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Best VR Shooters And FPS Games: Top Picks On Quest, PSVR, And PC VR
With our list of the best VR shooters and FPS games you’ll be shooting straight in no time.
Admit it: the first time you put on a VR headset, you knew it was going to be great for shooters. And that’s certainly proved to be the case over the last five years; ever since the launch of PC VR headsets we’ve been treated to a slew of great first-person shooter (FPS) games, be they single-player campaigns or multiplayer frag fests.
If you’re looking for a list of the best Oculus Quest shooters then you can find a dedicated one right here, but this list focuses on games across a wide variety of headsets. So let’s take a look.
Note that you’ll find these best VR shooters on Steam, the Oculus Store and PlayStation Store where applicable.
Best VR Shooters And FPS Games
25. Robo Recall – Rift/Link | Robo Recall: Unplugged – Quest
There was a time in which Fortnite developer Epic Games was very bullish about VR. In that hope, it developed what was arguably the most polished shooter seen in headsets at the time – Robo Recall. It’s still an arcadey delight today, letting you tackle waves of mechanical enemies with superheroic action. But it’s even more impressive that Drifter Entertainment then managed to take that game and squeeze it onto Quest. A little dated perhaps, but worth seeking out for some accessible fun.
Read More: Robo Recall Review
24. Medal of Honor: Above And Beyond – Quest 2, PC VR
It might not have delivered the immaculately polished AAA shooter that we were all hoping for in a post-Alyx world, but Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond still offered the rare full FPS package. Multiplayer is arguable the better element, with plenty of modes and maps that offer classic FPS thrills inside VR, but the setpiece-driven campaign has its moments too. The Quest 2 version supports cross-buy with the Rift edition, but not cross-play.
Read More: Medal of Honor: Above And Beyond Review
23. Blaston – Quest, PC VR
If you’re looking for something a little different, might we recommend this unique 1 vs 1 dueling experience? Blaston has a great concept: fire bullets at your opponent – lots of bullets. Projectiles move towards you at a sluggish space, giving you time to move, but you can play the game tactically to create a genuine bullet hell for your opponent. With extra modes and updates added since launch, Blaston is a breath of fresh air in the VR shooter scene.
22. From Other Suns – Rift/Link
Oh, From Other Suns. What you could have been. There’s a reality out there, somewhere, where your fantastic randomized gameplay, in which players teamed up to take on adventures in space, got the kind of post-launch support it really deserved before living on with an Oculus Quest or SteamVR port. Sadly, it wasn’t this timeline. But, if you’re looking for an obscure shooter gem that delivers on the dream of space shootouts as you invade ships and rescue galaxies, you can’t go wrong here.
Read More: From Other Suns Review
21. Sweet Surrender – Quest, PC VR
If you’re looking for a shooter that will keep you coming back for more with intensely replayable roguelite gameplay, then Sweet Surrender is definitely one to check out. Build up a set of powerups and improved weapons and shoot your way through robot-infested mazes. There are four areas to the game at launch but its developer says lots of updates are on the way, and they’ll be free, too.
Read More: Sweet Surrender Review
20. Stormland – Rift/Link
Another procedurally generated adventure and another great game likely to be lost to the obscurity of the Oculus Rift store, Stormland is still worth a look if you have a friend to play it with. You explore islands connected by a sea of clouds, dispatching robots and upgrading your own shell with new parts. It’s gorgeous to look at and features incredibly immersive controls. It’s also Spider-Man developer Insomniac’s best VR game yet. Hopefully it’s not their last, though.
Read More: Stormland Review
19. Firewall Zero Hour – PSVR
Another game that we previously ranked higher in its heyday, Firewall Zero Hour is still worth seeking out if you have a PSVR Aim Controller and a squad of three other friends. This is essentially Rainbox Six in VR with tight, tactical multiplayer battles that require clear communication and a good understanding of its many maps. Even years on from release the game is constantly being updated with new content, making it one of the overall best VR shooters and FPS games.
