It’s safe to say that Oculus Quest came out of the gates swinging. That makes picking a list of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games pretty tough.
Facebook’s standalone VR headsets, which seem to have singlehandedly reignited the entire VR industry, launched with over 50 apps in 2019. In the year that’s followed it’s cherry-picked a steady stream of other greatest hits to bring to an entirely new audience and, since the launch of Quest 2 in 2020, doubled down on new content too. The result is a platform that has a tightly curated list of fantastic VR experiences that are easy to discover.
Also keep in mind that, while our best PSVR, Rift and Steam VR games lists are all fairly consistent, we approach our Quest list with a bit of a different lens. We have to weigh up how much the wire-free gameplay improves the experience against how well a game has been ported and its technical performance. You’ll see a lot of different changes in this list, then.
But which are our favorites? (Don’t forget to check our list of the best games to sideload on Quest via SideQuest, and if you’re looking to join a friend in VR be sure to check out our list of best multiplayer games on Quest!)
Note: Facebook changed its name to Meta in October 2021 and, with it, changed the name of the Oculus Quest 2 to Meta Quest 2. In this list, we refer to both the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games to cover both eras of naming.
What Are The Best Oculus Quest Games And Best Meta Quest 2/Best Oculus Quest 2 Games?
We’ve gone deep into the Quest library to come up with our updated list of the 25 best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games. Quest already spans a diverse number of genres, offering everything from accessible entry points to blockbuster titans.
If you’re looking to build out your library, you need to start here.
25. Carve Snowboarding
Snowboarding, just like many other sports, is really hard to pull off in VR. With no way to track your feet on Quest, you lose a lot of the context needed to really feel like you’re actually hitting the slopes. While it isn’t perfect, Carve Snowboarding does a really good job of switching out your feet for your hand, with a control scheme that takes a while to master.
Once you do, though, Carve Snowboarding quickly becomes one of the best Oculus Quest games, with heart-stopping tricks and an incredibly satisfying sense of speed. It could do with a touch more content, but this is VR’s best extreme sports game yet.
Read More: Carve Snowboarding Review
24. Blade And Sorcery: Nomad (Quest 2 only)
It’s definitely in need of more work, but even in its current state, it’s tough to deny that Blade And Sorcery: Nomad is one of the most entertaining combat titles on Quest 2. In this physics-driven funhouse, you can either tackle waves of enemies in arena modes or sneak through dungeons in a new, more linear offering.
That sounds simplistic but the game’s action is a complex explosion of real world rules, with weapons that need to be swung with force and piercing mechanics that are gruesomely convincing. Throw in fun magic options and mod support, and Blade And Sorcery: Nomad earns its place on the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest games list.
Read More: Blade And Sorcery: Nomad Review
23. I Expect You To Die 2: The Spy And The Liar
Why isn’t Schell’s classic VR puzzle game, I Expect You To Die, included in this list? Simple, because it just got an even better sequel. Yup, another six levels of death-defying brain teasers await in a game that makes a more concerted effort to deliver a memorable story.
There are tons of VR escape rooms out there, but I Expect You To Die 2 stands out thanks to its thoughtful approach to VR interactions and world-building that knows when to be consistent with our reality and when to cheat its rules. This sequel is one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games, but you should definitely check out the first game in the series too.
Read More: I Expect You To Die 2 Review
22. Star Wars: Vader Immortal Trilogy
Vader Immortal isn’t a massive, multi-hour Star Wars epic with upgradable skills and deep combat. It is, by traditional gaming standards, a pretty slim package, lasting a little over 90 minutes. But look below the surface and you’ll find something much more interesting; an episodic series that wants to provide a completely immersive VR experience that anyone can enjoy.
There’s fun lightsaber combat to be had both in the story and the excellent Dojo mode, but Vader Immortal’s best moments come from basking in the presence of the Dark Lord himself and meeting other characters in VR. It’s an exercise in story-living and a pretty good one at that.
Read More: Star Wars: Vader Immortal Review
21. Unplugged
There was a heck of a lot of doubt — even from our camp — that Unplugged could really work. It’s a Guitar Hero-style game in which you strum notes arriving to the beat. But, instead of holding a plastic peripheral in your hand, the Quest version of the game relies entirely on hand-tracking. Despite having some technical hiccups, we think it really works.
When you hit a streak, Unplugged is a genuinely empowering air guitar experience that will have you shredding with the best of them, and it’ll only get better as the tech improves. For that reason, it earns a place on our best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest games list.
Read More: Unplugged Review
20. Larcenauts
Though it suffered from some launch hiccups, Larcenauts bounced back to offer one of VR’s deepest multiplayer shooters. In this Overwatch-inspired take, you select from one of a range of incredibly different classes (or specialists) and enter into one of three game modes, including a standard team deathmatch and takes on control point and capture the flag types.
