Simulation games are ideally suited to virtual reality due to the incredibly immersive experience it provides. You can feel like you are really sitting in a racing car or plane, for example, allowing you to have an authentic experience that is as close as most people will get to the real thing. This article covers the best VR simulation games I have played, and each one provides a terrific interpretation of the real-world experience.
I’m going to cover a range of flight and racing simulators, as well as some other sports and activity simulators that do an amazing job of recreating each real-life activity. Some of these games require a PC VR headset, but about half of them can be played on standalone headsets such as Quest 2. This isn’t an exhaustive list of VR simulator games but picks the best ones and my favorites from each sub-genre.
I’ve played all of the games on this list, racking up hundreds of hours of game time between them. I currently use one of three VR headsets; the HP Reverb G2, which is a terrific option for PC VR simulation games, and the Quest 2 and Pico 4, which can be used in both standalone mode and for PC VR games.
1. DCS World
DCS World is a flight simulator developed by Eagle Dynamics that offers an incredibly realistic and immersive experience of flying military aircraft, and the VR implementation is really impressive. DCS World provides a wide variety of aircraft to fly and a selection of highly detailed environments to explore and engage in aerial combat. The base game is free-to-play and comes with several free aircraft.
You’ll need a powerful PC to run it, but if you have the right hardware, DCS World offers an unparalleled experience thanks to the stunning visuals and incredible attention to detail. Each aircraft is accurately modeled inside and out, and all of the aircraft systems work just as they would in the real thing. There are numerous missions and scenarios, but much of the enjoyment of DCS comes from the sandbox nature of the simulation.
The game features a variety of aircraft from different eras, including modern jets such as the F-16C Fighting Falcon, A-10C, and F-14, as well as classic warbirds like the P-51D Mustang and Spitfire Mk IX. Players can also fly helicopters such as the UH-1H Huey or AH-64 Apache. I’m a huge fan of the helicopters in DCS World and I’ve become a decent virtual helicopter pilot over the space of many hundreds of hours of flight time.
Each aircraft has its own unique flight model that accurately simulates how it would handle in real life. In addition to these aircraft, DCS World includes detailed terrain maps based on real-world locations such as Nevada Test & Training Range (NTTR) and the Caucasus Mountains.
Playing DCS World in VR is an incredible experience that allows players to feel like they are actually inside the cockpit of their chosen plane or helicopter. All of the controls are rendered realistically and you can interact with them using your VR controllers that appear as virtual hands. You will really need a joystick as a minimum to play DCS, and a HOTAS and pedals will significantly improve your enjoyment and ability to fly.
You can download DCS World directly from the Eagle Dynamics website, and this is the best option, although it is also available on Steam. It works well with most PCVR headsets, but I also play DCS World with my Quest 2 and Pico 4 with either a wired or wireless connection to my VR-ready PC without any issues.
Eagle Dynamics offer a 14-day free trial for each of the aircraft, so you can try this VR simulation game completely free to see if you like it before spending any money.
2. Flight Simulator 2020
Microsoft Flight Simulator VR is the latest version of Microsoft’s long-running flight simulator series. It was released in 2020 and has been met with critical acclaim for its realistic graphics, detailed aircraft models, and immersive virtual reality experience. It has a much greater focus on civilian aircraft than DCS World but is an equally high-quality VR flight simulator. It was initially released without VR support, but this was added in 2021, and there has been a steady stream of updates to the game, adding additional aircraft, landmarks, and airports.
Microsoft Flight Simulator wasn’t perfect at launch, but the developers have done a great job of steadily improving it and ironing out any rough edges since its release. I was particularly pleased by the addition of helicopters in November 2021.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is very accessible for all types of virtual pilots as it gives you complete control over how realistic, or not, you want your experience to be. Flight controls are not essential as you can play it easily with a gamepad, improving the accessibility.
The graphics and attention to detail in all the aircraft I have tried are astonishing, and the weather effects are hugely impressive. This is another VR simulation game that can push your computer to the limit and beyond, but this isn’t actually a bad thing, as it still looks great with the settings turned down, and means the game will still look amazing compared to other VR flight simulators for years to come.
