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10 virtual travel apps for oculus/meta quest 2.

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Travel is a major goal for many people, but it can be inaccessible even in the best of times because of financial and mobility-related barriers. As unfortunate as it is, some people may never have the chance to visit all the places they want to. But VR allows its users to not only explore virtual worlds but also get a better understanding of their own.

Between 360-degree breakdowns of the world, guided tour videos, and documentaries, VR allows people to get closer to the places of their dreams than was previously possible. Many travel apps even include interactive features, so the users can feel like they're actually able to connect with different cultures and topography. As systems like the Oculus/ Meta Quest 2 become more widely available, and as programmers and cinematographers put more effort into advancing the technologies, travel will truly be possible without having to leave home.

Traveling While Black

Traveling While Black is an Emmy-nominated VR experience that talks about the process of traveling, specifically focusing on the barriers that have been put in place for Black populations, in history and in the present. The experience takes advantage of every benefit VR offers, which helps its message connect with the audience.

While this is not a documentary that focuses on the freedom of VR, it does try to get its users to think outside their own bodies and life experiences to see how other people can be limited in their own freedom. It tells an incredibly important story, which deserves to be heard by those who have now gained a deeper level of freedom through the digital realm.

For those looking for a way to walk around the world, Wander is the app to download. The app's primary function is to allow users to navigate the world similarly to Google Maps' StreetView, allowing them to enter an address and be transported to that spot. This can be a great way to explore new areas or look back on places you used to live.

In addition to immersive imagery, users can use the historical jumping feature to see what different areas looked like over the years. Many famous landmarks even have the ability to be explored from the inside, giving users the feeling that they're really there.

BRINK Traveler

BRINK Traveler gives users the ability to see some of the most amazing places on Earth from the comfort of their own homes. While there are currently only 17 locations for users to visit, the additional features make each one a true travel experience that may push them to travel in real life as well .

Virtual guides can explain the features and history of each spot, and an in-app camera allows users to take all the pictures they would want if they were to visit in person. Another great feature is the ability to travel in multiplayer mode, which lets users meet up with friends from anywhere while getting a remarkable view at the same time.

OtherSight is one of the most interactive travel apps out there because it specifically focused on including usable objects in every location. Currently, users only have the option of going to four different locations, but there's a lot that they can do at each one.

Users can visit churches, streets, and museums and really get a sense of how it feels to be there. The scale, texture, and movement qualities of interactive features are especially well done. While this is a fairly limited app at the moment, the developers are working on new locations, which can provide future explorations.

The Ocean might not be the first place people think of when they try to imagine their travel plans, but it is one of the great untapped resources on Earth. There is far more to be seen and discovered in the Ocean than there is on land, and Ocean Rift gives users the chance to explore that realm.

There are 14 different habitats to explore, which can be used as an educational program or one for relaxation, depending on the settings. The sea creatures are extremely detailed, and users can actually interact with many of them, giving the perspective of a true underwater safari. However, those with a fear of the ocean and its creatures may find some modes a little too realistic for their comfort level.

Blueplanet VR Explore

Blueplanet VR Explore is one of the most expensive travel apps, but that's in part because it is so extensive. The app allows its users to travel to 40 different cultural sites, with some offering the ability to interact with the landscape or even hang glide over it.

One of the best qualities of this app is the spacial breakdown, where users can truly explore the location. It is a physically navigable terrain, which creates a greater level of immersion than standard point-and-click systems. The one downside to the app, beyond its price, is that it takes up a lot of space, requiring a lot of memory and a strong internet signal while downloading.

Alcove is not technically a travel app, but it does offer a number of virtual tour experiences for free. The app itself is a virtual home, where users can download different in-app features depending on their interests. The travel features do include a number of tours on the ground, under the sea, and even in the sky, narrated by some of the most thorough guides available in VR.

The limitation of the app is that each experience is entirely pre-determined. There are no interactive features that would make it more immersive. However, given that it is free and has such incredible visual quality, that might be a sacrifice worth making.

National Geographic Explore VR

National Geographic Explore VR is a highly-interactive app that allows users to take on the role of a National Geographic photographer. They have the ability to travel to Machu Pichu or Antarctica, where they can navigate the landscape and take pictures of the many sights to see.

Users feel the strain of rowing boats and climbing cliffs, which makes for a more immersive experience . However, the quest is fairly pre-programmed, which means that individual decision-making is only possible in the pictures a user takes rather than in the experience as a whole. Coupled with another, more interactive app, this could be a great way to feel the travel in a way that images themselves cannot achieve.

Nature Treks VR

Nature Treks VR isn't overly concerned with realism, instead focusing on making a relaxing experience. Users have the ability to go on a walk on a variety of virtual paths, with exotic animals meandering by and control of the weather allowing the user to fit the experience to their preferences.

Because it isn't definitively located in any real-world locations , users have the ability to mold the world as they see fit, interacting with the trees to summon animals and controlling the sound levels to be more immersive or more relaxing. The detail work and spontaneity make it an engaging experience, though users should be aware that it is not intended to be a completely realistic one.

ecosphere is a photo-realistic breakdown of the Earth's most beautiful locations and the people that are working to protect them. Intended as a way to help the average person connect with the environmental crises of our time , these immersive documentaries show the importance of caring for the Earth before the damage is irreversible.

This is distinct from other user-directed travel apps but also provides a sense of depth and significance far beyond what other apps can offer. There are only a handful of experiences, but they go beyond visuals to explain what really matters about the different locations they portray. As an added bonus, the app is free, making these videos some of the most accessible ways for Oculus users to travel in VR.

NEXT: The 10 Coolest Games To Play On Oculus Quest 2

10 of the Best Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

With the time and expense required to travel being prohibitive to many, there are alternative ways of indulging your wanderlust – including via the burgeoning world of Virtual Reality.

(Photo: Cubicle Ninjas)

There are a huge number of VR companies all vying to create ever more unique experiences for consumers – and one of the biggest growth categories has been travel. And what better time to get a taste of exploration and adventure from the comfort of your living room, equipped only with a VR headset, than now, when travel is a luxury that many just can’t stretch to? We’ve picked out 10 of the best virtual reality travel experiences currently on the market.

So which VR headset should you go for? Our favourite is the Meta Quest 3, which launched onto the market in mid-2023 and is the successor to the Meta Quest 2. For immersive games and travel experiences, we believe the Meta Quest 3 is destined to become the leading VR headset over the coming years. It’s pretty affordable, too, and unlike other headsets, doesn’t require cords or a computer. You can purchase the Meta Quest 3 at Amazon.com.

Guided Meditation VR

Developed by Cubicle Ninjas, Guided Meditation VR is designed to bring peace, joy, and calm back into your daily life by teaching you ancient meditation practices in a cutting-edge way. It features over 40 lush environments to escape the everyday, 30-plus hours of guided meditations on anxiety, depression, maternity, resilience, sleep and zen, and hundreds of hours of calming musical audio tracks to help enhance your meditation experience. Users can also customise their sessions to their own specific preferences and needs, including the option to switch into Motion mode and gently float through beautiful vistas like you would on a lazy river, leaving the worries of your life behind before returning calmer and stronger.

PRICE £10.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

Be anywhere in the world with anyone, instantly, in this captivating game developed by Wooorld Inc. Visit hundreds of cities, architectural landmarks, natural wonders, and vacation spots in incredible 3D detail, and get tips about the best places to visit, the hidden gems, where to get the best food and all the tourist traps to avoid. You can also create your own 3D avatars with face and body tracking and test your worldly knowledge by guessing where you are after being teleported to 5 random locations, with only the landscape, flora, architecture, and road signs for clues. The game can played as collaboratively as you wish, with options to explore the world with friends and meet new people, or hop into a Solo World without any distractions.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Wooorld Inc.)

Blueplanet VR Explore

(Photo: Blueplanet VR Explore)

Highlighting sacred and fragile locations of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Blueplanet VR Explore is a collection of remarkable places across the world. With freedom to move around and explore, the virtual reality experiences are captured in volumetric 3D with great detail and accuracy. The scenes look and feel like these places do in real life, and enable you to freely move around to enjoy and explore these remarkable, fragile, and priceless environments. Concern for the environment often comes from direct experience, and being as close as we can get to experiencing a sense of actually being there, Blueplanet can help encourage people to appreciate and protect these treasures.

PRICE £18.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

BRINK Traveler

Travel to some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders in fully immersive 3D and feel like you’re really there in this awe-inspiring game by Brink XR. Step into a scene akin to a postcard as you visit a total of 28 (with more on their way) of the most breathtaking places on Earth. In-game highlights include room-scale walkable areas in each destination, a virtual guide and assistant to learn about where you’re visiting, and the chance to shoot photos to share with friends. You can either play the game solo or with friends and family in multiplayer mode.

PRICE £11.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: BRINK XR)

National Geographic Explore VR

Created in partnership with National Geographic, a world-leading society in the fields of geography, cartography and exploration, this magical VR experience invites you to discover two of the most iconic locations on Planet Earth. Don your explorer hat and head to Antarctica for an exhilarating expedition. Navigate around icebergs in a kayak, climb a vast ice shelf and survive a snowstorm as you hunt for a lost emperor penguin colony. Visit the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru and get immersed in amazing digital reconstructions of the legendary site. Witness mummy worships, raise a cup of sacred chicha and encounter cute and furry alpacas as you match Hiram Bingham’s photographs from when he rediscovered the citadel. Be sure to take a camera as your best snaps may even make it into the prestigious National Geographic magazine.

PRICE £7.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Force Field Entertainment B.V)

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Fans of the hugely popular TV blockbuster The Walking Dead can now join the world of zombies in this new VR adventure. Travel through the ruins of New Orleans as you fight, scavenge, and survive, each day unravelling another mystery lurking within the city’s historic quarters. Encounter desperate factions and lone survivors who could be friend or foe. Whether you help others or take what you want by force, every choice you make has consequences. What kind of survivor will you be for the people of NOLA? Scavenge for anything that you can; weapons, food, tools, and clues. Be wary of the living and the dead, with spatial audio drawing attention to any loud noise. Craft makeshift gear out of scrapped material; blades, guns, medicine, and more. Test your morals and make difficult choices for yourself and others. It’s all here, bringing the small screen to life in a big way.

PRICE £29.99 HEADSETS Meta Quest 3

(Photo: Skydance Interactive)

Narrated by award-winning actress Anna Friel, this trail-blazing VR series opens the door to some of the planet’s wildest environments while redefining the limits of 3D-180 cameras. Meet the humans protecting our most precious wildlife, explore the great savannahs of Kenya, discover the ancient jungles of Borneo and dive into the rich coral reefs of Raja Ampat. Encounter elephants, orangutans, manta rays and some incredible humans, all in stunning cinematic footage filmed from the air and deep into the ocean. The series was produced in partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF),

(Photo: PHORIA)

The world is your oyster with this interactive, immersive VR experience that’s designed to be played by the whole family. There’s global travel and adventure in which your friends and family can join city tours, hot air balloon rides, back-country road trips, and plenty more. Or you can simply kick back and relax, practice meditation and get back to nature – all in the company of a guide or going solo, if you prefer. Other features include photo sharing, soundtracks, a range of fun games and media customisation.

(Photo: AARP Innovation Labs)

Rome Reborn: The Pantheon

Created by Flyover Zone, an American company specialising in virtual travel applications that present the world’s most important cultural heritage sites and monuments, Rome Reborn is one of five applications that present different areas of ancient Rome. This particular one transports users over the entire ancient city, focussing on the Pantheon, perhaps the best-preserved building from antiquity. In the company of two virtual guides, you’ll get to explore the exterior forecourt and interior sanctuary of the reconstructed complex as you listen and learn about the Pantheon’s design and decoration, as well as the nature of the religious cult once housed within it.

PRICE £3.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift

(Photo: Flyover Zone Productions)

Monte Fitzroy is Argentina’s most famous mountain landmark and is even used as the logo for outdoor retailer, Patagonia. It is a place that immediately evokes a sense of adventure. At the foot of the mountain is a beautiful and remote glacial lake known as Laguna Sucia. Most people who visit Monte Fitzroy view it from a location that is much easier to access. Laguna Sucia requires a much tougher hard-to-access trail that culminates in one of the most beautiful and remote glacial lakes in existence. You are rewarded with a sense of almost meditative stillness as you approach this untouched natural amphitheatre. This VR experience utilises Pterovision, a 3D technology that integrates computational photography, 360 Video, and gaming and allows you to take off like a bird, fly around the lake, visit the waterfalls along the edge, and fly over glacial formations beneath the mountain peaks. Numerous narrations will tell you about the challenges we faced when filming in this location, as well as educate you about the geology, culture, and history.

PRICE $2.99 HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Rift

(Photo: Specterras Productions)

Gala360 – Travel & Relax

Taking you on awe-inspiring virtual adventures across the globe, Gala360 is the result of the magic touch of an array of exceptionally talented photographers who have captured their globe-trotting trips in all their glory before being rendered into VR form. In professional 6K resolution, more than 300 tours around the world are featured, with some also including narration which allows you to listen to the stories behind the trips. Most of the tours are free, but you can pay a small fee to unlock more.

PRICE Free HEADSETS Currently only available on Oculus Go (soon available on Quest 2)

(Photo: Gala 360)

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6 Best VR Travel Apps to Explore the World With Your Smartphone

See the world on your smartphone with these amazing virtual reality travel apps for Android and iPhone.

You can enjoy a virtual trip to a dreamy beach or mountain without even needing to leave home. One of the wonders of VR technology is its power to transport you to many destinations around the world through your smartphone.

You do need a few components to make it work, but once you get the hang of it, you could spend a whole day exploring Earth’s most stunning locations. Below are six top VR travel apps for Android and iPhone, and a few tips to get you started.

Tools You Need for VR Travel Apps

Before you even try to embark on a virtual trip around the world, make sure you have all the tools you need. It's also a good idea to read up on how VR technology works. Our review of the Oculus Quest , for example, details a different kind of mobile headset.

Even within the category of phone-based headsets, devices differ from each other, both in terms of the VR device and your smartphone's capabilities. This means that your experiences might not be the same as someone else's.

Whatever the case, here are the basic boxes you need to tick if you want to enjoy phone-based VR to its fullest:

A smartphone that supports VR experiences, specifically with a Gyroscope sensor
A headset compatible with your phone and its size
Sometimes you need software like Google’s Cardboard, available in the Android and iOS app stores
VR travel apps or media, like 360 degree images and videos from YouTube or other providers

1. Within VR

One of the best apps for experiencing virtual reality on mobile devices, Within VR has several videos on offer. You can travel to real and animated worlds, all vivid and complete with audio. Among real-life options, you have North Korea, Hong Kong, Rwanda, and the Olympic National Park on offer.

Just tap a video that appeals to you and a profile will appear, containing a description and buttons to share, download, and stream the production. If you select the last option, you can then choose to view it in VR or normal mode.

Whatever interests you, from documentaries to spacewalks or horror stories, you’ll find something to entertain you for four minutes or even two hours. More productions are added over time, so it’s a good VR app to hold onto.

Download: Within VR for Android | iOS (Free)

2. Sites in VR

You’ll find a wide range of destinations on this handy app, from waterfalls to ancient tombs. To begin with, Sites in VR offers fascinating and high-quality images in 3D and 360 degrees too.

However, if your interest is specifically virtual reality, just go onto the image you want and tap the VR icon. When you put on the headset with your phone mounted, you’ll get to feel like you’re there in person.

The app’s settings are fully adjustable too. Tailor your experience by changing the VR brightness, screen rotation, tool visibility, and more. Pairing it with extra handy travel planning apps can help you prepare for the perfect trip.

Download: Sites in VR for Android | iOS (Free)

3. Egypt VR 360

Some travel apps focus on specific famous locations. Since Egypt is a favorite, the existence of a dedicated virtual tour is hardly a surprise.

Egypt VR 360 is simple but well-designed, collecting footage of the country’s most impressive landmarks. As soon as you open the software, you’ll get a row of locations and a brief description of each one. For a closer look, you just tap on a destination and then the VR icon.

With over a hundred options, you can visit the Sphinx, Philae Temple, and Sultan Hassan Mosque in one sitting. The app even features modern luxury hotels to explore. It’s not a bad way to pinpoint exactly where you want to go next time you visit Egypt in person.

Download: Egypt VR 360 for Android (Free)

4. Nepal VR

Here’s another travel app focused on a place people love to visit for their vacation. Nepal VR contains a collection of images, which you can look at in normal mode or virtual reality.

For the latter, just tap the familiar VR icon at the bottom of the app's display. Navigation is a bit awkward, but the scenes are worthwhile.

As well as finding yourself in the middle of temples, museums, and festivals, you can bring up info bubbles offering handy descriptions and facts, whether historical or cultural.

While the app does have room for improvement, it’s an easy way to get to know Nepal. Sit back and explore important locations, while learning about its society. Even as a virtual traveler, you can expand your knowledge of the world.

Download: Nepal VR for Android (Free)

5. Tour It Virtually App

If you want to learn about India and see its winning locations up close, Tour It Virtually offer a mobile app alongside their website. Both platforms contain helpful details on the history, layout, and tourism advice of each location.

In terms of the VR feature, once again, you just need to navigate through the application to a destination you want to see. Once you reach its very informative profile, tap the image at the top and your smartphone will quickly switch to VR mode.

Despite some minor glitches, looking around is smooth and immersive enough to make the app a worthwhile investment.

Download: Tour It Virtually for Android (Free)

6. Relax River VR

Apart from real-life destinations, virtual reality can also take you to worlds that programmers make up from scratch. Relax River VR is a great example, where you can jump into a boat and float through super detailed environments.

This app only features VR technology, so you definitely need a headset and related software to use it. Also, keep in mind that, now and then, ads will interrupt your journey.

On the plus side, it’s the simplest experience to get into. Just launch the app, set up your gear, and the virtual river tour begins.

You’ll pass waterfalls, ruins, and beautiful landscapes, rich in color and realistic lighting. There are clear influences from real destinations, so the experience is just as immersive and relaxing as visiting a digital Cairo or Honolulu.

Download: Relax River VR for Android | iOS (Free)

Enjoy Virtual Reality Travel

Even though all these apps rank highly, some are better or less demanding than others. Some even offer fictional landscapes to dive into, which could appeal to gamers more. Whatever your interests, explore these options carefully to make the most of what your mobile and VR devices can provide.

Considering the apps are free, your main investment besides VR equipment will be your time and attention as you get to know more about the world’s wonders. Just how much you learn is entirely up to you.

And remember, virtual reality isn't just about travel. Once you've got the gear, you can enjoy loads of great VR games on your phone, too.

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8 Best Virtual Travelling Apps for Oculus Quest 2

Virtual Reality, VR, Immersive Technology & Simulated Environment

Recently updated on February 17th, 2022 at 11:28 pm

In this article, we would like to share with you the best virtual travelling apps for Oculus Quest 2 from our perspective. This might be useful for you who are also looking into the apps for the virtual tour and trip purpose as well. Without waiting much longer, here is the list…

This is one of our most favorite apps and the best virtual travelling apps that you must have!! Wander apps allow you to travel nearly around the world. You can move forward, backward and turn around in 360-degree. You also able to become a Time Traveller where you can teleport yourself in different time frame at the same location. Damn fun!

However, the images surrounding you are static. You can feel like you are in a time freeze or bullet time moments like in “ The Matrix ” film or “ Max Payne ” game. But it does not stop you from having fun.

Main Highlights: You can join group tours or organize your own virtual tour with family and friends. Nice feature!

2) Oculus TV

Oculus TV is one of the apps that we use quite regularly. It contains many wonderful and high quality virtual tour videos that can make mesmerized. Some of the content creator produce videos with awesome quality like AirPano .

You can turnaround and rotate 360-degree or 180-degree (depending on the video). Unfortunately, you cannot move forward and backward like Wander.

Main Highlights: Good categorization of videos such as “Immersive Videos”. Furthermore, it is frequently updated with new contents. And, it is FREE!!

3) BRINK Traveler

BRINK Traveler is one of the wonderful virtual tour apps that can bring you to some of the most majestic and breathtaking locations on earth. Some example of the locations are Haifoss in Iceland, Horseshoe Bend, Death Valley National Park and Mount Whitney. The good thing about this apps is that you can rotate and move around in 360-degree and also able to move forward and backward within certain area.

Unfortunately, the list of contents is not rich enough since it only got few locations. At this moment, there are 12 locations with 18 spots available for you to enjoy. Nevertheless, in the future, there will be more coming in to satisfy your hunger of travelling.

Main Highlights: Sharp photorealistic images and you can also pick up some stones and throw it away.

4) YouTube VR

We think everybody already know what YouTube is. There are many virtual trip videos that you can watch on it. The challenges is you need to spend some time to find the good 360-degree video with high resolution. But once you found it, then it is really a gems.

Main Highlights: A lot, lot, lot of video contents in VR or 360-degree format. And it is also free to download from Oculus Quest Store.

5) Blueplanet VR Explore

Blueplanet VR Explore is a wonderful virtual tour apps with great scenic view. It consists of 40 volumetric experiences of popular and historical locations all around the world such as Bears Ears National Monument in United States.

Furthermore, it looks super realistic because they are using the high level photogrammetry and art direction approach to generate the environment. However, the price is a little bit pricey if compare to others.

Main Highlights: You can fly above the scenic, terrain environment using virtual glider.

In Alcove apps, there is a feature that enable you to travel around the world in selected places. For example diving in the Greet Barrier Reef of Australia. The content is in the form of video in 360-degree format and the quality is also great. It seems that the Alcove team already select the best of the best for us to enjoy it.

Main Highlights: You can also invite your family and friends to travel together with you. Besides travelling, you can do many more social activities as well with your friends. And it’s free.

7) National Geographic Explore VR

National Geographic Explore VR apps focuses on two great locations in the world which are Antarctica and Machu Picchu in Peru. Although the number of locations is just two, but the number of activities that you can do is still significant. For example, navigate around icebergs in kayak, search for lost emperor penguin colony and witness the mummy worship. Sounds great, huh?

Main Highlights: It comes from National Geographic Society , a famous organization that has tremendous works in the form of magazines, documentaries, nature films. This is legend.

8) ecosphere

Ecosphere is an apps with great and high quality virtual tour video in the 360-degree format. However, the destination choice is very limited because it only has three locations which are Raja Ampat , Kenya and Borneo .

Although the choice is limited, but the cinematic experiences are stunning where you can meet orang utans, manta rays, elephants and many more. Just to add, before you enjoy the scenery, you must download the file first which is quite large. Be patience, guys…

Main Highlights: Yeap, it’s free.

Lastly…

That’s are the list of top virtual travelling apps that we have for now. You can get all these apps from the Oculus Quest Store . In case if there is any good travelling apps in the future, we will definitely add it here. In case you want to see other top games and apps based on other genres or categories, we hope that this article can help you with it.

Are you now getting excited to try VR after you read this? If you don’t have a VR headset yet, we think this is the right time for you to get it 🙂 Happy travelling!

About Author

I am a guy who is very excited on anything and everything related with virtual reality. My mission is to spread the love of VR to the world.

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2 Responses

Great list . Thank you. After finishing the set up, it’s hard to choose what to do/see. This helps a lot.

Thank you for your remarks. Really glad that we can help you on this. Cheers 🙂

8 Best Oculus Quest 2 Travel Games and Experiences (Must Have)

One of the wonders of virtual reality is that you get to explore entire worlds and have it feel as real as being there. Visually, anyway. One of these worlds is our very own, and if you’ve got an interest for exploring it in VR, you’re in the right place!

In this article I’m going to be talking about the 8 best Oculus Quest 2 travel games and experiences. Namely:

National Geographic Explore VR
360 Travel Videos
Google Earth VR
Flow (Bonus Entry)

First, let’s talk about the native Oculus experiences in more detail so you can see where you want to be going!

1) National Geographic Explore VR

Spit on that virtual camera lens and wipe it clean as you experience the wonders in National Geographic Explore VR. As an explorer, you’ll have to visit locations and capture the same photographs as the one who came before you.