What makes Larcenauts sing is its variety, which helps you identify genuine strategies in play. If your team’s missing a heavy hitter in a firefight, you’ll know exactly who needs to enter the fray, whilst faster classes are essential when racing to secure points on a map. It’s this depth that makes Larcenauts one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games.
Read More: Larcenauts Review
19. Walkabout Mini Golf
Unlike snowboarding, mini golf is actually something that could and should work quite well in VR. Walkabout Minigolf is all the proof you need; it’s an accurate representation of the game that goes beyond what’s possible in real life whilst also remaining authentic throughout.
This ticks all the boxes – plenty of courses, extensive multiplayer support, different themes for each level and, above all, pinpoint physics that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. Hard to fault!
18. Moss
Moss is one of a handful of 2018 games that proved that third-person VR experiences don’t just work but can make for some of the absolute best content out on the platform right now. You guide an adorable little mouse named Quill through diorama-sized levels, solving puzzles and taking on fearsome critters in sword-based combat.
While it’s mechanically refined, Moss’ real claim to fame is the bond you build with Quill over the course of the adventure. Playing as a larger companion to the tiny protagonist, you really start to connect with her as you work together to overcome obstacles. It feels very much like a team effort, which is quite a remarkable feeling in itself. Moss is easily one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games – bring on Book 2.
Read More: Moss Review
17. Gorn
Another physics-driven combat game, Gorn is a decidedly more slapstick experience than The Walking Dead or Blade And Sorcery, but that’s all part of its charm. You take on a series of gladiator battles, bashing, slicing and impaling meatheaded enemies with a variety of weapons, from wrist-mounted crossbows to Wolverine-style claws.
It’s might be silly, but Gorn absolutely nails its weapon handling, with an elasticated touch that helps take some of the weight out of throwing a sword around. As such, it earns a staple position in the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest games list.
Read More: Gorn Review
16. Song in the Smoke
There are a lot of survival games out there for VR, but Song in the Smoke takes the prize on Quest not just because it’s a great game but also because it’s an incredible technical achievement on the platform. Huge areas drenched in dense vegetation are ready for exploration, and you can jump between them with seamless, near-instant loading.
But, game-wise, Song in the Smoke is also a perfectly balanced blend of crafting, resource gathering and management. Plus its deep respect for nature shines through, making for one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest games.
Read More: Song in the Smoke Review
15. Until You Fall
A stylish and effortlessly-cool VR rougelike that has you tackling runs of a randomized dungeon and starting fresh every time you die. A fast-moving progression system keeps the game rewarding and addictive, while the lively arcade action is easy to pick up and difficult to master. If you’re looking for a VR game you’ll revisit time and time again, look no further than Until You Fall. It’s one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games.
Read More: Until You Fall Review
14. The Room VR: A Dark Matter
Puzzle masters Fireproof Games knock it out of the park again with a typically excellent rendition of The Room series, this time for VR headsets. This short, sweet adventure is set in the British Institute of Archaeology, where you’ll solve challenging trials in search of a missing archaeologist.
What makes The Room VR work is its commitment to the platform it’s appearing on. This isn’t just a bunch of puzzles that would be just as well-served on a traditional screen; each and every one has been thoughtfully invented with VR at its core. That makes it easily one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games, especially if you’re into puzzles.
Read More: The Room VR Review
13. Population: One
VR does Fortnite right in this superb battle royale shooter. Population: One takes place on a huge map in which teams of three battle it out to be the last ones standing. Choose where to drop, scavenge for supplies and make sure to stay in safe zones as you fight to survive.
Not only is Population: One a rock-solid shooter, but it’s got some great VR mechanics too, like scaling up walls with your hands or holding your arms out to glide when you leap off the side of a building. It can be an intense experience that certainly won’t be for everyone but, if you’re looking to get your online shooter fix in VR, this is your best bet. Throw in full cross-play support and Population: One quickly climbs the chart of the best Oculus Quest games.
Read More: Population: One Review
12. Echo VR
Though we’d love to see Lone Echo itself come to Quest, Echo VR is a thrilling addition to the library all on its own. In this multiplayer zero-gravity game, you take part in futuristic esports, throwing discs to score points on a team. The movement is fast, fluid and entirely natural.
Though we don’t have the excellent Echo Combat expansion here (yet), Echo VR had stood the test of time as a multiplayer game with a growing community that was naturally conceived for the platform. To us, that’s far more important than trying to cram a genre everyone wants to see in VR onto the platform with mixed results. This is one of the immersive VR experiences and one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games.
