5 Best VR Horror Games
VR has opened the door to a great era of horror games, with many companies recognizing the technology’s ability to produce both eerie and terrifying gameplay. This has meant the production of a variety of competent VR horror games over the past few years and in this guide, we will be taking a look at some of the best that this genre has to offer.
Before we get into that, however, let’s briefly discuss what makes a good horror game. If you are already familiar with the key characteristics of a good horror game, feel free to skip ahead. If not though, we recommend that you read through the next section to bring yourself up to speed.
| Budget |
|---|
 |
| Dreadhalls VR |
| 4.6/5.0 |
| Release Date: PC: 03/09/17 |
| Where To Buy: Steam, Oculus Store, PlayStation Store |
| Low price, plenty of jump scares. |
| Best Value |
|---|
 |
| Resident Evil 7: Biohazard |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Release Date: PSVR: 01/24/17 |
| Where To Buy: PlayStation Store |
| Great price, plenty of content. |
| Top Pick |
|---|
 |
| Five Nights At Freddy’s: Help Wanted |
| 4.8/5.0 |
| Release Date: PC: 05/28/19 |
| Where To Buy: Steam, Oculus Store, PlayStation Store |
| Excellent features, enjoyable gameplay. |
What To Look For In A VR Horror Game
VR horror games rely on somewhat different mechanics compared to a lot of other games, as their appeal often comes from suspense and audio features, rather than the all-action approach taken by most other genres. This isn’t to say that no horror game is full of action. It’s just that tense environments coupled with jump scares tend to be the more usual theme found in these types of games.
On the surface, this can make some horror games feel more simplistic than many other games on the market. However, there is actually a lot of work that goes into making sure a horror game hits the mark.
When it comes to building suspense, there are a number of factors to consider. Firstly, the game needs to do well at generating fear of the unknown. This is usually done by keeping environments dark and eerie. However, maze-like environments can also work well, as they create the feeling that you never know what’s around the corner.
Audio also plays a massive part in creating suspense, as it allows a game to build tension before springing a jump scare or other fright upon gamers. Audio has always been an important factor in any game, but for the horror genre, it is imperative that the game is coupled with good audio features, as it can often be the difference when it comes to how scary a game actually is.
The enemies in a game also have to be scary. This is a given, of course, but not all scary characters need to be grotesque monsters and creepy ghosts. Some games choose to go down a different route, using puppets and other seemingly innocent toys, while others choose to use artwork or other more creative adversaries. Zombies are another staple of the horror genre. However, these tend to feature in more action-packed titles rather than the creepier options out there.
The pacing in a horror game is also important. For example, if a horror game revealed all of its scary content at the start, the rest of the adventure is unlikely to have the same impact as your fear of the unknown is no longer present. It is for this reason, that horror games often look to build suspense and slowly reveal the scarier aspects of the game as you progress. This way the game becomes far more immersive for you as a player as you are constantly wondering what could be waiting for you around the next corner.
Generally speaking, a good horror game will incorporate all or most of these features. However, in some cases, simplicity is actually what’s key. For this reason, we recommend that you consider each of the following games for your collection, as despite their diversity, each title is brilliantly scary in its own right.
VR Horror Games Comparison Table
| Game | Key Features | Release Date | Where To Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dreadhalls VR |
|
|
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| Five Nights At Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted |
|
|
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| Resident 7: Biohazard |
| PSVR: 01/24/17 | PlayStation Store |
| The Exorcist: Legion VR |
|
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| Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul |
|
|
|
1. Best Budget: Dreadhalls VR
Dreadhalls VR is a dungeon-based survival game full of scares and suspense. It isn’t blessed with a particularly in-depth storyline but it does an excellent job of being scary, making it a compelling game for most horror fans.
Key Features
Dreadhalls VR has a number of features that allow it to stand out as a VR game. However, one of its most notable features is the fact that it uses procedural levels. This means that no two levels are the same, as the map changes each time to add a degree of unknown each time you play.
Another cool feature of Dreadhalls is the emphasis it places on audio. As mentioned, audio plays a large role in horror games. However, it is extremely apparent in Dreadhalls VR, as the audio adds a degree of suspense to the game that really takes the game to another level.