The VR experience that will have you demanding more. Like, seriously. The biggest criticism of the game is that it’s only got two locations for you to dive into.

An expedition to Antartica
Machu Picchu, Peru

Although the game doesn’t have the best graphics out there, it’s still worth checking out by VR standards. Survive a snowstorm, keep still during a mummy worship, and experience much more with National Geographic Explore VR!

Since there’s not much replay value with only two locations, you might want to wait for a sale to really get the most bang for your buck.

Get National Geographic Explorer for $9.99 on Oculus Store

2) ecosphere

ecoshpere is a collection of fantastic 360-degree exploration videos. But they’re not your typical 360 videos!

The ones in ecosphere are beautifully narrated documentaries that add to the element of immersion. You have over 10 episodes to download and start your virtual adventure. Learn more about locations such as Africa, Malaysia, and Indonesia from the comfort of your Oculus Quest 2.

What’s even more is that ecosphere is getting constant support with new updates and features, so the future for 360 travel is looking really good on this app!

Get ecosphere for free on Oculus Store

There’s one big reason I’d like everybody to at least give Alcove a try: variety. Okay, there are two big reasons. It’s also free. But let’s talk about the first one more.

While not being big on high-end graphics, Alcove does a fantastic job of letting you go on a tour in virtual reality. The game includes virtual tours across hundreds of landscapes and beautiful sites around the world. Ride hot air balloons or go for long drives in VR.

What’s more is that you can even take to the seas of Australia and the Pacific Ocean!

That’s not even where the possibilities end. Alcove allows you to customize your personal vacation home in VR, and invite your friends over to appreciate it even more.

Although the majority of minigames like Chess and Puzzles are single-player, Alcove is constantly receiving fresh updates and new features. The opportunity to do more with your friends may not be far off!

Get Alcove for free on Oculus Store

4) 360-Degree Travel Videos

These are the travel experiences you’re looking for if your main goal is to explore the world. Leaving out the gaming and interaction parts, 360-degree travel videos are available across the Internet and have plenty of thrill to offer.

How do they work? All you have to do is load the video from within your browser in your headset.

Oculus Browser will do just fine, but some Quest 2 users recommend using the Mozilla Firefox browser. They experience higher frame rates and an overall better VR tour experience.

Since the durations of many 360-degree tour videos are short, you can look for multiple videos and add them to a playlist. Then, simply hit play and let yourself be taken around the world from the comfort of your couch.

For your convenience, here are two of the best VR tour compilations I came across:

The best 360° aerial footage by AirPano. Part I – YouTube

Virtual Travel (VR Experience) – YouTube

Wander is not your average adventure app, not by a long shot.

And by that, I mean that this app lets you travel in time. With a unique feature, you get to actually visit different areas at different points in time . See your hometown since you moved away or the construction of Dubai from a desert.

The magic of this app also integrates Google Street view to give you a truly one of a kind experience.

Even with time travel being an amazing feature, it doesn’t mean you can’t travel in the present. Wander lets you visit the world without restrictions. Explore the Wonders of the World in VR and live the traveling dream you always had!

Get Wander for $9.99 on Oculus Store .

Best PCVR Travel Experiences for the Quest 2

Since we’re talking about the best travel experiences you can have on the Quest 2, it wouldn’t be fair to leave out the PCVR possibilities!

You can immerse yourself in PCVR experiences on your Quest 2 through PC streaming options such as Virtual Desktop or Oculus (Air) Link. If you are new to VR and want to know more about how these options work, check out this article .

6) Google Earth VR

First, let’s address the elephant in the room: Google Earth VR. When it comes to travelling experiences, everybody should have at least heard of this app.

Google Earth VR lets you travel the literal world in your VR body. You get to float around in any location and take in the marvelous sites created by man and nature anywhere!

As a bonus, this app comes with preloaded tours for selected locations like the Amazon River and The Grand Canyon. All you have to do is not forget to enjoy the ride.

So whether it’s the Eiffel Tower, Pyramids of Giza, or the entire Great Wall of China, Google Earth VR is something definitely worth trying out!

Did I mention it’s free? Get it from Steam now!

7) Realities

With additional add-ons that are just as free as the game, Realities is a mesmerizing historical VR experience.

This app takes you to a bunch of different locations that are incredibly detailed for a VR game and lets you explore what once was. Photorealism is at the core of Realities as it abandons the traditional 360-degree approach to VR experiences in favor of greater and more realistic immersion.

You’ll especially like this app if you’re interested in knowing what the less popular “tourist sites” are like!

Get to explore the chill of the Alcatraz prison, the lifelessness of Death Valley, and the ruins of old castles with Realities.

Get Realities for Free on Steam

8) Bonus Entry: Flow

Not everybody wants to travel for the fun, the thrill, or the exploration. Some people want to visit new locations for the serenity and to discover new ways to relax.

If your next trip across the world in VR is like that, then Flow is the app for you. The locations in this app revolve around what Iceland has to offer, mainly because of the natural scenery there .

The features of Flow revolve around meditation and calmness. Even the chosen locations from around the world are an inspiration to help the human brain feel more calm.

There’s also a specially curated playlist to help VR enthusiasts make the most of their virtual vacation.

Recharge yourself in all the soothing experiences that Flow has to offer on the Quest 2!

Get Flow Free from SideQuest

Note! For more information on how to sideload an app onto your Quest 2, give this article a read.

That concludes my current list for the best travel experiences on the Quest 2. There are a few games that are currently only compatible with the Oculus Go that are slowly but surely making their way to the Quest 2.

Stay tuned for more, especially as new game releases and updates roll out!

HARDWARE USED FOR TESTING AND WRITING THE ARTICLES : * Meta Quest 2 (My “daily driver” headset, which I absolutely love & recommend) * Lenovo Legion 5 Pro (AMD Ryzen 5 5600H, Nvidia Geforce RTX 3060, 16GB RAM) * TP-Link Archer C6 (budget dedicated router for Air Link, see my full setup tutorial ) ESSENTIAL QUEST 2 COMFORT ACCESSORIES : * VR Cover Foam Replacement (one of the easiest & cheapest ways to improve headset comfort) * BoboVR M2 Head Strap (reduce pressure on your head and improve the overall fit of the headset)

Martin Rakver

I am a software engineer and tech enthusiast. During my free time, I like to immerse myself in the world of virtual and augmented reality, which I believe will be more and more prominent in the years to come.

7 Great Virtual Reality Travel Experiences

Try VR travel to fulfill your bucket list without leaving the couch

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Who says you can't see the world if you stay home? Virtual reality (VR) tourism experiences let you see places all over the world without ever leaving your couch. These aren't games; they're experiences, so the pace may be slower than you expect, but they are worth your patience. Here are some of the best VR tourist destinations to help you decide on your next virtual adventure.

Make sure your computer is beefy enough to handle the demands of virtual reality technology.

The Grand Canyon VR Experience

Very relaxing experience.

Excellent visual and sound quality.

Impressive attention to detail.

Predefined with little control.

Requires powerful hardware.

Short experience.

In The Grand Canyon VR Experience ($2.99 by Immersive Entertainment), you sit in a virtual motorized kayak ride through the Grand Canyon. Tailor the tour to your preferences by selecting either a sunlit or moonlit experience and controlling the ride's speed.

While you cruise along, you'll enjoy the sights and sounds of procedurally generated, artificially intelligent wildlife. Attract and feed the virtual fish as you navigate the waterways.

The ride is on rails, so you can't steer the kayak. However, you can stop at various points and enjoy the scenery by using the throttle speed controls of your motorized kayak or by exiting at scenic rest stops.

The tour is short, and there's no historical background information for history buffs. Still, it is a fun ride perfect for someone new to VR.

This tour requires one of the following virtual reality headsets: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift , or Valve Index .

Explore amazing places.

Impressively detailed.

More locations are added to the library regularly.

Not updated recently.

Realities (free from Realities.io ) is a VR travel app that allows you to explore scanned and modeled real-world environments. The environments aren't just 360-degree photos; these locations were captured with specialized scanning equipment, allowing for immersive rendering in virtual reality.

The user interface is a giant globe you rotate with your VR controllers. Once you decide on the place you want to visit, tap the area on the virtual globe, and you are instantly whisked away to the exotic locale.

One interesting destination is a cell in the infamous Alcatraz prison. When you arrive, you're greeted by an unseen narrator, presumably a former prisoner in the cell next to you, who recalls their experiences. It's museum-like and an educational adventure worth having.

There are other destinations of varying size and complexity, and the experience is updated with new realities regularly.

This experience is compatible with the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality .

Titans of Space PLUS

Great soundtrack.

Detailed 3D visuals.

Impressive sense of scale.

Flying through space makes some users feel nauseated.

No improvements since late 2019.

Do you like planetariums? Have you always wished they were more realistic? If you've ever dreamed of riding in a spaceship and exploring the solar system and beyond, Titans of Space PLUS ($9.99 by DrashVR LLC) helps make this a reality—at least a virtual one).

The original Titans of Space was one of the first polished virtual reality experiences available; it created a lot of buzz about all the potential VR had to offer.

This app provides a theme park-style ride through the solar system and beyond, allowing you to control the pace of the experience. Factoids about the planets and moons are provided throughout your journey, as are distances and other measurements of interest.

The sense of scale of the planets and moons is truly awe-inspiring and gives a unique perspective only astronauts usually get to have.

This title runs in both standard and VR modes. It does not require a VR headset. It is compatible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality.

Impressive rendering technology.

Auto-tunes for your GPU.

Stunning visuals.

Can feel slow.

Mostly narration with little hands-on time.

Everest VR ($9.99 from Sólfar Studios ) is an interactive Mount Everest VR tourism experience.

You'll experience Mount Everest in five iconic scenes. Prepare for your expedition at Basecamp, traverse the terrifying Khumbu Icefalls, spend the night at Camp 4, ascend the perilous Hillary Step, and finally conquer the summit of Everest.

After completing your first summit attempt, unlock God Mode to reach a unique vantage point of the Himalayas that's only possible in VR. Towering over the mountain range, this is a stunning VR diorama.

EVEREST VR is a must if you're into mountain climbing but don't like its possible death and frostbite aspects.

Requires one of the following virtual reality headsets: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, or Valve Index.

The VR Museum of Fine Art

Lots of content.

Educational experience.

Hasn't been updated since its initial release.

No voice narration.

Only takes about 20 minutes to experience.

If you've ever wanted to peruse a museum at your own pace with no limits on how close you can get to the artwork, then The VR Museum of Fine Art (free from Finn Sinclair) is for you.

This free app holds amazing educational value with incredibly detailed scans of some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures. Look at the brushstrokes of Monet's Water Lilies or take a 360-degree tour of Michelangelo's David. This is an art lover's delight.

The experience makes you feel as if you're visiting a museum, complete with a pamphlet map to help you navigate your way around the exhibits.

Great VR experience.

Incredibly realistic.

Contains three episodes.

theBlu ($9.99 from Wevr INC .) is a collection of virtual reality-based underwater experiences that make you feel as if you're literally in the tank of a huge aquarium exhibit.

Stand on the deck of a sunken ship while a gargantuan whale swims by and looks you straight in the eye or swim in a sea of bioluminescent jellyfish. There's no need for expensive scuba equipment or diving classes, or even to leave your living room, for that matter.

The level of detail in this app is amazing, and the sense of scale (especially during the whale encounter in the first episode) is jaw-dropping.

Compatible with HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index, and Windows Mixed Reality.

Google Earth VR

Amazing street view VR.

Travel the world virtually.

Impressive, vast experience.

Can be slow to load.

Lacks a search feature.

May cause motion sickness.

When Google Earth was released many years ago, everyone marveled at the novelty of finding and viewing their house from satellite imagery. Now, Google Earth VR (free from Google) lets you see your house from space and virtually fly to it and stand in your front yard or on your rooftop.

Change the sun's position, scale objects to any size you like, and fly around the world. The detail levels depend on what you're trying to view. For example, tourist destinations are likely to have more detailed geospatial imagery than rural areas. There is so much to see, and Google offers virtual tours to help you get started.

Google has even added several comfort features to prevent virtual travel sickness in this must-see virtual reality app.

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The threat of the COVID-19 means international travel is mostly off the table for the foreseeable future, especially for us Americans. But, if you miss the feeling of genuine discovery that comes with international and adventure travel, now might be a great time to get a pair of Virtual Reality (VR) goggles.

I'm an avid traveler, and one of the saddest things for me about this pandemic was knowing it will be a long time before I travel internationally again. Recently, and somewhat begrudgingly, my husband and I purchased a pair of Oculus Quest VR goggles for my teen daughter who's been begging for a pair. We figured it might be a good escape for her during quarantine. As it turns out, they're great fun for all of us!

While my daughter is using them to ride incredibly “ Epic ” roller coasters or play Beat Saber , I've been having a blast traveling to places like Mt. Everest, Angel Falls, and Petra. The immersive, 360° experience provides me nearly the same feeling of wonder as I feel when I travel. In fact, the experience is so good that my husband and I agreed not to travel virtually to places on our bucket list because it's too good a preview of the real thing.

Virtual Reality Basics

VR goggles run the gamut from inexpensive headsets that use your phone as the screen all the way up to high-end computers that you wear on your face , but no matter your budget or needs, there will be opportunities for you to virtually explore the world.

At the most basic level, companies that specialize in VR content have created videos you can watch on the integrated YouTube app in the headset. In fact, you can preview these videos on your computer before you even put on your headset. Search “360 VR travel” in YouTube , and you’ll find thousands of 360 videos from all around the world. Many of these short videos fly you over famous travel destinations such as Petra or the Matterhorn by using circular, drone-based, video cameras to capture experiences you’d never get by just being there.

Just a word of caution: if you have a fear of heights, don’t look down!

Best VR Travel Apps for Oculus Quest

We decided the Oculus Quest (which has been hard to find since the pandemic began) was the best option at the best price point for our family. It can be used as a wireless, standalone headset, or optionally connected to a PC for more intense gaming experiences. Since I have the most experience with Quest, here are my recommendations for the best travel apps on that system.

Wander uses Google Street View to allow you to go anywhere around the globe. You can teleport using the integrated map, or let the app choose a random destination for you. While looking around on the map was fun, I was a bit overwhelmed by being able to go literally anywhere, and the random destination was sometimes just a bit too random. Luckily, Wander has a feature called “Collections” where you can choose interesting starting points in various destinations. I tried using Collections for Singapore since I’ve never been. I was able to visit some of its famous temples, look up at the amazing skyscrapers, and walk under the Supertree Grove .‌‌

National Geographic Explore VR

National Geographic has created an immersive travel game for two destinations, Machu Picchu and Antarctica . The game starts you out at a National Geographic base-camp where you’re given a photography assignment. Once you choose your destination, the virtual guide helps you navigate the location as well as interact with objects and historical re-enactments. I found myself in awe at how steep the cliffs were at Machu Picchu and at how high above me the glaciers were in Antarctica. There were limited “walking” opportunities, however, so unlike Wander, I couldn’t go wherever I wanted within the destination. For instance at Machu Picchu, I wanted to explore more of the citadel, but the app made me stay in only a few locations of programmed interactions.‌‌

Best VR 360 Videos for any VR Headset

With more and more 360° VR videos being produced every day, the options to travel the world are endless. To find any of these videos, simply access the YouTube app on your headset (or on your smartphone in the case of phone-based VR headsets ), and search for wherever you want to go. The videos are shot using circular cameras on drones or carried by the photographer with a camera pole. Personally, I like to watch these on a swivel chair so I can look at the view in all directions.‌‌

LIFE VR, Sports Illustrated - “Capturing Everest”

LIFE VR and Sports Illustrated teamed up to create a collection of short minute videos that follow climbers as they climb Mt. Everest. While I have climbed some tall mountains such as Mt. Kilimanjaro, I’ve never quite had the courage to attempt Mt. Everest. But this made it easy! Crossing a treacherous Khumbu Icefall crevasse on a bendy aluminum ladder? No problem in VR. Sleeping at Camp 4 in a tent that barely clings to the snowy slopes knowing you’ll have to wake at 10pm for your all-night summit bid? Way more restful in VR. When I stood at the top of Everest and looked out at the endless views in every direction, I was genuinely relieved I didn’t have to go back down. So while I know I’ll never climb Everest, these videos made me feel like I actually did! ‌‌

AirPano VR 360

Russia-based AirPano 360 makes short, 360° drone tours of awe-inspiring places around the world. The videos are accompanied by robotic sounding voice-overs and subtitles, but the information provided gives you a good overview of what you’re seeing. One of the most impressive videos was the Angel Falls experience that takes you from the bottom of the highest falls in the world in Venezuela (3000') all the way to the top of the plateau where the waters make their perilous dive off the cliffs. You can spin around to look either at the falls, or out at the incredible view of the valley below. I don’t know how many times I exclaimed, “Wow,” as did the rest of my family when I made them watch this video. Seeing as how a regular trip to Angel Falls requires a plane trip from Caracas, a day-long riverboat ride, and then a hike up to the falls, this VR experience might actually be better than the real thing! ‌‌

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Explore the World

See amazing places as if you're there in person.

Get BRINK Traveler

Where will you visit today.

for VR Headsets

Supports Meta Quest & Rift and Steam VR compatible headsets.

for AR Phones & Tablets

Supports Apple iPhones & iPads and Android Phones & Tablets.

Step into a postcard

Travel the world from your living room.

The world is filled with amazing places to see and experience, but travel is becoming increasingly expensive, difficult, and inaccessible. But what if you could bring the experience of traveling the world into your home today?

BRINK Traveler is a virtual travel experience that takes you to amazing locations in full 3D to feel like you're really there. Step into a postcard and visit some of the most breathtaking places on Earth today!

Arizona, United States

Mount Whitney

California, United States

Horseshoe Bend

Lone Pine Peak

South Korea

Delicate Arch

Utah, United States

Cirque de Gavarnie

White Pocket

Pulpit Rock

Death Valley

Crystal Crag

Antelope Canyon

Mobius Arch

Navagio Beach

Zakythos, Greece

Aoraki / Mount Cook

New Zealand

Landmannalaugar

Pena Ezkaurre

Mount Sunday

Virtual Travel Experiences

A new way to see the world.

We capture amazing places in volumetric 3D to create incredible immersive experiences that bring you as close as you can get to really being there.

BRINK Traveler for AR turns your phone or tablet into a window to the world, walk around and explore a location as if you were there in person!

BRINK Traveler for VR is the closest thing you'll have to a teleport button anytime soon. Put on a headset and feel like you’re really there!

BRINK Traveler for Phones & Tablets (AR)

Brink traveler for virtual reality (vr).

Fully 3D (6 DoF)

Volumetric capture of real locations all the way to the horizon. Move through a place as you would in person.

BRINK Traveler gives you a feeling of presence, scale, and immersion not possible from any other medium.

Shared experiences with friends and family to travel together from anywhere in the world.

Interactive

More than just seeing! Each location offers a unique experience to interact with a living environment.

Our experiences work on all phones, tablets, and VR headsets, from the comfort of your own home.

We capture the most incredible locations of the world. Places that inspire and stir emotions!

About BRINK XR

Making the world more accessible.

Our Mission

BRINK XR is dedicated to making the wonders of the world personally accessible to all through Virtual Travel Experiences. We aim to give people who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to visit the amazing places of the world a chance to feel like they’ve experienced it in person.

We see virtual travel as a tool to help lower the barrier of entry for those who don’t have the time, money, or health to travel freely. We believe virtual travel experiences can be a tool to build connection and empathy for these amazing places - to protect and ensure them for future generations. Beyond entertainment, we see profound uses for virtual travel - including education, healthcare, and historic documentation.

Our world is filled with amazing places to see and explore. Our passion for travel and the great outdoors is the guiding light of our work on BRINK Traveler . We strive to recreate the connection we have to the incredible natural places we love being in, and enable anyone to have their own connection to these wonderful locations.

We're an award winning team of VFX artists, VR creators, mountain climbers, and world travelers.

BRINK XR was formed because we recognized an opportunity to use our skills in a new and exciting way to create meaningful content that provides entertainment, education, awareness, and scientific / historic relevance to the world.

We've always been trying to capture and present the world as we experience it with 360 photos, timelapses, photography - but with BRINK Traveler , it finally feels like we've found something that does justice to the scale and feeling of being in these amazing places—something no other medium has been able to really capture before now.

Interested in joining our team? Get in touch with us

You don’t have to pack a bag or bring a passport to be instantly transported around the planet. BRINK Traveler gives you your own personal guide to each meticulously captured location.

BRINK Traveler is a stunning app to have loaded onto your Quest. It falls into the category of essential apps to keep installed for when you’re introducing someone to VR.

Travel to some of the world’s most amazing natural wonders in fully immersive 3D and feel like you’re really there in this awe-inspiring experience.

This VR Travel App makes me long for the real thing. Brink Traveler might be a suitable replacement and a lot cheaper than a plane ticket.

Latest Press and Updates

BRINK Traveler's fall update now out on Meta Quest! (and coming soon to PCVR)

October 26 2023 BRINK XR

We're back with another great big content update - this time we've added twelve new spots to visit across eight spectacular locations. We're also releasing the beta of our brand new AI Travel Assistant, along with many other great improvements and fixes!

BRINK Traveler & Puzzling Places present "The Wave" as an immersive puzzle!

August 18 2023 BRINK XR

Puzzling Places is thrilled to announce its latest premium puzzle, "The Wave," in partnership BRINK Traveler. The collaboration is an exciting adventure in itself, bringing together two innovative worlds to create a meditative experience for users...

BRINK XR for the Environment & Earth Day 2023 fundraiser!

April 20 2023 BRINK XR

Our passion for the amazing natural places of Earth is the guiding light behind our work on BRINK Traveler. We believe that everyone should be able to experience the great outdoors — both in our apps and in the real world. Our mission relies on ensuring these wonderful places...

BRINK Traveler's winter locations update now out on Quest, Rift, and SteamVR!

December 24 2022 BRINK XR

Happy Holidays and New Year from BRINK XR - our gift to you is our latest Winter Update for BRINK Traveler! This update focused on bringing in eight new highly diverse and international locations into the experience - places like Norway, South Korea, New Zealand, France...

BRINK Traveler's summer multiplayer update now out on Meta Quest!

August 01 2022 BRINK XR

Summer is finally here and we’re excited to announce the Summer Multiplayer Update for BRINK Traveler! This update focused on the much-requested Social Multiplayer experience so you can travel with friends, family, and other explorers from across the world...

BRINK for the Environment and joining 1% for the Planet

April 20 2022 BRINK XR

BRINK Traveler's winter update now available on Oculus & Steam!

February 01 2022 | BRINK XR

Today we're excited to release our Winter Update as a FREE UPDATE for all existing users. Our main focus for this update is to begin growing the experience with more spots to visit, adding language localization, allowing for greater settings customization based on user feedback, and readying the framework for more updates we have planned in 2022.

Here's a quick rundown of all the new things in the BRINK Traveler Winter Update (v1.1.0)...

BRINK Traveler named one of Oculus' Best Exploration Apps of 2021

December 14 2021 | Oculus

It's been an exciting launch for us, and we're very proud to announce BRINK Traveler has been selected as one of Oculus' best apps of 2021 in the Exploration category!

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support, positive ratings, and touching emails we've received. We're looking forward to the coming year as we release seasonal updates to the app - including many more amazing places to visit and features like multiplayer and guided experiences.

BRINK Traveler Offers Some Of VR’s Best Travel Content Yet...

September 12 2021 | Upload VR

BRINK Traveler is available now for Oculus Quest and PC VR, allowing you to travel to a selection of stunning locations that are displayed in full volumetric 3D by way of photogrammetry-based capture technology.

The app was announced a few weeks ago and launched more recently for Oculus Quest and PC VR via the Oculus Store and Steam. After jumping into the app on Quest and trying out a few of the locations yesterday, it’s clear that Brink is one of the best travel apps available on the Quest...

See the world From the Comfort of Home with BRINK Traveler on Oculus Quest

September 09 2021 | Oculus Blog

Teleport yourself across the planet with BRINK Traveler from Brink XR, a first-of-its-kind virtual travel experience app that lets you explore breathtaking real-world locations in fully volumetric 3D environments created from meticulously scanned photogrammetry and LiDAR.

