5 VR Games You’ll Want on Your Radar for 2022

Although we're only just settling in to the many fantastic VR entries that 2021 has graced us with, our thoughts are already skipping ahead ever so slightly into next years roster. But we can thank the many cryptic tweets and whispers for that, to be fair. It's because of these mysterious projects and curious teasers, that our minds are drifting well past the boundaries of our current year. Of course, 2021 is already shaping up to be a fantastic year for VR gaming, and we're beyond excited to tuck into plenty of other upcoming releases. But having said that, we're still hooked on 2022.

Seeing as it's only mid-April, many details surrounding the 2022 launches are bound to change over the coming months. Say, where some video games are already slated for 2022 — might just end up being shoved back to 2023 — or even further. But as it stands, we've got our eyes fixated on a select few, and they're definitely keeping our radars warm for the long haul. And so, with that, here are five VR games you'll want to keep an eye out for over 2022. But don't worry about jotting them down or anything. You've got time.

5. NYX

Seeing as Cyberpunk 2077 is practically sweeping the sci-fi market at the moment, it only makes sense that other developers are pitching in to give CD Projekt a run for their money. That said, one definitely seems to stand out the most when glossing over the wide range of VR titles coming next year — and it's NYX, the MMO which puts role-playing at the forefront of the journey.

Set in a dystopian world where the streets bleed monochrome and a glimmer of neon, you will take on the role of a custom character as you scrounge through treacherous questlines and blood-soaked citizens. With four classes to choose from before sinking into the futuristic metropolis, you'll be able to alter your course of play with various allocated side quests and subclasses. From the crooked alleys drenched in violet to the shrieking wastelands oozing with ashen — NYX will open up a whole world for you to find your place in — be it the pits of society or the apex of scattered civilization.

NYX is coming to Oculus Quest 2, PlayStation VR and PC VR in 2022.

4. Assassin's Creed VR

Assassin's Creed: The Temple of Anubis was the first to dabble in VR technology.

Ever since the news started to float over a standalone Assassin's Creed game on VR, people have flocked to Ubisoft over the details of the pencilled entry. Unfortunately, with only a slated 2022 release to boot, we've been left in the dark over the nooks and crannies of the project. That said, thanks to Ubisoft shovelling their 2018 take in VR with The Temple of Anubis, we've been able to get the gist of what's to come with the ambitious chapter.

While we don't know a great deal about Assassin's Creed VR, we have been made aware that, alongside a separate Splinter Cell VR title, Ubisoft will be collaborating with their many branches in order to deliver the best possible experience for the platform. Storywise, we're completely in the dark over what to expect, and what era the game will even be set in. But with that in mind, here's hoping Ubisoft doesn't go and pull a Kingdom Hearts on us by forcing us to play the VR game in order to connect the console chapters. Personally, my money is on it being a standalone entry, plain and simple. But I guess we'll see next year.

Assassin's Creed VR is due to launch in 2022. Hopefully.

3. Sam & Max: This Time It's Virtual!

The Freelance Police are back for a brand new adventure on VR. Once again resuming their previous roles as slapstick officers, the dog and rabbit duo are returning to their unofficial duties of slapping the face from the embodiment of evil itself. With an unordinary city fuelled by tomfoolery resting at the centre of the world, the two heroes must fight tooth and nail in order to rid corruption from the streets and bring justice to those who cross them.

With VR being tossed into the mix for the very first time, Sam & Max: This Time It's Virtual! will put you in the paws of the iconic officer like never before. Boasting immersive gameplay to the point of practically feeling Sam's breath trickle down your neck, HappyGiant aims to capture the beloved essence of the Freelance Police and embody it within a fully-fledged VR experience that will leave players forever wanting more.

Sam & Max: This Time It's Virtual! is, in fact, coming this year. PlayStation VR owners, on the other hand, will have to wait until 2022 before getting their hands on a copy.

2. Splinter Cell VR

Splinter Cell VR definitely makes our bucket list for must-play games in 2022.

Rounding back to Ubisoft's mysterious VR collective, Splinter Cell finds its way to the podium over its intriguing concept alone. Of course, as with Assassin's Creed VR, the renowned developer has refused to let any major details slip over the standalone stealth chapter. That said, we are expecting to see it arrive over the first quarter of 2022 on multiple platforms. So that's something.

With a franchise as celebrated and as financially sturdy as Splinter Cell, Ubisoft definitely possesses the abilities to develop a next-level experience for the virtual-reality domain. Sam Fisher, as well as the entire network that surrounds the franchise, hosts enough vacancies to employ a whole round of VR games, no doubt. Unfortunately for us, however, we'll have to stick to our guns and see how Ubisoft map out the project next year with very little details to keep us entwined.

Splinter Cell VR is due to arrive in Q1 2022.

1. Zenith

Zenith VR accumulated the funds to complete the game in just 4 hours.

Combine Cyberpunk's dystopian metropolis and clash it with a dose of Japanese-inspired role-playing — and you've got yourself Zenith, the upcoming MMO that stems from a combined love of all things anime. With both JRPGs and beloved anime shows playing a major role in the drafting of the ambitious project, Zenith will look to build a unique environment where players can entwine with the two worlds with ease.

As well as the slew of influences that revolve around anime and JRPGs, the game itself also boasts an immersive MMO experience that will look to draw players from both VR and PC platforms. With all of the classic components that you'd usually pin on any role-playing game, the Kickstarter project will look to build from the ground up and employ a familiar experience that will have you itching for more. Build, craft, survive and aspire in a fluorescent environment where every corner tells a story. Leave a lasting legacy that will make the enchanting world around you cherish your achievements for all eternity.

Zenith will be coming to VR and PC in 2022. You can follow the updates on the official Kickstarter page here.

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