The dungeon environment in the game is also a great feature, as it is not only a creepy place to be in, but it also does well to incorporate a fear of the unknown. This coupled with Dreadhalls fantastic audio means that wandering the game’s maps is an incredibly tense affair, with the feeling of an impending scare ever-present.
The gameplay itself is simple but effective. Armed with only a lantern and a map, you are required to traverse Dreadhalls’ dungeons in search of bloody eyeballs. The eyeballs are then used to escape from the dungeon. Its a pretty basic approach to a horror game, but at the same time, it proves that sometimes the simple approach can be a better one when it comes to this genre.
Of course, as you work your way through the dungeon you are faced with a variety of different adversaries, including a whole host of monsters, witches, and goblins. Each creature is also very well modeled and comes with its own distinct sound which does well to freak you out as you approach.
Release Date & Where To Buy
Dreadhalls VR was released back in March of 2017 for PC and April of the same year for PSVR. this, of course, means that the game is available on multiple platforms, which is great to see as it means fans of both PC and PSVR have the opportunity to play it.
Being a 2017 release, however, the game has been around for a few years which is something to consider in terms of longevity. As it stands, the game is still a popular choice in the horror genre, but more modern games will no doubt continue to be released over time.
Dreadhalls VR can be purchased from Steam, as well as the Oculus Store for those on PC, while for PSVR users, the game is available on the PlayStation Store. Other retailers may also stock the game. However, we recommend buying from a reputable seller to avoid any potential scams.
Rating: 4.6/5.0
Dreadhalls VR may not be the most compelling game from a storyline perspective, but it does a fantastic job of being scary which is arguably the most important thing when it comes to the horror genre.
| Specs |
|---|
Key Features:
|
Release Date:
|
Where To Buy:
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| Pros |
|---|
| No two levels are the same |
| Audio makes the game very immersive |
| The dungeon environment creates plenty of suspense |
| Available on multiple platforms |
| Available for multiple stores |
| Cons |
|---|
| The game is a few years old |
2. Top Pick: Five Nights At Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted
Five Nights At Freddy’s has become one of the staples of the horror genre, with the franchise seeing success over the years with many different iterations of the game. With the release of Five Nights At Freddy’s: Help Wanted, the franchise has now ventured into the realms of VR and it’s fair to say that it has arrived with plenty of fanfare.
Key Features
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted is a game that looks to bring all of the nostalgia and classic gameplay of the franchise to the world of virtual reality. The game features classic characters and scenes from previous iterations of the game, as well as updated gameplay for the new medium. There are also plenty of collectibles up for grabs, as well as a variety of minigames to complete.
The minigames are highly enjoyable, featuring a number of different tasks, such as repairing ventilation systems and troubleshooting animatronics. You will also be tasked with working in the security guard office at times, which can make for a pretty eerie experience.
Featured animatronics include Freddy, Bonnie, Foxy, and a whole host of others, with each of them modeled fantastically well for virtual reality. Each animatronic is also just as scary as ever, which helps to create a truly scary experience for you as the gamer.
As for the gameplay, it isn’t too complex, but it does well to keep things interesting thanks to the suspense and tension present. There is also plenty of jump scares throughout the game, as you would expect, with the animatronics appearing all over the place as you progress through the game.
Interacting with the game is a rather basic affair with simple controls used to navigate through each section of the game. This might seem like a criticism but it’s actually a good thing, as it means you can focus more intensely on what’s going on around you rather than some complicated controls. There are also no movement controls available to you in the game, which means you can’t run when faced with a jump scare.
Release Date & Where To Buy
Five Nights At Freddy’s: Help Wanted was released in May of 2019 for both PC and PSVR, meaning fans of both platforms will be able to purchase and play the game on their respective platforms. Being a 2019 release, the game is also relatively new, meaning it should remain popular for quite a while to come.
The game can be purchased from Steam and the Oculus Store for those on PC, as well as a variety of other online retailers. PSVR users, on the other hand, can buy the game from the PlayStation Store or a number of other sellers.
