If you’re into horror games and you’re looking to up the scare factor, virtual reality (VR) is the way to go. VR horror games don’t just rely on jump scares; they immerse you in creepy environments where you can’t just look away or pause the game.
For 2024, there’s a terrifying lineup of VR horror titles that will make even the bravest players question their life choices. So, buckle up, because we’re diving into the top five VR horror games you absolutely need to play in 2024. These games are designed to give you chills, sweat, and maybe a few nightmares.
Contents
1. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard VR
If you haven’t tried Resident Evil 7: Biohazard in VR yet, you’re missing out on one of the scariest experiences ever made. This game drags you into the creepy Baker family estate, where you play as Ethan Winters, a man searching for his missing wife.
Unlike the older Resident Evil games, RE7 is in first-person mode, making it feel way more intense and personal. VR adds to the dread—you can hear every creak, every whisper, and every slimy footstep echo around you as you explore the grim mansion.
What makes it scarier in VR:
- Full immersion: Every jump scare feels real when it’s happening in your face.
- Environmental tension: The creepy Louisiana mansion feels alive and absolutely suffocating.
With its focus on psychological horror, tight environments, and grotesque enemies, Resident Evil 7 in VR isn’t just a game—it’s an experience that’s almost too real for comfort(
2. Cosmodread
Cosmodread is the game for you if you love a mix of sci-fi and horror. Imagine waking up on a derelict alien spaceship, with no idea how you got there. The halls are dark, strange noises echo around you, and something is hunting you. The real kicker? Cosmodread is a roguelike, meaning every time you die, the ship’s layout changes, so there’s no learning your way around or memorizing enemy locations.
Why Cosmodread is so terrifying:
- Randomized gameplay: Each time you play, the ship’s rooms and items are rearranged, keeping you on edge.
- Isolation horror: Being alone in the deep, cold darkness of space adds an extra layer of tension.
Surviving this game requires you to gather resources and avoid enemies that feel like they’re creeping up behind you the entire time(
3. Blair Witch VR
Based on the cult classic horror film, Blair Witch VR brings the unsettling lore of the Black Hills Forest into a fully immersive experience. As you navigate through dense woods, the game masterfully builds up tension. You play as Ellis, a former cop, who ventures into the cursed woods to find a missing boy.
Equipped with just a flashlight and your dog Bullet, you face down psychological horrors, slowly losing touch with reality as you try to uncover the dark secret of the Blair Witch.
4. Lies Beneath
If you like your horror with a bit of action, Lies Beneath delivers. Set in the sleepy, haunting town of Slumber, Alaska, this VR horror game features a unique comic book-style aesthetic that somehow manages to make everything even creepier. You play as Mae, who’s returned home to uncover what happened to her missing father.
Armed with shotguns, knives, and an unshakable will to survive, you fight your way through hordes of grotesque creatures while solving the mystery of Slumber.
5. The Exorcist: Legion VR
If you’re into supernatural horror, The Exorcist: Legion VR will test your nerves. This game puts you in the shoes of a detective investigating a series of gruesome murders that seem to be tied to demonic possession. Each chapter has you performing exorcisms, but the real horror isn’t just in what you see—it’s what you hear.
The game’s sound design is one of the best in VR, making you feel the presence of evil long before you see it. Every demonic encounter is intense and unpredictable, making each step forward feel like a leap into danger.
Honorable Mentions
There are a few games that didn’t make the top five but are still absolutely terrifying in their own right. Games like The Forest VR, where you must survive in a forest full of cannibals, or Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, which puts you on a nightmarish rollercoaster ride through horrifying scenes, are must-plays for any horror enthusiast. These games will keep you on edge, even when you think you’re done for the night.
Conclusion:
If you think you’ve seen it all in horror gaming, wait until you strap on a VR headset. These five games push the genre to its limits, offering unique experiences that will leave you sweating and anxious to take the headset off—if you can even make it that far. Whether you’re battling grotesque monsters in Resident Evil 7, exploring the eerie Black Hills Forest in Blair Witch, or facing off against demons in The Exorcist: Legion VR, these games offer heart-pounding, immersive fear that regular console horror games just can’t match.
These aren’t games for the faint-hearted. But if you’re ready for it, 2024 is going to be a terrifying year in VR horror.