best oculus quest travel apps

The Ultimate Guide to the Best VR Travel Apps on Meta Quest

Discover the world from the comfort of your own home with our meticulously handpicked selection of the best VR travel apps available on the Meta Quest platform. With these immersive and engaging virtual reality applications, you can traverse continents, delve into the depths of the ocean, soar through the skies, and embark on exhilarating adventures, all without ever leaving your living room.

As virtual reality technology continues to evolve, the experiences offered by these apps become increasingly lifelike and captivating, creating unforgettable memories and fostering a deeper appreciation for our planet's diverse beauty. Whether you're a seasoned traveler seeking new horizons, a curious explorer who loves learning about different cultures, or someone who simply wants to relax in breathtaking environments, our curated list of the best VR travel apps for Meta Quest caters to every taste and interest. These cutting-edge experiences will undoubtedly transport you to extraordinary places and provide unique perspectives that redefine the way you discover and connect with the world around you.

Introduction: The World at Your Fingertips

Virtual reality has transformed how we explore the world, allowing us to travel to far-off destinations without ever leaving our homes. The Meta Quest platform offers a plethora of immersive experiences with the best VR travel apps that take you on breathtaking adventures. From guided tours of the world's most stunning locales to tranquil meditation retreats, there's an app for everyone in this comprehensive guide.

Wander: Roam the Globe with Street View

Wander is one of the best VR travel apps on Meta Quest, providing users with access to Google Street View in a fully immersive environment. Traverse city streets, hike through national parks and visit historical landmarks as you explore the world at your leisure. Key features include:

• 360-degree panoramas
• Time travel: view historical imagery
• Multiplayer mode: travel with friends
• Voice search and teleportation

Google Earth VR: Soar Through the Skies and Dive into Oceans

Google Earth VR is another top contender among the best VR travel apps on Meta Quest. It allows users to fly over cities virtually, dive into oceans, and walk the streets of their favorite destinations. Highlights of Google Earth VR include:

• Immersive 3D environments
• Guided tours of popular attractions
• Customizable itineraries
• Integration with Google Maps

National Geographic Explore VR: Embark on Exciting Expeditions

National Geographic Explore VR brings the world's most iconic locations and thrilling adventures to life. This Oculus-exclusive app allows users to:

• Dive with sharks in Belize
• Climb Antarctica's highest peak
• Explore Machu Picchu and ancient Incan history
• Uncover hidden secrets of Egyptian tombs

Guided Meditation VR: Find Peace and Serenity

Guided Meditation VR transports users to a serene, virtual world filled with breathtaking environments to aid in relaxation and meditation. This app ranks among the best VR travel apps on Meta Quest for those seeking a peaceful escape. Features of Guided Meditation VR include:

• Over 100 meditation sessions
• A variety of calming environments
• Personalized meditation experiences
• Integration with popular wearables for biofeedback

TheBlu: Dive into the Depths of the Ocean

TheBlu offers a mesmerizing underwater experience that immerses users in the beauty and wonder of the ocean. As one of the best VR travel apps on Meta Quest, TheBlu lets you explore the depths of the sea and interact with marine life in stunning detail. Key aspects of TheBlu include:

• Photorealistic marine environments
• Three unique oceanic experiences
• Interaction with diverse marine species
• Educational content about ocean conservation

Conclusion: The World Awaits in VR

Virtual reality has revolutionized how we explore the world, offering immersive experiences that transport us to distant lands and captivating environments. The best VR travel apps on Meta Quest provide an unmatched way to discover new destinations, embark on thrilling adventures, or simply unwind in peaceful settings. As you journey through these breathtaking experiences, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the beauty and wonder of our planet.

• Can I use these VR travel apps without a Meta Quest device? Most of the apps mentioned in our list are specifically designed for Meta Quest devices, such as the Meta Quest Quest and Oculus Rift. However, some apps, like Google Earth VR, may be available on other VR platforms such as HTC Vive and PlayStation VR. It is always recommended to check the compatibility of the apps with your specific VR headset.
• Are there any free VR travel apps for Meta Quest? Yes, there are free VR travel apps available on the Meta Quest platform. Google Earth VR, for instance, is a free app that allows you to explore the world in immersive 3D environments. However, some apps may require a one-time purchase or offer in-app purchases to unlock additional content and features.
• Can I travel with friends using these VR travel apps? Some VR travel apps, like Wander, offer multiplayer modes that allow you to explore and experience the world together with friends or family members who also have compatible VR headsets. This feature can make virtual travel more engaging and enjoyable as you share adventures with your loved ones.
• Are there any educational VR travel apps? Many VR travel apps provide educational content and experiences. For example, National Geographic Explore VR combines breathtaking expeditions with informative content on history, culture, and wildlife. Similarly, TheBlu offers educational material about ocean conservation and marine life.
• Is an internet connection required for using these VR travel apps? Most VR travel apps require an active internet connection, as they rely on real-world data and imagery to create immersive environments. However, some apps may allow you to download content for offline use. It is best to check the specific requirements of each app before use.
• Can I use these apps to plan real-life trips? While VR travel apps primarily focus on providing immersive experiences, they can also be helpful in planning real-life trips. For example, Google Earth VR and Wander can give you a sense of what a destination looks like and help you identify places of interest before you visit. This can aid in creating a more efficient and enjoyable travel itinerary.

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Screen Rant

10 virtual travel apps for oculus/meta quest 2.

VR gives people the chance to travel the world from the comfort of their own house, and these ten apps are the best for the Oculus/Meta Quest 2.

Travel is a major goal for many people, but it can be inaccessible even in the best of times because of financial and mobility-related barriers. As unfortunate as it is, some people may never have the chance to visit all the places they want to. But VR allows its users to not only explore virtual worlds but also get a better understanding of their own.

Between 360-degree breakdowns of the world, guided tour videos, and documentaries, VR allows people to get closer to the places of their dreams than was previously possible. Many travel apps even include interactive features, so the users can feel like they're actually able to connect with different cultures and topography. As systems like the Oculus/ Meta Quest 2 become more widely available, and as programmers and cinematographers put more effort into advancing the technologies, travel will truly be possible without having to leave home.

Traveling While Black

Traveling While Black is an Emmy-nominated VR experience that talks about the process of traveling, specifically focusing on the barriers that have been put in place for Black populations, in history and in the present. The experience takes advantage of every benefit VR offers, which helps its message connect with the audience.

While this is not a documentary that focuses on the freedom of VR, it does try to get its users to think outside their own bodies and life experiences to see how other people can be limited in their own freedom. It tells an incredibly important story, which deserves to be heard by those who have now gained a deeper level of freedom through the digital realm.

For those looking for a way to walk around the world, Wander is the app to download. The app's primary function is to allow users to navigate the world similarly to Google Maps' StreetView, allowing them to enter an address and be transported to that spot. This can be a great way to explore new areas or look back on places you used to live.

In addition to immersive imagery, users can use the historical jumping feature to see what different areas looked like over the years. Many famous landmarks even have the ability to be explored from the inside, giving users the feeling that they're really there.

BRINK Traveler

BRINK Traveler gives users the ability to see some of the most amazing places on Earth from the comfort of their own homes. While there are currently only 17 locations for users to visit, the additional features make each one a true travel experience that may push them to travel in real life as well .

Virtual guides can explain the features and history of each spot, and an in-app camera allows users to take all the pictures they would want if they were to visit in person. Another great feature is the ability to travel in multiplayer mode, which lets users meet up with friends from anywhere while getting a remarkable view at the same time.

OtherSight is one of the most interactive travel apps out there because it specifically focused on including usable objects in every location. Currently, users only have the option of going to four different locations, but there's a lot that they can do at each one.

Users can visit churches, streets, and museums and really get a sense of how it feels to be there. The scale, texture, and movement qualities of interactive features are especially well done. While this is a fairly limited app at the moment, the developers are working on new locations, which can provide future explorations.

The Ocean might not be the first place people think of when they try to imagine their travel plans, but it is one of the great untapped resources on Earth. There is far more to be seen and discovered in the Ocean than there is on land, and Ocean Rift gives users the chance to explore that realm.

There are 14 different habitats to explore, which can be used as an educational program or one for relaxation, depending on the settings. The sea creatures are extremely detailed, and users can actually interact with many of them, giving the perspective of a true underwater safari. However, those with a fear of the ocean and its creatures may find some modes a little too realistic for their comfort level.

Blueplanet VR Explore

Blueplanet VR Explore is one of the most expensive travel apps, but that's in part because it is so extensive. The app allows its users to travel to 40 different cultural sites, with some offering the ability to interact with the landscape or even hang glide over it.

One of the best qualities of this app is the spacial breakdown, where users can truly explore the location. It is a physically navigable terrain, which creates a greater level of immersion than standard point-and-click systems. The one downside to the app, beyond its price, is that it takes up a lot of space, requiring a lot of memory and a strong internet signal while downloading.

Alcove is not technically a travel app, but it does offer a number of virtual tour experiences for free. The app itself is a virtual home, where users can download different in-app features depending on their interests. The travel features do include a number of tours on the ground, under the sea, and even in the sky, narrated by some of the most thorough guides available in VR.

The limitation of the app is that each experience is entirely pre-determined. There are no interactive features that would make it more immersive. However, given that it is free and has such incredible visual quality, that might be a sacrifice worth making.

National Geographic Explore VR

National Geographic Explore VR is a highly-interactive app that allows users to take on the role of a National Geographic photographer. They have the ability to travel to Machu Pichu or Antarctica, where they can navigate the landscape and take pictures of the many sights to see.

Users feel the strain of rowing boats and climbing cliffs, which makes for a more immersive experience . However, the quest is fairly pre-programmed, which means that individual decision-making is only possible in the pictures a user takes rather than in the experience as a whole. Coupled with another, more interactive app, this could be a great way to feel the travel in a way that images themselves cannot achieve.

Nature Treks VR

Nature Treks VR isn't overly concerned with realism, instead focusing on making a relaxing experience. Users have the ability to go on a walk on a variety of virtual paths, with exotic animals meandering by and control of the weather allowing the user to fit the experience to their preferences.

Because it isn't definitively located in any real-world locations , users have the ability to mold the world as they see fit, interacting with the trees to summon animals and controlling the sound levels to be more immersive or more relaxing. The detail work and spontaneity make it an engaging experience, though users should be aware that it is not intended to be a completely realistic one.

ecosphere is a photo-realistic breakdown of the Earth's most beautiful locations and the people that are working to protect them. Intended as a way to help the average person connect with the environmental crises of our time , these immersive documentaries show the importance of caring for the Earth before the damage is irreversible.

This is distinct from other user-directed travel apps but also provides a sense of depth and significance far beyond what other apps can offer. There are only a handful of experiences, but they go beyond visuals to explain what really matters about the different locations they portray. As an added bonus, the app is free, making these videos some of the most accessible ways for Oculus users to travel in VR.

NEXT: The 10 Coolest Games To Play On Oculus Quest 2

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8 Best Virtual Travelling Apps for Oculus Quest 2

Virtual Reality, VR, Immersive Technology & Simulated Environment

Recently updated on February 17th, 2022 at 11:28 pm

In this article, we would like to share with you the best virtual travelling apps for Oculus Quest 2 from our perspective. This might be useful for you who are also looking into the apps for the virtual tour and trip purpose as well. Without waiting much longer, here is the list…

This is one of our most favorite apps and the best virtual travelling apps that you must have!! Wander apps allow you to travel nearly around the world. You can move forward, backward and turn around in 360-degree. You also able to become a Time Traveller where you can teleport yourself in different time frame at the same location. Damn fun!

However, the images surrounding you are static. You can feel like you are in a time freeze or bullet time moments like in “ The Matrix ” film or “ Max Payne ” game. But it does not stop you from having fun.

Main Highlights: You can join group tours or organize your own virtual tour with family and friends. Nice feature!

2) Oculus TV

Oculus TV is one of the apps that we use quite regularly. It contains many wonderful and high quality virtual tour videos that can make mesmerized. Some of the content creator produce videos with awesome quality like AirPano .

You can turnaround and rotate 360-degree or 180-degree (depending on the video). Unfortunately, you cannot move forward and backward like Wander.

Main Highlights: Good categorization of videos such as “Immersive Videos”. Furthermore, it is frequently updated with new contents. And, it is FREE!!

3) BRINK Traveler

BRINK Traveler is one of the wonderful virtual tour apps that can bring you to some of the most majestic and breathtaking locations on earth. Some example of the locations are Haifoss in Iceland, Horseshoe Bend, Death Valley National Park and Mount Whitney. The good thing about this apps is that you can rotate and move around in 360-degree and also able to move forward and backward within certain area.

Unfortunately, the list of contents is not rich enough since it only got few locations. At this moment, there are 12 locations with 18 spots available for you to enjoy. Nevertheless, in the future, there will be more coming in to satisfy your hunger of travelling.

Main Highlights: Sharp photorealistic images and you can also pick up some stones and throw it away.

4) YouTube VR

We think everybody already know what YouTube is. There are many virtual trip videos that you can watch on it. The challenges is you need to spend some time to find the good 360-degree video with high resolution. But once you found it, then it is really a gems.

Main Highlights: A lot, lot, lot of video contents in VR or 360-degree format. And it is also free to download from Oculus Quest Store.

5) Blueplanet VR Explore

Blueplanet VR Explore is a wonderful virtual tour apps with great scenic view. It consists of 40 volumetric experiences of popular and historical locations all around the world such as Bears Ears National Monument in United States.

Furthermore, it looks super realistic because they are using the high level photogrammetry and art direction approach to generate the environment. However, the price is a little bit pricey if compare to others.

Main Highlights: You can fly above the scenic, terrain environment using virtual glider.

In Alcove apps, there is a feature that enable you to travel around the world in selected places. For example diving in the Greet Barrier Reef of Australia. The content is in the form of video in 360-degree format and the quality is also great. It seems that the Alcove team already select the best of the best for us to enjoy it.

Main Highlights: You can also invite your family and friends to travel together with you. Besides travelling, you can do many more social activities as well with your friends. And it’s free.

7) National Geographic Explore VR

National Geographic Explore VR apps focuses on two great locations in the world which are Antarctica and Machu Picchu in Peru. Although the number of locations is just two, but the number of activities that you can do is still significant. For example, navigate around icebergs in kayak, search for lost emperor penguin colony and witness the mummy worship. Sounds great, huh?

Main Highlights: It comes from National Geographic Society , a famous organization that has tremendous works in the form of magazines, documentaries, nature films. This is legend.

8) ecosphere

Ecosphere is an apps with great and high quality virtual tour video in the 360-degree format. However, the destination choice is very limited because it only has three locations which are Raja Ampat , Kenya and Borneo .

Although the choice is limited, but the cinematic experiences are stunning where you can meet orang utans, manta rays, elephants and many more. Just to add, before you enjoy the scenery, you must download the file first which is quite large. Be patience, guys…

Main Highlights: Yeap, it’s free.

Lastly…

That’s are the list of top virtual travelling apps that we have for now. You can get all these apps from the Oculus Quest Store . In case if there is any good travelling apps in the future, we will definitely add it here. In case you want to see other top games and apps based on other genres or categories, we hope that this article can help you with it.

Are you now getting excited to try VR after you read this? If you don’t have a VR headset yet, we think this is the right time for you to get it 🙂 Happy travelling!

