The advancement of technology has revolutionized various industries, and gaming is no exception.
The introduction of Virtual Reality transformed the gaming industry as we know it. With VR headsets, we can completely immerse ourselves into a whole new world and have an enthralling playing experience.
As expensive as that description of VR gaming might sound, some of these games are available for free. If you have a VR headset, you can try your hand at some of the most exciting games out there and have the time of your life.
In this post, we’ll dive into some of the best VR games you can experience for free and have fun at no cost.
Experiencing Immersive VR Games for Free
“Wait, did you say free?” Yes, you heard it right. You can play some VR games for free and experience the immersive world at no cost at all. How, you wonder?
VR technology entered the stage long back, but it’s still in its early phases when it comes to some areas. We are still a little away from making VR gaming a household experience. For this reason, several VR gear companies provide a range of free VR games to create hype among mainstream gamers.
The word “free” certainly has its allure, but we gamers have nothing to complain about. Since the free luxury will only be around for a limited period, it’d be wise to try as many free VR games as possible to get the true essence of it.
The best part? Despite being free, these games keep introducing new modes and challenges through updates and extensions to keep the challenge fresh. These updates bring improved game mechanics and physics to ensure you get as realistic an experience as possible.
If you want to give VR gaming a shot but don’t want to spend a dime, read on to learn about some of the most thrilling VR games that will give you a taste of virtual reality and its potential for the gaming industry. Let’s jump into it.
Adventure Climb VR
Are you someone with a spirit for adventure and extreme sports but don’t want to face the dangers of it? MXTreality Studio has developed a realistic climbing game that allows you to experience the thrill of adventure sports without facing any perils or going through rigorous training.
Adventure Climb VR is made by actual climbers, so you can trust the adventurous spirit that went into developing the gameplay. You get to experience and feel every bit of it, thanks to the HapticSol virtual smells (smell the nature!) and bHaptics wearables.
To nail this game, you need stamina and puzzle-solving skills. Yeah, that sounds like apples and oranges, but rules are rules. Your puzzle-solving skills will be used as you find alternative paths while climbing to the top without worrying about falling to your death.
It’s a fantastic game for people who are scared of heights but still want thrilling experiences like rock climbing.
Developer: MXTreality
Publisher: MXTreality
Release Date: April 16, 2019
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Dagon
H.P. Lovecraft, also known as “the father of cosmic horror,” became famous for his horror fiction stories. If you have the heart to experience the monsters and strong visuals the author can summon, this immersive cosmic horror adventure is perfect for you.
Dagon is inspired by his story “Dagon.” You play from the first-person perspective of the morphine-addled ship’s officer as you walk through the interactive story.
It takes up to 30 minutes to finish the game, so if you want to have a quick experience of VR horror, then I’d say Dagon is an excellent place to start.
Beware, this game is not for the faint-hearted, so if you believe it might not let you sleep, perhaps we’ll find something else for you.
Developer: Bit Golem
Publisher: Bit Golem
Release Date: September 24, 2021
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
DCS World
Ever wonder what it feels like to fly an actual aircraft? Well, even if you may not be able to experience that in real life, in the VR world, anything is possible.
Digital Combat Simulator World is a combat flight simulation game in which you get to operate an aircraft using real-like procedures. It’s not child’s play because, believe it or not, DCS has been used by the actual air forces as a training aid.
The United States Air Force’s 355th Training Squadron at Davis-Monthan AFB has used the DCS. So, you’ll be a part of the big boys’ gang by flying the aircraft in the game.
The flights in the game have been fashioned after taking real-world data into account and offer authentic flight models, subsystems, and realistic cockpits with interactive switches and buttons. You can also perform various combat operations, such as airstrikes, combat air patrol, dogfighting, airlifts, and close air support.
If you’ve always been fascinated by aircrafts and their prowess, this game is a good one to understand how these flights operate.
Developer: Eagle Dynamics SA
Publisher: The Fighter Collection
Release Date: March 18, 2018
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Gun Raiders
Shooting game fans, huddle up! Gun Raiders gives you a peek into how being a shooter in an immersive world feels. Think Fortnite, only that you’re inside the game.
You can mow down your enemies as you jetpack your way through the air. You can customize yourself through a selection of skins in the item shop and personalize your gaming experience.
The latest version includes a battle royale, which means you can participate in teams and communicate with your friends as you fight your way to survival. If you’re looking for a community to play with, you can join their Discord tournaments and chat with the developers as well. How cool is that!
Developer: Gun Raiders Entertainment Inc.
