If you enjoy shooters or shooting games and own an Oculus/Meta Quest, you might wonder if VR shooter games are as exciting as they sound. The truth is, they are! VR shooting games offer a consistently enjoyable experience that fully utilizes the potential of VR.
In shooter games for VR, you get to interact with guns and their components directly, reloading and aiming just like in real life. This tactile and immersive aspect instantly elevates the excitement. The sensation of physically crouching down while cautiously listening for an approaching enemy, with your gun trembling in your hands, is something you won’t find in traditional non-VR shooters.
The world of VR shooter games is expanding rapidly, with many game genres, from flat-screen gaming, making their way into VR. Whether you prefer multiplayer or single-player experiences, a wide variety of VR shooting games are available for the Quest. Allow me to introduce you to some of the best VR shooting games designed for the Oculus Quest 2.
Onward *Number 1 of the Best VR Shooter Games for Oculus 2*
You’ve likely come across Onward at some point. It’s a well-known VR shooter that’s been around for quite a while. Originally, it was released for PCVR many years ago. Over time, it has undergone numerous enhancements and additions, and it’s now available on the Quest 2 as well.
In case you’re unfamiliar with it, Onward is primarily a multiplayer VR shooter, though it offers some single-player features. The game unfolds within a fictional global conflict set in the modern day. The team you join determines the weapons available for your load-outs, and each team can have up to five players, much like the Counter-Strike series. Movement in the game is deliberate, and the time it takes to eliminate an opponent is brief—just one or two well-placed shots can do the trick. Even if you get wounded, you’ll need to use a medical syringe on yourself to get back in the fight.
If you’re seeking a slow-paced and strategic multiplayer VR shooting experience, Onward is a game you should consider trying.
Lies Beneath – *Number 2 of the Best Shooter Games for VR Oculus 2*
Let me introduce you to a game that might be under your radar. Lies Beneath isn’t a multiplayer game but a linear, story-driven horror VR shooter. In this eerie adventure, you’ll assume the role of a lone woman armed only with a mystical lighter and a handful of aged guns and blades, facing off against swarms of chilling, otherworldly monsters.
Lies Beneath weaves a genuinely thrilling narrative set against a backdrop of unsettling and stunning environments. It maintains a consistent aura of creepiness, occasionally escalating to outright terror. The gameplay keeps you on your toes, offering a diverse range of experiences, so you’re never quite sure what awaits you around the corner. Whether you’re defending a cabin from a zombie onslaught with a trusty shotgun or battling through a village inhabited by possessed fishermen armed with just a revolver, Lies Beneath is one of those VR shooting games that never lose their edge.
Ghosts of Tabor – *Number 3 of the Best VR Shooter Games for Oculus 2*
Ever dreamed of diving into a VR version of Tarkov? Do you crave the adrenaline of a VR shooter filled with extraction missions and raids? Look no further than Ghosts of Tabor; it fulfills those desires. The game unfolds in a future where Russia has crumbled into the hands of Extreme Nationalists, and you’re a Special Forces soldier stationed in Tabor, a city struck by a nuclear missile.
Your journey begins in your secure bunker, a Safe House, where you gather your equipment. From there, you venture into the various locations of Tabor, scavenging for loot and completing missions assigned by the many traders. Be on your guard, though, as the NPC FENIX rebels, akin to Tarkov’s Scavs, will open fire without hesitation. Other players might be a mixed bag – potential allies or foes – trust in Tabor is a precious commodity.
Ghosts of Tabor is emerging as the top-tier multiplayer VR shooter for both Quest 2 and PCVR, promising an immersive experience like no other.
Into The Radius – *Number 4 of the Best Shooter Games for VR Oculus 2*
Hands down, Into the Radius stands as the ultimate survival VR shooter across all platforms, not just limited to the Quest 2. Comparisons are often drawn with the renowned S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, yet it draws much of its inspiration from the literary source that inspired S.T.A.L.K.E.R., Roadside Picnic.
In the immersive world of Into the Radius, you embark on a journey through the enigmatic Pechorsk Radius. Here, you confront peculiar creatures composed of dark matter while evading perilous anomalies, all while undertaking missions and collecting valuable artifacts to trade. The vast array of weapons and equipment available for purchase becomes your lifeline in this perilous Zone, where dangers escalate the deeper you venture. And as you push further into the Radius, you inch closer to unraveling the mysteries shrouding Pechorsk’s grim past.
