Virtual reality (VR) gaming continues to redefine immersive entertainment, and 2024 was a landmark year for VR enthusiasts. Steam’s annual rankings spotlight the best VR-exclusive titles, measuring their success through gross revenue. These games, designed exclusively for VR platforms, have not only captivated players but also pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in virtual worlds. In this blog post, we’ll explore Steam’s top-ranked VR games of 2024, categorized by revenue tiers, and analyze the trends shaping the future of VR gaming.
Best VR Games of 2024 on Steam – Revenue Leaders and Player Favorites
Understanding the Ranking Criteria
Steam’s ranking methodology for 2024 provides a transparent look at the top-performing VR games. Key factors include:
- Data Collection Period: January 1 to December 15, 2024.
- Gross Revenue: The primary metric for categorizing games.
- Revenue Tiers: Titles are grouped into Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories, reflecting their relative financial success.
- VR-Exclusive Focus: Only games designed exclusively for VR headsets are considered, ensuring a spotlight on truly immersive experiences.
Platinum Tier VR Games
The Platinum tier represents the pinnacle of VR gaming success, showcasing the top twelve games with the highest gross revenues in 2024. These titles have set new standards for innovation, interactivity, and player engagement.
Key Innovations in Platinum VR Titles
Platinum-tier games feature groundbreaking advancements, including:
- Enhanced Immersion: Improved motion tracking and haptic feedback.
- Dynamic Gameplay: AI-driven interactions and adaptive difficulty settings.
- Expansive Worlds: Rich, open-world environments designed for VR exploration.
Spotlight on Standout Titles in Platinum Tier
1. Gorilla Tag
Gorilla Tag is a fun and engaging VR game where players use unique locomotion techniques, swinging their arms to move as gorillas in a multiplayer environment. It’s perfect for tag-based games and socializing with others in a virtual jungle.
- Developer: Another Axiom
- Publisher: Another Axiom
2. VTOL VR
VTOL VR is a fully immersive combat flight simulator built for VR. Players take the role of a fighter jet pilot, with hands-on controls and missions that test aerial combat skills. The realistic yet accessible design sets it apart from traditional flight sims.
- Developer: Boundless Dynamics, LLC
- Publisher: Boundless Dynamics, LLC
3. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR
Skyrim VR brings the critically acclaimed open-world RPG to virtual reality, offering unparalleled immersion in the land of Tamriel. Explore dungeons, fight dragons, and shape your destiny in this VR adaptation of a classic adventure.
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
4. Arizona Sunshine 2
Arizona Sunshine 2 is a zombie survival shooter that takes players on a thrilling VR journey through a post-apocalyptic world filled with undead hordes. The game offers immersive storytelling, combat, and survival mechanics.
- Developer: Vertigo Games
- Publisher: Vertigo Games
5. Ghosts of Tabor
Ghosts of Tabor is a tactical VR shooter that blends survival and realism in an intense multiplayer experience. Inspired by games like Escape from Tarkov, it focuses on strategy, resource gathering, and combat in a dangerous world.
- Developer: Combat Waffle Studios
- Publisher: Combat Waffle Studios
6. Fallout 4 VR
Fallout 4 VR takes Bethesda’s iconic post-apocalyptic RPG and transforms it into an immersive VR experience. Players explore the Wasteland, craft settlements, and battle mutants in this highly detailed VR adaptation.
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
7. BONELAB
BONELAB offers a physics-driven sandbox experience with narrative elements, enabling players to interact with a dynamic world full of puzzles, combat, and exploration. Its detailed physics engine makes for creative and unique gameplay.
- Developer: Stress Level Zero
- Publisher: Stress Level Zero
8. Half-Life: Alyx
Half-Life: Alyx is a groundbreaking VR shooter set in the Half-Life universe. Players take on the role of Alyx Vance, fighting against the Combine with intuitive VR mechanics and stunning visuals. It’s often hailed as one of the best VR games ever made.
- Developer: Valve
- Publisher: Valve
9. Blade and Sorcery
Blade and Sorcery is a VR medieval combat simulator that emphasizes realistic physics and intense melee combat. Players can wield swords, axes, magic, and more in dynamic battles with lifelike physics interactions.
- Developer: WarpFrog
- Publisher: WarpFrog
10. Beat Saber
Beat Saber is a rhythmic VR game where players slash glowing blocks to the beat of energetic music. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, it has become a global sensation in the VR gaming space.
- Developer: Beat Games
- Publisher: Beat Games
Gold Tier VR Games
Gold-tier titles are celebrated for their strong performance, balancing mass appeal with innovative gameplay features. These games often come from both established developers and rising stars in the VR industry.
