Virtual reality headsets are becoming more affordable and popular as technology advances, and this trend naturally brings an increase in incredible games set in the virtual experience that systems like the Meta Quest 3 can offer. VR games can draw players into the imaginative world in ways that traditional games simply can’t, by tricking the brain to create a feeling of truly being inside the parameters of the game. Meta Quest headsets have many games of all types and genres available at varying prices, including many surprisingly good games that cost absolutely nothing at all.
Whether looking for a fun new way to relax in a cozy farming simulator or wanting to play tag as a gorilla, there are free VR games that can appeal to almost anyone’s tastes and gaming style. Many, but not all, of the free titles listed below are also available on Meta Quest 2, although some offer updated graphics for the Meta Quest 3 version. Although a range of genres has been touched on in this list, there are many more possibilities out there that VR headsets can provide to players wanting an escape.
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10 First Encounters (2023)
Extraterrestrial Shooter
First Encounters is designed as a tech demo and comes preloaded on every Quest 3 to showcase how the mixed reality of the system can be used. Despite it being something to showcase the headset’s features, it is an incredibly fun little game all by itself. Watching a spaceship land in the player’s own house, right in front of them, and then seeing adorable fluffy aliens begin to bounce around is a surreal experience. Shooting swarms of bouncing creatures in that environment is extremely rewarding and fun, and something worth playing several times, despite it being a short demonstration.
9 Gun Raiders (2021)
VR Shooter
For an incredible free-to-play VR first-person shooter on Meta Quest, Gun Raiders offers a variety of modes, including a highly requested Battle Royale. A few of the most popular modes include:
Mode | Description |
|---|---|
Team Deathmatch | Team shooter action where the team with the highest score at the end is victorious. |
Free For All | Arena mode with intense action in a controlled space. |
Control | Teams face off to capture and defend a point. |
Assault | Tower defense type of gameplay, with an enemy base to raid and a home base to defend. |
Donut | The holder of the donut must try to stay alive while their team slowly gains points. |
Hub & Chill | Hang out and chat with friends. |
Battle Royale | Try to survive the longest. |
Gun Raiders is available for both Meta Quest 2 and 3 and offers themed seasonal content with battle passes that can be purchased for $7.99. There are many other cosmetic items available for purchase as well, although the game itself can be played for no cost.
8 Elixir (2020)
Narrative Puzzle VR Experience
Elixir is a virtual reality hand tracking game where players take on the role of one who is applying to be an apprentice to a sorceress and interacting with magical items using their own hands. Without holding any controllers, players can poke at eyeballs, rub a dragon’s belly, and face some dangerous situations that can transfigure the virtual hands. The game is filled with experiments in magical puzzle situations and has a fun narrative. Elixir is available for free on both Meta Quest 2 and 3 headsets.
7 Harvest VR (2021)
Virtual Farming Simulator
Cozy farming simulators may not be the first thing to come to mind when thinking about virtual reality headsets, but the free-to-play Harvest VR is a perfect respite from busy life. Growing plants, selling veggies, fishing, mining, tending to animals, and more are all present in this game, as well as the ability to unlock items for the player’s house and farm. While the game has stagnated regarding new content, there is a massive update on the way for Harvest VR which will include graphical and performance updates as well as new features. Harvest VR is available for all Meta Quest headsets.
6 Vegas Infinite (2019)
Virtual Gambling (No Real Money Used)
Vegas Infinite, available for both the Meta Quest 2 and 3 headsets, is a virtual casino experience by the developers of PokerStars that can provide a fun gambling experience without any use of real money. After dressing their avatar in fun cosmetic accessories and apparel, players can play poker, blackjack, roulette, craps, and slots with other players from around the world. Face and eye tracking features help provide the ability to study other players’ tells during games. No real money is used in gambling, although there are cosmetic in-app purchases available.
5 Ultimechs (2022)
Mech Sports-Shooter
Often compared to Rocket League, only with a more personal approach, Ultimechs puts players inside giant mech suits to play sports with the aid of rocket-powered fists. Scoring goals by firing a GauntJet from the player’s wrist at a ball flying in the air can be an exhilarating experience, and the game can be played in either 1v1 or 2v2 modes. Naturally, the giant mechs can be customized as well, using different accessories, paints, and cosmetic GauntJet trails. Ultimechs is available for free, with optional in-app purchases, for Meta Quest 2 and 3.
4 Hyper Dash (2021)
Multiplayer Team-Based Shooter
Hyper Dash is a team-based shooter game that offers a variety of modes, including an offline mode that features AI bots rather than real opponents. Some of the possible ways to play this PvP game include Payload, Domination, Control Point, Capture The Flag, and more. Previously, Hyper Dash was not a free game, but became free at the end of December 2023, with in-app purchases available. Hyper Dash is supported on all versions of the Meta Quest headsets.
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3 Blaston (2020)
PvP Shooter
Another example of a PvP shooter game in the virtual arena, Blaston states that players’ survival requires them to never stop moving. Virtual duels take place in neon worlds with a bullet-hell dynamic where players must move their bodies to dodge incoming shots. Although free to play, there is a large store for in-game purchases that offers 24 weapon attachments for eight weapon types and a plethora of avatar and weapon skins. Blaston is available on both Meta Quest 2 and 3 headsets.
2 Gorilla Tag (2022)
Tag, Hunting, & Paintball
Gorilla Tag has been a fan-favorite since its release, with the silly, fun, and sometimes chaotic gameplay of experiencing life as a gorilla. Using only their hands and arms, players must push off of surfaces, parkour on objects, and climb while trying to hunt down other players, who also look like gorillas in the virtual space. There is crossplay available with the PC version of the game, and several different modes, including Tag, Infection Mode, Hunt, and Paintbrawl can be enjoyed. In addition to in-game purchasable cosmetic items, there are also many fan-made mods and content. Gorilla Tag is available for free for all Meta Quest headsets.
1 Big Ballers VR (2023)
VR Sports
Playing sports with up to 12 players is the basic premise behind Big Ballers VR, although there is also a special Fitness mode for those looking for a new sports-style exercise routine. Although the available game screenshots focus on the basketball aspect of the game, there are also modes for baseball and football in Big Ballers VR. The game is free-to-play with in-app purchases that can include adding the Lenny Mascot to the game, and there are hundreds of cosmetic items including hats, shoes, outfits, and accessories. This virtual reality sports phenomenon is available on the Meta Quest 2 and 3 headsets.