Read More: Firewall Zero Hour Review
18. Zero Caliber – PC VR | Zero Caliber: Reloaded – Quest
There’s a handful of really enjoyable modern-era shooters in VR that cover a wide range of modes, from frantic arena-driven multiplayer to epic single-player campaigns. Zero Caliber squarely takes aim at co-op, with a decent-sized campaign (that can still be played solo), full of snackable missions for up to four players. Great gunplay and environmental variety make this a satisfying mission with friends, and the Reloaded Quest version stacks up great next to PC. That said, there’s still more to be added in both games’ roadmaps.
Read More: Zero Caliber: Reloaded Review
17. Sniper Elite VR – Quest, PSVR, PC VR
Opinion has been somewhat divided on Rebellion’s VR spin-off of its stealth-action series since it launched in mid-2021. But, for our money, the series’ B-movie sensibilities get a new lease on life here thanks to incredibly immersive sniping, sneaking that doesn’t turn into a broken mess, and great weapon handling. Plus the campaign will last you close to ten hours, which not many VR campaigns can beat. As such, it earns its spot in the list of best VR shooters and FPS games.
Read More: Sniper Elite VR Review
16. Space Pirate Trainer DX – Quest
Space Pirate Trainer is available on a lot of platforms, but we’re talking about the DX version for Oculus Quest specifically here for good reason. An update to the title earlier in 2021 added an incredible local multiplayer component where players with the space (and it needs a lot of space) can run around a giant arena in games of laser tag. Accessibility stops us from putting this one higher but, if you’re able, you can’t miss Spare Pirate Trainer DX.
15. Larcenauts – Quest, PC VR
Farpoint developer Impulse Gear was quick to spot a gap in the market for a VR hero shooter. But Larcenauts isn’t a simple Overwatch-aping rush job. It’s a genuinely deep shooter in its own right with a varied cast of characters that offer a lot of tactical options in the heat of combat. This isn’t the type of shooter you quickly jump into and understand – Larcenauts is a game worth investing in to get the best out of it.
Read More: Larcenauts Review
14. Contractors – Quest, PC VR
Another modern-era VR FPS, Contractors offers a smorgasbord of options for those looking to play both solo and with others. Whether you’re looking for a Horde-style survival mode for up to four players, competitive play with over 30 different weapons, or just want to tackle the game’s missions on your own, there’s likely at least one mode in Contractors that you’ll really get a kick out of.
Read More: Contractors Quest Review
13. Compound – PC VR
A retro-inspired VR FPS that takes after classics like Doom and Wolfenstein might not sound like a great fit for headsets, but Compound is proof that it can actually work really well. You clear out randomized floors of enemies in a perfectly-paced VR shooter that lets you fight on your own terms, not just get blasted by invisible bullets from halfway across a battlefield. It’s still in a long early access haul but, make no mistake, Compound is one of the best VR shooters and FPS games today.
12. Pavlov VR – PC VR | Pavlov: Shack – Quest
The next entry in our list-within-a-list of modern shooters, Pavlov offers the closest you can get to Counter-Strike inside a VR headset today. Again, it’s in early access, but it has a long history of updates that have kept its chaotic tactical battles incredibly popular over the past few years. If you have a Quest, then Shack is a decent version of the game that’s cut down and put onto the Oculus App Lab store, but PC remains the best place to get the full experience.
11. Farpoint – PSVR
Say what you want about PSVR, but it’s arguably the best destination for single-player VR shooters, and that begins with Farpoint. Impulse Gear’s VR debut still holds up with its enjoyable story-driven mode that, while somewhat basic in design, absolutely thrives on the strength of the PSVR Aim Controller for which it was designed for. The powerful feeling of holding a rifle makes it one of the most immersive VR experiences. Our fingers remain crossed for a possible Farpoint 2, but the original remains one of the best VR shooters and FPS games.
Read More: Farpoint Review
10. Population: One – Quest, PC VR
Perhaps the most accessible multiplayer VR shooter on the market today, Population: One is essentially VR’s answer to Fortnite. Teams of three jump into a giant map and battle to be the last group standing, scavenging for supplies, climbing buildings and eating bananas. An ever-growing list of updates and limited-time events also make it one of the best-supported VR games you can find right now.
