Like many other video games that place an emphasis on immersion, games in the survival genre work better in VR. Picking up branches, rocks, and the occasional corpse can feel like an almost tangible experience with a pair of VR goggles. There’s also the fact that there are fewer distractions preventing you from escaping your digital life and death.
However, like most VR games, there isn’t much of a survival genre. Today, VR remains a fairly niche market due to its steep system requirements. Still, that hasn’t stopped some developers from implementing VR in their best survival games. There were also daring games made specifically for survival games that require VR headsets. Prepare to taste dust and despair with this VR survival title.
Updated by Branden Lizardi on April 12, 2023: VR games continue to grow and expand. New titles are released every year, and older titles receive official VR support. We’ve revisited this list to see if each one deserves inclusion in the best VR survival games. While we’re here, we’re also giving the whole thing a new gloss coat. Updated review scores and platform listings ensure you get only the most up-to-date information.
16
15 Cube VR
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2018 |
SteamVR |
that |
Think of Minecraft with the graphical fidelity of Crysis. That is cyubeVR. Maybe it’s because of the odd name that could have an impact on marketing, but that doesn’t mean the game slouches when it comes to survival titles. In fact, it’s one of the highest-rated VR or survival games on Steam.
cyubeVR is still in early access, so everything you interact with is subject to change. The game boasts near-infinite viewing distance, the ability to build anything you want, and even the ability to convert low-res creations into 4K versions.
14
13 star shelter
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2017 |
SteamVR |
that |
Like Half-Life: Alyx, Star Shelter is not a VR-ready game. it’s a game for VR. The developers built with VR in mind from the ground up with conviction. Because of this, the game has mechanics and gameplay elements that won’t work without a VR headset.
Star Shelter is a space survival game familiar to anyone who has seen space thrillers like Gravity. You get to maintain the space station, but it’s not a peaceful thing as you have to watch out for asteroids, oxygen levels and many other stressors that prevent billionaires from fully realizing the space race.
12 survival 1v3
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2021 |
SteamVR, Rift, PSVR |
that |
Have you ever wished there was a more serious version of Left 4 Dead with a VR component? Then the SURV1V3 is all that and more. A dedicated VR-only game where you can team up with three other players online to survive the zombie apocalypse. Also, since this is a later release, the visuals and gameplay are on par with current standards.
When it comes to horror aspects and content, SURV1V3 will terrify as well as satisfy. Unlike the more arcade Left 4 Dead, SURV1V3 touts itself as a realistic game. Physics is less forgiving and you can’t wing it and make as many mistakes as possible while still having fun or success.
11 Solus Project
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2016 |
SteamVR, PSVR |
63 |
The Solus project isn’t different from the other space games mentioned, but actually preceded both. A highly acclaimed game that utilizes psychological sci-fi horror tropes. It is primarily advertised as an exploration adventure game, but has a survival element to it.
The Solus Project sees players as an opportunity for humanity to start over on another planet after Earth is permanently destroyed. You take on the role of one of the pioneers. Unfortunately, one of the planets you find is full of strange phenomena despite appearing uninhabited.
10 No Man’s Sky
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2016 |
SteamVR, PSVR, PSVR 2 |
72 |
I’ve said it before, but in case people are still not convinced: No Man’s Sky is now worth it. Developers have come a long way from launch mistakes in 2016. So much has been added to the game that there is something for just about everyone. Of course, there’s plenty to chew on for those using VR headsets.
The graphical improvements and smooth gameplay loop make the VR transition worthwhile. No Man’s Sky also features a game mode that makes survival more difficult, and a permanent death mode for those who want to live a galaxy-exploring life on the edge.
9 song in the smoke
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2021 |
SteamVR, Quest, PSVR |
79 |
Song in the Smoke is no different than Valheim. A cel-shaded survival game with conservative graphics. But the real strength lies in Song in the Smoke’s VR exclusivity. Because this game was created with VR only in mind, it takes full advantage of all the VR bells and whistles.
As such, gameplay is built into VR controls and players must be more vigilant about their surroundings, as they must not underestimate anything in their peripheral vision. Beyond that, it’s pretty standard as far as survival goes. You have to craft necessities, hunt animals, and generally survive.
8 Into the Radius VR
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2020 |
SteamVR, Quest 2 |
78 |
Want a VR-only game inspired by cult series like Stalker? Then Into the Radius is best in class. At first glance, this VR-only game looks like a Stalker sequel. The biggest difference is that the graphics are good, especially since this is a VR title.
