The VR gaming market is growing at a fast pace, with new games every now and then. According to a report published by Business Research Insights, the global VR game market is projected to reach a market of $29.24 billion by the year 2028 at a CAGR of 24.2%. When it comes to genre, single-player games, racing games, simulation games, and VR survival games are ruling the industry as of now.
The main reason behind it is the near-to-life experience provided by a VR game, which helps keep the gamer hooked along with making the game reach a decent audience. Talking specifically about the VR survival games, the industry offers dozens of them. However, not all of them are worth your time and dime.
To make sure you get to experience the best ones, here we have shortlisted the best VR survival games that you need to try as soon as possible.
Also Read: Best VR Headsets for Sim Racing Enthusiasts
Cosmodread
Cosmodread is something that you really need to try if you are someone who gets intrigued by horror-inflicted stories. In the game, you are trapped in a dying spaceship, and you have to explore, survive, and find your way back to Earth, where you will be safe from all the horrors.
This PS VR game is also available on the Meta Quest, and consists of a super-rich story topped with an immersive atmosphere. In every run, you will get to see a fresh, procedurally generated layout with random positions for corridors, rooms, hazards, items, and more.
It can be said that you’ll never know beforehand what’s behind a door in the game. You have to use your hands to interact with the elements in the environment and perform actions like opening drawers and lockers, collecting resources, crafting weapons, etc. That’s not all; you will also have to shoot your enemies and even set traps to lure them.
Developer: White Door Games
Publisher: White Door Games
Release Date: March 25, 2021
➡️ Check it out on Meta.
Fallout 4 VR
This one is hands down one of the best games ever created by Bethesda. Fallout VR is based on a post-apocalyptic, which is more than spine-chilling. The game starts with you being the sole survivor of Vault 111.
You make an entry into a world destroyed by nuclear war. The game is so captivating that every second, you have to wage a war to survive. And the best part is that your choices in the game impact the unfolding of the journey ahead.
Here, only you possess the ability to restore the fate of the Wasteland and decide where you want to take it in terms of development. This FPS game also includes a S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system where you can get different powers ranging from an armored soldier to that of a smooth talker. It provides you the liberty to choose the playstyle, which makes it more playable for all the gamers out there.
Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Release Date: December 12, 2017
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Green Hell VR
Green Hell VR is one of the most finely crafted VR survival games available in the market. The game is set in the heart of the Amazon rainforest and offers super realistic graphics along with an interactive environment.
One thing that you need to know before playing this one is that you have to put all that you have in terms of strategic prowess to survive here. Coming to the story, you have to play as Jake Higgins, who is a popular anthropologist lost in the wild jungle of the Amazon.
You are in mid of a series of dangers, and the only things you have by your side are a backpack, watch, and a handy survival guide. Now, it is really important for you to kick-start your journey to reach civilization again. This one’s definitely worth a try, as it’s already touted as one of the best Oculus Quest 2 games available right now!
Developer: Incuvo
Publisher: Incuvo
Release Date: June 22, 2022
➡️ Check it out on Meta.
Also Read: Best VR Games for Kids Entertainment
Into the Radius
Into the Radius is a single-player survival shooter for all those who want to experience something fresh in their VR headsets. You will be supposed to stalk the Pechorsk Radius zone, where there are dangers unknown in the regular world.
The game will let you explore, recover strange artifacts, and scavenge for loot in a dystopian setup. As for the gameplay, you will get to see forests, swamps, and industrial ruins, amongst others. You have to plan a mission route while going through maps, scout out shelters, overcome obstacles, and discover loot caches.
However, you have to do all this without getting yourself killed in the game, which has a high rate of possibility. Talking about firearms, you can get your hands on weapons like S.K.S. Carbine, A.K.M. Kalashnikov, PM Pistol, and a lot more to mention.
Due to the realistic experience of the game, you have to take care of your weapons because they can get jammed midway (which can cost your life) if they incur damage.
Developer: CM Games
Publisher: CM Games
Release Date: July 20, 2020
➡️ Check it out on Meta.
Minecraft VR
Minecraft VR takes the experience of the cult classic Minecraft game to a whole new level. Here, you will have to build, explore, and battle mobs while being inside the game, which definitely gives you scaled-up interaction.
You will encounter dangerous mobs firsthand and will also have the chance to explore the dark caves, coupled with 3D audio and mind-bending graphics.
The full immersion VR technology used in the game allows you to control the exit from the game with a tap of your finger and get the game running on a simulated lounge.
Developer: Majong Studios
Publisher: Majong AB
Release Date: August 14, 2016
➡️ Check it out on Meta.
No Man’s Sky
No Man’s Sky is a space exploration game that allows you to explore the galaxy, lifeforms, and new planets. But everything comes at a cost, and here, the cost is the danger that comes bundled up with the exploration.