About Author

I am a guy who is very excited on anything and everything related with virtual reality. My mission is to spread the love of VR to the world.

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2 Responses

Great list . Thank you. After finishing the set up, it’s hard to choose what to do/see. This helps a lot.

Thank you for your remarks. Really glad that we can help you on this. Cheers 🙂

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8 Best Oculus Quest 2 Travel Games and Experiences (Must Have)

One of the wonders of virtual reality is that you get to explore entire worlds and have it feel as real as being there. Visually, anyway. One of these worlds is our very own, and if you’ve got an interest for exploring it in VR, you’re in the right place!

In this article I’m going to be talking about the 8 best Oculus Quest 2 travel games and experiences. Namely:

• National Geographic Explore VR
• 360 Travel Videos
• Google Earth VR
• Flow (Bonus Entry)

First, let’s talk about the native Oculus experiences in more detail so you can see where you want to be going!

1) National Geographic Explore VR

Spit on that virtual camera lens and wipe it clean as you experience the wonders in National Geographic Explore VR. As an explorer, you’ll have to visit locations and capture the same photographs as the one who came before you.

The VR experience that will have you demanding more. Like, seriously. The biggest criticism of the game is that it’s only got two locations for you to dive into.

• An expedition to Antartica
• Machu Picchu, Peru 

Although the game doesn’t have the best graphics out there, it’s still worth checking out by VR standards. Survive a snowstorm, keep still during a mummy worship, and experience much more with National Geographic Explore VR!

Since there’s not much replay value with only two locations, you might want to wait for a sale to really get the most bang for your buck.

Get National Geographic Explorer for $9.99 on Oculus Store

2) ecosphere

ecoshpere is a collection of fantastic 360-degree exploration videos. But they’re not your typical 360 videos!

The ones in ecosphere are beautifully narrated documentaries that add to the element of immersion. You have over 10 episodes to download and start your virtual adventure. Learn more about locations such as Africa, Malaysia, and Indonesia from the comfort of your Oculus Quest 2.

What’s even more is that ecosphere is getting constant support with new updates and features, so the future for 360 travel is looking really good on this app!

Get ecosphere for free on Oculus Store

There’s one big reason I’d like everybody to at least give Alcove a try: variety. Okay, there are two big reasons. It’s also free. But let’s talk about the first one more.

While not being big on high-end graphics, Alcove does a fantastic job of letting you go on a tour in virtual reality. The game includes virtual tours across hundreds of landscapes and beautiful sites around the world. Ride hot air balloons or go for long drives in VR.

What’s more is that you can even take to the seas of Australia and the Pacific Ocean!

That’s not even where the possibilities end. Alcove allows you to customize your personal vacation home in VR, and invite your friends over to appreciate it even more. 

Although the majority of minigames like Chess and Puzzles are single-player, Alcove is constantly receiving fresh updates and new features. The opportunity to do more with your friends may not be far off!

Get Alcove for free on Oculus Store

4) 360-Degree Travel Videos

These are the travel experiences you’re looking for if your main goal is to explore the world. Leaving out the gaming and interaction parts, 360-degree travel videos are available across the Internet and have plenty of thrill to offer.

How do they work? All you have to do is load the video from within your browser in your headset.

Oculus Browser will do just fine, but some Quest 2 users recommend using the Mozilla Firefox browser. They experience higher frame rates and an overall better VR tour experience.

Since the durations of many 360-degree tour videos are short, you can look for multiple videos and add them to a playlist. Then, simply hit play and let yourself be taken around the world from the comfort of your couch.

For your convenience, here are two of the best VR tour compilations I came across:

The best 360° aerial footage by AirPano. Part I – YouTube

Virtual Travel (VR Experience) – YouTube

Wander is not your average adventure app, not by a long shot. 

And by that, I mean that this app lets you travel in time. With a unique feature, you get to actually visit different areas at different points in time . See your hometown since you moved away or the construction of Dubai from a desert. 

The magic of this app also integrates Google Street view to give you a truly one of a kind experience.

Even with time travel being an amazing feature, it doesn’t mean you can’t travel in the present. Wander lets you visit the world without restrictions. Explore the Wonders of the World in VR and live the traveling dream you always had!

Get Wander for $9.99 on Oculus Store .

Best PCVR Travel Experiences for the Quest 2

Since we’re talking about the best travel experiences you can have on the Quest 2, it wouldn’t be fair to leave out the PCVR possibilities!

You can immerse yourself in PCVR experiences on your Quest 2 through PC streaming options such as Virtual Desktop or Oculus (Air) Link. If you are new to VR and want to know more about how these options work, check out this article .

6) Google Earth VR

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Google Earth VR. When it comes to travelling experiences, everybody should have at least heard of this app.

Google Earth VR lets you travel the literal world in your VR body. You get to float around in any location and take in the marvelous sites created by man and nature anywhere!

As a bonus, this app comes with preloaded tours for selected locations like the Amazon River and The Grand Canyon. All you have to do is not forget to enjoy the ride.

So whether it’s the Eiffel Tower, Pyramids of Giza, or the entire Great Wall of China, Google Earth VR is something definitely worth trying out!

Did I mention it’s free? Get it from Steam now!

7) Realities

With additional add-ons that are just as free as the game, Realities is a mesmerizing historical VR experience.

This app takes you to a bunch of different locations that are incredibly detailed for a VR game and lets you explore what once was. Photorealism is at the core of Realities as it abandons the traditional 360-degree approach to VR experiences in favor of greater and more realistic immersion.

You’ll especially like this app if you’re interested in knowing what the less popular “tourist sites” are like!

Get to explore the chill of the Alcatraz prison, the lifelessness of Death Valley, and the ruins of old castles with Realities.

Get Realities for Free on Steam

8) Bonus Entry: Flow

Not everybody wants to travel for the fun, the thrill, or the exploration. Some people want to visit new locations for the serenity and to discover new ways to relax.

If your next trip across the world in VR is like that, then Flow is the app for you. The locations in this app revolve around what Iceland has to offer, mainly because of the natural scenery there . 

The features of Flow revolve around meditation and calmness. Even the chosen locations from around the world are an inspiration to help the human brain feel more calm.

There’s also a specially curated playlist to help VR enthusiasts make the most of their virtual vacation.

Recharge yourself in all the soothing experiences that Flow has to offer on the Quest 2!

Get Flow Free from SideQuest

Note! For more information on how to sideload an app onto your Quest 2, give this article a read.

That concludes my current list for the best travel experiences on the Quest 2. There are a few games that are currently only compatible with the Oculus Go that are slowly but surely making their way to the Quest 2.

Stay tuned for more, especially as new game releases and updates roll out! 

HARDWARE USED FOR TESTING AND WRITING THE ARTICLES : * Meta Quest 2 (My “daily driver” headset, which I absolutely love & recommend) * Lenovo Legion 5 Pro (AMD Ryzen 5 5600H, Nvidia Geforce RTX 3060, 16GB RAM) * TP-Link Archer C6 (budget dedicated router for Air Link, see my full setup tutorial ) ESSENTIAL QUEST 2 COMFORT ACCESSORIES : * VR Cover Foam Replacement (one of the easiest & cheapest ways to improve headset comfort) * BoboVR M2 Head Strap (reduce pressure on your head and improve the overall fit of the headset)

Martin Rakver

I am a software engineer and tech enthusiast. During my free time, I like to immerse myself in the world of virtual and augmented reality, which I believe will be more and more prominent in the years to come.

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10 of the Best Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

  With the time and expense required to travel being prohibitive to many, there are alternative ways of indulging your wanderlust – including via the burgeoning world of Virtual Reality.

(Photo: Cubicle Ninjas)

There are a huge number of VR companies all vying to create ever more unique experiences for consumers – and one of the biggest growth categories has been travel. And what better time to get a taste of exploration and adventure from the comfort of your living room, equipped only with a VR headset, than now, when travel is a luxury that many just can’t stretch to? We’ve picked out 10 of the best virtual reality travel experiences currently on the market.

So which VR headset should you go for? Our favourite is the Meta Quest 3, which launched onto the market in mid-2023 and is the successor to the Meta Quest 2. For immersive games and travel experiences, we believe the Meta Quest 3 is destined to become the leading VR headset over the coming years. It’s pretty affordable, too, and unlike other headsets, doesn’t require cords or a computer. You can purchase the Meta Quest 3 at Amazon.com.

Guided Meditation VR

Developed by Cubicle Ninjas, Guided Meditation VR is designed to bring peace, joy, and calm back into your daily life by teaching you ancient meditation practices in a cutting-edge way. It features over 40 lush environments to escape the everyday, 30-plus hours of guided meditations on anxiety, depression, maternity, resilience, sleep and zen, and hundreds of hours of calming musical audio tracks to help enhance your meditation experience. Users can also customise their sessions to their own specific preferences and needs, including the option to switch into Motion mode and gently float through beautiful vistas like you would on a lazy river, leaving the worries of your life behind before returning calmer and stronger.

PRICE £10.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

Be anywhere in the world with anyone, instantly, in this captivating game developed by Wooorld Inc. Visit hundreds of cities, architectural landmarks, natural wonders, and vacation spots in incredible 3D detail, and get tips about the best places to visit, the hidden gems, where to get the best food and all the tourist traps to avoid. You can also create your own 3D avatars with face and body tracking and test your worldly knowledge by guessing where you are after being teleported to 5 random locations, with only the landscape, flora, architecture, and road signs for clues. The game can played as collaboratively as you wish, with options to explore the world with friends and meet new people, or hop into a Solo World without any distractions.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Wooorld Inc.)

Blueplanet VR Explore

(Photo: Blueplanet VR Explore)

Highlighting sacred and fragile locations of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Blueplanet VR Explore  is a collection of remarkable places across the world. With freedom to move around and explore, the virtual reality experiences are captured in volumetric 3D with great detail and accuracy. The scenes look and feel like these places do in real life, and enable you to freely move around to enjoy and explore these remarkable, fragile, and priceless environments. Concern for the environment often comes from direct experience, and being as close as we can get to experiencing a sense of actually being there, Blueplanet can help encourage people to appreciate and protect these treasures.

PRICE £18.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

BRINK Traveler

Travel to some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders in fully immersive 3D and feel like you’re really there in this awe-inspiring game by Brink XR. Step into a scene akin to a postcard as you visit a total of 28 (with more on their way) of the most breathtaking places on Earth. In-game highlights include room-scale walkable areas in each destination, a virtual guide and assistant to learn about where you’re visiting, and the chance to shoot photos to share with friends. You can either play the game solo or with friends and family in multiplayer mode.

PRICE £11.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: BRINK XR)

National Geographic Explore VR

Created in partnership with National Geographic, a world-leading society in the fields of geography, cartography and exploration, this magical VR experience invites you to discover two of the most iconic locations on Planet Earth. Don your explorer hat and head to Antarctica for an exhilarating expedition. Navigate around icebergs in a kayak, climb a vast ice shelf and survive a snowstorm as you hunt for a lost emperor penguin colony. Visit the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru and get immersed in amazing digital reconstructions of the legendary site. Witness mummy worships, raise a cup of sacred chicha and encounter cute and furry alpacas as you match Hiram Bingham’s photographs from when he rediscovered the citadel. Be sure to take a camera as your best snaps may even make it into the prestigious National Geographic magazine.

PRICE £7.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Force Field Entertainment B.V)

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Fans of the hugely popular TV blockbuster The Walking Dead can now join the world of zombies in this new VR adventure. Travel through the ruins of New Orleans as you fight, scavenge, and survive, each day unravelling another mystery lurking within the city’s historic quarters. Encounter desperate factions and lone survivors who could be friend or foe. Whether you help others or take what you want by force, every choice you make has consequences. What kind of survivor will you be for the people of NOLA? Scavenge for anything that you can; weapons, food, tools, and clues. Be wary of the living and the dead, with spatial audio drawing attention to any loud noise. Craft makeshift gear out of scrapped material; blades, guns, medicine, and more. Test your morals and make difficult choices for yourself and others. It’s all here, bringing the small screen to life in a big way.

PRICE £29.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Skydance Interactive)

Narrated by award-winning actress Anna Friel, this trail-blazing VR series opens the door to some of the planet’s wildest environments while redefining the limits of 3D-180 cameras. Meet the humans protecting our most precious wildlife, explore the great savannahs of Kenya, discover the ancient jungles of Borneo and dive into the rich coral reefs of Raja Ampat. Encounter elephants, orangutans, manta rays and some incredible humans, all in stunning cinematic footage filmed from the air and deep into the ocean. The series was produced in partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF),

(Photo: PHORIA)

The world is your oyster with this interactive, immersive VR experience that’s designed to be played by the whole family. There’s global travel and adventure in which your friends and family can join city tours, hot air balloon rides, back-country road trips, and plenty more. Or you can simply kick back and relax, practice meditation and get back to nature – all in the company of a guide or going solo, if you prefer. Other features include photo sharing, soundtracks, a range of fun games and media customisation.

(Photo: AARP Innovation Labs)

Rome Reborn: The Pantheon

Created by Flyover Zone, an American company specialising in virtual travel applications that present the world’s most important cultural heritage sites and monuments, Rome Reborn is one of five applications that present different areas of ancient Rome. This particular one transports users over the entire ancient city, focussing on the Pantheon, perhaps the best-preserved building from antiquity. In the company of two virtual guides, you’ll get to explore the exterior forecourt and interior sanctuary of the reconstructed complex as you listen and learn about the Pantheon’s design and decoration, as well as the nature of the religious cult once housed within it.

PRICE £3.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift

(Photo: Flyover Zone Productions)

Monte Fitzroy is Argentina’s most famous mountain landmark and is even used as the logo for outdoor retailer, Patagonia. It is a place that immediately evokes a sense of adventure. At the foot of the mountain is a beautiful and remote glacial lake known as Laguna Sucia. Most people who visit Monte Fitzroy view it from a location that is much easier to access. Laguna Sucia requires a much tougher hard-to-access trail that culminates in one of the most beautiful and remote glacial lakes in existence. You are rewarded with a sense of almost meditative stillness as you approach this untouched natural amphitheatre. This VR experience utilises Pterovision, a 3D technology that integrates computational photography, 360 Video, and gaming and allows you to take off like a bird, fly around the lake, visit the waterfalls along the edge, and fly over glacial formations beneath the mountain peaks. Numerous narrations will tell you about the challenges we faced when filming in this location, as well as educate you about the geology, culture, and history.

PRICE $2.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift 

(Photo: Specterras Productions)

Gala360 – Travel & Relax

Taking you on awe-inspiring virtual adventures across the globe, Gala360 is the result of the magic touch of an array of exceptionally talented photographers who have captured their globe-trotting trips in all their glory before being rendered into VR form. In professional 6K resolution, more than 300 tours around the world are featured, with some also including narration which allows you to listen to the stories behind the trips. Most of the tours are free, but you can pay a small fee to unlock more.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Go (soon available on Quest 2)

(Photo: Gala 360)

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The Best VR Apps for Travel

Even the most avid tourist would have difficulty seeing all the globe has to offer, at least in person. We are fortunate to live at a time when a thousand-mile trip may begin with a single click. Where do you want to travel? What is Arches National Park? Tokyo? Kenya? With Oculus Quest, you can go almost anywhere without leaving your house. Simply grab your headphones and go someplace fresh. We’re unlocking the best VR apps for travel in this post.

