ultimate family friendly VR game
Transformers: VR Battle Arena is the only attraction in the world that enables players to play as a Transformer robot. Players can choose from heroic Autobots like Autobots Bumblebee and Optimus Prime or big bad guy big bad guy Decepticons like Megatron and Soundwave.
What is the most powerful VR? ›
The HTC Vive Pro 2 remains the highest-resolution VR headset available for use at home. With 2,448 x 2,448 pixels per eye, it has all the resolution it needs to eliminate the screen door effect and give unprecedented in-game or in-software clarity for whatever VR experience you're after.
Is there a sword fighting game for Oculus? ›SWORDS of GARGANTUA on Oculus Quest | Oculus. Buy Meta Quest 2. Get two hit games included.
What does J mean in fighting games? ›It's a lot to take in on first glance, but of course, can be broken down. Parentheses mean it's optional, j. is jumping, meaning jump then do that move, dj. is double jump, and it's a little clunky, but airdash is written out. This is fairly common, though you may also see “66”.
What is the best punch in fighting? ›Most boxing enthusiasts have labeled the left hook as the most destructive punch in boxing. The science behind it is simple.
What is the biggest fighting game right now? ›1. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate. NetherRealm Studios' latest iteration of the Mortal Kombat franchise is easily the most content-rich fighting game of the last five years. The Ultimate edition wraps all of its new characters and game modes in a single package to get new players right up to speed.
Is there a Roblox in VR? ›Enhance your Roblox experience with virtual reality! Roblox supports Oculus Rift and HTC Vive on Windows PCs.
Are there any VR Police games? ›Police Enforcement VR : 1-King-27 on Steam. Police Simulator Built From The Ground Up For Virtual Reality! All Reviews: Mostly Negative (253) - 32% of the 253 user reviews for this game are positive.
Is VR available for Roblox? ›While Roblox is already compatible with various VR headsets, including Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, gamers currently need to connect their PC to a VR headset to play. The virtual world gaming platform isn't available as a Quest game.
What is the oculus killer? ›Oculus founder claims he made a VR headset that actually kills you if you die in a game. Oculus founder Palmer Luckey says he has designed a new VR headset loaded with explosives that can actually kill you: “If you die in the game, you die in real life”. - Copyright Courtesy Palmer Luckey. By Natalie Huet • 09/11/2022.
What is the oldest VR game? ›The first game that started the concept of VR games is Space Harrier 3D which used the Sega's VR-Powered Shades. The 2nd VR game that made it into the gaming world by Nintendo in 1995. The Nintendo's Virtual Boy achieved great financial success in the first quarter but slowly decline.
What VR game takes up the most space? ›
Clocking in at a whopping 121.08 GB, Asgard's Wrath is one of the largest installs out there.
Does VR boxing burn fat? ›In Thrill of the Fight — a boxing game where players punch, lunge, and duck to dodge hits — participants burned an average of 9.74 to 15.32 calories per minute, which is on par with the calories burned while rowing.
Is there a NFL VR game? ›NFL PRO ERA on Oculus Quest | Oculus. Buy Meta Quest 2. Get two hit games included.
Does NFL have VR? ›NFL PRO ERA is the first fully licensed NFL virtual reality (VR) simulation game that lets players experience what it's like to compete as the QB of their favorite NFL team. Utilizing real-time NFL game data, NFL PRO ERA is one of the most authentic and immersive first-person VR football games ever to come to market.
Is there a VR game like Minecraft? ›QuestCraft is a standalone VR port of Minecraft: Java Edition that offers players access to the full Minecraft experience in VR without the need for an expensive gaming PC.
What is the VR basketball game called? ›Pickup Basketball VR is a multiplayer VR game that lets up to 4 players play in various game modes including 1v1, 2v2, Horse and 3-point contest. Pickup Basketball VR allows players to compete online with or against friends and players from across the world.
What Roblox game has VR? ›Escape Room (VR)
Escape Room offers an incredible experience in Roblox VR if you love solving puzzles. You can use your headset to move into the first-person perspective of an individual trapped in a maze. The goal is to solve puzzles to 'escape' different rooms.
'Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge VR' to Feature Yoda in 'Temple of Darkness' Tale, Trailer Here.
What is the weirdest lightsaber? ›Lightwhip (Lady Githany and Lumiya)
Without a doubt, the weirdest weapon on this list, the Lightsaber Whip (AKA 'Lightwhip'), straddles the lines between ridiculous, ingenious, and terrifying. While seldom seen in canon, the Lightwhip saw several uses in Legends.
Even super popular series like One Piece have games that allow players to immerse themselves in VR anime worlds. The best VR games based on anime also allow new players to get into series they might not have known about before, such is the case with Zone of the Enders.
Can you play BONEWORKS in VR? ›
BONEWORKS is an Experimental Physics VR Adventure. Use found physics weapons, tools, and objects to fight across dangerous playscapes and mysterious architecture. Recent Reviews: Very Positive (276) - 91% of the 276 user reviews in the last 30 days are positive.
Is there a Batman VR? ›Batman: Arkham VR is an adventure game played from a first-person perspective using PlayStation VR, HTC Vive, or Oculus Rift virtual reality headsets and associated controllers to see through the eyes of the playable character, Batman.
Is there a Batman VR game? ›Batman™: Arkham VR immerses you in the Dark Knight's Universe and redefines what it means to be the Batman. Experience Gotham City through the eyes of the World's Greatest Detective in an all new Arkham mystery. Think like Batman.
Is there a Batman game for Oculus? ›Batman™: Arkham VR on Oculus Rift | Oculus.
Is VR good for your brain? ›Just like with any other technology, overexposure to VR can lead to increased alterations in the brain, resulting in headaches and nausea.
What is the most popular VR world? ›- World of Warcraft (VR) ...
- Minecraft. ...
- Somnium Space. ...
- Upland. ...
- Otherside (VR World) ...
- Voxels. ...
- Decentraland VR World. ...
- Roblox VR World. This massive VR world contains over 40 million user-generated games and has around 200 million active users.
There are no known long-term eye development effects from VR. However, there is a potential risk between too much screen time and myopia progression. Myopia, an eye condition causing blurry distance vision, is a growing concern for health professionals.
Can VR train soldiers? ›Virtual reality allows soldiers to train for real situation without risks, with feel-real weapons and vehicles. In a simulation, any equipment can be created in the virtual platform. You can even add tracking devices with haptic feedbacks to give the trainees a more natural training experience.
What is the VR game where you can fight? ›Vr Immortal Fight game brings the original fighting experience with fun and addictive gameplay. This is a first-person fighting VR game. The main character will have to fight completely different opponents using tactics and strategy.
What is the goriest game on VR? ›Take on the role of a heartless killer for hire and see why Blood Trail has come to be known as "the most violent game in VR".
What RPG has the best combat? ›
- Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning. ...
- Dragon Age: Origins.
- Cyberpunk 2077. ...
- Yakuza: Like a Dragon. ...
- NieR: Automata. ...
- Elden Ring and the Soulsborne franchise. ...
- Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen.
The Vive Pro 2 has the crispest screen we've tried (though you'll need a powerful computer to max out its abilities), while the Valve Index Controllers combine comfort with the best hand tracking we've experienced. Together, they provide an especially immersive VR experience.