Read More: Echo VR Review
11. Ghost Giant
Upon first glance, Ghost Giant appears to be a charming little puzzler that makes the most of diorama-sized worlds. And that’s very much the case; in this adorable papercraft world you help your young companion out with different chores and tasks. That includes tickling clams and making intentive art in wonderfully tranquil locations. It’s whimsy, delightful and amazing in VR. But that’s only half the story.
Ghost Giant also hides a thoughtful take on depression, smartly communicated through this new medium. The game uses intimacy, scale and connection in engaging ways that bring you closer to the world and characters around you. It’s surprising and responsible, delivering some incredibly powerful moments. All told, it’s one of the most striking and unforgettable examples of VR storytelling yet seen and one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games.
Read More: Ghost Giant Review
10. Eleven: Table Tennis
If you want the most accurate, authentic representation of a sport in VR today, Eleven: Table Tennis is easily your best bet. This simulation-level game offers the most convincing take on a sport that makes perfect sense in VR. Whether you’re serving up hotshots or getting in desperate returns, Eleven’s physics behave exactly the way you’d expect and tapping the ball with your controller starts to feel as natural as if it were a paddle. More than just a great game, Eleven is one of the rare VR experiences that feels like a genuine replacement for our reality. It’s that good and one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games.
9. A Township Tale
Fair warning when it comes to A Township Tale: the game is categorically unfinished. I mean that literally; developer Alta is still plugging away adding new components to the experience and fixing bugs as we speak. Be warned that you won’t have the smoothest experience with this open-world online adventure/survival game, then. But if you can overlook at, you’re in for something special.
A Township Tale is incredibly detailed, asking players to build out a town by collecting resources, fending off enemies and building better gear that will allow you to venture out further into its world. Almost all of its interactions are incredibly considered and, though it’s hard to learn, the game’s fostered an impressive community of passionate players to teach you. There’s still a ways to go, but it’s already clear that A Township Tale is one of the best Oculus Quest games.
Read More: A Township Tale Review
8. Beat Saber
VR’s poster child finds its most natural fit on Quest. In Beat Saber, you slash notes to a beat, dodge obstacles and try to master an ever-growing list of fantastic tracks.
Wire-free gameplay breaks down the barriers between you and the music as you slice your way through an ever-growing list of tracks. Beat Saber is empowering, energetic and VR’s most devilishly addictive game yet. Don’t expect that status to change any time soon. You probably already knew that Beat Saber one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games.
Read More: Beat Saber Review
7. A Fisherman’s Tale
As great as VR is, its initial novelty is bound to wear off after your first few weeks or so. If you want to recapture the magic of putting on the headset for the first time, though, there’s one destination that’s bound to deliver: A Fisherman’s Tale. This is a mind-bending puzzle game unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere. That alone makes it one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games.
In A Fisherman’s Tale, you solve intricate, scale-based puzzles in which you work… with yourself. Its best puzzles utilize a miniature model of the lighthouse the game’s set in. Lift the roof of the model and you’ll see a mini-you, imitating your every move. Just try and keep your brain from breaking as you hand yourself giant objects, or reach down to poke your own head. It’s a trip to say the least. Throw in a poignant story about self-acceptance and you have a short, sharp VR game that will stay with you much longer than most multi-hour epics.
Read More: A Fisherman’s Tale Review
6. Onward
Whereas Onward on PC is a worthy contender for the best online shooter, it definitely faces stiff competition. But, on Quest, the wire-free gameplay really comes into its own, opening up new tactics like easily going prone. Yes, the game’s suffered visually to get onto the headset, but when you’re aiming down your sights, scanning for targets, you won’t notice.
Onward pays close attention to realism, making it a game that can be hard to get to grips with, but absolutely rewarding to master. For that reason, it’s one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games.
Read More: Onward Review
5. Pistol Whip
Pistol Whip may be the new kid on the block but, for our money, its sharpshooting, sharp sounding, beat-based gameplay proves to be even more hypnotic than Beat Saber. In others words, it’s easily one of the best Oculus Quest games/best Meta Quest 2 games. In this neon-lit shooter, you stream down corridors, blasting bad guys to grizzly tunes, avoiding incoming fire and trying to rack up the best scores.
Pistol Whip’s key is to take influence not just from the VR sales king but also Superhot and, most prominently, John Wick. Whereas Beat Saber wants to make you a dancing Jedi master, Pistol Whip aims to teach you gun-fu with style, elegantly fusing the rhythmic and cinematic together a pulsating, vibrant monster of its own.