Without the need for an airline ticket, a hotel reservation, or a pet sitter, we’ve compiled our favorite methods to go on your own VR journey. Bon (virtual) journey! If you’re new to the Metaverse or virtual reality, read our Explainer Guide so you can get started!

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Our picks for the best VR apps for travel

If you want diversity, your search is over. Wander employs 360° photographs from across the globe to instantly transfer you to almost any location. Visit the Louvre and Smithsonian on the same afternoon. Discover the damaged cities of Chernobyl and Pripyat. Explore Indian trains or Hong Kong stairwells. You can also visit your childhood home briefly. Wander offers countless possibilities. It has multiplayer support, customized tours, personal Favorites lists, and the option to “travel through time” with old picture data. This makes it one of the most extensive VR travel options out there.

BRINK Traveler

BRINK Traveler is designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Embark on a journey to Earth’s most breathtaking locations, captured in full 3D through advanced photogrammetry. BRINK Traveler transports you to 12 unique destinations, including Death Valley, Arches National Park, Mount Whitney, Iceland’s Háifoss waterfall, and many others—with more to be added. Immerse yourself in your surroundings, take snapshots, and allow the virtual guide to enlighten you about the forces shaping the natural world. Explore more.

When the COVID-19 epidemic struck in 2020, the majority of people remained at home. However, a few of courageous documentarians braved the deserted streets with cameras to record the experience. When We Stayed Home is (hopefully) a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of Paris, Venice, Jerusalem, and Tokyo, devoid of the typical swarms of visitors and in complete silence. Coupled with commentary from locals, such as a bookstore along the Seine, the episodes reflect the dread of the early epidemic, as well as the aspirations and anxieties for the future, coupled with incredibly breathtaking images of these renowned cities. The complete series is available on Oculus TV.

Rebuilding Notre Dame , an additional moment-in-time documentary, was produced after the 2019 fire that devastated the roof and spire of the renowned cathedral.

Surprisingly, the TARGO filmmakers had recorded footage of Notre Dame before the fire. This lets them show Notre Dame in all its beauty and contrast it with snippets after the disaster. It’s the best chance to see Notre Dame before the fire and maybe the only opportunity to witness the cathedral’s interior post-fire. Rebuilding Notre Dame also highlights past repair efforts, emphasizing the overall message that Notre Dame will rise again. Watch it on Oculus TV. Discover more.

VZfit allows users to travel the globe using Google Street View pictures. What is the twist?

You can do this either by using a bicycle or engaging in full-body exercise if you don’t have a stationary bike. Either way, you’ll get a good workout. VZfit utilizes your sense of adventure to make your workouts engaging, turning the curiosity about “What’s around the next corner?” into a motivation to come back. Ride your bicycle (or “exerboard”) over the Alps, following the Tour de France route, or take a long and winding journey from Maine to California across the United States—whatever keeps you interested. You can try VZfit for free for seven days, and after that, a monthly membership will cost $9.99 USD.

If you have ever desired to take photographs for National Geographic, now is your opportunity. With camera in hand, you will go to Machu Picchu and Antarctica in National Geographic Explore VR in pursuit of the ultimate magazine spread. Learn about the Inca Empire and the people who inhabited this ancient city as you explore the ruins of Machu Picchu’s mountaintop houses and places of worship. In Antarctica, you will use a kayak to locate and photograph an emperor penguin colony. Plus points if you wear your thickest winter coat in advance.

Tokyo Origami , the third and last Oculus television series on this list. It Comprises eight episodes, each of which focuses on a distinct facet of contemporary Tokyo living. In forty minutes, you will explore the video game stores in Akihabara. The fish markets with a sushi chef, and learn about tattoos, taboos, and more. It’s an astonishing collection recorded in 360° and intended to promote Japan in conjunction with the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Even after the Olympics are finished, Tokyo Origami remains a must-see.

Blueplanet VR Explore

This is the Grand Canyon. The Yosemite Falls Moon Residence Carlsbad Caverns. Blueplanet VR Explore contains a vast collection of photogrammetry, most of which is from the United States and a few other nations. It is possible to hang-glide over particular sites. Besides, You can explore a limited region (such as a canyon or a cave), or just appreciate the view from a single location. There are quite a few places to visit on your journey, with more than 40 locales (and more on the way).

To visit the locations in Puzzling Places , some effort will be required. Each of the namesake locations—whether it be a beach resort, a derelict railway car, a quaint Japanese restaurant, a grandiose Swedish palace, or anything else—begins as anywhere from 25 to 400 pieces. Besides,iIt is your responsibility to reconstruct them, paying close attention to minute details such as the pattern on the floor, how the light strikes various portions of the roof, etc. Details so minute and unimportant that they are frequently overlooked. Once the last piece is in place, you are left with a small replica of the actual site. It combines elements of jigsaw puzzles and model-building and is quite relaxing.

From 1942 through 1944, eight individuals lived in a tiny Amsterdam attic. You can now visit it in VR, or at least a digital facsimile of it. However, step through the concealed entrance and into the “Secret Annex,” where Anne Frank and her family and companions hid during World War II. The Anne Frank House VR tour is led by extracts from Anne Frank’s diary, providing background on each room, the people who lived there, and the remarkable circumstances they endured.

Egypt VR 360

If you’re planning a trip to Egypt and want to explore the country’s most iconic landmarks before you arrive, Egypt VR 360 is the perfect travel app for you. With this app, you can take a virtual tour of over a hundred locations. It includes the Sphinx, Philae Temple, Sultan Hassan Mosque, and modern luxury hotels. Egypt VR 360 is simple to use and well-designed, with a row of locations and a brief description. To get a closer look, tap on a destination and the VR icon.

Using this app, you can pinpoint exactly where you want to go next time you visit Egypt in person. So, if you’re looking for a convenient and informative way to explore the country’s famous landmarks, be sure to download Egypt VR 360.

Alcove, not your typical travel app, provides several free virtual tour experiences. Users can download various in-app features based on their interests. The app offers a variety of tours, including aerial, undersea, and ground tours, narrated by some of the most knowledgeable VR guides.

The app’s limitation is that each experience is completely predetermined. It lacks interactive features that would make it more immersive. Given that it is free and has such incredible visual quality, that sacrifice might be worth it.

Nature Treks VR

Nature Treks VR prioritizes creating a relaxing experience rather than focusing on realism. It offers virtual paths where users can enjoy the presence of exotic animals and control the weather. Users have the ability to interact with trees to summon animals and adjust sound levels. Although the attention to detail and spontaneity contribute to an engaging experience, users should be aware that it may not be entirely realistic.

Tour It Virtual app 

Tour It Virtually is a mobile app and website that offers a virtual tour of India’s famous locations. The app provides users with helpful details on each destination’s history, layout, and tourism advice. Whether you want to learn about India’s rich cultural heritage or explore its breathtaking landscapes, this app covers you.

To use the VR feature, navigate through the application to a destination you want to see. Tap the image at the top of its informative profile, and your smartphone will quickly switch to VR mode.

Although the app may have some minor glitches, the VR experience is smooth and immersive enough to make it a worthwhile investment. With Tour It Virtually, you can explore India’s winning locations up close and learn about its unique culture. So, download the app today and start your virtual tour of India.

Embark on your first virtual getaway with OtherSight, where you have the freedom to choose from a selection of four captivating locations. From the breathtaking tranquility of a tropical island to the bustling streets of a vibrant metropolis, each destination is carefully crafted to provide a unique and authentic experience.

What sets OtherSight apart is the abundance of activities and possibilities within each location. Feel the sand between your virtual toes as you engage in a thrilling game of beach volleyball on the tropical island. Stroll through the bustling marketplace of the vibrant metropolis, interacting with the local vendors and sampling delicious street food. Climb to the top of a majestic mountain peak and marvel at the breathtaking panoramic view that stretches out before you.

Relax River VR

Relax River VR is a virtual reality app that lets you explore detailed environments from the comfort of your own home. Unlike other apps, it’s solely dedicated to VR technology, so you’ll need the appropriate gear to access it. Once you’ve launched the app, you’ll be transported to a serene and immersive world full of waterfalls, ruins, and stunning landscapes. Although there are occasional ads, it’s a simple, easy-to-use app that offers a relaxing experience. The graphics are realistic and colorful, with clear inspiration from real-life destinations.

Sites in VR

You’ll find a wide range of destinations on this handy app, from waterfalls to ancient tombs. To begin with, Sites in VR offers fascinating and high-quality images in 3D and 360 degrees too.

However, if your interest is specifically virtual reality, just go onto the image you want and tap the VR icon. When you put on the headset with your phone mounted, you’ll get to feel like you’re there in person.

The app’s settings are fully adjustable too. Tailor your experience by changing the VR brightness, screen rotation, tool visibility, and more. Pairing it with extra handy travel planning apps can help you prepare for the perfect trip.

When it comes to envisioning travel plans, the vast and enigmatic Ocean may not be the first destination that springs to mind. Yet, beneath its shimmering surface lies a world of unparalleled beauty and untapped treasures waiting to be discovered. Enter Ocean Rift, an extraordinary app that offers users a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the deep blue like never before.

Dive into a realm where the Ocean becomes your playground, where the mysteries of the deep are unveiled, and breathtaking marine life thrives in abundance. Ocean Rift transcends the limitations of traditional land-based exploration, revealing a realm far more captivating and diverse than what meets the eye.

Nepal VR is a travel app that showcases a popular vacation spot. The app contains a collection of images that can be viewed in both normal and virtual reality mode.

To switch to virtual reality mode, simply tap the VR icon located at the bottom of the app’s display. Although the navigation may be a bit awkward, the scenes are worth the effort. You can immerse yourself in temples, museums, and festivals, and access info bubbles for convenient descriptions and historical or cultural facts.

Although there is room for improvement, Nepal VR is an easy way to explore the country. Relax and discover important locations while learning about its society. As a virtual traveler, you can expand your knowledge of the world.

Google Earth VR

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey across the globe with 3d travel apps? Look no further than Google Earth VR, the remarkable application designed specifically for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. Prepare to be awe-struck as you soar through space, only to land in any corner of our beautiful planet, all from the comfort of your virtual reality headset.

With Google Earth VR, the world becomes your playground. Imagine having the power to explore iconic landmarks, bustling cities, and natural wonders with just a few simple gestures. Utilizing the intuitive controls of your VR device, you can effortlessly zoom in and out, providing a captivating bird’s eye perspective of any location that piques your curiosity.

Within VR is a fantastic app that provides an immersive virtual reality experience on mobile devices. It has a wide range of videos available, featuring both real and animated worlds, complete with audio. Real-life options include North Korea, Hong Kong, Rwanda, and the Olympic National Park.

To begin, simply select a video that catches your eye, and a profile will appear, offering a description and buttons to share, download, and stream the production. If you choose the stream option, you can decide to watch it in VR or normal mode.

Whether you enjoy documentaries, spacewalks, or horror stories, Within VR has something to captivate you, for durations ranging from four minutes to two hours. As more productions are added regularly, it’s a must-have VR app to keep on your device.

Dream of conquering peaks like Everest? Professionals train for years before attempting this feat. But now, Everest VR allows you to experience the climb realistically.

This immersive app puts you in the shoes of those few dedicated climbers. Feel the monumental efforts required to reach the planet’s highest point. “Immerse in the Everest Virtual Reality Experience, an award-winning 8K 3D journey. Relive expeditions vividly through Dome projection or VR headsets. Enjoy globally in Museums, Classrooms, Corporates, and on Vive Infinity.

From Everest’s summit to ocean depths, theBlu takes you on a different adventure. Uncover the mysteries of the vast ocean, where 95% of life remains undiscovered.

Exploring habitats and encountering ocean life emphasizes the need for a clean environment to protect these creatures from extinction. Immerse in theBlu VR series, exploring ocean wonders and encountering awe-inspiring species. The game will give you more than your expectation. 

You will be able to witness undersea migration near a coral reef. Explore the deep ocean’s iridescent realm. Additionally, you will be able to dive into the Caribbean’s sunlit waters, encountering its supreme creature.

National Geographic VR

Discover the world’s wonders through National Geographic’s VR app. Witness endangered species in their natural habitat, explore ocean depths, and unravel South Americas’ ancient civilizations.

To overcome recent errors, explore National Geographic Explore VR. Walk in the shoes of an explorer, visiting Antarctica and Machu Picchu. 

Embark on an epic National Geographic adventure! Explore Antarctica’s icy wonders, kayak around icebergs, conquer an immense ice shelf, and brave a snowstorm to find a lost penguin colony. Then, journey to Machu Picchu, Peru, where you’ll witness digital reconstructions of the ancient Inca citadel, engage in mummy worship, savor sacred chicha, and encounter alpacas. Follow in Hiram Bingham’s footsteps with captivating interactive experiences, all while capturing photos for National Geographic magazine. An immersive family journey to explore the world from the comfort of home. Try the game and see it yourself. 

Qantas VR: Journey through Australia

Our world exploration VR list concludes with Qantas VR, spotlighting Australia. This app showcases key landmarks like the sacred Uluru, offering a unique Down Under experience. Discover Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Kakadu, and Australian outback. You will be fly the Qantas A380, join pilots in the cockpit, witness take-offs and landings. Travel virtually to Hamilton Island and LA’s International First Lounge with Qantas VR. You will have a never had before experience. 

How You Can Use Apple Vision Pro to travel?

Apple Vision Pro, the latest assistive technology from Apple, can be a valuable companion for travelers, particularly those with visual impairments. While not specifically designed for travel, its features offer unique benefits that can enrich your journey.

1. Stabilized Content with Travel Mode: Airplane environments can be challenging for AR devices due to constant movement. To address this, Apple Vision Pro features a “Travel Mode” that stabilizes the displayed content. This allows you to enjoy movies, games, or even continue working on documents without disruptions caused by airplane movements.

2. Object and Text Recognition: Apple Vision Pro’s object and text recognition capabilities can be helpful for navigating unfamiliar airports or transportation hubs. By pointing your device, you can hear descriptions of objects and surroundings, including signage, shops, and even wayfinding information. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with low vision or complete blindness.

3. Assistance with Daily Tasks: Apple Vision Pro can simplify everyday tasks while traveling. It can identify and describe food items on your plate, helping you navigate restaurant menus. Additionally, it can read text labels on medication bottles or travel documents, ensuring you have the correct information readily available.

Important Safety Note: Remember, Apple Vision Pro is not a substitute for traditional assistive devices like guide dogs or canes. While it can provide valuable assistance, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and remain aware of your surroundings while traveling.

Apple Vision Pro offers a range of features that can enhance the travel experience for individuals with visual impairments. From stabilized content to object and text recognition, it can provide greater independence and support during your journeys.

Why People Will Love To Travel Using The Best VR apps For Travel?

3d travel apps offer a unique and immersive experience for users. With the advancement in technology, VR travel apps are becoming increasingly popular among travelers who want to explore new destinations and experiences. There are several reasons why people will love to use VR travel apps, including:

Experience destinations before visiting

One of the most significant advantages of VR travel apps is that they allow users to explore a destination before visiting in person. This can be particularly useful for travelers who are trying to decide where to go on their next trip. By using VR travel apps, users can get a feel for the local culture, geography, and attractions, making it easier to plan their itinerary and decide whether the destination is right for them.