Visit over a dozen gorgeous locations around the world with BRINK Traveler, out now on the Oculus Quest and Rift Platforms, as well as Steam for $9.99 USD...

Send us a message and we'll be in touch! You can also chat with the team on our Discord or email us directly at: [email protected]

Thanks for your email, we'll be in touch!

The Best VR Apps for Travel

camera, photographs, souvenir-1130731.jpg

Even the most avid tourist would have difficulty seeing all the globe has to offer, at least in person. We are fortunate to live at a time when a thousand-mile trip may begin with a single click. Where do you want to travel? What is Arches National Park? Tokyo? Kenya? With Oculus Quest, you can go almost anywhere without leaving your house. Simply grab your headphones and go someplace fresh. We’re unlocking the best VR apps for travel in this post.

Without the need for an airline ticket, a hotel reservation, or a pet sitter, we’ve compiled our favorite methods to go on your own VR journey. Bon (virtual) journey! If you’re new to the Metaverse or virtual reality, read our Explainer Guide so you can get started!

Topics Covered

Our picks for the best VR apps for travel

If you want diversity, your search is over. Wander employs 360° photographs from across the globe to instantly transfer you to almost any location. Visit the Louvre and Smithsonian on the same afternoon. Discover the damaged cities of Chernobyl and Pripyat. Explore Indian trains or Hong Kong stairwells. You can also visit your childhood home briefly. Wander offers countless possibilities. It has multiplayer support, customized tours, personal Favorites lists, and the option to “travel through time” with old picture data. This makes it one of the most extensive VR travel options out there.

BRINK Traveler

BRINK Traveler is designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Embark on a journey to Earth’s most breathtaking locations, captured in full 3D through advanced photogrammetry. BRINK Traveler transports you to 12 unique destinations, including Death Valley, Arches National Park, Mount Whitney, Iceland’s Háifoss waterfall, and many others—with more to be added. Immerse yourself in your surroundings, take snapshots, and allow the virtual guide to enlighten you about the forces shaping the natural world. Explore more.

When the COVID-19 epidemic struck in 2020, the majority of people remained at home. However, a few of courageous documentarians braved the deserted streets with cameras to record the experience. When We Stayed Home is (hopefully) a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of Paris, Venice, Jerusalem, and Tokyo, devoid of the typical swarms of visitors and in complete silence. Coupled with commentary from locals, such as a bookstore along the Seine, the episodes reflect the dread of the early epidemic, as well as the aspirations and anxieties for the future, coupled with incredibly breathtaking images of these renowned cities. The complete series is available on Oculus TV.

Rebuilding Notre Dame , an additional moment-in-time documentary, was produced after the 2019 fire that devastated the roof and spire of the renowned cathedral.

Surprisingly, the TARGO filmmakers had recorded footage of Notre Dame before the fire. This lets them show Notre Dame in all its beauty and contrast it with snippets after the disaster. It’s the best chance to see Notre Dame before the fire and maybe the only opportunity to witness the cathedral’s interior post-fire. Rebuilding Notre Dame also highlights past repair efforts, emphasizing the overall message that Notre Dame will rise again. Watch it on Oculus TV. Discover more.

VZfit allows users to travel the globe using Google Street View pictures. What is the twist?

You can do this either by using a bicycle or engaging in full-body exercise if you don’t have a stationary bike. Either way, you’ll get a good workout. VZfit utilizes your sense of adventure to make your workouts engaging, turning the curiosity about “What’s around the next corner?” into a motivation to come back. Ride your bicycle (or “exerboard”) over the Alps, following the Tour de France route, or take a long and winding journey from Maine to California across the United States—whatever keeps you interested. You can try VZfit for free for seven days, and after that, a monthly membership will cost $9.99 USD.

If you have ever desired to take photographs for National Geographic, now is your opportunity. With camera in hand, you will go to Machu Picchu and Antarctica in National Geographic Explore VR in pursuit of the ultimate magazine spread. Learn about the Inca Empire and the people who inhabited this ancient city as you explore the ruins of Machu Picchu’s mountaintop houses and places of worship. In Antarctica, you will use a kayak to locate and photograph an emperor penguin colony. Plus points if you wear your thickest winter coat in advance.

Tokyo Origami , the third and last Oculus television series on this list. It Comprises eight episodes, each of which focuses on a distinct facet of contemporary Tokyo living. In forty minutes, you will explore the video game stores in Akihabara. The fish markets with a sushi chef, and learn about tattoos, taboos, and more. It’s an astonishing collection recorded in 360° and intended to promote Japan in conjunction with the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Even after the Olympics are finished, Tokyo Origami remains a must-see.

Blueplanet VR Explore

This is the Grand Canyon. The Yosemite Falls Moon Residence Carlsbad Caverns. Blueplanet VR Explore contains a vast collection of photogrammetry, most of which is from the United States and a few other nations. It is possible to hang-glide over particular sites. Besides, You can explore a limited region (such as a canyon or a cave), or just appreciate the view from a single location. There are quite a few places to visit on your journey, with more than 40 locales (and more on the way).

To visit the locations in Puzzling Places , some effort will be required. Each of the namesake locations—whether it be a beach resort, a derelict railway car, a quaint Japanese restaurant, a grandiose Swedish palace, or anything else—begins as anywhere from 25 to 400 pieces. Besides,iIt is your responsibility to reconstruct them, paying close attention to minute details such as the pattern on the floor, how the light strikes various portions of the roof, etc. Details so minute and unimportant that they are frequently overlooked. Once the last piece is in place, you are left with a small replica of the actual site. It combines elements of jigsaw puzzles and model-building and is quite relaxing.

From 1942 through 1944, eight individuals lived in a tiny Amsterdam attic. You can now visit it in VR, or at least a digital facsimile of it. However, step through the concealed entrance and into the “Secret Annex,” where Anne Frank and her family and companions hid during World War II. The Anne Frank House VR tour is led by extracts from Anne Frank’s diary, providing background on each room, the people who lived there, and the remarkable circumstances they endured.

Egypt VR 360

If you’re planning a trip to Egypt and want to explore the country’s most iconic landmarks before you arrive, Egypt VR 360 is the perfect travel app for you. With this app, you can take a virtual tour of over a hundred locations. It includes the Sphinx, Philae Temple, Sultan Hassan Mosque, and modern luxury hotels. Egypt VR 360 is simple to use and well-designed, with a row of locations and a brief description. To get a closer look, tap on a destination and the VR icon.

Using this app, you can pinpoint exactly where you want to go next time you visit Egypt in person. So, if you’re looking for a convenient and informative way to explore the country’s famous landmarks, be sure to download Egypt VR 360.

Alcove, not your typical travel app, provides several free virtual tour experiences. Users can download various in-app features based on their interests. The app offers a variety of tours, including aerial, undersea, and ground tours, narrated by some of the most knowledgeable VR guides.

The app’s limitation is that each experience is completely predetermined. It lacks interactive features that would make it more immersive. Given that it is free and has such incredible visual quality, that sacrifice might be worth it.

Nature Treks VR

Nature Treks VR prioritizes creating a relaxing experience rather than focusing on realism. It offers virtual paths where users can enjoy the presence of exotic animals and control the weather. Users have the ability to interact with trees to summon animals and adjust sound levels. Although the attention to detail and spontaneity contribute to an engaging experience, users should be aware that it may not be entirely realistic.

Tour It Virtual app

Tour It Virtually is a mobile app and website that offers a virtual tour of India’s famous locations. The app provides users with helpful details on each destination’s history, layout, and tourism advice. Whether you want to learn about India’s rich cultural heritage or explore its breathtaking landscapes, this app covers you.

To use the VR feature, navigate through the application to a destination you want to see. Tap the image at the top of its informative profile, and your smartphone will quickly switch to VR mode.

Although the app may have some minor glitches, the VR experience is smooth and immersive enough to make it a worthwhile investment. With Tour It Virtually, you can explore India’s winning locations up close and learn about its unique culture. So, download the app today and start your virtual tour of India.

Embark on your first virtual getaway with OtherSight, where you have the freedom to choose from a selection of four captivating locations. From the breathtaking tranquility of a tropical island to the bustling streets of a vibrant metropolis, each destination is carefully crafted to provide a unique and authentic experience.

What sets OtherSight apart is the abundance of activities and possibilities within each location. Feel the sand between your virtual toes as you engage in a thrilling game of beach volleyball on the tropical island. Stroll through the bustling marketplace of the vibrant metropolis, interacting with the local vendors and sampling delicious street food. Climb to the top of a majestic mountain peak and marvel at the breathtaking panoramic view that stretches out before you.

Relax River VR

Relax River VR is a virtual reality app that lets you explore detailed environments from the comfort of your own home. Unlike other apps, it’s solely dedicated to VR technology, so you’ll need the appropriate gear to access it. Once you’ve launched the app, you’ll be transported to a serene and immersive world full of waterfalls, ruins, and stunning landscapes. Although there are occasional ads, it’s a simple, easy-to-use app that offers a relaxing experience. The graphics are realistic and colorful, with clear inspiration from real-life destinations.

Sites in VR

You’ll find a wide range of destinations on this handy app, from waterfalls to ancient tombs. To begin with, Sites in VR offers fascinating and high-quality images in 3D and 360 degrees too.

When it comes to envisioning travel plans, the vast and enigmatic Ocean may not be the first destination that springs to mind. Yet, beneath its shimmering surface lies a world of unparalleled beauty and untapped treasures waiting to be discovered. Enter Ocean Rift, an extraordinary app that offers users a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the deep blue like never before.

Dive into a realm where the Ocean becomes your playground, where the mysteries of the deep are unveiled, and breathtaking marine life thrives in abundance. Ocean Rift transcends the limitations of traditional land-based exploration, revealing a realm far more captivating and diverse than what meets the eye.

Nepal VR is a travel app that showcases a popular vacation spot. The app contains a collection of images that can be viewed in both normal and virtual reality mode.

To switch to virtual reality mode, simply tap the VR icon located at the bottom of the app’s display. Although the navigation may be a bit awkward, the scenes are worth the effort. You can immerse yourself in temples, museums, and festivals, and access info bubbles for convenient descriptions and historical or cultural facts.

Although there is room for improvement, Nepal VR is an easy way to explore the country. Relax and discover important locations while learning about its society. As a virtual traveler, you can expand your knowledge of the world.

Google Earth VR

Are you ready to embark on an extraordinary journey across the globe with 3d travel apps? Look no further than Google Earth VR, the remarkable application designed specifically for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive. Prepare to be awe-struck as you soar through space, only to land in any corner of our beautiful planet, all from the comfort of your virtual reality headset.

With Google Earth VR, the world becomes your playground. Imagine having the power to explore iconic landmarks, bustling cities, and natural wonders with just a few simple gestures. Utilizing the intuitive controls of your VR device, you can effortlessly zoom in and out, providing a captivating bird’s eye perspective of any location that piques your curiosity.

Within VR is a fantastic app that provides an immersive virtual reality experience on mobile devices. It has a wide range of videos available, featuring both real and animated worlds, complete with audio. Real-life options include North Korea, Hong Kong, Rwanda, and the Olympic National Park.

To begin, simply select a video that catches your eye, and a profile will appear, offering a description and buttons to share, download, and stream the production. If you choose the stream option, you can decide to watch it in VR or normal mode.

Whether you enjoy documentaries, spacewalks, or horror stories, Within VR has something to captivate you, for durations ranging from four minutes to two hours. As more productions are added regularly, it’s a must-have VR app to keep on your device.

Dream of conquering peaks like Everest? Professionals train for years before attempting this feat. But now, Everest VR allows you to experience the climb realistically.

This immersive app puts you in the shoes of those few dedicated climbers. Feel the monumental efforts required to reach the planet’s highest point. “Immerse in the Everest Virtual Reality Experience, an award-winning 8K 3D journey. Relive expeditions vividly through Dome projection or VR headsets. Enjoy globally in Museums, Classrooms, Corporates, and on Vive Infinity.

From Everest’s summit to ocean depths, theBlu takes you on a different adventure. Uncover the mysteries of the vast ocean, where 95% of life remains undiscovered.

Exploring habitats and encountering ocean life emphasizes the need for a clean environment to protect these creatures from extinction. Immerse in theBlu VR series, exploring ocean wonders and encountering awe-inspiring species. The game will give you more than your expectation.

You will be able to witness undersea migration near a coral reef. Explore the deep ocean’s iridescent realm. Additionally, you will be able to dive into the Caribbean’s sunlit waters, encountering its supreme creature.

National Geographic VR

Discover the world’s wonders through National Geographic’s VR app. Witness endangered species in their natural habitat, explore ocean depths, and unravel South Americas’ ancient civilizations.

To overcome recent errors, explore National Geographic Explore VR. Walk in the shoes of an explorer, visiting Antarctica and Machu Picchu.

Embark on an epic National Geographic adventure! Explore Antarctica’s icy wonders, kayak around icebergs, conquer an immense ice shelf, and brave a snowstorm to find a lost penguin colony. Then, journey to Machu Picchu, Peru, where you’ll witness digital reconstructions of the ancient Inca citadel, engage in mummy worship, savor sacred chicha, and encounter alpacas. Follow in Hiram Bingham’s footsteps with captivating interactive experiences, all while capturing photos for National Geographic magazine. An immersive family journey to explore the world from the comfort of home. Try the game and see it yourself.

Qantas VR: Journey through Australia

Our world exploration VR list concludes with Qantas VR, spotlighting Australia. This app showcases key landmarks like the sacred Uluru, offering a unique Down Under experience. Discover Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Kakadu, and Australian outback. You will be fly the Qantas A380, join pilots in the cockpit, witness take-offs and landings. Travel virtually to Hamilton Island and LA’s International First Lounge with Qantas VR. You will have a never had before experience.

How You Can Use Apple Vision Pro to travel?

Apple Vision Pro, the latest assistive technology from Apple, can be a valuable companion for travelers, particularly those with visual impairments. While not specifically designed for travel, its features offer unique benefits that can enrich your journey.

1. Stabilized Content with Travel Mode: Airplane environments can be challenging for AR devices due to constant movement. To address this, Apple Vision Pro features a “Travel Mode” that stabilizes the displayed content. This allows you to enjoy movies, games, or even continue working on documents without disruptions caused by airplane movements.

2. Object and Text Recognition: Apple Vision Pro’s object and text recognition capabilities can be helpful for navigating unfamiliar airports or transportation hubs. By pointing your device, you can hear descriptions of objects and surroundings, including signage, shops, and even wayfinding information. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with low vision or complete blindness.

3. Assistance with Daily Tasks: Apple Vision Pro can simplify everyday tasks while traveling. It can identify and describe food items on your plate, helping you navigate restaurant menus. Additionally, it can read text labels on medication bottles or travel documents, ensuring you have the correct information readily available.

Important Safety Note: Remember, Apple Vision Pro is not a substitute for traditional assistive devices like guide dogs or canes. While it can provide valuable assistance, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and remain aware of your surroundings while traveling.

Apple Vision Pro offers a range of features that can enhance the travel experience for individuals with visual impairments. From stabilized content to object and text recognition, it can provide greater independence and support during your journeys.

Why People Will Love To Travel Using The Best VR apps For Travel?

3d travel apps offer a unique and immersive experience for users. With the advancement in technology, VR travel apps are becoming increasingly popular among travelers who want to explore new destinations and experiences. There are several reasons why people will love to use VR travel apps, including:

Couples using VR travel apps for travelling to their favorite places.

Experience destinations before visiting

One of the most significant advantages of VR travel apps is that they allow users to explore a destination before visiting in person. This can be particularly useful for travelers who are trying to decide where to go on their next trip. By using VR travel apps, users can get a feel for the local culture, geography, and attractions, making it easier to plan their itinerary and decide whether the destination is right for them.

Cost-effective

Traveling can be expensive, and not everyone has the financial means to go on frequent trips. VR travel apps offer a cost-effective alternative, allowing users to experience different destinations from the comfort of their own home. This can be especially appealing for those who are on a tight budget or who are unable to travel due to physical limitations. With VR travel apps, users can explore different parts of the world, learn about new cultures and traditions, and even try local cuisine, all from the comfort of their homes. This provides a low-cost, accessible way to experience the excitement of travel and explore new destinations. Looking for the best VR to buy? Check out Quest 2 Vs PSVR 2: which one is better?

3d travel apps have a broad appeal and can be enjoyed by anyone who wants to experience the thrill of travel from the comfort of their homes. They offer a unique way to explore new destinations, learn about different cultures, and experience the beauty of the world without having to leave one’s home. Whether you’re physically unable to travel, have a fear of flying, or just want to explore new destinations, VR travel apps offer a fun and exciting way to experience the world around us.

Immersive experience

VR travel apps provide an immersive experience, allowing users to feel as if they are actually in the destination. With 360-degree views, users can explore their surroundings, interact with virtual objects and people, and even participate in activities, such as hiking or skydiving.

VR travel apps are incredibly convenient, as users can explore destinations at any time and from anywhere. This makes them ideal for people who are unable to travel frequently or who have limited time.

Educational

VR travel apps can also be educational, providing users with a wealth of information about different destinations and their history. This can be particularly useful for students and educators, who can use VR travel apps to learn about different cultures and historical events.

Who will get the most benefits from VR travel apps?

VR travel apps have gained popularity in recent years, as more and more people seek to experience the thrill of travel without leaving the comfort of their homes. These apps provide users with an immersive virtual reality experience that transports them to different parts of the world, allowing them to explore new destinations, landmarks, and cultures.

VR Travel Apps will open new doors for disabled people

One group that will especially enjoy VR travel apps is people who have limited mobility or physical disabilities. For people who are unable to travel due to medical or other reasons, VR travel apps offer an opportunity to experience the thrill of travel without leaving their homes. With these apps, they can visit destinations that they might not be able to explore in real life, such as inaccessible natural wonders or remote historical sites. You can try VR from different companies. What about trying an Apple VR device.

Another group that may enjoy VR travel apps is people who have a fear of flying or other forms of transportation. With a VR headset, users can virtually travel to different destinations without having to experience the anxiety that often accompanies air travel or other transportation methods. This provides a great way to get a taste of what it’s like to travel to far-off destinations without the stress and discomfort of actual travel.

Enhance travel planning

VR travel apps can enhance travel planning by allowing users to visualize different destinations and attractions before visiting. This can help users to better plan their itinerary and make the most of their time while traveling.

Final Words

In conclusion, VR travel apps offer a unique and immersive experience for users, making them an excellent option for travelers who want to explore new destinations and experiences. With its many advantages, including cost-effectiveness, increased accessibility, and educational benefits, it’s easy to see why VR travel apps are becoming increasingly popular among travelers. Whether you’re planning a trip or simply want to escape the everyday routine, VR travel apps are a great way to explore the world and discover new adventures.

Can you use VR to travel?

Yes, virtual reality (VR) technology allows users to virtually travel to various destinations. With the use of a VR headset or other specialized equipment, individuals can immerse themselves in a 360-degree travel experience without

physically leaving their location.

How can VR help tourism?

VR can be a valuable tool for the tourism industry. It enables tourism providers to showcase their products and services by creating virtual tours, previews, or reviews of destinations, accommodations, and activities. This technology allows potential travelers to get a more immersive and realistic preview of what a particular destination or travel experience has to offer.

Will virtual reality replace tourism?

While VR can offer a temporary fix for travelers, particularly during times of travel restrictions like the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unlikely to replace traditional tourism entirely. Travel and tourism offer tangible experiences that engage multiple senses, such as taste and smell, which VR cannot fully replicate. VR may serve as a complementary tool in the travel industry, but it cannot fully replace the sensory richness of real-world travel.

Why is VR good for business?

VR offers numerous advantages for businesses. It can improve marketing, collaboration, and education by creating engaging work environments, increasing employee productivity, and providing safe and controlled settings for training and experimentation. VR technology has the potential to transform the way businesses operate, communicate, and train their employees.

Can we use VR without a phone?

Yes, you can use standalone VR headsets that do not require a PC or smartphone. These wireless headsets, like the Meta Quest, can be worn on the head, allowing users to start VR experiences without the need for a phone or computer. This makes standalone VR headsets a convenient option for on-the-go virtual reality experiences.

What VR headset is best for virtual travel?

The Meta Quest 3 is considered one of the best VR headsets for virtual travel in 2023. The Quest 2 is also a budget-friendly option that is still available for purchase. These VR headsets provide users with immersive experiences in virtual worlds, making them suitable for various applications, including virtual travel. However, VR technology is still evolving, and the choice of the best headset may depend on individual preferences and requirements.

Dingman, H. (2021, October 1). Virtual Vacation: 11 VR Apps and Films That Let You Travel the World From Home . Virtual Vacation: 11 VR Apps and Films That Let You Travel the World From Home. https://www.oculus.com/blog/virtual-vacation-11-vr-apps-and-films-that-let-you-travel-the-world-from-home/

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Welcome To The Wide World Of VR Travel

Vr travel apps are taking off. here are the ten best..

World travel can be expensive. But you can experience exotic locales in immersive virtual reality for little or no cost at all. With Samsung Gear ($99) or Google Cardboard ($8), any iPhone or Android smartphone can be turned into a virtual reality device.

Content for tourism is one of the first categories to really take off in VR, allowing you to experience being there without really going there. VR travel apps can both help you experience a place—or a specific resort, city, museum, hotel or cruise ship—before you take the plunge. Or, it can replace actual travel altogether if you'd rather experience a place vicariously.

Here are our favorites for where to take your first virtual trek.

Want to experience a sailboat cruise off the coast of Croatia? YouVisit is one of the best-designed apps dedicated specifically to virtual reality tours. In addition to thousands of travel destinations, they also feature college campuses, businesses, hotels and restaurants. The tours include 360-degree video as well as 360-degree interactive panoramic photos. Navigate by looking, no buttons or controllers necessary.

Free on Android , iOS and Gear VR

Google Street View

This VR app supports both iOS and Android devices, which means you can literally go pretty much anywhere in the world—though, unfortunately, you have to take off the headset to interact with the app. Plus the app is free on both Android and iOS. There's also an unofficial StreetView VR app, also free, for the Gear VR , by YoutopiaVR, which pulls in Google Street View data. The app has a great navigation interface: You just tap to skip ahead to the street you're on, or do a long tap to bring up the map. You can zoom in and out and jump to anywhere in the world, or click on the microphone and say the name of a place and you are there. Say "Eiffel Tower," for example, and you're transported to the spot, above Paris, looking down. It's awesome.

The app also has a voice-enabled group functionality, so you can virtually visit places with your friends. Now if I only had a friend with a Gear VR, I could try it out.

Discovery VR

The virtual reality studio from Discovery Networks specializes in you-are-there extreme experiences such as scuba diving in shark-infested wrecks and and flying through a remote canyon on a zipline. The app itself isn't available on Gear VR, but some of the content can be found on Gear VR's Milk VR and Hulu VR video apps.

Free on Android and iOS .

One of several VR studios to emerge over the past few years, Jaunt VR has a selection of incredibly high-quality travel VR videos including Nepal, Machu Picchu, Syria and Jerusalem. Travel is just the beginning at Jaunt, which also includes VR films, music and sports.

Free on Android , iOS and Gear VR.

Ascape Virtual Travel & Tours

Ascape is all about finding inspiration for travel. The service has more than 100 virtual tours of gorgeous destinations around the world including resorts, cities and experiences. Navigate by touching the screen, so be prepared to access the phone frequently. If you're a virtual auteur, you can become a producer for Ascape, and make money from your own videos.

Samsung Milk VR

Primarily a movie app, Milk VR also offers immersive video tours, such as Chicago, romantic Italy, New York's Times Square and many more. However, only the Gear VR version of the app works with a headset, specifically the Gear VR headset. Unfortunately, the standard Android version does not support Google Cardboard viewers, but simply shows a video that allows you to look in different directions by turning the phone or swiping the screen.

Free on Android and Gear VR.