Read More: Population: One Review
9. Hot Dogs, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades – PC VR
Somehow over five years on from launch, H3VR (which, no, does not stand for Half-Life 3 VR) continues to grow its arsenal of intricate weaponry. It’s essentially a sandbox gun sim with plenty of minigames and weapons to play around with. Though there might not be many traditional ‘game’ elements to H3VR, it’s an ever-evolving toolbox that serves as constant proof of how VR can push the shooter genre forward with remarkably in-depth interaction.
8. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Quest, PSVR, PC VR
We often feature Saints & Sinners in lists for genres it’s only partially associated with because, frankly, it’s so enjoyable that it still offers a better experience than many full-blown contenders. So, no, this isn’t a game with the most intense shootouts and complex cover systems, but using ammo sparingly to fight back against hordes of Walkers is still a real delight, and the weapon handling is almost perfect. We fully believe it deserves a home in the list of best VR shooters and FPS games.
Read More: The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Review
7. Onward – Quest, PC VR
The last of our modern-era shooters on this list is perhaps the hardest to jump into, but absolutely the most rewarding to dedicate yourself to. Onward boasts authentic weaponry and near-sim style combat that forces players to fully embrace the physicality of VR and maximize cover. It’s another early access title, but the game’s gone from strength to strength to recover from a rocky (if commercially successful) Quest launch back in 2020.
Read More: Onward Oculus Quest Review
6. Blood & Truth – PSVR
Another great VR FPS campaign exclusive to PSVR, Blood & Truth boasts cinematic production values that stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a lot of Sony’s biggest and best PS4 games. This is a little closer to Time Crisis VR, with players moving between set points as they fight their way through London’s gang scene in explosive battles. What you might not expect is an incredibly fun story with a high degree of interactivity and character connection. Blood & Truth is a great template for where VR shooter campaigns can go in the future, and overall one of the best VR shooters and FPS games.
Read More: Blood & Truth Review
5. Resident Evil 4 – Quest 2
Though it definitely loses points for its 2D roots, Resident Evil 4 works better than it has any right to in VR, capturing the unrivaled intensity of the original’s high-pressure battles for a solid 90% of the campaign. Sure, the other 10% might include much easier boss fights and troublesome QTEs, but this really is one of the best shooters of all time making a successful conversion to VR, and that’s worth celebrating.
Read More: Resident Evil 4 VR Review
4. Pistol Whip – Quest, PSVR, PC VR
It’s VR, so a rhythm-based game had to find its way into this list somehow, right? Fortunately, Pistol Whip more than earns its keep, taking inspiration from some of the platform’s best games yet but fusing something that feels entirely new and fresh from them. You’ll be hypnotized by the game’s selection of tracks, which have you blasting baddies to the beat, and there’s been incredibly impressive post-launch support since it first released years back. Believe the hype about Pistol Whip.
Read More: Pistol Whip Review
3. Superhot VR – Quest, PSVR, PC VR
We know, we know, a lot of you are getting tired of seeing Superhot VR rank so highly on so many lists. To that we say: find us a game with more immersive, considerate and satisfying VR design. Not easy, is it? The truth is that the game’s slow-motion mechanics still make for one of the most empowering VR experiences that perfectly demonstrate the platform’s potential in an instant. Superhot is a special game, and still one of the best VR shooters and FPS games today.
Read More: Superhot VR Quest Review
2. Boneworks – PC VR
Again, Boneworks is one of those games that might rank a little lower in our more generalized best games lists, but when you specifically dial in on the depth and fun of its gunplay, it shoots up the list (pun intended) of the best VR shooters and FPS games. The campaign offers incredibly convincing shootouts with a distinct, Valve-esque tone and, though the melee physics are the real reason to play, it’s still got one of the most satisfying arsenals of firearms in all of VR.
