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5 Most Immersive VR Horror Games (2023)

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VR Horror Games

VR has the ability to immerse us in a game world, unlike any other system. With the blinds closed on our peripherals, we are completely locked into what we are seeing and experiencing through the headset. As a result, the experience often feels very realistic and administers the raw emotion you would actually feel in that reality in real life. While that level of immersion may pique your interest, VR Horror games should be taken with a grain of salt. Nonetheless, if you've got the courage to take them on, these are the five best VR horror games of 2023 that will immerse you in the most terrifying experiences possible.

5. Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia - Official Announcement Trailer

Kicking off our list of VR Horror games is Phasmophobia, a 4-player psychological horror game in which you confront ghosts. In some of the most haunting maps you'll ever play, you and up to four friends must use the ghost equipment at your disposal to investigate the clues around the house, campsite, asylum, etc., and figure out what type of ghost is haunting the area. Slowly uncovering clues one by one, your team will be able to narrow down your list of ghouls and find which type of demon is causing the disturbance. Of course, this is much easier said than done.

We say this because some ghosts are not friendly. In fact, some are straight up out to kill you for disturbing their peace. So expect to find yourself hiding in closets and bathrooms, and fleeing for your life on some missions. Consequently, taking Phasmphobia's haunting gameplay into VR elevates one of the best horror games to a whole new level of immersion.

4. The Forest

The Forest - Launch-Trailer

You've most likely heard of The Forest recently. That's because the sequel, Sons of the Forest just launched. Having said that, the original game is what put the series on the map, and its haunting experience is also playable in VR (With up to 8 friends).

Essentially, in The Forest, your plane crash lands on an island that's inhabited by cannibals and mutants. You being the only survivor (or with friends) are left to fend for yourself. Not only are you concerned about starvation and cold, but cannibals lurk in the woods where you reside and are watching you at all times, even when you aren't aware of it. Nonetheless, you must establish yourselves, swallow your fear, and confront the island's inhabitants head-on in order to discover their secrets which will lead you to a way out. Meaning, the deeper you go, the more haunting the experience becomes.

Altogether it results in one of the most immersive VR horror games you can experience and evidently why there is such a craze for the sequel. Which will most definitely implement VR at some later point in time.

3. Visage

Visage — Release Gameplay Trailer

Out of all the games VR horror games on this list, Visage will provide you with the most terrifying experience of them all. In this psychological horror, you explore a haunted house where terrible, unspeakable events took place with the family that once lived there. As you explore the house, you begin to relive the events of this dark past, which are some of the most haunting encounters you could ask for in VR. To the point where we're even questioning why you're asking for this level of scare factor.

Nonetheless, if you really want to get your heart racing, Visage will get the job done. The house is filled with terrifying, ever-changing environments and a ton of outer-worldly encounters. And a huge reason why its immersion is a step above the other VR horror games on this list is due to the game's constant chilling atmosphere and slow pace. The horror slowly builds, becoming more haunting with each step you take.

2. Resident Evil 7: Biohazard

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard | Launch Trailer | PlayStation VR

We cant talk about the most immersive VR horror games without including Resident Evil 7: Biohazard. Though it is a PSVR and PlayStation VR2 exclusive, it is a must-play if you have the system. Once again, we find ourselves in the shoes of Ethan Winters, who is looking for his missing wife. This time, he's trapped in a house with an infected family, whose horrors will undoubtedly make your skin crawl. Each step deeper into its mysteries reveals new horrific encounters, ranging from stomach-churning figures to insects crawling all over your skin. It's a gruesome, frightening, and straight-up haunting adventure from start to end.

1. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners - Official Gameplay Trailer

Though it lacks the scare factor of the other VR horror games on this list, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners provides the most immersive VR experience of them all. One major reason is the game's consequential decisions. More specifically, you are fighting for your life in walker-infested New Orleans. Along the way, you come across other lone survivors and factions that will test you with pivotal decisions that directly affect your narrative. Essentially, every decision in your fight for survival is driven by you.

This puts the story of the game in your hands, for better or worse at times. As some decisions, don't come without consequences. Nonetheless, when combined with the looking glass of VR, this adds up to not only one of the most immersive VR horror games but also one of the best VR games of all time. Players have repeatedly praised its excellence, so it goes without saying that you should try it for yourself.

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

Riley Fonger is a freelance writer, music lover, and gamer since adolescence. He loves anything video game-related and grew up with a passion for story games such as Bioshock and The Last of Us.