You can explore the Pechorsk Radius Zone in Into the Radius VR. All kinds of mysterious and bizarre physical anomalies exist here. are you okay; Get your trusty companion, AK, compass and post-Soviet food to survive.
7 cosmo red
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2021 |
SteamVR, Rift, Quest |
80 |
Cosmodread is a VR game where you have to check a lot of boxes. Like Star Shelter, it’s VR-only and has more horror elements. It also incorporates a roguelike mechanic where you have to start over from the beginning after failing or dying.
However, Cosmodread is about escaping a sinking ship (or disintegrating in this case) rather than maintaining it. To avoid dying in the process of evacuation, you must find a way out of the dying spaceship while searching for resource fragments. It’s a great game, although it’s understandable if some people want to avoid it because the VR component is so scary.
6 Fallout 4 VR
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2017 |
SteamVR |
81 |
Fallout 4 came out without VR support at first, but it was the fruit of one of the games that can use VR very well. In fact, Fallout 4 is not a purely survival game. It’s more of an RPG because the survival mechanics aren’t fleshed out. However, there are survival modes and mods that help make this kind of gameplay more immersive.
Fallout 4 VR is a standalone game separate from Fallout 4 and must be purchased separately to play.
As such, Fallout 4 VR is a great first entry for survival fans into the VR platform. It’s a great way to get a better sense of immersion while experiencing post-apocalyptic Boston once again, with easy entry into VR gameplay mode.
5 forest
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2018 |
SteamVR |
81 |
If you’re looking for a serious survival game, The Forest is a game that has been making headlines since 2018. A spooky take on the abandoned survival game where you play as a dad searching for his son in an abandoned forest. The plane crashes.
Unfortunately, this area is full of mutants who may or may not have kidnapped your son. The days are frantic and the nights are brutal and dark. It’s the perfect setup for VR support, as it doubles down on the stress and fear factor.
4 Green Hell VR
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2022 |
SteamVR, Quest 2 |
82 |
Do you want a terrifying struggle to survive deep in the jungle? That’s what Grill Hell VR offers. It is one of the most immersive and nerve-wracking survival simulations out there. Players play as Jake Higgins, an anthropologist lost deep in the Amazon. He must manage food, infections and injuries while fighting environmental hazards and the hostile wildlife that live there.
Green Hell VR is a separate game from Green Hell. Owners of the standard Green Hell game must purchase the VR version separately to play.
Green Hell also avoids including some sci-fi or fantasy elements and focuses on presenting the Amazon jungle as a primitive and unfettered ecosystem. Green Hell’s graphics and technical aspects are also among the best as it captures the atmosphere of the Amazon rainforest in a way no other game can.
three The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2020 |
SteamVR, Quest 1-2, PSVR, PICO 4 |
83 |
It’s a bit more linear than your typical open world survival game, but The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is not only one of the best survival VR games, but one of the best overall VR titles on the market. In the setting like the title, players play as tourists in New Orleans, which is currently infested with zombies. It features the best close-up VR mechanics and offers a very thrilling and engaging experience.
There are still many survivals to consider in this world. You need to manage your stamina by eating consistently. In case of damage, it is necessary to wrap the body with a bandage. And to do either of those, you’ll have to explore and find out what supplies can be found in the ruined landscape.
2 subnautica
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2018 |
SteamVR, Meta Rift |
85 |
Subnautica is also one of the biggest names in the survival game genre alongside The Forest. The main attraction is that it is set in an aquatic environment where players get the opportunity and context to explore the vast ocean.
At first glance, you might mistake Subnautica for an underwater tourism game, but it sprinkles the dangers of the deep as you explore. In that regard, sea monster sightings are some of the most exciting and tense encounters in Subnautica. Combined with VR, the dive becomes even more immersive.
One Minecraft VR
release date |
VR platform |
Open Critic Score |
---|---|---|
2017 |
Oculus, WMR, PSVR |
90 |
What many fans don’t realize is that this open world survival classic has official VR support. The Bedrock edition of the game has native VR capabilities via a free update on both the PC launcher and the PlayStation Store. It offers the full Minecraft experience, but through a fully immersive virtual reality headset. You can also join our large collection of community-created maps, adventures, and mods through our internal content.
This does not apply to Minecraft Java Edition. The only way to play VR with that version is through mods.
Minecraft’s low-res style fits the platform perfectly, so even low-end PCs and consoles can render the game in a clean and sharp way. And with a range of accessibility options, you can find the way you feel most comfortable playing.