Accessibility and Immersion in Gold Tier Games
Gold-tier games excel in:
- New Player Friendliness: Intuitive tutorials and beginner-friendly mechanics.
- Immersive Features: High-quality graphics and engaging storylines that keep players hooked.
1. Hot Dogs, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades
Hot Dogs, Horseshoes & Hand Grenades (H3VR) is a VR sandbox packed with a vast array of firearms, experimental physics, and quirky mini-games. From realistic shooting ranges to wacky gameplay modes, it’s perfect for enthusiasts of VR gunplay and creative experimentation.
- Developer: RUST LTD.
- Publisher: RUST LTD.
2. Legendary Tales
Legendary Tales is a cooperative VR action RPG offering an immersive dungeon-crawling experience. Players team up to explore procedurally generated worlds, fight enemies, collect loot, and level up their characters in a medieval fantasy setting.
- Developer: Urban Wolf Games
- Publisher: Urban Wolf Games
3. Contractors
Contractors is a fast-paced VR tactical shooter designed for competitive and cooperative multiplayer. With customizable loadouts, realistic gunplay, and modding support, it offers an exciting environment for both casual and hardcore players.
- Developer: Caveman Studio
- Publisher: Caveman Studio
4. Metro Awakening
Metro Awakening is an atmospheric VR survival game set in a dystopian world. Players navigate abandoned tunnels and urban ruins, scavenging resources and facing intense challenges to survive in a post-apocalyptic metro system.
- Developer: Dreamside Interactive
- Publisher: Dreamside Interactive
5. Contractors Showdown – Exfil Zone
This standalone expansion to Contractors introduces new maps, game modes, and objectives that focus on team-based combat. It emphasizes tactical coordination and immersive VR mechanics, making it a must-play for fans of strategic VR shooters.
- Developer: Caveman Studio
- Publisher: Caveman Studio
6. UNDERDOGS
UNDERDOGS is a VR mech brawler where players pilot giant mechs in fast-paced, chaotic combat. Customize your machine and unleash devastating attacks in action-packed battles that combine skill, strategy, and a touch of humor.
- Developer: Gamedust
- Publisher: Gamedust
7. HARD BULLET
HARD BULLET is a physics-based VR shooter that allows players to experiment with creative combat scenarios. It features detailed gun mechanics, brutal melee combat, and a sandbox mode for endless experimentation with enemies and weapons.
- Developer: GexagonVR
- Publisher: GexagonVR
8. Standable: Full Body Estimation
Standable: Full Body Estimation is a VR tool designed to bring advanced full-body tracking to VR experiences. It uses innovative technology to improve avatar realism, perfect for gamers seeking greater immersion in their favorite VR titles.
- Developer: Standable
- Publisher: Standable
9. BONEWORKS
BONEWORKS is a physics-driven VR action-adventure game with a focus on immersive mechanics. Players explore a mysterious virtual reality facility, solving puzzles and battling enemies using realistic interactions and innovative gameplay.
- Developer: Stress Level Zero
- Publisher: Stress Level Zero
10. Into the Radius VR
Into the Radius VR is a survival horror adventure set in a haunting, post-apocalyptic zone. Players must scavenge for supplies, fend off eerie threats, and unravel the mysteries of a deadly anomaly in this gripping and immersive VR experience.
- Developer: CM Games
- Publisher: CM Games
Silver Tier VR Games
While not as commercially successful as Platinum and Gold titles, Silver and Bronze tier games highlight the diversity and creativity within the VR gaming space.
1. Ancient Dungeon
Ancient Dungeon is a roguelike VR dungeon crawler where players explore procedurally generated labyrinths filled with traps, treasures, and enemies. With dynamic combat, puzzles, and upgrades, it offers endless replayability in a pixelated VR world.
- Developer: ErThu
- Publisher: ErThu
2. Vertigo 2
Vertigo 2 is a narrative-driven VR adventure set in a surreal, interconnected world. Players embark on a journey full of puzzles, combat, and exploration as they navigate mysterious environments and encounter bizarre creatures.
- Developer: Zulubo Productions
- Publisher: Zulubo Productions
3. Arizona Sunshine
Arizona Sunshine is a VR zombie shooter that immerses players in a post-apocalyptic desert landscape. Featuring an engaging campaign, multiplayer modes, and realistic weapon mechanics, it’s a fan-favorite for VR survival action.
- Developer: Vertigo Games
- Publisher: Vertigo Games
4. OVR Toolkit
OVR Toolkit is a VR utility application that brings your desktop apps, web browsers, and other overlays into your VR experience. Perfect for multitasking, it lets users manage their virtual workspace with ease and efficiency.
