Are you brave enough to face your fears in virtual reality? VR has taken horror games to a whole new level, fully immersing you in terrifying worlds where danger lurks around every corner. From zombie apocalypses to haunted houses, these are the top 10 scariest VR horror games that will leave you shaking.
The Scariest VR Horror Games
1. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (PSVR)
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard is not only one of the best games in the iconic horror franchise, but also one of the most polished VR experiences available. Step into the shoes of Ethan Winters as you explore a derelict mansion, facing off against the deranged Baker family. If you enjoyed this, also check out other games like Resident Evil.
2. Resident Evil 4 VR (Quest 2)
Another Resident Evil game earns a top spot with this masterful VR adaptation of the series’ most acclaimed entry. RE4VR translates the intense action and puzzle-solving of the original into an immersive VR adventure.
3. Five Nights at Freddy’s VR: Help Wanted (Quest, PSVR, PC VR)
Survive the night shift at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza as the animatronic characters come to life and stalk you in this terrifying VR version of the indie horror hit. The expertly crafted tension and jump scares are even more impactful in virtual reality.
4. The Exorcist: Legion VR (Quest, PSVR, PC VR)
Inspired by the classic film, this episodic VR horror adventure has you investigating supernatural phenomena and demonic possession. Each chapter ratchets up the terror, culminating in one of the most disturbing finales in VR horror.
5. Phasmophobia (PC VR)
Team up online and use an array of ghost hunting equipment to gather evidence of paranormal activity. Phasmophobia’s clever use of VR-specific mechanics makes it incredibly immersive and scary, even in co-op.
6. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners (Quest, PSVR, PC VR)
Battle zombie hordes and hostile factions in the ruins of New Orleans in this visceral VR action RPG. The realistic physics make melee combat feel disturbingly impactful. For more zombie action, try these other games like The Walking Dead.
7. Until Dawn: Rush of Blood (PSVR)
This horror-themed roller coaster shooter has you fighting off attackers while your cart auto-navigates through unsettling environments. Originally a PlayStation VR exclusive, you can now play it on PC with any headset via the Fan Project mod. For similar narrative-driven horror, try these games like Until Dawn.
8. Cosmodread (Quest, PC VR)
From the creators of Dreadhalls comes this roguelite sci-fi horror game that traps you on an alien-infested spaceship. The unpredictable, procedurally-generated scares will keep you on edge.
9. Face Your Fears II (Quest, Rift)
This full-length horror adventure immerses you in a dark world filled with classic genre tropes like giant spiders and haunted houses. It’s a great choice for those seeking a polished, story-driven VR horror campaign.
10. Wraith: The Oblivion – Afterlife (Quest, PC VR)
Explore a haunted mansion and uncover the secrets behind your own death in this atmospheric horror game set in the World of Darkness universe. Wraith favors slow-building dread over cheap jump scares.
Honorable Mentions
- Affected: The Manor – A short but very effective haunted house experience that’s great for VR beginners. It even works if you only have VR games without a controller.
- Lies Beneath – Comic book-styled survival horror with a gripping story campaign.
- Dreadhalls – The pioneering VR horror dungeon crawler, now available on Quest.
- The Persistence – Sneak and fight through a procedurally-generated spaceship filled with cosmic horrors.
- Paranormal Activity: The Lost Soul – Explore a haunted house in this chilling VR game based on the found footage films.
Tips for Playing VR Horror Games
VR horror games are more intense and overwhelming than flat screen horror games. Here are some tips:
- Play with friends when possible to reduce anxiety.
- Take breaks if it gets too intense. VR horror affects you more viscerally.
- Remind yourself it’s just a game to stay grounded.
- Start with less scary experiences to build up your tolerance.
VR Horror Games on Various Platforms
The good news is that many of the best VR horror games are available on multiple VR platforms:
- Oculus Quest has the most robust lineup of VR horror games that you can play untethered, including RE4VR, The Exorcist, and Walking Dead. It’s even getting Phasmophobia soon.
- PlayStation VR has excellent exclusives like Resident Evil 7, Until Dawn: Rush of Blood, and Paranormal Activity.
- PC VR offers the widest selection, with most Quest and PSVR games, as well as PC-only titles like Half-Life: Alyx, Phasmophobia, and the Alien: Isolation VR mod.
- Some mobile VR platforms like Oculus Go had a few scary games, but for proper VR games for iPhone and Android, you’ll need a PC-connected headset.
Conclusion
No other gaming medium can match the immersion of the best VR horror games. Facing down a horde of undead or exploring a haunted mansion is so much scarier when it feels like you’re actually there.
So strap on a headset, grab a controller (check out our guide to the best Oculus Quest 2 head straps for maximum comfort), and see if you have what it takes to survive these virtual horrors. Just remember that you can always take the headset off if it gets too overwhelming!
Whether you’re a hardened horror fan or just looking for novel thrills, these VR horror games will redefine how you experience interactive terror. Check out our other recommendations like Oculus games for kids if you want less scary VR adventures.
