We must admit, we were surprised by the variety of seated VR games on the internet. These games are great if you don’t have enough room for a proper VR setup or simply want something less physically challenging.
However, for a VR game to be considered good they need to offer an enjoyable experience no matter if you’re sitting down or standing up.
For this reason, we handpicked the 10 best seated VR games for you as well as listed their features, pros, and cons.
Winner
Robo Recall
If you’re looking to blow off steam, there is no better game than Robo Recall. It’s an action-packed first-person game. You get to choose different weapons and hunt defective robots that have populated your world.
Runner Up
Elite Dangerous
If playing a game with only one genre bores you, we suggest you try Elite Dangerous. It combines action, exploration, and strategy to give you an excellent gaming experience. In the game, you can join factions, explore solar systems, and more.
Also Great
Fruit Ninja VR
If you want a game that is easy to jump into, you should try Ninja Fruit VR. The best part is that you can play this game while standing up or sitting down. Moreover, it has different modes. You can challenge your friends to play with you and beat your high score.
Now that you know our top 3 picks, let us look at a detailed review of each game to find the best seated VR game for you.
Best Seated VR Games - Top 10 Reviews
#1: Best Action VR Game - Robo Recall Review
The first game on our list is Robo Recall. While testing out the game, our team not only found it extremely entertaining but also had one of the most polished and visually stunning gameplays.
It takes an arcade-style structure with point bonuses, killstreaks, and explosive chaos. You can use your controller to choose weapons and kill robots. For a more hands-on experience, you can also go up close and personal and rip the robots with your hands.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Robo Recall
Setup
Despite the fast-paced gameplay, you do not need a big setup to play this game.
All you need are your hands to aim, grab weapons, and throw projectiles. But all these movements are done by the thumbsticks of the controller. So, you don’t need to shift around on your feet to enjoy Robo Recall.
Compatibility
Robo Recall is an Oculus-exclusive game. This means it’s only available on Oculus Rift or Oculus Quest headsets with no exceptions.
- First-person shooter
- Great for seated play
- Satisfying arcade-style gunplay
- Array of weapons available
- Different evil robots to gun down
- Only available on the Oculus store
Best Action VR Game
The best action VR Game is Robo Recall because it has first-person shooters, different missions and evil robots to defeat. You can perform all functions from the comfort of your seat.
#2: Best Seated VR Gaming Experience - Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerous is quite possibly the most immersive virtual reality experience that we have come across.
The game starts with different options of starships from where you can forge your own career and story in the galactic universe. From there, the game unfolds, where you can explore galaxies, fight space combat, trade money, and much more.
Moreover, the MMO environment adds another layer of complexity to this game. You can form factions with your friends, hunt down other players and play around in space.
However, we must warn you the nature of the game might trigger motion sickness if you’re sensitive.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Elite Dangerous
Setup
This game only requires the use of a mouse/keyboard or gamepad. It also requires no physical movements so it can be played sitting down without a room-scale setup.
Compatibility
We were pleased to see the broad headset compatibility of Elite Dangerous.
It’s available on:
- Value Index
- HTC Vive
- Oculus Rift
- Windows Mixed Reality Headset
- Steam
- Epic Games Store
- Space flight simulation
- Action packed
- Multiple genres
- MMO elements
- Compatible with major headsets
- Excellent seated experience
- Can cause motion sickness in some players
Best Seated VR Gaming Experience
The best seated VR gaming experience is provided by Elite Dangerous. It contains a massive universe with stunning visuals and an epic storyline.
#3: Most Satisfying Seated VR Game - Fruit Ninja VR
If you want to play something easy and satisfying, we recommend you give Fruit Ninja VR a try.
Fruit Ninja was once a renowned mobile game but its VR version is even better. It has four modes that allow you to slash colorful fruit including Classic, Arcade, and Zen modes.
What we love about this game is that it makes an exceptional multiplayer game. You can play it with your friends and challenge them to beat your high score.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Fruit Ninja VR
Setup
Although you can play this game while standing up, you don’t need a room-scale setup. All you need is space to move your arms, making it a great seated VR game.
Compatibility
This game is available on consoles such as the Playstation VR headset, Oculus Rift, and Oculus Quest 2.
- Easy
- Can play sitting down or standing up
- Available on major headsets
- Satisfying
- Multiplayer option available
- Three modes to choose from
- Can cause nausea and sickness
Most Satisfying Seated VR Game
The most satisfying seated VR Game is Fruit Ninja VR. It consists of a virtual world with the main objective of slicing as many fruits as you can. You can choose your own sword and the mode you want to play in.
