For those who just got their Quest VR, choosing your first game can be surprisingly difficult.
After playing over 100 VR games, I’ve learned that only a limited number of titles are truly suitable for beginners. If you accidentally choose a game that causes motion sickness first, you might develop a negative impression of VR itself.
That’s why I’ve selected 10 truly recommended VR games based on three criteria: ‘less likely to cause motion sickness’, ‘simple controls’, and ‘popular in Japan’. Choose 3-4 games from this list and you’ll be able to fully experience the charm of VR!
1. Beat Saber
Beat Saber is a simple game where you slice flying cubes with lightsabers to the rhythm of music, but the exhilaration is exceptional!
You’ll feel like a Jedi from Star Wars, using your whole body to move with the rhythm, making it surprisingly enjoyable even for those who aren’t good at rhythm games.
The fitness benefits are also outstanding - playing on Expert+ level for an hour can burn over 400 calories! It’s a two-birds-with-one-stone game that lets you exercise while having fun.
It’s the go-to title when introducing friends to VR, with the simple explanation of ‘slice the flying cubes’ being all they need to start playing immediately.
2. SUPERHOT VR
The defining feature of SUPERHOT VR is its revolutionary system where ‘time only moves when you move’.
When you’re still, bullets and enemies remain frozen, allowing you to look around, strategize, and time your movements - enjoying gameplay that fuses action and puzzle elements.
You can throw glass cups to distract enemies, dodge bullets in slow motion - it’s like stepping into the world of The Matrix!
While it takes some time to get used to the system at first, once you get the hang of it, the game becomes incredibly addictive. This is truly a unique experience only possible in VR!
3. I Am Cat
I Am Cat, which appeared at the end of 2024 and quickly became a sensation, is literally a VR game where you play as a cat.
With its unique control method that uses both hands to recreate four-legged movement, you can explore the world from a cat’s perspective. Familiar furniture looks completely different from this low viewpoint - it’s refreshing!
Knock things off tables, climb curtains - the game is full of cat-specific mischief. It’s silly but fun!
However, the arm fatigue from four-legged walking is considerable… Play for 30 minutes and muscle soreness the next day is guaranteed, but it’s still addictively fun!
4. Walkabout Mini Golf
You might think mini golf sounds boring, but VR’s Walkabout Mini Golf is exceptional!
With its sophisticated physics engine, you can play with the sensation of actually playing golf. The course designs are wonderful, letting you golf in impossible real-world locations like fantasy worlds and space stations.
Supporting up to 8-player online play with voice chat, you can enjoy chatting while playing. It’s like going on a golf trip with friends!
The ‘Labyrinth’ course is especially recommended. With its unique setting of golfing in a maze, you’re sure to be impressed by the beauty of the fantasy world.
5. Job Simulator
Job Simulator is the perfect introduction for VR beginners. It’s the best way to experience the wonder of ‘using your hands in VR!’
Set in a future where robots handle all jobs, you experience human ‘jobs’ as museum exhibits. Enjoy various professions like convenience store clerk, chef, and office worker in chaotic ways.
Put donuts in copy machines, add massive amounts of sugar to coffee, throw papers around - the charm is being able to do things you can’t in reality.
The robots give unique reactions no matter what you do, so you can have fun without fear of failure. When friends take turns playing, it’s fun to see everyone’s different approaches!
6. Eleven Table Tennis
I was skeptical about playing table tennis in VR, but the quality of Eleven Table Tennis amazed me!
From ball spin to bouncing, the physics are perfectly recreated, and I was impressed by how accurately drives and cuts are reproduced.
Online matches let you play against players worldwide in serious games. You’ll lose track of time playing, getting overwhelmed by Chinese players’ spin serves!
Playable even in small 6-tatami rooms, it’s perfect for Japanese living conditions. The charm is enjoying authentic table tennis without needing space for an actual table.
7. Moss
Moss is a third-person VR adventure where you guide a small mouse girl named Quill.
Its unique perspective feels like peering into a storybook world. You can discover hidden passages by moving your head to look from different angles, reach out to move obstacles and help Quill - enjoying VR-unique interactions.
High-fiving Quill, communicating through gestures - the detailed presentation makes you emotionally invested. Quill’s presence is so strong you’ll want to cheer her on!
With no motion sickness concerns and Japanese subtitle support, it’s enjoyable for children and adults alike. The sequel Moss: Book II has also been released, making it a series you can enjoy for a long time!
8. Pistol Whip
Pistol Whip is a rhythm gun action game where you stylishly shoot to the beat of music.
Experience John Wick-style action scenes in VR, dodging bullets by leaning your body while defeating enemies to the rhythm - the exhilaration is addictive.
The popular ‘2089’ stage perfectly matches its cyberpunk world with upbeat music! Even if it’s difficult at first, you’ll gradually learn to dodge bullets gracefully, feeling your growth - that’s part of its charm.
You’ll move your body quite a bit, so muscle soreness the next day is unavoidable… but you’ll still want to play ‘one more time!’ with its addictive nature. Auto-aim is available for those not confident with shooters.
9. Resident Evil 4 VR
This complete VR remake of the masterpiece Resident Evil 4 is worth challenging even for those who don’t like horror.
The immersion of holding weapons, reloading, and swinging knives with your own hands is a completely different dimension from the flat-screen version. The empty gun sound when out of ammo and the terror of chainsaw-wielding enemies approaching from behind… this tension can only be experienced in VR!
Not just horror elements, but all of RE4’s charms are optimized for VR - organizing your attaché case, treasure hunting, unique merchant interactions.
With full Japanese voice and subtitle support, plus comprehensive movement and comfort settings, even VR beginners can feel safe. However, be prepared for heart-stopping tension in the village’s first battle where enemies approach from 360 degrees!
10. VRChat
VRChat, one of the world’s largest social VR platforms, offers the experience of ‘living in another world’ for free.
While the official UI is in English, the Japanese community is very active with beginner-friendly worlds like ‘Beginner Gatherings’. Even those not confident in English can start safely.
Explore tens of thousands of user-created worlds, from Edo period towns to space stations - every day is like traveling to another world.
The regularly held Virtual Market (Vket) is a must-see. It’s a virtual world festival where you can get limited avatars at major company booths and see works by famous creators.
However, its charm comes with the danger of losing track of time… finding yourself at 5 AM isn’t uncommon, but that’s how captivating this world is.
Conclusion
All 10 titles introduced here are confidently recommended for VR beginners.
Start by experiencing VR’s possibilities with the free VRChat, then play Beat Saber or Walkabout Mini Golf with friends you meet there - that’s the ideal start to your VR life.
However, to avoid motion sickness, I strongly recommend starting with short 30-minute sessions and gradually extending your playtime.
Beyond the games introduced in this article, amazing VR titles continue to be released. I support your wonderful VR life! Let’s enjoy the world of VR together!