Cost-effective

Traveling can be expensive, and not everyone has the financial means to go on frequent trips. VR travel apps offer a cost-effective alternative, allowing users to experience different destinations from the comfort of their own home. This can be especially appealing for those who are on a tight budget or who are unable to travel due to physical limitations. With VR travel apps, users can explore different parts of the world, learn about new cultures and traditions, and even try local cuisine, all from the comfort of their homes. This provides a low-cost, accessible way to experience the excitement of travel and explore new destinations. Looking for the best VR to buy? Check out   Quest 2 Vs PSVR 2: which one is better?

3d travel apps have a broad appeal and can be enjoyed by anyone who wants to experience the thrill of travel from the comfort of their homes. They offer a unique way to explore new destinations, learn about different cultures, and experience the beauty of the world without having to leave one’s home. Whether you’re physically unable to travel, have a fear of flying, or just want to explore new destinations, VR travel apps offer a fun and exciting way to experience the world around us.

Immersive experience

 VR travel apps provide an immersive experience, allowing users to feel as if they are actually in the destination. With 360-degree views, users can explore their surroundings, interact with virtual objects and people, and even participate in activities, such as hiking or skydiving.

VR travel apps are incredibly convenient, as users can explore destinations at any time and from anywhere. This makes them ideal for people who are unable to travel frequently or who have limited time.

Educational

VR travel apps can also be educational, providing users with a wealth of information about different destinations and their history. This can be particularly useful for students and educators, who can use VR travel apps to learn about different cultures and historical events.

Who will get the most benefits from VR travel apps? 

VR travel apps have gained popularity in recent years, as more and more people seek to experience the thrill of travel without leaving the comfort of their homes. These apps provide users with an immersive virtual reality experience that transports them to different parts of the world, allowing them to explore new destinations, landmarks, and cultures.

VR Travel Apps will open new doors for disabled people

One group that will especially enjoy VR travel apps is people who have limited mobility or physical disabilities. For people who are unable to travel due to medical or other reasons, VR travel apps offer an opportunity to experience the thrill of travel without leaving their homes. With these apps, they can visit destinations that they might not be able to explore in real life, such as inaccessible natural wonders or remote historical sites. You can try VR from different companies. What about trying an Apple VR  device. 

Another group that may enjoy VR travel apps is people who have a fear of flying or other forms of transportation. With a VR headset, users can virtually travel to different destinations without having to experience the anxiety that often accompanies air travel or other transportation methods. This provides a great way to get a taste of what it’s like to travel to far-off destinations without the stress and discomfort of actual travel.

Enhance travel planning

 VR travel apps can enhance travel planning by allowing users to visualize different destinations and attractions before visiting. This can help users to better plan their itinerary and make the most of their time while traveling.

Final Words

In conclusion, VR travel apps offer a unique and immersive experience for users, making them an excellent option for travelers who want to explore new destinations and experiences. With its many advantages, including cost-effectiveness, increased accessibility, and educational benefits, it’s easy to see why VR travel apps are becoming increasingly popular among travelers. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply want to escape the everyday routine, VR travel apps are a great way to explore the world and discover new adventures.

Can you use VR to travel?

Yes, virtual reality (VR) technology allows users to virtually travel to various destinations. With the use of a VR headset or other specialized equipment, individuals can immerse themselves in a 360-degree travel experience without 

physically leaving their location.

How can VR help tourism?

VR can be a valuable tool for the tourism industry. It enables tourism providers to showcase their products and services by creating virtual tours, previews, or reviews of destinations, accommodations, and activities. This technology allows potential travelers to get a more immersive and realistic preview of what a particular destination or travel experience has to offer.

Will virtual reality replace tourism?

While VR can offer a temporary fix for travelers, particularly during times of travel restrictions like the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unlikely to replace traditional tourism entirely. Travel and tourism offer tangible experiences that engage multiple senses, such as taste and smell, which VR cannot fully replicate. VR may serve as a complementary tool in the travel industry, but it cannot fully replace the sensory richness of real-world travel.

Why is VR good for business?

VR offers numerous advantages for businesses. It can improve marketing, collaboration, and education by creating engaging work environments, increasing employee productivity, and providing safe and controlled settings for training and experimentation. VR technology has the potential to transform the way businesses operate, communicate, and train their employees.

Can we use VR without a phone?

Yes, you can use standalone VR headsets that do not require a PC or smartphone. These wireless headsets, like the Meta Quest, can be worn on the head, allowing users to start VR experiences without the need for a phone or computer. This makes standalone VR headsets a convenient option for on-the-go virtual reality experiences.

What VR headset is best for virtual travel?

The Meta Quest 3 is considered one of the best VR headsets for virtual travel in 2023. The Quest 2 is also a budget-friendly option that is still available for purchase. These VR headsets provide users with immersive experiences in virtual worlds, making them suitable for various applications, including virtual travel. However, VR technology is still evolving, and the choice of the best headset may depend on individual preferences and requirements.

Dingman, H. (2021, October 1).  Virtual Vacation: 11 VR Apps and Films That Let You Travel the World From Home . Virtual Vacation: 11 VR Apps and Films That Let You Travel the World From Home. https://www.oculus.com/blog/virtual-vacation-11-vr-apps-and-films-that-let-you-travel-the-world-from-home/

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The best VR apps for travel

Travel the earth from your easy chair with these 11 vr apps and sites.

This isn’t a far-off technology, either. There are several virtual travel apps already available, and companies such as Qantas, British Airways, and Marriott have already started experimenting with it as a marketing tool. On the consumption end, YouTube and Facebook are just a handful of the major sites that now support 360-degree content.

But even if you have no plans to physically go anywhere, VR is a fantastic video-based medium for armchair wanderlust. It takes the Google Street View approach of dragging your mouse around 360-degree photos, and transforms it into an immersive experience in which you can explore those environments in greater detail. You can travel to places you may never be able to go (or want to), including destinations that are off-limits to tourists or simply dangerous. And when you add narration from a tour guide to those videos, the experience becomes that much greater.

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While video resolution quality isn’t there yet — depending on the production quality, viewing through VR goggles and headsets can be nauseating — it’s getting better. As we experienced back in 2015 with Marriott’s “VRoom Service,” using the  Samsung Gear VR , the audio-visual “sensory experience” did make us feel as if we’re there (pardon the cliché). Expect to see more content uploaded in the near future, including a mix of professional, high-quality videos and those shot by consumers on their phones or cameras.

So if you’ve purchased a VR headset with your new Galaxy phone, or were sent a cardboard viewer as part of a promotion , here are a few sites and apps that will give you a taste of virtual travel.

Google Earth VR

Have you ever wanted to fly around the world? Google Earth’s VR app for the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive does that and so much more  — virtually, of course. Google Earth VR starts you off in space, but you can zoom in on any part of the globe and, within seconds, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the locale in question. With a simple long press and drag of your controller, you can fly from the top of the Eiffel Tower to the inside of Disney World — and it happens quicker than you might expect.

If you need inspiration for your next adventure, Google provides tours of famous landmarks, along with themed destinations. You can even go from day to night — just point to the sky and swipe. You can also type in an address and Google Earth VR will transport you to said destination, where you can capture and save snapshots of what you see.

In Boulevard (formerly WoofbertVR), you can explore 3D renderings of various museums and cultural sites located throughout England and San Francisco. However, the app allows you to do more than merely look around. You can access a virtual tablet with the tap of a button, which will provide you with textual information on what you are looking at and allow you to to take a brief audio tour. It can even show you which exhibits you can further engage with.

For instance, if you tap on Édouard Manet’s famous 19th century painting,  A Bar at the Folies-Bergère , you’ll be transported beyond the frame and into an animated reimagining of the events depicted in the painting. Or, if you tap on a 1969 photo of painter Helen Frankenthaler, you’ll be able to walk around a 3D rendering of her minimalist workspace, giving you the feeling you just stepped into a memory. If you’re looking to indulge in fine art on your next trip abroad, Boulevard might be right up your ally.

Virtual reality has turned photo galleries into 3D experiences. Gala360 consists of a collection of shots culled from professional photographers, all of which allow you to examine events, museums, landmarks, and different locales with a mere swipe of your finger.

You can walk around and explore the cavernous lava tubes of Hawaii, for example, or take in the breathtaking views of Yosemite National Park. Certain experiences even have audio commentary, providing you further context about what you’re seeing as you scroll through the app’s various photos. Many of these experiences are free, though, premium content will cost you a $1 a month.

Lufthansa #TravelCompass

For its YouTube page, German airliner Lufthansa created several 360-degree on-location videos in Beijing, Hong Kong, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo. Each 46-minute clip lets you pan around a notable area in each of those cities, such as Wan Chai Street Market in Hong Kong or Lombard Street in San Francisco. You don’t need a VR viewer, although it’s more immersive if you use the YouTube Android app with Google Cardboard viewer.

Action cam maker GoPro is getting into the VR game in a big way. Its Odyssey uses 16 Hero4 Black  cameras to capture an 8K panoramic video, and its consumer-friendly 360 camera, the Fusion , is coming soon. Of course, GoPro’s videos are short of amazing, and its 360-degree ones are no exception. From surfing in Tahiti to riding a BMW bike on the rooftops of Gran Canaria and inside an Indycar over the Golden Gate Bridge. Check out the personal New York City tour with photographer and Instagrammer, Neil Britto. GoPro won’t be the only big camera company getting into VR: Samsung ,  Nikon , and Ricoh all have 360 cameras, and we can expect to see content from them. The New York Times, for example, has a series of 360-degree videos created using the Samsung Gear 360.

Chances are, most of us will never experience space travel in our lifetime, let alone journey to Mars. Thanks to thousands of images that have been transmitted back to Earth from its Sojourner and Curiosity rovers, NASA was able to put together 360-degree videos and images of what walking on Mars would be like. The most recent panorama comes from the Curiosity Mars Rover, from a site known as Ogunquit Beach .

As its name would suggest, Ascape is a VR app that’s dedicated entirely to travel. Available as an app for both Android or iOS, and viewable on a phone or VR viewer, Ascape has a bunch of 360-degree video and photo tours — from the Star Wars parade at Disneyland Hong Kong to reindeer racing in Norway — and are neatly categorized (called “collections”). You will need to download each experience, which could take up a chunk of space on your phone.

Littlstar is a VR “cinema network” hosting a variety of 360-degree photos and videos, available on the web or via its app for Android or iOS. Its aerial and travel categories contain numerous content from around the world, including videos from Discovery and National Geographic. When you’re looked through all the travel videos, check out the many others, including tech, sports, cars, and fashion.

Like Littlstar, YouVisit lets you experience its content on the web (through a web browser or the Oculus Rift) or with a VR headset via its app for iPhone or Android . YouVisit has a variety of interesting travel-related 360-degree photos and videos, from the Ayautthaya temples of Thailand to the Louvre Museum in Paris and helicopter ride over New York City. You can even get onboard the Carnival Breeze and explore the different parts of the cruise ship.

Wild Within

Destination B.C., an agency that promotes tourism in Canada’s British Columbia, launched a virtual reality experience called “ Wild Within ,” which explores the natural areas of this western province. In the videos, the viewer travels through the Broughton Archipelago of the Great Bear Rainforest, but has the option of taking one of two paths — the coastline or up a mountain. Wild Within was first developed for the Oculus Rift on a desktop, but it’s now available as an app for iOS or Android .

Discovery is one of the major media companies to dive into virtual reality. Last August, it launched its Discovery VR initiative  that lets users experience TV shows like Gold Rush , Survivorman , Puppy Bowl , and MythBusters , in an immersive manner. Besides exploring the exotic locales, you can swim with sharks, ski downhill with Bode Miller, or learn to forage for food, for example. Discovery VR content can be watched online, but it’s best via a phone and Google Cardboard or similar viewer, or Samsung Gear VR (via Oculus store).

Update: Added Boulevard, Gala360, and Google Earth VR.

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Whether you just bought your first Mac or you're a longtime Apple customer, here's a look at some of the best Mac apps you can get. Mac apps to change your interface

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8 Fascinating VR Travel Apps for Oculus

I haven’t mentioned it much, if at all, on this blog, but I LOVE VR . There’s a whole debate about whether or not it’s worth it… if it’ll survive or just die out.. how well it compares to more traditional gaming platforms… etc.

IMO we’re on track to be living some version of Ready Player One relatively soon.

By the way if you haven’t read that book OMG doooo it ! One of my personal favorites.

This seems like a good moment for me to remind you that there are some affiliate links used on this site, if you buy anything through them it won’t cost you extra, but it does help support the blog, thanks!

Table of Contents

There’s a new list of VR travel apps here if you’re interested in some options specifically for the Quest.

I have an Oculus Quest . It’s definitely not the most robust VR headset option, but probably the biggest draw for me about the Quest was not being attached to anything by a cord, and being able to travel with it and use it anywhere .

Right now there’s a whole other advantage to VR: Traveling, without actually going anywhere, because 2020.

See a timeline of all the crazy 2020 events here.

VR Adventures in the Age of ‘Rona

There are a lot of VR games, apps , and videos out there. Which you can use depends on the headset you have access to. The Oculus Go has some games that aren’t compatible with the Oculus Quest, and visa versa.

The good news is that game and app libraries for all VR platforms are growing constantly.

So when many of us are stuck at home for a good chunk of our days, going slowly insane from staring at the same. rooms. day. in. and. day. out . VR offers some awesome escapes while keeping the risk of getting Covid to a happy minimum.

Once you’re ready to get back out into the real world – here’s a list of 50 great travel apps to get you started!

Oculus Quest Games for Virtual Exploration

There are a lot of great VR games out there (Beatsaber is seriously addicting) but for the sake of this post I’ve put together a list of the best VR travel apps and games.

I should probably give a bit of a disclaimer here: This is a relatively non-traditional VR travel list. The Quest doesn’t have a ton of purely travel-centric games, so I found ones that scratch the wanderlust itch, even if they’re not strictly “travel” genre.

I also went a little outside the box when picking apps for the other Oculus headsets as well, because some of the best vr games and apps for avid adventurers , in my opinion, aren’t 100% just “we’re going to the place.” It’s about the overall experience, ya know?

They’re picked either for being purely travel-centric or involving some sort of exploration adventure .

Outdoor Adventures

National geographic explore vr.

I couldn’t pick a more obvious choice for this list, I mean , it’s National Geographic.

As of now you can explore 2 VERY different places within this app: Antarctica and Machu Picchu. I hope they’ll be adding more at some point.

This is designated as an app in the oculus store but I felt like it leaned more toward an actual game. There are small but interesting objectives along each trip, and you constantly have the option to pick up your camera and snap some cool shots.

I expected this to be more of a cinematic experience, where you’re basically along for the ride, but you’re in control of most of your actions. You can explore relatively freely and check out the surroundings at your leisure.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and entertainment of this VR adventure.

Available on Oculus Quest | Go

This probably feels the most like a traditional video game – with the bonus VR immersion. You get to climb your way through multiple environments around the world, working your way through levels and challenges, and the views are amazballs.

It’s not for those that have any sort of vertigo issues, and you may want to opt for sitting down while playing. I found myself leaning quite a bit and every now and then feeling a bit unsteady when I looked down.

Available on Oculus Quest | Rift

I also just put together a guide on IRL hiking boots for those that are looking to get back into the real world – check it out!

Purely Travel

This is the most straightforward, nail-on-the-head, travel app for Oculus.

If you get mesmerized by the visuals of new places or want to re-experience somewhere you’ve been before, Wander might be your dream Oculus app.