Rating: 4.8/5.0
Five Nights At Freddy’s: Help Wanted is a fantastic game from a classic horror franchise that continues to remain relevant in the world of VR. The game has impressive visuals as well as truly terrifying gameplay, making it a massive hit with horror enthusiasts.
| Specs |
|---|
Key Features:
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Release Date:
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Where To Buy:
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| Pros |
|---|
| Plenty of nostalgic elements |
| Loads of fun minigames |
| Updated scenes for VR |
| Smooth mechanics |
| Available on multiple platforms |
| The game is still pretty new |
| Available for multiple stores |
| Cons |
|---|
| None |
3. Best Value: Resident 7: Biohazard
Resident Evil is another franchise that has become a staple in the horror genre, with fans of the game eagerly awaiting each new release with much fanfare. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard has done well to serve fans in recent years, becoming the franchise’s first game to be completely playable on VR, provided you are on PSVR.
Key Features
The game includes many of the features we have come to associate with Resident Evil games over the years, such as impressive visuals, a decent storyline, and excellent jump scares. In VR, however, these features are taken up a gear, providing a truly immersive experience that is hard to match.
The main reason for the high degree of immersion is the fact that the visuals in this game are stunning. Everything from the creatures you are facing to the environment you are surrounded by has been modeled expertly well, with great attention to detail clearly going into each element.
The storyline follows on from Resident Evil 6, meaning that if you are familiar with that game, you will be able to dive into the next part of the story. The story itself follows you as the protagonist as you fight your way through hordes of enemies in an attempt to survive. The gameplay is also broken up by a variety of cutscenes to better tell the story, while they also work in giving you a small break from the action and suspense.
The gameplay is pretty interactive, offering you the ability to walk around, as well as interact with various objects in the game such as weapons. For the most part, the movement controls work well. However, you may find yourself experiencing a little bit of motion sickness at times, as the camera appears to jump a few frames at times when moving between certain positions.
Release Date & Where To Buy
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is available on both PC and PSVR. However, for some reason, virtual reality gameplay is only available on PSVR. This is a shame for PC players, but hopefully, a virtual reality Resident Evil experience will be available on both platforms eventually.
The game was released on PSVR back in January of 2017, making it a few years old now. However, it remains a popular choice among the gaming community. The game is also available to purchase from the PlayStation Store, meaning you will be able to buy the game from a reputable retailer should you wish to. Other retailers will also likely stock the game. However, as always, we urge that you buy from a trustworthy source to avoid scammers.
Rating: 4.8/.5.0
Resident Evil games rarely fall short of the mark and this iteration of the game is no exception. With its intense gameplay and stunning visuals, Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is a true gem among the other VR horror games in this guide, and one we thoroughly recommend to all enthusiasts of the genre.
| Specs |
|---|
Key Features:
|
| Release Date: PSVR: 01/24/17 |
| Where To Buy: PlayStation Store |
| Pros |
|---|
| Great storyline |
| Plenty of jump scares |
| Superb visuals |
| Very immersive |
| Still a popular game |
| Available from a reputable store |
| Cons |
|---|
| Only VR compatible on PSVR |
4. The Exorcist: Legion VR
The Exorcist: Legion VR is a game based on one of the most iconic horror stories of all time, The Exorcist. The game does an impressive job of bringing the franchise to life in VR, with various chapters available to tell each section of the story.
Key Features
Being a part of The Exorcist franchise, the game, of course, features a fantastic storyline that is both gripping and full of suspense. There is also an element of mystery to the game, with plenty of secrets in the game for you to uncover.
The game is also full of stunning visuals, adding a degree of realism to the game, with each demonic entity looking particularly scary, while the environment you wander is also highly detailed and full of eerie elements.
As mentioned, the game consists of multiple chapters, with each one focusing on a specific part of the story. What’s great about this structure, however, is the fact that each chapter can be purchased as DLC as you work through the game, meaning you don’t necessarily need to buy the whole story in one go if you don’t want to.
Another excellent feature of the game is how immersive it is. This is helped in part by the visuals. However, what also adds to the immersion is the audio, which is quite simply stunning. Voices, grunts, and other noises are a large feature of the game, with the 3D spatial audio doing a fantastic job of creating a tense and scary atmosphere.