Into the Radius is an absolute must-play if you seek a heart-pounding single-player VR survival shooter. In the realm of Virtual Reality Shooting Games, it unquestionably ranks among the finest and should occupy the top spot on your list if you’re in search of an exceptional single-player VR shooter for Quest 2.
Warhammer 40,000: Battle Sister – *Number 5 of the Best VR Shooter Games for Oculus 2*
Finally, we have an immersive Warhammer 40K VR shooting game! For those unfamiliar with Warhammer 40K, imagine a distant future universe in which humanity is divided and fighting over resources such as oil. Warhammer 40,000: Battle Sister allows players to assume the role of Sister of Battle – an elite female super soldier equipped with heavy weaponry and armor who is fighting back against any challenges from the other side.
Warhammer 40,000: Battle Sister pits you against the chaotic forces, representing galactic chaos that threatens to overthrow the Imperium. While its diverse roster of foes and weaponry includes everything from cultists and Chaos Space Marines to demons and various demons – the combat can quickly become repetitive over time, leading to a loss of interest in this VR shooting game.
Warhammer 40,000: Battle Sister is designed primarily as a single-player experience, although there are also multiplayer elements in its endless horde survival mode. Unfortunately, some long and monotonous dialogue sequences cannot be skipped without penalty; sometimes, their writing can even veer into awkward territory at times, showing excessive commitment to character portrayal.
Are you craving shootouts involving powerful industrial weapons set against an atmospheric sci-fi backdrop, or do you enjoy Warhammer 40K? In either case, Warhammer 40,000: Battle Sister could be just what’s required!
Contractors – *Number 6 of the Best Shooter Games for VR Oculus 2*
Contractors stands out in the world of multiplayer VR shooter games for the Quest 2, often earning the title of the “Call of Duty of VR.” Its gameplay closely resembles the fast-paced action of the Call of Duty franchise, making it a thrilling choice for those seeking rapid-fire excitement.
In Contractors, you’ll find speedy movement and intense gunfights. If you crave high-octane action, this game is your best bet. While it offers various game modes, they generally follow a similar pattern: spawn, dash for cover, spot an enemy, engage, encounter another foe, battle, and sometimes meet your demise. It’s perfect for a quick dose of VR shooting action.
Expect non-stop action with minimal downtime. You’ll find yourself back in the heat of battle within seconds of respawning. The game’s gunplay is rapid but allows for strategic maneuvers like shooting while jumping or sliding toward your adversary.
What sets Contractors apart is its impressive modding capability. Among Quest 2’s multiplayer VR shooters, Contractors reign supreme in mod options. You can explore a Halo mod, immerse yourself in a Star Wars adventure, or even recreate Call of Duty’s zombies mode or DayZ. The game’s versatility truly shines in its modding community.
Sniper Elite VR – *Number 7 of the Best VR Shooter Games for Oculus 2*
Sniper Elite VR stands out as the top World War 2 VR shooter for the Quest 2. While you might expect Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond to claim that spot, its poorly-paced single-player campaign and flawed multiplayer mode give Sniper Elite VR the upper hand.
Set in Italy during World War 2, Sniper Elite VR casts you as a partisan fighting against the Nazi occupiers. The thrill of taking down Nazis never gets old, especially in this game. It offers a diverse range of combat scenarios, though, as the name suggests, sniping takes center stage. Virtual reality shooting is a blast, and the weapons pack a punch, with moments of slow-motion x-ray vision providing a gruesome view of your bullet’s impact on enemy soldiers.
If you’re seeking the World War 2 VR shooter experience, Sniper Elite VR delivers. It boasts a wide array of weapons and missions to keep you engaged. The only drawback is that Sniper Elite VR is strictly a single-player affair, though its recent non-VR counterpart has shown great potential for a multiplayer adaptation.
Resident Evil 4 VR – *Number 8 of the Best Shooter Games for VR Oculus 2*
Allow me to introduce another single-player gem, and it’s a true legend. The original Resident Evil 4 was a groundbreaking hit that birthed a whole new genre of shooters, and now it’s been reborn as a VR shooter. Resident Evil 4 VR pays homage to the original while flawlessly adapting it to the virtual reality realm, capturing the essence that made it such a smash.
Step into the shoes of Leon Kennedy as you combat the sinister Ganados Cult in rural Spain, determined to rescue the President’s daughter. Along the way, you’ll confront hordes of hostile villagers and gruesome mutants. Resident Evil 4 VR brings the immersive experience of manual reloading and precision aiming that only virtual reality can offer, enhancing the story and gameplay of Resident Evil 4. This fusion is nothing short of spectacular, leaving you hungry for more and eager to don your headset once more for this thrilling VR shooting game.