I really like photography , drone videos, 360 videos etc. because I get really interested in the visuals of places I visit. I enjoy getting lost in looking if that makes sense? Wander essentially gives you the next best thing to actually traveling to a new place.

Using Google Streetview, Wander allows you to “wander” through almost any part of the world. It’s a 360 view so you can really take in everything around you.

You can choose a place to visit by searching, or randomly select a spot. You can navigate your way around using a mini-map, or simply pick a direction and follow the arrows. You can also choose to travel by available years to see the areas during different points in time.

I wandered through Amsterdam (one of my favorite cities), revisited a small town in England, including the place I stayed when I was there, and checked out some historical sites in Spain.

Available on Oculus Quest | Go | Gear VR

Otherworldly Exploration

Fujii takes you through what I would best describe as a psychedelic garden world . I can only assume the creators decided to make the game after a good shroom session.

It is a beautiful, relaxing experience. It’s calm, colorful escapism.

I didn’t love the controls, because you have to teleport everywhere, rather than “walk” smoothly, and figuring out how to orient myself took a minute. You also have to figure out how to move on through sort of “organic” puzzles. It’s hard to describe.

I’d still recommend it even with the few drawbacks because it’s just a lovely world to be immersed into. It would also be a great game for kids, if that’s a concern for you when searching for VR games.

Tour of Six Real Exoplanets

Ok fine! I’m cheating a bit here. It’s not a “game” per se. It’s a video. From Youtube. But it’s 360 and you can watch it with basically any VR system that you can access Youtube on. And it’s RAD.

Genuinely one of my favorite (and first) VR experiences as far as videos go. The narration is great, the information is interesting, the visuals are STUNNING.

It’s my blog. I love space videos and photos, they’re amazing. I’m putting this video on the list. Deal with it. I realize I’m getting a little defensive about this and to be fair you haven’t even said anything yet because I literally have not published this ( unless you’re currently reading it, then I have ) BUT STILL.

(but also for sure go check out the video I think you’ll really like it)

Trips Through Time

Chernobyl vr project.

Ugh. I am SO upset this isn’t available for the Quest. Chernobyl is one of my bucket list spots (abandoned/haunted/creepy places hold a special place in my heart) but to be fair, I have no desire to go there right now…

Even though I guess the Chernobyl fires don’t actually “pose a risk” to people…?

I’mma still say no though. For now.

But I would LOVE if they made the Chernobyl VR Project available for Oculus Quest. As it stands you can use it on Oculus Rift .

Apparently, the developers actually went to Chernobyl in order to get the video and photos they needed to model the VR experience. Call me peanut butter and jealous , amiright?

Available on Oculus Rift

Wonders of the World

A travel experience in more ways than one – around the world, and through time! I have a thing for historical places. I think they speak to that same interest in cultures and places that are vastly different from your personal norm.

Wonders of the World lets you explore ancient cities while learning about the history and culture of the places you’re visiting.

During each experience, you’re given a new character and role to take on which relates to the context of the historical setting.

The graphics in Wonders of the World aren’t the most impressive, but they look like they’re meant to be stylized to some point. This game is also currently free, so it won’t even cost you anything to check it out.

Available on Oculus Go | Gear VR

Meeting Rembrandt

Another historical trip, albeit this one is quite a bit different from Wonders of the World. This VR experience takes you to 1600s Amersterdam to… well, meet Rembrandt.

Spend time and interact with the painter who is brought to life by a real actor as you move through the virtual world with him.

It’s a magical blend of VR and real humans brought together beautifully to tell the story of a famous historical figure in a much more personal way. The graphics aren’t perfect but any lack is made up for by the overall experience. A truly unique and wonderful VR project.

Traveling While Black

I cannot recommend this VR experience highly enough. It’s particularly relevant considering the current state of the U.S., but it would be noteworthy at any time.

It’s SO well done, guys. It’s a short movie-going (ish) experience. You’re moved from place to place as the story is told, between past times and the present. You start in a theater but are soon moved to physical places more relevant to the narration and storytellers.

You’ll hear stories and experiences of being black in America, past and present, from some people you may be familiar with, some you may not. The focus is of course on “traveling while black” but it’s not completely restricted to that.

For those who are unfamiliar with The Negro Motorist Green Book or The Negro Travelers’ Green Book – AKA the “Green Book” – it was a guide created by Victor Hugo Green to help black travelers find businesses they could utilize while traveling in a time when many were explicitly or implicitly “whites only.”

This VR experience is also FREE, so there’s not excuse not to check it out!

Available on Oculus Quest | Rift | Go | Gear VR

How are you doing?

That’s the end of this particularly unique list of Oculus travel apps, so I just want to check in with you real quick.

How are you doing with everything that’s going on in the world right now?

Is there anything you do, like VR, to get a brief break from the chaos?

Along with VR and Netflix binges , I really like taking drives and walks in the forest with my dog.

Tech obsessed professional dog-petter with a camera and a website or two. Sometimes wine's involved, usually Starbucks.

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Brink Traveler Offers Some Of VR's Best Travel Content Yet Using Photogrammetric Captures

Brink Traveler is available now for Oculus Quest and PC VR, allowing you to travel to a selection of stunning locations that are displayed in full volumetric 3D by way of photogrammetry-based capture technology.

The app was announced a few weeks ago and launched more recently for Oculus Quest and PC VR via the Oculus Store and Steam. After jumping into the app on Quest and trying out a few of the locations yesterday, it’s clear that Brink is one of the best travel apps available on the Quest.

It’s also fair to say there’s not a huge amount of content here, nor is there a large amount of interactivity. However, the content that is available can be absolutely stunning to behold at times and the quality more than makes up for the smaller quantity. Each location places you in a different environment represented in true volumetric 3D, displayed at real-world scale. This is possible thanks to high quality 3D scans taken on location using photogrammetry and LIDAR technology. The end result is absolutely beautiful and the true 3D environments go a long way to making you feel a sense of immersion.

There’s 12 locations available at launch, with more coming soon and plans to release new locations regularly. Each location features a short narrated guide, which you can then follow up further by finding three ‘points of interest’ at each location for more information. You can move around within a set area for each location, and some have secondary areas with a different perspective of the same general location.

It’s an impressive, intuitive experience all round. Not only do the highly-detailed captures make each location feel very tangible and present, but there’s some fantastic ambient noises and lightly animated elements that help sell the effect too. The birds flying over the Horseshoe Bend were a really nice touch.

You can also take in-game photos of each location by putting your hands together in front of your face to make a classic photo frame gesture. A photo of the area that you framed then appears suspended in the position that you framed your hands, which you can grab and move around to re-frame the photo however you like. When you’re happy, you can save the photo and share it outside of the app.

The photo framing gesture — using your index and thumbs to make a rectangle — would most commonly be achieved in VR by pressing the grip button to make your other three fingers into a fist. This isn’t an option in Brink and the actual way you achieve the pose is by awkwardly rotating your controllers until the virtual hands snap into the right position. It seems like it was designed to feel intuitive, but it didn’t to me. Also, the only way I could find to export or share the photos outside of the app was by posting them to my Facebook wall with large watermarks placed on top. It makes sense from a promotional perspective for the developers, but I don’t really want to take photos of the environments if I’m only able to share them to Facebook with large promotional watermarks.

On Quest, Brink launched without support for hand tracking. Similar to my feelings on Puzzling Places , it feels like a large omission given it’s a slow-paced, immersion-focused app. It’s especially odd in Brink’s case because the UI, controls and menus all feel very polished, thought out and intuitive — in many ways, it feels like a menu and control system designed with hand tracking in mind. The scrolling mechanic — which lets you simply swipe your virtual hand over a curved bar to scroll — is a perfect example of a smart yet simple input method that would seemingly work as well with hand tracking as it does with controllers. Here’s hoping it gets added in an update.

Brink Traveler is still a stunning app to have loaded onto your Quest. It’s unlikely to be one that you return to often in your own spare time, but it falls into the category of essential apps to keep installed for when you’re introducing someone to VR and want something that’s easy to understand yet impressive to behold. It may be a bit light on content at the moment, but given the nature of the app and the quality of what’s already on offer, that seems okay for now.

Brink Traveler is available now for Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift and SteamVR for $9.99. A mobile AR version is also available on iOS and Android .

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Best Meta Quest 3, Quest 2 Games, Apps and Experiences

Art, fitness, multiplayer sports, virtual theater and strange worlds: Here's our list of the Meta Quest 2 games to check out first.

• Nearly 20 years writing about tech, and over a decade reviewing wearable tech, VR, and AR products and apps

What’s the best Quest game overall?

The Meta Quest 2 and 3 are our favorite VR headsets of all time, and it's largely because there are so many wonderful experiences you can try in these self-contained head-worn marvels. But picking a top game or app depends entirely on your style and tastes: Do you like being active in VR, or sitting down? Are you into action, or relaxation? Our guide below should help with all interests, but the most classic Quest game is still probably Beat Saber. Its addictive music rhythm, continually added music packs (which cost extra), and its fitness benefits (it’s a serious workout) make it our favorite. But there are two other must-gets: Walkabout Mini Golf is a perfect mini golf simulator that’s great with friends and keeps adding amazing new courses for additional purchase. Their latest, created with immersive art innovators Meow Wolf, is weird and wonderful . And Asgard’s Wrath II, a massive role-playing adventure, comes free with Quest 3 purchases right now but is well worth getting for anyone who wants a massive single-player journey in VR. All three look great in both the new Quest 3 , the Quest Pro or the several-year-old Quest 2 .

CNET has been testing and playing with games and apps in VR since the original Oculus Rift , and our perspective and expertise is aimed at helping gaming and VR veterans understand what’s new. But we’re also geared to newcomers: as parents of kids who also play VR sometimes, we think about family picks, too. Note that you can additionally access top PC VR games like  Star Wars: Squadrons  or  Half-Life: Alyx on Quest headsets, but you'll need to connect to a gaming PC, either wirelessly or with a USB cable. These picks below are only apps that can be downloaded directly onto the headset.

Asgard's Wrath II

Best vr rpg.

It comes free with Quest 3 purchases, but anyone else should snap up this epic, beautiful and massive game for their own collection. The Egyptian-themed game, full of gods and beasts, has a mix of puzzles and combat and a lot of secrets to discover. While its price is high, there’s a ton to do, with cinematic worlds and puzzles and a roguelike mode that randomly generates battles in case you somehow finish the dozens-of-hours main story. The graphics aren’t quite as good as the PC-only first game in the series, but few Quest 2 or Quest 3 games have looked better.

Supernatural

Best fitness app.

The number of fitness experiences in the Quest is multiplying, and the Quest is a pretty fantastic way to get a home workout if you don’t mind something on your face and have enough free space. Supernatural , a subscription-based fitness app, is like Beat Saber with holographic real coaches and heart-rate tracker pairing. It’s also full of so much great music and challenges that it can become an amazing way to really stay in shape. Dance-type workouts, boxing and meditation are included. It’s worth the subscription ($10 a month, or $100 a year) if you treat it like a home gym.

The Light Brigade

Best vr roguelike shooter.

Dreamy, a bit surreal, tactical, randomly generated: The Light Brigade is everything I like in a VR experience. Much like In Death: Unchained, which is archery-based, The Light Brigade keeps changing every time you play. The minimal interface and design keep it feeling mysterious and yet clear to understand. I can't survive for very long, but I want to play more.

What The Bat?

Best random novelty game that defies description.

What The Golf? is one of my family's absolute favorite indie games. Its spiritual sequel has arrived for VR with What The Bat?, and it's the type of whimsical, random fun I wish VR had more of. It's about living life with baseball bats for hands, and everything else is best left as a surprise to discover. Expect lots of rapid-fire, clever-weird puzzle challenges -- the average quick experience here is much shorter than the typical hole in What The Golf?

Iron Man VR

Best marvel vr game.

Ever dreamed of being Iron Man? This game will have you hovering around in a jetpack, using your hands to aim and blast through a series of missions that are surprisingly kinetic and fun. Iron Man was originally a game on the PlayStation VR, but the move to Quest 2 is far more fun because there are no wires to worry about getting tangled in. 

Moss: Book 2

Best magical miniature platform puzzler.

Moss was one of my very favorite VR games and has been a classic on Quest for a while. There's a sequel now, and its graphics look even better on Quest 2 headsets. The gameplay, which involves moving a sword-bearing mouse hero named Quill on a quest to save her world, is mostly the same: Move through massive miniature worlds and solve puzzles. It's a great sit-down-and-play experience and fun to share with family.

Best monster squid simulator

Devolver's adorable VR game turns you into a sea monster living near a seaside town. Your hands are tentacles. The sensation of bodily transformation works wonderfully, and you'll find yourself flip-flopping your sucker-filled arms to grab things and try to help your little cartoony townspeople as you navigate a dollhouse-size world all around you.

Best VR musical playground

A bunch of wild VR instruments you've never seen before, recording tools and the ability to multitask: Virtuoso isn't just a toy, it's a music platform in VR. It's soothing and fun to play on the fly, but digging deeper is surprisingly rewarding, too. Setting up drums, a weird VR xylophone and a Theremin-like music cube side-by-side to jam with is really cool.

Best painting in VR

Instead of sculpting or drawing in 3D like many VR art apps do, Vermillion focuses on the canvas. It feels uncanny to paint with a palette and an easel, even more so if you use the mixed-reality mode to make the painting feel like it's sitting in your home. Bringing up video tutorials while you paint feels like a preview of our AR-overlaid future and can be surprisingly calming.

Puzzling Places

Best vr jigsaw puzzle.

I had no idea how a VR jigsaw puzzle would feel or whether I'd care to play one. While I don't love this game's limited number of puzzles or its strange interface, its 3D environments that you can piece together (with up to hundreds of pieces per puzzle) are weirdly hypnotic. Also, passthrough camera modes let you float the pieces in mixed reality while you see the rest of your home.

Resident Evil 4

Best console port to vr.

Playing the classic Resident Evil 4 in VR feels like a whole new game. The ability to use your hands, holster weapons and actually walk into creepy settings is transformative. Other than 2D cutscenes, this feels like a native VR game. Resident Evil 4 is a Quest 2 exclusive, so original Quest owners can't play it, but this is an excellent game to show off how good stand-alone VR has become.

Read our Resident Evil 4 review .

I Expect You To Die 3

Best spy-puzzle escape room.

VR is a great format for escape room experiences. I Expect You To Die is a game you can play seated, leaning over desks and flipping switches, using telekinetic powers to control items from afar. The puzzle designs can be as challenging as any escape room I've ever been in. There are three games in the series now, but you might as well start with the newest one.

Walkabout Mini Golf

Best vr mini-golf.

My overall favorite VR game just might be mini-golf. Walkabout's multiple golf courses are brilliantly designed, with extra-hard challenge modes and hidden golf balls to collect. The game's golf physics are perfect. The multiplayer modes are great for having friends join in online. Several increasingly good courses keep arriving as DLC, from one based on Jim Henson's Labyrinth to a series of Jules Verne courses. Every time a new course comes out, I get excited. Seriously, you have no idea how good VR mini-golf is. And the Meow Wolf course is absolutely wonderful.

Best tabletop RPG in VR

Demeo is a miraculous four-player online RPG that captures the feel of collaborative play but in VR. The 3D map, the characters and your hovering hands holding cards that can be played in-game combine to feel like a session of D&D that's animated into reality. Games are randomized a bit each time to keep the excitement going indefinitely, and free updates have added lots of extra adventures.