All YouTube videos are playable in immersive virtual reality on Android phones – search for your destination and "360" or "vr" or filter for "360 videos." Then look for the cardboard symbol at bottom right or behind the three dots setting symbol at top right. Traditional videos are shown on giant private movie screens, while 360-degree videos are shown in immersive virtual reality. On Gear VR, the work-around is to use the Samsung Internet browser app and surf over to the YouTube site. There is no iOS support yet.

Free on Android .

Combines crisp 360-degree panoramic images with sound loops to create a "frozen moment in time" effect. Orbulus videos include the ability to experience New Year's fireworks on Hong Kong Harbor, a view of the Northern Lights and even the ability to stand on Mars. Navigate by looking, no buttons or controllers necessary.

Sites in VR

Panoramic photos of of landmarks from Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Morocco, Kuwait, Yemen, Macedonia, Holland, Belgium and France. Very user-friendly interface but the photos themselves are not interactive. Navigate by looking, no buttons or controllers necessary.

Experience 360-degree Flickr photos in immersive virtual reality on your Gear VR headset. Not yet available for iPhones or Androids yet, but you can check out the Orbulus app instead.

Free on Gear VR.

Single destination apps

In addition to the apps above, many developers are releasing virtual reality tours for individual destinations. You can see Tokyo , London , Cyprus and even Paris . Maybe a trip to the Big Apple is something you've dreamed of—or the Caribbean is more your speed. To find others, search for the name of your destination and the keyword "VR" in your app store. Plus, here are a few more to get you started for your next virtual escape:

United Arab Emirates

Liege Cathedral , in Belgium

Neon Museum in Las Vegas, NV

(Free for Android too)

Museo Maya de América

Toumanian Museum in Armenia

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8 Fascinating VR Travel Apps for Oculus

I haven’t mentioned it much, if at all, on this blog, but I LOVE VR . There’s a whole debate about whether or not it’s worth it… if it’ll survive or just die out.. how well it compares to more traditional gaming platforms… etc.

IMO we’re on track to be living some version of Ready Player One relatively soon.

By the way if you haven’t read that book OMG doooo it ! One of my personal favorites.

This seems like a good moment for me to remind you that there are some affiliate links used on this site, if you buy anything through them it won’t cost you extra, but it does help support the blog, thanks!

Table of Contents

There’s a new list of VR travel apps here if you’re interested in some options specifically for the Quest.

I have an Oculus Quest . It’s definitely not the most robust VR headset option, but probably the biggest draw for me about the Quest was not being attached to anything by a cord, and being able to travel with it and use it anywhere .

Right now there’s a whole other advantage to VR: Traveling, without actually going anywhere, because 2020.

See a timeline of all the crazy 2020 events here.

VR Adventures in the Age of ‘Rona

There are a lot of VR games, apps , and videos out there. Which you can use depends on the headset you have access to. The Oculus Go has some games that aren’t compatible with the Oculus Quest, and visa versa.

The good news is that game and app libraries for all VR platforms are growing constantly.

So when many of us are stuck at home for a good chunk of our days, going slowly insane from staring at the same. rooms. day. in. and. day. out . VR offers some awesome escapes while keeping the risk of getting Covid to a happy minimum.

Once you’re ready to get back out into the real world – here’s a list of 50 great travel apps to get you started!

Oculus Quest Games for Virtual Exploration

There are a lot of great VR games out there (Beatsaber is seriously addicting) but for the sake of this post I’ve put together a list of the best VR travel apps and games.

I should probably give a bit of a disclaimer here: This is a relatively non-traditional VR travel list. The Quest doesn’t have a ton of purely travel-centric games, so I found ones that scratch the wanderlust itch, even if they’re not strictly “travel” genre.

I also went a little outside the box when picking apps for the other Oculus headsets as well, because some of the best vr games and apps for avid adventurers , in my opinion, aren’t 100% just “we’re going to the place.” It’s about the overall experience, ya know?

They’re picked either for being purely travel-centric or involving some sort of exploration adventure .

Outdoor Adventures

National geographic explore vr.

I couldn’t pick a more obvious choice for this list, I mean , it’s National Geographic.

As of now you can explore 2 VERY different places within this app: Antarctica and Machu Picchu. I hope they’ll be adding more at some point.

This is designated as an app in the oculus store but I felt like it leaned more toward an actual game. There are small but interesting objectives along each trip, and you constantly have the option to pick up your camera and snap some cool shots.

I expected this to be more of a cinematic experience, where you’re basically along for the ride, but you’re in control of most of your actions. You can explore relatively freely and check out the surroundings at your leisure.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and entertainment of this VR adventure.

Available on Oculus Quest | Go

This probably feels the most like a traditional video game – with the bonus VR immersion. You get to climb your way through multiple environments around the world, working your way through levels and challenges, and the views are amazballs.

It’s not for those that have any sort of vertigo issues, and you may want to opt for sitting down while playing. I found myself leaning quite a bit and every now and then feeling a bit unsteady when I looked down.

Available on Oculus Quest | Rift

I also just put together a guide on IRL hiking boots for those that are looking to get back into the real world – check it out!

Purely Travel

This is the most straightforward, nail-on-the-head, travel app for Oculus.

If you get mesmerized by the visuals of new places or want to re-experience somewhere you’ve been before, Wander might be your dream Oculus app.

I really like photography , drone videos, 360 videos etc. because I get really interested in the visuals of places I visit. I enjoy getting lost in looking if that makes sense? Wander essentially gives you the next best thing to actually traveling to a new place.

Using Google Streetview, Wander allows you to “wander” through almost any part of the world. It’s a 360 view so you can really take in everything around you.

You can choose a place to visit by searching, or randomly select a spot. You can navigate your way around using a mini-map, or simply pick a direction and follow the arrows. You can also choose to travel by available years to see the areas during different points in time.

I wandered through Amsterdam (one of my favorite cities), revisited a small town in England, including the place I stayed when I was there, and checked out some historical sites in Spain.

Available on Oculus Quest | Go | Gear VR

Otherworldly Exploration

Fujii takes you through what I would best describe as a psychedelic garden world . I can only assume the creators decided to make the game after a good shroom session.

It is a beautiful, relaxing experience. It’s calm, colorful escapism.

I didn’t love the controls, because you have to teleport everywhere, rather than “walk” smoothly, and figuring out how to orient myself took a minute. You also have to figure out how to move on through sort of “organic” puzzles. It’s hard to describe.

I’d still recommend it even with the few drawbacks because it’s just a lovely world to be immersed into. It would also be a great game for kids, if that’s a concern for you when searching for VR games.

Tour of Six Real Exoplanets

Ok fine! I’m cheating a bit here. It’s not a “game” per se. It’s a video. From Youtube. But it’s 360 and you can watch it with basically any VR system that you can access Youtube on. And it’s RAD.

Genuinely one of my favorite (and first) VR experiences as far as videos go. The narration is great, the information is interesting, the visuals are STUNNING.

It’s my blog. I love space videos and photos, they’re amazing. I’m putting this video on the list. Deal with it. I realize I’m getting a little defensive about this and to be fair you haven’t even said anything yet because I literally have not published this ( unless you’re currently reading it, then I have ) BUT STILL.

(but also for sure go check out the video I think you’ll really like it)

Trips Through Time

Chernobyl vr project.

Ugh. I am SO upset this isn’t available for the Quest. Chernobyl is one of my bucket list spots (abandoned/haunted/creepy places hold a special place in my heart) but to be fair, I have no desire to go there right now…

Even though I guess the Chernobyl fires don’t actually “pose a risk” to people…?

I’mma still say no though. For now.

But I would LOVE if they made the Chernobyl VR Project available for Oculus Quest. As it stands you can use it on Oculus Rift .

Apparently, the developers actually went to Chernobyl in order to get the video and photos they needed to model the VR experience. Call me peanut butter and jealous , amiright?

Available on Oculus Rift

Wonders of the World

A travel experience in more ways than one – around the world, and through time! I have a thing for historical places. I think they speak to that same interest in cultures and places that are vastly different from your personal norm.

Wonders of the World lets you explore ancient cities while learning about the history and culture of the places you’re visiting.

During each experience, you’re given a new character and role to take on which relates to the context of the historical setting.

The graphics in Wonders of the World aren’t the most impressive, but they look like they’re meant to be stylized to some point. This game is also currently free, so it won’t even cost you anything to check it out.

Available on Oculus Go | Gear VR

Meeting Rembrandt

Another historical trip, albeit this one is quite a bit different from Wonders of the World. This VR experience takes you to 1600s Amersterdam to… well, meet Rembrandt.

Spend time and interact with the painter who is brought to life by a real actor as you move through the virtual world with him.

It’s a magical blend of VR and real humans brought together beautifully to tell the story of a famous historical figure in a much more personal way. The graphics aren’t perfect but any lack is made up for by the overall experience. A truly unique and wonderful VR project.

Traveling While Black

I cannot recommend this VR experience highly enough. It’s particularly relevant considering the current state of the U.S., but it would be noteworthy at any time.

It’s SO well done, guys. It’s a short movie-going (ish) experience. You’re moved from place to place as the story is told, between past times and the present. You start in a theater but are soon moved to physical places more relevant to the narration and storytellers.

You’ll hear stories and experiences of being black in America, past and present, from some people you may be familiar with, some you may not. The focus is of course on “traveling while black” but it’s not completely restricted to that.

For those who are unfamiliar with The Negro Motorist Green Book or The Negro Travelers’ Green Book – AKA the “Green Book” – it was a guide created by Victor Hugo Green to help black travelers find businesses they could utilize while traveling in a time when many were explicitly or implicitly “whites only.”

This VR experience is also FREE, so there’s not excuse not to check it out!

Available on Oculus Quest | Rift | Go | Gear VR

How are you doing?

That’s the end of this particularly unique list of Oculus travel apps, so I just want to check in with you real quick.

How are you doing with everything that’s going on in the world right now?

Is there anything you do, like VR, to get a brief break from the chaos?

Along with VR and Netflix binges , I really like taking drives and walks in the forest with my dog.

Tech obsessed professional dog-petter with a camera and a website or two. Sometimes wine's involved, usually Starbucks.

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7 Best VR Apps to Travel the World Using a Smartphone

No plane reservation or suitcase needed

Beijing, Egypt, Kenya, Hawaii — if you could travel the world, where would you choose to go? It’s a simple question, but difficult to answer, especially if you’ve never traveled abroad.

Rather than relying on Google Maps street view and Instagram photos, you can use VR apps to travel the world. Here’s a look at some of the best options for VR apps for travel.

7 Best VR Apps to Travel the World Using a Smartphone image

Google Cardboard – The Cheap VR App

The one thing that holds people back from the VR life is the expensive price tag associated with VR goggles. However, this doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the hype.

Who better to offer the cheaper option than Google? The company created a cardboard (yes, literally), that you can use to experience virtual reality.

Google Cardboard – The Cheap VR App image

You use this to insert your smartphone into and then you can view the world in first-person. The idea is to allow you to do this hands-free.

All you have to do is download the Google Cardboard VR app on your iOS or Android device. The price for the cardboard varies between $5 and $40 . The app is available for free for iOS and Android smartphones.

AccorHotels for Cardboard – The Hotel Planner

What’s great about Google Cardboard is that you can download all sorts of other VR apps with it. For example, AccorHotels was developed to enable travelers to see hotel rooms before they arrive.

You can use this to explore various resorts and hotels in London, Sao Paulo, and Paris. This free VR app is available for download for both iOS and Android.

Ascape VR – Your Virtual Escape

Maybe you’re someone who wants a little adventure in their life. If you’re looking for an extraordinary experience without leaving your couch, then try Ascape VR.

With this free iOS and Android VR app, you can swim with the sharks, dive from airplanes, and run with the gazelles through fields. It’s everything you’d expect from travel, which allows you to jump from place to place and save your trips along the way.

YouVisit – For Future College Students

Most people travel for leisure, but what if you’re trying to make plans for the future? With YouVisit, you can take virtual tours of colleges and even business showrooms.

The free iOS and Android app features hundreds of video content of college campuses across the nation, including Harvard. You’ll also find the interactive 360-degree panoramas helpful.

VeeR – The Interactive Experiences App

Here’s a unique VR app that offers a wide range of experiences — from trailing behind risk-loving line walkers to fantastical dreamscapes. It’s the ideal travel app if you want to explore the creative minds of storytellers.

You’ll find a range of 4K videos, photos, and interactive experiences. What sets this free iOS & Android VR app apart is that you can join in by creating your own content for others to enjoy.

Sites in VR – The World Traveler

Ever wanted to travel to the world’s most famous monuments? You can do so using the free iOS and Android ‘Sites in VR’ app. Take yourself on a free trip to natural wonders, historical museums, and infamous landmarks — all without leaving your home.

You can choose from a mix of categories, such as castles, towers, museums, palaces, tombs, space, ancient, religious, nature, and parks.

Forget 180 days — you could literally travel the world in 180 minutes.

Qantas – For Trips to the Land Down Under

Planning an international trip to Australia? Why not see what’s in store with the Qantas VR app? With this free app for iOS and Android, you can explore your destination ahead of your arrival.

This is all made possible with aerial footage from airplanes. You’ll get to see breath-taking scenes of wildlife and captivating shots of notorious natural rock formations.

No More Excuses — It’s Time to Travel!

You don’t need to pay for expensive flight tickets or hotels to see the world. Nor do you have to spend a lot of time planning and packing.

You have everything you need right in your back pocket (or purse). With these VR apps, your smartphone or tablet will grant you access to all sorts of places and experiences.

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Saphia Lanier is a freelance writer with 13 years of experience in SaaS, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. She specializes in writing informative, yet engaging content that revolves around technologies that enhance your business, health, privacy, safety, convenience, and entertainment. Read Saphia's Full Bio

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Travel anywhere from your sofa with these amazing VR apps. Since the spring of 2020, we have learned that all our vacation plans can be delayed indefinitely. Also, there are places that we can only dream of visiting. Now, thanks to VR apps for exploring the world, traveling to the most distant landmarks is possible for anyone. You only need a VR headset and the time to sit back and immerse yourself in new worlds.

Why Explore the World With VR Apps?

Many people are unable to reach all their bucket list destinations in real life. From financial constraints to specific family circumstances, their area of exploration is limited. This is why many organizations worked to develop various VR experiences for exploring the world.

They want to give everyone the chance to discover the natural beauty of our planet, as well as the many civilizations sharing it. We believe that everyone should try this experience at least once. It is a chance to realize how beautiful and diverse our planet is, and why we should do our best to preserve it for future generations.

So, here are some of the best VR apps and experiences for traveling around the world you should try:

1. Google Earth VR

Google Earth VR is one of the most detailed and comprehensive VR exploration experiences for anyone. All the areas of the globe mapped by Google cars are now available in the VR app. For cities, the experience is even more immersive as it is coupled with Street View images. Just pick your destination, and within seconds you are there. From the pyramids of Egypt to the thriving street life in major capitals across the globe, or remote mountain areas, you can fulfill your entire bucket list in VR.

2. Everest VR

So many of us dream of reaching the highest peak and shout, like Jack in the movie Titanic: “I am the king of the world!” Unfortunately, climbing Mount Everest is reserved for a few dedicated professionals, who spend years training before making their attempt. However, among other VR apps dedicated to exploring our world, we now have Everest VR – a realistic and immersive experience that makes you feel like you are really there. You will experience what it takes to climb the highest mountain on the planet and understand the monumental efforts the select few have to make before they reach the peak.

From the highest peak on Earth, let us dive to the depths of the ocean. theBlu is one of those VR experiences that reminds us that we only know about 5% of the flora and fauna below the shimmering surface of the oceans. By exploring various natural habitats and meeting majestic ocean dwellers, you will understand why it is so important to protect them from extinction by maintaining a healthy and clean environment for them.

4. National Geographic VR

The National Geographic Society is one of the oldest organizations that promote learning about the entire world we live in. The VR app they developed offers anyone the chance to see endangered species in their natural environment, dive into the deepest oceans, or discover the richness of South Americas’ native civilizations. Some users have recently been experiencing some errors, so if you happen to be one of them, you can also give the National Geographic Explore VR experience a try. Developed by Force Field Entertainment (acquired by Vertigo Games), the experience lets you step into the shoes of a National Geographic explorer and visit Antarctica and Machu Picchu.

5. Qantas VR

We end our list of VR experiences for exploring the world with an app that only covers Australia. We believe it is worth trying, as it is the only one covering all the key landmarks from Down Under, including the sacred site of Uluru. Upon request from the Australian authorities, images of the Uluru climb were taken down from Google Maps after the climb was banned in 2019. So, Qantas VR seems like a good option for exploring Uluru as, according to their website, their footage “captures a rare glimpse of one of the most recognizable natural rock formations in the world.”

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The best VR apps for 2023

If you have one of the best VR headsets , such as the new Meta Quest 3, you might be wondering what you can do with it. Beyond the best VR games , there’s a whole world of apps to explore too.

Google Earth VR (free)

Wooorld (free), openbrush (free), vermillion ($20), bigscreen (free), littlstar (free), ocean rift ($10), virtual desktop ($15), immersed (free), youtube vr (free), titans of space plus ($10), nanome (free).

VR apps can immerse you in any scenario or augment your actual surroundings with mixed-reality graphics. You can hang out and work with friends located anywhere in the world, watch movies on a giant cinema screen, learn about atomic bonds with molecules scaled up to fill the room, create 3D models with a swipe of your hand, and much more. Here are the best ones to try out to get the most out of your VR headset.

When VR began to blossom as an entertainment medium, one of our first thoughts was: “Google Earth is going to be super freaking cool.” Turns out, we were right. Flying around the planet like some kind of hypersonic eagle is both enjoyable and educational, at least if you happen to like geography. And even if you don’t, you can still use the quick-nav menu to visit landmark sites like the Sphinx or the Golden Gate Bridge or pay a digital visit to the capital of Djibouti.

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Unsurprisingly, many landscapes and areas appear to be little more than colorful smudges (especially if you’re using Google Cardboard), but it’s a free app, so what are you gonna do? Zooming across vast distances in a matter of seconds and descending upon mammoth structures like the Hoover Dam is exhilarating, even if you can’t make out the individual cars driving across it. Chances are, you’ve used Google Earth before, so you know the drill. It only gets more fun in virtual reality, just don’t expect too much detail.

Download now for:

Steam Oculus Rift

Google Earth doesn’t work on Meta Quest headsets unless you connect to a PC. You can get a somewhat similar experience with Wooorld, which uses Google’s API to access the same data. Its unique user interface places 3D views of any location on the planet on your tabletop or your floor.

You can resize the viewport and drag the world around while skyscrapers, houses, and landscapes scroll by like a holographic projection. You can also scale the scene up to fill your entire room. Wooorld is a multiuser app, so you can bring friends and coworkers to a place to describe directions or discuss plans.

It’s not quite as immersive as Google Earth, but it’s the best alternative for the Quest 3 and Quest Pro since you can enjoy a nice mixed-reality view.

OpenBrush picks up where Google’s Tilt Brush left off. This free and open-source 3D painting app lets you create an entire world around you, zoom in to add fine detail, or zoom out for big changes.

In the Meta Quest version, you can use mixed reality to view your creation in your own room. It’s very relaxing to paint with light, and there are plenty of brushes and options to refine your art. Whether you’re a talented artist or a beginner, OpenBrush makes it easy to create stunning animated images.

Steam Meta Quest

If OpenBrush is too futuristic for your artistic sensibilities, you might prefer Vermillion. It removes the mess and expense of painting canvases without losing the classic look, tools, and techniques.

Blend and layer oil paints with realistic tools in a variety of environments. If you use it in SteamVR, you can even load Vermillion as an overlay in your favorite VR game to get inspiration for a new piece.

With a Meta Quest 3 or Quest Pro, you can enjoy full-color mixed reality views to use anything in your room for reference. If you’re new to painting, bring in a browser image for Vermillion to convert to a paint-by-numbers template, making it easier to get started.

Steam Meta Quest

You can stream content from Netflix, Hulu , Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, PlutoTV, Amazon Prime, Twitch, and more on a giant virtual cinema screen. Bigscreen recreates the theater experience, complete with curtains, aisles, and rows of seats where you and your friends can sit and watch movies and series together.

If you want a cozier experience, you can choose from several home theater layouts without remodeling your living room. Since you’re watching in VR, your headset automatically supports 3D, so you can browse and select from over 200 3D movies.

Steam Oculus Rift Quest

Using your VR headset to watch content from Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube is fun. It’s like having your own personal IMAX movie theater to visit any time you want, without dropping obscene amounts of coin on popcorn and cookie dough bites. Littlstar VR Cinema changes the game by offering a full library of 360-degree videos designed to make you feel like you’re the cameraman. Whether you’d prefer to educate yourself about the state of Nepal post-earthquake or simply jam out to some music videos, Littlstar provides a point of view that you just can’t get anywhere else.

There’s Broadway theater content, sports content, and content for kids, making this one of the best VR experiences out there. It’s also absolutely free. The user interface is smoother on some platforms than it is on others, but that’s a minor complaint. If you’re the creative type, you can even film and upload your own 360-degree content for others to view and enjoy.

The open ocean is a terrifying yet wondrous place, and its full depths are on display in Ocean Rift . The experience is akin to an African safari, except you’re free to roam wherever you please — and you’re underwater, of course. Explore any of the 12 huge open habitats at your leisure, observing marine wildlife that includes dolphins, manatees, sharks, and more. Head toward the surface to cavort with sea turtles or dive into deeper waters to encounter more dangerous — and potentially deadly — animals.

If you want to simply sit back and watch the fish pass you by, Ocean Rift can be a calming, therapeutic experience. If you’d prefer to explore the game to its fullest, it can almost become a survival horror game with a few surprises up its watery sleeve. Little touches, like the outline of a diving mask around the screen’s edges, help to make this a truly memorable experience.

The Quest version also supports a mixed reality mode where you can place portals to the ocean and its creatures on your walls as if you live at the bottom of the sea.

Oculus Rift Meta Quest

Have you ever fantasized about navigating your computer in virtual reality, like that episode of The Fairly Odd Parents where Timmy actually goes inside the internet? Neither have we. If that sounds interesting, though, boy, do we have some good news for you! Virtual Desktop lets you use your computer in VR, whether you’re browsing the web, watching Netflix, or playing games. You can even manage spreadsheets in VR, though we think that might be more of a hindrance than anything.

The app works well with multiple-monitor setups, and using your headset to swivel back and forth between screens is pretty cool.

Steam Oculus Rift Meta Quest HTC Vive XR Elite

In 2024, you want spatial computing with multiple screens so you can be productive in VR. That’s easy with Immersed since it supports up to five resizable, repositionable virtual displays and your phone. That’s right, you can see your phone in VR without resorting to a low-resolution passthrough view. Immersed is free to use but to unlock all the features, you need to subscribe.

To get started, install the VR app on your headset, then download the companion app for your computer and phone. Immersed is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Meta Quest HTC Vive XR Elite Pico

Google made a version of YouTube specifically for virtual reality. You can watch ordinary videos in the app on a large virtual screen, but for the ultimate video experience, you need to search for VR videos. That could be 360 videos, stereoscopic videos that include depth, or VR180 videos that fill your front view with a 3D scene.

There are first-person perspective views of skydiving, racing, roller coasters, and all sorts of thrilling action camera captures. You can watch immersive concerts, visit travel destinations, preview VR games, watch 3D movie trailers, and more.

If you use Steam, you can simply open youtube.com in a browser and choose VR mode. That also works on the new Meta Quest 3 , but the YouTube VR app is probably best for the less powerful Quest 2. The app is compatible with every Meta Quest headset.

When you look up at the night sky and gaze into the vastness of the universe, marveling at the infinite nothing and everything of creation, time, and space, you’re probably wondering…did someone make a VR app for this? You’re in luck because they did!

Titans of Space is an immersive journey through the planets and moons of our solar system. It is a highly educational app, but don’t let that deter or bore you. Flying through the cosmos on your VR headset is as exciting as it is informative. You’ll be taken through guided educational activities but are also free to drift through the stars performing your own EVA (Extravehicular Activity). Bet you didn’t think learning about Saturn’s 82 moons could be fun. Well, it is.

