15 Best VR/AR Games to Get for 2023

Virtual and augmented reality (VR and AR) are no longer far-off sci-fi concepts — they're the real deal and here to stay. Consumers love immersive experiences, and meanwhile, tech titans such as Sony, Meta, and Valve are hoping to cash in on this blossoming popularity to capture the hearts, minds, and dollars of the gaming masses.

While there’s still a long way to go before VR and AR gaming can hope to supplant traditional single-player experiences, there are plenty of games blazing a trail toward that future. From the Meta Quest 2 to the Pico Neo 3 Link and, of course, Valve’s Index, there’s no shortage of options. 

The Best VR Games

Getting the right headset is only the first step; now, it's time to load them with the best VR games. We've highlighted these below, drawing on feedback from industry insiders, not to mention enthusiastic reviews from today's most passionate gamers.

Superhot VR

Like most games on this list, Superhot made its initial splash as a console and PC gem. This time, the manipulating first-person shooter oozes with style. Better yet, the virtual reality functionality gives players an unprecedented level of control. 

Beat Saber

Available on every popular VR platform, Beat Saber has players slicing and dicing objects to the beat and rhythm of the music. Think Guitar Hero meets a Star Wars lightsaber battle, and you’ve got a good idea of the fun served up by Beat Saber.

Elite: Dangerous VR

While there are plenty of space exploration titles available for gamers to choose from, Elite: Dangerous VR stands out from most. The visuals are incredible, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the VR experience. Gamers looking for a realistic space simulator and a demo-worthy title they can show to VR beginners should definitely check out this title.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR

Bethesda’s immensely popular single-player RPG is now available in VR, giving adventure game fans a massive world to explore. Gamers have packed the VR version with a variety of mods that improve gameplay and iron out some of the rough bits that Bethesda games are known for.

No Man’s Sky

After a rocky initial launch, No Man’s Sky has become one of the biggest success stories in gaming history. Newly added VR support breathed new life into this fan-favorite open-world space adventure game, which is currently available on both PSVR headsets, plus SteamVR, and other PC VR platforms.

Pistol Whip

If Superhot VR and Beat Saber had a child, they would call it Pistol Whip. In this free-running, dual-wielding, first-person shoot ‘em up/rhythm game, players rack up high scores by timing their shots along with the music. It’s a fantastic formula and can be experienced on a variety of Oculus headsets, along with Sony’s original PlayStation VR headset.

Resident Evil 4

Capcom’s classic shooter was ported to VR in 2021 — and it still feels incredibly modern despite the original title release, way back in 2005. It’s a testament to the tense, crowd-controlled gameplay and perfect pacing that keeps gamers surging ahead. RE4 is currently available on Steam for every Oculus headset, as well as the HTC Vive and PSVR. What's more, Capcom’s 2023 remake is also poised to hit PlayStation VR2 as a free DLC update.

Half-Life: Alyx

For more than a decade, Half-Life fans have begged Valve for a new entry in the adventures of Gordon Freeman. Instead, Valve surprised everyone with a spin-off title focusing on the exploits of Alyx Vance — a popular sidekick featured in Half-Life 2. Reviews on Steam have been overwhelmingly positive, so this PC VR title has made the wait for Half-Life 3 a bit easier to tolerate. 

Star Wars: Squadrons

One of the most popular VR experiences on the original PlayStation VR, Star Wars: Squadrons puts players into the cockpit of their favorite TIE fighter or X-wing for some intergalactic space combat. Grab a friend and experience the rush of a multiplayer dogfight in this excellent entry in the Star Wars video game franchise.

Horizon: Call of the Mountain

One of the few titles on this list that’s exclusive to a single platform, Horizon: Call of the Mountain serves as a showcase game in the PSVR 2 lineup. Boasting incredible visuals powered by the PlayStation 5 console, gamers will find themselves scaling impressive peaks and firing off shots with their bow as they battle against imposing mecha-dinosaurs.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

VR gaming had not yet taken off in 2017 when most experiences felt more like simple mini-games and tech demos than fully fleshed-out games. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard changed all that, as it offered the complete RE experience in virtual reality form. It was one of the first games to prove that a lengthy, single-player adventure could be enjoyed in VR without sacrifices. To this day, it remains one of the scariest horror games ever made.

Minecraft VR

Anyone not familiar with Minecraft at this point must be congratulated, as they are obviously from the distant past and have time traveled their way into the present day. A multimedia and pop culture phenomenon, Minecraft on VR is exactly what this gaming phenom delivers — and that’s absolutely perfect.

The Best Augmented Reality Crossovers

Augmented Reality games take the real world around the player and add interactive elements to great effect. It’s an exciting way to interact with the world, but some games do the concept more justice than others. The following are among the best available today:

Blaston

Multiplayer arena combat is the name of the game in Blaston, which recently received an AR update for Oculus Quest 2 that allows players to see the real world around them. It’s a fun addition to a game in which space is crucial for dodging incoming projectiles.

Cubism

A minimalist 3D puzzle game in which you stack and arrange blocks, Cubism is easy to learn but difficult to master. However, AR is more of a novelty than a game-changing addition, but it’s still a cool feature that brings something fresh to an otherwise bare-bones experience.

Custom Home Mapper

Without a doubt, the best use of AR on this list, Custom Home Mapper allows players to turn their own living space into a VR playground. Mini-games such as Tiny Golf, Castle Defender, and I Am Highly Explosive are a blast to play, reminding players of their childhood — when the best games were the ones cooked up in their own minds.

The Future of VR and AR Gaming

There’s no doubt that the way we play video games is changing. Traditional experiences will always be available, but they're now accompanied by immersive new VR and AR games that challenge how players move, think, and feel. It’s an exciting future to think about — one that’s only getting brighter from here on out.