The VR implementation within Microsoft Flight Simulator works really well, and VR controller support is implemented, although not completely flawless. I fully expect things to improve over time and it should mature into one of the best VR flight simulators available.
The game allows players to take control of a variety of aircraft from around the world and fly them across vast landscapes, complete with fully customizable real-time weather effects and dynamic day/night cycles. There is also a vibrant marketplace where you can purchase additional aircraft, airports, and liveries to enhance your experience.
Overall, Microsoft Flight Simulator VR provides an incredible level of realism that makes it a fantastic VR simulation game and one that I would wholeheartedly recommend. It’s only available for PC VR headsets and you can buy it on Steam or from the Microsoft store. I’ve played it using all of my VR headsets, including wirelessly with the Quest 2 and Pico 4, and encountered no significant technical issues. Prepare yourself for the hefty download size and make sure your computer can handle it.
3. X-Plane 12
Rounding out a trio of my favorite VR flight simulators is X-Plane 12. With a long pedigree in the flight simulation space, Laminar Research’s X-Plane is a simulator that is ideally suited to the more dedicated flight simulation enthusiast and is widely considered to be one of the best flight simulators available, with an incredibly realistic and accurate flight model. X-Plane 12 has recently been released, so I highly recommend you opt for this version rather than X-Plane 11.
Using X-Plane 12 with a VR headset is an immersive and engaging experience, making you feel like you are really sitting behind the controls of each aircraft and able to fly exactly as you would in real life. VR controller support is better than any other VR flight simulator I have tried, and with the exception of some teething problems as X-Plane transitions to version 12, it is a wonderful experience.
The visuals in X-Plane 12 are stunning, with detailed environments and realistic aircraft models. The game also features a wide range of aircraft, from single-engine prop planes to large commercial airliners. The level of detail in the aircraft models is impressive and the flight dynamics are incredibly realistic.
X-Plane 12 is more suited to flight simulator enthusiasts and people who want to take a deep dive into the world of flight simulation. For those who just want to dabble in this type of VR simulation game, Microsoft Flight Simulator is a better option. However, for those who are willing to ride the learning curve, your reward is a deep and engaging experience that can provide an enormous amount of interest and entertainment.
X-Plane 12 is available on Steam and also as a standalone application. You will need a powerful PC to play it and a VR headset that is able to connect to your computer to play PC VR content. Once again, I’ve had a pretty much flawless experience using my VR headsets with X-Plane 12.
4. Eleven Table Tennis
You might not immediately think table tennis would make a list of the best VR simulation games, but stick with me for a minute. Eleven Table Tennis is a virtual reality game that puts you in the shoes of a professional table tennis player and it does an incredibly good job of simulating the game of table tennis. It’s consistently one of the first games I recommend to anyone who gets a new VR headset.
The combination of exceptional physics, terrific gameplay, and physical movements that mimic real-world table tennis makes this an exceptional VR simulation game. You stand and move about just as you would if you were playing real table tennis, and the weight of your controllers and the way you hold and swing them are surprisingly similar to using a real table tennis bat.
The controls are intuitive and easy to learn, and it won’t take long for you to learn the basics. Using different shot types and adding spin to your shots feels natural, but requires a precise touch that you will learn over time. The gameplay itself is fast-paced and intense, requiring quick reflexes and strategic thinking in order to win matches.
Eleven Table tennis is a game that I have spent countless hours playing, and it’s the immensely satisfying gameplay that keeps me coming back, rather than any artificial mechanisms to keep me playing. I’ve tried transferring my skills in the game to real table tennis recently, and after a short period of adjustment, I found myself playing much better due to my experience with Eleven Table Tennis.
This is a must-have VR simulation game for anyone with a VR headset. It’s available on Steam for all PC VR headsets, as well as on the Oculus Store for Quest 2 and Quest Pro, and the Pico Store for Pico 4, etc.
5. Assetto Corsa
Assetto Corsa is a racing simulator developed by Kunos Simulazioni that was released in 2014 and has since become one of the most popular driving simulators on the market. Initially released without VR support, this was added several years ago, turning Assetto Corsa into one of the best VR driving simulators I have played.