Take a journey with your “Flying Professor” tour guide as you experiment with the gravitational pull of different planets. You’ll analyze each planet with radar, topographic maps, and more. Explore the wonders of our solar system from the comfort of your living room.

Steam Oculus Rift Meta Quest

Nanome helps make complex and important topics like chemistry and biology much easier to understand by blowing up 3D molecules to room-filling size. This lets you, a coworker, or a teacher get right down to the atomic level to see how a molecule is constructed.

You can examine DNA, explore mutation and advanced selection, visualize bacteria and antibodies, and see how proteins fit together. By holding these molecules in your hands, rotating and scaling them, you can get a better understanding of the structure and atomic bonds that hold things together in microscopic detail.

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Investing in a good PC monitor can enhance your computing experience in several ways:

Talk of the metaverse has waned in recent months, but Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shook things up with an Instagram post that could have a significant impact on the development of the best VR headsets and accelerate the pace of the metaverse.

The big news is that Meta will open-source the mixed-reality operating system it developed for the Quest 3 and earlier Quest VR headsets to expand the ecosystem to new partners.

The 2-in-1 form factor has certainly come into its own over the last several years. There's really no reason to limit yourself to a clamshell, as there's a 2-in-1 that will meet the needs of all but the most demanding users in terms of sheer performance.

We've reviewed every great 2-in-1 you can buy, including Chromebooks, convertibles, and powerful 16-inch versions. The overall best 2-in-1 at the moment is the Microsoft Surface Pro 9, with its fantastic keyboard that's as easy to remove as it is to type on, a 120Hz display, and a haptic-enabled pen. It's almost as good a laptop as it is a tablet, which is what makes it the best overall 2-in-1.

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25 Best Virtual Reality Apps and Experiences You Should Try

Best Virtual Reality Apps and Experiences You Should Try

Best VR Experiences
Best VR Games
Best Horror and Scary VR Games

Best VR Experiences in 2020

Within is one of the best apps to begin your journey in virtual reality as it offers users a single platform through which they can discover great VR content from creators around the world . The app features immersive VR videos spanning across a variety of genres, from fictional tales to serious documentaries . The experimental section on the app is home to some fun, trippy videos which will transport you to another dimension. If you’re someone who enjoys great video content, then I’m pretty sure you’ll find yourself spending increasing amounts of time on Within. It’s definitely one of the best VR experiences out there.

2. BBC Earth: Life in VR

If you’re looking for something a bit more informative, one of the best VR apps you should definitely check out is BBC Earth: Life in VR. It’s a Google Play Award winning app that allows users to experience the natural world in VR . The cartoonish animation makes the app perfect for young kids who can use it to learn a lot about life around them. The app focuses on the fauna round the Californian coast, delving to a microscopic level to help you discover organisms that you’ve never seen before and it even allows you to dive deep into the ocean alongside a Sperm Whale to get closer to the gargantuan creature than you’ve ever been before.

3. InCell VR

One of the best virtual reality apps for educational purposes – InCell VR – has been designed to teach you how the human body works by taking you down to the cellular level and helping you understand just what goes on inside the building blocks of our body. In order to make the experience a bit more interesting for you, the app gamifies the biology with an action/racing game thrown into the mix. The stunning visuals, along with the gaming aspect of the app, really go a long way in ensuring that you learn some interesting things about cells and their components.

4. Horizons

Not really into all the educational content? Then you should probably try Horizons, a visual masterpiece which takes you an a series of interactive journeys based on the music of renowned producer Bonobo . The app allows you to control the music, and the music, in turn, controls the virtual world in front of your eyes. The psychedelic experience is definitely worth checking out and I’m sure that the visuals, combined with the spatial sound, will amaze you. If you’re a fan of Bonobo’s work, then you shouldn’t think twice before downloading this app.

5. Star Chart

Take off from Earth and explore the solar system and the wide expanse of space beyond with Star Chart VR – a real-time space simulation which gives you accurate locations of the celestial bodies you can see from Earth. Get up close to the Sun or drift far away to the cold, deep space around Pluto; count Saturn’s rings or view thousands of the most visible stars in the night sky; you can do it all with Star Chart. It’s definitely one of the best immersive apps I’ve tried till date and I especially like the part where the app allows you to experience the most memorable moments of human space exploration , something you might have just seen on TV or YouTube up until now.

6. Google Earth VR

Google recently updated its Earth VR app with numerous new landmarks and popular places across the globe. It now lets you experience a whole new world through VR. You can go pretty much anywhere and experience places in 3D. The best part is that Google Earth VR has got support for Street View which means you can now navigate around cities and monuments as if you are present there. And that is not all, Google Earth VR can render any 2D object on our planet in 3D. Basically, with this feature, your experience will not just be limited to a few popular places, but you can also pinpoint your home and other places and experience the view in 3D.

7. VR Media and Movie Apps – Netflix VR / YouTube VR / Hulu VR

If you love watching movies you will certainly appreciate these VR apps which allow you to experience your favorite movies in a virtual environment. There are main popular media streaming services which bring their virtual reality apps to give you the best movie-watching experience. Some of the prominent streaming services which support VR experience include Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, sling TV, Plex VR, and more.

Download: Netflix VR ( free ), YouTube VR ( free ), Hulu VR ( free ), Sling TV VR ( free ), Plex VR ( free )

8. Dream Vision VR Apps

Price: Free

10. Fulldive VR

Best VR Games in 2020

1. mekorama vr.

Supported platforms: Google Daydream

2. Keep Talking & Nobody Explodes

keep talking and nobody explodes screenshot

Supported platforms: Android (Google Daydream), iOS, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Windows, macOS, Linux, Oculus, HTC Vive

3. Beat Saber

Supported platforms: HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Windows, Valve Index

4. VR XRacer

Supported platforms: Android (Google Daydream/Google Cardboard), iOS

5. Fractal Combat X

6. Romans from Mars 360

Supported platforms: Android (Google Daydream/Google Cardboard), iOS, HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, Valve Index

Supported platforms: iOS, Windows, Oculus, HTC Vive

8. Virtual Virtual Reality

9. Deep Space Battle

Supported platforms: Google Cardboard

10. Rez Infinite

Supported platforms: Android (Google Daydream), PlayStation VR, Oculus, HTC Vive, Windows

11. Eclipse: Edge of Light

Supported platforms: Android (Google Daydream), Oculus, Samsung Gear VR

12. Twilight Pioneers

Supported platforms: Android (Google Daydream)

Best Horror and Scary VR Games in 2020

1. the exorcist: legion vr.

2. House of Terror: Valerie’s Revenge (VR)

House of Terror: Valerie’s Revenge is a Virtual Reality game in which gamers have to search through dark environments full of traps and monsters . In the game, you will have to solve puzzles, collect clues, and solve the riddles to advance. You will have to do this while keeping away from the monsters and ghouls so that you are not caught.

Download House of Terror: Valerie’s Revenge ( Android / iOS )

Price: Free, in-app purchases

Check Out Best VR Apps and Enjoy Your VR Headset

Pranob Mehrotra

Obsolete article. Google Daydream VR is being discontinued due to lack of interest from consumers and developers.

Terrible review whats all the moble phone garbage . Some of these are terrible . Gaffer taping a phone to your face is not VR. where’s the real vr apps and games of 2020 i only see 10% of them listed here ms flight sim etc

I’m a little confused by the description for Google Earth VR. You say it “can render any 2D object on our planet in 3D”. While this is true in theory, as it creates the 3D models by using photogrammetry on satellite photos, there are lots of places that only have flat 2D overhead images. Is there some way in the program to have it render a specific location?

Also, you say that “you can go back in time and visit places from Google Earth’s repository”. Where can you do this in Google Earth VR? You can do this in Street View on the web, but I don’t think you can do it in the 3D environment and I don’t even think you can do it in VR Street View. If you can, I’d love to know where you can set this, cause I’d like to look at the models of some places for different times than the current default.

Other than the first list of Experiences (which I am eager to try out) the game list seems like you copy pasted it from 2016 when mobile garbage was the goto for VR due to cost. The platform has exploded since then for real hardware and the content is starting to really pile up. No mention of No Man Sky VR? No Half Life Alyx? No Elite Dangerous? I mean… wtf? You need to actually update the list and not just the year. Get rid of this mobile VR only crap and, if you actually care about the platform, don’t even consider mobile VR when making these lists. (Not talking about the Quesr that is a valid platform, talking about cell phone VR crap)

If you’re going to talk bad about my list and just leave hate then you can just leave.

He gave honest feedback although it was negative. You really think the best game for VR is from 2017? If you’re not going to review new titles why will people continue to come here? Quest 2 is the fastest selling VR console out there. People are going to want more reviews of VR games. No Walking Dead VR? Upon second review of the list, it appears you only have a google daydream/cardboard. It would be more genuine to just call this a best of google daydream/cardboard as you aren’t reviewing other platforms.

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The 10 Best VR Apps Of 2024

Table of Contents

A3Logics 08 May 2024

Virtual reality (VR) technology took the world by storm in the late 2010s. By 2024, VR has established itself as an entertainment and productivity tool used by millions around the world through affordable and easy-to-use headsets. The market for VR in the world is expected to grow to $227.34 billion by 2029 , an increase by $16.67 billion by 2022. The VR ecosystem continues to grow more robust with innovative applications being developed for areas like gaming, education, design, travel and more. Here in this post we are going to look at the best VR apps that can assist you serve your purpose. Read on.

VR Apps: An Overview

Virtual reality (VR) technology introduced users to truly immersive experiences that transported them to different worlds. The market for virtual reality is projected to expand at a rate of 10.77 percent (CAGR 2024-2028) that will lead to an estimated volume of US $58.1bn in 2028 .

By 2024, VR has permeated various sectors and become a mainstream computing platform as per the top enterprise mobile application development experts. Advances in hardware have made VR headsets more powerful yet comfortable to wear for extended periods. Widespread 5G network coverage and edge computing further optimize VR content delivery.

Over the past few years, many VR app development company experts entered the space to build innovative VR applications. These VR apps span myriad genres like gaming, education, design, travel and more.

Why The Demand For Best VR Apps is Getting Higher

It is estimated that the VR market is predicted to bring in US $38.6bn at the end of 2024 . The demand for high-quality VR apps is increasing rapidly due to several factors. According to leading mobile application consulting services, VR adoption is set to surge over the next few years as the technology matures and prices become more accessible. VR offers truly immersive experiences that augment how individuals interact with technology. Some major drivers fueling the demand for VR apps include:

Exposure and Accessibility

Since the commercialization of VR headsets by top mobile app development companies in USA like Oculus and HTC Vive in 2016, exposure to VR experiences has grown exponentially. The widespread availability of affordable headsets like Quest 2 lowers entry barriers, attracting a broader audience.

Enhanced Experiences

State-of-the-art AAA titles and applications delivered by leading custom mobile app development services are showcasing VR’s true potential. As the content landscape expands into diverse domains like learning, fitness, healthcare and more – immersive experiences are becoming mainstream.

Remote Interactions

The pandemic accelerated the need for virtual interactions. VR is effectively transforming how people socialize, conduct business meetings and collaborate at a distance through innovative applications. This utility is fueling sustained interest.

Technological Advancements

Rapid innovations in hardware, rendering and 5G connectivity by enterprises are optimizing VR’s quality and use cases. Enhanced fidelity and comfort extend user engagement. Headsets are also becoming slimmer and more powerful over generations.

Productivity Enhancements

Beyond entertainment, VR enhances training, design, and spatial workflows for industries. It brings collaborative benefits for fields like education, real estate, manufacturing and healthcare – driving commercial deployments. Having the right platform plays a key role in enhancing education with VR .

Continuous Content Evolution

Pioneering VR games and apps developed by major studios are refining the medium’s potential across genres through high production values and optimized mechanisms for user immersion and retention. This improves the experience for all.

Top 10 Best VR Apps of 2024

Each application highlights innovations across design and technical disciplines advancing VR’s diverse potentials. Collaborations between studios continually push the boundaries of immersive interconnectivity on both societal and cultural fronts. Below is the list of the best VR app names that can help you get your needs covered.

Best VR Apps for iPhone

Below is the list of the best VR fitness apps for iPhone, check it out:

1. VR Social Hub

Developed by Anthropic, VR Social Hub is a revolutionary social platform that lets users seamlessly connect in virtual spaces. Users craft customized avatars to represent themselves authentically. Spatially positioned voice chat and co-activities bring remote connections to life. The app plays a pivotal role in how top mobile app development companies in USA are transforming social interactions and events through shared virtual presence. It fosters serendipitous encounters and casual get-togethers globally without physical boundaries.

2. Enscape 3D

Renowned architecture and engineering design firm Enscape developed Enscape 3D, revolutionizing how professionals review projects in virtual reality. Mobile application consulting services utilize this program enabling realistic real-time visualizations of intricate models for feasibility reviews and remote oversight. Its photoreal graphics encourage scrutiny of intricate details. Collaborators seamlessly examine shared works-in-progress on any PCVR, VR or desktop device simultaneously thanks to the app’s synchronous rendering. It streamlines teamwork essential for industries. It is certainly one of the best free VR apps you can consider.

3. Gravity Sketch

Gravity Sketch developed by Anthropic is a prominent 3D modeling tool beloved among creators. Artists, designers and engineers leverage its intuitive VR painting and sculpting tools facilitated by hand tracking controllers. The program pioneered spatial interfaces now standard across applications. Custom mobile application development services continue optimizing its toolsets for precise CAD, virtual product prototyping, architectural visualizations, VR/AR content authoring and more. It represents the cutting edge of VR creativity software.

4. NASA Explorer VR

The educational outreach division of NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, offers NASA Explorer VR. Through this app, mobile app development company in USA deliver interactive lessons on our universe. Users touring exhibits gain novel insights into astronomical phenomena and ongoing space missions. It brings the wonders of science to all. Updates reflect discoveries, keeping educational content fresh long-term. The app plays a pivotal role inspiring next generations of explorers.

5. VRChat Worlds

Anthropic’s VRChat serves as a lively social sandbox frequented by creative communities. World builders craft photorealistic shared spaces modeled by enterprise mobile application development for games, events and causal mingling. Regular content expansions maintain appeal as users populate vibrant corners of VR. Live events hosted on the platform tap into its widespread playerbase. Android app development companies benefit from analyzing trends on VRChat indicating the medium’s future.

6. The Climb 2

Crytek’s respected climbing simulator The Climb 2 advances the franchise on all fronts. Featuring free solo ascents up epic rock faces, it delivers a visceral experience developed in this Munich based studio’s renowned CryEngine. Customizable control schemes ensure accessibility while sophisticated physics stimulate adrenaline. Mobile application consulting services leveraging the multiplayer system for collaborative ascents fosters healthy competition and camaraderie within committed communities. In fact, many consider it as the best VR meditation app as well.

Developed by Anthropic, Wander transports players to iconic locations photogrammetrically scanned for realism. Historical sites, natural wonders and metropolitan districts emerge through insightful commentary. Top mobile app development companies in USA regard the app’s cinematic style and educational bent as ideal for creating presence through stories of real places. Nostalgia and novelty alike motivate its relaxing voyages perfect for unwinding.

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Beat Saber laid foundations for full-body VR rhythm games capitalized by this spiritual successor VR Wave developed by Anthropic. Players intuitively carve waves to pumping surf rock anthems. Motion controllers mimic boarding maneuvers providing exhilarating arm workouts. Customizable obstacles across leaderboards incentivize pushing limits according to the top AR VR app development company experts. Its crowd-pleasing premise delivers joyful interactions strengthening player bonds. It is certainly one of the best VR workout apps to consider.

9. Tilt Brush

One of VR’s seminal creativity tools Tilt Brush was brought to consumers by Google. Painting dynamically in virtual 3D space with unprecedented fluidity, it lowered barriers to expression. Detailed artistic works remain prominently displayed years later. While newer programs broadened the canvas, Tilt Brush sparked visions of spatial computing’s cultural impacts that linger. Its mark on the industry is undeniable.

10. Song in the Smoke

Developed by Different Tales, Song in the Smoke affirms VR’s narrative potential. Stranded alone in an open wilderness landscape, players survive via foraging and crafting amid puzzle-like mysteries. Immersive storytelling techniques intertwine with relaxed gameplay conventions for an engrossing expedition. Mobile application consulting services herald its success fostering intimacy between audiences and virtual worlds through embodied perspectives. It highlights non-gaming applications are viable too.

Steps To Develop VR Apps

The impact of VR app development is significant but it needs to be developed right. Explore the steps that assists in the process of development of VR apps as per the top AR/VR app development experts:

Performance Optimization

Achieving the coveted 90FPS minimum refresh rate required for an immersive VR experience presents unique optimization challenges handled by top mobile app development companies in USA. Techniques like reducing draw calls, multithreading rendering pipelines and Level of Detail adjustments become paramount to keep apps running smoothly on various hardware.

Mobile app development company in USA focus heavily on minimization processes – combining duplicate Meshes, batching Materials, decimating complex geometry, and using binary serialization reduces CPU/GPU costs. Global illumination solutions avoid heavy real-time lights whenever possible while maintaining atmospheric qualities. Frametime profiling tools surface bottlenecks addressed iteratively.

Outsourcing 3D model creation assists reusability across titles. Caching precalculated PhysX data cuts physics simulations overhead. Layered material blending, billboards, and occlusion culling hide performance-heavy effects from peripheral view. Textures compressed via DXT, PVRTC, ASTC formats maintain quality while conserving memory. AssetBundle modularization optimizes loading.

Such practices ensure even lightweight headsets run content optimized for higher-end PCVR. Mobile application consulting services audit apps against hardware specs and recommend changes enhancing responsiveness cross-platform. Overall efficiency forms the foundation for immersive VR.

Intuitive Controls

Well-designed motion inputs necessitate exhaustive prototyping to reduce fatigue over lengthy play sessions. Custom mobile app development services leverage hardware capabilities like 6DoF tracking, finger gestures and haptics to facilitate natural interactions as seamlessly as physical objects.

For example, gripping virtual items mapped to controller input creates an intuitive first grasping metaphor. Pointing lasers or using controllers as flashlights complements embodied control schemas easily understood. Dual-stick locomotion avoids sickness when teleporting proves impractical.

ios app development companies incorporate adaptive assistance like gravitating objects towards grasped controllers. Customizable mapping accommodates playstyles beyond standard schemes too. Frequent playtesting uncovers nuance, maintaining presence regardless of input method for a comfortable user experience.

Immersive Design

Creating convincing virtual worlds begins with custom shaders rendering surfaces, lighting effects and reflective materials realistically within performance budgets. Enterprise mobile application development leverages PBR models lit by physically plausible lighting.

Accurate scale proportions transport players into lifelike places. Dynamic soundscapes leverage Valve’s spatial audio techniques for natural pinpoint positioning. Animation blends locomotion with subtle idle motions maintaining balance. Interaction feedback offers haptics or physics-based responses.

Destructible environments molded by player agency further heighten realism. Photogrammetry reconstructions capture textures facilitating presence through real-world likenesses. Consistent artistic visions across mechanics, story and aesthetics cultivate cohesion within virtual ecosystems. Overall, crafting atmospheric complexity immerses users.

In summary, AR VR App development services involve tackling unique technical challenges across many specialized disciplines. Top-tier studios and mobile application consulting services deploy cross-functional teams leveraging highly iterative processes to overcome hurdles. Ultimately, prioritizing user comfort enables showcasing technology’s full immersive potential.

Features You Must Have In VR Apps

Besides technical execution, compelling AR VR Solutions rely on engaging the user through core features:

One of the most crucial aspects VR apps developed by mobile app development companies in the USA rely upon is offering seamless interaction models tailored to each platform’s input capabilities. Whether using motion controllers, hand-tracking, or hybrid systems – control schemes allow instant comprehension of core functions like selection, locomotion and object manipulation.

Leading custom mobile app development services dedicate considerable prototypes towards refining gestures that feel natural yet minimize fatigue. Intuitive contextual menus designed by ios app development companies replace mouse-clicks for comfort. Hybrid solutions leveraging physical joysticks complemented by VR-optimized system menus enable incorporating lessons from conventional 3D gaming controllers too to widen audiences.

Social Interactivity

A defining characteristic of the VR medium lies in cultivating togetherness despite physical separation. Top mobile app development companies in the USA accordingly prioritize multiplayer and social presence throughout the design process.

Cooperative puzzles, shared virtual lobbies and spaces such as social platforms, variable room-scaling support, and voice/text communications bring people face-to-face via customized avatars. Mobile application consulting services additionally experiment with spectator features allowing crowds to engage alongside players through spectating streams.

Customizability remains key as end-users represent individual expression within networked experiences. From colorways to exotic accessories, avatar editors maintained by enterprise mobile application development strike the balance between vanity and immersion. Regular content updates sustain long-term appeal by enabling user-developers to craft novel spaces and activities too. Social VR fundamentally transforms isolated play into community bonding.

Replayability

Retaining user interest beyond the initial experience relates directly to compelling reasons to replay. Various techniques maintain replayability in VR applications depending on genre conventions suitable for those platforms.

Routine assignments populated by random missions, treasure troves, and procedural puzzle generation motivate repeated quests. Achievement systems incorporated by ios app development companies represent tangible goals. Leaderboards encourage competition and testing limits crafted by android app development companies. User-editable levels and streaming tools cultivate an active user-base.

Endless survival or sandbox modes offering creative outlets through environmental alteration and custom item/structure designs prolong gameplay. Live service liveops by mobile application consulting services augment core loops. For narrative franchises, New Game+ and difficulty modes address completionists. Fundamentally, embedded motivators drive coming back for more.

Graphics Quality

Creating visually striking virtual worlds relies on proficiency harnessing the latest real-time techniques for photoreal results within VR comfort constraints. Graphical showpieces developed by top mobile app development companies in the USA showcase mastery over complex shaders, lighting models and textures.

Facial and skeletal animations mapped to controllers introduce nuanced communication. Levels strike a balance between vast vistas and meticulously detailed micro environments. Dynamic time-of-day cycles and weather systems maintain immersion. Cinematic cutscenes integrate effortlessly.

Environment models reconstructed through photogrammetry scans or procedural generation introduce consistent tangible textures. Cutting-edge rendering modes optimized for VR like foveated rendering or variable rate shading maximize impact within performance budgets managed by custom mobile application development companies . Visually-led ecosystems cultivate presence.

Comfort Tools

Ensuring applications remain nausea-free for the spectrum of user tolerances relies on adjustable comfort preferences. Settings tailored according to proclivities prevent sickness without disrupting suspension of disbelief. Intuitive snap-teleportation replaces traditional locomotion. Dashed outlines denote boundaries maintained by enterprise mobile application development.

Customizable parameters cover common pain-points from redirection techniques to motion smoothing governed by mobile application consulting services. Tutorials educate on risks. Moreover, forward-thinking comfort innovations expand the possibilities – from blinders masking peripheral stimuli to gravity-oriented interactions minimizing disorientation. As hardware evolves, safeguarding wellness broadens potential audiences.

Discovery Systems

Given VR’s vast library expansions, curation plays a key role in connecting players with their ideal experience. In-platform databases and storefronts organized by ios app development companies surface top-rated, newly released and genre-focused collections.

Custom recommendation algorithms factor playstyles against populations to suggest undiscovered gems. Tagging assists filtering thousands of items. Android app development companies expand discoverability beyond platforms too – creators gain followings; community spotlights highlight passion projects. Streaming integrations let watching translate to participating. Together, these tools cultivate serendipitous exploration.

In summary, the most holistic VR applications excel at user engagement through fostering community, mastering interactivity, accommodating preferences and igniting persistent motivation alongside photoreal visualizations. Features balancing these factors across expertise scopes define the future of the medium.

Costing of Developing VR Apps

The cost of developing high-quality VR applications can vary significantly based on numerous factors that impact the scope and complexity of a project. While smaller casual experiences can be prototyped for under $150,000, more feature-rich consumer or enterprise-grade applications commonly exceed seven-figure budgets. Let’s examine the key elements influencing development costs in detail:

At the lower end of budgets, indie teams of 1-3 talented individuals can complete basic VR concepts and prototypes by leveraging frameworks like Unity or custom mobile application development services for specific modules. Projects in this category typically range from $50,000 to $150,000.