Read our Demeo hands-on .

ForeVR Bowl

Best vr bowling.

Sometimes, I really miss Wii Sports or real bowling alleys. ForeVR Bowl is the best simulation of both, with online play and solo challenges, and a mix of realistic and weird environments. The ball physics is more realistic than Wii Sports could have ever dreamed of, but it's also forgiving enough to have fun. Just leave some elbow room in your home play area; you need a bit more free space than you think.

The Climb 2

Best rock climbing simulation.

You have no idea how surprisingly intense VR rock climbing can be until you've tried The Climb 2. This sequel to a classic VR game (also on Quest) uses your hands to reach up and grab ledges, ropes and ziplines. It sounds easy, and yet discovering ledges, holding the right grip and keeping focus can be a real challenge. It's also absolutely beautiful.

Read our The Climb 2 first take .

Best co-op cooking game

This isn't Overcooked, but Cook-Out is a charming and immersive cooking game where you race to put sandwiches together using a grill and tools right in front of you. Other players can join in, up to four players at once. At full speed, it feels like a theme park attraction created in VR just for you.

Best retro game to reboot in VR

Cyan Worlds' new version of Myst is the same game you've probably played a million times, but the environments here are really beautiful to move through. Consider this a puzzle game that doubles as a meditative escape. Read our Myst VR hands-on .

Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge

Best star wars theme park experience at home.

I missed my chance to go to Disney and see Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, but ILMxLab's Batuu-themed game is the next best thing. It's not exactly a tour of Black Spire Outpost, but the incredible character acting, world design and intense blaster battles are an impressive feat. It's over too soon, but this Quest game still costs less than most Disney souvenirs. The $10 expansion pack is worth getting to complete the storyline. (Also check out Vader Immortal , ILMxLab's previous lightsaber-wielding adventure involving Darth Vader.)

Read our Galaxy's Edge hands-on and interview .

Population One

The closest thing to fortnite in vr.

The multiplayer battle royale experience of Population One is very Fortnite-like. In fact, it's extremely Fortnite-like; that's a good thing. There are few large-scale multiplayer VR games right now, and this is one of the best. Dropping down from above, navigating the shrinking map, climbing and hunting for supplies and excellent controls make this a must-play team shooter. Plus, there are frequent season updates.

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Best zombie-horror game.

It's expensive, and the file size can get up to 8GB on the Quest 2, but this is console-quality VR shrunken down into a portable headset. Saints & Sinners was already an acclaimed PC VR game, and the transition to the Quest keeps its polish and RPG-like feel. It's freaky, but it's also deep. There's a lot more going on than simple shooting, and the sequel (Chapter 2: Retribution) is just as good.

Best free social game-iverse

A lot of Quest games are expensive, but a surprising number are free. Rec Room is a social hub that's also a doorway to tons of social games, with a seemingly limitless set of possibilities. Sometimes it feels a bit like Wii Sports or VR Roblox. There are mini-adventures, paintball games and more. I just want there to be improved parental-control features (there seem to be a lot of parents letting kids into the Rec Room lately).

Read our Rec Room hands-on, pre-Quest .

King of music fitness

This is the Quest's killer app, and if you want to get moving, love lightsabers or just want a fun dance challenge, this is it. Plenty of tracks keep you busy, the lightsaber tracking is fantastic, and there are extra music packs to buy if you feel compelled. I'm still exhausting myself trying to beat my nephew's high scores.

Superhot VR

The action game to beat.

Bullet time, grab the gun, wait -- the faster you move, the faster everything else moves. Get it now? Superhot was one of the first games that hit the Quest, and it's still amazing. Runner-up pick: Pistol Whip. (Sorry, I still like Superhot more.)

Eleven Table Tennis

Next best thing to real ping-pong.

Seriously, ping-pong in VR is so good; the table physics, the size of the play area and the way VR matches what you need perfectly. You can play online with real people, and the gameplay is shockingly unforgiving. The Quest 3 update adds a mixed reality mode that projects the table into your home, which is surprisingly useful for playing in cramped spaces.

The Room VR: A Dark Matter

Best horror vr escape room.

If you're up for a creepy dive into mysterious puzzle boxes, this unique VR game from the makers of the hit game series called The Room is a fantastic and spooky mental challenge (it's not great for kids, however). There are lots of other escape-room games on Quest, including the excellent I Expect You To Die 2 (listed above), and a ticketed live multiplayer escape-room experience from Adventure Labs , as well.

Read our The Room VR: A Dark Matter review .

The Under Presents

Best theater head trip.

I can't explain The Under, really: Nightmare Cabaret? Apocalyptic playground? It provides stuff to explore, secrets to find and real actors who perform from time to time. There's a ticketed performance of an immersive theater version of The Tempest and a variety show. You'll find other people who can't speak, and neither can you, but somehow, it all ends up feeling magical and strange.

Read our The Under Presents review .

Tetris Effect: Connected

Best puzzle meditation.

The synesthetic Tetris Effect was one of the best games of 2018, and the Quest version is mostly as good. It's intense, the music is amazing and although the levels are frantic, it's also weirdly zen. This is a perfect way to unwind.

Read our Tetris Effect review .

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

Best vr party game.

With other people in your home, VR can be a solitary disconnect. Keep Talking involves others by having people not in VR handle a bomb-defusing manual while the person in VR tries to communicate and stop the bomb in time. It feels like a weird board game, which is something most VR games never succeed at.

In Death: Unchained

Best archery survival game.

An endless and randomly generated set of castle enemies meets you every time you play, and this roguelike game uses a bow and arrow as your only method of navigation and attack. The mechanics feel great, and being surrounded by enemies you're firing arrows at can be incredibly intense.

Space Pirate Trainer

Best arcade game.

Talk about a game that never seems to get old. While Space Pirate Trainer has been around since the launch days of the HTC Vive, the simple arcade design is perfect. You stand still, shoot at aliens and shield yourself. Survive as long as you can; it's perfect.

Pixel Ripped 1995

Best virtual retro game world within a world.

Want to revisit '90s games, including the experience of sitting on the floor with a controller playing games on a TV? You can do that already with a little retro 16-bit console, but Pixel Ripped pulls it off uncannily in VR. You're a kid in a house, playing games that don't exist. Then you enter the pixel world, and it gets stranger. The original '80s-set Pixel Ripped 1989 is now inside as an add-on DLC, too.

A Fisherman's Tale

Best trippy puzzle game.

VR can turn your sense of reality inside out, and A Fisherman's Tale is the best type of out-of-body experience. A room with puzzles to solve also has a dollhouse, which is a perfect model of the room you're in. You can reach into your own space and as you do, a larger hand from above enters your room. It's like living in your own weird puzzle dollhouse universe, and it's fantastic. There's a sequel, too, but we like the original one best.

Red Matter 2

Most amazing-looking adventure game.

Red Matter was one of the best-looking Oculus Quest games, and Red Matter 2 pushes the graphics even further, especially on Quest 3. The puzzle-solving, atmospheric and brooding adventure is set in an alternate-timeline Cold War in space. Your tool-filled space suit glides around and grapples with the brilliantly evoked world, which often has Half-Life vibes. It's one of the most stunning visual experiences you can have.

How we test Quest games and apps

We just play. VR is a continually changing landscape, and thanks to new mixed reality capabilities in the Quest 3, we expect it to keep changing. We play and review VR games just like we do games on other platforms, but we keep interfaces and comfort heavily in mind for VR experiences as well. 

Factors to consider for picking Quest apps and games

The Quest 3 offers improved graphics, faster refresh rates for smoother experiences, higher display resolution, and the ability to mix real-world camera feeds with VR to offer mixed reality that can feel, at times, like the virtual and real blending together. RIght now, there aren’t many VR games or apps that use mixed reality as more than a gimmick, but we expect more games, productivity apps, and fitness apps to add mixed reality for Quest 3. 

But for both Quest 2 and 3, many games and apps are effectively similar. This brings up a few considerations: do you want to be active? Do you like being seated? Do you mind intense action? Are you looking for something more comfortable? VR can span a whole spectrum of comfort zones, and sometimes it really depends on your mood and energy.

Quest 2 apps are playable on Quest 3, and many of these games are getting free updates adding better graphics and performance enhancements. It’s a good incentive to consider upgrading to a Quest 3 if you have a Quest 2, although Meta’s also expected to launch a more affordable version of the Quest 3 in 2024.

Games also vary widely in price: Some are free, others are $10, and others cost as much as premium console games. Storage sizes vary widely, too, from a few hundred megabytes to 20GB or more. If you have a smaller-capacity storage size Quest headset, you may have to delete apps to make room.

What's the best way to get a workout in VR?

There are lots of ways the Quest can be a surprisingly good fitness device , provided you're OK with sweating with a headset on (buy silicone face covers for the Quest 2, or replacement foam inserts). Beat Saber is still a classic, but Supernatural is the best subscription-based Peloton-type experience, and it uses the Apple Watch or other heart-rate trackers to measure heart rate. I'd also recommend active hand strap accessories to keep your controllers more tightly attached, and lay down a nonslip yoga mat.

Is the Quest appropriate for kids?

It depends. Years ago, I said I wouldn't recommend a Quest 2 for kids unless you're occasionally sharing games with them in a place where you can watch them play and make sure they're playing safely, but Meta has slowly rolled out improved parental controls in VR . For older kids, it's fantastic. But make sure to watch what they're playing by casting the screen to your phone with Meta's Quest phone app, and stay away from voice chat-based games to be safe unless they're directly connecting with friends. Also, make sure you keep a wide, clear play space!

Should I get the Quest 3?

The Quest 3 and Quest 2 all run the same apps and games. The Quest 3 is more expensive, but has superior graphics, clearer lenses, added mixed reality effects with high-res passthrough cameras and a higher-res display. It's the best headset, but the Quest 2 is still our value pick for most people.

More VR and gaming advice

• Best VR Headsets Right Now
• We're All on the Holodeck Now, VR Headset or Not
• Best VR Games for Escaping to Other Worlds
• Best Racing Wheels and Pedals for iRacing and Your Budget
• Best Board Games to Give in 2023: Gloomhaven, Marvel United and More
• Best Games for PSVR 2

14 Best Apps Every Meta Quest 2 Owner Should Try

Players interested in trying new apps for the Meta Quest 2 may want to give these examples some attention.

Who would've thought that Facebook (Meta), out of all the other technology companies, would lead virtual reality? Over the past few years, Mark Zuckerberg has done the unthinkable by giving away their most advanced standalone VR device at a loss so people can taste the future at an affordable price.

While competitors such as HTC Vive Cosmos, Valve Index, and more have maintained their high cost, Meta Quest 2 has been selling like hot cakes at $399.99 a piece for a completely wireless experience that miraculously works pretty fine. Moreover, Quest 2 has some of the best virtual reality apps that are a must-experience for any owner.

21 Best VR Simulation Games For The Meta Quest 2

Updated December 23, 2023 by Rie Takumi: Like other VR machines, the Meta Quest 2 isn’t just for video games. Companies are realizing its potential for transformative experiences by creating apps that every Meta Quest 2 owner should try. Sound and visual landscapes, perfect reconstructions of real-life locations, and full-body exercise games are just some concepts executed well on Quest 2's user-friendly platform.

At the same time, VR allows non-gamers to invest in free or cheaper games. Standalone titles, even on mobile or desktop, could turn off people who have zero knowledge of video games. But with VR, the novelty could translate into new experiences with games.

14 National Geographic Explorer VR

4 stars (1,462 ratings).

Not everyone can afford airfare, much less hitch a ride to Antarctica. National Geographic Explorer VR allows everyone to visit the penguins in the deep down under and Machu Piccu. The Meta Quest 2 app not only offers digital reconstructions of these amazing vistas, but fun activities that might be difficult to do in real life.

Players can kayak around icebergs in Antarctica, where they can swim around whales and penguins. They can even climb a traitorous ice shelf as they try to look for a penguin colony. Meanwhile in Machu Piccu, they can encounter alpacas and witness sacred ceremonies.

4 Stars (2,615 Ratings)

Talking about health, Meta Quest 2 allows users to have much more than just physical fitness. TRIPP is a meditation app that helps people relax their mental states and become emotionally healthy. The Oculus store description states that this app instantaneously shifts users' moods to make them "happier, calmer, and more focused."

It also allows people to enjoy guided meditations, explore unique worlds, heal through binaural sounds, practice breathing and enjoy some interactive content.

12 Bigscreen Beta

With a four-star rating, Bigscreen Beta usually gets buried under other high-rated apps. However, it deserves attention for what it brings to the table for Meta Quest 2 owners. Bigscreen Beta is a free-to-use application that is essentially a virtual reality theater with tons of content.

It is also a social app, as it allows players to interact in multiplayer and co-op modes, allowing fans to get together and have a movie-watching experience without leaving the house. Bigscreen Beta is also a good video player for VR and has over 50+ free channels to watch.

11 FitXR - Boxing, HIIT, And Dance Workouts

4 stars (8,684 ratings).

Apart from being a fantastic gaming machine, Meta Quest 2 is a great fitness device with some of the best healthcare apps in virtual reality. One such free-to-use application is FitXR - Boxing, HIIT, and Dance Workouts , where headset owners can make their workout accessible and fun.

Exercise At Home: 10 VR Games That Make You Sweat

This app features a lot of content for fitness enthusiasts, such as seven new classes every week, warm-up and cool-down exercises, a co-op workout experience with up to six buddies, and a week of unlimited access to all the content without payment.

10 Gravity Sketch

4.1 stars (1,062 ratings).

Staying on the note of therapeutic apps, Gravity Sketch is a free 3D designing software that'll get anyone's creative juices flowing. This app tells the users to "Think in 3D. Create in 3D," and allows them to build, morph and sculpt in three dimensions.

Gravity Sketch is a highly curated experience for people who love creativity and art. However, it doesn't let the complicated concept of 3D designing stop beginners from enjoying the same. The easy-to-use UI, six creation tools, pre-built geometry types, and unlimited layer support make it a must-have for people who want to take their art into virtual reality.

9 Virtual Desktop

4.1 stars (8,324 ratings).

Nobody would've thought that the day would come when people would use a computer within a computer. However, Virtual Desktop makes it possible and shows why it is one of the most important apps on the Meta Quest 2 headset.

In simple terms, this paid app is an extended virtual screen for people who want to project their real computers in virtual reality. However, there's a twist, as the app is much more than that. Virtual Desktop supports connecting up to four computers simultaneously, streaming PCVR games, watching 3D movies, and browsing the web seamlessly.

4.2 Stars (779 Ratings)

Liminal is similar to TRIPP , yet different enough due to its core experience. This free-to-use app helps users change their state of mind by delving into a range of experiences that use state-of-the-art research by neuroscientists and psychologists. Liminal has over sixty hypnotic adventures, which will help people become calm and invigorated.

The official description also states that users can "Conquer the stars, fight killer bots, destroy asteroids or launch" themselves into space using this app. Liminal only supports a single user and is one of the best apps in the Lifestyle, Relaxation & Meditation genre.

7 BRINK Traveler

4.2 stars (680 ratings).

Meta Quest 2 has many use cases, including entertainment, gaming, fitness, meditation, and creativity. However, there's one benefit of the popular headset that doesn't get enough praise.

