The world ofvirtual realityis growing in both mechanics and influence, with new and old franchises finding a mechanical upgrade in the next dimension of entertainment. Some of the biggest titles have found their way onto VR-ready computers, with the lush worlds ofFallout 4andSkyrimbecoming evenmorebreathtaking with the unprecedented depth the tech brings.
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With the popularity ofHalf-Life: Alyx,and the continuous leaps gadgets like the Vive are making on audiences with its new mechanics, it’s no surprise companies are looking to adapt their biggest games to the platform.
Even companies like Google are investing in bold new tools and applications that make the use of virtual reality spaces, posing developers with the question of where the boundaries lay in this new medium. Those boundaries appear to be vast, and there are plenty of examples of stunning open-world experiences available for those looking to fill their VR library.
Updated August 11, 2025, by Stephen LaGioia:VR techis continuing to grow in prominence, with advanced headsets like the Oculus Quest 2 and Valve Index. Then, of course, there’s the upcomingMeta-based device set to be released at the end of the year, codenamed Project Cambria.
This tech has proven to be a match made in heaven with the similarly immersive open-world gaming genre; whichitselfis gaining traction. As the tech improves on both fronts, and developers get more acquainted with it, a larger number of VR-focused games (and those with VR support) are dazzling consumers. As such, we decided to delve back into this list and update it with more of thebest VR-supported games.
18Population One
Battle Royale romps can be both engaging and intense, and the VR experience only adds to both qualities. Studio Big Box VR seems determined to utilize this match made in heaven, with this online VR-BR from 2020.Population: Onescoops a bit of influence from the creative pots ofPUBG,Fortnite(with resource gathering and building), andApex Legends, stressing intense gunplay and environment traversal.
Aside from the immersive control system VR providesPopulation: Onealso stands out with its emphasis on climbing and a ‘vertical combat system’, bringing a new dimension to the gameplay and adding to the chaos.
17Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerousisa thrilling flight simulatorby Frontier Developments, that looks to take gamers on a wild, unpredictable ride from beginning to end. The game is as expansive as it is fast; boasting a realistic 1:1 scale open-world rendering of the Milky Way galaxy. This certainly brings new meaning to the term ‘open-world’.
Players take on the role of a space captain soaring through the spacious Milky Way in their spaceship. The gametrulystresses realism—yielding endless stretches of empty, silent space, even when delving into multiplayer. Yet in a sense, this just adds to its entrancing nature—andthe intensity, when some actionisfinally found (via scrambles and firefights). Initially released on Xbox One, Windows, and PS4 several years back, the VR connectivity breaths new life into this epic outer-space trip.
16Zenith: The Last City
This robust game from RamenVR is a highly rare MMORPG that’s designedaroundthe VR interface and connectivity, rather than being a tacked-on extra. And while the consensus is party mixed with this young game,Zenith: The Last Cityhas garnered appraisal for its innovation and fun, gripping gameplay around almost every turn. Despite a stylized aesthetic, floaty physics, and majestic themes,Zenithreally immerses players—thanks to some fluid near 1:1 combat and a first-person perspective.
And considering the studio has mentioned various additions and tweaks are in the pipeline, the possibilities are endless regarding this virtual fantasy world.
15Iron Man VR
When it comes to superhero properties, Marvel’s renownedIron Manseems well suited and well equipped to complement the first-person immersion of VR. This arcade-style shooter from Camouflaj certainly answers the call.
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Players will wear the iconic iron suit and take to the skies in an exhilarating ride through global locales while gunning for the villain Ghost and her combat drones. Though hardlythe most in-depth sandbox romp,Iron Man VRshines with its thrilling action, exploration, and satisfying shooter gameplay. Add this to the sleek visuals, fluid animation, and smooth, detailed controls— and the result is a great showcase of the PSVR’s tech.
14LA Noire: The VR Case Files
While standing as a subset ofL.A. Noire, this VR-supported variant nonetheless proves a deep, enthralling adventure that fits the game’s gritty, realistic style like a glove. The nine-hour romp holds seven of the game’s crackable cases courtesy of the HTC Vive and Oculus Rift.
Directly interacting with the various objects at Detective Phelps' disposal feels more immersive than ever, further roping players into this gripping neo-noir. From driving the streets of 1940s LA to intense fistfights, to simple notebook sketching—the mechanics and interface mesh well with the nuanced hand movements of VR controllers.
13The Solus Project
This spiritual successor toThe Balltakes the first-person adventure traits of that game, dialing up the scale and intensity with some tough survival gameplay. In this open-world VR journey, players take the reigns of a lone astronaut who sets out to save humanity after crash-landing on a mysterious alien planet. Using nearby resources and one’s own wits, the goal is to seek out a colony to ensure mankind’s survival, and to live to fight another day.
Exploring this wondrous foreign planet will reveal secrets of an unknown alien civilization, along with various items and unique areas that will be critical for crafting and survival. The realistic, tactile feel of the VR experience only enhancesThe Solus Project’s intense, atmospheric nature.
12Stormland
Dual-wielding shooters can be enjoyable as is—but add some deep, fluid VR controls into the mix, and the result can really be a blast. Enter this sci-fi action romp from famed studio Insomniac Games. This game shines as one of the Oculus Rift’s best demonstrations on the market, particularly when it comes to the smooth, dynamic movement in-game.
Players assume the role of an android gardener named Vesper, whose humble duties are interrupted by an attacking alien faction called The Temptest. Equipped with amusing gadgets and futuristic weapons, players will shoot, jet, and climb their way through lavish open-world environments.The innovative gameplay and mechanics of this FPSare only further highlighted by the intuitive VR setup.
11Skyrim
When it comes to first-person combat and exploration, Bethesda’s RPG epic proves an awesome fit for the immersive, motion-based controls of VR. The lush, expansive worlds of Skyrim truly pop when laced with a VR headset, which brings a gripping cinematic experience.
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The standalone VR port ofSkyrimensures that little gets lost in the translation with the vastly different input and viewscreen. Simply wandering about the vast landscapes proves awe-inspiring, with the headset enhancing the atmosphere of this already rich adventure. Though it may lack the sharp, solid feel of traditional controls—those who favor the epic, cinematic qualities of this RPG should find plenty of value in this VR variant.
10Subnautica
2014, it seems, was one of the better years for the survival genre, boasting the hit release of not onlySubnautica,but alsoThe Long Dark, Unturned,andThe Forest.This is one of the more long-lasting titles on the list, and it’s easy to see why with the bright, vivid underwater landscapes, creative design choices, and the usual addictive gameplay the genre is famous for.
Now, thesimultaneous beauty and horrorofSubnautica’sworld are all the better with its new VR support.
9The Forest
After falling out of relevance for a while, one ofthe decade’s hit survival gamesThe Forestis back with a much welcomed VR adaptation. The game’s beautiful environments and horrific enemies become the perfect surroundings for an addicting survivor sim, and it looks better than ever (albeit still a bit clumsy) with the new support.
For anyone looking for a more gritty pairing to games likeSubnautica,this may be a good time to tryThe Forest.
