6 Best VR First Person Shooters

1. Top Pick: Superhot VR

Superhot VR has become something of a phenomenon since its release, quickly becoming one of the most popular virtual reality games on the market. The independently produced shooter offers something different to many of the other options in this guide, blending classic first-person action with interesting puzzle mechanics. The game is also very reasonably priced making it a good option for anyone working to a tighter budget.

Key Features

Superhot VR is both a simplistic and unique take on a tried and tested genre, proving that the latest and greatest graphics and realism doesn’t always translate to the best gaming experience. The game also features some superb time and physics mechanics, which add a layer of strategy and problem solving to the game, unlike what most other shooters offer.

The core mechanics of the game involve you as a single player fighting off rooms of enemies. However, the twist here is that things only move when you do. It is this simple concept that has made the game such a hit, creating interesting puzzle-like scenarios where you have to figure out the best way to clear a room relative to your own movement.

The game lacks the hyper-realistic graphics many modern shooters have adopted. However, at the same time, Superhot fully embraces this fact. This game makes no bones about being a simulation. Instead, it has almost built itself around that fact, to the point where even the storyline ties in with the fact that you are entering a virtual space.

This creates a very immersive experience which is hard to compare to other shooters. However, you might take some time to get used to the rather simplistic art-style, which features white backgrounds, red enemies, and black hands and weapons. This art-style is a constant reminder that you are in fact inside a virtual environment. However, as mentioned this is entirely intentional.

Release Date & Where To Buy

Superhot VR was released back in December of 2016 both PC and PSVR, meaning you have a choice as to which platform you would like to play it on. For best results, we recommend playing it on PC, as many VR headsets on this platform are superior to that of the PSVR headset. However, if a PC and compatible VR headset are out of your price range, you will still be able to enjoy the game on PSVR nonetheless.

Superhot VR is available on Steam, as well as the Oculus Store for PC gamers, meaning you will be able to purchase the game from a trusted platform. We do recommend that you shop around first, however, to ensure you are getting a good deal.

For PSVR users, the game can be purchased from the PlayStation Store, as well as a host of other retailers. As always, however, we recommend you check the integrity of any seller before purchasing.

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Superhot VR isn’t the most advanced VR shooter you will ever play, but it does offer a unique experience that is hard to truly appreciate unless you actually play the game. The mechanics and physics are also highly polished, with gameplay feeling smooth and responsive.

2. Doom VFR

Doom VFR is a game that takes all of the madness and fast-paced action expected of a Doom game and throws it into the VR space creating a truly thrilling first-person shooter. The game is also full of the more gruesome aspects associated with the franchise, such as high levels of gore, making the game potentially one to avoid for the more squeamish among us.

Key Features

Doom VFR blends iconic weapons and enemies with modern graphics and movement to create a nostalgic yet new gaming experience that really brings Doom into the modern-day. In typical Doom fashion, the game has also implemented highly-effective movement mechanics, which add an extra layer of immersion to the fast-paced demon shooting epic.

One of the best movement mechanics in the game is the teleportation feature, which works by using a slow-motion effect to target a location. There is also another movement mechanic that works by allowing you to jump short distances. It’s an effective way to move around your location. However, it can make the game feel a little jerky. Finally, there are also smooth walking and turning options, which allow you to experience smooth movement should you wish to.

Doom VFR also introduces a new location to the game, which is the UAC Martian Research Facility. This facility is a refreshing addition to the game, and it comes with some excellent rooms to explore and navigate your way through.

Another important thing to note about this game is that unlike Bethesda’s Skyrim VR adaptation, which felt like a conversion of the original game, the company has worked with id Software to create Doom VFR from scratch. The result of this is excellent as it allows for a much better gaming experience, with Doom VFR feeling much more like a standalone game.

The graphics in the game are also worth talking about, as they are considered to be some of the best of any VR shooter currently available. The game also doesn’t suffer too much from resolution drops, meaning the graphics quality remains pretty consistent.

Release Date & Where To Buy

Doom VFR was released for PC back in November of 2017, and for PSVR back in December of the same year for PSVR. This means that the game has been around for a little while now. However, it remains a popular option among gamers still today.

The best experience playing the game will likely be found on PC, provided you have a powerful enough machine. However, the game still runs smoothly on PSVR, meaning it is an enjoyable experience on both platforms.

The game is available on Steam for PC users, as well as the Oculus Store and a variety of other retailers. PSVR users can find the game in the PlayStation Store. However, there might be deals available elsewhere.

For security, especially when purchasing items online, we recommend using a trusted seller. However, this doesn’t mean you need to buy from a well-known store. Just be sure to do some research on a retailer before giving them any details or parting with your cash.