However, as feature sets expand to include intricate gameplay systems, vast explorable worlds, photorealistic graphics, and robust multiplayer/social components, larger specialized teams are required. Best mobile app development companies in USA typically assemble groups of 5-15 programmers, artists, designers, and producers to undertake mid-sized commercial productions for $300,000 to $2 million.

The most graphically intensive and technically ambitious experiences demand teams of 20 or more using the latest rendering techniques. Majority of high-profile AAA gaming studios and mobile application consulting services maintain long-term teams in this range. Budgets for such blockbuster VR applications often surpass $5 million to factor specialized technical art, years of ongoing content updates, and extensive marketing campaigns.

At a basic level, VR apps offering simple interactions, short playtimes, and minimal production values can be completed relatively economically. However, as custom mobile app development services expand scopes to incorporate more complex designs, costs increase substantially due to additional resources and man-hours required.

For instance, building life-like simulators or realistic worlds with object permutations is far more expensive than minimal puzzle games or passive experiences. Similarly, multiplayer VR titles from ios app development companies necessitate robust networking frameworks and social systems over single-player games.

Android app development companies creating vast open-world franchises or simulators also confront higher budget requirements for content creation compared to linear narrative-based games. Performance-intensive additions like real-time ray-tracing or photogrammetry scanning of real environments also drive up investment needs.

Platform Support

Supporting VR across both high-end Windows Mixed Reality platforms as well as standalone headsets from Oculus exponentially increases compatibility testing workloads for enterprises. While apps focused on a single platform like Quest can help contain costs, wider deployments multiply efforts and running infrastructure overheads.

Additionally, premium PC VR platforms demand cutting-edge 3D assets and effects requiring immense computing power from developers, as opposed to scaled-down mobile-optimized content. Building experiences to utilize next-gen VR hardware capabilities also adds to complexity relative to current-gen releases.

Production Quality

The level of refinement, production values, and polish expected also affects project budgets allocated by teams. For instance, custom mobile application development companies specializing in serious simulation tools or immersive learning experiences aimed at industries mandate extra time perfecting functional accuracy and usability testing.

Comparatively, basic prototypes or core mechanics demonstrations intended for playtesting new interaction paradigms can cut costs by deprioritizing granular balancing or asset quality. Similarly, cross platform app development services emphasizing realistic graphics, animations and simulation over stylized art styles demand increased visual development investments.

Outsourcing Services

Leveraging specialized expertise from external vendors allows spreading risk and containing in-house staffing costs which form a major portion of budgets. Contracting tasks like environment art production, sound design, localization, or porting assistance to seasoned third-parties enables top mobile app development companies in the USA and mobile application consulting services to assemble lean core teams.

Furthermore, accessing global talent pools on temporary freelance contracts removes the infrastructure overhead of full-time hires. However, comprehensive outsourcing app development also multiplies coordination complexities and risks lack of cohesion versus dedicated full-scope development teams. As such, a balanced outsourcing-insourcing model proves most cost-efficient.

Monetization Strategies

While consumer VR experiences focus on premium or free-to-play models, monetizing enterprise-grade solutions revolves around custom agreements and ongoing support contracts customized by mobile app development companies in the USA according to industry client requirements.

Free prototypes and basic concepts can be funded solely through publishing investments to prove metrics. However, major studios developing premium games integrate marketing, live operations costs, and ongoing live service elements into EQ-matched budgets.

Niche simulation, engineering, scientific, and virtual training applications demand intense specificity that translates to considerable price tags. Comparatively, casual titles and passive experiences have more constrained needs. Meanwhile, multiplayer online games and live service models extended lucrative longevity necessitate marathon development cycles and budgets.

On average, a VR application’s pricing depends on the development approach – ranging from $50,000 for scaled-back solo concepts to over $5 million for blockbuster consumer franchises or bespoke enterprise solutions. Educational, creative and diagnostic tools typically fall under $500K.

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As VR/XR hardware and 5G mobile infrastructure evolve to handle more complex applications, developers can realize even richer experiences. The 10 best VR apps of 2024 showcase how creative teams are realizing VR’s potential across genres. Through well-designed controls, adaptive art forms and utility, VR enhances how we relate, learn and work. Its potential remains largely untapped as the medium matures. Advancing technologies will remove remaining technical barriers, positioning VR adoption to reach critical mass by the next decade. VR’s future depends on continued content innovation from ambitious studios and startups. By focusing on user engagement, accessibility and creativity, VR stands to reshape entertainment and productivity in profound ways. If you are looking for a leading mobile app development company to help you with its development, connect with A3Logics now!

Q1. Is VR harmful for eyesight?

Most experts agree that using VR in moderation carries no serious health risks. However, like screens, overuse may cause digital eye strain. Taking breaks every 30 minutes, ensuring proper lighting and eye tracking for ergonomic focus help mitigate any issues. Proper setup is also important for user comfort.

Q2. How long it takes for mass VR adoption?

Major industry analysts predict within 5-10 years, VR/AR deployment will approach that of smartphones today based on current growth trends. Improved hardware affordability, compelling AAA content from top studios and broadened utilities are driving adoption. Mainstream applications for social media, productivity, learning and entertainment will help VR permeate work and leisure by 2030.

Q3. How long does it take to develop a basic VR app?

A simple VR app with core functionality but minimal features can usually be developed within 2-4 months by a small 1-3 person team costing $50,000-150,000. More complex titles integrating high-end graphics, vast explorable worlds etc. require 12-18 months by larger studios.

Q4. What programming languages are used in VR development?

Common languages used include C++ and C# for building performance-critical core systems, along with C# for building gameplay and Unity/Unreal integration. JavaScript via frameworks like A-Frame or Three.js are also popular choices for rapid prototyping.

Q5. Can existing mobile games be ported to VR?

While porting functionality may be possible, proper VR optimization requires a grounds-up design approach accounting for motion sickness triggers, 6DoF controls etc. Component-based engines like Unity make incremental updates easier but full conversions are challenging.

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The best VR apps

The best VR apps will allow you to experience and create immersive 3D creations.

Viewing VR apps
Creative VR tools
VR workout games

Best VR games

VR developer tools

Using the best VR apps offers users incredible visual experiences and opens up a whole new suite of creative outlets. Whether you want to make your own 3D art or engage in immersive and unique gaming experiences, the possibilities within the 3D world are limitless as the technology continues to expand and improve.

This is where my guide comes in as I round up the very best VR apps on the market today. This doesn't include PSVR 2 , which is set for release 22 February 2023; if you want to read more about Sony 's new hardware read what a VR developer thinks about PlayStation VR 2 and discover the best PSVR 2 games .

The ever-expanding library of VR tech means there are more ways to experience the virtual world than ever: be it a console, tablet or even your phone so you don't even need to invest in the high-end expensive VR headsets if you're on a tighter budget.

This piece details a wide range of apps for different kinds of users. We start out with some great free apps that you can try out now before moving on to the best VR apps for creators that require payment. As the virtual world continues to expand, there is a massive library of VR games, experiences and creative apps for digital artists available. Wanting a headset but not sure where to start? Check out our regularly updated guide to the best VR headsets for art and gaming.

The best VR apps for viewing

01. Space Explorers: The ISS Experience

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Space Explorers is an intimate VR app like no other. This app presents you with real International Space Station footage, as opposed to the rendered visuals of other VR apps. Claiming to be the largest production ever filmed in space (we can believe it), this four-part series was shot over a period of two years and allows you to mingle with the astronauts aboard the ISS.

As if actual ISS footage isn't enough, this app includes interviews with the astronauts, so you'll learn something, too. The final episode is due this spring and it's exclusive to Oculus Quest.

Download Space Explorers on Oculus for free

02. YouTube

You might be surprised to see it make this list, but the world’s most well-known video platform has a plethora of original VR content from a bunch of imaginative creators. YouTube 's own virtual reality channel hosts videos from the likes of National Geographic, Discovery, the NBA, and more. This means you can get up close and personal with your favourite sports stars, tour stunning locations around the world, and try out all new experiences.

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As is always the case with YouTube, you'll have to search through heaps of content to discover the right experience for you, but you're sure to find something unforgettable. It might not cover everything perfectly, but you can rest assured that YouTube’s VR apps do cover everything .

Download YouTube on Android for free
Download YouTube on iOS for free

03. Within VR

All the very best VR apps offer unforgettable visual experiences and Within VR does just that. It’s a platform for high-quality videos from professional creators across a vast array of genres, including documentaries, music, horror, mindfulness, and fitness.

Within VR is compatible with all major VR devices and headsets, so you can enjoy these experiences regardless of your preferred output. In fact, it's less of an app and more of a fully-featured VR platform that hosts all manner of excellent, high-quality experiences.

Imagine YouTube if it was more specifically tailored towards VR aficionados, with every video and piece of content refined and developed to make it as immersive as possible. Amongst its content, you’ll discover content from household names like Vice and Lego.

Download Within VR on Android for free
Download Within VR on iOS for free
Download Within VR on Oculus for free

04. The Guardian VR

The Guardian VR app is an immersive combination of hard-hitting journalism and storytelling from the daily UK newspaper of the same name. This app delivers an array of innovative content that plays into the newspapers left-leaning political view.

From following in the footsteps of asylum seekers to discovering the struggles some in society go through, and experiencing the world through the eyes of a baby, The Guardian VR app offers plenty of food for thought.

While it doesn't have the same depth of content as some VR viewing apps, The Guardian VR app is updated regularly with new and timely content. If you buy the newspaper or follow the news website, there's no better way to get closer to the issues close to this media outlet's heart.

Download The Guardian VR on Android for free
Download The Guardian VR on iOS for free

05. Provata VR

Whilst platforms like The Guardian VR app are designed to improve your social health, the Provata VR app focuses on your mental and physical wellbeing. This VR meditation app aims to promote calmness and better health in its users.

Inside the app, you can travel to a range of relaxing locales, from coral reefs and breathtaking waterfalls to the majestic northern lights. You choose a guided meditation exercise and then track your progress with the Health app.

The Provata VR app can be connected to a number of devices to improve the results, connecting to an Apple Watch , for example, will enable the app to measure your heart rate. Features like biofeedback make this app an incredibly clever use of VR and its capabilities.

Download Provata on iOS for free

The best creative VR tools

Designed for use on PlayStation 4 (but also compatible with the PS5), Dreams is limited to use with Sony's PSVR headset. But that's the only limitation to this intricate set of creative tools that lets you develop games and films in VR.

Don't let the cute designs and colourful world fool you, Dreams' developer tools are incredible. You can create almost any kind of game, including your own VR experiences. The UX design and overall user experience is intuitive and an absolute masterclass in accessibility and ease of use.

The key feature of Dreams is its community support, enabling users to share their games, movies and experiences with others. Plus, you can adapt and reuse elements in your own projects. Each Dreams creation offers a full user list, to show where ideas and elements came from.

To learn how you can create UX to the same standard as Dreams, take a look at our UX Design Foundations Course .

• Download Dreams on PSVR for £34.99

07. Quill by Smoothstep

Quill by Smoothstep may feel like a traditional painting app, but it's actually a full 3D animation studio, in VR. Many fantastic animated shorts and experiences have been created using Quill, including Day of the Dead by Mi Concept + Design. With Quill, you can create artistic brush strokes live in 3D and fully animate them.

Whether you want to stay in VR space to view your masterpiece or export it to your chosen 3D software to light and render is completely up to you. Quill films can also be watched on the Quill Theater app. Note: the old Quill app is no longer on the Oculus app store, as it's been returned to its creator Inigo Quilez. Instead, find it by searching for Smoothstep on the Oculus store.

Download Quill by Smoothstep on Oculus for free

08. Gravity sketch

Gravity Sketch is a fully-fledged VR content creation app with some really cool and intuitive tools for creating shapes and using splines and curves. It's particularly useful for product visualisation, modelling vehicles and the like. Comparison has been made to Adobe Illustrator and we think that’s fair.

Gravity Sketch is a pro-level set of tools, so as well as the free to try edition there's a feature-packed version aimed at enabling teams to work collaboratively across projects. Choose the edition that best fits your needs, but note that the free edition has limited cloud storage (but three people can work together on one project).

Download Gravity Sketch on iOS for free,
Download Gravity Sketch on Oculus for free
Download Gravity Sketch on Steam for free

09. Tilt Brush

Tilt Brush was one of the early art apps to make a big splash in VR and it’s still an enjoyable experience to this day. Despite Google dropping support for it, it remains one of VR's best and easiest to use creative tools. Thankfully, a dedicated community has continued to support the now free-to-access code.

It features some interesting animated brushes, a pro mode for the more advanced user and a superb UI. It may be a little more casual than others on this list, but it’s a fun way to rough out ideas or simply doodle in VR.

Download Tilt Brush on Oculus for £14.99
Download Tilt Brush on PSVR for £15.99
Download Tilt Brush on PC for £14.99

10. Kingspray Graffiti

The unusual UX design goes all-in on the graffiti theme in an app that enables you to channel your inner-Banksy and spray art on realistic locations. Kingspray Graffiti features a fantastic simulation of spray paint, that drips and spatters realistically.

The act of spraying your designs onto the in-app photo real walls feels great to use and helps sell the idea you're living the life of a graffiti artist. You can also storyboard, animate and rig your assets in VR, and export your movies and projects to view.

• Download Kingspray Graffiti on Oculus for £10.99

• Download Kingspray Graffiti on Steam for £10.99

Tvori is a professional VR animation and prototyping app that has been specifically designed for previz and animatics. Its simple controls allow you to create, build and explore animation and designs at scale. You can also collaborate with friends on designs, and offer reviewable layouts to your clients.

The Tvori app features a whole suite of real-time animation tools that are great for shorts and demos. This isn't one for beginners or casual users though, it's a high-level professional app that is perfectly designed to aid the development of projects from pitch assets to final shorts and previz.

• Download Tvori on Oculus for free

• Download Tvori on Vive for free

AnimVR brings the passion of hand-drawn animation to VR. It's an app that marries the best parts of traditional and digital animation in one enjoyable package, so you can mix frame-by-frame techniques with advanced import and export features, and the ease of VR.

You can create everything from storyboards to full animated shorts, and AnimVR is compatible with Maya, Houdini, Blender and Unity. Used by leading studios such as Aardman and Nexus, this is a good pro-level app that is also highly accessible.

• Download AnimVR on Oculus for £22.99

• Download AnimVR on Vive for £22.69

• Download AnimVR on Steam for £23.79

13. Substance 3D Modeller

Formerly Oculus Medium, Adobe's Substance is now entering the VR space, and it's doing it in a groundbreaking way. With this app, you can take your 3D models from your desktop, into VR and back again seamlessly.

Substance 3D modeller could be one of the best VR apps around for creatives, but it just needs to get out of its closed beta before we can make a full judgement. It's currently invite-only, and you need to head over to the Adobe site and sign up to stand a chance of getting on board.

• Download Substance 3D Modeller by signing up for the closed beta

14. MasterpieceVR

MasterpieceVR is an all-inclusive studio designed to give indie creators every tool they could possibly need to create content in VR; whether it's games, animation, digital art, VFX, industrial design or 3D printing MasterPiece Studio Pro will have you covered.

MasterpieceVR can be quite overwhelming as it lacks the ease of approach and closed system of Dreams (Sony's app can only be used on PlayStation), but the features and capabilities of MasterpieceVR are no less expansive. Helpfully, the app also lets you export files useful for all manner of projects and portfolio sites.

• Download MasterpieceVR on Steam for free

Best VR apps for workouts

FitXR is to VR what Peloton is to exercise bikes, but less expensive. The FitXR pitch is a subscription service of classes and workouts, with an associated community to offer support. This app offers a wealth of workouts, for a price.

The workouts are based on simple game mechanics, with a UX and menu design that are fantastic for broad appeal to anyone that might not be a devoted VR user and just wants to exercise. It's a great example of a UX designed for people who don't want to think they're playing a game. A good one for Oculus developers and designers to study.

• Download FitXR on Oculus for free

16. Knockout League

While FitXR is for the exercise lovers who know they want to get fit, Knockout League is a game that cons you into thinking you're playing. You're not, you're exercising. Hard.

Don't be taken in by the colourful cartoon visuals and accessible menus, this boxing sim is a true fitness workout. The movement controls are geared around performing lunges, squats and pumping those arms. You will build-up a sweat playing Knockout League.

A series of fun mini-games take you through the exercises without realising you're getting a workout. The Story mode pits you against a series of opponents who all need to be defeated with particular movements – read exercises. Knockout League is shows a great approach to UX design.

• Download Knockout League on Oculus for £14.99

• Download Knockout League on Steam for £15.49

• Download Knockout League on PSVR for £15.99

17. To The Top

Take on over 35 maze-like obstacle course that demand you run, scramble and climb all manner of colourful blocks and walls. Like Knockout League, To The Top lulls you into thinking this is just a game but is in fact a good fitness workout.

The colourful design and bold, graphic choices hide a game that will get the blood pumping and the muscles aching. There's a lot of content in here, and some of the later courses act as giant puzzles you need to scramble around – and it's all against the clock.

• Download To The Top on Oculus for £14.99

• Download To The Top on Steam for £15.49

18. Half-Life: Alyx

PC gamers have demanded a new Half-Life for years, and Valve delivered. Kind of. Half-Life: Alyx is a VR exclusive new chapter in the icon game series, and makes spectacular use of VR to bring this sci-fi world to life.

We particularly love the dev's use of the fan-favourite gravity gloves that enable you to pick up and interact with nearly anything in the world. Fans of the series will feel right at home, newcomers can just enjoy throwing stuff around.

You will need a good PC and VR headset to get the most from this one though, as it's state-of-the-art VR gaming at its best and while need a high-end headset and hardware to work properly.

• Download Half Life: Alyx on Steam for £46.49

19. Beat Saber

We've had boxing and rock climbing, but Beat Saber brings music rhythm antics to the VR party. This game is a joy. Get your groove on and spend some time moving to the beat and using a pair of sabres to chop those flying bricks. This is one for the Jedi Master that enjoys Tetris.

With Oculus you're in good hands as the headset comes with its own controllers, on PSVR however you will need two Move controller batons. These are incredibly hard to find, and can actually now cost you more than a PSVR headset.

Download Beat Saber on Steam for £23.79
Download Beat Saber on PSVR for £24.99
Download Beat Saber on Oculus for £24.99

20. Vader Immortal

If you grew up waving around imaginary lightsabers and making schwoom-schwoom noises then this is the VR game for you. Not only does the lightsaber swinging feel great, but you can also 'use the Force' to push, pull and throw objects around.

All this and you get to take on Darth Vader. This three series adventure is great fun, and on PSVR you can get the whole package for one price. The story can be over in just three-to-four hours but a challenging combat mode enables long term light saber schwoom-schwooming.

• Download Vader Immortal on Oculus for £7.99 (episode)

• Download Vader Immortal on PSVR for £24.99 (series)

The best VR developer tools

21. Unreal Engine (XR)

Unreal Engine 5 is the industry-standard set of developer tools that can be used to create almost anything. Unreal calls its VR tools 'XR', which includes augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR).

The tools are so deep that for creators of games, films, and photo-real visualisations, anything is possible. It's worth noting however that Unreal Engine 5's workflow can be complex and you will need a powerful PC to handle all the assets.

• Download Unreal Engine on PC for free

Much like Unreal Engine, Unity is a set of professional developer tools designed to be used for all types of creative projects, from games to films. Unity can be a little easier to use than Unreal Engine, and it's not quite as tech-intensive.

This is a developer platform picked up by many in the indie space and is particularly great for creating mobile VR games and experiences. Its VR tools are great and some of the very best indie VR games were built from it, such as Beat Saber.

• Download Unity on PC for free

Some of this content originally appeared in 3D World and MacFormat magazines. Subscribe to 3D World here and subscribe to MacFormat here .

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Ian Dean is Editor, Digital Arts & 3D at Creativebloq, and the former editor of many leading magazines. These titles included ImagineFX, 3D World and leading video game title Official PlayStation Magazine. In his early career he wrote for music and film magazines including Uncut and SFX. Ian launched Xbox magazine X360 and edited PlayStation World. For Creative Bloq, Ian combines his experiences to bring the latest news on AI, digital art and video game art and tech, and more to Creative Bloq, and in his spare time he doodles in Procreate, ArtRage, and Rebelle while finding time to play Xbox and PS5. He's also a keen Cricut user and laser cutter fan, and is currently crafting on Glowforge and xTools M1.

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McDonald's will "Deal With The Trash" in unprecedented new campaign

25 Best VR Games To Immerse Yourself Within In 2024

By Diego Nicolás Argüello on May 7, 2024 at 10:21AM PDT

GameSpot may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and from purchases through links.

The best VR games are bound to surprise, charm, or even scare you in an array of ways. Most importantly, the best examples of VR games thrive in immersion, taking you into different worlds in the blink of an eye, or a quick gesture with your hands.

Regardless of which of the current platforms you choose, there's an extensive catalog of VR experiences to discover. The PlayStation VR 2, Meta Quest 3, and Apple Vision Pro have been leading the charge in recent times with their singular advantages and compromises. Meanwhile, PC VR supports a long list of compatible headsets, including the Valve Index and HTC Vive Pro 2 to name a few, with the PlayStation VR 2 joining the ranks sometime in 2024 .

Our selection has something for everybody, regardless of platform and genre of choice. Our picks intersect with the 25 best horror games out there, where you'll recognize a familiar franchise. While there are some VR exclusive games on the list, some titles originated as so-called flat versions, with a few renowned choices being part of our best PS5 games and best PC game lists. If you're deciding on what headset to purchase, the list will also help you to double-check what you already have in your library that has a VR version ready to boot.

With new VR games like Batman: Arkham Shadow , Zombie Army VR and Metro Awakening on the horizon, there's never been a better time to start training your VR legs and enjoy a number of experiences in a way that can't be mimicked with just a TV and a controller.

Platform : Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
Release Year : 2018
Developer : Beat Games
VR Intensity : 3

Much like many of the music tracks featured in the Beat Saber catalog, classics never die. At this point, Beat Saber has become an emblem of VR, with the simple premise of giving you two virtual swords to slice through blocks at the beat of Queen, Fall Out Boy, Lady Gaga, and dozens of other artists.

Beat Saber is a great option to showcase the capabilities of VR to a newcomer in a quick way without forcing their body to move too much. That being said, there's definitely a steep curve to overcome if you're up for the challenge, including different difficulties to master, multiplayer modes, and even a 360 degree variant where you're rotating in place waiting for the next row of blocks to come. You can't go wrong with Beat Saber, and hey, there are quite a few music packs available for free included with the game, so you don't have to spend additional money right away.

Read our Beat Saber review .

Half-Life: Alyx

Platform : PC VR headsets
Release Year : 2020
Developer : Valve
VR Intensity : 7

It's not easy to live up to expectations when talking about something like a new Half-Life game, but somehow, Half-Life: Alyx exceeds them. It's a different take on a beloved (and, up until its release, dormant) universe that manages to make a standout use of VR. Starring the Gravity Gloves, which are best experienced with the ever-pricey Valve Index, you're invited to fully immerse yourself in the world around you, making use of the environment and your own creativity to deal with puzzles and dangerous situations.

Time will tell if Half-Life: Alyx will ever make it outside of the PC ecosystem. If you don't have a dedicated headset for desktop PC, the Meta Quest can be used to play Valve's singular experience via wired connection or wirelessly, the latter thanks to a recent update for Steam Link for Meta Quest . Performance will vary depending on your build specs, however, as well as the method of choice. But all in all, Alyx is an experience you won't want to miss--it was GameSpot's Game of the Year for 2020 .

Read our Half-Life Alyx review .

The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners

Developer : Skybound

This might come as a surprise, but one of the best zombie games out there is in VR. The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners is a gritty, in-depth simulation title where you need to gather scraps, craft weapons, and supplies while tending to your wounds and hunger in order to survive the apocalypse in a fictional rendition of New Orleans.

