While Halloween may be almost over, fans of horror (like myself) want the scares all year ’round. So, we collected some of the best VR titles to give you nightmares through the new year!
Phasmophobia VR
We’ll start this list with one of my personal favorite horror titles: Phasmophobia. This is almost like playing a video game version of one of those ghost hunting shows, only with more scares. You can play solo or with a team of four while you explore one of many locations to investigate a haunting. While trying to uncover what type of spirit you’re encountering, you’ll have to use the ghost hunting gear and perform several activities, like turning on the power.
While relying more on atmosphere and dread, Phasmo brings the jump scares when needed. However, one of the best features is Phasmophobia’s voice recognition. Allowing the entity to respond based on what players say through their microphones.
Phasmophobia is available on Steam for pc, though, I have to say, the immersion that the VR version brings is something entirely different…and highly recommended.
2. Resident Evil VII: VR
Resident Evil VII is a massive overhaul of the Resident Evil franchise. I’m sure by now you’ve heard everything there is to know about it. However, like many things, adding VR just makes everything better.
While a PSVR version is available for RE7, I have to admit that I’ve played the unofficial PCVR mods by modder “Praydog”. While they have made VR mods for previous Resident Evil games, I couldn’t ignore the latest offering by Praydog: VR support and motion control for RE7 and 8.
The PSVR version is official, and could be seen as how the developer wants it to be. Although, the PC versions being modded are near perfect. There are some immersion breaks when it comes to scripted scenes since they’re done in first person and require the camera to be facing a certain direction and angle. I’d say that could be forgiven, though. The action and shooting areas are incredible, and the dread is ramped to eleven. Particularly disturbing was the “dollhouse” (y’all know what I’m talking about).
Resident Evil VII may be the most difficult game to get loaded on your headset, but it’s totally worth it, no matter which version you end up with.
3. Arizona Sunshine
What kind of horror list would be complete without some zombies? Arizona Sunshine is more on the fun side of horror, rather than scares. You’ll play as a unnamed survivor that wakes up in a cave in Arizona. Searching for the source of a signal being sent out by possible survivors, and mowing down zombies along the way.
Enjoy the sunshine, since unlike most horror titles, this one takes place mostly in broad daylight. Through some dead ends, and countless walking dead, you’ll find equipment to help you kill better and stay alive. So make sure you explore.
Arizona Sunshine is just good old fashioned zombie killing mayhem. Gather tools and weapons along your travels and take out wave after wave of the undead. Or team up with a friend and start your kill counts for some “friendly” competition. If you’re a fan of Zombieland, you’ll definitely love this game.
4. Dreadhalls
Dreadhalls is a dungeon crawler of sorts. You’ll start in the dungeon and the goal is to escape. However, you’ll never have a weapon. Only a lamp that gives little light to guide you. This makes the already claustrophobic atmosphere even more creepy, since you can’t really see more than a few feet in front of you.
Like many dungeon crawlers, Dreadhalls is procedurally generated. Meaning you’ll never play the same layout twice. It will also change up the amount and type of monsters and creepy creatures in the dungeons. Making it a new playthrough each time.
Dreadhalls is for those looking for a maze to conquer. Having no weapons means you’ll have to keep your eyes open. You’ll have to keep your lantern fed with oil, also. And it really drinks the oil, adding another level of stress to keep in the back of your mind while you try to survive.
Fans of mazes, labyrinths, and games like Outlast, this one’s for you!
5. Devour VR
Devour is one of the hottest horror titles right now, with good reason. A little like Phasmophobia and a few other horror titles, Devour is better as a social game. While it can be played solo, it feels like it’s meant to be played with all four people.
You’ll play as one of four cultists trying to complete a spell as the demon-possessed former cult leader is in pursuit. Although the spell seems fairly straight-forward, gathering the items you need will be quite the challenge.
Scares abound in Devour, and the lack of weapons and inventory (you can only hold one item at a time) make it even more stressful. If you’re feel brave, gather some friends and fresh underwear, hit the lights and hunt some goats.