Whether you’re a fan of Resident Evil, similar franchises like Uncharted, or the more recent Tomb Raider games, or if you’ve ever relished the intensity of a single-player VR shooter, Resident Evil 4 VR is an absolute must-play.
Breachers – *Number 9 of the Best VR Shooter Games for Oculus 2*
Often referred to as the Rainbow Six: Siege of the VR world, Breachers draws inspiration not only from Rainbow Six: Siege but also from renowned titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
In this VR shooter, you’ll find yourself on either the attacking or defending team, armed with an array of weapons and unique items depending on your side. The defenders wield defensive gear and traps, while the attackers can access cloaks, flashbangs, breaching tools, and drones. The attackers’ mission is to plant an EMP to disarm bombs located at one of two adjacent bomb sites while the defenders strive to thwart their every move.
A crucial rule applies: if all members of one team meet their demise, victory goes to the other side, adding a constant air of tension to the VR battleground.
Breachers delivers fast-paced action with brief rounds lasting a mere three minutes, ensuring you’re seldom left idle. It’s a load of excitement and is rapidly emerging as a top-notch competitive multiplayer VR shooter on the Oculus Quest 2, possibly even the finest in the realm of virtual reality.
The gunplay is incredibly satisfying, and the time it takes to eliminate foes with various weapons has been finely tuned for maximum enjoyment. The dynamic attackers-versus-defenders gameplay ensures each match feels distinct and captivating. With a wide array of gadgets, firearms, and tools at your disposal, you’ll have ample choices to adapt your playstyle and devise strategies based on your opponent’s moves.
Breachers seamlessly blend sleek design with top-notch gunplay, creating a comprehensive VR player-versus-player shooter experience that draws inspiration from traditional gaming but stands tall in its own right. If you relish competitive team-based shooters that demand communication and strategy, Breachers is a definite must-try.
POPULATION: ONE – *Number 10 of the Shooter Games for VR Oculus 2*
Are you a fan of Battle Royales? Interested in experiencing the excitement of a VR Battle Royale? Look no further than Population: One, the exclusive VR Battle Royale available on the Quest 2. It offers an exhilarating virtual reality shooting experience.
While it may not accommodate as many players as traditional flat-screen Battle Royales, Population: One still boasts a substantial player base for a VR game. This ensures intense gameplay, with constant repositioning and equipment gathering during firefights.
The game’s movement mechanics are both swift and entertaining. You can glide by stretching your arms or scale buildings with your bare hands. With a combination of health and shields, combat becomes engaging and enduring.
Although a building aspect exists, it’s not as prevalent or quick as in games like Fortnite. Population: One also includes a bot mode for solo play, but the heart of the game lies in teaming up with others to strive for survival.
If you’re a Battle Royale enthusiast eager to explore the VR realm, Population: One is a must-try. Plus, the best part is that it’s now available for free! Don’t miss out on this thrilling VR experience.
Bonelab – *Number 11 of the Best VR Shooter Games for Oculus 2*
Have you heard of Bonelab? It’s a VR shooter that’s gained quite a reputation, and it’s easy to see why. While Contractors reigns supreme in the realm of multiplayer modding for Virtual Reality, Bonelab takes the crown when it comes to single-player modding (except, perhaps, for Blade and Sorcery, but let’s stick to VR shooters for now).
Bonelab is exclusively a single-player game, offering a gratifyingly lengthy campaign where you’ll face a diverse array of peculiar foes armed with an impressive assortment of guns and even melee weapons (although the guns undoubtedly steal the spotlight). If you’re a fan of puzzles, Bonelab serves up just as many physics puzzles as it does intense VR shooting action.
Yet, the true treasure trove of Bonelab lies beyond its campaign – it’s the extensive collection of mods available for weapons, enemies, maps, and much more. Bonelab also boasts a unique feature that lets you download various skins for your character, allowing you to switch between them, each with its own set of stats. This means you can embody a formidable yet slow character or a diminutive gremlin adept at squeezing into tight spaces or anything in between. There are even modded skins featuring beloved characters like Batman, Deadpool, and many others.
If you’re seeking a more sandbox-like experience or aspire to dive into modding your own VR shooter games, Bonelab presents an excellent choice. It’s a game where you can unleash your creativity and explore many possibilities.
