5 Most Anticipated VR Games Coming Out in 2023

VR is gaming's newest wave and we're really seeing it flourish in 2022. Games like Hitman III and No Man's Sky are two big AAA titles that are now playable on VR, indicating the platform is moving towards bigger and better things. This has us wondering what VR has in store for the games coming out in 2023. Certainly, the bar must be raised, and from what we can tell, these games intend to do just that with their original concepts.

That's why we'd like to take a look at what 2023 has in store for VR so far. And as it stands now, these games are receiving the most anticipation heading into the year. However, expect things to change as we're just over the halfway point of 2022, which means more games could appear on the radar. But until more news surfaces, these are the five VR games that will most likely be on your radar or even on your wishlist heading into 2023.

5. VR Giants

A highly anticipated and original VR idea that was making headlines at Gamescom is VR Giants. The local co-op VR game has one player in VR and the other using a gamepad, and both players must work together to progress through the levels. This is done by having the VR player play as a Giant who must assist the gamepad player, who's playing as a Dwarf. The Giant must aid the player through parts of the level that the dwarf cannot reach on his own, and vice versa. Together both players must work together to avoid obstacles and solve puzzles.

The concept is novel in VR and has the potential to launch a new genre of VR games. So, as expected, developer Wolfgang Tschauko is taking the necessary time to deliver a great first impression of the game without rushing it. This sadly means we may not see this game come till Q2 or Q3 2023, but with a concept this inventive, it's worth the wait. Who knows what other types of games could be created by combining one player with VR and the other with a PC. Regardless, VR Giants seems to be a ton of fun to play with friends.

4. Propagation: Paradise Hotel

Propagation VR was a free horror VR title released in 2020 and it was quickly flooded with overwhelmingly positive reviews. As a result, the devs Wanadev studio are following up the immersive horror survival with Propagation: Paradise Hotel. This looks to be an even more bone-chilling and adrenaline-pumping experience than the first game. So much so, that it could land as one of the best VR horror games of 2023.

As of right now, the release date is set for the end of 2022. So we should see it in the new year, give or take two months. In any case, the official teaser trailer has already set the tone for a terrifying atmospheric adventure. And we're highly ambitious the studio will deliver exactly that. That's why if you're looking for some intense horror VR experiences, Propagation: Paradise Hotel is a game you should keep an eye on. That is until you play the game, then you can take your eyes off it.

3. LOW-FI

Cyberpunk seems to be the biggest and most recent theme since Cyberpunk 2077 dropped. But, hey, we love the retro-futuristic setting and are all for it; it's also why we're looking forward to LOW-FI. Playing as a member of the “low-fi,” a street nickname given to city residents who aren't merged with the rest of the population who now live their lives in VR. Furthermore, playing as a police officer, you are transferred to the heavy crime sector of city-block 303.

From there, the choices you make are entirely up to you as the game is non-linear. Instead, it focuses on an open world with RPG aspects revolving around your choices and actions. That means, as a police officer, you can live your life however you want, but with some added authority. That means you have a lot of say over the story. As developers, IRIS VR Inc. put it, “We set the stage, but you tell the story.”. With that in mind, LOW-FI is one VR game in 2023 that has us highly anticipating its release – which is still waiting to be announced.

2. Pirates VR: Jolly Roger

Split Light Studio appears to be on the right track with their action-adventure game, Pirates VR: Jolly Roger. Playing as a pirate, you're stranded on a Caribbean island full of secrets and mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Just keep an eye out for obstacles, puzzles, and traps that tend to accompany hidden treasure. Furthermore, the game looks to have a massive environment with a dense jungle, climbable high cliffs, hidden cave corridors, and mystifying sea depths.

You won't be doing it alone, as you'll be accompanied by an intelligent and witty parrot companion along the way. But it's not just you two; you'll also run into some unfriendly Ghost and Zombie Pirates who are exiled to the island's dungeons. Overall, Pirates VR: Jolly Roger looks to be a fully loaded experience with everything you could want and more. The game's release date has not yet been announced, but it is expected to be in the first quarter of 2023. If the game is half as good as it looks, we'll be saying “it's a pirate's life for me” in 2023.

1. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: Retribution

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: Retribution is expected to be the most anticipated VR game among fans. Continuing the first chapter's story, players are led to unknown lands with a new enemy. Known as the Axeman, he'll be the biggest threat to come to the series. However, the danger posed by the Tower is also present, and appears the two are somehow connected. Either way, the story holds lots of mystery and should be another highly immersive addition to the series.

The game is the follow-up to the highly acclaimed VR RPG Walking Dead Saints & Sinners. Much like the walking dead telltale series, the Saints and Sinners series is leading the pack in narrative-based decision-making games – however, this time in VR. The game is scheduled to be released in late 2022, but it will also be available in 2023 for PSVR 2 when it launches. This will also push the boundaries for what VR games can do. So expect 2023, to be a great year for VR.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other VR games coming out in 2023 that we should know about? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!