#4: Best Rhythm Game for VR - Beat Saber
Before the popularity of Half-Life, Beat Saber carried the baton for virtual reality games. It’s one of the most accessible games we came across. But what exactly does the game entail?
Well, it has the same concept as other rhythmic games such as Guitar Hero. The main objective is to slice cubes with lightsabers to the beat of the music. It has different levels, multiplayer modes, leaderboards, and more.
Although this game is quite easy to understand and play, many seated gamers claim it’s not as easy to master. One has to put in a lot of effort to complete all the levels and challenges.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Beat Saber
Setup
You can play beat saber while standing up but most of its gameplay centers on VR controls and limited physical movement. Therefore, we also think you can play it in a seated position.
Compatibility
We were quite impressed with the compatibility of this game. You can play it on Playstation VR, Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Valve Index.
- Simple
- Intuitive
- Replayable
- Compatible with major devices
- Can play sitting down or standing up
- More enjoyable while standing up
Best Rhythm Game for VR
The best rhythm game for VR is Beat Saber because it is fun, challenging, and intuitive. It also has a high replayability factor so you can play it constantly to master all the levels.
#5: Best Puzzle Game - I Expect You To Die
The name alone should intrigue you. I Expect You To Die brings the glamor and humor of the world of a secret agent to VR. The gameplay revolves around various situations you must escape from as you solve puzzles. Think of it as a virtual escape room.
We found each environment to be interactive and well-designed. One thing we particularly loved about this game is that there is no set way to deal with a problem. You can do whatever fits the situation best.
Therefore, if solving puzzles is your thing you must give this game a try.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy I Expect You To Die
Setup
You don’t need a huge setup to play this game. Although it is quite interactive, the challenges don’t need much moving around. That’s why we think it makes for a great seated VR experience.
Compatibility
I Expect You To Die is quite accessible on a variety of VR controllers.
It is available on:
- Oculus Rift
- HTC Vive
- Valve Index
- Oculus Quest
- Playstation VR
- Puzzle game
- Spy themed
- Compatible with major headsets
- Comfortable VR seated experience
- Challenging levels
- Accurate monitoring of fingers
- Some people claim it to be outdated
Best Puzzle Game
The best puzzle game is I Expect You To Die because it is interactive and challenging. Each level has different scenarios that you have to escape within a time frame.
#6: Best Multiplayer Game - Star Trek: Bridge Crew
This is a perfect game for you if you’re a Star Trek fan. As the title suggests, the game places you in a ship bridge as a Captain, Helm, Tactical, or Engineer as you explore new worlds and complete missions.
One thing about this game is that it’s best enjoyed in multiplayer. Once you have a team of four, you can communicate and collaborate to survive and get through the game.
We also appreciated the fact that it is available for both non-VR and VR modes.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Star Trek: Bridge Crew
Setup
Like other seated VR experiences, you don’t need a big setup for this game. The gameplay includes new experiences every time, but you don’t need to get up from your couch to complete any missions.
Compatibility
This game is not as widely compatible as other games on our list. You can play it on Playstation and Oculus Rift.
- Available in non-VR mode
- Fast-paced action
- Multiplayer game
- Available on major VR headsets
- Interesting storyline
- Uplay account required for game activation and installation
Best Multiplayer Game
The best multiplayer game is Star Trek: Bridge Crew. It lets you make strategic decisions, coordinate actions with your teammates, and complete missions.
#7: Best PC VR Game - Lone Echo
If you’re a fan of strong storylines like us, then Lone Echo is a game for you. Once you start the game, it takes you on a journey through space. The game is based on human and machine relations.
We also found the game to be extremely interactive. Taking advantage of the Oculus touch, you can interact with objects and propel yourself in a zero-gravity environment.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Lone Echo
Setup
Lone Echo does need a room-scale style of play. But you can compromise and sit and play if you’re not up for it. The only difference while sitting down is that moving around in space may not feel as realistic.
Compatibility
This game is an Oculus-exclusive game. You can play it on Rift and Rift S. It may also support other touch controllers.
- Interactive
- 360-degree gameplay
- Solid storyline
- Internet connection not required
- Only available on Oculus
- Sitting down might not give you the best VR experience
Best PC VR Game
The best PC VR game is Lone Echo because of its entertaining storyline. It takes a hands-on approach to exploring space and completing missions.
#8: Best Horror VR Game - Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted
If you want something more thrilling, we have a game just for you. Five Nights at Freddy’s is a survival horror game. The plot of the game is to survive 5 nights at Freddy’s pizza place. However, the twist is that there is an evil robot out to get you.
We also noticed that the VR version includes the same experiences as the original games with some additional modes and characters.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted
Setup
As we mentioned before, the core of the game is to escape the evil robot. However, running isn’t as important as hiding. Therefore, a seated position would work best to stay as still as you can while you hide.