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Doom VFR is a gory sci-fi shooter centered around high-intensity action and fast-paced gameplay. Its storyline is a bit of a letdown, but overall the game provides a polished experience that is thoroughly enjoyable.

3. Raw Data

Raw Data is another sci-fi shooter, this time focused on more technological threats such as AI. the wave shooter is known for its great graphics and excellent gameplay. However, it also features a decent storyline, making it more than just a shallow action game.

Key Features

Raw Data is a game with a lot to offer. Its gameplay is smooth and responsive, the storyline is interesting and in-depth, and there is also a vast world on offer to explore. The game also features a number of interesting characters to play as, each with their own set of unique weapons and abilities.

The story essentially follows you as the main character, as you work alongside an AI to infiltrate a large corporation and gather information as part of the resistance effort to take down the organization. It’s a tried and tested concept for a storyline and it works well in this case, highlighting a potential threat that some worry we could face in the future, depending on where technology goes.

The game tells the story over the course of 10 missions where you will be tasked with fighting waves of enemies. It’s a simple style of game but its also one that works well, allowing the game to showcase its best attributes.

As mentioned, each character in the game has their own unique loadout of weapons and abilities. However, what makes this more interesting is how varied each of them is. When it comes to weapons, there are guns, swords, and even bows available. As for abilities, these can vary from weapon-based abilities such as tracking shots for the bow or katanas that can be thrown to more supernatural abilities. Such abilities include Timewarp which slows time, and even Telekinesis, which allows you to lift and then either throw or crush enemies.

Each character is also unique, with their own various backgrounds and classifications. This also ties in with their specific loadout of weapons and abilities, giving them more depth and meaning within the game.

Release Date & Where To Buy

Raw Data was released back in July of 2016 for PC and October of 2017 for PSVR. This makes it one for the older games in this guide. However, it is still a popular game today, with many users still enjoying its gameplay.

The game is available on all of the expected platforms for both PC and PSVR users, meaning you will find the game on Steam, the Oculus Store, and the PlayStation Store. The game is also available from a variety of other sellers. However, if you choose to buy from an unfamiliar seller, we recommend that you check their integrity before buying to avoid getting scammed.

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Raw Data is an action-packed wave shooter offering hours of fun and highly enjoyable gameplay. On top of this, the game also includes an interesting storyline, which ties in seamlessly with the rest of the game, creating an all-round immersive experience.

4. Best Budget: Farpoint

Farpoint is yet another game in this guide to feature a sci-fi storyline coupled with exciting first-person shooter gameplay. The game is an exciting take on the classic humans versus aliens concept. However, Farpoint is far more than a simple shooter, with a compelling storyline that could keep you engaged for hours on end.

Key Features

Farpoint comes with a variety of interesting features such as its interesting storyline, exciting gameplay, free-roaming playstyle, and a wide variety of weapons. The game also features polished and responsive gameplay, as well as decent graphics.

The premise of the story is that you are stranded on a hostile planet crawling with alien life. Your goal is to find your way to a crashed space station so that you can attempt to return home. Its a rather simple concept and certainly not revolutionary. However, the depth of the story makes it an interesting one to follow and see through to the end.

As you progress through the game, you will also begin to discover more about the strange environment you have found yourself in, adding an element of intrigue to the game that you don’t always get with first-person shooters. The game is also very good at progressing the story at a reasonable pace to keep things from getting too fast or too slow at times.

When you begin the game, you will be reliant on your standard-issue gear to work with. However, as you progress through the game, you will be given the opportunity to try out a number of other interesting weapons, as you traverse the open-world available to you.

The free-roaming aspect of Farpoint is one of its better-selling points, as there aren’t too many VR shooters currently adopting this approach. Having the ability to freely explore your environment creates a far more immersive experience, and it makes Farpoint a game that you could easily spend hours playing if you wanted to.

Farpoint also does a good job of mitigating motion sickness by setting enemies to appear in front of you, rather than from all angles. This might seem like lazy design at first but its actually very beneficial, as it means you don’t have to constantly spin around to locate enemies.

Release Date & Where To Buy

Farpoint was released back in May of 2017 exclusively for PSVR. This means that, unfortunately, PC gamers will not be able to play the game unless they have a PS4 and PSVR setup. Despite this, however, it should be noted that the game runs exceptionally well on PSVR, meaning that you can still thoroughly enjoy the game on the console.

Being a PlayStation exclusive, you can of course find the game on the PlayStation Store. Plenty of other reputable retailers also stock the game, however, so be sure to shop around before purchasing.

Rating: 4.6/5.0

Farpoint is a well-built sci-fi shooter with a fantastic storyline and excellent gameplay. It is also complete with superb graphics, and an interesting open world for you to explore, making it a great option for those who want to get lost in a game for hours on end.

