17 VR Games for Friends

Virtual Reality Games: A World of Fun and Immersion

The heights that VR gaming has reached in modern times are nothing short of incredible. Players can’t believe that they can be fully present in the games of their choice and use their own movements to control the game. It’s like a dream come true! The rise of virtual reality in the gaming medium is truly mind-blowing.

But hold on, before we dive into the world of VR gaming, let’s talk about what makes it so appealing. The allure of VR gaming is so powerful that most people would love to play these games with their friends. Picture this: a group of friends taking turns, becoming hilarious sources of amusement for a few minutes each. Good times guaranteed!

Now, let’s take a look at some of the best VR games available out there. These games are not only fun to play, but they also provide an incredible multiplayer experience. So gather your friends and get ready for a VR party!

17. Superhot VR: Shoot, Dodge, and Feel Like Neo!

Superhot was a massive indie sensation, a simple shooter where players had to shoot everyone in sight while avoiding one-shot kills. But imagine doing all that in VR! Superhot VR takes the experience to a whole new level. Players have a blast taking turns, dodging bullets like a boss, and hitting enemies square in the face. It’s an amazing VR experience that no fan should miss out on.

Release Date & Platform Availability: December 5, 2016, on Oculus, PC, and PSVR.

Critical Reception: Superhot VR was praised for its action-packed gameplay, although some wished it had more content.

16. Star Wars: Squadrons: Feel the Force in VR!

Any Star Wars fan would jump at the chance to engage in epic dogfights, piloting iconic spacecraft. Star Wars: Squadrons allows players to fulfill that dream. But guess what? The VR experience takes it to another level! The immersion is incredible as players chase down enemy fighters and gun them down from the cockpit. It’s a must-play for VR enthusiasts and Star Wars lovers alike.

Release Date & Platform Availability: October 2, 2020, on PC and PSVR.

Critical Reception: Star Wars: Squadrons’ VR component is extremely immersive and adds a thrilling element to the gameplay.

15. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners: Survive the Apocalypse in VR!

The Walking Dead franchise has taken the world by storm, encompassing games, shows, and comics. And now, it’s in VR! The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners offers an unmatched immersion as players battle hordes of brain-dead zombies with their friends. It’s laughably easy at times, but that just adds to the fun. Get ready for some intense zombie-killing action!

Release Date & Platform Availability: January 23, 2020, on Oculus, PC, and PSVR.

Critical Reception: The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners provides an immersive VR action experience with great horror elements, though some critics found it lacking in challenge.

14. Beat Saber: Dance to the Rhythm and Slice Some Blocks!

When it comes to VR party games, Beat Saber is an absolute must-play. It’s the most popular casual title for VR headsets, featuring incredible community content and a wide variety of tracks. Watching friends try to hit all the blocks during a tough sequence is pure entertainment. Hours will pass by before you know it. Get ready to unleash your inner virtual DJ and groove to the beat!

Release Date & Platform Availability: May 21, 2019, on Oculus, PC, and PS4.

Critical Reception: Beat Saber received positive critical reception, with many considering it a perfect fit for VR.

13. Synth Riders: Dance, Move, and Groove to the Music!

Beat Saber not cutting it for you anymore? Worry not, because Synth Riders is here to get you moving! This rhythmic VR game ensures that players move to the beat of the music, making dancing an essential part of the experience. Nothing beats the sight of someone busting killer moves in VR while others cheer them on. Get ready to shake your groove thing!

Release Date & Platform Availability: June 21, 2018, on PS4 and Microsoft Windows.

Critical Reception: Critics consider Synth Riders a fun and accessible title that VR game fans will thoroughly enjoy.

12. Fruit Ninja VR: Slice Fruits Like Never Before!

Fruit Ninja was a hit mobile game, but in VR, it’s a whole new level of slicing fun! Fruit Ninja VR accurately captures the experience of slicing fruits and avoiding hazards. Instead of swiping with a finger, players can now slash with their arms. It’s an incredibly satisfying and immersive VR experience that will have you addicted in no time.

Release Date & Platform Availability: July 7, 2016, on Oculus Quest and Microsoft Windows.

Critical Reception: Critics appreciated the translation of the gameplay to VR, though some felt it lacked content.

11. Space Pirate Trainer: Become the Ultimate Space Hero!

Space Pirate Trainer was one of the first games to showcase the potential of VR. Even today, it remains a fantastic title that offers endless fun. Prepare to become an expert virtual gun shooter as you take on waves of enemies with your friends. It’s a fast-paced and exhilarating experience that can be enjoyed by both VR newbies and seasoned players. Get ready to unleash your inner space hero!

Release Date & Platform Availability: April 5, 2016, on Oculus Quest, PS4, and Microsoft Windows.

Critical Reception: Critics hailed the fast-paced experience of Space Pirate Trainer, although some found the gameplay somewhat shallow.

10. Onward: Gear Up and Dive into Intense Military Action!

Are you a fan of military simulation games like Call of Duty or Battlefield? Look no further than Onward, the most immersive military-sim experience in VR. As part of a deadly strike force, you and your closest friends will face intense battles against opponents. The thrill of combat and the camaraderie among teammates will keep you hooked for hours. Get ready for an intense virtual warzone!

Release Date & Platform Availability: August 29, 2016, on Oculus Quest and Microsoft Windows.

Critical Reception: Onward is considered a highly entertaining and exciting VR game, especially when played with friends who share a love for military simulations.

9. Stormland: Explore a Beautiful Sci-Fi World With Friends!

Stormland is a beautifully desGameTopiced open-world game set in a futuristic world. As a robot seeking revenge against those who destroyed your home, you’ll embark on an adventure with your friends by your side. The rich storytelling, diverse landscapes, and open exploration make this game a delight to play. Explore the alien planet, engage in combat, and dive into hours of entertainment with your buddies.