Assetto Corsa offers an incredibly realistic driving experience with its advanced physics engine and detailed car models. The game also features a wide variety of tracks from around the world, including some iconic circuits like Monza and Silverstone.
Playing Assetto Corsa in virtual reality takes this realism to another level as you are able to immerse yourself in the experience and have a highly authentic racing experience. In addition, it actually improves my performance compared to playing on a flat screen due to the greater situational awareness you have, due to being able to look around to spot other cars easily and judge corners and distances more accurately.
Whilst I can’t claim to be any better than average at driving, I love the challenge of trying to beat my best lap times and have spent many, many hours in this VR simulation game, enjoying every minute.
Assetto Corsa was released quite a few years ago, but the graphics stand up quite well, and the impeccable physics and simulation systems ensure that this remains one of the best options if you are looking for a terrific VR racing simulator.
Assetto Corsa is a fantastic VR simulation game that I would highly recommend. It’s available on Steam for most PC VR headsets and supports a wide range of wheels and pedals, but also has controller support.
6. Automobilista 2
Automobilista 2 is an impressive VR racing game that has been met with a lot of praise from sim racers. Built on the ‘Madness Engine’ used for Project CARS 2, it’s arguably one of the best-looking games in VR right now. The AI can be questionable at times but this should improve over time as updates are released.
Automobilista 2 is the sequel to the original Automobilista game and features a wide range of cars, tracks, and environments that are designed to provide a realistic driving experience. The game also features a range of different game modes such as time attack, career mode, and online multiplayer.
The VR implementation in Automobilista 2 is really solid and I’ve had no significant issues using it with any of my VR headsets. The out-of-the-box experience is really solid and there is plenty more DLC content being added over time, as well as improvements to the gameplay. It’s suitable for all skill levels thanks to the granular gameplay settings that let you customize how simple or challenging you want your experience to be.
Automobilista 2 is currently only available on PC so PSVR users are out of luck here. You can buy Automobilista 2 on Steam and it works with the majority of PCVR headsets as well as some standalone headsets that are able to connect to a VR-ready PC, such as Pico 4 and Quest 2. All in all, Automobilista 2 offers an excellent option for those looking for a quality VR racing game!
7. Dirt Rally 2.0
Moving to a different type of racing, Dirt Rally 2.0 is a terrific VR sim that I have spent many enjoyable hours playing. The graphics are pretty good and the VR implementation is excellent, with no major issues. It’s a slightly more accessible driving game for people without prior experience and feels really rewarding and fun to play regardless of your skill level.
As with all driving games, the learning curve is long and winding, but the steady improvement you will see over time if you put the effort in can be hugely rewarding.
The cars and environments are all highly detailed and look great in VR. The tracks are also well-designed, with varied terrain and challenging layouts. The physics engine does a great job of simulating the feel of driving a real rally car, although some people have highlighted a few deficiencies in the handling and physics that may be noticed by hardcore rallying fans.
Overall, Dirt Rally 2.0 VR is a great VR simulation game that I would recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in driving games. It’s available on Steam for PC VR headsets but is not available for PSVR.
8. The Thrill Of The Fight
The Thrill of the Fight VR is a virtual reality boxing game that puts you in the ring with a variety of opponents. Developed by Ian Fitz, the game has been praised for its realistic boxing mechanics and immersive experience. This is a boxing simulator first and foremost, shunning any glitzy game mechanics in favor of realism and impeccable gameplay.
The game’s visuals are perfectly adequate, but I certainly wouldn’t describe it as a beautiful game. The visuals don’t get in the way of the experience, but they definitely don’t enhance it much either. The characters and environments are well-rendered, and the character movements are pretty good. The game also features a variety of boxing rings, each with its own unique look and feel. The sound design is quite good, with realistic sound effects.
The game’s controls are intuitive and easy to learn. You use your motion controls to throw realistic punches, and you’ll be expected to move, dodge and duck in a realistic manner to outmaneuver your opponent. Much like the real sport, this is a high-tempo game that will provide a terrific workout. You may want to consider a waterproof facial interface for your headset, as you’re going to work up a sweat.