- Developer: Curtis English
- Publisher: OVR Tools
5. VR Kanojo
VR Kanojo is an intimate simulation game where players interact with a virtual character in a cozy environment. Designed for those seeking a lighthearted and immersive social VR experience, the game offers playful scenarios and personalization options.
- Developer: Illusion
- Publisher: Illusion
6. RUMBLE
RUMBLE is a competitive VR game where players master earthbending-style mechanics to fight opponents. With unique gesture-based controls and physics-driven combat, it’s an exciting choice for fans of creative PvP gameplay.
- Developer: Buckethead Entertainment
- Publisher: Buckethead Entertainment
7. Pistol Whip
Pistol Whip is a rhythm-based VR action shooter that combines cinematic visuals, music-driven gameplay, and fast-paced gunplay. Players shoot and dodge enemies to the beat of a dynamic soundtrack, creating an adrenaline-pumping experience.
- Developer: Cloudhead Games
- Publisher: Cloudhead Games
8. VAIL VR
VAIL VR is a competitive multiplayer VR shooter with an emphasis on tactical team-based gameplay. Featuring realistic physics, weapon handling, and immersive maps, it’s designed to be the premier esports-ready VR FPS.
- Developer: AEXLAB
- Publisher: AEXLAB
9. Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2
Five Nights at Freddy’s: Help Wanted 2 is a VR horror experience that builds on the franchise’s legacy of jump scares and eerie atmospheres. Players face terrifying animatronics and solve puzzles in this immersive addition to the FNAF universe.
- Developer: Steel Wool Studios
- Publisher: ScottGames
10. Waltz of the Wizard
Waltz of the Wizard is a VR fantasy game where players harness the powers of a wizard, crafting spells, solving mysteries, and exploring magical environments. With its interactive world and creative magic system, it’s a must-try for VR fantasy fans.
- Developer: Aldin Dynamics
- Publisher: Aldin Dynamics
11. Kayak VR: Mirage
Kayak VR: Mirage is a visually stunning kayaking simulator that lets players explore breathtaking natural environments. Paddle through tranquil waters or take on adrenaline-pumping time trials in this relaxing yet competitive VR experience.
- Developer: Better Than Life
- Publisher: Better Than Life
12. Virtual Desktop Classic
Virtual Desktop Classic brings the convenience of your PC desktop into VR. Ideal for gaming, streaming, or multitasking, it allows users to access their computer and applications seamlessly in a virtual reality environment.
- Developer: Guy Godin
- Publisher: Guy Godin
FAQs
- What makes a VR-exclusive game different from other VR-compatible games?
VR-exclusive games are designed specifically for VR headsets, ensuring optimal immersion and interaction. - How are Steam’s revenue tiers determined for VR games?
You can find best vr games of 2024 on Steam, the titles are ranked by their gross revenue, grouped into Platinum, Gold and Silver categories. - What kind of hardware do I need to play these top-tier VR games?
Most titles require a compatible VR headset, such as the Valve Index or Oculus Quest. - Which genre saw the most success in VR gaming in 2024?
Adventure, simulation, and multiplayer games were among the top-performing genres. - What upcoming VR games or trends should players watch for in 2025?
Look out for advancements in VR hardware, new social VR experiences, and groundbreaking game releases.
Virtual reality has rapidly evolved beyond mainstream gaming genres, giving rise to niche titles that cater to highly specific interests and audiences.
Unlike traditional gaming, VR opens up limitless possibilities to immerse players in unconventional and imaginative scenarios. These niche titles range from historical simulations that transport users to ancient civilizations to surreal, abstract art experiences that feel like stepping inside a moving painting.
One of the standout features of niche VR titles is their strong connection to the gaming community. Smaller, indie studios often create these games, and they heavily rely on user feedback to shape and enhance their projects. Steam provides these developers with a direct line to their audience, enabling constant refinement through updates, new content, and bug fixes. Community-driven games like RUMBLE, which evolves its gesture-based mechanics based on player suggestions, and BONEWORKS, which gained a cult following due to its focus on realistic physics, are perfect examples of this dynamic relationship.
As VR technology continues to advance in performance and drop in price, the library of VR games grows increasingly diverse, with 2024 showcasing some of the best examples yet. These niche VR titles play a crucial role in shaping the future of virtual reality gaming, bringing innovative ideas and cultivating diverse communities that push the medium forward. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or a fan of experimental gameplay, there’s a VR experience waiting to immerse you in ways you never imagined.
