Virtual Reality (VR) gaming has evolved significantly since Nintendo‘s Virtual Boy. When it comes to VR horror games, the experience is incredibly immersive, far surpassing traditional gaming setups. If you’re looking for a truly frightening experience, these VR horror games will chill you to the bone, comparable to facing Michael Myers in real life.
Horror in VR is unmatched! In our opinion, these 10 games stand out as the best in the VR horror genre. Keep in mind, these rankings are based on personal preferences.
Top 10 Best VR Horror Games of the Present
Here are the top 10 best VR horror games, which represent the pinnacle of the genre at present.
1. Organ Quarter
Release Date: October 19, 2017
Developer: Outer Brain Studios
This game captivates fans of Silent Hill through its clear influences evident in every aspect. From its creature designs to the intricate puzzles, the meticulous world-building, and the enigmatic way characters communicate through cryptic riddles, Organ Quarter channels the essence of Silent Hill.
Organ Quarter sets a new standard for VR horror games without relying heavily on jump-scares. It’s got some brilliant monster placement that will surely startle you a few times. The enemies move unpredictably, adding tension to the gameplay, especially when you’re reloading after a missed shot.
Realistic graphics aren’t the sole determinant of a good horror game – take Cry of Fear as an example. So, the game’s visual style works in its favour, contributing to its eerie vibe.
2. Project Terminus VR
Release Date: November 5, 2003
Developer: Electronic Arts
Ranked at number 2, Project Terminus VR offers one of the top co-op VR horror games available on Quest 2. Set in the underground subways of Paris, the game plunges players into a battle against zombies and an enigmatic electromagnetic entity. Playing alongside companions using the Gamertags VR and BMF, the experience is immensely enjoyable, to the point where observers mistook their laughter for mockery of the game.
Project Terminus feels a lot like Half-Life Alyx, but it’s an even scarier and more intense game. The game’s sounds make you jump at every little noise, making it super realistic. The way you play the game is smart, although they might make it even better as they keep working on it. Overall, playing this game in VR has been fantastic, and it’s only going to get better.
3. The Forest
Release Date: May 30, 2014
Developer: Endnight Games
Ranked at number 3, The Forest stands as one of the earliest VR horror games that genuinely induced intense fear. Originally designed for flat screens, it later incorporated a VR mode. During daylight, the game revolves around resource gathering, crafting, and establishing a homestead, which isn’t particularly frightening. However, as night descends, the atmosphere becomes utterly chilling.
The game’s true terror emerges during nighttime encounters. While playing with friends, their companionship proves invaluable for maintaining sanity amidst the horrors. Exploring the cave systems and braving the night in The Forest constitutes some of the most hair-raising experiences in VR gaming history. The fear factor intensifies when navigating survival in this eerie virtual realm, making it an unforgettable and spine-tingling VR adventure.
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4. Blair Witch VR
Release Date: July 6, 2021
Developer: Bloober Team
Ranked at number 4 is Bloober Team’s Blair Witch VR. Initially a flat screen, it looks very enjoyable game. However, its VR version elevated the entire experience significantly. Unlike a constant stream of terror, this psychological VR horror game gradually intensifies the pressure on players. Yet, the true fright lies within the game’s final chapter, where the most harrowing moments unfold rapidly. Without revealing spoilers, Blair Witch emerges as an essential and pivotal VR horror game, particularly for enthusiasts of the movie and horror genre. Its ability to create an immersive and spine-chilling experience marks it as a must-play for anyone seeking a genuinely haunting VR horror game adventure.
5. Layers of Fear VR
Release Date: Bloober Team
Developer: Incuvo
Layers of Fear VR is ranked as the 5th horror game on this list. It started as a game you played on a regular screen, like Blair Witch. But when people tried the VR (virtual reality) version, they found it way more immersive. In this game, you go on a crazy journey with an artist who’s losing their mind. It’s good at showing what it’s like to feel like you’re losing control, not just in VR but in all video games.
The story is exciting and scary, with lots of surprising moments that make you jump. The scary parts are done well and feel very intense. It’s a shame that Layers of Fear 2 doesn’t have a VR version yet, but there’s hope that it might happen in the future.
6. Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife
Release Date: April 22, 2021
Developer: Fast Travel Games
Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife by Fast Travel Games made a big entrance into the world of VR horror games, getting everyone excited before it was released. People were looking forward to it, watching teasers and short gameplay videos, eagerly waiting for more news. But when the game first came out and people got to play it for about an hour and a half, many felt a bit disappointed.
However, giving the game another chance turned out to be a good idea. As the game progresses, it gets much better. Even though it starts slowly, as you get deeper into the story, it becomes really scary and intense. One part, in particular, called the chapter involving the Broken Lady, is very memorable and leaves a scary feeling.
7. Phasmophobia
Release Date: September 18, 2020
Developer: Kinetic Games
Phasmophobia is a game that could greatly benefit from a native Quest 2 Port. Making it available on Quest 2 could attract a massive audience and potentially make it extremely popular. Currently, it’s solely accessible on PCVR as either a flat game or one of VR horror games, and it gained immense popularity a few years ago, enabling everyone to pursue their ghost-hunting fantasies without real danger or the need to visit terrifying real-life locations.
One of Phasmophobia’s standout features is its consistent support. The developers regularly introduce new gadgets, gameplay modes, maps, and ghosts while refining mechanics for both VR and flat-screen experiences. Additionally, Phasmophobia masterfully strikes a balance between being terrifying and humorous, a vital aspect of any good horror game.
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8. Propagation VR
Release Date: September 25, 2020
Developer: WanadevStudio
Propagation VR amongst all other VR horror games is easily accessible because it is free on stream, so everyone should play it unless they don’t have a PC. It’s called Propagation VR and it’s number 8 on the list. It’s a really scary VR game where you shoot zombies, mutants, giant spiders, and other creepy creatures. It only takes about 15 minutes to finish. The graphics are amazing, it works with B haptic, and they added a co-op mode that you can buy if you want someone to play with. Hopefully, the next game, Propagation Paradise Hotel, will be just as spooky!
9. Dreadhalls
Release Date: 9 Mar, 2017
Developer: White Door Games
At number nine, Dreadhalls is an early VR horror game that’s still super scary. You can play it on different VR devices, and if you love horror, you’ve got to try it. When you play, you’ll find yourself mostly looking at the floor, trying not to look at the scary creatures. But funny enough, that strategy doesn’t work well in the game. Dreadhalls wants you to learn from your mistakes. Beating each creature means understanding how they act – some attack when you stare at them, while others want you to keep looking at them. And some just rush at you. Spending time in Dreadhalls is sure to give you a seriously spooky time.
10. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
Release Date: January 24, 2017
Developer: Capcom
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard brought back the scary side of the franchise at number eight. It brought back that spine-tingling fear while keeping the things we love about Resident Evil. The boss fights are amazing, and the beginning parts are intense, especially if you’re playing in VR. On PSVR, you use a controller, but if you play on PC with the VR mod called Prey Dog VR, you get full motion controls. This mod lets you do things like physically block with your hands, heal yourself, and aim more accurately.