Release Date & Platform Availability: November 14, 2019, on Oculus Rift and Microsoft Windows.

Critical Reception: Stormland received praise for its excellent movement mechanics, stunning world desGameTopic, and deep combat system.

8. The Forest: Survive a Hauntingly Realistic Survival Horror!

Looking for a spine-chilling survival horror experience? The Forest has got you covered. After a plane crash, you find yourself stranded on a remote island, surrounded by mutated cannibals. Scavenge, build, and plan during the day to increase your chances of survival when the cannibals come out at night. The Forest is even better when played online with friends. Survive the terror together and maybe even strike back!

Release Date & Platform Availability: April 30, 2018, on Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 4.

Critical Reception: The Forest is praised as an awesome blend of horror and survival genres, with an immersive open-world and replay value.

7. Star Trek: Bridge Crew: Fulfill Your Starfleet Dreams!

Calling all Trekkies! Star Trek: Bridge Crew is the game you’ve been waiting for. In this VR experience, you and your friends form a real space fleet crew, embarking on exciting adventures across the galaxy. Take on the roles of Captain, Helm, Tactical, or Engineer, and command your own vessel, the U.S.S. Aegis. The multiplayer aspect adds a whole new dimension to the Star Trek universe, allowing you to live out your dreams of interstellar exploration.

Release Date & Platform Availability: May 30, 2017, on Microsoft Windows, Oculus Quest, and PlayStation 4.

Critical Reception: Star Trek: Bridge Crew is hailed as a fun game to play with friends who share a love for the Star Trek universe. The immersive experience feels just right.

6. Payday 2: Get Your Crew Together and Pull Off the Perfect Heist!

Always dreamed of being part of a high-stakes heist? Payday 2 lets you do just that, but with a twist. Gather up to three friends and work together to pull off incredible heists flawlessly. This thrilling first-person shooter with stealth elements gives you the chance to become a master criminal. From bank robberies to armored car hijackings, the possibilities are endless. Can you make the perfect getaway?

Release Date & Platform Availability: August 13, 2013, on multiple platforms.

Critical Reception: Payday 2 had a thriving and dedicated community upon release, although criticism was received for the introduction of microtransactions.

5. Rec Room: A Virtual Playground for Friends!

Rec Room is the ultimate virtual hangout spot, where friends from all around the world can come together and have a blast. With over 3 million user-generated rooms and 40 million monthly visits, there’s something for everyone in this free title. Engage in a variety of games and experiences, or simply chill out in a stunning virtual environment. Rec Room bridges the distance and brings people together like never before.

Release Date & Platform Availability: June 1, 2016, on multiple platforms.

Critical Reception: Playing Rec Room with friends can be a ton of fun, although some users have had complaints about poor room moderation and disruptive players.

4. Phasmophobia: Face Your Fears with Friends!

If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, Phasmophobia is the game for you. This multiplayer horror game is not for the faint of heart, but it’s an absolute blast to play with friends. As part of a ghost-hunting team, you’ll uncover supernatural secrets while trying not to wet your pants. With over ten types of ghosts and the ability to hear players through your microphone, Phasmophobia will leave you screaming and begging for more.

Release Date & Platform Availability: September 18, 2020, on Microsoft Windows.

Critical Reception: Phasmophobia received a very positive reception for its incredible sound desGameTopic, immersive environment, and multiplayer and VR capabilities.

3. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes: Defuse Bombs with Your Friends!

Have you ever wondered how you and your friends would handle an emergency situation? Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is here to test your communication skills. One player is alone with a bomb, while their friends have the manual to defuse it. The catch? They can’t see the bomb! It’s a nerve-wracking race against the clock and a true test of teamwork. Can you defuse the bomb before it’s too late?

Release Date & Platform Availability: July 16, 2015, on multiple platforms.

Critical Reception: Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes is a game that heavily relies on who you play with. With the right partner, it becomes a hilarious and thrilling experience.

2. Arizona Sunshine: Survive the Zombie Apocalypse in Style!

Love zombies? Love VR? Then Arizona Sunshine is the game for you. This open-world zombie survival game can be played solo or with friends. Explore, scavenge, and fight off hordes of the undead in epic virtual shootouts. The realistic handling of weapons and the freedom to move around make this game a delight for any zombie fanatic. Can you survive the apocalyptic nightmare?

Release Date & Platform Availability: December 6, 2016, on multiple platforms.

Critical Reception: Despite the controversy surrounding platform favoritism during the game’s release, Arizona Sunshine received praise for its immersive VR experience and challenging gameplay.

1. Population: One: Experience the Ultimate Battle Royale in VR!

Say goodbye to the PUBG vs. Fortnite debate. Population: One brings the most immersive battle royale experience to VR. Fight your way to victory in a vibrant and familiar world, with unparalleled freedom of movement. Build shelters and shields, climb anything, and glide anywhere. With a wide array of weapons and multiple maps to explore, this game is a true delight for both newcomers and seasoned battle royale players.

Release Date & Platform Availability: October 22, 2020, on Oculus Quest and Microsoft Windows.

Critical Reception: Critics praise Population: One’s vertical movement as liberating and exhilarating. Many consider it a game-changer in the VR battle royale genre.

So there you have it, folks! These are some of the best VR games that will provide you with endless hours of fun and immersion. Whether you’re shooting enemies, surviving a zombie apocalypse, or defusing bombs with your friends, VR gaming offers an experience unlike any other. So put on your headset, grab your controllers, and let the virtual adventures begin!

-Ritwik Mitra, Updated on August 20, 2023

17 VR Games for Friends