It’s not often that you get a big IP launching a new game during the summer. Most tend to wait for the more popular autumn/winter period to maximise interest. So it’s nice to see the upcoming arrival of World War Z VR this month from Saber Interactive. Once again, the folks over at 131XR have got their hands on the game, but unusually, this is a preview of World War Z VR. Nevertheless, the impressions are good for this upcoming zombie title.
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World War Z in VR
If you’re a zombie fan, then you’re probably well aware of the World War Z franchise. Originally beginning life as a book by Max Brooks, before being made into the film starring Brad Pitt, and then the flatscreen game World War Z, it’s now time for the VR version!
World War Z VR is a port, with the added benefit of motion controls and a few other tweaks. Whether it’s the film or the game, what the franchise is best known for is the sheer amount of ravenous zombies on screen. Saber Interactive has somehow managed to do this on Meta Quest, albeit maxing out around 200 zombies. Even so, that’s more than most VR zombie games have ever managed!
World War Z VR Preview
That makes for a great start to World War Z VR, encountering a few undead through various city streets before the real hordes flood in. And they do flood in. As 131XR finds in its early preview, World War Z VR keeps up very well with other incarnations of the franchise. Players will have a variety of weaponry on hand to cut the throngs of zombies down, from silenced pistols in the early stages to fully automatic assault rifles once the going gets tough.
However, the flatscreen version of World War Z is known for its co-op multiplayer. With friends watching your back to the bitter end. In VR, the co-op mode has been shelved and replaced by AI characters. While these do plenty of damage, it’s up to you to keep them healed and healthy. 131XR notes that this doesn’t impede the action, but you lose that sense of camaraderie.
Furthermore, there are several design choices that 131XR hopes are fixed. While the controls have been designed for immersive gameplay, there still seems to be some latent flatscreen button inputs. For example, pressing A to load each shell into a shotgun, or pressing the same button to pull a grenade pin, rather than, you know, actually pulling it.
Apart from that, 131XR has very positive things to say about the upcoming zombie game.
What Happens Next?
World War Z VR is set for release on 12th August 2025 via the Meta Store and Steam, priced at $19.99 USD / £14.99 GBP / €19.99 EUR. It’ll support Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest Pro, and PCVR headsets, with special pre-order bonuses available until launch day.
At present, there’s been no mention of a PSVR 2 edition either.
Expect to see a full review from 131XR around the time of launch. Are you looking forward to World War Z VR? Let us know in the comments.