Compatibility
We were impressed by the compatibility of this game. It is available on all major headsets including PlayStation, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, and Windows Mixed Reality.
- Horror Themed
- Interactive
- Compatible with most VR headsets
- Can play while sitting and standing
- Supports touch controllers
- Only single-player
- Difficult
Best Horror VR Game
The best horror VR game is Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted. It is a survival horror game with many jump scares. It has many minigames with different challenges and environments.
#9: Best Oculus VR Game - Edge of Nowhere
This game was created by Insomniac Games to transport you into a new world. We found the game to be creepy and adrenaline-pumping in the best way possible.
You embark on a rescue mission to find your one true love. But as you venture deeper into the mission, you have to encounter disturbing monsters and creatures.
While the controls are easy to learn, the camera issues and the overwhelming amount of monsters may frustrate some users. We also do not recommend this game for anyone under the age of 13.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Edge of Nowhere
Setup
There is no set way to play this game. If you’re comfortable you can play it standing up. However, we found that the best way to play this game is while sitting down, that is if you can make it through the jump scares.
Compatibility
This is another Oculus-exclusive game. You can download it from its official website and play it on Oculus Rift or Rift S.
- Action-adventure horror game
- Easy to learn
- Great storyline
- Single-player game
- Not suitable for children under 13 years
- Only available on Oculus
Best Oculus VR Game
The best Oculus VR game is Edge of Nowhere. It is a single-player game that revolves around the rescue of a loved one. As you explore the new world, you have to encounter and survive different monsters to complete your mission.
#10: Best Relaxing VR Game - Vacation Simulator
Lastly, we have something relaxing and therapeutic for you. Vacation Simulator places you in different virtual worlds that you can look around and explore. We recommend this game when you need a break from the intensity of life.
This game is highly interactive as you can manipulate objects and interact with the bots you meet in the virtual world.
Factors to Consider Before you Decide to Buy Vacation Simulator
Setup
We think the game is better enjoyed while seated as compared to a room-scale experience. The game itself is designed to instill a sense of peace and tranquility as you explore new places.
Compatibility
You can find this game on major platforms such as Steam, Oculus, and Playstation. It supports touch controllers and VR headsets such as Oculus Quest, Quest 2, and PS VR.
- Easy to play
- Hand tracking
- Available on major headsets
- Good storyline
- Good graphics
- Boring to people who prefer action games
Best Relaxing VR Game
The best relaxing VR game is Vacation Simulator. It creates different virtual worlds where you can explore, interact with bots and complete different challenges.
Buyers’ Guide
Setup
Before you purchase a VR game, it’s important to know what kind of setup it requires.
For seated VR games, you want something that can be played seated or only require arm movements. Steam and Meta (Oculus) both specify if a game supports seated mode or room-scale mode.
Compatibility
VR games are specific to certain headsets and platforms. If we talk about the platform, games are divided between Steam, the Oculus Store, and Playstation. For headsets, there are a dozen options such as Valve Index and Oculus Quest.
Therefore, it’s crucial that you check the compatibility of your game to the headset you own to avoid issues in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Seated VR?
This may seem obvious, but seated VR games are ones that can be played while sitting down. The main focus is to provide gamers an option to stand or sit while they experience virtual reality.
On the contrary, room-scale VR requires the gamer to stand or move around due to the nature of the game.
What is the best Seated VR game?
There is a surprising variety of games that are intended for seated play. Each offers memorable moments and an excellent VR experience no matter the VR platform you opt for.
Some genres are better for seated play than others. For example, flight games and racing games. But, there are also regular VR games that can also be enjoyed while being seated due to the need for less physical movement.
Some of the best VR Games are:
- Beat Saber
- Moss
- Robo Recall
- Elite Dangerous
What Kind of Seat do I Need for Seated VR?
The kind of seat you have has a great impact on the seated experience of the game. No matter if you’re doing traditional gaming or VR, we suggest you invest in a good chair.
For the bare minimum make sure that your chair has a good swivel and that your feet can rest comfortably on the floor. This will save you from leg and back fatigue. Other than that, the recline of the seat and the type of armrest can also help you play certain games.
Final Verdict
With that, we conclude our review of the best seated VR games. VR games inherently require some space, but you can still make them work if you don’t have enough room.
The type of seated VR game that is best for you depends on how much you’re willing to spend, how much space you have, and the genre of game you enjoy.
For us, it’s Beat Saber. We think it’s a well-rounded game that is fun, addictive, and has a high replayability factor. Moreover, it is available on Steam, Oculus, and Playstation.
Do let us know what you think in the comments below.
