Virtual reality has come a long way since the days of tech demos used as proof of concept. As the gaming industry continues to struggle and VR developers adapt even more so to changing tastes, for all the successful free-to-play Gorilla Tag clones aimed at kids, there have been incredible achievements as well. All platforms have been covered in one way or another, from the major players—Meta Quest, PlayStation VR2, and even Apple Vision Pro. Steam VR, now with its brand-new dedicated headset known as the Steam Frame arriving next year, is also sure to inject a much-needed boost to the VR economy.
Who knew that the MOBA genre adapted to VR could work so well? Or that Hitman would come back with a vengeance, finally putting to rest the clamoring to deliver an immersive experience worthy of Agent 47? Some other ideas write themselves, like recreating the pirate’s life in their Golden Age. Meta managed once again to launch a satisfying AAA adventure with the Merc with a Mouth’s latest romp, which, after last year’s Batman Arkham Shadow, had big shoes to fill. New IPs, old franchises resurrected, and the ongoing support of converting flatscreen games to virtual reality—it’s all here.
Without further ado, these are the best VR games of 2025:
The Pirate: Republic of Nassau
Imagine you could put yourself in the well-worn boots of a maritime outlaw in the 17th-century Caribbean. Known as the most profitable time for these mythical criminals, The Pirate: Republic of Nassau has you swashbuckling, diving for treasure, and engaging in naval combat to build your archipelago empire. Rubbing elbows with legendary icons like Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and John Rackham, the gameplay loop of looting, upgrading your ship, and so on proves a satisfying way to live your pirate dream.
Compared to Tim Burton’s art style, The Midnight Walk is one of the visual standouts of the year. Dubbed a “dark adventure,” with the emphasis on a profound narrative of shadow and light, it is not a straightforward horror game, but it has its eerie moments. One of the advantages of playing this one in VR is because there really isn’t something quite like it, only heightened by its stealth sequences. Handcrafted landscapes and characters with real clay animated in stop motion portray a unique world that fans of The Nightmare Before Christmas will love.
From the makers of The Room VR: A Dark Matter, this impeccable supernatural puzzle game has an intricate narrative that deserves to be played. A graphical delight compounded by clever made-for-VR interactions, this murder mystery takes you across the United Kingdom. Piecing together tidbits of information akin to the best thrillers out there, Ghost Town is so deftly presented that it is one of those games flatscreen players feel jealous about.
Hitman: World of Assassination
They say the third time’s the charm, and oh, is it right in this case. Hitman: World of Assassination had two failed attempts at bringing the iconic bald killer to VR with Part One originally on PSVR and Hitman 3: Reloaded for Meta Quest. Now in a definitive package, with all three games exclusive features and locations available for PSVR2 and Steam VR, this entry is arguably not only one of the best to play in the series. It is also a top-tier showcase of the technology. Sneakily hiding bodies has never been so nerve-wracking. In my case, playing at a poker table face-to-face against Le Chiffre from 007: Casino Royale felt extremely surreal. I can only think about what the new Eminem mission will be like in VR.
The MOBA genre is one that has transcended into its own, thanks in no small part to League of Legends. To have a brave new studio adapt this concept seems daunting on paper, but in practice it is such a brilliant idea I am surprised they pulled it off so well. With a roster of cartoony characters, each with their weapons and abilities, no two movesets are the same. Slinging daggers, pulling arrows from a bow, or shooting a machine gun all have their different pros and cons. Learning the ropes to finally earn a win is unmatched.
From the studio that made Tetris Effect Connected, Lumines Arise is more than a puzzle game. It’s a veritable feast to the senses. Although technically playable on a flatscreen, the particle effects, truly tridimensional perspective, and elements that pop out of each level make playing it on VR the superior experience. Every level made a spectacle thanks to its dazzling art style and pumping soundtrack; this is one game that recreates synesthesia beautifully.
Inspired by action spy thrillers, Reach is the most recent work from acclaimed developer & publisher nDreams. With riveting titles like Ghostbuster: Rise of the Ghost Lord, Fracked, and Synapse, the moment-to-moment gameplay involves climbing, shooting, and parkouring across nonstop explosive set pieces. Few games like Reach make you feel that weightiness while swifting through each level.
Wanderer: The Fragments of Fate
A remake of Wanderer, The Fragments of Fate is a time-traveling action-adventure game. Offering flexible environments, from a music festival in the 1960s all the way to the moon. Taking advantage of high-fidelity graphics after a rocky launch, Wanderer: The Fragments of Fate will have you shooting enemies, solving puzzles, and piecing together an intriguing story. There is also a direct sequel in the works.
Flat2VR is a studio that had been working tirelessly converting every flatscreen game under the sun to VR with mods, but now they are an official publisher trying to do the same. With Trombone Champ Unflattened, Surviving Mars Pioneer, and Half-Life 2 VR under their belt, Roboquest VR feels like a natural evolution of the roguelike action game. Relentlessly fighting round after round against hordes of robots, the impactful details added to the gameplay make it a fast-paced, thrilling challenge. Especially during the boss fights.
Authentically recreating the world of Thief for virtual reality, this new entry in the famously dormant franchise does wonders to give it a second wind. Now playing as Magpie, the dark streets of a medieval setting are yours to conquer. With a distinct focus on stealth, being able to blow out candles to stay in cover with your mouth is a brilliant implementation of the technology. Astounding graphics and crunchy, parry-based combat round out a seriously great package.
Glassbreakers: Champions of Moss
Set in the universe of the critically acclaimed Moss series, Glassbreakers is a fast-paced VR tabletop that keeps all the charm and introduces a satisfying round-based progression system. Multiple team compositions against competitive online players put players to the test of their abilities with new characters and protagonist Quill’s very own companions. To see the award-winning animations of the previous Moss games so naturally adapted to these gorgeous arenas is as fitting as it is fun.
A true marvel of 2025, Arken Age shows the true immersion only VR can offer. Evoking influences of Metroid Prime, this sprawling action-adventure delivers over 15 hours of gameplay in a tech-nature mashup of a landscape known as the Bio-Chasm. Fulfilling physics-based combat with both swords and firearms, there is always more than one way to engage with the enemy. An ingenious way to explore the world, there are two integrated climbing picks for each hand that make this from-the-ground-up VR experience a must-play. This year or any other year.
Like clockwork, Meta Quest’s annual AAA release was all about Deadpool this time around. Pulling no punches, the pumping action is exhilarating. Some scenes put even veterans to the test, with neck-breaking sequences that achieve fantastic results at showcasing what the technology can do when in the right hands. Easter eggs, cameos, and the well-known fourth-wall breaking are all here, as expected from the Merc with a Mouth. Hell, even actor Neil Patrick Harris does an impressive job as the titular character. If you are a fan of Marvel, and even more so of Deadpool, this one’s a no-brainer.
And there you have it! Virtual reality excels because it demands your full attention, and the games provided make the most of it. While VR is still a niche for many, the consistent releases throughout this year give hope for the future. And for those curious for novel experiences, there is always the chance of trying something new.
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