The Best Meta Quest 2 Games for 2023

October 20, 2023
3:03 am

If you’re the proud owner of a Meta Quest 2, you’re undoubtedly on a thrilling virtual adventure. This remarkable VR headset offers more than just a glimpse into the future; it invites you into immersive worlds where gaming takes center stage. Even though the Quest 2 may have surrendered its title as the reigning VR champion to the Meta Quest 3, as I explored in a recent review, it remains a fantastic platform for VR gaming. Priced at $299, it strikes the sweet spot of affordability and comes with a treasure trove of native Quest 2 games.

Moreover, it flexes its versatility by extending a welcoming hand to the finest VR titles available via Steam VR, provided you’ve got a VR-ready gaming PC or laptop, and the right accessories like the Quest Link cable or D-Link VR Air Bridge. In this article, I’ve handpicked the cream of the crop among Meta Quest 2 games for 2023, and I’ll guide you on where to get them. So, let’s dive in and embark on an epic gaming journey!

Half-Life: Alyx

Half-Life: Alyx is an extraordinary VR experience, even though it’s not a native Meta Quest 2 game. Thanks to the Quest 2’s compatibility with the Quest Link cable, you can immerse yourself in this exceptional world on your Quest 2. It’s renowned as one of the finest VR games ever created, and that’s why it’s in the spotlight here.

Features:

Compatibility with Quest 2: While technically not a native Meta Quest 2 game, Half-Life: Alyx seamlessly plugs into your Quest 2 through the Quest Link cable, expanding your gaming horizons.
Top-Tier VR Experience: It earns its spot at the pinnacle of this list as one of the finest VR games ever created, and here’s why.
Immersive Graphics: Valve invested substantial time and effort in crafting Alyx, and it shows. The visuals remain captivating, even on the Quest 2, though, due to the Quest 2’s hardware limitations, they won’t quite match up to those on a PC VR headset.
Engaging Storyline: Alyx unfolds within the rich Half-Life universe, and the story is a masterpiece. Immerse yourself in a narrative that’s expertly woven and keeps you hooked.
Long-Lasting Experience: Unlike many VR games that offer short, repetitive experiences, Half-Life: Alyx provides a substantial and enduring adventure, akin to the best console games.

SUPERHOT VR

SUPERHOT VR is a standout title on Meta Quest 2 that offers a unique and immersive experience. It’s like stepping into an action-packed scene from The Matrix, where time moves only when you move. This core concept adds a thrilling puzzle element to the gameplay.

Features:

Time-Bending Gameplay: The game’s standout feature is its time-bending mechanics. Time practically stands still when you’re stationary, but it speeds up when you move. This innovative gameplay makes you feel like a superhero in your own action movie.
Stylized Visuals: Instead of focusing on hyper-realistic graphics, SUPERHOT VR embraces a minimalist, polygonal art style. The enemies and objects shatter satisfyingly upon impact, providing a visually appealing and engaging experience.
Strategic Combat: SUPERHOT VR encourages a unique form of strategic combat. You can, for example, shoot an enemy, grab their flying weapon, use it to eliminate another foe, and even throw the weapon at a third adversary. It’s a game that rewards creativity and quick thinking, making it a must-try for VR enthusiasts.

Beat Saber

Introduction:
Beat Saber is a thrilling fusion of music and action that combines the excitement of Guitar Hero, Dance Dance Revolution, and a dash of Star Wars. In this game, your task is to match the color of your saber to slice through blocks of the corresponding color, all while keeping the right angles.

Features:

Dynamic Rhythm Gameplay: With Beat Saber, you’ll be immersed in a rhythmic world. You must slash through colored blocks in time with the music, creating an exhilarating audio-visual experience.
Physical Challenges: As the game progresses, you’ll encounter not only faster blocks but also obstacles like bombs and walls that you must physically dodge. This creates a full-body workout while you groove to an EDM soundtrack that’ll make your heart race.
Extensive Single-Player Mode: Beat Saber offers an in-depth single-player career mode that keeps you engaged for hours. As you progress, the challenges become more specific and demanding, providing a satisfying solo gaming experience.
Customizable Play: In the free play mode, you have the freedom to choose any song and can apply various modifiers to make it easier or more challenging. Novice players can use a bonus multiplier, while experts can increase the difficulty, allowing only one mistake before a game over.
Multiplayer Fun: Recently, Beat Saber introduced a multiplayer feature, enabling you to compete head-to-head with your friends. Challenge your pals to prove who’s the ultimate virtual swordsman in your circle.

Onward

Onward offers a unique and intense 5v5 competitive gameplay experience. It’s more like Rainbow Six: Siege than fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty. Success in this game depends on strategy and effective teamwork. Your hit count is limited, and reloading is a hands-on, realistic process.

Features:

Tactical Gameplay: Onward’s gameplay is about tactical planning and close teamwork. There’s no respawning, so careful strategy is key for a successful mission. Communication with your teammates is vital to victory.
Realistic Reloading: Reloading in Onward is eerily realistic. You physically chamber rounds, making it one of the most immersive military VR experiences.
Wireless Freedom: Onward shines on the Quest 2 because it’s wireless. You can move freely, dive into cover, and crouch in various detailed maps without being hindered by wires.
Variety of Maps: The game features a dozen official maps, and the community has created numerous additional maps. Each map is rich in detail and provides plenty of cover for intense firefights.
Combat Stress Simulation: In the heat of battle, your vision narrows to simulate combat stress, enhancing the immersive experience.
Realistic Weapon Handling: Onward boasts more than 40 different guns, each with realistic reloading mechanics. You’ll need to empty and chamber clips or load individual bullets, depending on the weapon.
Essential Equipment: You’ll have a health injection syringe on your waist, a radio on your left shoulder, and a tablet on your back as part of your standard equipment. These tools are crucial for reviving downed teammates and communicating with distant team members when proximity chat isn’t enough.

Resident Evil 4 VR

Resident Evil 4 VR is a standout title in the world of horror games. It’s not just one of the best games for your Meta Quest 2; some would say it’s the very reason to own a Meta Quest 2.

Features:

Immersive Horror Experience: Resident Evil 4 VR offers a level of immersion that’s hard to find elsewhere. While it might not be the most visually stunning game, playing it in virtual reality brings the horror to life like never before.
Motion Controls: With motion controls and tracking, this adaptation of Resident Evil 4 to VR offers a fresh and engaging way to experience the game. It’s a testament to how well this classic has been brought into the VR world.
A Classic Reimagined: If you’re a fan of Resident Evil 4 and want to experience it in a new and exciting way, the Oculus Quest 2 version delivers just that. It’s a must-try for fans of the series and VR enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Meta Quest 2 has ushered in an era of exceptional virtual reality gaming, and these standout titles represent the best of what this platform has to offer in 2023. From the intense tactical battles of Onward to the rhythmic excitement of Beat Saber, the eerie realism of Resident Evil 4 VR, the time-bending action of SUPERHOT VR, and the immersive storytelling in Half-Life: Alyx, there’s a diverse array of experiences waiting for players. Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping action, immersive narratives, or unique gameplay mechanics, the Meta Quest 2 has something for every VR enthusiast. These games have set a new standard, offering not just entertainment, but a glimpse into the limitless potential of virtual reality. So, don your headset and dive into these worlds, as the adventure in 2023 is bound to be unforgettable.