VRChat: 15 Worlds Every Player Should Visit

Virtual reality is probably one of the best ways to experience the world without paying for costly air tickets and hotel bills. Moreover, inexpensive apps such as BRINK Traveler make it easy for people to travel to exotic locations while sitting on a couch and having a snack.

6 Sweet Surrender

4.5 stars (480 ratings).

Stylish, quirky, and fast-paced, Sweet Surrender is the perfect VR fps experience for gamers who want a casual looter shooter . Sweet Surrender offers a suite of cool guns to fight killer robots with, including dual-wielding pistols, EMPs, and wall-blasting artillery.

Sweet Surrender also lets players zipline through each procedurally-generated levels using a grappling hook. Because of its roguelike nature, players are encouraged to play around with the hook and other tools to make each run feel special. And although priced at $24.99, the game's small development team churns out free updates to keep it fresh.

5 Smash Drums

4.5 stars (1,945 ratings).

Rock Band and Guitar Hero were popular because they offered even the least musically-inclined gamer a chance to rock out . Smash Drums may only concentrate on drums, but it has the same rocking conceit. What’s more, players can literally bring the house down while playing, as the venue they’re virtually in can get smashed by how hard they rock.

Players can even hold tournaments in co-op and versus mode. If they prefer to fly solo, they can go global, as player leaderboards exist. If the set of 58 songs start to bore them, its shop offers tracks and skins to refresh the game.

4 Nock: Bow + Arrow Soccer

4.5 stars (2,006 ratings).

Archery is a fine concept for VR thanks for its mechanics and the Quest 2’s controls. But what makes Nock: Bow + Arrow Soccer different from normal archery games is it combines archery with football. The result is a colorful, chaotic arena game where players have to make goals and saves by aiming and blocking arrows across a field full of allies and foes.

It’s not as straightforward as the premise may have players think. Block arrows can form obstacles on the field, while fast-moving balls can stunlock players. But once gamers have the mechanics down, they can shore up with or against friends in friendly casual games or competitive skill-based matches.

3 YouTube VR

4.5 stars (2,849 ratings).

If there's one app that's a must-experience on Meta Quest 2 , it is YouTube VR. The popular video-sharing social media platform has risen to popularity over the last fifteen years and has gotten even more famous in the pandemic era.

While YouTube already offers some great features on its mobile app & website, such as 4K 60fps support, 360 videos & more, there's much to be experienced in its virtual reality app. Anyone who chooses to use YouTube VR can enjoy countless free high-quality 3D VR experiences that aren't as easy to find anywhere else.

2 Kingspray Graffiti

4.8 stars (2,551 ratings).

In the past, many people have broken the rules to express themselves through public art. However, Kingspray Graffiti builds an enjoyable spraying experience that is just as fun as real life, minus the risks of damaging local properties.

This amazing street art app is one of a kind, giving users full access to every spraying tool needed to create colorful wonders on virtual walls. Kingspray Graffiti offers a single-player mode for people who want to spray solo and a multiplayer mode for people who want to team up to build amazing artwork.

1 First Steps For Quest 2

4.9 stars (1,427 ratings).

First Steps for Quest 2 sits on a five-star rating on the Oculus store, and there's a good reason for that. At its core, the free-to-use app showcases everything a user would want to know about their Meta Quest 2 .

First Steps for Quest 2 includes mini-games such as playing with table tennis rackets, cubes, rockets, dancing, shooting, and more. It also features support for multiple player modes and only takes 700MB of space of internal storage. The free-to-use app is probably one of the first things anyone should ever experience on their virtual reality headset.

MORE: Spider-Man Games With The Smoothest Web-Swinging

Best Oculus Quest games, apps, and experiences to dive into first

It's fair to say that the Oculus Quest VR standalone VR headset does not disappoint, delivering an accessible, affordable alternative to the more complex and costly headset options out there. Combining the six degrees of freedom tracking and Touch controllers from the Oculus Rift with the wireless, PC-free tech of the Oculus Go, the Oculus Quest offers the best of both worlds right out of the box.

Just as impressive is the Quest's launch line-up, a slate of over 50 immersive experiences – from free offerings to premium-priced titles – just begging to show you what life's like beneath the headset. The Quest is now available for anyone to pick up and we've already spent dozens of hours peering through its transformative lenses, testing out a big batch of its day-one offerings.

Read this: Best Oculus Go games and apps to download first

Whether you're craving a completely original experience, want to revisit a VR game classic, or even experience how the headset can put a fresh spin on a familiar favourite, these are the ones that should put a smile across your face.

Best Oculus Quest Games

Superhot vr.

Having already proven itself a favourite on other VR platforms, Superhot VR makes the inevitable jump to Oculus Quest. This fresh take on the first-person shooter formula is the same bullet-dodging blast it's always been, but it also greatly benefits from the new headset's wireless, all-in-one freedom.

Because you needn't worry about getting tied up in a tangle of wires, evading slugs and emptying clips in slow motion feels more cinematic than ever. By cutting the cord, the Quest has allowed one of the medium's best games to evolve into an even better one. Whether Superhot has previously fulfilled your action-film fantasies or you're yet to enter this Matrix -like experience, this one's an easy recommendation.

, Download Superhot VR for Quest

Racket Fury: Table Tennis VR

A firm favourite at Wareable HQ, Racket Fury is must-play even if you're not a fan of ping pong. It's a great showcase not only of the Quest's great room tracking, but more the way Oculus' Touch controllers are instantly transformed into paddles.

You can pit yourself against one of the AI robotic opponents with multiplayer mode also on board, which should make things even more competitive. If you want to make things feel even more like the real thing, there's a simulation mode, which adds another layer of difficulty where you really have to think about your choice selection.

Make sure you've got enough play space to jump around the virtual table and believe us, you will not be sorry you have this Quest game in your life.

, Download Racket Fury: Table Tennis VR for Quest

Dance Central VR

First introduced for the Xbox 360's motion-sensing Kinect peripheral, Harmonix's Dance Central series took the music-rhythm genre to the next level. While flailing our limbs in front of the TV was fun nearly ten years ago, though, the series' early entries only hinted at the franchise's full potential.

Dance Central VR delivers on the full promise of the previous games, harnessing the power of wireless, room-scale virtual reality to put you on the dance floor like never before. 32 songs and two difficulty modes will keep your body moving and grooving, while a cast of colourful characters and equally vibrant environments bring the coolest club to life in the comfort of your home.

Download Dance Central VR for Quest

Sport Scramble

Okay, it does look a bit like the Quest equivalent of a Wii Sports game, but Sports Scramble is actually just a lot of fun and it's one of the games that's good to pass the Quest around and take turns with.

You can take your pick of tennis, baseball and bowling, all with a little twist that makes playing your way to a win a little trickier. This is also one of the Quest games that supports local multiplayer, so if you've got a Quest-owning buddy, you can play against each other and it will get competitive.

It's one of the pricer launch titles, but it's also one that you'll probably spend a lot of time with showing it off to people if they want to get a good feel for what the headset is capable of.

Download Sport Scramble for Quest

The Exorcist Legion VR – Complete Series

Virtual reality's scariest entry creeps onto the Quest, offering horror fans five episodes of nerve-fraying frights based on one of the genre's most revered properties. Plenty of VR games have provided cheap jump scares, but The Exorcist Legion ups the ante – and anxiety – by spinning a twisty, terrifying tale full of atmosphere and edge-of-the seat pacing.

As a demon-hunting detective, players will encounter the sort of enemies and environments that will take up permanent residence in their nightmares. It's the slow-burn storytelling, however, that will haunt them during their waking hours. Expert use of lighting and shadows, as well as immersive audio effects, round out one of the best reasons to don your Quest after dark.

Download The Exorcist Legion VR for Quest

Robo Recall: Unplugged

Robo Recall arrived on the Oculus Rift as one of the headset's most critically acclaimed and graphically demanding games. The arcade shooter now makes its way to the Quest, maintaining its high bar of quality with nary a performance hiccup in sight.

More than just proving the Quest can squeeze plenty of power from its mobile Snapdragon 835 processor, Robo Recall essentially drops you into the middle of your own sci-fi action flick. Faced with an evil robot uprising, the game puts players behind an epic arsenal of metal-mangling weapons, ensuring their trigger fingers get little rest. Insane physics and destruction effects – like beating bots with their own limbs – further complement the pulse-pounding gunplay.

Download Robo Recall: Unplugged for Quest

Hailed as both an addictive music-rhythm game and a calorie-burning workout, Beat Saber has already established itself as one of virtual reality's biggest hits. Whether you're in it for the fun, fitness, or a bit of both, the game's brilliant combination of bumping beats and full-body exertion has got your (sweaty) back.

Much like Superhot , it's also a game that gets an immersion-cranking bump from the Quest's complete lack of wires. Whether slicing and dicing the rapidly approaching cubes with the platforms' Touch controllers or ducking and dodging oncoming obstacles, the experience feels far more natural and free without the worry of a wire tripping you up and breaking your flow.

Download Beat Saber for Quest

Don't let Moss ' fairytale facade fool you, as this charming third-person action-platformer is one of the medium's most immersive and surprisingly emotional entries. As Quill, an adorable, sword-wielding white mouse, players embark on an epic adventure to match that of any high-fantasy hero's evil-vanquishing journey.

While its storytelling, characters, and world will immediately grab you, Moss continues to impress with its inventive and varied gameplay. Developer Polyarc is also bringing new chapters to the Quest first before rolling out to other VR platforms.

Responsive combat mechanics, clever puzzles, inspired character interactions and unique controls keep things fresh, while also weaving themselves organically into the spot-on pacing and absorbing visual presentation. Forming an unexpected bond with a rodent is just icing on the cheese, er, cake.

Download Moss for Quest

Journey of the Gods

A fantasy-fuelled adventure that'd make The Legend of Zelda 's Link proud, Journey of the Gods delivers an engaging blend of combat, exploration and environmental puzzles. Adopting a visual style that immediately recalls Breath of the Wild 's eye-popping presentation, the game's sprawling world is filled with minions, monsters and other menaces looking to impede your progress.

Thankfully, players are armed with a variety of evil-thwarting weapons, from ranged death-dealers and up-close killers to god-like powers capable of clearing the entire screen of threats. A fantastic showcase of the Quest's ability to deliver full-featured, story-driven gameplay experiences, this one's a journey well worth embarking on.

Download Journey of the Gods for Quest

Creed: Rise to Glory

If you're looking to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee, there's no shortage of boxing games that let you lace up the virtual gloves. Creed: Rise to Glory stands out from the face-pummelling pack, however, offering a solid narrative experience that will also give you one hell of a workout.

It's also the rare licensed game that does right by its source material. In the boxing trunks of Adonis Creed you'll progress your career, take on a variety of colourful contenders, and even train alongside the Italian Stallion himself. Of course, the boxing mechanics are not only spot-on, but more satisfying than ever thanks to the wireless Quest letting you strut your stuff in the VR ring.

Download Creed: Rise to Glory for Quest

Best Oculus Quest Apps and Experiences

Star wars: vader immortal.

One of the few original offerings launching alongside the Quest, Vader Immortal is a new episodic series from the galaxy far, far away. As its title suggests, though, this one trades the usual Luke Skywalker-led heroic tale in favour of a decidedly more sinister story.

Not so much a game as it is an interactive narrative adventure, Vader Immortal puts you in the boots of a smuggler held captive in the Sith Lord's castle. Unfolding on the fiery planet of Mustafar, the absorbing story not only takes you into the darkest depths of Vader's home, but also provides a fan-pleasing peek at a side of the iconic villain we rarely see.

All that, and there's also an amazing Jedi Dojo mode that allows you to unleash all kinds of hell with a lightsaber.

Download Star Wars: Vader Immortal for Quest

BoxVR shelves the story and game-focused elements of boxing titles like Creed: Rise to Glory for a full-on fitness experience. The result is one of the most physically intense – and rewarding – virtual reality experiences this side of Beat Saber 's Expert+ modes.

Because BoxVR puts fitness first, it also features plenty of options and modes tailored to every skill level. Whether you're looking to work up a light sweat or get your heart pounding like a freight train, there's a regime to fit your needs. Score-based challenges and a varied selection of 100+ music tracks – complete with custom playlists – keep things interesting while you punch, dodge and parry your way to a buff body.

Download BoxVR for Quest

If you've been following all things VR from the early days, then you'll probably know about Google's 3D illustration tool that has now been embraced by painters and sculptors to inject some extra creativity into their works.

Away from the professionals, it's still impressive to see how good Tilt Brush is at offering a virtual canvas where your Touch controllers are your tools to draw. Google is continually improving the options and modes available to aspiring VR artists and it's still one the most impressive VR experiences out there that takes full advantage of the Quest's best features.

Download Tilt Brush for Quest

Nature Treks VR

There are a few Quest titles that are centred around whisking you away from you living room, and Nature Treks VR is the one that stands out for us.

The aim of this experience is quite simply to go exploring and to escape. You'll have to use the locomotion feature to move around environments, discovering different animals, and take control of the weather conditions and climates of the locations you can roam.

Visually it impresses, and makes for a nice break from the gaming and other experiences that are available on the standalone headset.

, Download Nature Treks VR for Quest

How we test

By Matt Cabral

If you have an Oculus Quest 2 you need these VR games and apps right now

The games and apps every new Quest 2 owner should have

• Want somewhere to start?
• Want to play with friends?
• Want to get active?
• Want action?
• Want to unwind?
• Want to get creative?
• Want the big screen experience?

If you’ve been gifted an Oculus Quest 2 (now officially called the Meta Quest 2) this holiday season, you probably want to know how to put it to good use. Well, you’re in luck as I’ve rounded up a selection of VR games and apps that are perfect for new players.

Below you’ll find a mixture of action-packed adventures, apps that will spark your creativity, and virtual workouts that will get your blood pumping. This collection of games have been chosen from our best VR games and best Oculus Quest 2 games lists, and from a selection of titles I’ve adored this past year.

There’s something for everyone here so scroll down to discover all the VR games and apps you need as a new Oculus Quest 2 owner.

Want somewhere to start? Try… Beat Saber

Before you try anything else on this list, I’d recommend hopping into one of VR’s most iconic titles: Beat Saber. Not only is its Star Wars meets Guitar Hero gameplay an absolute blast, you're probably also entitled to a free copy of the game as a new Quest 2 owner – but you’ll need to redeem it fairly quickly.

To take advantage of this offer, you’ll need to have bought a new Quest 2 between August 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, and you’ll need to have finished the setup process before the end of January 2023. Once you’ve signed into the device with your Meta account, you should receive a notification (via email or an in-VR alert) that Beat Saber was included in your purchase and is available for you to download. Click on the notification (or the Redeem button in the email) and you’ll be taken to a page where you can download the base game free of charge.

If you have fun with Beat Saber, I’d highly recommend picking up a few of the add-on packs; they feature a diverse range of songs from artists like Imagine Dragons, Lizzo, Billie Eilish, and and Guns N’ Roses (one of the bands included in the latest Rock Music Pack). While add-ons make the game more expensive, I’ve more than got my money’s worth from every add-on that I’ve picked up.

Also, try… 

First Steps may be a mere demo app, but I’d recommend booting up this title for anyone experiencing this type of VR for the first time, even all you seasoned gamers. The experience is far from mind-blowing but it serves as an excellent introduction to what’s possible in more immersive VR experiences. 