I prefer to play The Thrill of the Fight using a standalone headset such as Quest 2 or Pico 4 so I don’t have to worry about a cable tethering me to the computer, but the game actually does a great job of keeping you close to the center of your play space, so it’s not that much of an issue. I did stray a little close to the edge of my playspace once, resulting in me punching a wall, but thankfully no damage was done.
You don’t have to take my word for how good this VR simulation game is, just look at the exceptional reviews on both the Oculus store and Steam and you’ll know this is a game that you should get. It’s a game that I recommend wholeheartedly to everyone with a VR headset, regardless of their interest in boxing.
One of the only major downsides of The Thrill of the Fight is the limited content available. You can fight a series of boxers at a range of difficulty levels and there are a number of training modes, but there isn’t much more content than this. It’s priced extremely reasonably to reflect this fact, but the quality of the gameplay will have you playing this game for hours on end. There is also no multiplayer mode, which is a real disappointment.
I actually use The Thrill of the Fight as a way to exercise on a regular basis, as it’s one of the most high-intensity VR exercise games I have found, and even 10-15 minutes of playtime will have you completely exhausted and breathing hard.
The Thrill of the Fight VR is the best VR boxing game available today and is available on Steam and on the Oculus Store for the majority of VR headsets.
9. Black Hole Pool VR
Moving from one excellent VR sports sim to another, Black Hole Pool VR is a unique and immersive VR simulation game that takes the classic game of pool to a whole new level. Developed by Black Hole Games, this is a relaxing and hugely satisfying VR experience that perfectly encapsulates the best bits of playing pool.
Black Hole Pool VR features a variety of game modes, including 8-ball and 9-ball pool, single-player, local multiplayer, and online multiplayer. The graphics in Black Hole Pool VR are excellent and the game runs smoothly on most modern VR headsets. The game features realistic physics and ball movement, making it feel like a real pool game.
The controls in Black Hole Pool VR are easy to learn and intuitive. You use your motion controllers in a similar manner to holding a real pool cue, which enhances the sense of immersion, and I found the controls felt pretty natural to use within about 30 minutes of playing.
Once again, I’ve been so impressed by the focus on providing a highly realistic simulation of real-world pool within VR. This is a terrific VR simulation game and one that anyone with a compatible VR headset should get.
Black Hole Pool is available on Steam for PC VR headsets and on the Oculus Store for Quest 2, Quest Pro, and other Meta headsets. I’ve played it using Quest 2, Pico 4, and HP Reverb G2 in standalone mode, wireless PCVR mode and wired PCVR mode and it has worked without any issues.
10. Premium Bowling VR
Premium Bowling VR is a polished and hugely enjoyable virtual reality bowling game that is available on Steam for PC VR headsets, on the Oculus Store for Quest 2 and other Meta headsets, and also for PCVR.
Premium Bowling VR is an incredibly good VR simulation game that perfectly captures the experience of bowling in VR. With the exception of feeling the weight of a bowling ball, it feels like an extremely authentic experience.
It has great graphics, plenty of different environments to play in, excellent audio, and loads of gameplay modes. I love the fact that you can play single-player with other real players visible on the other lanes, which really improves the immersion of the experience. You can also play local multiplayer, or online multiplayer to challenge other players around the world to a game.
You would imagine that it must be pretty hard to recreate bowling in VR when bowling balls are so much heavier than a VR controller, but the developers have pulled this off wonderfully. I was amazed at how even subtle differences in my bowling action impacted my shots, and I was able to experiment with a range of techniques in an effort to improve.
The challenge of beating your high score for a game or series is so addictive that I find myself playing this game for hours on end, often resulting in sore arms and legs the next day as a reminder of my efforts. After playing this game so much recently, I had an opportunity to do some real-life bowling with friends, and I was delighted with how much of what I had learned in the game translated into my real-world performance.
11. Euro Truck Simulator 2
Euro Truck Simulator 2 is a hugely popular truck driving simulator game developed by SCS Software that was originally released in 2012. It has since become one of the most successful games in its genre, with millions of players around the world, allowing you to drive trucks across Europe, delivering cargo from city to city while earning money and unlocking new vehicles.
It was originally released for normal PC gaming, but VR support was added several years after release, and this has turned it into one of the best VR simulation games around. It’s available on Steam and you will need a VR headset that can connect to a VR-ready PC to be able to play it.