Read More: Pistol Whip
4. Resident Evil 4 VR (Quest 2 only)
We had our doubts that Resident Evil 4 would really work well in VR, but it not only survived the transition – it ended up being one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games. This is a full port of Leon Kennedy’s best-known zombie adventure, with a first-person view and full motion control support.
Sure, some elements of this version of the game don’t hold up well, like virtual cutscene screens. But when you’re facing a horde of enemies with your back literally against the wall, it’s hard to care. This is a wonderful way to revisit a classic and one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games.
Read More: Resident Evil 4 VR Review
3. Demeo
Demeo isn’t a perfect tabletop game by any means. But it is a really good one and, more importantly, its first-rate four-player multiplayer VR experience makes it feel like a genuine social event in a way that no flatscreen game — and even few VR games — have ever really matched.
You pick a class and tackle randomly generated dungeons, but the game’s punishing difficulty means sessions can last anywhere from a few minutes to multiple hours. Demeo is already cemented as one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games but, with more content on the way, including new dungeons and features, it’s only going to get better.
Read More: Demeo Review
2. Superhot VR
Superhot VR is one of the oldest games on this list and yet, over four years later, it’s still easily one of the best examples of how VR can give us entirely new gaming experiences. In this cinematic shooter, times moves only when you do. Sit still and the world around you will freeze, but move your body and it will jolt back to life. It’s your very own Matrix simulator.
What makes the game such an enduring hit is its accessible design that instantly picks up on a professional slickness you won’t find anywhere else in VR. From last-minute gun grabs to well-placed knife throws, the game constantly delivers unprecedented satisfaction with its action. Superhot VR is and always will be one of the best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games – surely we’re way past due for a sequel?
Read More: Superhot VR Review
1. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners
We would have never pegged a game based upon The Walking Dead to carry arguably the best design and user-interaction you’ll find in VR, but Saints & Sinners delivers all that and then some. This sets the bar not just for VR zombie games but basically the entire medium with ridiculously entertaining physics-based combat that has you wrestling with hordes of undead, throwing every ounce of effort you can muster into every swing and stab.
But this isn’t just a silly sandbox or wave-based survival game (though it has that too). Saints & Sinners packs its action into a full, meaty VR campaign that sees you trekking through the remains of New Orleans. Add in human enemies, side-missions and the ability to kill zombies with a spoon, and you have one of the deepest native VR games on the market. Plus, thanks to an obscenely good port from developer Skydance Interactive, Saints & Sinners takes the throne at the top of our best Oculus Quest games list.
Read More: The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners Review
Do you agree with our list of best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games? Let us know in the comments below!
Update 11/26/21 – Sniper Elite VR, Red Matter, Cosmodread, In Death and Five Nights At Freddy’s VR were removed from the list. Resident Evil 4 VR, Song in the Smoke, Blade And Sorcery: Nomad, Gorn and Unplugged were added.
Update 08/30/21 – I Expect You To Die, Myst, Contractors and Job Simulator were removed from the list. A Township Tale, Sniper Elite VR, Larcenauts and I Expect You To Die 2 were added.
Update 06/15/21 – The Under Presents, Blair Witch, Vacation Simulator and Accounting+ were removed from the list. Demeo, Carve Snowboarding, Walkabout and Cosmodread were added.
Update 12/25/20 – Population: One, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, Myst, Blair Witch and Contractors were all added to the list. Spaceteamm, Robo Recall, Apex Construct, Lies Beneath and Phantom were removed.
Update 10/12/20 – Until You Fall was added to the list. Trover Saves The Universe was removed.
Update 09/13/20 – Acron, Down The Rabbit Hole, National Geographic, Rec Room, VRChat, Keep Talking And Nobody Explodes, Virtual Virtual Reality, The Climb and The Exorcist were all removed from the list. Onward, Echo VR, Spaceteam VR, The Under Present, Five Nights At Freddy’s, Phantom: Covert Ops and Trover Saves The Universe were all added.
Update 04/09/20 – The Curious Tale of the Stolen Pets, Space Pirate Trainer, Journey of the Gods, Face Your Fears II, Racket: Nx and Job Simulator were removed from the list. Down The Rabbit Hole, Ghost Giant, The Room VR, Eleven: Table Tennis, Vacation Simulator and OhShape replaced them.
Update 12/06/19 – A Fisherman’s Tale, Pistol Whip. Espire 1, Space Pirate Trainer, National Geographic VR, The Climb and The Curious Tale Of The Stolen Pets were added to the list. They replaced Raccoon Lagoon, Wands, Fujii, Orbus Reborn, BoxVR, Dreadhalls and Thumper.
Our list of best Oculus Quest games and best Meta Quest 2 games is designed to be updated at least three times a year.
via Mint VR