We’re halfway through 2023 and what a year it has been! PlayStation VR 2 kicked the year off with a bang and with hardware updates like the Quest 3 announcement, there’s plenty of tech to look forward to. The same goes for software. Games like Horizon Call of the Mountain and Peaky Blinders: The King’s Ransom highlight the quality being output by VR developers and there’s still more to come! So here are XR Source’s most anticipated VR Games still to come in 2023.
Most Anticipated VR Games 2023
If you’ve been following events like the Quest Gaming Showcase or the PlayStation Showcase, you’ll know there are lots of exciting titles in development. Whether you love big action adventures, being scared half to death or teaming up with mates, every VR gamer is catered for.
Whether you’re a PSVR 2 owner, Meta Quest 2 fan or a dedicated PC VR veteran, here are the games we think should be on your wishlist.
Asgard’s Wrath 2 (Quest)
Asgard’s Wrath 2 was by far the biggest videogame announcement from the Quest Gaming Showcase. The original was an Oculus Rift exclusive and we did wonder if the franchise would see the light of day again. Thankfully it will, with a new sequel for Quest 2, Quest Pro and Quest 3 slated for a Winter 2023 release.
Sanzaru Games promises an epic adventure that’ll continue the story from the original. That means you’re once again playing a demi-god who must battle gods and monsters alike as you try to stop Loki from unravelling the universe. With over 60+ hours of content to play through, Asgard’s Wrath 2 should end the year very nicely.
Phasmophobia (PSVR2)
Already a fan favourite on PC, multiplayer ghost hunter Phasmophobia is coming to PSVR 2 this summer. You play a paranormal investigator tasked with entering haunted locations to gather as much evidence as possible. You’ve got a range of ghost-hunting equipment at your disposal to facilitate this. Best of all, you don’t need to go alone as Phasmophobia supports 4-player co-op.
Better still, Phasmophobia will be completely cross-platform compatible with PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. That means PC VR, PSVR 2 and flatscreen gamers can all join in on the fun/terror.
I Expect You To Die 3: Cog In The Machine (Quest & PC VR)
Schell Games’ I Expect You To Die series is beloved by VR gamers. Its mixture of comedic spy-caper narrative combined with inventive puzzles has made the last two games very popular.
In this third instalment, you’ll continue your role as a special agent battling to thwart Dr. Zor and his Zoraxis corporation. Featuring the same familiar comedy stylings as before, this sequel has new missions and gadgets alongside your trusty telekinesis. We can’t wait to don our leather gloves again and stop Dr. Zor’s nefarious plans for the third time later this year.
Five Nights At Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 (PSVR 2)
Teased during the PlayStation Showcase, Five Nights At Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 where we know very little but kinda know a lot too. The only thing Steel Wool Studios has released so far is that very brief trailer where you’re in a descending elevator that gets darker and more ominous the deeper it goes.
Apart from a late 2023 release window, no details regarding a new story or gameplay mechanics have been revealed. However, this is a Five Nights At Freddy’s game after all. So it’ll be focused on scary mini-games featuring those sharp-tooth animatronics we all know and fear. We’re hoping it arrives in time for Halloween.
Arizona Sunshine 2 (Quest, PSVR 2 & PC VR)
Vertigo Games’ Arizona Sunshine has been overdue a sequel, so it was great to hear one is set to arrive in 2023. The sunkissed desert is still going to be your zombie-hunting playground, with hordes of undead to slaughter as you please.
As demonstrated in the announcement trailer, Vertigo Games will unleash a “next-gen mutilation and gore system” making Arizona Sunshine 2 a far more visceral experience than its predecessor. Playable solo or in co-op with a mate, a new four-legged companion will also join your adventure. Buddy is his name and he’ll stick with you through thick and thin, helping take down the pesky undead.
Assassin’s Creed Nexus (Quest)
Up until the Quest Gaming Showcase, many thought Ubisoft’s next VR title Assassin’s Creed Nexus had been shelved like many other games. Thankfully not, and for the first time in the franchise’s history it’s entirely played in first person.
You’ll still be running, jumping and leaping about like any good assassin, embodying three different characters along the way. Stepping into the shoes of legendary assassins Ezio Auditore da Firenze, Kassandra, and Connor, you’ll be able to explore their respective time periods and cities. Ubisoft has also confirmed that hidden blades, swords, tomahawks, bows, crossbows, throwing knives, and smoke bombs will all play a part when duelling with enemies.
Alongside Asgard’s Wrath 2, Quest owners will be spoilt for choice this holiday season.
Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable (Quest)
Another treat for Quest owners comes from UNIVRS in the form of Attack on Titan VR: Unbreakable. Fans of the anime will know the series focuses on a group of heroes called the Scout Regiment, who do their best to protect humanity against the Titans.
No gameplay has been revealed just yet, but when you’re strapped into your Omni Directional Mobility Gear, you’ll be able to navigate the city effortlessly. Developed by UNIVRS, the studio’s last project was Little Witch Academia: VR Broom Racing.
LOW-FI (PSVR 2, PC VR)
IRIS VR’s LOW-FI has been bounding around wishlists for years but 2023 could finally see all that waiting come to fruition. PC owners have been able to buy an early access version for a while now, with the studio aiming for an official launch on PlayStation by the end of the year. Fingers crossed.
“You are a police officer and have been transferred to a particularly crime ridden section of city-block 303. The only inhabitants of note in your jurisdiction are other low-fi, and the human intelligence (or lower) artificial life forms who have remained among the citizens after the AI singularity.”
Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord (Quest & PSVR 2)
Another spooky VR game! Albeit nowhere near as scary as Phasmophobia. nDreams (Fracked, Phantom: Covert Ops) is behind Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord. One that’ll feature its own storyline within the Ghostbusters universe, now set in San Francisco. Here players have to build a new headquarters and uncover a new mystery whilst teaming up with friends as there’s a 4-player co-op.
Firewall Ultra (PSVR 2)
Developed by First Contact Entertainment, Firewall Ultra is the sequel to one of the best team-based shooters for the original PlayStation VR, Firewall Zero Hour. Firewall Ultra is set to evolve the franchise, seeing content carried over and improved, with new dedicated servers, skills, contractors, maps and weapons. Naturally, there’s going to be plenty of new content and features designed specifically to make use of PSVR 2’s features. These include the ability to swap weapons with your eyes all in beautiful 4K HDR.
With its 4vs4 matches, you and your mates will either attack or defend key locations over three rounds. You’ll need to scour the environments for Crypto, the in-game currency to buy cool new kit. If this doesn’t blow our sock off well be most disappointed.
Do you agree with our selection? Which VR games would you have included? Let us know in the comments below.