Publisher: Gun Raiders Entertainment Inc.
Release Date: October 7, 2021
➡️ Check it out on the Meta Quest Store.
War Thunder
If you’re a fan of online multiplayer military games and want to experience military combat in virtual reality, then War Thunder is waiting for you. This game allows you to experience land, sea, and air battles by indulging in aviation, naval vessels, and armored vehicles from the advanced combat units used in the early 20th century.
Battle aircrafts, helicopters, naval vessels, and ground forces unite to have the ultimate clash. You can choose from various combat situations and blast your way out of difficult situations, defend your teammates, and shoot down an enemy aircraft that’s threatening you and your troop.
This is a must-try game for anyone fascinated by defense forces and warfare. You can pick from over 2,000 detailed aircrafts, land vehicles, warships, helicopters, and 100 maps representing historical battle theatres. Each new update brings new vehicles, missions, maps, and nations, so you’re always kept on your toes.
You’d also be blown away by the fantastic graphics, sound effects, and music that have been specially curated to give you a real-life experience. For a memorable first-time VR experience, I strongly recommend War Thunder.
Developer: Gaijin Entertainment
Publisher: Gaijin Distribution KFT
Release Date: August 15, 2013
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
We Were Here
We Were Here is a thrilling cooperative first-person adventure game between two players.
The basic premise is that two people get separated from each other in an abandoned castle in a frozen wasteland, and they have to find their way to each other before time runs out. The only form of communication between the two of you is through walkie-talkies.
One of the players gets confined to a secluded area of the castle while the other navigates through the labyrinthine halls in search of his partner. You’d have to face various challenges as a team to win the game while exploring intriguing environments and deciphering the clues.
The only way out is to work as a team. You can play with a friend of yours, or to make it even more challenging, an absolute stranger!
Regardless, you’ll have a chilling experience as you explore the fictional castle that has been inspired by Castle Rock, Antarctica.
Developer: Total Mayhem Games
Publisher: Total Mayhem Games
Release Date: February 3, 2017
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Wolfenstein 3D
Wolfenstein is a popular World War 2 game where William Blazkowicz, an American Army captain, fights the Axis powers. Seeing the huge popularity of the game, it was turned into a VR game.
In Wolfenstein 3D, you must find your way out of a Nazi camp where you were captured and imprisoned for stealing secret plans that reveal the Nazis are planning to build an invincible mutant army.
The challenge is to find your way out of a maze of passages, where several Nazis stand in your way to tear you apart. As you progress in the game, you’ll experience the origin of a modern first-person shooter game while enjoying a fully-3D FPS game.
You can use various weapons, such as pistols, machine guns, and knives, to battle nazi soldiers, mutants, evil scientists, and more. For fans of WW2 shooter games, this is a must-try.
Developer: id Software
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Release Date: August 3, 1994
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Dead and Buried
In Dead and Buried, you fend off ghosts and ghouls using a six-shooter in the Old Saloon. The game offers 5 play modes, which include Shootout, Quickdraw, Horde, Robbery, and Target Range. You can also venture to play in multiplayer Quickdraw duels.
Horde mode is the most exciting, as you get to battle with creatures alongside your teammate in a 4-player coop mode while killing your enemies and making your way to the bosses. This mode requires strategic thinking and intense planning.
In the robbery mode, you either play as the cops and put the bad guys in jail or be the robbers who push the good guys to loot them.
Moreover, the Target Range mode is suitable to hone your gunslinger skills and perform even better on the ground. Make your pick and have fun playing this enthralling game!
Developer: Meta Quest
Publisher: Oculus
Release Date: May 4, 2017
➡️ Check it out on the Meta Quest Store.
Horizon Beyond
Horizon Beyond – developed by Academic Quarter, features a world where life is scattered above the clouds while nature, animals, and plants have adapted to the new unique environment.
As a player, you’ll explore the new world on a ship and come across a tiny mischievous creature with a golden key. This starts your adventure in this fun game, where you learn how VR games work.
If shooter, survival, or battle royale games are not your thing, then Horizon Beyond could be your ideal choice.
Developer: Academic Quarter
Publisher: Academic Quarter
Release Date: August 31, 2019
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Closing Thoughts
The virtual reality world is a work in progress but has already given enough evidence of immense potential. VR gaming is a relatively new industry, but it has already gifted us with some thrilling games, which shows we are in for a treat.
If you don’t want to spend money on VR games to see how they work, then you can try these free-to-play games and experience the next evolution of gaming.
Next, check out the best multiplayer VR games to enjoy with friends.