Read More: Boneworks Review
1. Half-Life: Alyx – PC VR
Surprised? No, we’re not, either. Valve’s long-awaited return to the Half-Life universe more than delivered and Alyx offers some of the most immersive weapon handling in VR. Smart design means that all of your guns are assigned to just one hand and you really feel like you’re holding them. Combine that with tough, cover-based combat that encourages you to make full use of your body in VR, and you have an epic shooter experience that we’re still waiting for other games to replicate. Half-Life: Alyx is an easy choice to top the list of the best VR shooters and FPS games.
Read More: Half-Life: Alyx Review
That’s our list of the best VR shooters and FPS games across all platforms. Do you agree with us? Would you make any changes? Let us know in the comments below!
Tactical FPS Vail VR Is Getting A Social Space With Hockey, Chess And More
Promising tactical multiplayer shooter, Vail VR, is adding some interesting new elements to its social lobbies.
The game’s closed alpha testing is today adding a ‘Vail Social’ element, introducing new things for players to do when they’re not shooting each other in the face. Check out the somewhat unusual reveal trailer below.
Vail VR Social Lobbies Trailer
As you can see, the new hub is comprised of minigames like chess and even team-based hockey matches. You’ll also be able to draw, visit a nightclub and developer AEXLAB says there’s the ability to watch video content together too.
Memes aside, it’s a pretty interesting exploration of how VR games can offer new ways to kill time with friends between matches.
We tried Vail ourselves earlier this year and were impressed with what AEXLAB is building. The game is a little like a VR version of Counter-Strike, with manic matches in tight spaces, but the focus on VR’s physicality helps change the experience up.
Currently Vail is only in development for PC VR, with no word yet on possible Oculus Quest or PSVR/PS5 VR versions. You can request access to the alpha over on Steam, but it’s likely to be a while yet before the game is ready for a full release.
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Shotwood Is A New Target-Based FPS For Oculus Quest And Rift
Another chance to hit the weapon range is coming to Oculus Quest and Rift headsets in Shotwood.
Developed by Concrete Box, Shotwood is comparable to Gun Club VR or Lethal VR. It sees players tackle courses filled with human-shaped wooden targets, aiming for high scores. The game features more than 17 realistically realized weapons that need to be uniquely reloaded and can be customized with attachments, too. Check out the trailer below.
Shotwood Trailer
The game is set in a mysterious facility in which players take on different challenges. Wooden targets won’t just be static objects but will also fight back in certain scenarios, too. As you complete them, you’ll earn credits to spend on new weapons.
Elsewhere there are minigames that see you wield a sword and shield and even a take on black Jack on a virtual arcade machine. This will be an Early Access release at first and Concrete Box plans to add more to the game in the coming weeks and months.
Shotwood will be releasing on Rift on October 28 and the Quest version will arrive on App Lab on December 23rd. Let us know in the comments if you think you’ll be checking it out.
Sweet Surrender Review: A Rock-Solid Roguelite With Room To Grow
Sweet Surrender delivers core roguelite thrills with room to grow. Read on for our full Sweet Surrender review!
That thing happened with Sweet Surrender. I played it for a few hours and came to what I thought would be my final conclusion. I’d confidently decided it was a simple, clean VR shooter that ultimately didn’t offer enough to keep me coming back.
Despite this, I kept playing it. And, without really even thinking about it, I kept playing it. Even after I thought I’d played more than enough to competently review the game… I kept playing it. The hooks, it was safe to say, had dug in.
It is definitely true that Sweet Surrender has room for expansion. Even though it’s skipping Early Access, it hasn’t benefited from the many months and even years of feedback-driven refinement that its richer, deeper VR roguelite siblings, Until You Fall and In Death, now feature. It’s a little on the skinny side, both in the length of its randomly generated dungeon and the progression systems within them, but its tough as diamond gameplay erects a tall brick wall I spent hours trying to scale over. And I enjoyed doing so very much.
In some ways, it’s a game more about style than substance. There is a story behind the robot-infested metropolis you’re fighting your way through, but it’s hidden in sparse log drops, and developer Salmi Games is rightly more concerned with the world itself, an uber-cool, arresting mix of sun-blistered vibrancy and clunky killing machines. Think Hotline Miami meets — well, not quite Terminator but maybe evil versions of the robot from Short Circuit? And there’s a wonderfully synthy soundtrack to match the visual narcotics trip, too.
