Hello Neighbor VR: Search and Rescue — Everything We Know

Hello Neighbor is shaping up for a return, and it's bringing with it a fresh new take on the basement-dwelling survival-horror episodes, thanks to the power of VR. And what's more, Steel Wool Studios, the firm behind Five Nights at Freddy's, will be the one to pilot it and bring it into the modern world of top-shelf virtual reality.

So, what do we actually know about it, and when can we expect to see it launch on VR headsets? Well, here's everything we've been able to gather on the project since tinyBuild first dropped the initial announcement back in 2022. Hello Neighbor VR: Search and Rescue: what is it, and why should you be keeping tabs on it over the next few months?

What Is Hello Neighbor VR: Search and Rescue?

Hello Neighbor VR: Search and Rescue is an upcoming VR puzzle-horror game by Steel Wool Studios, an outfit best known for its contributions to the critically acclaimed Five Nights at Freddy's saga. In the VR-ready chapter, players will once again step into the shadowy realm of Mr. Peterson's home—a puzzle-filled labyrinth that keeps its secrets buried and its hostages behind countless traps, locks, and ominous doorways.

In a similar style to the series' earlier games, Search and Rescue will base its story within the grounds of a single location—a world that boasts intricate puzzles, an evolving AI that adapts to your play style, and non-linear exploration that makes each and every session unique. The only major difference here is, well, you won't fight to reach Mr. Peterson's basement alone. On the contrary, you'll need to alternate between characters and approaches in order to progress deeper into the maze.

Story

Well, it was only a matter of time until Mr. Peterson removed yet another busybody from the neighborhood and tucked them away deep inside his fortified basement. Same old story, really, and it begs the question: how many puzzles will you have to solve in order to keep the golf pants-sporting villain from repeating the same old mistakes?

There's a slight twist to the VR entry, though, which is the amount of rescuers involved in the whole fiasco. Rather than engaging in a one-on-one bout with the roaming neighbor, you'll instead have to switch between different characters—all of whom possess a unique key item and skill set. It'll be your duty, as the rescue squad, to work together and solve the puzzles that stand between the front door and the ever-elusive basement.

Gameplay

Hello Neighbor VR: Search and Rescue seemingly operates in a similar fashion to its earlier instalments, which means zero combat, and pure stealth and puzzle-based gameplay. Its heart and soul, which evidently rests with its intricate and, let's be honest, ludicrously complex puzzles, will make a striking return in VR form. And the AI, too, will remain equally as balanced, depending on the way you play and the actions you instigate.

“Use your own approach to infiltrate Mr. Peterson’s house by alternating perspectives, combining character’s skills to dynamically solve puzzles, uncover hidden mysteries, and reveal new pathways through your environment,” the description adds.

Besides that, the structure is mostly the same, in the fact that there's a home that needs sneaking around, and a dozen or more puzzles between you and the primary objective — which is locating your friend. To outsmart Mr. Peterson, you will of course need to alternate between tiptoeing between rooms, and whittling down notoriety.

“Switch between characters to outsmart the AI,” the description continues. “Each unique character has their own key items and skills. Switch between the perspectives of the Rescue Squad team members at will, solving puzzles and avoiding the Neighbor as you attempt to reach the creepy basement!”

Development

tinyBuild, along with Steel Wool Studios, first brought the VR title to light back in 2022, after which the two teams revealed a sneak preview showcasing the latest features built for virtual reality. Since then, the firms have been working towards an ambitious May 25th launch.

“Together with Steel Wool Studios, we’re bringing you the most immersive Hello Neighbor experience yet using virtual reality in the all-new Hello Neighbor: Search and Rescue, coming to PlayStation VR2 & VR!,” tinyBuild announced over on its official site. “Mr. Peterson’s creepy house takes on a new level of immersion in VR, and there is nothing quite as scary as actually seeing that familiar shadow tower over you just before everything goes black.”

Trailer

Intrigued? If so, then you'll no doubt want a sneak peak at what's to come later this year. Good news is, Steel Wool Studios did, in fact, shed light on the VR entry a little while back, mainly to outline the game's returning antagonist and the puzzle-stuffed locale. You can see it for yourself in the video embedded above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Hello Neighbor VR: Search and Rescue will be coming to PlayStation VR2, and PC VR on May 25, 2023. Does this mean it could make its way to the likes of PlayStation Plus as a day-one exclusive? In theory, yes, though at present nothing suggests it will. If it does come to pass, though, then tinyBuild will no doubt make the announcement over on its official social feed.

At the time of writing, neither Steel Wool Studios nor tinyBuild have mentioned anything in regards to the launch editions outside of the base copy. Is this likely to change? Probably not, given the fact that the game's launch date is only around the corner.

For more information on the Hello Neighbor VR launch, you can follow the official social feed here. If anything changes ahead of its release, we'll be sure to fill you in on all the key details right here on gaming.net.

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Hello Neighbor VR: Search and Rescue when it drops? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.