5. Best Value: Pavlov VR

Pavlov VR is seen by many as the alternative to Counterstrike when it comes to virtual reality. The arcade shooter has become a huge draw for fans of virtual reality, with its casual and competitive multiplayer modes providing plenty of enjoyment to gamers.

Key Features

Pavlov VR isn’t a particularly large game, but it does include many sought-after features such as the aforementioned casual and competitive game modes, as well as excellent graphics and smooth mechanics. The game is also rather fast-paced, meaning you are never far from the action.

One of the other great things about this game is its popularity. Due to the high number of people playing the game at any one time, you are rarely left waiting around to jump into a game. Matchmaking is quick and reliable, and the whole experience of setting up and joining games is effortless.

Another big draw of Pavlov VR is the number of different game modes available. Aside from your standard deathmatch variants, the game also offers TTT, cops and robbers, and gun-game options, as well as a competitive search and destroy mode. TTT is a mode first popularized on another game called Garry’s Mod. The mode is essentially a classic murder mystery mode, with one sheriff, up to three traitors, and up to seven civilians.

Another strong selling point of Pavlov VR is the various maps that have been created. Thanks to the modding community, classic maps like Rust from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 are available, as well as more comedic settings such as the office of Dunder Mifflin, from the hit TV show, The Office USA.

There are also plenty of weapons available in the game, ranging from handguns all the way to rifles. Each weapon is also very well crafted and it is clear that a lot of attention to detail has gone into every one of them.

Release Date & Where To Buy

Pavlov VR was released back in February 2017. However, thanks to the game’s continued popularity it remains a fantastic option in the VR space. Unfortunately, the game is only available on PC as of right now. However, there doesn’t appear to be any signs that the game will receive a PSVR version as of yet.

As you would expect, the game can be purchased on Steam. Other retailers may also stock the game. However, you should be sure that you are buying from a trustworthy source before parting with your cash.

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Pavlov VR is arguably the VR shooter to play for fans of Counterstrike and similar alternatives. Its gameplay is smooth, its graphics are good, and it has enough content to remain interesting and engaging for large amounts of time.

6. Onward

Onward is a virtual reality Mil-sim shooter designed to provide all-action gunfights and realistic mechanics. It is a far cry from Pavlov VR, which uses a more arcade-style format, as you will not be given the luxury of mini maps or even crosshairs. Instead, the game is geared towards tactics and teamplay to score a victory, making Onward an excellent shooter for sessions with large groups of friends.

Key Features

Onward’s most prominent feature is, of course, its focus on realism. This isn’t only evident in the mechanics but also the graphics, art-style, and pretty much everything else. The game does an incredible job of immersing you in a Mil-sim environment and it makes it very easy to get stuck in and involved from the get-go.

The game also features a variety of game modes, including solo and co-operative options, and up to 10 player multiplayer modes. In solo and co-op, you will be pitted against AI enemies. However, in multiplayer, it’s player versus player, giving you the opportunity to test your skills against others.

The solo and co-op modes also include a number of different missions, including Hunt and Evac. In multiplayer, game modes include securing an area for a certain length of time, fighting for control over an Uplink station, and getting a VIP to safety.

The game also includes two factions, the MARSOC faction, and the Volk faction. MARSOC is a modern military faction with access to various modern weapons, while Volk is an insurgent force and the enemy of MARSOC.

The gameplay in onward is smooth and responsive. Everything has been well thought out and the developers have done an excellent job at implementing the various mechanics associated with the game. At the same time, however, Onward isn’t the easiest virtual reality game to get into, as the realism creates a somewhat steep learning curve that needs to be overcome to really enjoy the game at a high level. This is the case for a lot of games, of course, but Onward certainly feels as though it wasn’t primarily intended for more casual gamers.

Another great aspect of Onward is the fact that it supports community-created content. This means you have the option to create your own maps for the game, which is great to see in an age where many games are actively hiding content behind paywalls. It shows that the team behind Onward genuinely cares about its community and is looking to actively support the creative efforts of the people who play their game.

Release Date & Where To Buy

Onward was released back in August of 2016, among it one of the older games in this guide. Despite this, the game continues to be popular today, with many gamers still enjoying its realistic approach.

Unfortunately, the game is only available on PC, meaning PSVR players will be unable to enjoy the game on the console. As a PC game, Onward can be found on Steam and the Oculus Store. Other retailers may also stock the game, however, so you might want to shop around for a deal before purchasing the game.

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Onward is a high-intensity VR shooter that aims to blend virtual reality with the realism of a Mil-sim environment. It might not be a game to everyone’s liking, but for those who enjoy more realistic games, Onward is an excellent choice to consider.