This, it turns out, is exactly the right type of fuel needed to power through repeated takes on the game’s four main areas, which themselves are split into three randomized levels. Each level is an assorted mix of room templates from multi-layered towers to conveyor belts over lava pits in which you’ll seek out the exit and hopefully grab some better gear on the way. That includes weapons, which start off with simple pistols and slowly graduates to grenade launchers and sniper rifles. There are also wrist-mounted chips — of which you can carry up to four — that buff health and damage, sometimes at the expense of clip size etc.
As I said when I first previewed the game this summer, all of this forms the basis for a decent VR roguelite, but I’d definitely like to see more variety to the game’s loot. In later levels, I discovered firearms with time-slowing scopes and chips that gave me a chance to stun enemies, but it’s a mostly basic assortment of changes right now. Weapons don’t have a leveling system so an assault rifle you find in the first area will be just as powerful as one you find in the third, for example, and the modifiers need a greater variety of options to make different runs through the dungeon genuinely varied. There also isn’t really anything in the way of between-run progression, save for the chance to unlock some shortcuts, and the game would really benefit from this.
Played as a shooter, though, Sweet Surrender is a firmly arcadey affair, where it’s best to dodge bullets with the hot-footed smooth locomotion than it is duck behind cover and lean around corners. It’s clean and agile – reloading asks you to simply point your weapon down before flicking it back up, and you can find hookshots and ziplines that propel you from one side of the room to the other in no time. If you’re a fan of faster-paced VR shooters then this is definitely going to be in your wheelhouse. It’s not quite as refined as, say, Fracked, but it makes up for that with really impressive enemy variety, from basic soldiers to exploadable spider bots and shield-emitting drones that make each new room unpredictable.
Light as it may be, this all proved to be enough to keep me coming back to Sweet Surrender over the past week. The game is undeniably tough, with bullets shaving off a significant chunk off of your initially limited health bar, making the action more intense the further you get into a run. It’s those gripping, skin-of-your-teeth encounters where the game really shines, forcing me into corners as I peppered the air with machine gun fire, hoping to knock drones to the ground, or sprinting on the backfoot as behemoth machines with mining drills chased me. It’s thrilling enough that, when a 30-minute run is abruptly cut short, you can pick yourself up and get straight back to it.
Still, it often doesn’t feel like a shooter intrinsically designed for VR, and you get the sense it’d work just as well on a flatscreen as it does in a headset, save for the moments you line up your sights for long-range kills across the other side of the room or toss sticky grenades onto walls. I also struggled with the two-handed weapons, which seemed to get out of position when playing on both PC and Quest, and there are the expected handful of bugs, be it missing enemies preventing me from progressing to the next room on some runs (you have to clear out all foes to progress to the next level), or enemy drones getting stuck between gaps in shipping containers.
There’s plenty more to nit-pick; insta-death lavapits and crushing machines are more frustrating than they are anything else, and the game’s currency is really hard to actually spot in levels, meaning you’ll often run right past it.
But, crucially, that’s all stuff that can be fixed, and I have hope Salmi Games will make good on its pledge to keep supporting Sweet Surrender going forward. There is, inarguably, something here. Flesh out those core systems and expand the length of the dungeon, and the developer might just uncover whatever that is.
Sweet Surrender Review: Final Impressions
Sweet Surrender has a lot of room to grow. That much was made clear when Salmi Games promised extensive free updates at launch, but it’s also obvious when you stack it up next to the depth of other VR roguelites, with a comparatively light loot system and smaller overall dungeon size. But, despite its relative simplicity, the game’s moreish difficulty, enjoyable arcade gameplay and hypnotic visual and audio flair make for a rock-solid roguelite I was more than happy to lose hours within. This might be just the start of Sweet Surrender’s journey, but it’s a really promising one.
For more on how we arrived at this rating, read our review guidelines. What did you make of our Sweet Surrender review? Let us know in the comments below!
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