VR gameshave greatly improved from the dark days ofNintendo’sill-fated Virtual Boy to the point that what was science fiction a couple of decades ago is now science fact. A truly immersive experience has always been VR’s biggest selling point, and what better way to take advantage of that level of immersion than with a chilling horror game?
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The difference between playing a horror game with a controller, keyboard, and mouse and a VR headset is like night and day. Everything about the game is heightened to levels above your expectations. If you’re a fan of horror games or want to test your limits, here are the scariest VR horror games that will relentlessly assault your psyche like Michael Myers on Laurie Strode.
8The Exorcist: Legion
The Exorcist: Legion is based on the classic horror film series of the same name. Ifyou are into the supernatural, this game will be an extremely chilling experience. Despite being rather short, as you may complete the game within a few hours, The Exorcist: Legion never wastes a minute as it continues to build up the scares to a smashing crescendo.
You play as a homicide detective who is investigating a murder case involving the ritualistic sacrifice of a priest. Your investigation will drag you through numerous locations, separated into episodes. The game never overstays its welcome and provides you with enough scares to make the entire experience memorable.
7Dreadhalls
An oldie but a goodie, Dreadhalls isone of the first great horror VR gamesthat showcased how much VR technology can enhance your gaming experience. The game itself doesn’t have much in the way of deep storytelling, but where it shines is in putting you in situations that will ramp up your heart rate as all manner of horrifying creatures chase you around a maze-like dungeon.
Simple and effective, Dreadhalls didn’t aim for anything more than a terrifying VR gaming experience, and it delivered on that promise.
6Cosmodread
Think Dead Space in VR. Cosmodread isa survival horror VR gamethat also features roguelike elements, which only means that you should expect a lot of deaths. You play as a patient trapped inside an abandoned space station, trying to find a way to escape. Cosmodread is also from the same team that made Dreadhalls, a classic horror VR game.
The game preys on your fear of the dark and the unknown, as you are pretty much dropped into the thick of things with no idea of what is happening. All you know is that you need to find a way off the ship; the crew is all dead, and that doesn’t stop them from creeping around. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely a VR game that is neck-deep in tension and cosmic horror.
5Phasmophobia
Phasmophobia is an online co-op horror game from developer Kinetic Games. You will play as a paranormal investigator tasked with uncovering the truth behind reported hauntings in various locations. The game is pretty much a ghost-hunting simulator, as you and your friends will have access to all the gadgets used by paranormal investigators, such as Ouija boards, a spirit box, and an E.M.F.
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While the game is undeniably fun, it is also incredibly stressful and tense at times. Phasmophobia can also be played solo or with friends. Will you be able to gather all the evidence to prove that there are ghosts, or will you have a first-hand experience of the afterlife?
4Kobold
Ahighly underrated horrorVR game, Kobold is oozing with suspense and knows how to create a highly disturbing and tense experience. Developed by anotherworld GmbH, Kobold puts you in the shoes of an urban explorer who is investigating a cold case involving a missing child.
The feeling of isolation that comes with exploring an abandoned and broken-down sprawling mansion is an unnerving idea in itself. Throw in an unsolved mystery and the hint that something supernatural is afoot, and you have yourself a classic recipe for horror. Thegame is also photorealistic, which further adds to the immersion and dread that you will undoubtedly feel throughout this hidden horror gem.
3Resident Evil 7 VR
Resident Evil 7breathes new life into the series by injecting it with a high dose of adrenaline, and the result is a game that takes Resident Evil back to its horror roots. The game itself is terrifying to play even with a standard controller; now imagine going through the opening section wearing a VR headset.
Being chased aroundinside the labyrinthine manor that is dripping with the underrated Southern Gothic aesthetic is anxiety-inducing and extremely stressful. Now place yourself within that setting in VR. If ever you want to try Resident Evil 7 in its most harrowing form, playing the game in VR will drag you kicking and screaming into the abyss.
2Alien: Isolation
Alien: Isolationis already a nerve-wracking horror game in its own right, but adding a VR feature pushes it past most people’s threshold. The game delivers a claustrophobic experience and is closer to the vibe of the first Alien movie than the action-horror style of the stellar sequel. However, if you plan on creating a nail-biting and terrifying Alien game, then the blueprint of the first is the way to go.
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At its base, Alien: Isolation is a frightening version of hide-and-seek. It’s you and a lethal, bloodthirsty Xenomorph trapped in a cramped space station. The game also featuresone of the best AI enemiesever put into a game. The Xenomorph learns as you play, and you can’t use the same evasion and hiding tactic multiple times, further keeping you on edge and anxious.
1A Chair In A Room: Greenwater
Developed and published by Wolf & Wood Interactive Ltd. in 2016, A Chair in a Room is a chilling VR game that is divided into six chapters. Each chapter will last 30 nightmarish minutes and will throw you into different locations that you need to explore. The game is available for bothWindowsandPlayStation 4.
The story itself is quite disturbing, albeit a bit confusing at first. Although that is on purpose to truly force you into the shoes of the protagonist. The Pelican Motel level is where the game truly messes you up mentally, and the less said about it, the better. If you want awell-crafted narrative psychological horrorVR game, A Chair in a Room: Greenwater is undeniably one of the best in this particular genre.
