Summary
- Meta Quest 2 enhances horror games' immersion.
- VR horror games offer unique experiences.
- The platform hosts various horror games, from classics to new titles.
Horror video games tend to be scarier than movies, and that goes double for horror games in virtual reality. With the Meta Quest 2, players will feel as though they are really there in the thick of the story rather than in the safety of their living rooms. Formerly known as the Oculus Quest 2, the recent rebranding of its parent company has led to the Oculus moniker being dropped as well.
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For those with the guts to play VR horror, there are plenty of options out there. Of course, VR is still in its baby stage, so players cannot expect titles comparable to survival horror giants like Silent Hill, Resident Evil, and Fatal Frame. However, the competent and well-reviewed horror games already available on the VR store shelves may surprise players. Gamers just need to make sure they know what they're getting into with these terrifying VR titles.
Updated on December 30, 2024, by Gerardo Molina: While it's true that horror games are not everyone's cup of tea, those players who enjoy the feeling of being chased by an unknown supernatural entity or a vicious monster can surely take advantage of the capabilities that the Meta Quest 2 offers. Although this virtual reality headset does not have the widest field of view compared to other, more expensive competitors, it still delivers an immersive experience. Some of the games on this list are specifically designed for a VR experience, which allows for more tailored mechanics. However, others are simply ports that allow players to have a more immersive perspective, but don’t really feature mind-blowing VR elements.
29 The Room VR: A Dark Matter
A Fun Title With Lots Of Things To Discover
- Platform(s): PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Meta Quest
- Released: March 26, 2020
- Developer(s): Fireproof Studios
- Genre(s): Puzzle Video Game, Adventure Game
Released back in March 2020, The Room VR: A Dark Matter presents players with a very interesting and immersive experience which involves mysterious locations, complex gadgets, and otherworldly elements that make it great fun to play.
Although the game's main focus does not revolve around horror, it does have a few instances where players will at least feel creeped out if not scared. The Room VR: A Dark Matter has enjoyed mainly positive reviews on Steam and other outlets, so players interested should definitely try it.
28 Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul
A Horrific Experience Inside 4 Dark Walls
- Platform(s): Windows
- Released: August 15, 2017
- Developer(s): VRWERX
- Genre(s): Horror
Paranormal Activity is a well-known horror movie series that most fans are pretty familiar with. The first movie used guerilla marketing, turning a huge profit that made people realize how much potential it had. It used the found footage gimmick to great effect and there are many reasons why so many people are huge fans of the series, even if later entries haven't captured the magic of the original.
Taking on a classic horror game look and feel that most people have become quite familiar with, Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul is a decent video game that adds to this horror movie universe in its own way. It may not be a genre beater by any stretch of the imagination, but players looking for the quintessential classic horror game experience in VR will find this brief yet fun title to be right up their alley.
27 Face Your Fears 2
The Harvest Family Story Holds Many Hidden Horrors
Face Your Fears 2
- Released
- May 21, 2019
- Platform(s)
- Meta Quest
Face Your Fears 2 has players explore the creepy and abandoned Harvest House as they unravel the story of the history of the Harvest family. The game is rated T for teens, which makes it unique because most horror titles are rated M for mature. However, that does not mean the game is not scary. It is filled with jump-scares and a creepy atmosphere.
Fans enjoyed the game enough that they want the original title ported to the Meta Quest 2 as well. The original game is available on Gear VR and remains one of the best VR horror games around.
26 The Twilight Zone
A Mind-bending, Engaging Plot
The Twilight Zone
- Released
- July 14, 2022
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
- Genre(s)
- Puzzle, Adventure, Shooter
The Twilight Zone is easily one of the most unique horror games out there. This game has a tendency to unnerve the player with its unique mechanics, which makes it such a fun game to check out in VR.
Players need only check out The Twilight Zone for themselves to understand why it's one of the best Meta Quest 2 horror games. The mind-bending plot will keep gamers engaged till the very end, and fans will lament the fact that this title ends just when the story was getting so good.
25 Project Terminus VR
Nowhere Is Safe
Project Terminus
- Released
- August 11, 2023
- Developer(s)
- CVR
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Horror, Virtual Reality
Project Terminus VR feels like a game inspired by Half-Life with the horror dialed up all the way to the max. Players will be jumping at the slightest of sounds and be absolutely terrified by the intensely oppressive atmosphere this game creates.
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While the game does have its fair share of combat, don't be mistaken — Project Terminus VR prioritizes horror above everything else. The game wastes no time in letting players know that they're anything but safe in this world, and that survival is not going to be easy in the slightest.
24 Affected: The Manor
A Scary Walking Simulator
Affected: The Manor
- Released
- June 8, 2016
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Android, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Meta Quest
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Indie, Casual
Affected: The Manor is not for gamers looking to play for a story, but more for those who just want to get scared. The gameplay is a walking simulator focused on exploration and atmosphere. The end goal is to escape the manor.
The game has been updated with two gameplay modes. One is called The Gauntlet, which ranks players based on their speedrun times, and another is called The Darkness, which makes the manor have zero lights on and gives the player only a candle to see.
23 After The Fall
A Scary Version Of Post-apocalyptic LA
After the Fall
Fighting zombies is a common trope in VR games, and After the Fall is no exception. The setting features the city of Los Angeles being affected by an apocalypse that has coated the entire city in snow. If that wasn't bad enough, zombies roam this land as well, forcing players to arm themselves and deal with the many threats this game throws at the player.
Players can play either with four players in co-op mode or brave the dangers of this game solo if they wish. The latter is bound to be a scarier experience, and players should try and get the strongest weapons to tackle these undead hordes with more confidence. Players who want to check out other modes can also try the 4v4 PvP, which can be pretty engaging if players are lucky enough to even get a full lobby, which is a rarity.
22 Blair Witch
One Of The Best VR Horror Titles Out There
Blair Witch
- Released
- August 30, 2019
- Developer(s)
- Bloober Team
- Platform(s)
- PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Amazon Luna
On its own, Blair Witch is a fairly unremarkable horror title that didn't really tread on any new ground. However, with the addition of VR, it easily becomes one of the most horrifying titles anyone can experience in this genre.
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The enhanced immersion of the Meta Quest 2 makes each and every step a tough one to take, as players try their hardest to avoid the horrors that haunt them in this game. It's easily one of the best virtual reality horror games by a mile.
21 Drop Dead: The Cabin
Fighting Waves Of Zombies In VR Has Never Been More Fun
Drop Dead: The Cabin
- Released
- February 16, 2022
- Platform(s)
- Meta Quest
Drop Dead: The Cabin is a co-op shooter where players have to fight waves upon waves of zombies. The premise may not be the most innovative, but it's the challenging gameplay and horrifying nature of these zombies that make it such a treat to witness.
Every death is a learning experience while also allowing players to invest XP in their stats and level up their skills. Players can also try out round solo, which can be pretty challenging but adds to the horror experience since players feel truly alone instead of trying to survive with a friend.
20 The Exorcist: Legion
Dealing With Demons And Posessions Is Critical In This Game
The Exorcist: Legion VR SIN
- Released
- November 22, 2017
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 4, Meta Quest, Microsoft Windows
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Puzzle
The Exorcist: Legion comes in five chapters and has received rave reviews from publishers like Kotaku and GameCrate. The player takes the role of an exorcist and has to investigate demons and possessed people.
The game has everything horror, from jump scares to sudden darkness to upsetting sounds. The only complaints some players have put forward are a low frame rate and a couple of glitches. Some players on Steam even claimed to have returned the game for a refund because it was too scary for them to play.