You want to experience virtual reality but don’t want to pay for it.
We’re going to figure out how you can obtain free VR headsets.
How to Get a Free VR Headset?
- If you want to use an Oculus Rift headset, sign up for an account at Oculus.com and download the Oculus link app.
- Download The Oculus Mobile SDK
- Register Your Device With Oculus Support
- Visit The Oculus Store Using The Code From Step 3
- Buy something from the Oculus store
- Receive Your Free VR Headset
Best Free VR Games
Virtual reality has become one of the most popular trends in the game industry in recent years. It allows players to engage in worlds and means of playing games that were never imagined before.
Despite having evolved considerably in the short time since its first existence, VR still has its fair share of problems. It can be expensive for consumers, and Apple doesn’t think so, either.
The Lab
New technologies need to be familiarized with their functions, which is basically the reason for Valve’s The Lab.
Mini Games
The Lab consists of eight mini-game experiences designed to help people get used to VR.
All of the games are short and fun in their own right. They’re not particularly deep either.
Newcomers
If you’re new to VR, then the Lab may be worth checking out. However, if you’re already familiar with VR, then there’s no need to start here.
Release Date & Platform Availability
The Lab was released on April 5, 2016, and is compatible with the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Windows Mixed Reality, SteamVR, and Valve Index.
Critical Reception
Despite receiving few critical reviews, The Lab received mostly positive reviews from critics. The same can be seen in its reviews on Steam, which were mostly positive.
SCP: Labrat
Inspired by 2012’s “SCP – Containment Breach”, prisoners in an underground research lab. Their goal is to break out, a journey that presents both thrilling and frightening experiences.
Completion
LabRat is currently in Early Access, so the game isn’t completely finished yet. However, there’s enough gameplay here to warrant a play-through, and a multiplayer beta was announced for later in 2021.
Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
You can play SCP: LabRat using a Valve Index, an HTC Vive, an Oculus Rift, and a Windows Mixed Reality headset.
Because of its status, the “horrible” game has no critical reviews on Steam. It has been well received by gamers, however.
Horizon Beyond
Free-to-pay VR games are usually designed to give new users a taste of what the technology can provide.
Uncharted Territory
Even though VR headsets have been around for quite some time, this is still an unexplored frontier in terms of user experience. Experiences like Horizon Beyond can help people get used to the wonderful world of virtual reality.
Gameplay
It’s short and sweet, but Horizon Beyond puts players on an airship and lets them fly through the sky as they explore the landscape below.
Virtual Reality (VR) is all about transporting someone to another world, and Horizon Beyond shows that ability for free.
Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Horizon Beyond was released in August 2019 and is available for the HTC Vive, Oculus Rif, and Valve Index.
Horizon Beyond is a short VR experience that most people won’t play again after they’ve played through it once. Although it didn’t receive high scores on Metacritic, its reception on Steam was positive.
Ultimechs
VR is steadily accumulating a decent number of games, but the hardware hasn’t created anything that catches on, like Rocket League or Fall Guys, yet.
Accessibility and Depth
It’s still too early to tell if Resolution Games’ title could become that game, but Ultimachs has that combination of accessibility and deepness, which usually makes these kinds of projects so successful.
Gameplay
You play against computer-controlled opponents in soccer-like games. Either alone or with another player, you must attempt to outsmart them by trying to hit them first.
It’s easy to understand and works quite well, so this free VR app could become something special if it finds its audience.
Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Ultimachine was released on September 15th, 2022, and is now available for purchase on Valve Index, HTC VIVE, and Oculus RIFT.
Currently, there are no critical reviews for Ultimechs on Metacritic. However, the game has a very positive rating on Steam.
Gorilla Tag
Featuring adorable graphics and gameplay reminiscent of old-school arcade titles, Gorilla Tag is a fun game for both casual gamers and hardcore fans alike.
It’s not perfect, but it’s cute enough to be worth playing for a few minutes.
Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Gorilla Tag was launched into early access on February 13, 2020, and is available for Oculus Quest, Valve Index VR headsets, HTC Vive, Oculus Go, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets.
Gorillatag has attracted a huge fan base that has given the game mostly positive reviews on Steam.
Most free VR games are short one-time experiences, but Gorilla Tag proves that it can keep players returning for more.
Echo VR
A game that was one of the first and best VR games to garner mainstream interest, Echo VR is a fun experience for anyone who enjoys zero gravity, space exploration, and competitive gaming.
Originally called Echo Arena, Echo VR now includes both Echo Arena and Echo Combat. However, only Echo Arenas is free.
Gameplay
Even though it’s not free, it’s still well worth downloading. Play a game where you navigate a zero-gravity arena with a group of people to throw a disc at the enemy’s goal.
It seems easy, but the results are some of the most pulse‑pumping, sweat‑inducing gaming experiences you can have in a virtual reality (VR) environment.
Movement
It’s unique and intuitive. Easy to learn but hard to master. Like many great VR games, this one is exclusive to Oculus systems (Oculus Rift).
Release Date, Platform Availability, & Critical Reception
Echo VR was released in May 2020 and is now available for the Oculus Quest.
Some people who play games for long periods of time have reported that they’ve improved their hand-eye coordination and some have even lost some pounds.
The game looks really good and makes for an enjoyable experience.
Conclusion
Some free VR games are good, some are bad, and some aren’t even worth playing.
There are lots of gems hiding in the sea of mediocracy, but these are definitely worth looking into.
Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