There are very few VR games that balance both tension and a sense of accomplishment like Saints & Sinners does. Helping the locals with main and side missions while cautiously looking at the watch on your wrist so you can plan your escape before the night comes is a thrilling experience that's rarely replicated elsewhere, especially outside of a headset. If you have a Meta Quest 3 or a PlayStation VR 2, developer Skybound released platform-specific updates for each, offering better visuals and some quality-of-life features.

Platform : Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, Playstation VR 2, PC VR headsets
Release Year : 2016
Developer : Drool
VR Intensity : 6

There are fever dreams and fever nightmares. Thumper definitely fits the second category. Introduced as possibly the most aggressive take on rhythm games to date, you're entrusted with a handful of actions as a space beetle going at full speed through psychedelic scenarios.

Even if you've played the original version, the VR rendition amps up the intensity of the visual and sound design that permeates the whole experience. You're tasked with learning and re-learning patterns until you can make progress, and then you do it all again as obstacles get harder to surpass. Very few games give you the relief that Thumper has in store once you manage to finish a level you've been stuck in for days.

Read our Thumper review .

Rez Infinite

Developer : Monstars Inc., Resonair
VR Intensity : 4

Rez, first released back in 2002, is the sensory overload experience that keeps on giving. Rez Infinite, an HD version released in 2016 with VR compatibility, is the definitive edition of the classic on-rail shooter. Its emphasis on providing a synesthesia effect, as well as some VR-unique capabilities, make the difference.

The most notable feature is Area X, a mode made specifically for VR. In contrast to the original version--which also plays great with a headset--you're off the rail and free to move through a number of unique levels. There's an exhilarating feeling in using eye-tracking to aim at targets, as well as your own head to guide the avatar's movements as you fly and dodge projectiles while beautiful visual effects engulf you. Area X must be experienced by everyone at least once.

Read our Rez Infinite review .

Tetris Effect

Platform : Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR
Developer : Resonair, Monstars, Stage Games

Tetris Effect is excellent on every platform. Even if you aren't a fan of the original Tetris, you're bound to get lost in the immersive visuals and sounds as you slowly get better at lining up Tetrominoes. When you pair the experience with VR, however, the result is somehow even more special.

While there isn't a specific level or mode tailored solely for VR like the one Rez Infinite offers, Tetris Effect adapts quite naturally to your headset. You're now bound to move your head around and fully appreciate the often breathtaking vistas up close. Plus, with the additions of the Connected DLC, there's quite a lot to see and do even if you played the original when it first released.

Read our Tetris Effect review .

Resident Evil Village

Platform : PlayStation VR 2
Release Year : 2021
Developer : Capcom
VR Intensity : 8

Resident Evil Village marks a big departure from the classic feel of the franchise, building upon the new foundation set by Resident Evil 7. And yet, it works wonders. Controlling Ethan Winters once more--probably one of the unluckiest protagonists in games--you're trusted into a house of nightmarish creatures, from vampires to cursed dolls.

Playing Resident Evil Village in VR heightens the tension and presents the whole experience in a new light. The VR rendition of Resident Evil 7 and the Resident Evil 4 remake are worth trying on their own merits, but Village is different: It makes the best use of the newfound immersion, looks and runs great in the headset, and makes your visit to House Beneviento one you'll never forget.

Read our Resident Evil Village review .

No Man's Sky

Platform : PlayStation VR, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
Developer : Hello Games

Developer Hello Games is already busy working on its next big game, called Light No Fire , but No Man's Sky is far from being forgotten anytime soon. The past few years have seen the space sim grow in size and scope over and over, adding new ships, expeditions, and an array of mechanics that intertwine with anything from combat to crafting.

No Man's Sky is one of the best Xbox Game Pass games included in the subscription catalog. If you want to experience it in a new light, however, the VR version amps up the immersion to a great degree. If you were initially underwhelmed with the PlayStation VR 2 port, don't worry, as the developer released a major update to integrate Foveated Rendering, which makes the visuals a lot clearer as a result.

Read our No Man's Sky review .

Vampire: The Masquerade - Justice

Platform : Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR headsets
Release Year : 2023
Developer : Fast Travel Games

There might not be a Dishonored game for VR, but Vampire: The Masquerade - Justice gets fairly close in spirit. Primarily focused as a stealth-first experience, you wear the goth apparel of a vampire who has to infiltrate in a criminal underworld consuming people's blood and using all sorts of supernatural abilities.

Some skills are quite reminiscent of Dishonored, such as a Blink equivalent that lets you get to higher places or quickly fade from sight. Thankfully, there's plenty of original flair on display thanks to the World of Darkness' influence. Alongside the main objective, there are side missions to tackle and a fairly extensive upgrade path with multiple abilities to unlock. In case you're wondering, yes, you need to physically grab somebody's neck and lean on it to suck their blood. VR has come a long way.

What the Bat?

Release Year : 2022
Developer : Triband

Some VR games want to offer overly serious, complex campaigns. And there's a time and moment for that. Sometimes, however, you just want a smaller slice of comedy. What the Bat is perfect for this.

The premise is simple: You have baseball bats for hands, for some reason. You're entrusted with a series of physical-heavy mini games, which include anything from fixing the TV to frying eggs with exhilarating results. It's a fresh take on the silliness you might have experienced outside of VR with What the Golf.

Gran Turismo 7

Developer : Polyphony Digital
VR Intensity : 5

One of the most exclusive VR experiences, requiring both a PlayStation 5 and a PlayStation VR 2, happens to be one of the best VR games out there. If you enjoy the finesse and precision that Gran Turismo 7 demands, you're in luck, as experiencing the races with a headset on only makes it all better.

Whether you use the DualShock controller or a racing wheel, wearing the PlayStation VR 2 increases the immersion of races, putting you front and center. Looking out the window as you catch the sunset will make every race you end in second place a lot less painful.

Read our Gran Turismo 7 review .

The Room VR: A Dark Matter

Developer : Fireproof Studios

Sometimes, after a long day, all you want to do is unwind. There are plenty of VR games to distract yourself for a while or cut through floating blocks while following a rhythm. But if you want to use whatever remaining energy you have to solve puzzles instead, The Room VR: A Dark Matter will be perfect for you.

The disappearance of an Egyptologist kicks off a series of events involving a police investigation. You're tasked with uncovering what happened as you interact with eerie and cryptic mechanisms. Interactivity is heightened in VR, with the downside that you won't have fast access to your phone to search for a puzzle answer unless you take the headset off.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR

Platform : PlayStation VR, PC VR headsets
Developer : Bethesda Game Studios

Yes, it's The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim in VR. Even though it seems safe to assume you've already played Skyrim for countless hours, it's easy to wonder whether or not you should replay Skyrim in VR .

Simply put, the VR treatment of Bethesda's epic is quite a sight to behold. The PlayStation VR version might feel outdated by today's standards, especially if you're used to newer headsets, so it's recommended to opt for a PC VR headset instead. Regardless of your platform of use, you're bound to lose dozens of hours wandering around Tamriel again, if only for good old nostalgia's sake.

Read our The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim review.

Cosmonious High

Developer : Owlchemy Labs

If you enjoyed games like Job Simulator and Vacation Simulator, developer Owlchemy Labs' latest makes for an intriguing departure that retains the heart of its previous works.

Enrolled in an alien high school, you make use of powers to discover the source of malfunctions happening in the halls and classrooms. There are different spots around the school where you can put your powers to the test, while also making use of gesture-based interactions with your fellow students. It's all wrapped in a vibrant art style to boot, making for a lighthearted adventure worth enrolling for.

Platform : Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR 2, PC VR
Release Year : 2017
Developer : Vankrupt Games

There might not be a Counter-Strike game for VR, but Pavlov VR gets fairly close. This multiplayer shooter combines realistic reloading with fast-paced combat, making for nerve-wracking confrontations with people all around the world.

As Pavlov continues to be in early access, at least on PC, the experience is frequently being updated with new maps, weapons, and features. All in all, it has a fairly approachable barrier of entry--one that only gets more complex the better you become while shooting and reloading in VR while playing with other people.

Superhot VR

Platform : PlayStation VR, PC VR
Developer : Superhot Team

If there's one premise that could be further explored in VR, that is Superhot's. Time moves only when you move, which is perfect for those who may have not built enough resistance to motion sickness yet. But that doesn't mean the experience is any less tense or strategic.

Superhot VR isn't just a simple port, but rather a separate game that was redesigned from the ground up with the possibilities of VR in mind. If you haven't played the classic or you've been itching for an excuse to return to its world, this is a great opportunity to do so. This version also includes the Superhot Forever update, with adds replayable challenges and some tough endless levels.

Read our Superhot review .

Star Wars Squadrons

Developer : Motive Studio

Piloting a TIE Fighter in VR is a no-brainer, and Star Wars: Squadrons lets you do more than just that. Dogfighting while wearing a headset is as exhilarating as you'd expect, allowing you to get up close and personal against dozens of ships in outer space.

The VR version also includes head-tracking, which can be a bit tough to parse through if you don't have a steady VR legs. But once you get used to it, you'll be wondering why Star Wars: Squadrons isn't available on PSVR 2 or the later Meta Quest headsets, considering the standout feelings that it manages to offer the moment you jump into your ship.

Read our Star Wars: Squadrons review .

Blade and Sorcery

Developer : WarpFrog

If you have any interest in VR, it's likely that you've come across Blade and Sorcery at some point. This physics-driven medieval fantasy sandbox is quite complex, but at its heart, it's a hilariously crude exposure to the possibilities of VR.

You can make use of melee, magic, and ranged combat in an array of violent ways. Alongside the more rudimentary maps where you fight against others in an arena, the game is regularly updated with new modes and features, including the recent addition of dungeons to plunge into. If you own a Meta Quest headset, Blade and Sorcery: Nomad is a lighter version that can offer similar thrills, if you don't mind a lower graphic quality, fewer enemies on screen, and a few other compromises.

Walkabout Mini Golf

Developer : Mighty Coconut
VR Intensity : 2

Walkabout Mini Golf, first released for PC VR and then ported to PlayStation VR 2 and Meta Quest headsets, does exactly what it says in the name: It's a breezy mini-golf game in VR where you partake in matches across dozens of courses.

Physics play a big part in the experience, but so does the possibility of playing with others in multiplayer. If you're looking to chill or start a new Friday night routine with friends, you can't go wrong with some virtual mini-golf.

Supernatural

Platform : Meta Quest headsets
Developer : Within Unlimited
VR Intensity : 5+

If you're not enticed by the idea of going to the gym but still want to get some workout done at home, Supernatural is a much more fitness-focused experience than other cardio-intensive games. Yes, the gameplay is fairly similar to the likes of Beat Saber, especially with the use of licensed music. But there's more than meets the eye if you want to organize an actual routine for yourself.

As you're punching the air and squatting to dodge obstacles, Supernatural uses real-world locations as a background. There are coaches who can guide you with a voice over during workouts, as well as guidance for meditation and stretching. In contrast to the rest of our best VR games list, Supernatural requires a $9.99 monthly subscription, although there's a 14-day trial that you can opt out of at any time to try it out.

Moss: Book 2

Developer : Polyarc

The first Moss was a sensation back in 2018, inviting you to provide guidance for an adorable mouse in a thrilling adventure. The use of VR was its biggest draw, as it mixed first and third-person perspectives as you solved puzzles and helped the mouse in her quest.

Moss: Book 2 expands on its predecessor's ideas, while also ramping up the combat aspect of the adventure. It also picks up right after the events of the first Moss, so if you've been looking for a chance to reunite with the tiny hero, this is your chance.

Pistol Whip

Release Year : 2019
Developer : Cloudhead Games

Pistol Whip is more than just "Beat Saber but with guns." The rhythm shooter has you traversing through an array of levels in an on-rail fashion as enemies show up from all sides to try and take you down. Your best defense is to fire a weapon, which can vary in type and number depending on which mode you're playing, as well as your own physical prowess to dodge upcoming projectiles.

If your actions stick to the rhythm of the song in the background, you'll gain bonus points for your overall score. In practice, it becomes natural to do so, as levels are designed to fit the song, reacting to its crescendos and its beats. Depending on your difficulty of choice, however, Pistol Whip can be one of the most intense VR games out there. Make sure to have a water bottle at hand.

Before Your Eyes

Developer : GoodbyeWorld Games

Before Your Eyes was one of GameSpot's best games of 2021 , and for good reason. This narrative-driven story makes use of a simple, yet masterfully implemented mechanic: You progress through the game by blinking.

For PC users, this is done by using your webcam, while in mobile, the front camera becomes the main device. On PlayStation VR 2, however, Before Your Eyes uses the headset's eye-tracking to capture your blinking. The headset isn't exactly waterproof, and the story is quite emotive, to say the least, so proceed with caution.

Read our Before Your Eyes review .

Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes

Platform : Meta Quest headsets, PlayStation VR, PC VR headsets
Release Year : 2015
Developer : Steel Crate Games

One of the best co-op experiences out there is even better in VR. Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes invites you to disarm dangerous devices under a time limit as another person helps you while reading a manual. If at some point you were tempted to read the manual yourself, well, that will become harder with the headset on.

This VR rendition is a good example of added immersion, as you can physically move the device with the controllers, adding to the tension of trying to find the right button or mistakenly cutting something that you shouldn't.

Asgard's Wrath 2

Developer : Sanzaru Games

Asgard's Wrath 2 is one of the best VR games out now. Released in December 2023, this RPG is included for free when you purchase a Meta Quest 3. It's not just a tech demo, however, but a lengthy experience filled with gorgeous set pieces and surprising depth.

It's hard to describe Asgard's Wrath 2 succinctly, considering it contains a multitude of mechanics. There's wall running, a grappling hook, and swords and magic. You name it. If you're looking for an RPG that will keep you busy for long periods of time, search no further.

Leave Blank

10 Apps That Will Make The Most Of Your Vacation In 2024

I f you've ever spent time at a networking event, made small talk at your kids' soccer games, or scrolled through a dating app, you'll know that "travel" is something almost everyone will tell you they enjoy. Couple that with an attachment to our smartphones that borders on co-dependent, and it's no surprise to learn that travel apps are a hot commodity. Some of the best innovations in travel come in the form of apps. Staying in touch with people at home, travel planning, staying organized on the road, or connecting with other travelers? Not only is there an app for that, there are many apps for that.

To help you sort through the plethora of what's out there, here are some travel-ready apps to make your vacation a blast. We've sourced suggestions from people who travel for a living and those who leave their local area only rarely, so no matter how often you jet-set, there is an app for you.

Read more: 12 Smart Gadgets You Didn't Know Existed

If your cell plan doesn't include international roaming, you can get slammed with steep fees for using mobile data outside your own country.

There are a few ways to get around roaming charges, including buying a local SIM card for the country you are traveling in, using a Wi-Fi stick , or investing in a dual SIM phone, like those from Samsung, Apple, or Google. One of the easiest and cheapest options though, is an eSIM app like Airalo . Airalo was one of the first in the eSIM game and continues to be popular with travelers. Fans of the app point to how easy it is to download and get started quickly, and how much it saves in fees. On the other hand, some users have noticed a discrepancy in how well it works in different countries. One reviewer on TrustPilot states "We do NOT recommend this plan given the extremely poor performance in Vietnam" despite noting excellent service in Hong Kong.

Airalo is a paid service, available on the App Store and on Google Play.

Google Maps is often the default app travelers reach for when navigating new territory. It's a trusted resource for a lot of reasons, including the ease of finding reviews and info for even very small businesses. But it's not the only map app out there, nor is it the best in every situation. The main advantage of Maps.me over Google Maps is that it is based on user-generated information. Particularly for folks who are getting around on foot, this "boots on the ground" approach is excellent and more direct than reporting problems to Google Maps . It also means that if you find a cool place on your travels and want to make sure other travelers can find it, you can add it to a map.

Like Google Maps and other useful way-finding apps, you can download maps and bookmark points of interest for offline use, although the background information on locations is not as robust as on Google Maps. Maps.me also allows you to access various modes of transportation while offline, which Google doesn't.

Maps.me is free to download and available from the App Store and from Google Play.

Cash's position as king is increasingly precarious. On your travels, you'll find cashless options in places you might not expect. The mass availability of mobile payment platforms like Square means you may be able to whip out your phone or card at Swiss coffee carts or Mexican street vendors. Wise (formerly Transferwise) lets you move between currencies seamlessly. Wise lets you operate in 40 currencies, which is particularly handy if you are traveling to several different countries. They advertise charges that are less than the major banks. However, some users have complained about complications with money transfers, so be forewarned if you intend to use this app for sending money.

Of note to travelers is the option to get an actual bank card that can function as an international debit card with a nominal conversion fee (not all bank cards can pay by debit in countries other than your home base.) Or, save a step and scan your phone to pay from your Wise account.

Wise is available on the App Store and from Google Play. There is no charge to download the app, but fees are charged for some banking activities.

If you are going to be traveling from place to place on your vacation, you will want the Rome2Rio app on your phone. Enter your destination and departure location, and the app spits out the options and approximate costs for each leg of your journey. For instance, if you are in Edmonton, Canada, and want to get to the Thai island of Ko Yao Yai, the app will suggest six options, labeling the best, cheapest, and fastest combination of flight, minibus, and ferry. You can't purchase tickets through the app, although there are links to book accommodation that take you to Booking.com. Being able to purchase travel fares through the app would make things easier, especially if they were offered in a package, but the absence of that feature means you can investigate and compare prices from different booking operators , so we are putting it in the win column.

Rome2Rio is free to download and available from the App Store and from Google Play.

Rick Steves Audio Europe

Rick Steves is recognized as a top voice in travel guides. His down-to-earth approach to travel has endeared multitudes of followers to him, spawning an industry of books, television shows, and a sprawling web presence that features how-to guides, articles, and an active travelers' forum. On top of all that, he has a free app for self-guided walking tours through many of Europe's top sights called Rick Steves Audio Europe . Reviewers of the app give it a high rating (4.7 on Google Play and 4.3 on the App Store) using superlatives like "This app is GOLD," and comparing the quality of the tours to paid audio tours. On the downside, it is difficult to sync the app on multiple devices, so if you are in a group you may all be at slightly different parts of the tour, which can be mildly annoying. There are a bunch of tour sites, with more added periodically.

The audio tours and accompanying maps are downloadable, so you don't need to worry about burning through mobile data or needing to rely on Wi-Fi. Rick Steve Audio Europe is free to download and available from the App Store and from Google Play.

How many trips come vividly back to life in your mind just by thinking about that one excellent bowl of Cacio e Pepe pasta or sun-drenched sip of a Paloma? Exploring a place through its flavors and discovering new spots to eat is a beloved part of travel. In Europe, TheFork (the French version is called LaForchette) is the go-to app for crowd-sourced restaurant reviews. Previously, the app also covered Australia, but at the start of 2024, it was announced they will be pulling out of Oz.

You can find Michelin-starred restaurants with months-long wait lists or little hole-in-the-wall spots by searching the name of the eating establishment, the city or neighborhood you want to eat in, or the kind of cuisine you are craving.

The app is worthy of its space on your phone just for the restaurant listings and reviews, but if you want to explore more of the capabilities, there are ways to expand its usefulness. You can make reservations, register to collect points, access discounts and specials at select spots, and pay through the app. TheFork is free to download and available from the App Store and from Google Play.

Looking for a little love on the road? The Fairytrail app might be the ticket to romance (or ROAMance) you are looking for. Aimed at digital nomads and van life devotees, the app is a nice addition to the dating lives of travelers of all stripes. Members are evaluated and assigned a fairytale character similar to enneagram-slash-Myers-Briggs personality types, which is a new and novel approach compared with other iPhone dating apps or Android dating apps .

Because the app is focused on people with nomadic lifestyles, matches are location-independent. The idea is that users of the app will be willing to travel to each other to meet and date. There is a setting that allows an extra layer of matching: dream places to visit. If you so choose, before chatting with a match you need to have an overlapping "bucket-list" destination. Previously, this was an unavoidable step but became an optional setting after it was changed in response to frustration expressed by reviewers. The app is being redesigned in 2024 and soliciting feedback from users. Stay tuned, it seems more happy endings are in store! Fairytrails is free to download with in-app purchases and is available from the App Store and from Google Play.

Price Scanner And Converter

A very unpleasant aspect of vacationing in another country is coming home to a shocking credit card bill. Part of the problem is the tendency of holidaymakers to spend like money isn't real, but the other problem is how difficult it is to calculate prices into your own currency. Sure, you can come up with shortcuts to do quick math, but that gives you an estimate rather than an exact cost. To help, there are many different currency converter apps out there, with features like real-time rate calculation and offline capability. The somewhat clunky-named Price Scanner and Converter takes it one step further by using your phone's camera to scan prices and display them automatically in your preferred currency (out of 150 global currencies.) New iPhone cameras also have a similar capability, but it isn't as seamless a process as using this app.

This price scanning app isn't presently available on Google Play, although there are similar apps to be found. The reviews are pretty overwhelmingly mediocre, so if you are on team Android, your best bet may be to download a regular currency converter and enter in prices the old-fashioned way.

Downloading the Price Scanner and Converter is free from the App Store.

Searching through your emails for confirmations and itineraries isn't an efficient way to access your travel information. And good luck if you have used your work email for some of your planning and your personal email for others. What if you are offline when you need to find your tour details? Nightmare fuel. Tripit has created a simple user experience, allowing you to forward all those endless travel planning emails to be arranged into an easily accessible itinerary in a single spot, which you can access from any of your devices.

Other features of this include the ability to load PDFs, QR codes, and other travel documents to your Tripit travel folder. There are helpful navigation tools, like airport maps, neighborhood safety ratings, and nearby places. You can share your travel plans and sync them to your calendar. For $49 a year (or a free 30-day trial) you can upgrade to Tripit Pro for enhanced travel aid, including notifications to help keep you on track and on time.

Tripit is free to download from the App Store and from Google Play, and you can upgrade to the premium Tripit Pro on the Tripit website or in the app.

Mobile Passport Control

The latest app from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol goes by the wildly creative name, " Mobile Passport Control ." It's a no-nonsense app with a no-nonsense name that allows users to streamline the customs experience. Rather than filling out declarations forms, users enter their information into the app and send it to border officials so they can access it as soon as they get to customs. You can do this immediately upon arrival, say as your plane is taxiing to the gate.

The app is for United States citizens and Canadians with a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa who are entering the USA at one of 33 American airports, 11 preclearance sites, and four seaports. It works in tandem with your passport, but it doesn't replace it.

As a bonus, some sites allow those with the Mobile Passport Control app to use their own (almost always shorter!) line or expedited Global Entry lines at passport control. You can enter family members on the same app and there is no approval process, just download and go.

A previous iteration of the app had a premium, paid version, but this is no longer the case. The app is free on the App Store and Google Play.

Read the original article on SlashGear .

Mannequin Meta Quest Impressions: A Creative Twist on a Multiplayer Classic

Mannequin infuses new life into the classic Prop Hunt formula.

By infusing Prop Hunt with a sci-fi, narrative-driven bent and translating its most compelling elements into VR while bringing wholly original ideas to the table, Mannequin shows immense promise as an asymmetrical multiplayer VR game.

For the uninitiated, Prop Hunt is one of the most influential multiplayer games ever made that spawned from a mod of the popular game Gary's Mod. Taking hide and seek to the next level, Prop Hunt tasks players with disguising themselves as various items (or props) in an environment—stuff you'd find in a multiplayer game map. It's so popular that it's gone on to spawn tons of imitators, including from the likes of Fortnite. But Mannequin isn't just a cheap imitator. Bringing this premise into VR infuses this winning setup with engaging originality.

We at Android Central have been excited about Mannequin since it was first announced last year and ahead of its launch in the App Lab, I had the opportunity to play Mannequin with some of its developers before launch. Throughout my hour-or-so demo of the game, I played as both a human agent and one of the invading alien Mannequins and explored a pair of the maps that will be available in the game at launch.

