5 Best PC VR Games of 2024

Patrick_Yu · 8:59AM

Virtual reality gaming has continued to evolve in 2024, delivering some of the most immersive and innovative experiences yet. From pulse-pounding action to deep narrative adventures, this year has seen VR titles push the boundaries of what's possible in the medium. Whether you're new to VR or a seasoned player looking for the next big hit, here are the five best VR games released in 2024 that you won't want to miss.

1. Brazen Blaze

Brazen Blaze is emerging as a standout VR game in 2024, offering a unique blend of fast-paced combat and satisfying mechanics. This 3v3 arena brawler excels in both ranged and melee combat, where you can punch opponents through walls or into space, giving players an exhilarating sense of power.

The movement mechanics are fluid, with dashes, leaps, and grappling creating dynamic, high-energy matches. Each hero in Brazen Blaze has a unique playstyle, encouraging strategic gameplay. The addition of sub-weapons allows players to further customize their characters, adding variety to the action.

While the game has a cartoony art style and lacks full-body immersion, it compensates with deep, evolving gameplay that keeps players engaged. Though it takes time to master its fast-paced action, Brazen Blaze becomes addictive once you find your rhythm.

With destructible maps, smooth controls, and character-specific power-ups, Brazen Blaze delivers a fresh, replayable experience. Despite some early rough spots, its core gameplay is strong enough to keep players coming back, making it one of the better VR titles of 2024.

2. Big Shot

Big Shot is an exciting new addition to the VR roguelike genre, offering fast-paced, frantic gameplay that stands out, especially when played in co-op. Developed by AlterEyes and published by MyDearest, Big Shot combines mech combat with a Borderlands-inspired visual style, delivering an experience that feels fresh and dynamic in virtual reality.

The game's roguelike mechanics shine as you battle through waves of enemies and face unique bosses, collecting temporary upgrades along the way. The progression system is well-designed, with six permanent upgrade slots allowing for strategic customization, although the limited variety of weapons—just four at launch—may leave some players wanting more. Despite this, the inclusion of co-op mode breathes new life into the gameplay, making battles more intense and enjoyable, especially when paired with a friend.

Visually, Big Shot excels, with its bright, cel-shaded environments and comic-style effects giving the game a distinctive look. The sound design is equally satisfying, with each weapon packing a punch and the Western-rock soundtrack adding to the atmosphere.

However, while the game offers plenty of fun in both single-player and co-op modes, its longevity may be limited once players unlock all available upgrades. Post-launch content, particularly additional weapons and upgrades, will be crucial for keeping players engaged in the long run. For now, Big Shot offers a solid, action-packed experience that’s especially rewarding when played with friends.

3. Outta Hand

Outta Hand brings a refreshing twist to the VR platformer genre, combining whimsical charm with a challenging movement system. Developed by Capricia Productions, this game puts players in control of a Hand-Person, navigating vibrant levels to escape Dr. Vendolvom’s clutches and save fellow Hand-People from doom. The core gameplay relies on using your arms to move and build momentum, which provides a unique physical experience.

The game's standout feature is its arm-based movement system. Players swing their arms to build velocity, leap across platforms, and even flap small wings for a little extra distance. This unconventional system feels intuitive after some practice, making platforming feel satisfying once you master the rhythm. While it can be a bit tiring, especially during longer sessions, the movement is a well-refined evolution of mechanics seen in titles like Gorilla Tag.

Visually, Outta Hand embraces a colorful, cartoonish art style that is reminiscent of classic platformers, while its light-hearted music and quirky narration add to the fun atmosphere. The game's story mode spans about four hours, packed with various robots and large-scale bosses to challenge your platforming skills. For those looking for more, the endless run mode offers replayability and leaderboard competition.

Though the movement system takes time to get used to, Outta Hand rewards perseverance with a highly engaging platforming experience. It’s a delightful and physically demanding game that will leave your arms aching but your heart content.

4. CONVERGENCE

CONVRGENCE, the latest release from indie developer NikZ, carries the torch left by the now-defunct Paradox of Hope. While the previous title met an unfortunate end due to a DMCA strike, CONVRGENCE is a fresh attempt that brings a similarly oppressive atmosphere to VR gaming, this time with a safer legal foundation.

The game revolves around scavenging, trading, and surviving in a post-apocalyptic world, offering players a procedurally generated experience. You'll raid different locations, avoid deadly mutants, and gather resources to survive. The gameplay loop of looting and upgrading your base feels familiar but remains compelling. However, the game's early access state does show in its repetitiveness after a few hours, especially with limited map variations and stiff enemy animations.

One of the standout features is your dog companion, a surprising but effective ally who alerts you to enemies and can even dig up items. While the dog's presence slightly undercuts the game’s intended tension, it adds a unique charm, and its usefulness in combat makes it hard to pass up.

Despite some rough edges and combat that feels a bit clunky, CONVRGENCE shows promise. With more updates, it could become a standout in the VR space, especially for those who enjoy scavenging and survival gameplay. At $19.99, it’s worth supporting this indie dev, but if you're unsure, keep an eye on its development.

5. Z.O.N.A: Origin

Z.O.N.A: Origin is the latest VR game from AGaming+, set in the atmospheric, post-apocalyptic Chornobyl zone. Inspired by the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, this game aims to deliver a similarly immersive survival experience, now in virtual reality. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the dangerous “zone” in VR, this is probably the closest you’ll get.

Unlike its predecessor, Z.O.N.A. Project X VR, which was a more linear shooter, Z.O.N.A: Origin offers an open-world survival experience, with non-linear progression and side quests. The game’s world is divided into both open and underground locations, reminiscent of S.T.A.L.K.E.R., giving players the feeling of exploring desolate environments, scavenging for loot, and cautiously avoiding deadly anomalies and hostile stalkers.

Gameplay revolves around classic survival mechanics: looting, managing resources, and making strategic decisions on when to engage enemies or avoid conflict. Ammo is scarce, weapons degrade quickly, and supplies are limited, so every encounter is tense and punishing. Players can take on quests from NPCs at the stalker camp, their central hub, where they can also repair gear and store items.

Visually, Z.O.N.A: Origin feels dated compared to modern standards, and technical issues may arise, especially with certain VR headsets like the Meta Quest. However, the game does a great job of immersing players in its bleak, radioactive world. Early access updates have been frequent, with new quests and locations already added, giving hope for further improvements.

While the game has its flaws, Z.O.N.A: Origin captures the essence of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. in VR, making it a must-play for fans of the genre, especially in the absence of official VR support for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.

Time to face reality

In 2024, virtual reality gaming has taken significant strides, offering players richer, more immersive experiences across a variety of genres. From the intense combat of Brazen Blaze to the survival challenges of Z.O.N.A: Origin, this year’s VR lineup proves that innovation and creativity continue to thrive in the virtual space. Whether you're exploring post-apocalyptic landscapes or battling it out in fast-paced arenas, these five VR games showcase the best the medium has to offer. As VR technology progresses, it's exciting to imagine how these games will evolve and what the future holds for virtual reality gaming.