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Want to play with friends? Try… Among Us VR

Among Us VR from developers Innersloth, Schell Games, and Robot Teddy doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it strikes a perfect balance between familiar and fresh to make an amazing gaming experience.

Just like typical Among Us on PC and consoles, a team of Crewmates must roam the corridors of the spaceship The Skeld 2, completing tasks and trying their darndest not to be murdered by the Impostors – a secret duo whose only goal is to eliminate everyone else before the crew’s tasks are completed or they’re both voted off the ship.

The best new feature in Among Us VR is the introduction of proximity voice chat – it really helps to put the social in social deduction and makes the meetings much more dynamic than the base game’s text-only discussions. Though if you don’t like talking to people online, there is a quick-chat-only option in VR too.

If you have a few friends who also have VR headsets (Among Us VR is cross-platform so they don’t need to have a Quest 2 like you) this is a must-play game for your group; though, while the experience is better with people you know, my experience playing online with randoms has been pretty enjoyable too.

Also, try…

Wands Alliances is what you’d get if you crossed Valorant with Harry Potter and Chess. In this game, two teams of three players face off against each other with each side taking on the roles of various wizards out to either detonate or diffuse the Omega Device (a hocus pocus bomb). To achieve these goals, your team must balance brawn and brains as you use spells to not only deplete your opponent’s health but to force them into making tactical blunders and cut them off from their objective. 

Want to get active? Try… Sports Scramble

Sports Scramble is what happens if you chuck every activity from Wii Sports in a blender and guzzle the chaotic concoction you’ve created.

This Frankenstein’s sports game comes with three basic options: tennis, bowling, and baseball – but not as you know them. One minute, you’ll be playing tennis the old-fashioned way; then the next, you’ll find your racket’s morphed into a golf club and you’re trying to whack a soccer ball over a raised net. It’s silly, it’s wild, and it’s a whole lot of fun for people of all ages. 

Admittedly, this app isn’t the biggest VR workout but if you’re looking for a title that will add some joy to your fitness regimen, Sports Scramble is an excellent place to start.

Holopoint is a little basic in terms of gameplay and the environments you work out in, but this VR app is nonetheless my go-to when I want to be more active. In an experience that could have been ripped straight out of Hawkeye’s training regimen, you must use a virtual bow and arrow to destroy targets while also contorting your body to avoid projectiles – if you’re looking for something that’s more of a workout than Sports Scramble, this is a great pick. Best of all, Holopoint isn’t too pricey – and it has no ongoing fees like most other workout apps on the Quest 2.

Want action? Try… Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 VR is a remake of the classic Capcom survival horror game and one of the best action games on the Oculus Quest 2 (earning a perfect 5 stars from me in our review). 

Every single one of Resident Evil 4’s environments and enemies have been marvelously recreated in VR, and the game’s immersive controls coupled with its first-person perspective really make you feel like you are resident badass Leon S. Kennedy. However, some truly frightening moments make this a title that won’t suit the faint-hearted gamers amongst you.

What’s more, not only can you take on the original game’s story in its entirety, you can also enjoy The Mercenaries mode in full-VR too. This mode’s arcade gameplay gives this already meaty title even more replayability as well as provides you with an awesome venue for you to show off your VR skills.

The Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners shares a lot of similarities with RE4 in terms of its immersive gameplay and the fact that you have to fight off undead hordes of monsters. Whether you’re a fan of The Walking Dead franchise or not, this is definitely a VR game to consider if you like to get your chest pumping with a blend of horror and action.

More experienced players might also enjoy Blade & Sorcery: Nomad and Bonelab . These games’ smooth control stick movement can be stomach-churning for newcomers but the realistic physics and object interaction are a delight. Though the sandbox gameplay offered by these games might not be to everyone’s tastes.

Want to unwind? Try… Walkabout Mini Golf

Walkabout Mini Golf is probably my favorite VR game, especially on days when I’m looking to relax after a long day of writing.

Sure, the premise is simple – it’s just mini-golf – but Walkabout more than makes up for this with superb-level design, beautiful environments, and realistic controls. Every level is a delight to exist in, and there’s a huge range of locales to visit; you and your friends can play golf in a Japanese garden, in a land made of candy, in the heart of a jungle amongst the ruins of El Dorado, or the maze from the film Labyrinth – and that’s barely scratching the surface of the places you can visit.

Beyond the actual mini-golfing, I adore the game’s treasure hunts. Each course’s Normal mode hides 18 golf balls – one for each hole – that you can find and add to your collection. Collect 10 of them (or perform well enough in the course) and you’ll unlock the level’s Hard mode; not only are the courses more difficult but you’ll be given a Fox Hunt to complete that will have you exploring every nook and cranny of the map on your quest to find the treasure (a uniquely designed golf club). These scavenger hunts don't just give you an excuse to wander around Walkabout’s superb environments, some of the puzzles are a decent challenge to solve too.

Want to get creative? Try… Painting VR

I’ve never felt freer to be creative than in Painting VR – an app that gives you a blank canvas, a bevy of brushes, and tons of paint so you can create anything from a messy mashup of color to a fine art masterpiece.

While demoing the Meta Quest Pro with this title I was filled with a child-like sense of wonder as I flicked paint onto the canvas before setting it down on the floor and smearing the still-wet splashes of color with my virtual hands. The experience was no less magical when I calmed down and attempted to paint with more grace; the brushes reacted just as I predicted and I felt I had all the tools I needed to make something splendid – even if I did lack the requisite skills.

Thankfully, Painting VR offers a few tools to help budding artists master their craft. My favorite was the ability to import artwork onto a canvas to serve as a jumping-off point for your creativity. You could bring in already-realized artwork like the Mona Lisa or Starry Night and alter them with your own twists, or practice your skills with painting-by-numbers outlines.

Though perhaps the best feature of all is that there’s no cleaning up to do afterward – no matter how much chaos you cause, you can just reset the virtual room and return to your pristine starting point.

Want the big screen experience? Try… YouTube

The big screen experience you can find at the movie theater is incredible – you get a vision-filling image and full surround sound that immerses you in the events unfolding onscreen. And thanks to your new Quest 2 headset, you can enjoy a similar experience right in the comfort of your immediate surroundings, thanks to a variety of VR Video apps.

Of them, YouTube is my favorite. For one thing, it's free; it also doesn’t feel like an unfinished project like a few of the other video apps you’ll find at the Quest store (*cough* Netflix and Prime Video *cough*). Open up the app, pick a video from a content creator you love, and kick back as their videos play out on a ginormous virtual screen.

If you’re looking for some videos to start with, I can’t recommend the comedy show Taskmaster enough; the show’s official YouTube account is home to several full seasons where you can watch top-class comedians compete in ridiculous challenges for free in this virtual home cinema.

Also try… 

Virtual Desktop isn’t a perfect app but it does offer a reliable way for you to wirelessly sync your PC and Quest 2 and enjoy everything your desktop is capable of while in VR. You can boot up a film from one of the best streaming services , jump into one of the best PC games , or just enjoy browsing the internet as the content floats in front of you on an absolutely massive virtual display.

• Unimpressed by the Oculus Quest 2? Here’s how future VR headsets could beat it

Hamish is a Senior Staff Writer for TechRadar and you’ll see his name appearing on articles across nearly every topic on the site from smart home deals to speaker reviews to graphics card news and everything in between. He uses his broad range of knowledge to help explain the latest gadgets and if they’re a must-buy or a fad fueled by hype. Though his specialty is writing about everything going on in the world of virtual reality and augmented reality.

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The 20 Best Rated & Most Popular Quest Games & Apps – July 2023

While Meta doesn’t offer much publicly in the way of understanding how well individual games & apps are performing across its Quest 2 storefront, it’s possible to glean some insight by looking at apps relative to each other. Here’s a snapshot of the 20 best rated Oculus Quest games and apps as of July 2023.

Some quick qualifications before we get to the data:

• Paid and free apps are separated
• Only apps with more than 100 reviews are represented
• App Lab apps are not represented (see our latest Quest App Lab report )
• Rounded ratings may appear to show ‘ties’ in ratings for some applications, but the ranked order remains correct

Best Rated Oculus Quest 2 Games & Apps – Paid

The rating of each application is an aggregate of user reviews and a useful way to understand the general reception of each title by customers.

Rank change & stats compared to  May 2023 Dropouts : PatchWorld – Make Music Worlds, DYSCHRONIA: Chronos Alternate, Eye of the Temple Among the 20 best rated Quest apps Average rating (mean): 4.5 out of 5 ( –0.1 ) Average price (mean): $26 ( +$2 ) Most common price (mode): $30 (±$0) Among all paid Quest apps Average rating (mean): 4.2 out of 5 (±0) Average price (mean): $20 (±$0) Most common price (mode): $20 (±$0)

Continue on Page 2: Most Popular Paid Oculus Quest Apps »

I’m still a big fan of these monthly top 20 charts as they provide the rare opportunity to observe developments in VR over a longer stretch of time, with very few usable sources of data being available. Of course everything is only relative to previous data from the Quest store and doesn’t necessarily match what happens e.g. with PCVR, but the general trends seemed to correlate a lot for a long time, at least until the numbers from the Steam hardware survey startet to jump around in ways no longer explainable by small errors in measurement.

But lately I’m asking myself how distorted this relative view actually is. One problem is the difference between the best rated apps and the apps that added the most new ratings. “Walkabout Mini Golf”, “Golf+” and “Into The Radius” are the only titles that show up in both lists, and the at least somewhat surprising lack of sales of the “best apps” cannot be explained by those being older titles.

The fact that two of the apps on both lists are actually Golf games/simulations also hints that looking at either the apps best rated or adding most reviews doesn’t necessarily paint a picture of “typical” Quest use. A lot of enthusiasts were very astonished when Meta stopped bundling Beat Saber and offered Golf+ instead, but that’s possibly because most enthusiasts aren’t “single app users”. We’ve known for a long time that there are many people that use VR on Quest/PCVR/PSVR pretty much exclusively for Beat Saber, for fun and/or exercise. There is a section of VR users that are only into fitness apps. The “serious” Golfers are another surprisingly large group that don’t care about VR in general, but only use it as the best possible simulation of the sport, with a tiny industry providing specialized accessories such as golf club controller attachment adapters, and Golf+ being #1 or #2 in “most new ratings” for the last year and never below #4.

The train of though was triggered by two numbers: WSJ reporting there were 6.37mn active Quest users in 2022-10, and GorillaTag reporting 2.3mn monthly users in 2023-01, a lot of which seem to play GorillaTag almost exclusively. Just assuming they all only play GorillaTag, more than 1/3rd of all Quest usage would be just GorillaTag. Add x% for those that only play Beat Saber, y% for those that play only Golf and those that only play multiplayer FPS, and we most likely end up with way more than 50% of all Quest users that stick to pretty much one app and never buy new ones.

In early 2022 Meta announced that the Quest store had generated USD 1bn in revenue, at that time split over ~10mn Quest 1/2, meaning on average every Quest lead to USD 100 in software sales, meaning probably 4-6 titles. I know I bought a lot more, so there must be others that bought a lot less or nothing at all. Looking at the active user number has always been interesting because those represent the people that might actually buy software and therefore provide a motivation for developers to create new titles. Now I’m wondering if of these active users more than 20-30% are actively buying users, and if these are pretty much the only ones the monthly top 20 lists represent. And what it means for the average Quest usage that the typical “single use app” Golf+ has been so dominant for more than a year. Given the general low retention of VR, but the highly enthusiastic VR golf community, are there now more people using VR exclusively for Golf than even for Beat Saber?

I’m glad you enjoy the data, I’m also glad to read your takes on it!

It’s an interesting rant. But the thing journalists like you should VERY closely look into is the HYPER-popularity of 2 dollars games discounted by 84%, and those games, after years of abandonment, are in TOP10 of most popular PCVR games. And these are not a quality title by ANY metrics imaginable – Killer Klownz, The Slopes, Machine Learning – pure shits that doesn’t take any skills to create are among the MOST played PCVR games ever.

Vertigo 2, such an “awesome” game is basically unknown despite glorifying reviews. Nobody wants to actually play it.

PCVR engagment seems to be primarily driven by CringeTubers recommendations, and PCVR users sorting for their next purchase solely by lowest price.

In what sense are these the most played PC VR games ever?

Seems like you are not willing to perform any sort of inspection of your own.

Look at when these titles were made, what they represent, and how many concurrent players they suddenly have, and how long they are lasting on steamcharts or whatever website of your choice.

There is something inherently wrong, straight out demoralizing when “high end PCVR” values Killer Klownz at least 10x as much as “one of greatest games since alyx” at any given time of the day, especially given “high cost” entry barrier to PCVR. This isn’t some mobile platform we are talking about.

I see them, just don’t know if briefly having some players makes them a top title. In any case, what do you make of them appearing on charts even briefly?

PCVR has long shifted from “enthusiast, high-end” stigma towards kids who has access to just enough money to get a PC and VR headset. The games are super appealing to todays youth – clowns are really really hot topic and have seen big ressurection. Pavlov main use is basically playing as a clown. It’s related to animatronics. Games like Five Night at Freddy are picking up steam again.

Fake virtual discounts like steam offers also play a big role. Boredom of VR is a thing. People have played pretty much through everything already, and are browsing for new titles, sorting by lowest price. Others see that it’s popular, and it’s booming as well. Very interesting phenomenon.

Killer Klownz isn’t actually being played by anyone. It’s a part of some more recent exploit where bots try to mine games on Steam that have trading cards.

The last time it was actually played with in like 2017 (so that should be ignored when looking at any list and no conclusions of how VR player habits have shifted should be drawn from it)

What’s your evidence for that? And what’s the point of steam trading cards and why 2 dollar vr only game has them?

I was curious about it and talked to the owner of the game.

Google for Steam Trading Card Bots. There’s a niche audience that REALLY cares about them for some reason and they have actual value. It’s hard now to get trading cards for a game, but these dirt cheap older games that happen to have trading cards are really high targets for the bots to mine the cards off of them and sell them.

So if that is true, and such games can be manipulated, how many pcvr users really are there from now reported 8000+?

Wouldn’t those bots have to create some sort of layer of emulation for vr? I doubt they can just launch the game and let it idle.

On the other hand, it’s not that impossible that pcvr simply enjoy killer klownz. After all, gorilla tag is also regarded as top3 game by player count.

I did look a bit deeper… but I find your theory a bit impossible. The items of the game seems to cost under 10 cents. How is anyone going to make any real money off it?

Please do not have any discussions with ViRGiN. He is a well known hate speech expert in VR comments section, so you can just ignore him.

Ben Lang has been thinking this website for years, and he himself knows better.

according to what metric? if you’re talking about top concurrent players, HL:A beats KK by 15x, and owner estimates reflect that. KK is also only $2 vs Alyx’s $60, which is worth considering if we’re talking “success”. BTW if your comment isn’t going to provide your metrics, than I’ll just ignore it.

You already call everything i ever say a lie, you are stupid guy who fought for weeks that you need good internet to stream locally from pc. With alyx you couldn’t comprehend that game doesn’t support room scale and denied to provide even definition. So no thanks, I’m not getting productive again for you just so you can dismiss it.

Alyx had 40k+ concurrent players on launch, where tf is everybody now? Pcvr has never seen such number across all games combined 3 years later.

It would be interesting to see actual player counts, but unfortunately we don’t have access to that info

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