The world of Mannequin has been invaded by eponymous aliens with the ability to freeze humans and disguise themselves as frozen humans at any point.

The world of Mannequin has been invaded by eponymous aliens with the ability to freeze humans and disguise themselves as frozen humans at any point. Their goal is to freeze both of the human agents without getting shot or caught or to take down all three power stations on the map. Each map is packed with identical-looking frozen humans who've been spawned in random places. Trying to blend in, you can freeze in place as a Mannequin at any point and in any pose as you lurk in disguise, waiting for an unassuming agent to pass by.

Both your pose and positioning when you freeze matter here. Not only will an unnatural pose give you away, but it's also important that you take the frozen humans' positions into account when you get ready to strike. While you're frozen, you can still look around freely, too, which makes it easier to take a tough but convincing pose without turning your back to the enemy. You can also perform a dash while frozen or while moving around. The dash is on a short cooldown time, so you'll need to strike carefully or hope that your prey has bad aim.

Tasked with hunting down the Mannequins, Agents are equipped with a sensor that reveals any aliens within a certain area and a gun that senses nearby aliens and vibrates when pointed in their general direction but doesn't explicitly reveal them.

The gun only starts loaded with a few rounds and shooting a civilian target will cause it to jam, making sure that you're not just firing around willy-nilly. But if you're a little trigger-happy, you can refill your weapon at the same stations that the Mannequins are trying to shut down, creating a reason to defend these chokepoints with incentives beyond just eliminating the alien threat.

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Agents must take down the aliens but have to use special tools to identify them — or be clever enough to spot the ruse among the frozen humans.

Players in either role have a chance to revive a downed teammate, but doing so might put them at risk of being found out or eliminated by another player. The way these teams are balanced lends an engrossingly tense pace to each match, with just a few interactions determining each round.

Neither side felt over or underpowered, either, and I had a great time playing as both though I think I preferred to play as a Mannequin because of how fun it was trying to find believable poses.

I had a great time checking out Mannequin. On top of being an already creative take on the genre, it's a premise that truly works best in VR: posing with full control of your limbs elevates both the challenge and interactivity by making it a bit harder to strike a convincing pose.

In kneading these mechanics into an already winning recipe, Mannequin shows a lot of promise. And based on a few hints from the developers during my session, I'm all-but positive that Fast Travel Games have big plans for Mannequin's future. If they play their cards right, I'm certain Mannequin could wind up being one of the best games on Quest . But for now, you can download Mannequin through the Quest's App Lab starting today.

Charlie's a freelance contributor at Android Central from Milwaukee, WI.

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Travel easily by train to summer events – we treat summer travellers to extra services.

The train is the easiest method to reach many events in the wonderful Finnish summer. We are adding train services and special-themed trains to the most popular events during the summer. We have also added seasonal stops in Härmä and Hillosensalmi to serve travellers who want to reach the amusement park or the national park. The timetables for long-distance trains until 15 September have now been published in the travel search on VR.fi and the VR Matkalla app.

Just like last year, you can travel to the midsummer festival on the popular midsummer train between Tampere and Rauma. This year, you can travel both ways on Thursday and Sunday.

The timetables for the Rauma midsummer trains are:

Thu 20 June IC647 Tampere–Rauma at 10.59–12.45
Thu 20 June IC648 Rauma–Tampere at 13.30–15.21
Sun 23 June IC647 Tampere–Rauma at 09.05–11.03
Sun 23 June IC648 Rauma–Tampere at 11.55–13.42

In addition to the Rauma midsummer train, other services returning this summer are the seasonal stops at Hillosensalmi near the Repovesi National Park and the Härmä station near Powerpark. Summer stops at these stations allow for a day trip to nature or leisure activities.

Music, sport and an unforgettable travel atmosphere

Every Tuesday in July, the IC3 “opera train” departs from Helsinki, welcoming passengers to enjoy musical performances. We are organising the opera train in collaboration with the Savonlinna Opera Festival

To set the right atmosphere, you can also enjoy the special programme on some of the additional train services during the festival.

Train tickets for these summer events are already available:

Friday 7 June and Sunday 9 June Metallica at Helsinki Olympic Stadium : Sat 8 June and Mon 10 June IC645 Helsinki–Kupittaa at 00.50–2.48 and IC677 Helsinki–Tampere at 00.30–02.23 and Z-train Helsinki–Lahti at 0.50–1.55

Fri 7 June – 10 June Kesärauha in Turku : Mon 10 June IC646 Kupittaa–Helsinki at 01.00–2.52

Fri 7–8 June Soundfest in Lahti : Sat 8 June Z-train Lahti–Helsinki 2.10–3.15 and Sun 9.6 Z-train Lahti–Helsinki 2.30–3.35

Fri 14–15 June XXL-Mössö in Lahti : Sat 15 June Z-train Lahti–Helsinki at 2.30–3.35, Sunday 16 June Z-train Lahti–Helsinki at 2.30–3.35

15 June – 16 June Jukolan viesti orienteering competition at Kauhava : extra train stops at Kauhava on Sat 15 June by train IC51 and Sun 16 June by trains IC22, IC24 and IC26.

Fri 28–29 June Provinssirock at Seinäjoki:

Thu, Fri and Sat 27–29 June IC633 Helsinki–Seinäjoki at 11.12–14.54,
Fri 28 June IC 634 Seinäjoki–Helsinki at 2.50–6.45,
Sat 29 June. IC634 Seinäjoki–Helsinki at 3.15–6.37
Sun 30 June IC634 Seinäjoki–Helsinki at 3.00–6.27

Additional train services will be available during May – June for these events:

Fri 5–7 July Ruisrock in Turku (additional train from Turku to Tampere, additional bus services from Turku to Helsinki are being planned)
Sat 6–7 July Bryan Adams in Tampere, Tuhdimmat tahdit in Tampere and the Wanaja festival in Hämeenlinna
Thu 11–13 July Suomipop festival in Jyväskylä
Fri 12–14 July Ilosaarirock in Joensuu
Fri 12 July Bruce Springsteen at Helsinki Olympic Stadium
Fri 19–20 July Pori Jazz
Wed 24–27 July Kotkan meripäivät
Sat 27–28 July and 30–31 July Coldplay at Helsinki Olympic Stadium
Thu 1–4 August Secto Rally Finland at Jyväskylä
Fri 16–17 August Blockfest at Tampere
Fri 23–24 August PMMP at Helsinki Olympic Stadium

For many summer events, we are also adding coaches for regular train services. The timetables for long-distance trains until 15 September became available for saleon 25 April in the travel search on VR.fi and in the VR Matkalla app. Night trains are on sale until 26 October.

Unfortunately, not all additional trains for the summer events are run by an accessible train fleet, but we also run the same routes with accessible trains every day. The exception is the Tampere–Rauma connection, where the platform areas are not accessible. The travel search function on VR.fi and the VR Matkalla app shows whether there are wheelchair spaces on the train.

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Pocket-lint

A new batman: arkham game is on the way, but there's a catch.

After over eight years, the next entry in the Arkham series is going back to VR.

Key Takeaways

Batman: Arkham Shadow announced as Meta Quest 3 exclusive, releasing in 2024.
Development handed to Camouflaj and Oculus Studios, first Arkham entry since 2016.
Setting in Gotham with thin details, optimized for Meta Quest 3's VR capabilities.

Batman: Arkham Shadow has been announced as a Meta Quest 3 exclusive title launching sometime in 2024. Word comes directly from Meta itself via its official blog . This will be the first entry in the Arkham series since Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham VR in 2016 for the PSVR . A full reveal is planned for the June 7 Summer Game Fest showcase.

With Rocksteady having shifted focus to the poorly received Suicide Squad earlier this year, development duties on Batman: Arkham Shadow fell to Camouflaj and Oculus Studios. Camoflaj has previously worked on Iron Man VR and Republique. The soft announcement was made with a short teaser trailer showing Batman's return to Gotham, though with no actual gameplay.

How to watch Batman movies in order: Chronological order explained

What is batman: arkham shadow.

Details about what Batman: Arkham Shadow will be about are very thin at the moment. Currently, we know that we will be back in Gotham for a brand new story that will fit in with the existing Arkham franchise. It is being developed exclusively as a VR title and aims to take advantage of all the unique opportunities the Meta Quest 3 provides. Camouflaj claims this will be the largest VR project the studio has ever undertaken, though how that translates to length or gameplay is still a mystery. The team acknowledges the heavy expectations taking on this IP brings and hopes to do justice to the universe and characters established by Rocksteady.

Why a VR game?

While we did get one VR Batman experience from Rocksteady before it turned its attention to Suicide Squad, the main series has always been a traditional third-person action-adventure game. Even Arkham Origins, developed by WB Montreal, retained that same gameplay styling that the series found both critical and commercial success in. So, why make the choice to return to VR?

We don't know any of the behind-the-scenes dealings here, but we know that this is a partnership between WB, DC, and Meta rather than being completely in-house as it was prior. I suspect that Camouflaj and Meta were able to license the Batman IP from WB, as they did for Iron Man, and chose themselves to create a VR title. Rocksteady has, to my knowledge, no involvement in this game.

Perhaps the poor reception of Suicide Squad and Gotham Knights (the latter of which wasn't part of the same Arkham universe but shared the same basic gameplay) scared WB off from wanting to fully create a new Batman game itself and was willing to let Meta pay them for the IP as a safer investment. It's too early to tell, but as VR games have been getting more and more robust, it's possible this could be the best Batman game we get since 2015. Stay tuned for when more details drop on June 7.

How to use AI to plan your next vacation and what you should know first

Where should I go on vacation this summer ?

The question is simple enough, but the possibilities are endless.

“Feeling adventurous or more like chilling by the beach with a drink in hand?” Layla replies to narrow the list.

Chilling by the beach sounds nice.

“Alright, for that laid-back beach vibe, how about Santorini with its iconic sunsets or Ao Nang for some Thai beach bliss ? Pick your paradise!” she suggested.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Only she is not really a “she.” Layla is an AI travel planner whose website launched this year, among a growing number of artificial intelligence-driven tools for travel.

Just over 50% of 1,400 people recently surveyed by Matador Network , a travel publisher and creator of AI travel assistant GuideGeek , said they’re open to using AI for their summer travel. A previous Matador Network survey found 64% of 1,200 travelers surveyed had already used or planned to use AI for trip planning .

Here’s what travelers should know about planning trips with AI.

How common is AI today?

Many people associate AI with large language models like ChatGPT, which can both recognize and generate text, but that’s just one type of AI.

“AI is generally everywhere,” said Yoon Kim, an assistant professor in MIT’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department and Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory . “For example, when you search for something – let's say you search for something on TripAdvisor, Hotels.com – there is likely an AI-based system that gives you a list of matches based on your query.”

“Because a lot of the (online travel agencies) have now integrated different types of Gen AI into their platforms … people may be using them without their knowledge,” echoed Matt Soderberg, principal, U.S. airlines leader for Deloitte, which named AI as a major theme in changing travel in its Facing travel's future report released in early April.

Kayak and Expedia offer AI travel tools. Google has used AI for years for search. Those familiar “People Also Ask” questions are powered by AI. Google Flights uses machine learning , a type of AI. AI also powers Google Maps’ Immersive View , which gives users a navigable fly-over view of 13 cities and more than 500 global landmarks that users can zoom in on like in a video game, with weather and crowd forecasts for different times of day.

Early this year, Google introduced generative AI to multisearch queries made with Google Lens. That allows users to take a photo of something and couple it with text questions like “What kind of flower is this?” or “Who painted this and why?” to get AI-generated answers based on data from across the web and links to additional sources.

How do I plan a trip with AI?

Planning travel with AI is typically free, but travelers may need to create platform-specific accounts to access enhanced features or ask more than a few initial queries.

Google account holders can get generative AI results in text-only search bar searches if they opt in to Search Generative Experience , which is part of Google’s experimental Search Labs . Opting in to SGE allows them to ask things like “Plan me a 2-day solo trip to Grand Teton National Park ” and not only get a suggested itinerary but related photos, reviews and links to other resources.

For Day 1 at Grand Teton, Google suggested a morning hike at Schwabacher Landing “to see the Grand Tetons reflected in the river,” an afternoon visit to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Elk Refuge , and dinner at a local Italian restaurant with photos of each destination, links to their websites, pins showing locations on Google Maps, suggestions for where to stay, space for follow up questions, and links to related questions like “Is 2 days enough for Grand Teton National Park?”

Just above the sample itinerary, read a disclaimer: “Generative AI is experimental” and below it: “Trip ideas generated with AI may include inaccurate or misleading information. Confirm info with sources you trust.”

For the same prompt, both ChatGPT and GuideGeek – which can be messaged on social media like a person – offered more suggestions of things to do, as well as reminders to check on trail closures, but no specific recommendations on where to eat or stay, nor photos nor links to find more information on any of the destinations. Layla and Mindtrip, an AI travel planner that launched publicly this week, also included links to various points of interest, hotel suggestions, and the ability to adjust and book different parts of the itinerary through partnerships with third parties. Mindtrip allows multiple people within the same travel party to collaborate on itineraries.

Make travel easy: We tested ChatGPT itineraries in 5 US tourist spots

Can AI be trustworthy?

Asking one AI travel planner for the top 10 snacks at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, among classics like Dole Whip and Corn Dog Nuggets, it suggested Mickey-shaped beignets. Those would certainly be a top snack if they were sold in the park, like at Disneyland. However Disney World guests have to go to Disney’s Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter for sweet Mickey-shaped pillows of fried dough.

“This phenomena goes under the moniker hallucinations. These generative AI systems are prone to hallucinating plausible-sounding text that’s actually factually incorrect,” MIT’s Kim explained. “This is, I think, going to be sort of an inherent problem with systems that probabilistically generate output over large spaces.”

"If the LLM recommends a restaurant closed down two years ago, you lose all trust immediately," said Mindtrip Founder and CEO Andy Moss. That's why they, and Layla, also rely on human intelligence for recommendations.

Kim noted there are ongoing efforts to mitigate against hallucinations but suggested double-checking AI-generated answers.

“We want to make sure that that information is usable, that it's actionable. It's clear, it's repeatable,” said Will Healy, senior vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton , the largest provider of AI to the federal government. He heads up the company’s recreation work, including Recreaton.gov , the government’s central travel planning site for public lands like national parks.

What can AI be used for?

Currently, most Recreation.gov visitors use progressive search to discover and book things like campsites, checking off boxes and reading information provided by the land manager. However, 25% of randomly selected users are being offered more personalized AI-powered options as part of a beta test with AI.

“What we're beta testing at the moment are things where you can say, ‘Hey, I've got three kids. This is our first time camping. We want to go some place that's fun. My kids love the water. We want to try hiking, and my youngest son likes fishing, but he's not very good at it,’” Healy said.

“If you were talking to somebody who knew everything about every campsite, then what answer would they give you? That's what we think artificial intelligence can do,” he added. “And it's not just the data that's in the system, but it's all of the reviews and blogs and everything's out there in the public domain that you can pull different pieces together, put together into a contextual answer.”

If AI is able to understand a traveler’s intent, Healy said it could also suggest alternative destinations or experiences if something a traveler wants is booked up or otherwise not available. He said it could also help make public lands more accessible to more people.

“If you have some sort of impairment – maybe it's sight, hearing, mobility, cognitive, whatever it is – that confidence level (outdoors) might go down, “Healy said. “We want to provide you the right information, so that you can get outside with as much confidence as possible and have an experience that matches your needs .”

IMAGES

The best VR apps for travel
8 Best Virtual Travelling Apps for Oculus Quest 2
5 VR Apps For Exploring The World
How VR & AR Are Transforming The Travel Industry
VR for Travel and Tourism
Sygic Shrinks the World With 1st Travel VR App in Oculus Store

VIDEO

Install These MUST-HAVE Japan Travel Apps, Thank Me Later!
Explore Antarctica in Virtual Reality: National Geographic Apps VR Oculus Quest 2
Virtual Reality in education
Irusu VR Takes You to the Stars: Space Exploration in Virtual Reality!
Viveport
The Best Travel Apps

COMMENTS

Virtual Vacation: 11 VR Apps and Films That Let You Travel the ...
Virtual Vacation: 11 VR Apps and Films That Let You Travel the World From Home | Meta Quest Blog. With Oculus Quest, you can travel pretty much anywhere you'd like without ever leaving home. Inside, you'll find 11 VR experiences for the adventurous at heart.
10 Virtual Travel Apps For Oculus/Meta Quest 2
Blueplanet VR Explore. Blueplanet VR Explore is one of the most expensive travel apps, but that's in part because it is so extensive. The app allows its users to travel to 40 different cultural sites, with some offering the ability to interact with the landscape or even hang glide over it. One of the best qualities of this app is the spacial ...
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Littlstar. Littlstar is a VR "cinema network" hosting a variety of 360-degree photos and videos, available on the web or via its app for Android or iOS. Its aerial and travel categories ...
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PRICE Free HEADSETS Meta Quest 3. (Photo: Wooorld Inc.) Blueplanet VR Explore. (Photo: Blueplanet VR Explore) Highlighting sacred and fragile locations of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Blueplanet VR Explore is a collection of remarkable places across the world. With freedom to move around and explore, the virtual reality experiences are ...
6 Best VR Travel Apps to Explore the World With Your Smartphone
VR travel apps or media, like 360 degree images and videos from YouTube or other providers 1. Within VR One of the best apps for experiencing virtual reality on mobile devices, Within VR has several videos on offer. You can travel to real and animated worlds, all vivid and complete with audio.
The 12 Best VR Travel Apps for the Quest [2023 Update]
A lot has happened since 2020 when I first put together a list of my favorite travel games for Oculus Quest. Including the fact that it's no longer the Oculus Quest, it's the "Meta Quest" now. And, there's a whole new headset - the Quest 2! I'm absolutely a fan of VR. I think it's...
8 Best Virtual Travelling Apps for Oculus Quest 2
1) Wander. Wander. This is one of our most favorite apps and the best virtual travelling apps that you must have!! Wander apps allow you to travel nearly around the world. You can move forward, backward and turn around in 360-degree. You also able to become a Time Traveller where you can teleport yourself in different time frame at the same ...
11 Best VR Travel Apps For All Your Virtual Trips [2024]
6. Egypt 360 VR - VR travel apps For Egypt. Egypt 360 VR lets its users travel virtually anywhere all over Egypt! You can take a Virtual reality tour of Egyptian pyramids, the River Nile, the Red Sea, and whatnot! The users can zoom in to explore Egypt via 360° panoramas. It has 100+ different tourist locations to have a tour, all over Egypt.
8 Best Oculus Quest 2 Travel Games and Experiences (Must Have)
First, let's address the elephant in the room: Google Earth VR. When it comes to travelling experiences, everybody should have at least heard of this app. Google Earth VR lets you travel the literal world in your VR body. You get to float around in any location and take in the marvelous sites created by man and nature anywhere!
7 Great Virtual Reality Travel Experiences
Realities (free from Realities.io) is a VR travel app that allows you to explore scanned and modeled real-world environments.The environments aren't just 360-degree photos; these locations were captured with specialized scanning equipment, allowing for immersive rendering in virtual reality.
What are the best travel apps for the Meta Quest VR headset?
Connect your Meta Quest VR headset to your PC via Link Cable and play the Google Earth VR app. Visit places where you normally won't go with Google Earth VR. In this app, you can fly over any city, mountain, or nature area. After a visit in New York, you can continue to the Grand Canyon and end your virtual journey on the savanna in Africa.
Around the World In One Hour
Best VR Travel Apps for Oculus Quest Photo by Aila Images. We decided the Oculus Quest (which has been hard to find since the pandemic began) was the best option at the best price point for our family. It can be used as a wireless, standalone headset, or optionally connected to a PC for more intense gaming experiences.
BRINK XR
Step into a postcard and explore the amazing places of the world as if you were standing there in person. BRINK XR brings fully-immersive Virtual Travel Experiences of stunning real-world locations to your Phone, Tablet, or Virtual Reality device. Walk along towering mountaintops, explore ancient landmarks, and travel to the furthest reaches of the world from your home.
The Best VR Apps for Travel
VR Travel Apps will open new doors for disabled people. One group that will especially enjoy VR travel apps is people who have limited mobility or physical disabilities. For people who are unable to travel due to medical or other reasons, VR travel apps offer an opportunity to experience the thrill of travel without leaving their homes. ...
VR Travel: 10 Ways To See the World From Your Living Room
New From: $16.99in Stock. Samsung Milk VR. Primarily a movie app, Milk VR also offers immersive video tours, such as Chicago, romantic Italy, New York's Times Square and many more. However, only the Gear VR version of the app works with a headset, specifically the Gear VR headset.
8 Fascinating VR Travel Apps for Oculus
There's a new list of VR travel apps here if you're interested in some options specifically for the Quest.. I have an Oculus Quest.It's definitely not the most robust VR headset option, but probably the biggest draw for me about the Quest was not being attached to anything by a cord, and being able to travel with it and use it anywhere.. Right now there's a whole other advantage to VR ...
7 Best VR Apps to Travel the World Using a Smartphone
Google Cardboard - The Cheap VR App. AccorHotels for Cardboard - The Hotel Planner. Ascape VR - Your Virtual Escape. YouVisit - For Future College Students. VeeR - The Interactive Experiences App. Sites in VR - The World Traveler. Qantas - For Trips to the Land Down Under. No More Excuses — It's Time to Travel!
Best virtual tours that you can take without leaving home
Best virtual tour app for iPhone Image used with permission by copyright holder. With the Sites in VR app, you can take tours around the world using a virtual reality headset or just your phone or ...
VR Apps
So, here are some of the best VR apps and experiences for traveling around the world you should try: 1. Google Earth VR. Google Earth VR is one of the most detailed and comprehensive VR exploration experiences for anyone. All the areas of the globe mapped by Google cars are now available in the VR app. For cities, the experience is even more ...
The best VR apps for 2023
Littlstar (free) Ocean Rift ($10) Virtual Desktop ($15) Immersed (free) YouTube VR (free) Titans of Space Plus ($10) Nanome (free) Show 7 more items. VR apps can immerse you in any scenario or ...
These Virtual Reality Apps Let You Travel The World Without Ever
Virtual Reality apps for Travel are becoming more realistic, as VR hardware and software gets more advanced. If you like the idea of travel and exploration, ...
25 Best VR Apps and Experiences You Must Try Once (2020)
Price: None of the streaming service charge extra for VR. Download: Netflix VR ( free ), YouTube VR ( free ), Hulu VR ( free ), Sling TV VR ( free ), Plex VR ( free) 8. Dream Vision VR Apps. Dream Vision is a company which makes a ton of VR apps and games.
10 Best VR Apps: Explore Top Picks for Virtual Reality Experiences
VR Apps: An Overview. Virtual reality (VR) technology introduced users to truly immersive experiences that transported them to different worlds. ... These VR apps span myriad genres like gaming, education, design, travel and more. Pioneering VR titles prove the medium's potential while utility apps bring VR out of isolation into collaborative ...
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The Guardian VR app is an immersive combination of hard-hitting journalism and storytelling from the daily UK newspaper of the same name. This app delivers an array of innovative content that plays into the newspapers left-leaning political view. ... Inside the app, you can travel to a range of relaxing locales, from coral reefs and ...
25 Best VR Games To Immerse Yourself Within In 2024
Developer: Fast Travel Games; VR Intensity: 7; There might not be a Dishonored game for VR, but Vampire: The Masquerade - Justice gets fairly close in spirit. Primarily focused as a stealth-first ...
10 Apps That Will Make The Most Of Your Vacation In 2024
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On top of being an already creative take on the genre, it's a premise that truly works best in VR: posing with full control of your limbs elevates both the challenge and interactivity by making it ...
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The next Batman: Arkham game is a VR exclusive
It's too early to tell, but as VR games have been getting more and more robust, it's possible this could be the best Batman game we get since 2015. Stay tuned for when more details drop on June 7.
AI vacation planning is here, but here's what travelers should know
Asking one AI travel planner for the top 10 snacks at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, among classics like Dole Whip and Corn Dog Nuggets, it suggested Mickey-shaped beignets. Those would ...

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