8 Scariest VR Horror Games

The VR games have significantly improved since the dark days of Nintendo's ill-fated Virtual Boy, turning what was once science fiction a few decades ago into scientific reality today. A truly immersive experience has always been the greatest selling point of VR, and what better way to take advantage of this level of immersion than with a eerie horror game?

The difference between playing a horror game with a controller, keyboard, and mouse compared to a VR headset is like night and day. Everything about the game is elevated to a level that surpasses your expectations. If you are a fan of horror games or wish to push your limits, here are the most chilling VR horror games that will mercilessly assail your psyche, much like Michael Myers did to Laurie Strode.

8 The Exorcist: Legion

The Exorcist: Legion is based on the renowned horror film series of the same name. If you have an interest in the supernatural, this game will provide an extremely chilling experience. Despite its relatively short gameplay duration, as you can complete the game within a few hours, The Exorcist: Legion wastes no time and steadily builds the horrors to an impressive crescendo.

You play as a homicide detective investigating a murder case involving the ritual sacrifice of a priest. Your investigations take you through numerous locations divided into episodes. The game never lingers for too long, providing you with ample horrors to make the entire experience unforgettable.

7 Dreadhalls

A classic that still delivers, Dreadhalls is one of the early great horror VR games that showcases how much VR technology can enhance your gaming experience. The game itself doesn't offer much in terms of a profound story, but it excels at putting you in situations where your heartbeat quickens as various terrifying creatures pursue you through a labyrinthine dungeon.

Simple yet effective, Dreadhalls aimed for nothing more than a terrifying VR gaming experience, and it has delivered on that promise.

6 Cosmodread

Imagine Dead Space in VR. Cosmodread is a survival horror VR game that also incorporates roguelike elements, which simply means you should expect numerous deaths. You play as a patient trapped in an abandoned space station, searching for an escape route. Cosmodread also comes from the same team that developed Dreadhalls, a classic horror VR game.

The game feeds on your fear of darkness and the unknown as you are practically thrown into the midst of it all, without knowing what is happening. All you know is that you must find a way off the ship; the entire crew is dead, yet that doesn't stop them from lurking around. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely a VR game immersed in tension and cosmic horror up to its neck.

5 Phasmophobia

Phasmophobia is an online cooperative horror game developed by Kinetic Games. You will play as a paranormal investigator and be tasked with uncovering the truth behind reported haunting phenomena at various locations. The game is essentially a ghost hunting simulator, as you and your friends will have access to all the devices used by paranormal investigators, such as Ouija boards, a spirit box, and an EMF meter.

While the game is undoubtedly enjoyable, it can also be incredibly stressful and filled with tension at times. Phasmophobia can be played alone or with friends. Will you be able to gather all the evidence to prove the existence of ghosts, or will you have a first-hand encounter with the afterlife?

4 Kobold

An extremely underrated horror VR game, Kobold, exudes suspense and knows how to create an exceptionally disturbing and tense experience. Developed by anotherworld GmbH, in Kobold, you assume the role of an urban explorer investigating an unsolved case involving a missing child.

The feeling of isolation that comes with exploring an abandoned and dilapidated, sprawling mansion is unsettling in itself. Add an unsolved mystery and hints of the supernatural, and you have a classic recipe for horror. The game is also photorealistic, further enhancing the immersion and fear you will undoubtedly experience throughout this hidden horror gem.

3 Resident Evil 7 VR

Resident Evil 7 breathes new life into the series by injecting it with a high dose of adrenaline, resulting in a game that brings Resident Evil back to its horror roots. The game itself is already terrifying when played with a conventional controller; now imagine what it's like to navigate through the opening section with a VR headset.

Being pursued in the labyrinthine mansion saturated with underrated Southern Gothic aesthetics creates fear and extreme stress. Now, imagine finding yourself in that environment in VR. If you ever want to experience Resident Evil 7 in its most suffocating form, playing the game in VR will drag you screaming and thrashing into the abyss.

2 Alien: Isolation

Alien: Isolation is already a nerve-wracking horror game on its own, but the addition of a VR feature pushes most people beyond their limits. The game provides a claustrophobic experience and stays closer to the atmosphere of the first Alien film rather than the action-packed horror style of its outstanding sequel. However, if you intend to create a nerve-wracking and terrifying Alien game, following the blueprint of the first film is the right way to go.

At its core, Alien: Isolation is a terrifying version of hide-and-seek. It's you and a deadly, bloodthirsty Xenomorph trapped in a tight space station. The game also features one of the best AI opponents ever implemented in a game. The Xenomorph learns as you play, and you can't rely on the same evasive and hiding tactics repeatedly, keeping you constantly on edge and fearful.

1 A Chair In A Room: Greenwater

Developed and published by Wolf & Wood Interactive Ltd. in 2016, A Chair in a Room is a terrifying VR game divided into six chapters. Each chapter lasts for 30 nightmarish minutes and transports you to different locations that you must explore. The game is available for both Windows and PlayStation 4.

The story itself is quite disturbing, albeit initially confusing. However, this is intentionally done to truly immerse you in the role of the protagonist. The "Pelican Motel" level is where the game really messes with you mentally, and the less said about it, the better. If you're looking for a well-crafted narrative psychological horror VR game, A Chair in a Room: Greenwater is undoubtedly one of the best in this genre.