Euro Truck Simulator VR tasks you with driving a variety of cargo long distances from point to point across Europe, and slowly building up your trucking business. Whilst the geography of the roads does not resemble the real world, and the graphics are a bit dated, the driving gameplay feels very realistic and is hugely enjoyable.
It’s incredibly immersive to feel that you are sitting in a real truck and driving in a way that feels natural. Being able to look around your cab, and check your mirrors and blind spots, without having to take your eyes off the road is so much more satisfying than trying to control the camera with a mouse.
This is a game that has gained hundreds of thousands of overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam, and this is a testament to the exceptional gameplay and well-paced progression. It can feel like a bit of a grind at times, as individual trucking jobs can take quite a long time, but the gameplay is really enjoyable and you quickly immerse yourself in the role of a trucker in a way that feels very satisfying.
12. Elite Dangerous
Elite Dangerous is a space exploration and combat simulation game developed and published by Frontier Developments. Elite Dangerous is set in a vast 1:1 simulation of the Milky Way galaxy, with players taking the role of a spaceship pilot, trading, exploring, and engaging in combat with both computer-controlled and other players.
Elite Dangerous VR is a fully immersive VR simulation game, allowing players to explore the universe in a completely new way. Players can use their motion controllers, a joystick, HOTAS, or a gamepad to play, allowing them to fly their ship, explore planets, and engage in combat with other players. It features excellent visuals and immersive audio that stand up really well to today’s standards despite this game being released quite a few years ago now.
Elite Dangerous VR is often described as a space trucking simulator, and similar to Euro Truck Simulator, it’s one that takes a lot of time and patience to make progress in, but is hugely rewarding if you are prepared to put in the time required.
Elite Dangerous VR is available on Steam and on the Oculus Store but is only available for PCVR headsets. With its vast universe, exciting combat, and immersive VR experience, Elite Dangerous VR is a fantastic VR simulation game that is well worth checking out.
13. Golf+
Golf+ VR allows you to play realistic golf in virtual reality from the comfort of your home. It features a number of game modes, including a driving range, TopGolf, putting courses, as well as a growing number of golf courses to play on, many of which are modeled on their real-life counterparts.
Golf+ VR has realistic physics and swing mechanics that make it feel like you are playing a real game of golf, and whilst the graphics are fairly simplistic, they don’t detract from the enjoyment of the experience. Whilst swinging a VR controller doesn’t feel completely authentic, I have purchased a golf club controller attachment that is a game changer in terms of making it feel like you are swinging a real club.
Whilst there are quite a number of VR golf games available, Golf+ is the best option at present, although it is exclusive to Meta VR headsets such as the Quest 2. It took me a while to adjust the swing options to my liking, adjusting the clubface angle and shot power to closely match my real-world shots, but once I did, and with the addition of the golf club controller, Golf+ became a really enjoyable and surprisingly authentic golf simulator. You can read my top tips for improving your Golf+ skills here.
Let’s not get carried away though, it’s nowhere near as accurate as real golf, or even as good as using one of the many launch monitors that are available, but for a low-cost VR golf setup, I’ve been hugely impressed.
The courses are varied and unique, with lush greens, sand traps, and water hazards that make each round of golf feel different. The physics engine is also impressive, with realistic ball physics and accurate club and ball trajectories.
There is a range of gameplay modes, as well as the ability to play single-player, local multiplayer, and online multiplayer, so there should be options for everyone.
14. Walkabout Mini Golf VR
You may think I’m straying a little off-topic by including a mini-golf game in my list of the best VR simulation games, but please hear me out. Walkabout Mini Golf VR is a virtual reality mini-golf game that provides an incredibly realistic simulation of real-world mini-golf.
The controls are easy to pick up and intuitive, with swing and shot physics that are just perfect. You use your VR controller to swing your golf club, which feels extremely realistic thanks to the 1-to-1 swing controls, force feedback, excellent physics, and the fact that the weight and action of swinging your VR controller feels really similar to swinging a real putter.
Walkabout Mini Golf VR takes you on a journey through a range of beautiful and varied mini-golf courses, each of which has an easy and hard mode, so beginners can have fun, but there is plenty of room to stretch the skills of more experienced players. There is ongoing support from the developers, Mighty Coconut, who have added additional courses and features to the game over time.