You can go to any planet in the game, as this one is an infinite procedurally generated universe. Here, you will also get to see new creatures and places that have been unexplored by other players, and they will most probably never see these planets again.
Your survival in the game is completely dependent on the choices you make. In order to raise the stakes of your survival, you can also upgrade your weapons, suit, as well as the ships. This PC VR game on Steam is worth your time and money, especially considering the game’s procedurally generated worlds!
Developer: Hello Games
Publisher: Hello Games
Release Date: August 12, 2016
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Star Shelter
Star Shelter is a stunning space survival game where you will find yourself stranded in a not-so-normal graveyard of discarded ships. The only way to escape from the same is to repair and arm a spaceship that will take you out of the misery.
You will have to scavenge for the materials needed to repair the spaceship and arm it to the teeth in order to survive. Make sure that you have power, hunger, and oxygen in place as well.
Players can also grow plants and build solar panels along with other objects that are required to generate energy. Keep improving your space station by arming it and staying aware of the hazards on the way.
And don’t forget to shoot down all the turrets and drones that come your way. All in all, you have to follow the basic principle of taming hunger and getting three things – oxygen, power, and sleep, in order to survive.
Developer: Overflow
Publisher: Overflow
Release Date: October 12, 2017
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Subnautica
If you are someone who is looking for some underwater adventure, then this is the game for you. Subnautica is set on an alien ocean planet where there are a lot of surprises waiting for you.
You will get to experience lava fields, sea trenches, and bio-luminescent underwater rivers. Here, you have to manage your oxygen supply before you start exploring the reefs, cave systems, plateaus, and forests.
You will have to collect resources from the ocean, create diving gear, habitat modules, and submersibles. In addition, you can also go deep in the ocean to find rare resources that will help you develop advanced accessories that can be used in the game.
The game also gives you the ability to build bases on the sea floor and manage your base to store resources, replenish oxygen supplies, and park vehicles.
Developer: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Publisher: Unknown Worlds Entertainment
Release Date: January 23, 2018
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Surv1v3
Surv1v3 is a game based on a virus outbreak that has turned the world upside down. On November 14th, 2018, the V1V3 case zero was reported. It is a mutated Saedornavirus that has spread its deadly effects all over the world, costing the life of billions.
Well, there is a way to hope that a cure against the virus can be found. But the bigger question is can it happen before no one is left to save?
You will have to start your run from Santa Carla City and make an escape via the rotten sewers. The journey is no doubt filled with scenarios that can creep you out, painful tasks, and fearful situations. All this will seem worthwhile once you get to meet the mysterious man who is going to save the world.
Developer: Candymakers
Publisher: Candymakers
Release Date: June 20, 2021
➡️ Check it out on Meta.
Also Read: Best Mobile VR Games to Have Fun on the Go (Android + iOS)
The Forest
The Forest starts with you being the single survivor of a passenger jet crash. Now, you see that you are in a mysterious forest fighting the battle to stay alive against a society filled with cannibalistic mutants.
The first-person horror simulator allows you to chop every tree and plant down. You can chop the trees down to create a camp and start a fire to maintain the warmth.
In order to keep yourself away from starving, scavenge food. The game also lets you build a minute shelter or a larger-than-life ocean-side fortress where you can even set traps to keep your property and people safe.
The basic principle that you can follow in the game is to build and explore during the day time and then protect the base in the night. At any cost, you have to defend yourself from the genetic mutant enemy clan and survive the perilous nights.
Developer: Endnight Games Ltd
Publisher: Endnight Games Ltd
Release Date: April 30, 2018
➡️ Check it out on Steam.
Now that you’ve seen our picks for the best VR survival games, you should also take a look at some characteristics of these games. This way, you’ll be able to distinguish them from hundreds of other games online!
VR Survival Games Characteristics
- First things first, VR survival games are highly immersive which means that you will step into the virtual world and will be able to feel the horror and intensity. In simple terms, VR survival games can trigger anxiety or a sense of fright, and you are supposed to be ready for it. This could be dubbed the main USP of VR survival games.
- VR survival games should be interactive. For example, if there is a game where you are supposed to fly then you’ll not be able to immerse in the feeling. Games that have practically possible abilities tend to establish a better connection with the users.
- Haptic Feedback is another major element that makes VR survival games reach their full potential of making gamers stick to them. For example, if you encounter an attack in a game, now it would look more realistic if you get a sound or vibration for the same instead of just the attack.
- Zero lag coupled with an interactive environment is something that is a must for VR survival games. For example, you would love playing a VR game where you can interact with the environment and not experience any hiccups instead of a game where most of the environment is beyond interaction.
Wrapping Up
There are a lot more VR survival games available in the market, but the ones we’ve listed here deserve your attention. From exploring the depths of the jungles to exploring underwater life, these games promise you an unmatchable experience.
And if you are someone who is new to the Virtual Reality world and is looking for some free games to get a grasp of it then have a look at our article on the best free VR games.
