Fill up that shiny new headset with a collection of incredible games and apps.
In case you haven’t been paying attention, the Meta Quest 2 (formerly the Oculus Quest 2) is absolutely crushing it this holiday season. At the time of this writing, Meta’s standalone VR headset is one of the most sought-after gifts on Amazon. The Oculus companion app is also topping the charts on the App Store and Google Play, which means more people than ever are diving into VR for the first time.
For those new to VR, it can be a bit overwhelming navigating the many different games and apps available on the Quest Store. That’s where we come in. The following are five Quest 2 games and apps perfect for newcomers (not including tutorial and demos):
Beat Saber
It’s hard to talk about VR gaming without mentioning Beat Saber. Despite being released all the way back in 2018, Beat Games’ VR rhythm game remains one of the most popular titles available not only on Meta Quest and Meta Quest 2, but PC VR and PlayStation VR headsets as well.
In this addicting arcade experience, players use their Touch controllers to slash red-and-blue cubes to the beat of an ever-growing soundtrack featuring music from popular artists like Imagine Dragons and Billie Eilish. It’s sort of like the game Guitar Hero, only instead of strumming a plastic guitar, you’re slicing blocks with a pair of virtual lightsabers.
Most recently, the game launched a new premium music pack featuring 10 chart-topping tunes by pop superstar Lady Gaga, including “Bad Romance,” “Just Dance,” “Born This Way,” and many others.
Beat Saber is available for $29.99 (free demo available).
Hand Physics Lab
Did you know there’s more than one way to interact with the Quest 2? While the Touch controllers offer the best experience in terms of accuracy, Meta has been working hard to improve the Quest’s built-in hand-tracking capabilities. This technology allows you to interact with the Quest user interface and select games and apps using your own two hands; no controllers required.
So far we’ve seen hand-tracking technology used in a wide variety of experiences, from coworking apps like Horizon Workrooms to arcade games like Vacation Simulator. For a full demonstration of what hand-tracking technology is capable of, we recommend checking out Hand Physics Lab. Developed by Dennys Kuhnert of Holonautic, this experimental app pushes hand-tracking technology to its limits, allowing you to interact with objects, pet virtual animals, paint eggs, and more.
There are a total of 80 puzzles to complete, each featuring its own unique challenges. Hand Physics Lab is available for $9.99.
Moss
In terms of style and scale, very few VR platformers hold a candle to Moss. Originally released back in 2018, this charming third-person adventure game has you partnering with the titular hero and embarking on a magical quest that takes you through a variety of gorgeous locales.
The game features a healthy combination of puzzle-solving and combat. Along the way, you’ll come across unique challenges that will require you to interact with the in-game world using a variety of methods designed specifically for VR. The real magic of Moss, however, is its level design. As you embark on your quest you and Moss will traverse a number of fantastical environments scattered throughout the forest floor.
Recently, developer Polyarc announced a Spring 2022 release window for Moss: Book 2 which will serve as a direct sequel to the original game. Book 2 will arrive first on PlayStation VR headsets followed by Quest and PC VR.
Moss is available for $23.99.
Rec Room
Social VR games are poised to explode in 2022. Interacting with friends, family, and even strangers is one of the most enjoyable aspects of VR gaming. Thankfully, games like VRChat and Horizon Worlds offer us unique ways to explore, create, and play together in the metaverse.
Of course, you can’t talk about social VR without mentioning Rec Room. Since its release in 2016, the kid-friendly multiplayer experience has expanded dramatically to include new games, environments, and items. Players also have the ability to build their own interactive games and worlds using a suite of powerful creator tools. While the player base may skew a bit younger, Rec Room remains one of the most robust and engaging social VR experiences currently available on headsets.
Most recently, developer Rec Room Inc. introduced “Rec Rally,” an original racing game mode. Rec Room is available free with an optional subscription that allows you access to exclusive items and additional in-game currency.
Sports Scramble
One of the most attractive aspects of VR technology is its ability to get people up and moving. Whether it’s physically intensive action games like Blade & Sorcery or dedicated fitness apps like Supernatural, VR is the perfect way to have fun while working up a sweat.
Speaking of fun, those new to Quest will definitely want to check out Sports Scramble. Brought to us by Armature Studio, this over-the-top multiplayer experience allows you to go head-to-head with other players in a variety of classic sports, including tennis, bowling, and baseball. Looking for some additional excitement? Sports Scramble allows you to mix different sports to create outrageous challenges, like trying to play tennis with a football.
You can play by yourself or compete against other players in a variety of unique multiplayer competitions. Sports Scramble is currently available for $29.99 (free demo available).
Feature Image Credit: VRScout