The interaction in the game is rather basic though, with the game opting for more simplistic mechanics than some others. However, as mentioned before, this isn’t always a bad thing when it comes to the horror genre, as it keeps the focus on your surroundings rather than any complicated controls.
Each chapter of the game is based in a new area and comes with its own story that ties in with the rest of the game. By themselves, these chapters don’t take particularly long to complete. However, you may need to do a rerun in order to discover all of their various Easter eggs.
Release Date & Where To Buy
The Exorcist: Legion VR was released back in November 2017 and June 2018 for PSVR, making it a somewhat older game. However, it remains a popular option among the horror game community.
The game can be purchased from both Steam and the Oculus Store for those on PC, while PSVR users can find the game on the PlayStation Store. Other retailers will also likely stock the game, however, so be sure to shop around in order to find the best deal.
Rating: 4.6/5.0
The Exorcist: Legion VR is a fantastic horror game for both fans of the genre, as well as the franchise. Each chapter is full of mystery and intrigue, and while the game itself is somewhat short, there are plenty of secrets to find and other Easter eggs available to uncover.
| Specs |
|---|
Key Features:
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Release Date:
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Where To Buy:
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| Pros |
|---|
| Interesting storyline |
| Plenty of jump scares |
| Superb visuals |
| Very immersive |
| Fantastic audio |
| Still a popular game |
| Available from multiple stores |
| Cons |
|---|
| The game has been out for a little while now |
5. Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul
The last game on this list comes from the Paranormal Activity franchise and is called Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul. The game is somewhat different from the films, as it follows you in a first-person role rather than through a camcorder. However, it still hits the mark as a compelling horror game, bringing the famous franchise to the world of virtual reality.
Key Features
Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul is a survival-based game in which you are tasked with exploring a dark and eerie house in the middle of a rather creepy looking neighborhood. It’s a simple premise. However, as with many horror games, things soon appear to be more supernatural than at first thought, with it soon becoming apparent that you are not alone in the house.
The gameplay is rather simplistic in its approach, as is the case for several of the games in this guide. At times it can feel somewhat lackluster, but it also does a fantastic job of leaving you firmly in the dark with very little to rely on in terms of direction. For most games, this would be incredibly frustrating. However, for a horror game such as this, it’s a nice touch.
The game also does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere in the game, with the next jump scare never feeling far away. This is thanks to the work of both the visuals and the audio and it makes the game a very compelling, if not terrifying, one to play.
There is also plenty of realism in the game, with each element of the house modeled fantastically well and with excellent attention to detail. Many of the objects around the house are also interactive, meaning you can pick them up and inspect them should you wish to.
Release Date & Where To Buy
Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul is available on both PC and PSVR, with the game released on the former back in November of 2017, and the latter in June of 2018. This means fans of both platforms will be able to enjoy the game, which is great to see from the franchise.
Like most of the games in this guide, Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul can be purchased from Steam and the Oculus Store for PC users, as well as the Playstation Store for those on PSVR. You will also likely be able to purchase the game from other retailers as well, however, so be sure to shop around for the best deals.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul is a fantastic game from a famous franchise and one that works extremely well in a virtual reality environment. The game could do with being a little longer, but overall, it’s a highly enjoyable title for fans of the horror genre.
| Specs |
|---|
Key Features:
|
Release Date:
|
Where To Buy:
|
| Pros |
|---|
| Enjoyable storyline |
| Plenty of jump scares |
| Superb visuals |
| Very immersive |
| Fantastic audio |
| Still a popular game |
| Available from multiple stores |
| Cons |
|---|
| Controls could be better |
| The game has been out for a little while now |
Contents
- What To Look For In A VR Horror Game
- VR Horror Games Comparison Table
- 1. Best Budget: Dreadhalls VR
- Key Features
- Release Date & Where To Buy
- 2. Top Pick: Five Nights At Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted
- Key Features
- Release Date & Where To Buy
- 3. Best Value: Resident 7: Biohazard
- Key Features
- Release Date & Where To Buy
- 4. The Exorcist: Legion VR
- Key Features
- Release Date & Where To Buy
- 5. Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul
- Key Features
- Release Date & Where To Buy