Today is the day that many pre-orderees will be unboxing Oculus Quest, the company’s latest standalone headset, and the big question will naturally be: what should I play first? Here’s our top 10 recommendations for Oculus Quest games (plus a few bonus suggestions for free games and apps you should definitely check out).
Some 55 titles will be available out of the gate on Oculus Quest and more coming in the following weeks, but where to start on day one? Here’s our top 10 suggestions for paid games, followed by some free suggestions below.
First 10 Oculus Quest Games You Should Consider
10. I Expect You to Die ($25)
I Expect You to Die is like a puzzle game mixed with an escape room. As a secret agent trying to save the world, you’ll need puzzle solving prowess to get through a range of scenarios without getting shot, poisoned, or blown up—thankfully you’ve got telekinetic powers which will help. This seated game offers a relaxed pace but will keep your brain engaged.
9. Robo Recall ($30)
Looking for an arcade shooter? Robo Recall is one of the best. You’re tasked with ‘recalling’ rogue robots, which involves blasting them with a variety of upgradeable weapons. This highly interactive game will also have you dodging (and deflecting) bullets, ripping robots limb from limb, and throwing robots into the air as you juggle-shoot them for maximum points.
8. Virtual Virtual Reality ($15)
If you’re looking for something more intriguing than a shooter or a platformer, look no further than Virtual Virtual Reality. As the name implies, the game riffs on virtual reality itself as it takes you on a curious and immersive narrative adventure. The game feels a little slow in its first half, but once you see where things are heading you’ll want to see it through to the end.
7. Space Pirate Trainer ($15)
The so-called ‘wave shooter’ genre has gotten a bad wrap among VR users, but Space Pirate Trainer really makes it work. Yes, you’ll face off against endless waves of enemies, but you’ll have a variety of weapons to choose from on the fly, as well as an energy shield for blocking incoming fire, and a tether to slinging enemies to their death. The straightforward gameplay (which includes some slow motion laser dodging) makes this a great pick-up-and-play title and a fun experience to share with friends.
6. Racket Fury: Table Tennis VR ($20)
If you don’t like ping pong, this game obviously isn’t for you… if you do happen to like ping pong, then you’ll like Racket Fury. It’s a surprisingly fun and convincing virtual take on real ping pong and does a great job of making you feel in control of the ball in force, spin, and direction, and includes an optional ‘Simulation’ physics mode for those who was the challenge of being especially precise with the paddle. Racket Fury also offers cross-play multiplayer with other VR headsets, which makes it a great option for playing with friends.
Read our preview of Racket Fury on Quest
5. Moss ($30)
Moss is a puzzle-platformer that’s got great visuals and a relaxing pace (designed to be played seated). You’ll control an adorable little mouse that scurries around on the ground below you, and occasionally needs your hands-on help to overcome the obstacles in her way.
Read our review of Moss (PSVR version)
4. Creed: Rise to Glory ($30)
Creed is all about giving you the feeling of being an up-and-coming boxer rising through the ranks. You’ll start in a lowly gym to learn the basics, and slowly fight tougher and tougher opponents as you improve your punching and dodging. If you really put your back into it, Creed can even give you a workout.
Read our review of Creed: Rise to Glory (PC version)
3. Superhot VR ($25)
Superhot VR introduces players to one of the most interesting game mechanics we’ve seen in VR to date—time only moves when you do. That means if you stand still, the world is frozen. But when you start moving, everything (including bullets heading toward your face) moves too. Superhot VR plays out like an action-puzzle game where moving your body in slow motion like Neo from The Matrix is the key to success.
Read our review of Superhot VR (PC version)
2. Star Wars: Vader Immortal ($10)
Vader Immortal is a must for Star Wars superfans, but even if you’re just a casual fan you’ll enjoy this well crafted sci-fi narrative adventure that shows how effectively VR can transport you to another universe. Though short, the price is right at $10, and the ‘Lightsaber Dojo’ mode offers up several more hours of fun for those looking to test their combat mettle.
Read our review of Star Wars: Vader Immortal
1. Beat Saber ($30)
Beat Saber is an obvious first choice for Quest because it’s one of the most intuitive VR games to that’s also deeply engaging, which makes it a great for playing yourself and for showing to friends and family. Think of it like Guitar Hero but with lightsabers—with two different colored sabers, you’ll be slicing cubes to the beat in specific directions. Higher difficulties will take tens of hours to master and can be a legitimate workout!
Read our preview of Beat Saber on Quest
Bonus Quest Game Suggestions
Rec Room (free)
Even if Rec Room wasn’t free, it would still be worthy of consideration. This social-focused title is brimming with activities like paintball, dodge ball, laser tag, and mini-adventures, and heaps of user-generated content, all of which can be played with friends. Thanks to cross-play multiplayer, this is a great option to play with friends who have other VR headsets.
Bigscreen Beta (free)
Part virtual movie theater and part chat room, Bigscreen Beta lets you use your PC in virtual reality, and hang out with people doing the same. You can join rooms with up to 12 other players which can all share whatever is on their computer—be it Netflix, YouTube, Twitch, sports or game streaming, or anything else. It can feel a lot like sitting on the couch next to friends with a notebook in your lap. With support for every major VR headset, Bigscreen Beta is a great way to hang out with friends in VR.
Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes ($15)
This is the local co-op party game for virtual reality. With just one headset, you can play with anywhere from two to six (or more) players. It works like this: the player in the headset sees a complex bomb sitting in front of them. Everyone not in the headset uses their smartphone to access a special set of bomb defusal manuals. The player in the headset has to communicate what they’re seeing on the bomb, while the players outside the headset have to accurately relay what needs to be done to defuse the bomb (which changes every time). With a literal ticking time bomb ready to blow you sky-high, Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes tests your communication and teamwork in a fun and unique way. Great for pass-and-play—if you blow up pass the headset along!