The sound design is also top-notch. You’ll hear the sound of the wind, birds chirping, ambient music, and other environmental effects as you play. Overall, Walkabout Mini Golf VR is a great VR simulation game and one of the best VR sports games I have played and I would highly recommend it. It has overwhelmingly positive reviews and is available on Steam and the Oculus Store for PCVR headsets, as well as select standalone VR headsets including Quest 2 and Quest Pro.
15. Vermillion
Vermillion is a VR painting simulator that will take you on a creative journey like no other. It’s a unique and immersive experience that will leave you feeling inspired and fulfilled.
The game is simple yet complex. You start off with a blank canvas and your imagination. From there, you can use a variety of tools and techniques to create beautiful works of art. The game has a wide variety of brushes and color palettes to choose from, allowing you to create whatever you can imagine.
The game also features a variety of tutorials and challenges to help you hone your skills and become a better artist. It’s a great way to learn the basics of painting and to get creative with your work.
The graphics are stunning and the game runs smoothly on most VR headsets. The controls are intuitive and easy to use, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of the game rather than struggling with the controls. You are able to apply variable pressure to the canvas due to the sensitivity of your motion controllers and you have remarkably fine control over your brushes, allowing you to paint just as if you were using a brush and canvas in real life.
Overall, Vermillion is an excellent VR simulation game that I have spent a lot of time using. It is suitable for beginners or more accomplished artists. I found it hugely satisfying to see my improvement over time, and find it such a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend time in VR.
Vermilion is available on Steam for PC VR headsets and on the Oculus store for standalone headsets such as Quest 2 and Quest Pro.
16. Airport Ground Handling Simulator
Airport Ground Handling Simulator is a simulation game developed by Aviar that puts you in the role of a ground handling agent at an airport, where you must manage the various tasks that need to be done in order to keep the airport running smoothly.
It was originally developed as training software for real airport ground staff, but the developers were encouraged to release it to the general public due to interest from flight simulation enthusiasts. As a result, this is not so much a game as it is a serious introduction to ground handling. There are a series of tutorials and activities to complete, which go into considerable depth, but the volume of content reflects the early access status of this VR simulation game.
I found Airport Ground Handling Simulator VR to be pretty challenging, as there isn’t much room for error in most of the activities, particularly marshaling, where you must get the gestures and motions just right and within strict time limits.
Despite the relatively sparse content currently available, the depth and attention to detail are impressive and I felt I got good value for money with this simulator. I fully expect additional content to be added over time, which should improve the overall package.
Airport Ground Handling Simulator is available on Steam for most PCVR headsets. I did have some minor technical issues when using my HP Reverb G2, but it worked flawlessly when using Quest 2 and Pico 4 in wireless PCR mode.
17. Cooking Simulator VR
Cooking Simulator VR is a unique and immersive virtual reality experience that puts you in the shoes of a professional chef. From the moment you put on your VR headset, you are transported to a virtual kitchen, complete with all the tools and ingredients you need to create delicious meals. The game offers a wide variety of recipes to choose from, ranging from simple dishes to complex gourmet meals. The controls are easy to learn, and the visuals are really appealing.
The core gameplay of Cooking Simulator VR is surprisingly deep and engaging. You must carefully follow the recipes, paying close attention to the ingredients and the cooking times. The game also requires you to use a variety of kitchen tools, from knives to blenders. As you progress, you can unlock more recipes and tools, giving you more freedom to experiment.
The game also features a realistic physics engine, making it feel like you are actually in a kitchen, using the equipment in a realistic manner. The game’s audio and visuals are also top-notch, with realistic sound effects and detailed textures. The game also features a variety of achievements and leaderboards, giving you something to strive for.
Cooking Simulator VR offers a realistic and engaging cooking experience and is a great VR simulation game that I fully intend to spend more time using in the future. It’s available on Steam for PC VR headsets and on the Oculus store for Quest 2 and Quest Pro. The graphics are significantly more basic on the Quest 2 version due to the limited processing power on standalone VR headsets, but it doesn’t detract from the excellent gameplay.